A long and bloody patth has been taken. Death calls for revenge, and only God knows where it leads to.
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Somerset is dead but the war has only just begun.
Henry remains king, but he knows that his authority is growing nominal - and that the Queen and York will attack each other over this deed.
Henry remains king, but he knows that his authority is growing nominal - and that the Queen and York will attack each other over this deed.
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As is traditional, they prefer to watch
"We march to war under the banner of the mightiest of Pork Pies, no man can stand against such pastry"
A pair of excellent updates, the battle of St Albans seems bloodier than I expected, though that could just be the difference between a vivid narrative update and the cold words of a wiki article.
In any event the Indeterminate Rose-based Conflict has begun! Expect the next battle in about 5 years or so, which is a majestic rate of progress even I am impressed by.
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Fb-fb:
To all - So as I stated above, I've been waiting to write this scene and battle from the very start when I first conceived of this project back in the EU3 days. Took a little while (though maybe not at the @El Pip rate.) And also as mentioned, this entire period is really just a series of battles all connected by a lot more scheming and back stabbing behind the scenes. I cannot promise that all of the historical battles of the WOTR will be featured but I had to include this first clash. It really is the drawing of first blood after a long period of attempts to avoid it. It simply was inevitable even if it took some time to get there. You cannot have York drawing up large forces constantly and Somerset and his constantly trying to thwart him without it finally coming to blows. To quote Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Somerset "chose poorly."
Though I doubt many will miss Somerset (outside of the Queen which we will cover) it is a changing of the guard. The beginning of a new phase. And it will cause a new cast of characters to enter the play (some we've already seen a little bit and some that will be brand new.) So get ready for a lot of new Williams, Henrys and more. Hopefully I sketch them well enough so they are able to stand out.
As to the battle itself, a few notes. I tried to write it out as it historically occurred. Some faces are changed for my narrative purpose but it really went down pretty much as presented, including the perfidy of Wiltshire (some blame him for leaving the royal standard and thus making it easier for the Yorkists to attack thinking the King was not there) and Henry himself being wounded. I was actually surprised myself when doing the research to read that Warwick demanded his archers to basically focus their arrows around the King. Already an early marker of his lack of respect about royalty and the sovereign, whomever it may be.
I hope Henry's speech does not seem too jarring. I admit, it does appear somewhat out of character for him, at least as I have written him, but these were his actual words. True, they came in the form of a note to York but I wanted him to speak them as things finally hit the fan. On York's to his men, he did give them a speech prior to the battle but the words I made up entirely. I hope it works.
Finally, I enjoyed being able to reintroduce our Abbot from the prologue as he was historically a witness that day. A nice little bit of coming full circle from the death of Good Old Duke Humphrey (that I consider the true first blood of this phase of the WOTR) to the death of Somerset. As suggested, we are now entering another phase. I'm a little over halfway in the writing of the next chapter and have outlined through Chapter 11. We are far from over here and I'm not even to the juiciest bits (at least to me.) Thank you all for sticking with me and continuing to support the AAR by reading and giving your always excellent comments! It makes writing this so much more fun.
Quite. And actually, the Yorkists have done pretty well for themselves throughout even if they don't feel that way. By my count, York is winning 6-1 (if we consider Duke Humphrey the the first domino to fall.) Lancaster has now lost the 1st Duke of Somerset, the Duke of Suffolk, Cardinal/Archbishop Kempe and now the 2nd Duke of Somerset, plus the Earl of Northumberland and Lord Clifford. I don't count Cardinal Beaufort because he died of natural causes. Truthfully, the Battle of St. Albans could have seen even more death but Buckingham, the young Earl of Dorset (Somerset's son) and the King himself survived.
Indeed. I had to include that last part in the post because while some of the bad actors died, they have heirs who will want blood. The most interesting to me going forward is the Earl of Dorset/now 3rd Duke of Somerset. His path is/will be something to watch.
Very true. It has been one of the more difficult things to grapple with as I move into the next chapter. Not to spoil too much, but Margaret takes on a larger role.
Haha!
Zing! I had to include that detail because that was what the office was called and connects him to Norfolk.
Thank you. I'm pleased they came off so well. I've been itching to write the battle for years by this date. And as I've said before, I do not feel terribly comfortable writing battles. It's just not my strong suit. More on the battle below.
Haha! Indeed, if we go by historical data that is true. However things will continue to diverge ever so subtly going forward so I promise nothing.
To all - So as I stated above, I've been waiting to write this scene and battle from the very start when I first conceived of this project back in the EU3 days. Took a little while (though maybe not at the @El Pip rate.) And also as mentioned, this entire period is really just a series of battles all connected by a lot more scheming and back stabbing behind the scenes. I cannot promise that all of the historical battles of the WOTR will be featured but I had to include this first clash. It really is the drawing of first blood after a long period of attempts to avoid it. It simply was inevitable even if it took some time to get there. You cannot have York drawing up large forces constantly and Somerset and his constantly trying to thwart him without it finally coming to blows. To quote Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade, Somerset "chose poorly."
Though I doubt many will miss Somerset (outside of the Queen which we will cover) it is a changing of the guard. The beginning of a new phase. And it will cause a new cast of characters to enter the play (some we've already seen a little bit and some that will be brand new.) So get ready for a lot of new Williams, Henrys and more. Hopefully I sketch them well enough so they are able to stand out.
As to the battle itself, a few notes. I tried to write it out as it historically occurred. Some faces are changed for my narrative purpose but it really went down pretty much as presented, including the perfidy of Wiltshire (some blame him for leaving the royal standard and thus making it easier for the Yorkists to attack thinking the King was not there) and Henry himself being wounded. I was actually surprised myself when doing the research to read that Warwick demanded his archers to basically focus their arrows around the King. Already an early marker of his lack of respect about royalty and the sovereign, whomever it may be.
I hope Henry's speech does not seem too jarring. I admit, it does appear somewhat out of character for him, at least as I have written him, but these were his actual words. True, they came in the form of a note to York but I wanted him to speak them as things finally hit the fan. On York's to his men, he did give them a speech prior to the battle but the words I made up entirely. I hope it works.
Finally, I enjoyed being able to reintroduce our Abbot from the prologue as he was historically a witness that day. A nice little bit of coming full circle from the death of Good Old Duke Humphrey (that I consider the true first blood of this phase of the WOTR) to the death of Somerset. As suggested, we are now entering another phase. I'm a little over halfway in the writing of the next chapter and have outlined through Chapter 11. We are far from over here and I'm not even to the juiciest bits (at least to me.) Thank you all for sticking with me and continuing to support the AAR by reading and giving your always excellent comments! It makes writing this so much more fun.
