Henry left Jane in a hurry, he needed time and distance between them, as much distance as it was possible. And he had to talk to someone who would probably help him and would understand him. Besides this, he had to ask Phillip some things that were important, something he had planned for a long time now.

And now he was on his way to his friend. He knew their last meeting wasn't as good as they all had thought, but he also hoped that everything were forgotten again. He dismounted his horse in front of the great door of the estate where Phillip and Mary lived since the king baned them from court. He knocked on the door and after some minutes a servant opened him.

My lord?

Good day... Is your master there, I need to speak with him.

The servant nodded and let him in before he walked away to tell Phillip he had a guest. Henry paced nervously through the entrance hall, impatiently waiting for his friend.

The servant found Phillip in the garden. Phillip was on his daily walks. It was somehow calming to pace between those huge trees, thick bushes and amazing flowers.

At this place he could always collect his toughts. He knew he cannot wait much longer to go to the court as with that he would upset His Majesty. But in the last two weeks he was here and looked after his ant, who became more and more her old self. Phillip slowly gave up to persuade her to face the world and return to the court one day. And he waited for Mary's return, who was now at court herself in incognito to meet her cousin. Phillip thought, it's dangerous enough for her alone there, so he waited till she will returm.

When the servant came he looked up surprised.

Yes, James? What is it?

My Lord, Henry Cromwell arrived and is waiting to see you.

Phillip walked in the house immediately. He was quite surprised by his visit. He felt still uncomfortable because of the unfortunate Launde visit. He feared Henry is mad at him, and could just hope that everything is all right between Henry and Lady Jane.

When he reached the hall he greated Henry with a warm smile.

Henry, what a nice surprise! I'm glad to see you!

While the servant tried to find his master, Henry paced up and down this bloody hall, he was sure, when the ground would not have been made of solid material, he had already built a dirt track with his impatient footsteps. Where in God's name was Phillip? Was he playing hide and seek with his servant or what? No matter how hard Henry tried to remain calm he always ended up to curse Phillip for his dilatoriness.

Suddenly, he turned around as he heard footsteps on the floor and there he was, his good friend who didn't seem to know that it was an urgent matter. Well, Phillip didn't know that but Henry's mind wasn't really logical at the moment.

Phillip! Where were you? I already thought you played hide and seek with your servant...

Henry said a bit annoyed but happy and teasingly.

As Phillip apperoached Henry, he saw that his friend's face is inpatient and annoyed. Great. So he is still upset. But what is he doing here then? Phillip shiged and frowned at his words.

Well, exude me, but I asn't expecting anyone. And I was in the garden. An you know very well how damn enormousthis castle is. But now I'm here.

Actually Phillip still hated this place, the atmospheare it's hugeness, it's oldness.

And as I said, good to see you!

Henry raised an eyebrow at his friend's response. Normally, he would have heard the teasing tone, but why not yet?

Phillip, is everything alright? Because... em, normally you wouldn't answer that serious if would have heard my teasing tone.

Phillip starred at him for a second, before it reached him what Henry said. Then the smile returned to his face.

Im really sorry, Henry. I just didn't dare to hope you actually tease. I thought you are still mad. But now, to answer to your question, no, I wasn't playing hide and seek. How could I do that without you?

Henry began to laugh. That was Phillip and the answer he wanted to hear.

Well then, friend. We will play it after I have spoken with you about something where I need your help. And why do you think I'm mad at you? Because of this little discussion at Launde? Oh please, I'm not that resentful. Everything is alright, don't worry.

He put his hand onto his friend's shoulder to assure him that he was honest.

Phillip laughed with him. The shaddows of his worry started to fade. He looked interested and surprised at Henry.

Well, I have no idea in what would you need my help, but I do what I can. Especially because you helped me even without noticing. And yes, actually I was a bit worried. That visit din't end the way I wished. And I had the feeling we caused a storm in the paradise.

He winked at Henry. Then he realised where they were standing.

Don't you want to sit down and drink something?

Henry rolled his eyes playfully and pretended to be annoyed again at Phillip's answer about paradise. But in truth it was somehow funny.

