In need of a drink, Phillip of Bavaria & Henry Cromwell

[Henry Cromwell]

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.

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

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!

[Henry Cromwell]

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.

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

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 Cromwell]

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, Duke of Bavaria]

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 Cromwell]

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, Duke of Bavaria]

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 Cromwell]

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.

[Phillip, Duke of Bavaria]

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 Cromwell]

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, Duke of Bavaria]

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 Cromwell]

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, Duke of Bavaria]

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.

[Henry Cromwell]

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.