Lords and Ladies, Gentles all. I would like to introduce myself, and tell you something about my long family history. My true and proper name is:
My Family came from Sautrye France in the 11th century, and the family name at that time was Lak (Lake in French). They settled near a large lake in Northern Scotland, a days ride from the coast. At that time Aberdeen was only a small fishing town. As more of the family came to Scotland a small village began to grow on the shores of Loch Carrin. The family named the town Dunblaine. Most of the families in Dunblaine became either farmers or fighters to fend off the Danes and Vikings from the North. Around the later part of the 12th century the family changed the name to the Gaelic form of Grain farmer by the Lake, or MacGraanloch. Over the course of the years until the early 1400's the family grew, and became close with the Nobles of Scotland. Thanks to the invasions of either the English (No offense intended) or the Danes, there was not much time for peace, and the family's name grew. It was in one such battle around Loch Carrin that a Great Grandfather was pivotal in turning a battle from the Danes. While he lost his life King James I gave Robert Gregory MacGraanloch the Title of Baron of Doughtongarrie. King James also set down the family motto; Con Meum ac Voce. Which in English is "With Heart and Voice". Then his son Gregory Andrew MacGraanloch entered into King James I's service the first Baron of Doughtongarrie, and as a Captain in his Majesties service. Ever since then the family was been in the service of the Royal Stuarts of Scotland. With the King's consent, Robert Gregory's son, Gregory Daniel married Annwllyn Stuart, a niece of the King. For the wedding present, King James created the Earldoms of Haddo and Dunblaine (two parishes that surround Loch Carrin). Then Gregory Daniel as created the first Earl of Haddo and Dunblaine. Gregory Daniel's son, my grand father married the daughter of the Marquis of Aberdeen, and when the Marquis' son died in a trip abroad the title passed to the daughter. My great Grandmother was not long lived after that, and within two years passed away leaving my Grand Father with his son Robert Angus, and the title of Marquis of Aberdeen. My Father having lived most of his life with only his father to guide him reveled in the sport of hunting, and drinking. Perhaps it is due to the drink that I've already been granted the titles that were his. Robert spent several years in France studying the arts of war, and fencing with M. Gounet who had a great reputation around Europe. While studying for a year in France when Robert was 22 he noticed a small woman named Mm. Margarette Jaqualine Bibere. The daughter of the Viscomté de Sautrye, and a Lady in waiting for the wife of King Henri. So the reason my name is French instead of the usual middle name becoming the first name of the son is that my father loved my mother very much, and felt a little guilty about bringing her from Paris to the manor house in Dunblaine. So in breaking with tradition, when I was born, my father allowed my mother to give me a French name. Since I was 25 I've been in the service of King James and Mary Queen of Scots, as an Ambassador at large. Mostly I think the job is to help smooth over ruffled feathers, which I seem to be rather good at. During my last visit to France this year past, my Grandfather on my mothers side of the family passed and left me with the Viscomte de Sautrye, and the King Henri of France elevated me to a Knight of the Order of St. Philippe. Since I'm an Ambassador I find that I have to be very lively, and indulge the pastimes of people that I visit. Fortunately, my father being raised by his father was very fond of games, dancing, and hunting. And with my mother being in the court in France taught me court dances, but I also know the country-dances from father. My first care is always to the Scotland, then France, then to England. While I do suffer insults directed both to me, and to Scotland, If provoked to a duel I will not back down as some might think. I will however make light of the circumstances that have brought about the duel, and turn the fight into a stop at the nearest pub. What a better way to drown a fight than in a bucket or two of ale. Most of the time though I will try to find ways to get the insulter back at a later date. A confrontation would not be the most pleasing event at the time. |
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