A Rose for the 'Laydee'

[B5Kylan@aol.com]

Several Siridar are accosted by a member of the nefarious Rose gang, and a
clue is left behind. The log begins mid-scene, due to a naughty computer.

Players: Sha’ar, Arn, Cato, Iason, Helen, Ivanova, Zhia

Logged by Sha’ara’diin


Central Plaza -- Embassy District (Kaitain)

The boulevard opens to a large square. Tall trees, spaced evenly about the
square, open in spots to allow view of well-guarded gates, showing peeks of
the wealth behind them. At the center of the square is a statue of Jehanne
Butler, brandishing a sword as she rides on her horse through a fountain. The
boulevard runs parallel to the southeast shore of Lake Corrin.
Players:
 Helen                                              Iason 
 Cato                                               Arn
Exits:
 Stairway <D> leads to Subway Station -- Embassy District (Kaitain) 
 Council Row <SW> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain) 
 Council Row <NE> leads to Negara II Plaza -- Embassy District (Kaitain)

Iason merely listens for a moment, then adds, "Her presentation is set to
happen in but a short time." 

Cato's gaze snaps back to the conversation at hand, left eyebrow peaking
slightly as the topic becomes somewhat... juicier. He takes this opportunity
to step forward, and impose his presence once more. "Then may I be one of the
many to welcome you to Kaitain, my lady?"

A slight look of surprise dawns on Arn's face, like a sullen morning sun on a
winter day, when Cato steps forward. He isn't sure if it's just in his
imagination, but Arn thinks he can make out a questionable flush to the older
man's appearance. Ever so slowly he frowns...

Rosa startles a bit, hooves clattering sharply, at the Minister's sudden
movement, and Sha'ar subtly applies the proper pressure o the reigns, then
shifts his wait to counter the Stallion, calming him. Eyes swirling into a
thoughtful smoky storm, the Sultan remains silent, a portrait of rapt
attention.

Helen nods shyly to Cato, "Thank you, my Lord. It is good to be back." Her
voice is soft and musical, though it carries well so you do not have to strain
to hear her. Suspicion does not seem to be part of her nature, though shyness
certainly is, at least when dealing with new people.

Cato smiles suavely at the young woman, and glances about as he opens his
mouth to comment on some bit of idle chit-chat. Largely ignoring the skittish
nature of the Baron's steed, he pauses, however, when he sees Arn's slow
frown, and subtly arches an eyebrow in question. For that moment, Cato's
conversational 
momentum is lost, but he recovers quickly with, "It is our pleasure to have
you here, my lady." (though not without a certain loss of naturalness, and
another curious glance at Arn).

White Draped Figure comes from the Negara II Plaza.

White Draped Figure has arrived.

White Draped Figure strolls along the plaza, then spots the large gathering of
noble born high-types.

Arn mumbles, "I bet it is," to himself. With supreme etiquette he raises the
briefcase he is squeezing under one arm, pointing with it to Sheuset Square -
just happening to cover the neckline of Helen's dress from prying eyes. "I
say, is that the Ginaz Embassy over there? An impressing building, for sure."

White Draped Figure glances around a moment, then gives, what if it could be
seen, would be called a toothy grin, before beginning several humble
prostration’s before the assembled Siridari, "Ah, Nobles-Borns, Ah nae be
meanins ta interupts yer nobles-borns things.."

Helen nods to Cato, watching the exchange between he and Arn with a hint of
incomprehension. She replies to Cato as if he had not faltered. "It is kind of
you to say so, my lord. I fear being new to society I have yet to meet
everyone, but my father does intend to correct that with the small party he is
planning to celebrate my return." She takes a step back from Arn, blinking a
bit.

Again the Baron's stallion stirs, somewhat upset and tense at the apparently
gathering crowds. The Baron himself, however, seems lost in rapt
concentration, his grey washed eyes focusing upon the interplay of his
companions.

The pair of Atreides bodyguards remain discretely near Helen.

White Draped Figure studies all the assembled personages from his plethora or
prostration’s "Arenae all me nobles-borns beins of tha Atreedes?"

Iason raises a brow.

Arn turns irritatedly toward the Draped One. "What," he snaps. "What is it you
want? Spit it out in the common tongue or begone. We do not want to buy
anything - I warn you!"