Storm in paradise? Oh please, we had no snake. So everything is still alright. What do you mean with I helped you without noticing it?

He asked a bit confused then he thought for a moment and shook his head.

No, I think I couldn't sit while I'm explaining to you for what I need your help. I'm already nervous enough... I mean, I'm glad my horse knew the way to this estate, because I'm sure I would have land somewhere else. But something to drink isn't a bad idea at all.

All right, I'm happy to hear, that everything is fine with the two of you.
And well, 'the little discussion ' at Launde helped me to realize that I have to change some things. And I did the first steps.

Now Phillip lookedat Henry a bit confused. Wverything is all right, but he behaves likes this?

But I tell everything later. You are nervous? What happened, Henry? Please, come with me into the parlour. It's warmer there, I can sit down and you can pace up and down. And there we can find some vine as well.

Henry grinned and was eager to know what Phillip has changed, but then his smile vanished as he heard that Phillip would tell it later. But this way it was better, for Henry would have nothing on his mind anymore and could listen better to his friend.

Alright, lead the way Phillip and I will follow you like a dog.

Phillip was still chuckling from Henry's words when they reached the parlour. He walked to a table took two goblets and filled them with good Spanish wine. He brought one to Henry and gave him.

I hope it's a big enough room for you. But now, tell me, what's the matter?

Henry followed Phillip into the parlor but didn't take notice of everything until Phillip handed him a goblet of wine. But before he could start to tell what he had to tell he downed the goblet and stared in the empty thing in his hand.

Would you mind if I take another one?

He asked before he refilled his goblet. Then he started his old game and paced through the room.

Ok, where to start? You know I love Jane and... and nothing could ever change that. And ... and we have done this and this, but you know it's not really the same...

He didn't notice that he was babbling about really intimate things, here and then he took another sip.

... and I want to spend my whole life with her and after all, I'm the reason why she lost her family...

He stopped and turned around to Phillip, staring at him as if he was certain that Phillip knew what he wanted to say with that... But Phillip looked as if he couldn't follow him.

Phillip?

Phillip looked at Henry as if he would have arrived from the moon. He neves saw him drinking that fast. And this much at once. What the hell is happening here?

Of course, have another one. And after that you can have a third and a fourth as well.

He grinned then tried zo anderstand what Henry wanted to say, but honestly he had no idea. He slowly sipped his vine maybe this will help his mind to work.

Of course I know that you love her. But you did what?

"This and this?" Really helpfull information. Really. And not the same? Did Henry gone mad?

What are you talking about? She lost her family ? Because of you? Did you killed them, or what?

Phillip asked grinning. It was meant as a joke of course. But as he looked at Henry's face he almost thought it can be true. He looked so confused, and exited and happy at the same time. And then he starred at Phillip.

I'm still here, Henry.... But are you talking in English at all? I have no clue what are you talking about. Sorry. Maybe I should drink even more.

When Henry heard that he could take a third drink, he didn't hesitate, downed his goblet and refilled it again. Then he started to pace through the room in front of Phillip, even if it was also annoying for him but he couldn't sit still.

He stopped and looked to Phillip and now he was the one who didn't understand what Phillip was talking about.

What what did I?

He frowned. It seemed as if he hadn't listened to his own words that came out like a waterfall.

Well, I didn't murder them, what are you thinking about me? No, but her father baned her from his family because he had a problem with his daughter's love for me. Or to say it bluntly, he hates me because I'm a Cromwell, you know.

Henry paused and drank from his wine before he continued.

Phillip, maybe you should really drink more, because everyone else would know by yet that I'm speaking about marriage.

Pillip's amazment grw and grew. He actually meant that third and fourth goblet as a joke, but if Henry needs this... And fortunately there were four another bottles somewhere. God bless the Emperor! Ok, try to focus and understand this nonsense. He filled a second goblet for himself.

Well, Henry, this and this can mean a lot of things. Ok, I have some ideas, but you never talk about such things. And you would never do that either. Could you at least pace a bit slower? I feel dizzy when I look at you.

He grinned and rolled his eyes. The next informations were quite shoking. Why would Jane's father do such a thing?

