Hunting, Jousting, Bullfighting, Etc.

Why, all three, of course! I believe Henry wanted to learn how to fight a bull, so I shall have to teach him. Hunting is a great joy, and jousting as well, though I am full sure to lose that to your other uncle.

*Leans over and speaks in French, the first language of both of us.* Why, Henri's leg is rotten as an English whore. He could not joust if his life depended on it.

*snorts* Do you think that will keep him from trying? He is already bothered that I am younger than he, and Emperor instead of he...
Grandmama Marie's pendant looks lovely on you indeed! Francis or Nicholas will be a lucky man indeed.

Thank you, my Lord Emperor. *Deliberately plays dumb and ignores this line of conversation*.

As far as I know women are not allowed to joust, so shall I sit down and wait for the hunting to commence?

We could hunt first, if you wish.
Did Nicholas mention to you the gifts I am giving him? I plan to grant him a noble title and lands, and induct him into the Order of the Fleece.

*Nicholas watches the games from the safe shadows of the stables. His mount pokes her head from the stall to nudge him gently with her soft muzzle. Nicholas absently feeds her another apple. ... Nicholas smiles dreamily, still hearing Marie's whisperd poem in his ears*

*My mouth widens in a smile, as I further play dumb, acting as if I don't know the lines are being drawn for me as if I am nothing but a patch of land*.

Truly? Where are the lands? And the order of the Golden Fleece? You are too kind!

and why wasn't *I* informed?!

*Pouts, acting like a small, spoilt, child*

*Henry sits tall and proud as his steed, dressed in full battle armor and docoration, canters across the parade ground. Henry himself is splendid in a suite of plate mail that glistens and shines in the morning sun. Upon his lance the Tudor standard flaps in the breeze.*


Ah Charles! Marie! ... and Francis .... Beautiful day for a joust no?

It occured to me as I approached that we need a prize worthy of a knight that can throw the great Henry VIII from his mount!

I think a kiss from the Queen may do, Marie ... are you willing?

*Waves to Francis, but pretends as if I cannot hear him so that I do not have to answer then, and then turns to Henry and laughs*.


That sounds wonderful, my Lord Uncle! A kiss for the best knight!

Slendid! Henry smiles!

Ah and here comes my adversary now!


*Riding atop a pitch black steed is a figure just as dark. Together man and beast are black as night as if formed of darkness and shadow themselves. Their ebony battle armor does not reflect even a ray of sunlight. The knight stops a few feet in front of Henry, his mount pawing angrily at the ground, steam fuming from a frothy muzzle. *

*Turns and smiles to this new man*.

And who are you?

*Bows deeply from atop his mount then leans over to gentle toss a single red rose in the Queens lap*


*The knight then bows once at Henry before his mount swiftly turns and gallops to his end of the playing field

*Picks up the red Rose, a symbol of the English house of Lancaster, rival Elizabeth and her father Henry. Twirls it around in my fingers and smells it*.

Let the games begin!

I shall be coming right back for that kiss Marie *Henry chuckles then turns his own mount and canters to his postion on the parade grounds*


*once in postion, Henry bows to his opponent. Then in a breaths time he spurs his mount into a full gallop as the dark form across the grounds does the same*

*Watches without saying anything, but twiddles the Rose in my hand. Back and forth. Back and forth*.

I suppose I should get into armor, then, if Henry's here.
Marie, do excuse me. We will talk more later about Sir Nicholas, should you wish.

I do wish to do so, please.

*Inquires after the departing Emperor*. And may the best man win!

*The dark knight bullets down the field, lance poised, heading towards Henry like a bullet. Henry begins to grow larger in view as he comes closer, the knight can imagine the King's great belly giggling beneth his plate mail. He is not sure if the image makes him want to laugh or be sick.*


*Henry is finally in striking distance and the knight lashes out with lightening speed. Much to his surprise Henry moves just in time and the lance only grazes his armor.*

You are fast for a fat bastard *the knight mutters as both opponents head to their ends of the field for another go

*sweeps a bow to Marie*
Ah, Henry may win the joust, but not the foot combat!

*as his various pages help him into a very elaborate tourney suit of armor, Charles watches the action.*
Does anyone know who that fellow in black is? No? Dieter, see what you can find out.

*Henry passes by on his way to his end of the field*

Ah Charles! Shall you be my next opponent? I shall not be long dispatching this one ... though he is good ... is he one of yours per chance

*Henry gives a great bellow of a laugh*
Sending one of your champions against me to try and wear me out before your go ?

As long as you go easy on me, of course! And I have no idea who that man is... Dieter is to try to find out.

Truly? *henry looks perplexed a moment then waves it away*

Of course I will go easy on you my friend! But not too easy *winks at Marie* I shall have that kiss!


*continues his way to the end of the field*

*Mutters "dirty old sod" under his breath, before kissing his son and having his nearly 20 lb helmet placed on his head.*

*a young squire approaches leading a jet black gelding, its muscles rippling beneth its armor. The young boy bows to Marie deeply*

Your Majesty


*He then turns to Charles and bows* Emperor ...your grace ... Sir Nicholas of Rhodes offers his own mount for your use in the joust if you so wish. Tis the fastest in our realm sir and has been in many competitions ... Sir Nicholas has never lost a match on THIS horse.