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| God damn them all...; the Tower of London-- OPEN! | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Nov 21 2010, 03:25 PM (404 Views) | |
| Thomas Grey | Nov 21 2010, 03:25 PM Post #1 |
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November, 1511 Perhaps this was what it meant when your supposed ally decided to change the way your campaign ran. Thomas Grey sat dejected in the Tower, arms resting on the windowsill. Dusk had always been his favourite time of day-- the long slide from daylight into night. He stood for a moment, stretching his back before resuming his seat. God damn that Spanish bastard. God damn all of Spain and it's territories. Nevarre was never a part of the plan as Tom understood it; they had been assigned to take back Aquitane, not some other beautiful and majestic territory. It was a failing of his. He should have argued with Ferdinand harder; trying to get the man to see his point. There were many things he could've done right if that Spanish bastard had kept his end of the deal. He hung his head for a moment, before looking upwards and breathing an entreaty to God. Perhaps God would be merciful enough not to punish him; though he wouldn't say the same about his king. Henry had been furious with him. So here he was in the Tower, waiting for either absolution or death. "Pater noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum..." It was the desperate prayer to God, and he asked Him for forgiveness, even when he had obeyed the King's commands. The beads of his rosary were worn into little grooves where he had turned them so many times. It fit his hand perfectly. |
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| Edward Stanley | Nov 21 2010, 11:52 PM Post #2 |
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The Earl of Derby was on a mission, but it wasn’t for God as one might think, but for Norfolk. Ever since Edward had inherited his father’s assets at 13, the Duke of Norfolk was one of those men who influenced Edward into becoming the man he was now and because of that Edward Stanley was very much Thomas Howard’s right-hand man. He was there whenever the Duke didn’t want to get his hands dirty or whenever he had little time to do the lesser of things. This mission he gave Edward though was not one of those lesser tasks, Howard just wasn’t sure if it would be safe for him to visit the London Tower personally, so he sent Edward instead. Despite the powerful man asking him to carry out this task, Edward would have volunteered for it, not just because he was loyal to the Duke, but because this particular task involved visiting a friend. Edward had wanted a chance to visit the Marques of Dorset, both having had dealings with Cardinal Wolsey, Edward had known Tom for years and it near killed him to hear what happened to his friend. He would have wanted to visit him straight away if he could, but he didn’t want to hurt his own reputation or Howard kept him busy. And of course there were his daughters to think about, he doted upon them more now that they were without a mother, but he hoped to rectify that as soon as he could. He pushed these thoughts out of his mind. He had a job to do and he better get it done otherwise he would have Norfolk to answer to. Making his way to the Tower of London, he ignored all looks, instead watching as the sun slowly began to sink into the horizon. At least with the coming of night meant the streets were emptying and only those who dared ventured out at night. He wasn’t afraid of the happenings at night, he was an Earl and had God on his side and most would now recognise his connections to one of the powerful men in England, though that might not be a good thing either. It of course was the reason he was allowed admittance into the Tower and once he was shown the way, he shooed away the guards, he didn’t need an audience or protection for that matter. Plus, he was a respectable man, so they could trust him to not help a man escape, well at least for now, because wasn’t that his whole reason for being here? After being pointed into the direction of Tom’s cell, Edward approached it from the side, the shadows keeping him semi hidden as he peered into the cell. He stood silent for a moment, waiting for Tom to finish his prayer before making himself known. “I think dear friend, your prayers have been answered. God does listen, but I just took my sweet time getting here.” The Earl stepped into the light and smiled. “How are you holding up?” |
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| Thomas Grey | Nov 22 2010, 12:37 AM Post #3 |