Sha'ara'diin's eyes rake over this white clad intruder, narrowing to a darker,
warier shade of grey. Rosa stamps firmly at the ground with a forehoof, every
muscle in the magnificent steed tensing.

Cato is about to respond to Arn's puzzling question concerning the magnificent
Ginaz Embassy.. the veritable height of architectural magnificence in the
Imperium, surpassed only by the ancestral home of the Ginaz on Marcinko, when
he is interrupted by the ill-spoken apparition in white. He blinks, and then
shakes his head in the negative, forgoing speech to this ruffian.

Iason steps forward a bit, raising a brow as he moves between the figure and
Helen.

Helen does not speak a word of reprimand to Arn... she just gives him this
hurt-disappointed look with a little frown.

White Draped Figure cocks his head then blurts out with an air of suspicion,
"Buts I bees speekins this common tongues me Loordies!"

White Draped Figure says, "I nae be sellins annathins!, me Loordies!""

Keeping a firm reign upon his mount, as the situation apparently warrants, the
Baron states flatly, "State your business or begone if you have none!" The
tone carries with it a certain force and assurance, born from a myriad of
years of training martial.

Arn swallows in sudden awareness of Helen's criticism. "Um," he mumbles.
"Well..." He shuts up when the Baron speaks.

White Draped Figure glances up at the Lady, half swaggering-staggering forward
a bit. "Does me Laydee likes tha roses? Roses smells so sweets!"


Cato steps forward, holding up a hand in front of the scruffy and ill-spoken
man. Staring straight into white draped figure's eyes, he softly says, "No."
and prevents the man's progress any further with a firm look that promises...
repercussions.

A subtle cue with the right leg urges Rosa slightly between the Atreides
daughter and the looming pyon, preventing the man's further advance.

Iason shifts his position a bit, to remain between the Lady and the figure.
"If you wish an audience with the Lady, may I suggest that you arrange an
appointment at the Embassy?" he asks, with his best soothing diplomatic tone.

Arn coughs. "What are you implying with this talk of roses," he demands. The
hand grabbing his briefcase is trembling, as if he's on the verge of smacking
the Draped Figure in the face with it.

Helen looks every inch the regal young noble woman. Her voice, while noble, is
also gentle and kind. "Roses are sweet, but they fade once picked. I prefer my
flowers on the vine." She touches Arn gently on the arm, as if two fingers
could restrain him and hold him back to her side.

Iason's curiosity is piqued, enough to keep him in place. "Who be you,
sirrah?"


Sha'ara'diin takes his cue from the Earl, and falls silent, one interrogator
is often more effective.

White Draped Figure shuffles slightly, moving back a few steps with a slightly
hunched gait. "Why I bees noones soor, noones of nae consequnses whatse'er,
eva!"

Arn grumbles, "Yes, yes... and more," from where he's standing. "And that is
why you very soon will be thrown to the Harkonnen, or worse!" At that point he
goes instantly quiet, as if stopped by an invisible force. Arn's skin disorder
glows like a stoplight in his paling face.

Cato smiles happily at Figure's question, and his eyes dart off towards the
opening of Square, where a Ginaz guardsman stands in shadows watching his
safety. With a subtle hand-signal, Cato gives him instructions concerning this
man... though the guardsman simply nods and stands his ground at the moment.

Iason asks again, his expression smooth. "Then would you mind taking off that
veil, sirrah? Merely to satisfy our curiosity."

Helen gives Arn another of those soft looks, though she speaks not a word to
him. She allows the Earl to continue his questioning.

Again Rosa prances nervously, a soft nicker erupting from his muzzle. The
Baron remains unshaken in his saddle, nor does he back off, holding his battle
trained steed between intruder and apparent target.

Arn stands breathlessly still as before, like the statue of Jehanne Butler in 

the center of the square.

White Draped Figure glances down at his feet, then waves his arms around in
front of him "Soor, Soor, me ol scarred face be too offensives ta be seen
aforn tha youn Laydee, chillern run in fears from mees, is why I dresses likes
this."


Iason raises a brow. "Have you no name or House?

White Draped Figure shakes his head "Begger me bees.. begger me was borns,
begger me will dies."

Iason says, "Why your interests in roses, sirrah?"

Ivanova comes from the Sheuset Square.

Ivanova has arrived.

Cato's hand remains where it is, hovering in front of the figure's chest,
unmoving as a rock. He has not said a word since Iason opened his mouth, his
stolid expression speaks his thoughts for him.

