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| Mentoring; John Gates | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Dec 15 2010, 09:55 PM (207 Views) | |
| William Kingston | Dec 15 2010, 09:55 PM Post #1 |
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Late January, the year of our Lord 1512 The last few weeks for Sir William Kingston had been a flurry of action, not in the sense that he would have rather had the action in, but action nonetheless. He was at least appreciative of the fact that he hadn't been confined to Courtier's rooms while the rest of Hampton Court Palace had been in a perpetual state of shock and dismay over the most recent events that had unfolded. Kingston had had to avoid the urge to step on Norfolk's toes at the grand display he had made of the Ladies and their fear and he knew that it was likely best that he attended to his own affairs at his own home post-haste. But nearly as soon as he had arrived at his home on the decent sized property he owned, a messenger had shown up virtually on his heels. He had been advised of the fact that a young knight had come to court and that it was in His Majesty's deepest wishes that Kingston welcomed the esteemed young man and mentored him. Kingston was no fool. He had been made a Knight on the soul basis of his prowess and cunning on the field of battle. He had more than enough experience guarding the King's life with his very own on plenty of occasions. He was trusted and he was experienced. William had quickly drafted a letter in response, stating that he'd be more than happy to receive the young man, should he be able to make it to his estates so that he could set his affairs straight while he waited for the arrival of the young man. He didn't expect a response back to that in the least, but rather knew he could expect the young man's company shortly thereafter. After all, he was only a few day's ride from Hampton Court Palace as it would be. He had been right in assuming so. He'd had a young woman prepare a room for the young Knight upon his arrival and a few short days later, while Kingston was taking a tour of the fields with his gardener, his stable boy came running around the back of the house. "Sir Kingston! Sir!" William turned to smile fondly at the boy who's father had been in his employ since William had acquired the piece of land. "Charles, what is it?" The boy panted, pausing only a moment before excitedly claiming, "A rider, Sir!" William chuckled. "Well then, I suggest you tend to your duties, Charles. Our guest has arrived." The boy broke off into a run around to the front of the house again. William left the gardener to tend to the self-sustainable crops that the small manor grew and made his way around to the front of the home. William finally caught sight of said 'rider' as he dismounted and handed the reigns over to Charles. Kingston bowed slightly at the waist in welcome of his newest guest. "John Gates, I would presume?" He questioned as he stepped closer to the young Knight. He gave him a clap on the back. "Welcome to my humble abode. You must forgive me for the state of disarray at the moment, I'm preparing my affairs and a good portion of my personal effects for eventual transport to Warrington upon my marriage to my future wife, but I promise to make it as comfortable for the duration of your stay as I can manage. Please, come inside. I'll have something prepared for you to eat." He said simply before waving the young man ahead and into the home. It was a small manor, which was honestly the way Kingston preferred to keep it. He had no doubt that his future home in Warrington with Countess Lettice Knollys would be far more superior in detail, but usually, he preferred to keep things simple. The manor may have been small, but the land that had come along with it had been grand, indeed. He could expand and grow if he so chose, but for the time being, he was content to let it be. He had no idea what he'd be doing with the land as of yet. He had no son to pass it on to yet and only his servants to keep it occupied. At the very least, it would serve as a profitable source of income. |
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| John Gates | Dec 16 2010, 09:29 PM Post #2 |
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Of Brokeback Mountain
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It truly had been a very difficult past few weeks, with the combination of the arrests and the amount of stress that added to court life. Everyone was constantly walking on eggshells, never wanting to do anything to draw attention to themselves, in fear the king would find something else he was displeased with, and arrest them too. It was a time of uncertainty. Nobody knew what was going to happen to the women in the Tower; the Heretics. Nobody knew how long they would stay there, nor if they would even come out alive. It was such a stressful time, that John had accepted with open arms the invitation to the estate of Sir William Kingston. The fact that thing king himself had suggested made the offer all the more esteemed. John had taken off from Hampton Court the same day, and rode the few days distance to Sir William's property. He had never been out that way before, especially