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A fair few shadows had been boxed. He was trying to release all the pent-up frustrations and energy. Thomas Grey was not a man who took captivity lightly. He would vastly, vastly prefer to be out in the field with his men, training and jousting, oiling the saddles until they shone like burnished gold in the sun. One would think, due to the above-mentioned preference for the company of his men, he was homosexual---he wasn't. In fact, if it wasn't for the sheer bad luck of the Aquitane and Navarre campaigns, he would be right with those men-- rather, those who had stayed loyal when others mutinied. Those thoughts were raging through his head while he prayed. Once he finished, and slipped his worn rosary into his pocket, he glanced up. A surprise, apparently, and a welcome face appeared. Had he known Edward would be popping by, he would have sent him a missive to take back with him. "Edward!" It was a shout of sheer delight-- he was glad his friend had come. A gruff chuckle was his response to Edward's excuse about not having come sooner. His friend was undoubtedly busy in court, it was understandable that he didn't have the time to visit. After all, he wasn't a damned man like Thomas. "It is good to see you, my friend. You evidently heard of the events with that Spanish bastard? His face clouded over for a brief moment, but then he smiled again, running his hand over his beard. It was prickly, but he hadn't shaved in days. |
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| Edward Stanley | Nov 22 2010, 11:41 PM Post #4 |
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Edward grinned when Thomas recognised him. He nodded at Tom’s question, not minding that he didn’t ask his own. For it was quite clear how the man was holding up. The man needed a shave that was for sure. “Yes, the whole world knows, Tom.” Edward might have been exaggerating, but it might have been the truth. He watched silently as Tom stroked his unshaven face and smiled, not afraid to speak his mind. “You need a shave Tom, but I didn’t come here for that, I came here for business.” Edward paused and glanced around him, spotted a guard’s stool and rearranged it so he could sit close to the cell door and still speak with Tom. Sitting, he leaned close to the bars of the cell, lowering his voice. “I come here on behalf of the Duke of Norfolk. He will help you get you out of this place if and only if you agree to an alliance with him. He is a powerful man, Tom. The union will do you and the Grey family some good.” He paused and glanced behind him as if he wanted to be sure no one was listening. There were only a small amount of people he could trust. Norfolk had been stringent on how he had wanted this matter dealt. He did not want any of his enemies finding out about this, at least not yet. When the time came Edward guessed Norfolk won’t mind that his enemies knew that he had gained another allay. Norfolk could take over the Kingdom he if he so wished with the amount of important families who supported him, but Edward believed that was unlikely, why ruin the good relationship he has with the King? Edward returned his attention on Tom and gave his friend a sympathetic smile. “You do want to get out of this place, don’t you Tom? Think about Eleanor and Elizabeth, they will be missing their husband, their brother. I did my best to ensure no harm has befallen them, but well you know them, Tom. They probably have come up with a plan to get you out, especially Elizabeth. I won’t be surprised if the damn woman is marching herself here right now.” He shook his head, almost laughed. He, Tom and Elizabeth had practically grown up together, so he knew the Marques’ sister well; as well as he thought. And he was probably cruel mentioning Tom’s family, but he knew Norfolk wanted to use any means possible, although despite what Norfolk’s intentions could be, Edward would stop at harming or threatening to harm Tom’s family, yet Edward wouldn’t put it past the Duke for requesting such a thing. But wouldn’t that make an enemy out of Tom, rather than an ally? But then the Duke was smart, he would know what he was doing. And as far as Edward knew, he hadn’t resorted to anything such as that. |
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| Elizabeth Grey | Nov 23 2010, 10:54 PM Post #5 |
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To say that Elizabeth was pleased with the situation would be a severe understatement. Elizabeth, in all actuality was very much frustrated by it. She knew her brother to be a better strategist than this. She knew him to be a fantastic military mind, actually. The stories she heard irked her beyond all belief. The stories dragged the Grey name through the mud and even His Majesty was unhappy with Thomas. That simply would not do. The reality was she could only imagine one potential situation that would have ended in such a manner—a betrayal. That was the only way Thomas could have such a blunder. And oh what a blunder it was. No one would outright speak on the topic at court, but she knew what they were thinking. The Grey name was locked in the tower with her brother and until he was out, she would suffer along with him. That