|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 4:03 pm
 Radulf
Background Radulf was born to The Countess De Brigitte, and the Lord Erich of Dantril, an arranged marriage that resulted in a a small tie to the crown, though third cousins of his mother De Brigitte. As a child, he was taught the ways of honor and politics, his father, ruthless in his rules, regulations and training, saw to it that at a young age, he was taught everything he would ever need to know about how to rule the lands of his father, and fore fathers. His mother, a more gentle soul, was a wise woman, who saw to it that her son was raised with wisdom, to counter the harsh truths that his father would drill into his mind. Wisdom with ruthless power hidden beneath the surface, Radulf learned his lessons well, not for his mother, nor for his father, but for himself, for his own future. At the age of twenty, his father and mother died, leaving him the soul heir to their estates and court. Diving into the courts, he was set to wed the Lady Irmalinda, a quiet and polite young woman, who while her looks were nothing to great, was one step closer for him and his plans, three years after their marriage, the Lady Irmalinda died of a feaver, and with her, their unborn child. The loss of his wife meant little to Radulf, for their marriage was a marriage of convenience, more so than love, and she had served her purpose, though if not all of it. The loss of his heir, or what he would have hoped would have been his heir, weighed heavier on his shoulders. To this day, he still searches for another to wed, to bring him yet even closer to his goals, and he found though the Lord Ewald, his youngest daughter, the Countess Sofie, though much younger than himself, the arrangement for their marriage is planned to happen soon. ------------------------------------CharactersName: Radulf Appearance: RadulfPossible Nicknames: Wise Wolf Title(s): Duke of Lotharingia Year Of Birth: Year 882 (29 years old) Gender: Male Personality: He's a quiet man, liking to hear both sides of the story before he makes any sort of decision. He's considered wise for his words, for he never says anything of importance without thinking twice. Name: Sofie
Appearance: Sofie
Possible Nicknames: The Gentle
Title(s): Duchess of Lotharingia
Year Of Birth: 891 (18 Years old)
Gender: Female
Personality: Sofie is a gentle soul, and a very quiet lady, she is considered extremely sharp minded and sharp tongued at times, but she is the proper lady when necessary.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 6:27 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:07 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:09 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 07, 2011 7:12 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 4:24 pm
It was surprising how all the other candidates withdrew all of a sudden, but good for Ralph.
Now, he just had to get a hearing with the new king, and explain that while he was still too young to inherit, Hainaut and Hesbaye belonged to his family for generations, and not a single of them neglected his duties.
The vassals were always compliant, and the crown could earn a lot of money from the taxes if Ralph became the new count.
He got dressed for the event, and then went to where Lord Radulf was staying. He asked to a courtier to announce him and ask the King if he could see him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 5:37 pm
Success! Radulf had finally managed it, manipulation of the emotions of the people, the kind words and the manipulation of what he needed to be done. He knew what the Archbishop had done, but oh yes, while the church would hold great sway in his personal court, it did not by any means mean that he would be easy to control, oh no. He was the King, and his fiancee Sofie was to be the next queen as well, all that was left was to find someone to take over as the new count. He already had some ideas as he sat within his study. As he continued to think he received word that Ralph had come to pay him a visit. "Ah, yes, please escort him to the meeting room, and bring some tea."
One of the guards escorted Ralph to the meeting room, where a servant was just arriving with a tray of tea and some small sandwiches as well. It wouldn't be long before Radulf entered with a bright smile on his face, "Ralph, my friend, it is good to see you, how can I help you today?" He asked before taking a seat and waving his hand at a chair to indicate that he should have a seat as well. The servant passed out the tea and sandwiches before bowing and leaving, closing the door as Radulf took a sip of the tea in front of him.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Sep 12, 2011 6:26 pm
Ralph bowed before he sat and started explaining.
"Some monts ago my father died, and I'm the only heir of Hainaut and Hesbaye. I know the usual thing to do would be to appoint a regent until I'm on age to inherit properly, but the truth is that there is no one else that can ocupy the place."
He made a pause to drink some tea. Ralph did not like it, but he wanted to be polite.
"That is not the only problem. I can't trust any of my courtiers, or even allow them manage the county when I'm away. They are gossiping, saying I killed both my father and my brother so I could take over the title."
He looked out the window for a few moments. His sidesman was holding their horses, and watching his animal standing there calmed Ralph enough to not panick at the idea of his courtiers murdering him
"I was hoping the king could advice me in choosing new court members"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 3:07 am
Radulf wasn't stupid, he knew that Ralph didn't like the tea, but obviously the man didn't want to offend him, he had always been very soft, though well spoken enough to weasel his way up the ranks. "Tell me Ralph, other than your age, what is the problem with taking your rightful seat? Other than the squabbles of crazed old men who probably don't know their left from their right, what is to stop you from claiming what is yours?" He asked calmly, taking another sip of his tea as he gazed over the top of his cup at the man before him.
"You must understand Ralph, that age means nothing, if you have the mind and will to back things up, are you saying that you do not have these things, despite your age?" Sitting up in his chair a bit more Radulf gazed at the young man before him, "You have a good head on your shoulders Ralph, and you have strong blood running though your veins, tell me, who would you choose." He was more or less testing the boy, for the boy could one day come to be his greatest ally if he played his cards right. ((OOC: I'm never notified when someone responds to this thing, I'm really sorry I keep forgetting to check back, but if you'll give me a poke when your on we can have this move a bit faster.))