following the aftermath of his father's death and then Mary's. He had had to act as his father had, being the eldest male. Between finding a husband for his sister and catering to the king's every whim, it had been hard to find anytime to spend anytime for himself. Mary had so desperately wanted a child too, so he hadn't dared stray too far from court, at least, until she had been with child. Of course, that day hadn't come. He sighed quietly to himself, in sort of reflection. Mary had been a good wife. Faithful, Catholic, obedient. She had been pretty enough, kind, generous. Theoretically, she had been the model wife, but forever reason, that wasn't what John felt himself wanting. His thoughts kept reverting back to Judith Willoughby, and their meeting several days prior. He smiled at the thought of her, with her big green eyes and her brown hair and personality, quite unlike Mary's. The poor girl was probably still worried about her cousin, locked up in the Tower. Who wouldn't be worried? That in mind, John decided that perhaps he would send her a letter upon his arrival at William Kingston's estate, to help calm her nerves and get her mind off the arrests. Coming back to reality, leaving his thoughts, John realized that he was in fact, at the manor. A young boy - probably the stabeboy - stood in front of it, waving excitedly. The young knight smiled as he dismounted his horse and nodded his thanks as the lad took its reigns. John realized then, that they had been joined by another man. He greeted him warmly, and John assumed that this was his host. "Yes sir," he said nodding, as the elder man continued on. "Thank you, for your invitation. When his majesty informed me of the opportunity, I simply could not resist." John said as he followed William inside. "I congratulate you on your betrothal. There is much talk about it, about court." |
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[align=center]John is in a grand total of NO thread(s). And can have 3 more.[/align] | |
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| William Kingston | Dec 17 2010, 05:22 PM Post #3 |
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Kingston had been there when the arrests had been made. He'd been irritated and aggravated with a number of the members of court - more specifically, the ones who had seemed to take pleasure from doing nothing more than exploiting a number of ladies at their most vulnerable state. Guilty or not, they should have been apprehended and quietly taken somewhere to be questioned. Of course, perhaps that was the idealist in Kingston speaking again. Who knew what damage would be done to the reputations of the ladies should they turn out to be innocent of the crimes they were accused of? He had to push it to the back of his mind for now though. There was little to nothing that he could do about it for the time being. It was what it was and the fates of the women lay in the hands of the King, his questioners and anyone who held any influence over the King's decisions. Still, he'd asked for word to be sent to him regarding the verdict of the women. While he didn't know any of them terribly well, he knew who each of them were and had run into them from one point in time to another, given his previous station in life as both Yeoman of the Guard and a Knight of the Body. Thankfully, he now had a young Knight to focus his attentions on. He lead him on inside and the younger man respectfully greeted him and accepted his invitation inside, following along behind him. "Thank you, for your invitation. When his majesty informed me of the opportunity, I simply could not resist." Kingston smiled. As if the young man would have refused the King any request given the situation. Still, he nodded. "Of course. I'm honored that the King trusted such a task to me." He admitted. And it was the truth. "I suppose my days serving as his Guard of the Body and Yoeman of the Guard were both impressionable on him." He said with a small quirk of his lips. Kingston had been careful over the years, sometimes bordering on paranoid when it came to the safety of his King, but he had taken his job seriously. Both the Yeoman of the Guard and the Knights of the Body were trained in the most impeccable standard of attentiveness and mannerisms. They were disciplined and expected to act upon any orders given to them under the consent of the King. Kingston had more than done his duty and had seen to motivating a number of men on Guard detail while he had been in that position. Holding the title as a Knight of the Guard that he did now meant that he still often saw to day to day affairs and gave the guard his input on matters of the King's safety, but for the most part, it was left trusted to younger men to carry out the deed. Kingston lead the young John Gates into his home and into the dining hall where he pulled a chair out part way for the younger man to take up. He then poked his head into the kitchens, calling for a small meal to be prepared for their guest. It wasn't, after all, like they hadn't been expecting him. Kingston then took a seat across from the younger man. "I congratulate you on your betrothal. There is much talk about it, about court." He chuckled at that. "Well, I suppose it's about time that I finally committed myself to a woman, is it not?" He asked, speaking of the fact that he was approaching 35 years of age. 'Thank you, though, for your congratulations, though I can only imagine what is being said at court." He said with a wry smile. |