just would not do. But was this worth going to the King about? Would she risk that? It was a rare moment where Elizabeth just simply did not know what to do. Well, that’s not entirely true. Before she did a bloody thing, she needed to see her brother. It wasn’t, perhaps, the smoothest maneuver ever and she probably she have found someone trustworthy to pass letters along… but this just had to be done in person. Most of all, though she’d never admit it, she just wanted to see her brother alive. She had learned to bury the uneasiness she felt when he was away fighting, but she longed to see him well and in one piece. But secondly, this was business to discuss face to face. She would not let him off easy when it came to his present situation. He was in the tower, after all. This was no minor offense. It wasn’t something she could just talk her way out of instantly. Men were dead. Sir was dead. This wasn’t about to just go away. She had pulled a navy blue hooded cloak over her regular gown and left her chambers on a mission. Elizabeth wasn’t too worried about running into someone. She’d easily come up with some excuse for being out and around. And the jailers? Ha. To think they’d never see this before would be absolutely ridiculous. If she had to play the concerned sister to get in, she would. Luckily, she didn’t have to. She snuck in without too much trouble. The one jailer that did see her, did not question her. That was to his advantage. Finally, she found his cell open and… were those two voices coming from beyond the door? Elizabeth was rather shocked. She had hoped to find him alone and speak with him in private. But the closer she got, the more the voice revealed itself to her. Edward Stanley. That sneaky man. It didn’t altogether surprise her, though. Slowly, quietly… she neared the door so that she could hear their every word. Surely Edward would not be here if there was not some plot to get him out… and the plot revealed itself in a short time. It was, in theory, a good idea. She couldn’t argue with that, necessarily. But when it came right down to it, she had no desire to owe Norfolk a damn thing. Finally, she showed herself and entered the cell giving them just a moment to take in her before she revelaed herself by removing the hood. ”My lords, much scheming does abound here.” A few more steps had her joining their company, such as it was. ”And I’m rather disappointed no one thought to invite me. She would let them address her finally. But after one good look at her brother she could scarcely keep from laughing. ”For once, Edward, I think my brother has done you a favor and made you look good.” They had known each for quite some time, so she felt no qualms about giving them both a hard time. Then she turned to the family’s close friend. ”I thank you, your Lordship, for considering my feelings in the matter as well as your confidence in my ability to…what did you call it?” Elizabeth paused in facetious thought. ”Oh that’s right. ‘March my way up here.” She tried to keep her mouth shut, but she couldn’t help it. ”I know your alliance with His Grace is strong, Edward… but I should hate to owe that man anything at all. He would turn on us in an instant, should it fit his needs and purposes.” She would not speak so plainly to most, but this was her brother and his closest friend. If she could not trust them, then she could trust no one. After all, she was just airing her just and perfectly real concerns, was she not? |
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| Thomas Grey | Nov 24 2010, 06:09 PM Post #6 |
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It was obvious to Thomas that there were things he wasn't aware of. Plans and events were set into motion with the mere fall of a single pebble, and would cause an avalanche. Nonetheless, Tom listened as Stanley spoke of Norfolk. Undoubtedly an alliance with Norfolk would help them with currying the king's favour once more. It would at least help matters, should Norfolk turn out to be a worthy ally-- and nobody wanted to make an enemy of a duke who had the ear of the king. Had Tom been a man who believed there was a type of magic called divination, he would have seen what could happen with an alliance. He knew from the way his old friend spoke that the king was still angry with him. He wondered if he would be banished from court, and if he did, then that would be more the disgrace for him. Somehow, Thomas knew he needed to win the king over again. A wry chuckle came when Stanley mentioned he needed a shave. Perhaps he did, but he was coming to like his beard. It was excellent to have a beard to twirl. "What does Norfolk want in return for my loyalty? My entire family pledged to his cause-- and wait---" He broke off his sentence as he heard footsteps and the woman in a blue hood entered the room. A wry smile crossed his face as she revealed herself. He should have known Elizabeth would come-- he had in