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Greenwich, May 1455
Queen Margaret paced the floor with great worry causing Countess Eleanor to try and calm her, “My Lady Queen...though I know it must give you great distress, you will harm yourself with trouble.”
“You would not be worried?!” Margaret turned on her with wide eyes, “It is, after all, your own husband called to count! Or so says York, does he not?!”
“I am confident that Edmund will prevail, Your Grace,” Eleanor replied though she did not entirely believe that.
Margaret narrowed her eyes, “The King will prevail!”
“As you say, my Lady,” Eleanor corrected, “Of course.”
“Yet it has been two days!” Margaret turned back to the window overlooking the Thames, “I’ve not had word from Somerset since then and it is unlike our Duke not to give word.”
Eleanor stifled a jealous thought and gave nod, “Tis true, Your Grace. Yet surely he is greatly charged.”
“He had better be!” the Queen slammed an open palm to the stone wall.
They were both startled when a knock came to the chamber door. Lady Eleanor moved to open and found Pierre de Brézé showing bow, “A messenger for Her Grace.”
Margaret turned and showed anger when Sir John Wenlock entered, “You think to crawl back to my service after your betrayal?!”
“Your Grace,” Wenlock bowed, “I come bearing message from St. Albans.”
The Queen’s heart sank and Lady Eleanor was quick to her side with question, “Do not say to her that her husband the King is perished!!!”
“No, my Lady...” Sir John turned to Eleanor and said coldly, “...it is yours.”
The Lady cried out and then fell to the floor in a heap. Margaret was simply speechless. Her mouth stood open and yet no words followed. She did feel weak in the knees but was able to keep to her feet yet all she could do is show a wide eye. After more than a minute, she finally mustered a slight and cool, “You...are cruel.”
“It is not my intention, Your Grace,” Sir John replied, “I was ordered to come to this place so that you may know the truth of it.”
“Yet...” Margaret continued slowly, “...what of the King?”
Wenlock offered a slight bow, “Though he be injured, His Grace is alive and well on his way back to London.”
Margaret still felt weak but pressed, “Injured?”
“Indeed, madam...” Sir John followed, “...an errant arrow to the neck it is said.”
“How could that be?” the Queen asked growing suddenly angry, “How could the King be in such a position to find an arrow?!”
Sir John held out his arms and pointed to his surcoat, “As you may see by the stains upon my garment, there was conflict. It is now resolved. The Lord of York shows victory and now marches back with His Grace and once more to favor.”
Suddenly Lady Eleanor lifted her head and asked with great fear, “Yet...my son?! Henry?!! What it his state?!!”
“Alive, my Lady,” Sir John responded, “Though severely hurt, I am told. He was carried from the battle by cart but does live.”
Margaret questioned, “How many others?”
“A many, madam,” Sir John turned back to her, “All of those about the Duke of Somerset were killed, wounded or at the least, despoiled.”
“It is...a horror,” she replied with a cruel eye.
He gave nod, “All battle is, my Lady Queen.”
“That you and yours…” Margaret continued to harangue him, “...would rise up against your anointed sovereign...and visit upon him harm! Your very King!! You are shameful, sir!!!”
Producing a scroll from his bag, Sir John handed it to the Queen, “A broadsheet, Your Grace...from the Lord of York. It will be issued giving account of the circumstance and the why of it.”
“I’ve no need to read his words!” Margaret answered as she tossed it away.
Sir John allowed another nod, “As you wish. I imagine there will be time enough for such on the morrow when he returns with the King.”
“GET...OUT!!!” she shouted and pointed strongly to the door.
“Of course,” Sir John bowed, “And it is good to see you well.”
When he closed the door behind him, Margaret moved to find a bottle of perfume and threw it to a crash. She felt all of her anger well up inside and allowed a loud, screeching yell that was surely heard throughout the castle. Red in the face, she fumed as she moved to her desk and began throwing each and every item upon it to the floor. Finally, she spied the scroll and picked it up only to slam it repeatedly to the desk, “He is Satan! The very Devil!! The most evil man that has ever or will ever live!!! I hate him!!!”
“My Lady?” Eleanor looked up to her weakly with tears still to her eyes.
Margaret ignored her as she continued to vent her frustrations, “Ten years I have been to this country and never once have I ever had one pleasurable moment!! Not one calming time!! The magnates of this realm are ungrateful, scheming traitors! Even those that profess loyalty are insufficient and toothless!! There is not one among the wretches that would carry my cause!!”
Lady Eleanor pleaded again through tears, “Your Grace...please...we must honor the dead...”
“The dead?!” Margaret turned to her with fierceness, “You may have lost a husband, but I have now lost my left hand to go with the right I lost when Suffolk perished!”
“But the King...” Eleanor suggested with a wounded heart, “...he does still live.”
Margaret again slammed the scroll to her desk, “You fool! Mon Dieu!! Le Roi est plus faible qu'eux tous!! A pretty head to match my own, yet even I have more strength than he!”
The Countess could take it no more and ran crying from the chamber leaving Margaret alone. She was shocked at first, but then her anger returned. However, this time it was more subdued. With narrowed eyes, she watched the door for a moment before turning to witness the trashed floor. Hatred filled her mind and heart and she now spoke softly to herself, “Defeat is but fleeting. And he will know it when it happens to him. I will assure it and more. And if I cannot...if I am unable...then I will destroy it all. Brûle tout au sol! Every bit and every one! Par Dieu comme mon témoin, je vais!!”
End of Chapter 9
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She hasn't the talent or allies to win. But she could potentially destroy it all by revealing the parentage I suppose.
But that wouldn't necessarily destroy England as much as it would put the yorkists on the throne and then go after France in revenge. And this is EUIV. France won't survive such an attack.
But that wouldn't necessarily destroy England as much as it would put the yorkists on the throne and then go after France in revenge. And this is EUIV. France won't survive such an attack.
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There's nothing as dangerous as an injured beast. Maggie is going to prove it...
Nah, she's not so stupid. She wouldn't do anything that would harm her son.
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Margaret is furious. I wonder if that will make her more irrational?
Eleanor is Somerset's wife, right? I wonder if she might change her mind about any support for the queen once she discovers the truth of their... dealings.
What happens if the Prince does die? Does that resolve the problem? Margaret would be outraged, but the only thing that she could do then is have an actual child with Henry... like she was supposed to.