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| John Gates | Dec 24 2010, 01:14 AM Post #4 |
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Of Brokeback Mountain
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John knew that there couldn't have been a better time to leave court. The king's suggestion had come as a surprise, yes, seeing as though he had been knighted for a little over two years now, but it was one he had welcomed, given the tension at court. Before his father had died, John had spent quite the amount of time at court along with him. He had learned multitudes of things, ranging from how to behave to courting women. His father taught him so much, however, their relationship had always remained very professional, and in all honestly, John hadn't felt much when he had passed away so prematurely. When the king had asked him to stay several days with William Kingston, in hopes he could learn something, Gates had secretly hoped that perhaps, in his mind set, the older knight could step in as a father figure, taking his own father's place. It was a ridiculous thing to hope for, John knew that, but he decided that a little hope never hurt anyone. Especially in times like these. Following Sir William inside, he listened intently as Kingston told him of several of his previous achievements. Guard of the Body and Yoeman of the Guard. Both very impressive positions. John nodded. "I'm sure they were, Sir," he said, "both are extremely admirable positions. His majesty made an excellent choice in selecting you as my mentor." His father, although a man of good standing, hadn't ever held a position as high. Sir William Kingston had far more experience than many, and John was thankful to have been assigned to him. Sir William lead him further into his estate before they reached the dining hall. For that, John was thankful. He hadn't had a real meal in several days now, and one would certainly be welcomed. He nodded thankfully as Sir William pulled out a chair for him. Taking a seat, the young knight finally got the chance to survey his mentors home. It was sizable. Enough so at least, for one man and the few servants that seemed to be employed in his household. John knew well enough of the things Kingston would be receiving as a result of his marriage to his wife, Lady Lettice, and a new place of residence was likely within the contract. That explained the disarray William had apologized for when they had first come in. John watched as William took the seat opposite him, and listened as he began to speak of his betrothed. "Yes, I do suppose it is time for a man of your age to commit to one woman. I too am looking for a wife," he paused for a second, and stared down at his hands folded on the table. It was so depressing to speak of Mary's death, especially now. "My late...my late wife, Lady Mary Denny - may she rest in peace- passed away two years ago, not even a full year into our marriage. I've had my time of mourning, and I do believe it's time to move on." John paused for a second before continuing. "That reminds me, if it's not too much trouble, Sir, it would please me to send a letter back to court. To a Lady Judith Willoughby. I hope that perhaps, later, you could provide me with some parchment." |
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[align=center]John is in a grand total of NO thread(s). And can have 3 more.[/align] | |
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| William Kingston | Dec 24 2010, 06:17 PM Post #5 |
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"I'm sure they were, Sir. Both are extremely admirable positions. His majesty made an excellent choice in selecting you as my mentor." William gave a wry smile and nodded. He wasn't under any pretenses though. He was just as good as the next man who had done his duty for king and country. The only significance for him was that he had been at the right place at the right time to have made something of himself. Still, he nodded at the younger man. "Your words are humbling, Sir Gates." He said with a small smile. Kingston absently wondered if he'd wind up 'mentoring' any other younger men in future years. Not that he'd mind in the least. It was actually refreshing to pass what he knew and what he had learned on the battlefield on to younger men. Not to mention he had experience training others as an Under-Marshal. "Yes, I do suppose it is time for a man of your age to commit to one woman. I too am looking for a wife," Kingston poured wine for the both of them as the younger man spoke. He nodded. "My late...my late wife, Lady Mary Denny - may she rest in peace- passed away two years ago, not even a full year into our marriage. I've had my time of mourning, and I do believe it's time to move on." Kingston set the pitcher down and slid a cup towards Gates. "I heard of that unfortunate event from the King's letter." He admitted with a sad shake of his head. "I'm most sorry to hear of it." He said genuinely. "That reminds me, if