fact wondered when she would come. As he listened to his sister's entreaty not to ally with Norfolk, Thomas sighed. The idea of allying with Norfolk was fraught with uncertainties, because he knew that Norfolk could turn on him at a moment's notice over some imagined infraction. Caught between a rock and a hard place, Thomas knew there were legitimate reasons to listen more to Elizabeth than to Stanley--he knew enough of the court politics to know that Norfolk had currently the ear of the king, and could persuade Henry that he needed Thomas's skills on the battlefield. "It might be the only way to free me. I propose we meet with him to see what he wants from me in return." It seemed that would at least force Norfolk to come directly to speak with him. |
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| Edward Stanley | Nov 25 2010, 10:35 PM Post #7 |
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Stanley opened his mouth to answer Thomas’ question, but stopped as Thomas never got to finish his sentence. He too heard the footsteps, immediately recognising them as a woman’s, they were too light to be a man, especially not a guard who would be weighted down by his uniform and various weapons allowed on his body. He glanced up as the cloaked figure appeared, jumping up off the stool to stand in presence of the Lady out of respect, while also vacating the stool for her. He knew it was Elizabeth, even before she revealed her identity, but still he followed protocol, and nodded in greeting. “Lady” He then edged away from her, leaning against the far wall, but not before checking the down hall the way she had come from. “You weren’t followed?” It was just like him to ask such a thing, but their plans might be ruined if she wasn’t vigilant about who might be trailing her. Edward of course knew well enough, he had to; it would be his reputation and even life on the line if he wasn’t aware of such things. If Thomas had been wise enough to know whom to trust, he wouldn’t be sitting in this cell. Edward raised his brow at Elizabeth as she mentioned his good looks, or lack there of. Edward didn’t know whether to be offended, but he shouldn’t. He had a history with the Greys and especially with Elizabeth, something Thomas was not aware of; for Edward had slept with Elizabeth when she quite young, before he was married to his first wife and it was the reason for their strained relationship. And now Edward was single again, but most likely wouldn’t seek out Elizabeth again, believing that she hated him, which was probably close to the truth. He snorted at Elizabeth’s words as she mocked him, before he grinned. “Well Lizzie, I was right wasn’t I?” He soon lost his grin when the conversation returned to the matter of business and nodded. “Yes, that may be, Elizabeth, but that’s politics, something a woman shouldn’t be meddling with.” He gave her a small smirk to show he was taunting her, before turning his attention onto Thomas. “What she says is true, but I won’t let it happen, if it does, Tom, you’ll still have my support. And I’ll see what I can do about your request.” |
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| Elizabeth Grey | Nov 27 2010, 06:34 PM Post #8 |
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It hadn’t surprised Elizabeth that she had found the Earl of Derby in her brother’s cell. Not at all. He was a good friend of the family and they, all three, had known each other a very long time. Upon her entering the cell, he addressed her appropriately. ”Lady” It nearly reminded her that he was in fact a gentlemen in some respects. A gentleman that many a woman would love to claim as their own, given the chance. But she had, in a way, claimed him long ago. Or rather, he had very much taken a claim on her… only to push her aside and wed someone else. Such was life and so Elizabeth had moved on—but without ever forgetting. She was now able to somewhat push aside their past and focus on the future which, at the moment, was rescuing her brother and his friend from the dank, dirty cell they found themselves in. “No, I was not followed.” The look she shot Stanley was indescribably perturbed. As if she was stupid enough to let herself be followed and risk all of their fates. What a ridiculous notion. Elizabeth was smarter than her brother when it came to such things. Of course Edward knew that, but that’s just how he was. He was detailed and thorough—which is why, she assumed, Norfolk had taken such a liking to him. And it was just in his nature to be so. But Elizabeth bit her tongue on the subject, despite the fact that she felt she had been slighted by him. There was more going on than her ego, and the woman knew when to fight and when to surrender. This was one of those moments. “Well Lizzie, I was right wasn’t I?” Her teeth clenched at the nick name. Just when she had bothered to be civilized and nice, he had to pull that out of his hat of many tricks. The