Also, she's calling York the Devil - she is aware that this entire war is her own fault, and she's guilty of adultery. She's guilty of at least lust, pride, and greed of the deadly sins. That comment strikes me as a tad hypocritical... Is she in denial of her own flaws? How does she justify this to herself?
Eleanor is Somerset's wife, right? I wonder if she might change her mind about any support for the queen once she discovers the truth of their... dealings.
What happens if the Prince does die? Does that resolve the problem? Margaret would be outraged, but the only thing that she could do then is have an actual child with Henry... like she was supposed to.
Also, she's calling York the Devil - she is aware that this entire war is her own fault, and she's guilty of adultery. She's guilty of at least lust, pride, and greed of the deadly sins. That comment strikes me as a tad hypocritical... Is she in denial of her own flaws? How does she justify this to herself?
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She is quite the hateful creature, in various ways. May end with her head on a spike but boy, will it take the kingdom being burnt down to get there.
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Fb-fb:
And yes, she is hateful. To me, this is the moment she really becomes determined to rid herself of York and any other that stands between her and ultimate power.
To all - So first of all, I apologize for moving so quickly in posting but I wanted these last posts of the chapter to be read together as much as possible. As seen now, you can see how I outlined the chapter. I'm not certain that it came off as I entirely intended but I wanted to go ahead right off the bat with the certainty that the battle will happen and then show how we got there with the last three posts (initially) meant to be the battle itself. The back and forth after the first post of the chapter and prior to the battle was supposed to ratchet up the heat making the battle inevitable. I'm not sure I did that as well as I wished. And then when I finished writing the chapter, I did not like the space between the end of the battle and York meeting with the King. Also, I did not initially have the scene with Margaret to finish it but rather to start the next chapter. Did not like that flow either. So I combined the last two scenes and wrote Margaret's to finish instead. I think the end of the chapter flows much better that way.
As you may see if you look to the chapter listings at the start of the AAR, I've already released the name of Chapter 10: The Aftermath. As of this morning, I have only one more scene to write before I can begin on Chapter 11. I'll wait a day or two before I start posting the next chapter to give some time to catch up.
I am also breathing rather a sigh of relief. As mentioned, I've waited quite a long time to write this part. 15 years in fact from the date I started this project in EU3. September 1, 2007. I'm so pleased that I've been able to push on with it this time around and much of that is due to you the reader engaging with the story. Once again, I was counseled by some at the time not to write an AAR so closely aligned to real history and while I'm not getting 20 comments or whatever after each post, I've no doubt that those that do offer comment are obviously enjoying what I am writing. That is all that I ask for and I will always thank you! In order to write successfully (read: continuously, not profitably) the writer must enjoy the story they are telling. And part of the enjoyment is seeing the reaction by the reader. It's why I love writing here because you get that reaction near instantly. I could not do this without you so again...thank you!
Especially since France is barely breathing at the moment in game. It's been a while since I've given a real update there, but let's just say that not much has gotten better for them since last we checked in.
Indeed she will.
Agreed. The Prince is her entire power base at this point. Without him, she is entirely useless.
Likely yes to the first part. And yes, Eleanor was Somerset's wife. How much she truly knows about the affair I'll leave a secret for now, but there has been plenty offered to suggest she may suspect. However, being a lady in waiting is a pretty powerful position giving the Lady an in at court and all that entails. However however...given the way Margaret reacted to Somerset's death and shrugged aside Eleanor's own grief cannot possibly be pleasing to her. So...we'll see.
Without the Prince, we'd be right back to where we were before with York clearly the next best alternative as heir. The most powerful Beaufort at this point will be the Earl of Dorset (soon to be the 3rd Duke of Somerset) Henry Beaufort who at the time of this last update is around 20 and pretty badly hurt himself after the battle.
Margaret is most definitely hypocritical, in denial of her own flaws and justifies it all by telling herself that she is superior to any other, perhaps including the King himself. The "poor pitiful me" act tends to grow very thin and weak after enough time and without proof.
I'm pleased that you translated for yourself the final lines she speaks in the update. As always, I hope my French speaking readers will let me know if I misuse the French. My five years in middle and high school only gave me a small amount of knowledge but I do try to use it correctly.
And yes, she is hateful. To me, this is the moment she really becomes determined to rid herself of York and any other that stands between her and ultimate power.
To all - So first of all, I apologize for moving so quickly in posting but I wanted these last posts of the chapter to be read together as much as possible. As seen now, you can see how I outlined the chapter. I'm not certain that it came off as I entirely intended but I wanted to go ahead right off the bat with the certainty that the battle will happen and then show how we got there with the last three posts (initially) meant to be the battle itself. The back and forth after the first post of the chapter and prior to the battle was supposed to ratchet up the heat making the battle inevitable. I'm not sure I did that as well as I wished. And then when I finished writing the chapter, I did not like the space between the end of the battle and York meeting with the King. Also, I did not initially have the scene with Margaret to finish it but rather to start the next chapter. Did not like that flow either. So I combined the last two scenes and wrote Margaret's to finish instead. I think the end of the chapter flows much better that way.
As you may see if you look to the chapter listings at the start of the AAR, I've already released the name of Chapter 10: The Aftermath. As of this morning, I have only one more scene to write before I can begin on Chapter 11. I'll wait a day or two before I start posting the next chapter to give some time to catch up.
I am also breathing rather a sigh of relief. As mentioned, I've waited quite a long time to write this part. 15 years in fact from the date I started this project in EU3. September 1, 2007. I'm so pleased that I've been able to push on with it this time around and much of that is due to you the reader engaging with the story. Once again, I was counseled by some at the time not to write an AAR so closely aligned to real history and while I'm not getting 20 comments or whatever after each post, I've no doubt that those that do offer comment are obviously enjoying what I am writing. That is all that I ask for and I will always thank you! In order to write successfully (read: continuously, not profitably) the writer must enjoy the story they are telling. And part of the enjoyment is seeing the reaction by the reader. It's why I love writing here because you get that reaction near instantly. I could not do this without you so again...thank you!
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I did not think you could make me dislike Margaret more, but then you pulled that scene out of the bag. Truly she is utterly without any redeeming feature isn't she?
I think her cruel and selfish treatment of Lady Eleanor is probably up there with the worst things she has done in this work, at least in terms of exposing the pitch black pit that passes for her soul. To dismiss the seconds old grief of a widow as being less important than an inconvenience to herself is, even by the standards of French royalty, staggeringly self centred. I would call it out as being implausibly so, yet it is also entirely in line with Margaret's awful character.