Zhia comes from the Sheuset Square.

Zhia has arrived.

Helen whispers something softly to Arn, her eyes showing compassion for the
beggar, though she does not interrupt things.

Iason stands between the White Robed Figure and Helen, his expression
diplomatic as he asks questions.

Sha'ara'diin narrows his eyes at the beggar, still holding Rosa firm in the
midst of the ever growing crowd. Nodding to the arriving ladies by way of
greeting, Sha'ar's attention never wavers from this odd little creature before
them.

Two more women come to join the streets this evening. They stroll together
casually.

White Draped Figure fidgets nervously, the people seeming to make him totter
slightly. Scratching his head again the figure says "Whys? Dinnae tha Atreedes
be likins roses? are yee alls nae of tha.. landysraady?"

Arn swallows again. His shoulders slumps ever so slightly and the regret as
good as shines through his eyes, fixed as they are to the ground. He nods
softly and empathetically to Helen's whispered words.

Arn speaks into his communicator.

An Atreides Limousine pulls up near Arn.


Arn bows and gestures for Lady Helen to enter if she will.

Iason raises a brow. "Do you sell roses, then? Or is there something else that
you wish to discuss, sirrah?

The Atreides Limosine departs the area.

White Draped Figure suddenly the figure straitens up, as if sensing his
impending doom. As swiftly as a cat in the night the figure darts off, leaving
a note in his wake

Cato remains focused on the situation in front of him, not about to be
distracted by the social requirements of formally greeting the Rastanyev
nobility (though the effort not to obviously strains him).

Arn looks around nervously, fumbling with his communicator.

Arn speaks into his communicator.

An Atreides Limosine pulls up near Arn.

Arn mutters, "I'll teach that driver his manners!"

Arn has left.

Arn enters the Atreides Limosine.

Arn exits the Atreides Limosine.

Arn has arrived.

"Ah... why look Ambassador..." Ivanova chimes in lightly, "it seems our good
Sir Celestine is having a bit of trouble with his vehicle this evening."

Iason darts forward to pick up the note, gesturing for one of the guards to
take pursuit.

Zhia chuckles lightly, "Yes, it seems he is m'Lady, seems he is."

Cato looks at the note on the ground like it were a poisonous insect,
suspicion clouding his face and making it appear cruel.

Helen's bodyguards move the lady to the limousine, one moving to obey Iason. 

Helen manages to get out, "My Lords, my apologi..." before the door is closed
behind her, sealing her in safely.

Helen has left.

Helen enters the Atreides Limosine.

Arn turns as he hears his name mentioned by Ivanova. Cursing his inabilities
under his breath he bows and says, in a slightly strained voice, "My Lady. It
is a pleasure. Lady Zhia. Another pleasure."

Scowling down at the subway, Sha'ara'diin grates out, "Someone follow that
Cur"! For a moment the Baron struggles with the stallion beneath him, the
commotion having unsettled the beast. Sha'ar reigns the steed in tight, and in
a flurry of hooves Rosa prances about in a tight circle, the Baron however,
has him quickly settled again.

Ivanova slows her approach, standing next to the limo as she stares in at its
passenger. She inquires in a casual tone, "What brings you out this evening?"

Cato breaks into a hurried smile towards the departing Atreides woman, and
recomposes himself to great Ivanova and Zhia. When Cato turns to face them, he
is smiling like an angel, and bows deeply.


Zhia lowers into a graceful bow toward Arn, a light smile happens upon her
face. "It is always a pleasure to see you too, Sir Celestine." She then twists
around diving into a deep bow to everyone else present.

Iason lifts the note up, then bows to the arriving ladies. "Lady RAstanyev,
Lady Iganamort."

The Atreides Limosine steadily accelerates then departs the area.

Arn laughs tensely as he places himself inbetween the ladies and the Baron's
horse, even though the latter seems to have matters under control. "An brisk
promenade as far as I am concerned, My Lady. Only a stroll in this beautiful
neighborhood, that is all." He tries to smile, but only manages to produce a
bleak imitation of joy.


Iason's hands quietly fold up the note after a quick scan, putting it away in
a pocket.

Cato takes a moment to glance at the note in Iason's hands, but is of
necessity swept into the conversation. He bows shortly as he intrudes himself,
"Lady Regent, Posol, good evening."