man may be handsome, but such things would not keep Elizabeth from despising most everything that came out of his mouth—most especially this very close alliance with Norfolk. But he didn’t stop there. ” “Yes, that may be, Elizabeth, but that’s politics, something a woman shouldn’t be meddling with.” “I find, my Lord, that I could very well come to the same conclusion you would on any topic. But in this case, I must disagree. I’m not afraid of being political when it comes to this family and so I shall state my opinion plainly. An alliance with Norfolk is something that, with good conscience, must be looked at. I cannot deny this. It is a different thing, however, to owe His Grace a favor. I shudder to think what he would ask of us.” She looked to Thomas, then Edward. ”If you feel it is best to drag Norfolk down to this hell hole, then fine. But I do not think such a man would risk such an action for our sake. It’s why you’re here and not the man himself, is it not?” These were words that she would never say to anyone, except a very select few. Her brother did not have the mind of a politician and so she had, in these predicaments, been the one to delicately untwine themselves from such situations. She had already made up her mind what she was going to do. “I will leave you both to your ramblings and I will act as any proper lady should – by taking myself out of such a political situation.” Of course, she had no intention of doing so. She curtseyed with an ever so slightly bowed head and the lifted her hood up over her head. ”My Lords.” And with that, the spirited Lady Elizabeth was gone. |
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| Thomas Grey | Nov 29 2010, 10:29 PM Post #9 |
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His sister's presence did not surprise him in the least. Thomas should have expected her hot on the heels of Stanley. Her entreaty not to trust Norfolk made him pause for a moment, for he did not trust Norfolk as far as he could throw the man. If Thomas truly wanted a way to save himself from either the gallows or the blade, his sister would be instrumental in assuring his freedom-- his personal friendship with Edward Stanley be damned. He watched as she shot Stanley a look, but wisely held his tongue as she spoke of what she had obviously come here to say. Elizabeth could have been queen, had fate smiled on them. It was that thought that ran through his head as she delivered her stinging speech. "I don't trust Norfolk, either." It was a whisper meant only for Elizabeth's ears. He knew Elizabeth would have made a strong and formidable ruler had she been a boy, but fate had chosen otherwise. For Stanley's ears, as Elizabeth left the cell, Thomas spoke again. "Sometimes, I wish she were the Marquess and not I. She would do well as a political power broker-- I've never had the taste for it. Give me three hundred men and a battle, and I'll show that Spanish bastard what England's military might is..." Thomas still felt the sting of that campaign. It was grossly unfair of Henry to let him stew in his own juices like this-- and he hoped that he wouldn't be left to Norfolk's mercies after all. Hopefully, Elizabeth would convince his cousin the King to see reason. Glancing behind him into the sunset, Thomas noted the position of the evening star, and breathed a silent prayer to God that he was going to be pardoned. A royal pardon would set all things right, and he could see his beloved wife soon. How he missed her. |
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| Edward Stanley | Nov 30 2010, 10:23 PM Post #10 |
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Edward studied Elizabeth for a moment, giving the hallway one last glance as if he was actually deciding on double checking. But he knew he needn’t worry, despite being the opposite of a Lady should be, Elizabeth was indeed smart enough not to have been followed, so he left it. He did his best however to tolerate her opinion on the matter, any other man might slap her into submission, especially with that mouth of hers, but Edward couldn’t, wouldn’t bring himself to harm a woman in such a way, especially when she was in the presence of family. What would Tom think of him then, if he had let Wolsey and Norfolk’s influence spread into him and take hold? No he still had a part of his old self within him, he was good friends with the Greys and he wanted to keep it that way. There of course was the guilt of taking advantage of Elizabeth when she was such a young age, before leaving her to be thrown into Norfolk’s whirlwind of plotting and thus marrying the man’s sister. If anyone could understand the wariness the Greys had with allying themselves with Norfolk, it was him. Edward though had grown accustom to it. He shook his head at Elizabeth’s words, not entirely disagreeing with her, but he was here on behalf of the Duke, so he had to do his best to win them over, more importantly