I think her cruel and selfish treatment of Lady Eleanor is probably up there with the worst things she has done in this work, at least in terms of exposing the pitch black pit that passes for her soul. To dismiss the seconds old grief of a widow as being less important than an inconvenience to herself is, even by the standards of French royalty, staggeringly self centred. I would call it out as being implausibly so, yet it is also entirely in line with Margaret's awful character.
Though of course if she thought getting rid of the Prince would enhance her power I am certain she would chuck him off a tower in a heartbeat and never lose a wink of sleep over it.
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She would have to if she happened to get actually impregnated by the king and birthed a male heir...
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Father Falkenberg rolled up on his cart as the soldiers outside of the tower tried to wave him away, "No one should enter!"
"I was called," Falkenberg replied as he stepped from his cart but turned back, "Dog! Gimme a minute...please!"
As the monk chewed to his carrot and looked over the crime scene, the soldiers again attempted to move him away, "This is not a matter for the church."
"I think maybe...it might be," Falkenberg looked to the prone body crushed by its own weight to the stone pavement, "Is that what I think it is?"
A soldier showed sorrow and anger at once, "It is the Prince, sir!"
The monk looked to the body and then to the top of the tower and then back again, "Is that what that is?"
"You hold no reason to be here!" another soldier commanded.
"Ok...OK..." Falkenberg shrugged his shoulders and moved back to his cart, "Dog...I guess we're back to the house."
As the monk stepped to his cart, he hesitated and then asked as he sat to the bench, "Just one more question...where was the Queen?"
I make no bones about the fact that I do not care for Margaret. That said, I do try to portray as realistic. She does have ONE redeeming quality, but we won't see too much of it until later.
While it was perhaps mean to write, I cannot imagine her reaction as anything other. Selfish? Quite. Where is our inquisitive monk in this story when we need him?
That would present a quandary, no doubt. For a great many people.
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Caught up again after my forced (sport, then illness) absence and, of course, our humble interlocutor has been very hard at work!
Margaret? It’s all been said about the real villain of this work. Boo, hiss! She is determined to do her Nero thing. How May history have differed if Henry had married a nice local girl instead …
After so much dirty water under the bridge, it is indeed time! The long build up to it of course allows us as readers to feel some of the pent up tension finally released. And sides (roses) finally taken. Bravo, sir.
The road is long and winding, indeed. Not being familiar with either EU4 or whatever event chain it may have for England that may approximate the WOTR, does a battle at St Albans (or somewhere else) actually occur in game? Or are we primarily following a complex parallel story arc that weaves its way in between history and the game as played to take a third path of your own devising?
Margaret? It’s all been said about the real villain of this work. Boo, hiss! She is determined to do her Nero thing. How May history have differed if Henry had married a nice local girl instead …
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Was not going to, then some remarks of coz1 from yesterday caught the attention; then also the question of Bullfilter has come, and it seems interesting to pull out a couple of words for a comment.
- "a couple words", hah. This will be a long one, filcat, innit?
- Probably. Hit the music.
- All right. Phase Shade by Davidovix, pseudo-retro, 2022. Do not forget the preamble.
- Oh yeah, you are right.
[The author sincerely apologises for overreaching the size-limits for a regular comment post]
eu4 does not have that many detailed-events of the incidents for depicting the history, and it does not have any mechanics for storytelling in such volumes as seen here. The events in any case coincide with the end of a standard run of crusader-kings-span, and that game has more opportunities to capture such character-interactions more than eu4.
eu4 bulldozes over all by prompt-forcing a war by scripted-event, so it will happen no matter what, unless england-tag relinquishes the province maine to any other tag. The war is force-attempt on the code, which starts as a reunification war on france-tag by england-tag. In the game, the england-tag, when controlled by the code, has nought chance in that war. Ninety-five percent of all runs the code-england will be devastated. On rare occasions-runs, the spain-tag or the-hre-austria-tag interferes, or joins as an ally, against the france-tag; on few occasions-runs, the burgundy-tag calculates that there is weakness on either side, thus declares wars and wreaks havoc.
The england-tag has a ruler called henry; this bloke has 0 (nought) monarch skills; this is scripted as a simplification for another event to trigger: The War of the Roses.
But whatever it is or they are, all are resolved in a couple of years of run in the game.
On the other hand, coz1 took the extraordinary route, and has started with implementing some changes on the conditions of these game-specific events, to better reflect the actual flow of the time in history as much as known by the records. Thus, according to universal filcat-o-metre, it is getting to magnificent scale as a story for fiction with historical setting [*].
Judging by the amount of labour put on each word in every sentence of all paragraphs, and the superb structure, and the meticulous details, the story is head-on course to be the magnum opus of coz1, as it stands now (unless The Creek Will Rise returns - that one is whole another level).
[*] If there are concerns or questions or further remarks about or against the terminology with fiction, then much more can be written what it is and what stories are; but that would be better off the thread, and be taken probably to The SolAARium: Discuss the craft of writing for a discussion (anyone remember that one? No? Oh come on - go check, it is gloriously interesting).
- Finished?
- Nope. Not even close. By the way, enough of pseudo-retro. Send another one.
- Oh mate. Just make your comments bit shorter; will ya? All right. Lord Hypnos by In Flames, 1996.
Have to repeat again: No, that is the domain of the design of the writer's creation, from the imagination space in the mind to the pen onto the paper, to the brush onto the canvas, to the fingers onto the bongo (- bongo? - yeah, bongo. Got a problem with it? - Nope. Well at least it isn't banjo. - What'd you say? - Nothing, carry on. Sigh.), and no one but only the writer - the painter - the musician - the sculptor - the dancer - the chef - the architect - the engineer - the doctor of the story can decide on whatever shape, however long, whichever direction it will have, be, fly into.
So; do no worries. Write, write more, and all will be read.
Anyway; will not be available for a while, therefore: Wishing all a happy new year in advance, cheers!
Of course, not to forget for the excellent writing;
Kudos.
- Still not finished? Bro - it's reaching almost to the critical mass.
- No worries, cut out the remaining parts.
- Pheew, I thought you were going to write even more. Good call, you're learning.
- What about the exit-music?
- All right, let it end with a bang. A Man With A Plan by Korpiklaani, 2016.
- "a couple words", hah. This will be a long one, filcat, innit?
- Probably. Hit the music.
- All right. Phase Shade by Davidovix, pseudo-retro, 2022. Do not forget the preamble.
- Oh yeah, you are right.