Ivanova nods her head lightly towards the others about and then returns her
attention to the Atreides, "I had missed speaking further with you the other
night and must admit that of late haven't seen you about our Embassy. Have you
been recalled from our services?"


The Baron, still focused on other matters then pleasantries, turns his storm
swept eyes to Iason, he leans over the side of his horse, perched with a
perfect balance and whispers to the man.

You whisper, "What is on that note, my Lord? Is it what I think it is? more of
this 'rose' nonsense?" to Iason.

Iason whispers, "You guess correctly

Arn says, "Not yet, My Lady - that is if you are not displeased with me. Then
I will naturally, but regretfully, withdraw. I was hoping to yet be of some
small service to you, though, since the good Count has not completed his
tutorship." Bowing again, and more composed now, he adds, "If you allow I am
ready to make amends this very minute, My Lady."


A light ringing of laughter comes from Lady Rastanyev as she toss her head
slightly backwards to set her hair floating behind her, "Not now good sir...
not now. But I trust when next we meet we might sit down and enjoy some tea
and talk? Yes?"

Cato is now the one to cast suspicious glances in his comrade’s direction,
favoring Arn with a slight smile that speaks reams of suggestive rumors.

Cocking a brow, Sha'ar watches the interplay for a long moment, then lets his
hand fall into Rosa's mane, petting the horse softly, still trying to settle
him. Again he leans over to softly address the Atreides diplomat.

Iason starts reading silently as he unfolds the note.

You whisper, "What does the note say My Lord, this is twice now they have
appeared before me, I would not have the blame lay at the feet of the
Bajazet." to Iason.

Iason whispers, "I am attempting to determine whose feet it lies at."

Arn says, "I am at your service night and day, My Lady, the forms of propriety
and station allowing, of course." Not able to hide an angry side-shot glance
at Cato, he continues, "I would not be so bold as to disturb you with my
unkempt appearance other than in the most appropriate of times, even though I
am the son of a rough country beauraucrat." He moves closer to the Siridar
Baron as the latter motions for him.

Ivanova lets her eyes glide lazily towards Cato. A thin smile upon her face as
she seems to answer some unspoken question, "I'm sorry... you are?"

Sha'ara'diin nods subtly to the Earl, then straitens in his saddle. Rosa now
calm, the Baron leans forward, resting an arm across the pommel of the saddle,
adjusting his weight into a more relaxed position.

Iason takes Note.

Cato responds with a smile equally as brittle, and equally cool. He bows to a
degree suitable for addressing the Regent, and introduces himself. "Mikio
Emmanuel Cato, Earl of Saratahiko, House Ginaz Minister of State, milady."

Iason's eyes narrow once.

Iason folds it up again, careful to use his sleeve to prevent any other prints
from being upon it.

Ivanova inclines her head slightly, "Of Ginaz..." The smile widening on her
lips, "Dearie..." she lightly turns her head towards Zhia, "Do you recognize
this one?"

Iason frowns a bit. "If you will all excuse me, I have a call to place. And
Lady Ivanova, if a time could be arranged for a meeting...

Sha'ara'diin glances at the Earl for a long moment, a subtle look offering
assistance if needed.

Iason shakes his head silently to Sha'ara'diin, bowing to everyone.

"Meeting?" Ivanova suddenly directs her attention towards Iason. Her brow
creases slightly as she slowly nods, "Please... inform my attendants when
available."

Iason nods once. "Perhaps soon, my Lady."

Arn bows to his superior with slow movements. He seems to be getting a bit
exhausted.

Iason bows and steps out.

Iason walks to the southwest and moves along the Council Row.

Iason has left.

Rosa sidles a bit, forcing the Baron to once again straiten up in his saddle,
and reign the nervous beast in. With a frown, Sha'ara'diin comments with
concern, "Perhaps it is best If I take this horse to stable, he seems to be
growing antsy with the crowds, and I would not wish for anyone to be
inadvertently injured." Again Rosa becomes unsettled, shifting his weight to
his hind quarters, and half-rearing, before clattering back down to all four
hooves.

Arn acts the human shield for the ladies' benefit. He seeks to protect himself
with the flattened briefcase bravely held out in front of him.


Cato bows to Sha'ara'diin as he makes his impressive exit, an admiring smile
at the sheer bravado that it takes to pull of such a performance.

In a flurry of hooves, Rosa carries his rider off towards home.