Because you are a Cromwell???

Then he almost spat some vine. Marriage??

Yes, Henry, it's totally obvious. 'This and this, lost her family, not the same. " How can I be that stupid? "

He grinned, and szarted to walk toward Henry. Maybr he can stop him for a moment.

Henry stared with open mouth to Phillip as he heard the words he obviously had said. 'This and this', how could say that?' Henry tried to look more like a serious adult man, but he knew it was too late to do so.

Oh come on, you know what I mean, you are also a man... so use your head, Phillip.

The second part what Phillip said was already done, Henry stood in front of him and tried to regulate his breathing and to order his thoughts.

Yes, because I'm a Cromwell or to say it otherwise I'm the grandson of Thomas Cromwell. I think, that says it all.

He rolled his eyes and took another sip from his wine before he stared to Phillip again. Either he was stupid or his friend.

Of course, it is obvious... your head is just too lazy. One question, you know math, don't you? Ok, Phillip... "This and this" plus "not the same" plus " lost her family" makes marriage.

Phillip almost burst out in laughter seeing Henry's dumb face. Does he even remember what he was saying some minutes ago? And Henry really talking about some kind of love making with Lady Jane? Well, well well. What a surprise.

Well, yes, I'm a man. And I had a suspicion even before. I just thought you are too much a gentleman to talk about this. But as I'm a man, details please! How far went that this and this?

Phillip drank more sips as he started to feel himself really stupid. What on Earth has it to to do with Henry's granfather? Or maybe....

Ok, let me try to find out. Your grandfather as Henry's servant did something to Jane's family?

And I can do math. And I think I start to understand. Or not at all. You proposed her, she said yes, right? Then what are you waithing for? I cannot marry her instead of you.

Henry felt as if his wanted to plop out of his head, as he heard Phillip's words. He really wanted to hear details? What the ...? Then he started to grin mischievously.

So, now you want to hear how far I went in our love-making? And why do you think I would tell you this? Do you need new ideas?

He said teasingly. When Phillip couldn't be that blunt and cheeky then Henry could be too.

Well, I don't know exactly, this man just annoyed me with his attacks but I think it was something because of his wife, who chose the new religion, then an uncle who was burned because he denied the king's supremacy. So, he blamed my grandfather... even if I tried to explain it to him. But it has no sense to explain this a person like Sir William.

He rolled his eyes and took a huge sip from the wine, before he walked back to the small table to refill the goblet again. He wasn't sure if he could still walk like a sober man, but the room already started to twirl.

God, Phillip... Are you that stupid or do you pretend? I'm here to ask you if you can help me with everything, for I have no clue what is needed. How can you assume I would ask you to marry her instead of me? That doesn't make sense...

'... Does it?' He thought. 'Henry, you are drunk...'

Phillip looked at him and tried to look at hm serious for a moment. It wasn't working, he was just grinning after that.

No, I don't need ideas. Maybe I can give tips to you. And why I think you would tell me these things? Because: A) you are my friend. B) you started this whole this and this thing C) I'm curious if I should be worried or not.

Then he rolled his eyes.

Oh, so some religious issue again. I could never understand this. I'm not even sure if I have a religion or not.

Phillip watched Henry and knrw he has to make him sit down somehow.

Ok, Henry, please sit down. And please try to tell me why on Earth are you so nervous because of the whole thing? It's just a wedding... And shouldn't you ask Jane instead of me?

Henry spat the wine he was drinking as he heard Phillip's words about giving ideas to him.

You are really too funny for words, Phillip. I don't need ideas from you. I have also my imagination, believe me.

He winked and rubbed over his mouth with the back of his hand.

I will tell you, but first we have to talk about the more important think before I just babble nonsense.

Henry didn't know what he should think about Phillip's last comment about religion, but his head had to focus on the marriage-thing before he couldn't think coherent anymore.

It's just wedding? It's just wedding? Phillip, one question... Weren't you also nervous as you knew that you would marry? And I can't tell it Jane because it is a surprise...

He said and sighed. Then he looked to an armchair and thought if it would be really better when he would sit. But then his head told him to sit down before he would stumble and fall to the ground.