[The author sincerely apologises for overreaching the size-limits for a regular comment post]
Could not stop self to reply, even though coz1 will answer this better, and it has been already answered, but anyway;
eu4 does not have that many detailed-events of the incidents for depicting the history, and it does not have any mechanics for storytelling in such volumes as seen here. The events in any case coincide with the end of a standard run of crusader-kings-span, and that game has more opportunities to capture such character-interactions more than eu4.
eu4 bulldozes over all by prompt-forcing a war by scripted-event, so it will happen no matter what, unless england-tag relinquishes the province maine to any other tag. The war is force-attempt on the code, which starts as a reunification war on france-tag by england-tag. In the game, the england-tag, when controlled by the code, has nought chance in that war. Ninety-five percent of all runs the code-england will be devastated. On rare occasions-runs, the spain-tag or the-hre-austria-tag interferes, or joins as an ally, against the france-tag; on few occasions-runs, the burgundy-tag calculates that there is weakness on either side, thus declares wars and wreaks havoc.
The england-tag has a ruler called henry; this bloke has 0 (nought) monarch skills; this is scripted as a simplification for another event to trigger: The War of the Roses.
But whatever it is or they are, all are resolved in a couple of years of run in the game.
On the other hand, coz1 took the extraordinary route, and has started with implementing some changes on the conditions of these game-specific events, to better reflect the actual flow of the time in history as much as known by the records. Thus, according to universal filcat-o-metre, it is getting to magnificent scale as a story for fiction with historical setting [*].
Judging by the amount of labour put on each word in every sentence of all paragraphs, and the superb structure, and the meticulous details, the story is head-on course to be the magnum opus of coz1, as it stands now (unless The Creek Will Rise returns - that one is whole another level).
[*] If there are concerns or questions or further remarks about or against the terminology with fiction, then much more can be written what it is and what stories are; but that would be better off the thread, and be taken probably to The SolAARium: Discuss the craft of writing for a discussion (anyone remember that one? No? Oh come on - go check, it is gloriously interesting).
- Finished?
- Nope. Not even close. By the way, enough of pseudo-retro. Send another one.
- Oh mate. Just make your comments bit shorter; will ya? All right. Lord Hypnos by In Flames, 1996.
No, there is no need, and there should be no need for an apology for the pace of publishing, nor for the speed of writing, high or low, and never for the length of a piece of a story. These are not just posts, but posts of the story. Comments may differ in regards for a regulation, but the posts of a story are free and only bound to the imagination of the writer.
Meh. Whoever said it, ...whatever.
Have to repeat again: No, that is the domain of the design of the writer's creation, from the imagination space in the mind to the pen onto the paper, to the brush onto the canvas, to the fingers onto the bongo (- bongo? - yeah, bongo. Got a problem with it? - Nope. Well at least it isn't banjo. - What'd you say? - Nothing, carry on. Sigh.), and no one but only the writer - the painter - the musician - the sculptor - the dancer - the chef - the architect - the engineer - the doctor of the story can decide on whatever shape, however long, whichever direction it will have, be, fly into.
So; do no worries. Write, write more, and all will be read.
Hmmm, this one requires more in-depth reply, and that would truly break the beyond-limits of the acceptable length of the comment-posts, so will refrain from this one, but only highlight: No, there is no actual need to enjoy the story for telling it. But it is certainly more fulfilling when the reaction to the work is observed, concurring with that, yes.
Anyway; will not be available for a while, therefore: Wishing all a happy new year in advance, cheers!
Of course, not to forget for the excellent writing;
Kudos.
- Still not finished? Bro - it's reaching almost to the critical mass.
- No worries, cut out the remaining parts.
- Pheew, I thought you were going to write even more. Good call, you're learning.
- What about the exit-music?
- All right, let it end with a bang. A Man With A Plan by Korpiklaani, 2016.
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More fb-fb:
This IS an after action report but no one should take it as an example of the game itself or how to play (especially because I play the game poorly, at turns either too impetuous or too safe. @Peter Ebbesen I am not, nor would I ever claim to be anywhere near as good as he to master this or any other game.) I finally just had to decide, since I have wanted to write this story for so long, that I was going to have to weave (as you suggest) what the game gave me with what I needed to include for the historical journey. That gives us the France in this timeline that is near broken but also this historical battle that truly kicks off the wars implied by the title of the work even if it did not occur in-game.
This work is more akin to some of my earlier works (Into the West and The Eagle in Winter especially) in that it takes one small sample of a game and moves on from there with the game itself deeply buried or even ignored at times so that I can write the story I want to tell. I've done it differently (especially with the Wessex saga) so hold no preference personally, but the reader will have to choose what they desire. I hate the phrase (because it is over used) but YMMV. Not yours personally, but the general reader.
Getting into the minds of these individuals as I write them...it is fascinating! Truth is stranger than fiction, indeed.
Also, thank you for both remembering and pushing The SolAARium! A wonderful resource and a fun place to discuss the craft of writing.
Also also...this is no doubt a work of fiction. If I have done anything well in this work, I hope it is teasing out from these historical characters some sense of their reality and what it may have been like to be them. While we have extant knowledge from primary documents, they remain sketchy all of these years later (over 500 years!) We know what they did, but not necessarily why. In short...what is the motivation? I've stated before and will again here that my particular degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Georgia (with two years spent prior at Berry College and two years of summer stock theatre as well when I actually got paid!) My focus was on acting and my guide was The Method as taught originally by Stanislovski. That was my senior thesis prior to graduation.
I don't use those talents much anymore and certainly not in a money producing way, but I cannot write (which itself offers me an artistic outlet) without considering character. What is a person's motivation? As an actor...as a character...that is the first, last and only thing to consider when trying to portray them.
Secondly, I value greatly the person that offered that advice but I was then and am now my own man. Somewhat far afield, but I very much value the exchange of ideas and especially those that I might find disagreement. One does not know how they truly think until those ideas are challenged. For too many these days, life is lived within a bubble such that they are not caused to consider anything other than what they already think. If an alternate idea comes through, it is immediately tossed aside as unreasoned or patently false. That is what makes these figures so fascinating. Were they so different 500 years ago? If Margaret had spent two seconds considering Richard's position? If Richard had been able to put aside his ambition (which he denied) for a moment would he have tried so hard? If Warwick...well...one does not gain the moniker Kingmaker for no reason. If Henry...well...we're working on that.
And yes, the instant reaction is most definitely fulfilling.
You remain unique, @filcat and I am more than appreciative for that!