Tom, so it was he whom he looked at. “I know it must be daunting to think of an alliance with such a powerful man, but who else is there? And I can guess, no I know for a fact that your involvement with His Grace would be purely matters of war. After all Tom it’s your area of expertise. Neither of you have to like it or like him for that matter, but the King listens to him. And knowing Elizabeth, she’ll approach your cousin herself, but without Norfolk’s influence the process of getting you out of here would be a long one.” He glanced at Elizabeth as he mentioned her, feeling a little irritated that she could see through both his and Norfolk’s manoeuvres. There was no point denying it, so he nodded. “Yes, Elizabeth it is why I am here in his stead, but I am also here as a friend.” He paused and almost snorted at Elizabeth’s intention of leaving, but before she could leave the cell, he grabbed her around the waist, lifted her lightly as he kicked the stool, just out of the cell’s doorway and placed her on top of it. Now he showed his irritation, giving her a brief glare. “You sit right there and don’t move, you may have arrived fine, but I’m not letting you leave unescorted.” He even covered her ears at Tom’s mention that she should have been Marques (whether he did it successfully), before joining Tom again. He positioned himself so he could keep an eye on Elizabeth, so she wouldn’t be able to sneak off without him. And then even with Elizabeth within earshot, he agreed with Tom, nodding once. “That maybe so Tom, but while it isn’t always a woman’s business dealing with such things, you might consider sharing a little of your duties with her. Just don’t make it well known, besides, after all this I think you owe her.” He gave his friend a knowing smile, they both of course both knew Elizabeth well and even so, Edward couldn’t believe what he had just said, but then his smile grew into a grin. “Think about it Tom, it might keep her out of trouble, or better yet…” He paused to stroke his small beard, lost in thought for a moment, before adding. “…have you ever thought of finding a husband for her?” Now that was something Elizabeth would murder him for. |
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| Elizabeth Grey | Dec 1 2010, 09:45 PM Post #11 |
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It could have ended there. It could have ended easily then. But no. The Earl of Derby saw fit to lay his hands on Elizabeth and much to her frustration picked her up and set her down on a stool. She could have tried to fight him off, but that would have been a fool’s errand. And Elizabeth was no fool. Edward Stanley had a good bit of height on her, not to mention he was built quite substantially. At least he wasn’t like the Henry Percy’s of the court. How women continually seemed bent on falling and fawning for such a man she could never understand. Not that she could see herself falling for Edward Stanley. She had been down that road once and that too had been a fool’s errand. Elizabeth would be a fool no longer when it came to him. She no longer was a woman that believed in love and such frivolities. In fact, she chided herself that she ever did. Once situated, she leaned into him and whispered cruelly into his ear. “My lord, I did not think you wished to every touch me again. You are a friend indeed, Edward.” It was a voice filled with sarcasm and loathing. None of which needed to be forced. Her glare when he pulled away from her matched the tone in her voice. To say she was livid was a gross understatement. What made matters worse for Elizabeth was the fact that he was nearly the only one that could make her feel such a state. The only one who could reach so deeply into her and make her lose her mind. But this time, she would not play into his game. So she sat, eerily and surprisingly quiet on the stool. She bit her tongue as he insisted that he would escort her back. As much as it upset Elizabeth, she knew that was not an argument she could win. Their history was a long one, but her history with her brother was even longer. But she knew Thomas too well. His ego was in no place to argue with the Earl. He was, after all, imprisoned and without a way to get out yet. There was no doubting it now that they would go to Norfolk. Fine. If that was what they wanted then she could do little to prevent it. Well, she could do nothing at all. And yes, Elizabeth would request an audience with the King. At the very least, she would want him to know that their alliance with him remained firm in absolution. But then Edward Stanley did something that totally surprised Elizabeth Grey. He actually suggested to her brother that he share some of his duties. It was something that, really, she already did. But to hear his support in the matter left her completely shocked. Did the Early actually think Elizabeth to be an efficient politician? What worthy praise indeed. But then in his typical fashion, her good thoughts of him were interrupted by his suggestion that she marry. That in and of itself was not a horrible idea. She should be married as soon as possible, in her estimation, but it was none of the Earl of Derby’s business. So she could keep quiet no longer. She piped in, her arms crossed over her chest. “Oh? And who do you suggest? Not the Earl of Derby, I should hope. I hear that man is quite insufferable.” |