Hey, Henry! Be careful! The carpet!

Phillip started to feel thankful that Mary is not at home and aunt Anna is sleeping deeply. Soon they will be very very drunk. Hopefully there won't be wine everywhere.

I'm happy that you appreciate my humor. But if you say no, then no. But don't hope to manage not to tell the details.

Phillip was overun by memories immediately. His own wedding... Yes, he was nervous like hell.

Yes, I was nervous, but just because I didn't know what Mary will say. But normally brides preapare these things. What?? You want to surprise her? Henry? Are you sure that it's neeeded? I mean you could spare a lot of trouble if you would do it together...

Now finally Phillip sat down as well.

What? Carpet? Where?

Henry looked around and then saw it... He made sure he hadn't spat the wine over it and then grinned to Phillip.

Don't worry, nothing has happened, it's just me who has the wine on his clothes...

When he felt the armchair under his butt he grinned even more to Phillip. He didn't know how he looked like, but he looked like a stupid grinning fool.

But I want to surprise her, why do you think I'm here? Because I know you will help me with this challenge. It can't be that complicated...

Henry led the goblet to his mouth but he didn't drink from it, he stared into the strange thing in his hand and was amazed about the moving liquid in it.

On your clothes. Great! Thank you! You know IU start to feel that if Lady Jane would see you now, she wouldn't be sure to marry you.

Phillip teased and grinned. At least Henry was sitting. But will je be able to understand everything? And what are they talking about?Oh, yes, the wedding. Ok, Phillip, don't drink more for a while.

Of course I will help you. And at least you can be sure that she won't say no. Okay, there are some questions. Where do you want to marry her? Privatelly or with guests? Does Lady Jane love big festivities? Henry... Are you listening to me?

Henry stared at Phillip and he didn't know how often he looked that way at his friend.

Don't say that, Phillip! You know that when you say some things loud it will happen... And if Jane won't marry me then I blame you, be certain of it.

He said as serious as he could, but why were there two Phillip's? And why did he just now recognize the other one? Henry shook his head in the hope it helped, then he looked back to Phillip... and ya, there was just only one Phillip. Henry began to grin again.

Well... I thought we will marry at Launde, there is also a chapel so, we needn't to go somewhere else... and I think it's better when we just marry in the presence of our family and friends.

He had managed to listen to Phillip, but how long he could do it, was written on another sheet, for the liquid was really too interesting and the room danced in front of his eyes.

Phillip, does the room dance always or does it dance just for me?

If... if I say things out loud they will happen? Really? So if I say I want thenext bottle of vine flying to us, it will? Ok, let's try . Bottle, come here. It isn't working, Henry. But maybe the bottle is Spanish. Ok, I forgot everything in that language. Vamos bottle aqui. No, Henry, it's not working. So poor Lady Jane will marry you whatever you will do. Or whatever I say.

Phillip grinned and stood up to get another bottle. He felt more and more dizzy actually.

Great, Henry at every wedding there are family and friends. Who else could be there? Strangers? Besides you could have the wedding at a lake. Or... in a lake?

Phillip looked up at the last question.

Henry! Are you serious? It is not dancing! It's... swimming! Drifting!

Henry wondered what Phillip was talking about and tilted his head as Phillip tried to persuade the bottle of wine to come to them. Then he gasped for air at Phillip's words.

Poor Jane? Hey, what do you want to say with that? I'm a really good man and I do everything for her. I even go hunting just to let out my energy so I don't jump onto her like a desperate and wild animal.

Henry pulled a face as he thought back to the days where he was running and riding through the forest like mad, even if there wasn't any deer or something else he could hunt down.

What? You asked me if it would be a private or a great wedding. And under private I understand that's with family and friends... So, don't complain about my answer. And now... give the bottle to me when you've finally manged to refill your goblet.

He stretched out his hand but it wasn't really the direction of Phillip, but the direction of the other Phillip, who he thought he got rid of him.

Swimming? Drifting? I think you are totally cruddy...

Phillip stood up and went for the bottle, but then when he heard Henry he almost dropped the bottle. He starred at him grinning.