To all - So I finished Chapter 10 and started on Chapter 11 yesterday. And so...here we go! Give me a moment and it will be up. Thank you, thank you and thank you again! And go vote in the Year-end AwAARds! If you enjoy this or any other work at this forum, support your writAARs!
Always good to have you back, sir, and no doubt it was a long time coming for these events to finally happen. I'm pleased that you use the word "tension" because it is palpable surely. I wanted it to feel that way so if it is there, yay me.
@filcat actually covers it below rather better than I might in terms of the game mechanics, but in short - no, there is no actual battle in game. I've played a bit forward after this date and do hope to mirror the game more as we move along, but this battle was important to cover if we're telling this story and so I had to include it. So to answer the question honestly, it is your final suggestion above. EUIV does not do any better than its predecessor to model the WOTR (by and large) and I did find that with a few playthroughs to start, I was just going to have to model it on my own. I was forced to change Henry's stats and take action in game that I would not normally do were I trying to win. Recall, I even modded the save file to give Normandy back to France when they refused to win the war for themselves (let's be kind to the French because somehow that hurt them even more???)
This IS an after action report but no one should take it as an example of the game itself or how to play (especially because I play the game poorly, at turns either too impetuous or too safe. @Peter Ebbesen I am not, nor would I ever claim to be anywhere near as good as he to master this or any other game.) I finally just had to decide, since I have wanted to write this story for so long, that I was going to have to weave (as you suggest) what the game gave me with what I needed to include for the historical journey. That gives us the France in this timeline that is near broken but also this historical battle that truly kicks off the wars implied by the title of the work even if it did not occur in-game.
This work is more akin to some of my earlier works (Into the West and The Eagle in Winter especially) in that it takes one small sample of a game and moves on from there with the game itself deeply buried or even ignored at times so that I can write the story I want to tell. I've done it differently (especially with the Wessex saga) so hold no preference personally, but the reader will have to choose what they desire. I hate the phrase (because it is over used) but YMMV. Not yours personally, but the general reader.
Getting into the minds of these individuals as I write them...it is fascinating! Truth is stranger than fiction, indeed.
For some reason, I now have Hall & Oats in my head after reading this comment. Margaret is not quite "Rich Girl" (especially because Rene her father wasn't so rich by this date) but nice girl she isn't. Blame Suffolk. It was all his idea. A local girl would never have done for a King of England (despite OTL in which Edward woos Elizabeth Woodville) but surely there was another, better candidate that may have been a more appropriate choice.
Never apologize for the length of your comments, sir. Short, long or anywhere in between are appreciated. And you do a fine job above looking at the mechanics of the game and how it models the WOTR. Not well indeed. If I truly wanted to base this story on a game, I'd have been better off using Kingmaker (a game I still have not played despite all of the good words said about it.)
First of all, thank you for remembering what I have said to all when I started and as I have played/written and secondly, and while I appreciate the compliment, I am unsure that I have mastered anything here. I'll finish one post and think, "That's the best thing I've ever written" and then finish another and say to myself, "Jesus, that's just shit!" I've never been very good at self editing and reworking or rewriting a thing once it's done. I would get a B or C on college papers at times instead of an A for that very reason. That said, you just have to push on through. It all comes out in the wash, right?
Also, thank you for both remembering and pushing The SolAARium! A wonderful resource and a fun place to discuss the craft of writing.
Also also...this is no doubt a work of fiction. If I have done anything well in this work, I hope it is teasing out from these historical characters some sense of their reality and what it may have been like to be them. While we have extant knowledge from primary documents, they remain sketchy all of these years later (over 500 years!) We know what they did, but not necessarily why. In short...what is the motivation? I've stated before and will again here that my particular degree is a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from the University of Georgia (with two years spent prior at Berry College and two years of summer stock theatre as well when I actually got paid!) My focus was on acting and my guide was The Method as taught originally by Stanislovski. That was my senior thesis prior to graduation.
I don't use those talents much anymore and certainly not in a money producing way, but I cannot write (which itself offers me an artistic outlet) without considering character. What is a person's motivation? As an actor...as a character...that is the first, last and only thing to consider when trying to portray them.
I thank you but I will always apologize for moving too quickly. We all have real lives and thus other obligations outside of this forum. I know it all to well from my own experience. Post too much and/or too quickly, one will lose readers just because they cannot keep up. A lesson learned from 20 plus years at this forum. I desire as many readers and comments as possible, but I must weigh that by wanting to get my story out.
First of all, who plays the bongo?
Secondly, I value greatly the person that offered that advice but I was then and am now my own man. Somewhat far afield, but I very much value the exchange of ideas and especially those that I might find disagreement. One does not know how they truly think until those ideas are challenged. For too many these days, life is lived within a bubble such that they are not caused to consider anything other than what they already think. If an alternate idea comes through, it is immediately tossed aside as unreasoned or patently false. That is what makes these figures so fascinating. Were they so different 500 years ago? If Margaret had spent two seconds considering Richard's position? If Richard had been able to put aside his ambition (which he denied) for a moment would he have tried so hard? If Warwick...well...one does not gain the moniker Kingmaker for no reason. If Henry...well...we're working on that.
Fair enough, I'll agree in this way...you don't have to like the characters or even the path of a story, but one must at the least enjoy the writing of those things. Enjoy the exploration and find...wait for it...the motivation for continuing.
And yes, the instant reaction is most definitely fulfilling.
Sir, I thank you for the comments and I wish you and all else a happy new year as well! I'm not going to include the music as you do, but look up anything by Badly Drawn Boy because that was what I am listening to as I do the fb-fb.
You remain unique, @filcat and I am more than appreciative for that!
To all - So I finished Chapter 10 and started on Chapter 11 yesterday. And so...here we go! Give me a moment and it will be up. Thank you, thank you and thank you again! And go vote in the Year-end AwAARds! If you enjoy this or any other work at this forum, support your writAARs!
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Chapter 10: The Aftermath
* * *
London, May 1455
* * *
London, May 1455
It had all been surreal. The pain to his neck still throbbed, but he had done all he was able to show his regal position and place. The crown felt heavy to his head, but he held it up as best he could while he watched the Earl of Warwick ahead of him bearing the King’s sword while the Duke of York and Earl of Salisbury rode to each side in a procession to the Cathedral. Yet he was tired. Weary to his mind and ready to return to the palace. After a long day, he was finally able to rest as he sat with a heavy thud to a chair within his chamber.
But he was not yet done. A series of audiences was requested and one that was suggested by himself. Overseen by the Duke of York, he was first met with the Archbishop of Canterbury. Richard of York gestured for him to enter and Bourchier smiled to both Duke and King, “Your Grace...God Almighty sees you returned to us in all grace. He be good.”
