Christmas Conundrums

[EDWARD'S POV]

December 25, 1337

London during the Christmas season is a spectacle regardless of the era. Even in these simpler times, the city's inhabitants spare no effort in creating a festive atmosphere. I disguised myself in peasant clothing to navigate through London, attempting to blend in despite my unmistakably noble appearance. While my unblemished skin betrayed my true station, lacking any ostentatious displays of wealth helped me pass as a fortunate commoner.

With the first rays of dawn, the countryside unveiled a breathtaking scene. A delicate frost kissed the world awake, draping fields in a translucent blanket of white. Trees stood proudly, cloaked in a crystalline frost, each bare branch shimmering in the gentle morning light.

Upon closer inspection, wisps of chimney smoke seamlessly blended with the fog, ascending gracefully into the clear sky—a portrait of coziness and hearthside comfort. Charming wooden cottages, embellished with festive greens and flickering candles, emanated a comforting radiance, a haven from the wintry cold.

As time passed, I traversed the cobbled streets of the city, flanked by timber-framed houses adorned with festive greens, wreaths, and windows adorned with flickering candles. The air carried a crispness, filled with the fragrances of wood smoke, spiced ale, and the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread from bustling bakeries.

Before long, the melodic toll of distant church bells permeated the air, their resounding chimes beckoning the faithful to the sacred morning Mass. Adorned in their finest attire, citizens streamed toward the local parish, their faces illuminated with anticipation and reverence for the hallowed occasion.

Venturing into the bustling heart of the city, I found myself amidst the vibrant Market squares, adorned with festive embellishments. Intricate decorations featuring evergreen wreaths, holly, and ivy adorned the spaces, weaving together intricate patterns. Merchants proudly exhibited an array of seasonal treasures, from aromatic spiced cakes to garlands of scarlet berries, infusing the wintry tableau with vibrant bursts of color.

Gradually, the city stirred awake, the energy becoming even more spirited with the arrival of children. Neighbors exchanged heartfelt greetings, gathering in the streets to recount tales of the year gone by and express gratitude for their blessings. Laughter of children resonated as they dashed about, playing games amidst the glistening frost, adding to the lively atmosphere.

The air hummed with melodies of joy, carried by minstrels and bards traversing the village. Their merry tunes infused the surroundings with the infectious spirit of the season. From merry carols to timeless ballads, the music enveloped hearts with warmth and cheer, echoing through the wintry air.

As the day progressed, my thoughts wandered to Vascalta. Perhaps she's singing in that garden where our paths first crossed. A sigh escaped me. Why does her memory linger, especially when I am soon to be betrothed?

The sun ascended higher, its gentle golden rays painting the wintry landscape with warmth. Despite the day advancing, the morning's tranquility persisted, a serene preamble to a day filled with reverence, celebration, and the timeless traditions of Christmas in medieval England.

I returned to the royal castle, where a festive atmosphere enveloped every corner. Clergymen bustled around, assisting the court chaplain in preparing for the mass. Younger priests and monks marveled at the castle's decorations, taking in the sights with wide-eyed wonder. Amidst the flurry, I spotted my father strolling around the training grounds, his search for me apparent. Known for his notorious temper throughout the kingdom, he held a soft spot for me, his son. As I drew closer, I noticed a flicker of worry on his face, swiftly replaced by a faint smile as he noticed and approached me with his usual stoicism.

"Where were you this whole morning? I practically had half the servants searching every nook and cranny of this castle!" Thomas barked sternly.

"I was merely exploring the city, Father. Witnessing the capital during its grandest festival intrigued me," I replied softly, hoping to appeal to his softer side.

He sighed, relenting a bit. "Very well, but ensure you have some of your guards accompany you. While you're capable, it's safer with company."

Nodding with a grateful smile, I watched as he turned toward the throne room. My father, a figure of authority and responsibility, exuded a commanding presence. I admired his ability to handle his multifaceted roles with such grace and dedication.

As he paused and spoke in a booming voice, "What are you waiting for, young man? Follow me."

I smiled, acknowledging his command, and trailed after him.

It was a sight to behold, the throne room illuminated by the glow of hundreds of lit candles. The king, adorned with the original St. Edward's Crown, radiated regality. This crown held a significant history—it was destined to be melted down by Oliver Cromwell during the monarchy's brief abolition in the 17th century. The eventual reestablishment of the monarchy saw the crafting of the new St. Edward's crown.

Throughout the next hour, the room was draped in House Plantagenet banners, their golden and crimson hues dominating the space. The absence of fleur-de-lys devices in the heraldry of the Plantagenet Ruling Line was apparent. However, it seemed inevitable that these iconic symbols would soon find their place within the dynasty's heraldic representation.

During the ensuing hours, numerous dignitaries representing various noble houses journeyed from across the kingdom to extend their wishes and present gifts to King Eddie, or Edward III, as he was formally addressed. He graciously engaged with each delegate, taking time to convey his regards to their respective lords. Once the formalities were completed, the delegates settled at the open ground attached to the castle as the sun began its descent, and expansive tables were arranged for the feast.