Like a desparate and wild animal? God, Henry, is the situation that bad?
And maybe Lady Jane wouldn't be even against that. Or was she even against the this and this?

Phillip laughed. Henry and his strange expressions. He filled his goblet and drank it at once. He stared in the fire and started to see strange figures in the flames. They had weird forms...

Henry, Henry, Henry! By intimate I mean just the two of you. Like we were. Ok, we were three. No, four. Never mind, not many. And there is no chance you get a whole bottle.

He hid the bottle under his chair

At Phillip's words Henry turned around to look at him. Phillip looked as if he was that surprised? Could it be? Henry just grinned cheekily.

Ya, like a wild and desperate animal. I mean, come on... I'm a man and I love this woman like mad and then I can't have her when I need her... And she wasn't against my doing in the garden, but she is a Catholic, Phillip, and I don't want that she brings her soul in danger. So, I want to wait, for the love I hold for her.

It was amazing that he could form coherent sentences... But maybe it was because of the matter and Jane. She was always the one who made Henry think like an serious man, on the other hand she brought out the child in him as well as the man he was.

God, could we speak about something that isn't that important? I can't follow you anymore... And hey! I didn't want the whole bottle, I just want to refill my goblet as well or do you think I leave this wine to you alone? Come on, Phillip. Am I not your best friend? ... Don't you love me?

He pouted and blinked like a seducing woman towards his friend, hoping he would melt and give in.

Phillip had to chuckle on Henry's despair. Of course he had an idea what his friend was talking about. He just never heard him speak like this. And his amazment and grin grew even bigger when Henry spoke further.

Oh, my poor friend. You know if I may be honest I never understood how was able to wait for years. When I returned to England to Mary, I struggled with myself not after years but after weeks. And you know that very well. Our epic tennis match... was because of that.

His grin became even wider at the memories, and he dit some movements with his hands as if the racket would be in his hand again. But he managed just to push one vase down from the table. but he didn't even noticed it.

Wait, wait wait! The this and this happened in the garden?? My friend, you can always surprise me. And do you know that you sounded just like a poet?

Phillip sit down in the chair or rather fell into it.

It was you who was comming to me to speak about serious matter, don't you remember?

He bent down for the bottle, filled two goblets, but before he handed one to Henry, he said.

You are my best friend, I love you, but don't forget you don't want to marry me, bu tJane, so don't look at me like that. It's useless.

Henry watched as Phillip imitated their tennis match and sent a vase down to the ground. Henry leaned forward, that much forward that he almost fell down the armchair. He sat there like a collapsed puppet and stared wondering down to the vase.

And that's why you almost killed me? Wow, Phillip. I didn't know that you were that desperate.

Henry struggled to sat up again but soon he gave up and sat down on the floor. He looked like a child in the dirt as he looked up to Phillip, stupidly grinning.

Yepp, in the garden when it was raining... And I can tell you, such a tree is really interesting when you have a wonderful woman with you. Ok, it isn't that comfortable for the woman, but it was really tempting.

Me, a poet? Funny! I didn't know I can talk like a poet when I'm drunk...

Henry tilted his head and began to chuckle none stop. Then he reached out his hand to take the goblet, but it didn't move further. Why? 'Bloody thing, come to daddy.'

Well, you are already married so I guess I would have no chance to get you, when Jane would change her mind.

Henry tried to lure the goblet to him in moving his forefinger and staring at it.

Come to me, my sweet little thing...

When Phillip looked up, he saw Henry creeping down to the ground from his chair. And he is trying to reach something. Phillip closed and opened his eyes. What is that?

What the hell are you doing down there? And was this vase here before? Fo we had such a vase at all? And I almost killed you? What a Weichei you are!

Under the influence of the vine Phillip returned to his mother tounge for a second. Then looked up and down on Henry, he titled even his head, snd trried to understand what he was talking about.

Garden, rain, tree? Not too comfortable? What have you done with her? Tortured or loved?? How can you have such ideas. Do I really want to know where the tree was? Poor Jane...