“We thank you,” Henry gave an uneasy nod.
York followed, “As do I, sir. No one preached peace more than you.”
“Though it was sad that such was not followed,” the Archbishop allowed a squint to his eyes.
The Duke rounded the King’s chair, “And yet, here it is...seen by all. Would you not agree?”
“I had hoped for reconciliation prior to conflict, my Lord,” Bourchier suggested, “Too many have been harmed in this and we must pray for their souls.”
Henry spoke out softly, “We do, sir. With all of our faith. For the dead and for the living.”
York smiled as the Archbishop gave nod, “This is good, Your Grace...yet...shall there be a change?”
“A change?” Richard asked, “Do you mean in demeanor?”
“That is to be desired, my Lord,” the Archbishop suggested, “Yet...I do mean in administration.”
“I see no reason to change what has worked,” York answered for the King, “To reply to the specific, I should think you a fine Lord Chancellor. As to the others? We shall see.”
Archbishop Bourchier looked to the King and Henry weakly replied, “Indeed. We have been happy with your service...both temporal and spiritual.”
“Then I thank you, Your Grace,” Bourchier offered a slight bow.
York followed him as he gestured for the chamber door, “And we shall count upon your continued calming presence for all do require it.”
“Sir...” the Archbishop allowed before leaving, “...I shall do all that I might. Yet I do hope this is the end of it. Let us finally hold to peace.”
“Of course,” York replied as he escorted the prelate from the chamber and greeted another, “Ah...my Lord of Pembroke.”
Jasper Tudor acknowledged the Archbishop before showing a slight nod to York, “My Lord.”
The King showed a slight smile when Pembroke was announced, “Ahh...brother. I am happy to find your face.”
“And I yours, Your Grace,” Pembroke showed bow.
York again stood next to the King, “As may be seen, His Grace is well and good.”
“Though I do see injured,” Pembroke showed a finger as he pointed to his brother, “Wounded?”
“Alive and reigns still,” York answered quickly.
Henry waved a weak hand, “It is hardly worrisome. Perhaps more in pride than any other.”
“That in itself is troublesome, Your Grace,” Jasper looked to both King and Duke.
“It has been a time of trouble, sir,” York suggested, “It is now hoped that this time is over. Could you agree?”
Jasper allowed a nod, “Yet, Your Grace...I am told of loss. More than most...the Lord of Somerset.”
“We need not mention him, sir,” York showed irritation in his eyes, “Tis over and done with and so, we may begin anew.”
“Yet Her Grace the Queen?” Jasper again looked to his brother, “Will she not be overly saddened?”
Henry showed a pain to his face in answer, “There is little we may do about it. She will suffer as we all do, yet amends will be made.”
York almost protested before Jasper followed, “Amends to the Beauforts? That is good. I am told the son is grievously hurt and more...I be certain that our brother is saddened for his intended.”
“Ah yes...” Henry allowed a brief smile, “...young Margaret. Poor dear...has lost too much to her lifetime.”
Pembroke gave nod, “Indeed so. First a father and now an uncle. Would that she were made full, Your Grace.”
“Full?” York questioned.
“Yes...” Jasper looked again to Henry, “...indeed. Edmund is quite taken to her and she to him. Mayhap it is time for them to wed?”
York again questioned, “How old is the girl?”
“Three and ten, I believe” Jasper answered.
“Is that not perhaps too young?” Richard scoffed.
Jasper offered him a smile, “Was not your own daughter Anne of similar age when matched to the Duke of Exeter?”
“I believe that true, my Lord,” Henry suggested before looking to his brother, “And we quite agree. Young Lady Beaufort is in need of good cheer. We would give our allowance.”
“She will be very much pleased,” Pembroke bowed, “As will our brother.”
Henry stood weakly to place an arm to his brother’s own, “I would wish to tell him, Jasper. Yet you do so. Tell him it is my gift. He is deserving of it.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” Jasper bowed again as he left the chamber.
York helped the King back to his chair with some few words, “Do you be certain that this last is an audience you desire?”
“It is...the only one that I wished for,” Henry answered as he sat and looked to the door, “Please. Call him forth.”
“As you wish, sire,” Richard replied as he opened the chamber door to announce his very son, “Here be Edward of York, Your Grace. The Earl of March.”
Young Edward stepped into the chamber showing his height before giving bow, “Your Grace.”
“What do they call you...your family...when you are alone?” Henry asked as he waved a weak hand for the boy to raise.
Edward looked to his father first before responding, “Ned...Your Grace.”
“Then Ned...” Henry finally allowed a more authoritative tone, “...allow me to ask of you. What was your experience?”
“Your Grace?” Edward appeared confused.
Henry smiled to him, “To the battle, young Ned...how did you find it?”
“Harsh, Your Grace,” Edward answered quickly, “A hardship to see my father in such dire trouble. And not be able to do anything about it.”
Richard stepped behind him, “He was there to witness, sire. No thing more.”
“And witness he did,” Henry sat back and kept an eye to Edward, “A victory...for your father. Yes?”
“Nay, Your Grace...” Edward replied perhaps impertinently, “...I believe you to be the victor.”
When the King skewed an eye in question, the young man of York followed, “My father fights for you. Always has done so. That is what he has said in every telling. If he wins...then so do you.”
“You are young still,” Henry leaned to the arm of his chair, “We should like to think you are right, yet am unable to answer such to our Duke of Somerset for he is no more.”
When Edward lowered his head, the King continued, “Which is why you are called here this day, sir. Though wounded, as we have found, young Henry Beaufort is now inheriting of his father’s titles and more. Like you...a new generation. As you will someday follow after your father, he does so with his. Might we ask of you another question, Ned?”
“You may ask of me anything, Your Grace,” Edward dutifully bowed.
Henry leaned forward, “Could you...would you...be friends? Bury this animosity between houses? Prove a cease to these hostilities going forward so that we may live within the Grace of God?”
“I...” the young Earl of March looked first to his father before turning back to the King, “...we all would wish it, Your Grace. Such that it is in my power...I would follow in your directive. As my father is...so too am I at your service and will do.”
“Good,” Henry sat back once more with a weary eye, “Then go to him and comfort as you may and for as long as you remain to London.”
The Duke of York gave nod for his son to bow and leave and then asked once alone with the King, “He is young, Your Grace. Somerset’s son a bit older. Do you not think... that one will hold a grudge?”