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| Thomas Grey | Dec 8 2010, 09:55 PM Post #12 |
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Thomas watched as his sister and his friend both glared at one another, shooting stinging, cutting remarks. Sometimes, he was glad that he was in the tower-- he had no time for politics, nor time for silly games. He wished he was out with his men, surveying the land and keeping watch. That would be preferable to watching Elizabeth and Stanley snipe at one another. Had he been aware of their history, he would long ago have demanded that Stanley marry his sister to save her honour. But that was something he wasn't aware of-- and that was probably for the best. Instead, he frowned as the talk once more turned to an alliance with Norfolk, knowing it was undoubtedly the only way out of the tower. Perhaps allowing Elizabeth's education to be more like a man's had been a bad idea. It definitely lead to situations where she was more the marchioness than he was the marquess. But he was absolutely okay with that; Thomas had never hoped to inherit the title-- he was a soldier first and foremost-- and being a courtier was something which ranked a very distant second. Elizabeth was the politician, after all. "Both of you, cease your snipping at once. You are not here to argue with each other, but to visit me. Right now, we need to figure out whether the alliance with Norfolk is worth it." His usually calm voice rose in what could only be described as a shout. He hated shouting, it drove him absolutely stark raving mad. Whenever Tom raised his voice, people tended to stop whatever it was they were doing to stare at him. |
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| Edward Stanley | Dec 10 2010, 01:01 AM Post #13 |
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Edward was disappointed with Elizabeth’s words, they stung. But then again he probably deserved it. After being with her that drunken night, before being whisked away from the very man he was trying to convince the Greys to trust, and was married to the Duke’s sister. Even still he regretted hurting her, but he couldn’t do much about it, he knew she wouldn’t have settled with being his Mistress. Tom wouldn’t have allowed it, he would have lost Tom’s trust that day too if he had. But now as fate will have it, after all of these years, Elizabeth was still not wed and he now was single again. He stiffened at her mention of him, toying with him she was. But he probably deserved that too, no matter how much it had hurt, or how much of a good idea it might have been. He had hoped that she still felt a little for him, but that seemed unquestionable that she did not. They, as she had plainly put it, were just friends. Yet still that didn’t stop Edward putting the thought away for another time, another place when he could speak freely with his good friend about the matter. For a possessiveness had suddenly grown within him, and it had nothing to do simply being another brother figure in Elizabeth’s life and wishing her the best. He wanted her for herself, why though he didn’t know, but if this feeling was true, there was one problem, he would have to win her over. It was Tom’s rise in his voice that had stopped all such thoughts; he never even got the chance to through her back another snide remark about her comment, but he knew Tom was right. He bowed his head in an apologetic manner. “Forgive us Tom, we bring out the child in each of us it seems. And yes Tom, it is worth it. You may not enjoy politics, but Norfolk will bring you the wars you enjoy.” He glanced out the door, as if checking on Elizabeth, while also checking that the guards hadn’t been rallied by the sound of Tom’s shout. And sure enough he could hear the heavy footsteps of a guard or two, no three. “I dare say our time is up.” Returning his gaze to Tom, he gave him a small smile. “Sit tight Tom, you’ll be out in no time. And you’ll hear from me or Norfolk quite soon, I promise you that.” He stepped back, before calling out to Elizabeth. “Elizabeth?” There were really two meanings to that question. One was asking if she was ready to go, and the other was asking her if she wanted the time to say goodbye to her brother, which Edward would of course give them the privacy to do so. And as if to prove this, he would step outside the cell as she entered. (If you guys didn't want to end it too soon I can always edit it) |
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