Phillip rolled his eyes, grinned, drannk from the goblet, then suddenly he was sitting on the floor as well.

I have no clue what I'm doing here but I must say, your floor is quite comfortable. Don't ask me about a thing named "vase"... But I saw it fly to the ground and found it quite interesting.

Henry answered and looked to the rest of the vase. What was that for a strange thing?

Tortured and loved? Hmmm... let me think... I believe I did both to her. Phillip, is your brain that lazy that you don't know what you can do in the garden when you are with a woman? Do I have to tell you what I have done? Poor Jane...pfff... She loved it.

He grinned broadly.

But I can't Spanish, furthermore... the wine didn't listen to you as you talked to him in Spanish before.

Uhh, I don't want to fight with Mary... Then I have come too late to marry you, now I have to live with it. What a shame.

Henry pouted and then wanted to take the goblet from Phillip, but somehow this bloody thing was moving... and half the wine landed on his doublet.

Fuck!!

My floor is comfortable? Well, maybe I should be drunk all the time, and then I would feel this house comfortable. But I'm happy that my carpet.... gives you such pleasure. Do you want to sleep there this night, or should I prepare a room for you?

Phillip played with a piece of the vase what was shining now in the light of the candles and fire.

Is it gold? By the way I thought the room was flying, not this.

Phillip threw the piece away, drank from the vine and looked at Henry thoughtfully, with a weird smile.

You tortured her and she loved it? Well, she has weird taste. And... I have some ideas about garden and women and I can imagine doing such things on the grass, on a bench... But .... ein Baum? I mean a tree? So, my wise friend tell me everything or I will die stupid.

Phillip looked at Henry as if he woul be tell him the secret of the world. But then his face became schocked, he mimed sadness and desperation.

Henry.... You would give me up so easily? You wouldn't fight for me? But... but I thought you love me. Hey.... be careful with the vine!!!

OOC: Ich denke ich wahr noch nie soooo betrunken! :D :D :D :D

Henry raised an eyebrow at Phillip's words, but the word what caught his attention was "pleasure". He squinted over the edge of goblet to Phillip.

Pleasure? Your carpet? Phillip, your carpet in all honors, but I prefer other sorts of pleasure. Hm... I think about your offer, we will see if I can stand up from the ground or if I will fall asleep here.

His eyes wandered to the piece of the vase that Phillip held in his hand, guessing if Phillip is just really drunk or if he was right. Henry narrowed his eyes just for the sake to stop the movement of the room to look at the piece with all his concentration he could muster.

I have no clue what color it is, it's just a piece of who-knows-what.

His brain hadn't figured out what this was, what Phillip had sent to the floor and Henry gave up to think about in longer. He put his goblet on the floor and first made sure that it stood secure on the ground, before he took his hand careful away from it. Then he looked to Phillip while he leaned forward as if feared someone could listen.

Believe me, this torture loves every woman... And you are really boring when you can just think about a woman lying in the grass or sitting on a bench. A tree is also a good opportunity to satisfy a woman. Just press her with the back to the tree and let your tongue and fingers explorer her body entirely, if you know now, what I mean.

He winked and grinned cheekily. Then took the goblet in his hand again after he had found it, of course. He needed three attempts to grab this dancing thing before his eyes.

My dear Phillip, I love you but you would hate me if I would fight against Mary. Furthermore, I think I would lose for I don't like to fight with a woman. ... God! Don't worry. The wine is fine so you need not to call out for a physician. ... And thank you that you care more for the wine than for me.

Oh, so the pleasure of my carpet isn't enough for you? And what kind of pleasures do you prefer? Drinking Spanish vine, making fun of an old friend, torturing young woman?

Phillip stroked the carpet as it would be a very, very precisious thing. Then he looked up and stared in the light of the candle standing om the table.

Henry, do you see it too? The horses with red wings?

Phillip leaned forward as he thought Henry would tell him the biggest secrets of the Earth. In the meantime he slowly grabbed Henry's goblet, and drank it out grinning. As he listened to Henry's sentences he coughed from shock and dropped his mouth.