“I am sure of it, cousin,” Henry answered as he stood with help, “Thus my ask. I should like to ask that of Neville and Percy...yet I think that too much of an ask. Yet here...now...as I should have him here...I wished to see if your son was true and I see that he is. You and I...we will hold...perhaps. He and his? I cannot say.”
“The younger Beaufort will most likely be swayed by others, Your Grace,” York attempted to suggest as he helped the King to a bed.
Henry showed a frown, “Speak not to me of her. She is likely as pained as I am...and...I cannot help her. Cousin...I cannot say that I am happy. So how must she feel?”
“I can understand,” Richard looked to him.
The King closed his eyes to rest but allowed another thought, “Treat with care, sir. She will never be as kind as I.”
Richard paused before asking, “And I should be kind with her?”
“Sir?” Henry opened his eyes with an emotional wound, “Have you not already won? Is there more that you would wish? More heartbreak and terror to inflict upon us all?”
“I have done no thing of the sort,” the Duke of York protested, “I have made you whole, as has been said...rid you of pernicious figures...and aim to lift you as you should be lifted as King.”
King Henry sat up slightly to the bed and looked to his cousin, “You think very highly of yourself, sir. As you should. So does she. So do they all. Do you think that I wished this?”
“Sire?” Richard questioned.
Henry allowed a slim smile, “You must know. By now, surely. I am not made for this journey. It is my lot in life...my position. My birth. Yet I am not he...not the man to be made King. It is not I that wishes it but so many others. I am...confounded...by the decisions to be made. To choose. Yet no one asks me to choose what I desire. Do you know what that is? What that would be?”
“You do not hold that choice,” Richard answered readily.
Henry gave a slight nod, “No. I do not. Rather, I am made to suffer the whims and notions of those with ambition. Had I any, it would be to God Almighty. Would that all others did the same.”
“Which they would not,” Richard gave nod.
“Quite so,” the King replied with a kind eye, “So why would you wish to be one of them? You are better than that, Richard of York. You are my kin...my cousin...truth be told, my most trusted advisor...”
“Then why do you make it so hard?!” the Duke questioned sincerely.
The King smiled to him, “Because I must. You are no better than I...and we no better than the people that we rule. My father was a good man, I am told. Strong man, to be certain. Conquered France...and then look what happened to him? You hold my same education...you know the stories. My namesake, of the second...his sons hated him. His wife as well. The first Henry...lost a son...and gave us anarchy. Our Edwards...strong, then weak, then strong...and here we are. What is lasting cousin? What is gained?”
Richard of York looked to the King with some admiration, “I do sometimes wonder, cousin...were you truly diseased?”
“I have no memory of that,” Henry answered him, “It is a blank slate in which I may write my own story now. I begin with God...and all are His creation. You...the Queen...and those others...especially those that have been lost or wounded.”
“I am...sorry, cousin,” Richard replied.
Henry held his eye, “Do not apologize to me, my Lord. I am made whole by God. Yet to Buckingham...Beaufort...Northumberland...so many more...that is the legacy that you are building for right or wrong. I hold to you no ill will as Christ allows us forgiveness. Yet you are the one to live with it...cousin...Dickon...my guide when I was young...you...you are the one to choose.”
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Henry acting as if he had nothing to do with the mayhem... I'll had kicked in the rear all the way to Catai, I swear it.
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That was actually really sad. Especially since we know that the war's not over.
And yet... what is left for Margaret to resort to? She's nothing without Henry's support, and he's against prolonging the conflict with York. I wonder if she will try to seduce another noble, though, since Somerset is dead?
Seriously, what is Margaret's plan if her son dies? Or even if he lives but isn't old enough to rule in his own right? I get that she could be regent, but the nobles would have something to say about that. And if Henry does live to an old age, isn't her influence mostly dead? Her son might be persuaded to... dispose of her by other nobles. What's her plan for that? I'm starting to think that she doesn't have a long-term plan...
And yet... what is left for Margaret to resort to? She's nothing without Henry's support, and he's against prolonging the conflict with York. I wonder if she will try to seduce another noble, though, since Somerset is dead?
Seriously, what is Margaret's plan if her son dies? Or even if he lives but isn't old enough to rule in his own right? I get that she could be regent, but the nobles would have something to say about that. And if Henry does live to an old age, isn't her influence mostly dead? Her son might be persuaded to... dispose of her by other nobles. What's her plan for that? I'm starting to think that she doesn't have a long-term plan...
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At the moment, the Yorkists have won decisively. Every one of their major rivals bar the queen is dead or heavily injured. The king is alive, well-ish and only has yorkist advisors. The Queen is out of favour and out of allies, except a few weaker Lords not part of the battle, and whomever she can gain over by personal diplomacy or vengeance...mostly the latter because her own quality if anything pushes most further away.
There are a few possibilities now.
1. The king dies soonish and York becomes king. This will not be without incident but it would not be difficult (or untrue) to get the 'prince' thrown out and both he and the Queen imprisoned (there to be dead of 'sickness' thereafter). Not a particularly good idea long term because as we know, the tudors are not without resource or skill.
2. The king does not die and sticks mostly with York. This seems most likely as of now, and should in time begin to heal some rifts. The Queen will be about trying to make sure those rifts stay open, but she's...her, and so will mostly fail or succeed by accident. The bastard Prince dies or is superceded by an actual heir in time.
3. As above but the king has no children and the queen sticks around long term. This...is not good, because basically means the war of the Roses starts up again whenever Henry dies (not just yorkists either. The lancastrians are probably not that enthused about the queen and, probably by this time quite obviously, somerset's bastard).
So there's a chance of peace, but it all involves either a new heir or...a new heir. But how that heir comes about is the question.
There are a few possibilities now.
1. The king dies soonish and York becomes king. This will not be without incident but it would not be difficult (or untrue) to get the 'prince' thrown out and both he and the Queen imprisoned (there to be dead of 'sickness' thereafter). Not a particularly good idea long term because as we know, the tudors are not without resource or skill.
2. The king does not die and sticks mostly with York. This seems most likely as of now, and should in time begin to heal some rifts. The Queen will be about trying to make sure those rifts stay open, but she's...her, and so will mostly fail or succeed by accident. The bastard Prince dies or is superceded by an actual heir in time.
3. As above but the king has no children and the queen sticks around long term. This...is not good, because basically means the war of the Roses starts up again whenever Henry dies (not just yorkists either. The lancastrians are probably not that enthused about the queen and, probably by this time quite obviously, somerset's bastard).
So there's a chance of peace, but it all involves either a new heir or...a new heir. But how that heir comes about is the question.
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