it's not too much trouble, Sir, it would please me to send a letter back to court. To a Lady Judith Willoughby. I hope that perhaps, later, you could provide me with some parchment." Kingston raised a brow and then chuckled. "Already have a young woman in mind then, do you?" He asked. "It's no trouble at all. I'll have the parchement and ink sent up to your room. Once you're finished writing your Lady, I'll have it sent out first thing on the morrow." He commented. A young serving girl brought out a plate of food, piled high and plenty, and set it down in front of Gates before setting a roll of bread down in front of Kingston. Kingston smiled up at the girl. "Thank the cook on my behalf for his forethought." He commented, sending the girl on her way. He was quiet for a while, breaking the crust of his bread and consuming more wine as Gates was left to dig into his own portion. It wasn't long, however, before he spoke up again. "I'd like to get started tomorrow afternoon if that suits you well. I'm really not one for idly lazing about, but if you're too weary from the journey here, I certainly wouldn't hold it against you." He commented. "We'll run through some basic strategy so that I can get a feel for the style you present on the battle field and then, from there, I'll see what I might know that can help enhance your offence or as it may be, defense." He said with a nod. "Does the meal suit you?" He asked. Kingston may not have hosted many people at his own personal Manor, but he certainly knew how to play the part of the host. |
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| John Gates | Jan 1 2011, 07:20 PM Post #6 |
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Of Brokeback Mountain
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Although Sir William Kingston's achievements were very much like those of the next man, what John had said was true. Both positions he had held were admirable, and Gates hoped that he would be able to learn something worthwhile from the older knight's teachings as a result of his personal experiences. He accepted the cup of wine gratefully, taking a sip as William spoke. So the king had mentioned the death of Mary in the letter he had dispatched to his mentor? John wasn't necessarily surprised, given the closeness of the Denny family to the Tudors. Mary's brother, Anthony had always been quite close with the king. John himself owed the entirety of his knighthood to his brother-in-law. Why, his father had never even put in word for him at court! Not in the many, many years he had attended first Henry VII and then his son. John had been married to Anthony's sister for less than a year and had already been knighted. He had done nothing but benefited from that marriage, and John wondered if it had really been Anthony who had suggested the king assign him to such a prestigious mentor. "I thank you, for your concern, Sir, he said, taking another sip of his wine. "She is quite missed about court, by her friends, so I'm told. I miss her too of course. And her family." Those were all given things, and ridiculous to mention. However, it had been rather difficult, John had realized, upon meeting Judith Willoughby to pretend that in fact he had loved his late wife. Compared to Lady Judith, Mary had been so terribly incompatible to his personality and lifestyle that it was almost painful to think of. When he mentioned composing a letter to Judith, William seemed to pick up on that. He chuckled quietly, and John cast his eyes downward. "She is an acquaintance of mine. But yes, I thank you. That will be most convenient." No later than the words of thanks had left John's mouth, a plate of food was set on the table in front of him. He smiled gratefully at the servant girl who had brought it, and began to eat. Several minutes later, Kingston began speaking again, and the young knight's attention was diverted. "Tomorrow suits me fine, Sir William, for training was the purpose of my visit. I look forward to it." The two men sat once again in silence for several more minutes before Kingston spoke up again, asking how the meal suited him. "The meal suits me well, thank you," he said, taking another sip of wine. "And thank your cook on my behalf. I have not eaten a true meal since my departure from court." |
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[align=center]John is in a grand total of NO thread(s). And can have 3 more.[/align] | |
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| William Kingston | Jan 2 2011, 08:39 PM Post #7 |