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 10:46 am
"For a long time, Hainaut was a prosperous land. I'm sure there are many knights and wealthy merchants who would gladly offer their children, or other family members, for the count's court. The current court is not going to be happy about this, but the support of the king himself will avoid any protest or rebellion on their part. I just need a document to prove them I have the king's support"
Ralph stayed silent for a few moments. There was still the issue of getting a wife, but if the King was so willing to allow him inherit at his young age, then he surely did not cared about who Ralph married, with or without his permission. Ralph would deal with that directly with her father.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 8:31 pm
Radulf sat back for a moment to contemplate what Ralph had said before nodding his head lightly, but before he could say anything, the servant from earlier knocked before entering, "Your Majesty, is there anything that I can do for you?" "Ah, Ezra very good timing as always, yes, please grab for me my royal seal, some paper and as well as something to write with, quickly now." The young woman quickly bowed before leaving once more. Radulf looked over at Ralph and grinned, ]"Ralph, I will give to you my permission to do what needs to be done, but I must first accept the list of names before hand if that is the case, and I may also admit some of my own men into your court to keep an eye on things as well as to offer assistance when needed. You must also take into account Ralph that as young as you are, you will be in need of a wife soon, I would highly suggest starting to look into that, for it is never to early to start." It wasn't long till Ezra returned with the desired items as well as a lit candle so that the wax could be poured into the paper so that he may press his signet ring seal into it, binding it to being his acceptance. ]"I will give you my support, to an extent Ralph, but you will have two months to bring me a list of names of who you would have in your court. I trust your judgement, but you are still young and I wish only to help and guide you, but I do not want to take the full decisions into my own hand." He said with a smile and quickly wrote up everything that needed to be done, before pouring a bit of the wax on the paper and pressing his ring to it. Sliding the paper over to Ralph she nodded a bit, ]"I'm trusting you Ralph, to bring honor to your name, and to me, I get the feeling that one day, you will be very important to our country." Taking a sip of his tea Radulf grinned a bit, ]"And another thing Ralph... something you should know.. I admire honesty, the next time you don't like the tea.. tell me. I'm not going to bite your head off for not liking something I didn't like when I was your age."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:30 pm
A letter has arrived.
My Lords,
A tragedy has occurred recently for the house of Alderkind. My cousin Erland was found murdered in his residence. The most disconcerting piece of information about the occurrence is that there was a black raven’s feather placed upon the corpse. I am not going to point any fingers in this. I am going to play the trusting Duke and assume that it is someone trying to stir up turmoil for unknown reasons. If anyone has any information leading to the capture of the man responsible for the death of a member of the Alderkind family, it would be greatly appreciated. I do not mean to let this act to go unpunished. I have sent this to all who would need to know this information. Thank you for your time, and watch your backs. There may be knifes in the shadows for us all.
Faustus of House Alderkind
Duke of Swabia.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 9:44 pm
Ezra accepted the letter from the man and thanked him, though she offered him the hospitality of her home, she found that he had to get moving quickly and nodded her head in acceptance. Grabbing the letter she walked quickly to where His Majesty King Radulf was still in conference with the young count Ralph and knocked on the door.
Radulf heard the knock just as he was getting ready to personally escort the young Ralph out of the room so that he would be able to go on his way. Opening the door he greeted the young Ezra "Yes Ezra, what is it that I can do for you?"
Bowing lowly Ezra answered softly, "Two things Your Majesty, there is a letter here for you, and there is also word that the Lady Sofie is on her way here, she will be here in a few hours." With the messages delivered Ezra left quickly for she had much to do to prepare for the arrival of the Lady and her guests.
Radulf looked at the letter and noticed the seal and hummed lightly in his throat, "I wonder, what could all this be about." Opening the letter his eyes scanned it's contents and he raised an eyebrow, "Interesting, very interesting." Walking up to one of the guards in the hall Radulf quickly had him go and get his own courier, "Forgive me Ralph, but it may seem that your return to your home may be delayed, it would seem that we have some trouble." It was all very interesting to Radulf, such things were brewing and, it was nothing good.
When the courier arived, Radulf was writing the letters to each of the Dukes, his own seal at the bottom of each letter.
To the Lords of the Lands and my Friends,
I understand that a Tragedy has occurred for the house of Alderkind, and there is much that seems to be unsaid in what has happened. In a weeks time I will be holding a meeting between all the parties necessary for the talks of what has happened, I invite you all to my home and look forwards to seeing you all once again.
King Radulf.
With his seal pressed to each of the letters, he handed them to the couriers to be delivered quickly. "Humm, more and more interesting."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 12:07 pm
Ralph bowed and left the king alone to take care of the problem.
(sorry for the one-liner. I think the rest of the message would be better placed in my own court)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Little Sholac Vice Captain
|
Posted: Wed Sep 14, 2011 5:55 pm
A letter has arrived....
Dear, King Radulf
Please forgive me for I must decline your request to come to your home. For I have just recently returned to Saxony from the Diet and should not be leaving once more so quickly after returning. For running about can be quite dangerous for a Duke, and continually leaving my lands will show I am not able to keep my eye on what I control. I do not wish to lose control of Saxony, and have my strength slip away because I am never here to hold onto it. Once again I ask for your forgiveness in not being able to attend this matter, but I must think of my people first.
Guntram House of Hramn,
Duke of Saxony
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