Subsequently, orders arrived summoning us to an elevated platform. Upon our arrival, the king, queen, heir to the throne, and the Lord High Steward, Henry of Lancaster, had already assembled. Father and I joined the gathering, showcasing the Plantagenet family's unity and influence among their feudal vassals. The assembly highlighted the authority wielded by the older generation, juxtaposed with the potential and prowess of the younger members. While I had garnered recognition among the nobles for my military feats, the heir held the esteemed title of Duke, the pinnacle of nobility in the peerage.

The grand feast orchestrated by the king commenced following his eloquent address, eliciting thunderous applause from the assembled guests. The banquet unfolded in grandeur, serving as the culminating event of several celebrations held throughout the month. The first feast, a moderate affair, had been organized upon my arrival. The second, a more intimate gathering, was personally arranged by me to extend an invitation to Vascalta. The present feast, however, eclipsed its predecessors, catering to a lavish spread fit for a gathering of at least a thousand individuals.

Despite the nobles' and gentlemen's attempts at grace, the barrels of alcohol were depleted within the first couple of hours of the feast.

As the feast drew to a close, scores of men found themselves inebriated due to excessive rum and beer consumption. Throughout the event, I strategically engaged with higher-ranking nobility, leveraging my position as the Warden of a region to facilitate these interactions.

The king had also extended invitations to merchants from various port cities, including representatives from the influential merchant union of Yarmouth. This coastal city fell under my father's jurisdiction, and by extension, mine. Over the years, Yarmouth had evolved into a vital harbor for eastern coast shipping. The city was predominantly controlled by a powerful merchant union that held sway over the majority of the fleet. The king sought to persuade them to align with his own armada, but rumors had circulated that the King paid late and little. The merchant union was known for its defiance, and I harbored intentions of dismantling their dominance in due time.

As the festivities wound down and the guests departed, the servants commenced clearing the aftermath. The King, too, made his way back to his chambers. Sensing an opportunity, I approached him with a query about the interactions.

"Cousin, how did the interactions go?" I inquired.

He sighed in response. "Not as well as we hoped. Suspicion loomed among them regarding my ability to fulfill payment promises. Consequently, most withdrew their support. The only individual I managed to persuade was the mayor of Alnmouth. It seems the prospect of potential gains without expending his own fleet in the ongoing war with France as he was too far from the coastal border was the tipping point."

EddieI's tone held a tinge of concern as he relayed this information.

After our discussion, we parted ways and retired to our respective chambers. I settled onto my bed and retrieved a letter delivered by Zephyr the previous day. It bore the seal of Baron Cromer, delivering news of the completion of fifty ship constructions, with the cannons' installations set to conclude by year's end.

The ownership of an armada comprising fifty vessels was a significant source of empowerment. Naturally, I hadn't disclosed this to the king. I intended to reserve their use for dire circumstances. Becoming a hero for the nation held more appeal than merely scheming behind closed doors.

I then consigned the letter back into its envelope and cast it into the fireplace, watching it gradually reduce to ashes.

Sir Walter Manny, the current Admiral of The North, resumed his command at sea to initiate the patrol of the English Channel. Typically, he is overseeing forty ships in these times of temporary peace, with the king's decree on forced conscription and labor, this number could escalate to well over a hundred during times of conflict. Notably, the Battle of Cadzand, fought with nearly thirty ships, contributed to Manny's ascension in rank, culminating in his appointment as Admiral of The North, following a decisive victory in that battle.

In the near future, as the French forces start recuperating from the damage inflicted upon their armada, they might resume their raids on coastal towns and villages to plunder their riches. To prevent this, I need to strategize and devise plans to safeguard these areas and then present it to the royal council.

I retrieved an extra piece of parchment from the nearby table, fetched a quill from a nearby stool, and acquired an inkpot from the system shop for 5 SP.

I embarked on the process of drafting various plans. Writing, crumpling, and rewriting became a repetitive cycle that persisted for an hour. Dozens of parchments were filled and discarded until I finally settled on the last iteration:

 Assess Vulnerabilities and Establish Priorities:

 - Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the entire coastline, identifying vulnerable points and prioritizing regions most susceptible to raids.

 Coastal Fortifications and Defense:

 - Construct and fortify coastal defenses (forts, watchtowers) at identified vulnerable points.

 - Garrison these defenses with well-trained forces, equipped with necessary armaments for coastal defense.

 Naval Surveillance and Response:

 - Deploy naval patrols along the coastline to monitor and secure waters against enemy incursions.

 - Establish an efficient signaling system for rapid communication between coastal defenses and inland garrisons.

 Diplomatic Measures and Intelligence Gathering:

 - Engage in diplomatic negotiations with France to establish treaties or agreements aimed at preventing raids.

 - Develop a network of spies or informants along the French border to gather intelligence on potential raiding plans.

 Community Readiness and Training:

 - Train and educate coastal communities on basic defense strategies and awareness about potential threats.

 - Encourage the formation of local defense militias and provide support and coordination with the garrisoned forces.

 Emergency Preparedness and Plans:

 - Develop detailed emergency response plans outlining procedures for evacuation, communication, and coordinated actions in case of an attack.

 Technological Advancements and Innovation:

 - Invest in siege weaponry for coastal defenses to deter and defend against enemy vessels.

 - Explore and invest in shipbuilding innovations for improved naval defense capabilities.

 Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation:

 - Continuously monitor coastal activities and potential threats, adapting defense strategies as necessary.

 - Conduct regular drills and exercises to ensure readiness and effectiveness of the defense mechanisms.