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"I thank you, for your concern, Sir. She is quite missed about court, by her friends, so I'm told. I miss her two of course. And her family." William looked up at the young Gates. He had a feeling that Gates was, more or less, only saying that to suit the mood and topic of conversation. He sat back in his seat a moment. He was no expert on love himself, but he had seen the look of a man who loved his wife a time or two in the past. It was interesting how commoners often found themselves able to marry for something as pure and simple as love while those who were deemed free from having to slave their lives away working were often made to marry someone that, more often than not, they despised. So really, who was it that was the freer of peoples? Kingston reflected upon that thought for a moment and decided that he was fortunate to have a woman he would soon wed that was both agreeable and beautiful. He knew well enough that he would be able to get along with his wife well enough and that he liked her well enough. Unfortunately, the same could not be said about a good portion of the Courtiers. It was no wonder that scandal was amiss left, right and center when matches for marriage were made for nothing more than convenience or political gain. Then again, his own marriage was to be one of convenience. Rather than comment on the cover up that William suspected, he simply met Gates' eyes, letting him know that he understood well enough what his true feelings on the matter were. "She is an acquaintance of mine. But yes, I thank you. That will be most convenient." William smiled and nodded. "Of course. Forgive me if it sounded as if I implied otherwise." He said, though it was clear that Kingston felt that he was right. He absently wondered how long it'd be before Gates was awaiting a new bride at the altar. He sincerely hoped that, this time around, the woman he married would be a better match to him than the previous one. It was more than clear that the young man hadn't been happy. "Tomorrow suits me fine, Sir William, for training was the purpose of my visit. I look forward to it." Kingston nodded. "Fantastic. I can already tell that we'll get along just fine, Sir Gates, as you are most agreeable to the haste in which I offer up your training." He smirked. "And believe me when I say that initiative on a battlefield is one of the most important traits you can possibly hold." He said. "Courage comes only second to that." "And thank your cook on my behalf. I have not eaten a true meal since my departure from court." "Well, I can promise you two things. One, you will get your training. And two, you will eat as you never have eaten before." William said with another one of his smiles. "We need to keep your energy up, after all." William called forth the serving girl once more. "Would you please see to it that Sir Gates' rooms are prepared, along with a hot bath for him to take? No doubt he wishes to wash away the grime of traveling the roads to reach the manor." He commented, glancing at Gates to make sure that was fine. |
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| John Gates | Jan 21 2011, 08:27 PM Post #8 |
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Of Brokeback Mountain
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When John had mentioned Mary Denny's death to Sir Kingston, he hadn't really know what to expect; what his reaction would be. Men, in general, were expected to keep their feelings to themselves. When John married Mary, he had been thinking only of what gain their union would bring him and his family. Her brother had been extremely close with the young king, and marrying into the Denny family assured him a place at court. A place that his family so badly needed. Of course, Mary Denny hadn't been a bad wife. She'd been nothing less than perfect. Obedient, caring, well mannered. She had been excellent with embroidery, and John didn't doubt that she would have been the perfect mother as well. John did miss her, in the sense she was a good friend. As his though, as the women who shared his bed, who he would spend the remainder of his life with, Mary Denny hadn't been it. Strangely enough, William Kingston seemed to actually understand that. As William's eyes met John's, the young knight just knew that he understand. He wasn't going to judge him for not being terribly cut up over Mary's gruesome, untimely death, and John couldn't have been more relieved. If only he could tell Kingston how much that actually meant to him. He nodded as William apologized for assuming his relationship with Judith was a romantic one. William wasn't entirely sure if he should be apologizing as it was. They were friends. At least, John hoped she considered him to be a friend. Whatever their relationship was, he felt the inclination to write her, and he was thankful that Sir William was accepting to that. As the elder knight praised his initiative, John smiled. "I thank you most kindly, Sir. I'm glad to hear that. I believe as well, that we shall get on rather well." John continued eating, listening to William arranging several more affairs concerning his stay at the estate. Although he hadn't been there long, Sir William was more welcoming that anyone John had met for a long, long time. In fact, he felt far more comfortable with this man than he had with his own father. After finishing his meal, John sat back in his chair and sighed, before turning to William. "I hope not to be rude, but I think it would be best if I retired to my chambers, so then we might start earlier tomorrow morning, if that suits you well." John stood. "I thank you for your hospitality, Sir Kingston. I look forward to my training in the morning." ((FINI)) |
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[align=center]John is in a grand total of NO thread(s). And can have 3 more.[/align] | |
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10:53 AM Jul 11