Ok, so... in a garden... in rain...to a tree... It's cold... wet... sliding... hard... hurts the woman's skin... Yah, of course every woman loves it... Do you want me to believe this? Love took your mind... Our hers. But tell me, you hero how where you able to stop?

Phillip laughed laudly when Henry realized his goblet is empty.

Have you lost something? And I care for the vine more because I have less from it and see it more often.

Henry listened the examples of pleasure and grinned.

Exactly... those are the best pleasures, well... of course torturing my beloved Jane do I just to please her the same time. I'm not a sadist. But Phillip, when I tease you then just because I love you, I also tease Jane... So you aren't the only one who has to endure it.

Hearing Phillip's next words, Henry turned his attention to the candles, hoping to see what his friend saw. But he didn't see horses with red wrings, instead he just noticed that his head refused every work for him. He looked back to Phillip and watched him for a while, guessing what he had in his wine and why he didn't give him this mysterious substance too.

Phillip... Do you have something in your wine what I haven't?

He asked suspiciously with narrowed eyes.

Oh God, you are so naive and inhibited. It doesn't matter if it is wet or could. If you make it right, then you don't recognize that it is cold or wet, furthermore I know Jane loved it... I could hear it and see it. Phillip, one question... you know how it works, do you?

He asked grinning.

Hm... I have no clue how I managed to stop, but I think I didn't want to do something what Jane and I would regret and that helped me to find an end.

With that Henry wanted to drink from his goblet for what he had struggled so hard to get it in his hand. But it was empty... It was empty?! He looked incredulously into the goblet and then turned it around, looking if there was a whole in the ground.

Hmm... why is my goblet empty?

He asked more to himself and looked up as Phillip began to laugh.

I have lost the wine... and can't find it again.

Henry looked sadly from Phillip into his goblet and back to Phillip.

Phillip watched the grinning Henry. Does he have different eye color now?

Gott, poor Jane, if she has to endure as much as I do... But I manage it, because I have a wonderful nature, haven't I? And no matter what you say, you are a sadist. But we don't mind.

He said all this with batting eyelashes and looked seductively at Henry.

No, I think we drink the same. Maybe there is something in my german genes though.

He listened further to Henry and slowly shook his hed, disapprovingly.

Of course I know how it work. And it's great that Jane loved it. But! What is it good in that for You? What did you get? And what the hell would you regret?

Phillip watched half serious half grinning how Henry searches for his vine. Then added.

Maybe you should look it under the table.

You are really strange, Phillip. Why am I a sadist? I gave my beloved a pleasure she didn't know before and you call me a sadist... I'm really shocked and speechless. And you and a wonderful nature? How should I take this now?

He crossed his arms over his chest and looked with a raised eyebrow to his friend. He wanted to look serious, but somehow he felt it didn't work, maybe because there was again this second Phillip?

What I get? My God, you are really curious... But can't you think of something I may have got?

Henry sent a cheeky grin to his friend.

What I or we would have regret? Phillip, she is Catholic... she is more serious in her believe than we Protestants. But if it is about damnation then we are all the same. We don't want to risk it.

His eyes didn't leave Phillip's stupid grinning face and he looked at him quite suspiciously.

Don't fool me! You told the wine to flee from me! ...

'Even if you know that wine can't run away?'

Yes, you gave her pleasure of course. But I remember her and she seemed to have a very soft skin. And sorry, but a trunk of the tree is not a silk blanket.

The vine freed Phillip's tounge. Only a little voice in his head told him that it's not sure that he should talk about Lady Jane's skin and stuff like that, but it wasn't loud enough.

So you want to say now I don't have a nice nature? Ouch, it hurts.

Phillip looked offended. Then poured some vine to his goblet and grinned.

Well, yes, I'm cuorious and I'm drank. And II simply don't understand. If she has no experience, and you did this and this, but not everything, where is the pleasure ther for you. Please, wise master, teach me.

He bowed before Henry. If he would have been sober he would remember that he had the same situation with Mary, and didn't mind a minute of it. But now he just simply didn't want to ruin the mood with religious thoughts. So he poured vine to Henry.

Before you get damned, drink. And yes, your vine fled in my stomach.