Helen's coming out party - Part 1/3

[Caprice <caprice@leading.net>]

Eispratto Salon -- Atreides Estate (Kaitain)

Not as large as the dining hall, the Salon still manages to appear to be a vast
open area. Modeled on the Greek Parthenon, its tall, slightly curving
pillars of marble, dim recesses lit by glowtubes, shadows alternately
advancing or retreating depending on where they stand in the room; all of
these serving to help add to the illusion of space, an art that has been
perfected within this chamber. Done in marbles with various colors cutting
through them, it appears to be for the most part empty due in part to the
careful placement of furniture. Well appointed in a tasteful fashion, this
hall is topped by a large domed ceiling which vanishes into the darkness save
for where translucent plastisteel replaces stone to allow for a more airy
appearance.

In the center of this area is a large cleared floor that is easily pressed into
service for a variety of functions; be they for a ballroom, a small concert,
or even an athletic spectacle, depending on the event that is held here. The
rather austere and subdued decorations and carvings in this place serve but
one function - to set off the people within.
Exits:

Archway <N> leads to West Wing -- Atreides Estate (Kaitain)

Siegfried walks in from West Wing through the Archway.
Siegfried has arrived.

Siegfried bows to Lady Helen "Goodnight, Milady."
Helen smiles warmly at Siegfried, "Good evening.... I am glad you came... most
seem to be determined to be fashionably late."

Siegfried says, "seems that they are...But at least it gives my the privilege
of your exclusive company for a moment, my cousin."

Siegfried is very athletic. His shape seems to be somewhat feline; built for
both strength and agility. He has a handsome freckled face which gives him a
quite juvenile look. His eyes are true blue and he has long curly blonde
hair. His skin is very pale, almost white as snow, probably due to  the
climate of his homeworld. He is dressed in the ceremony suit of the Cadet of
the Marcinko School of Warfare, on which the only luxuous things are golden
buttons and some gold stripes on the collar, marking the Cadet as a
distinguished one. He have a shield belt and a finely crafted blade  is
visible in a scabbard on his right hip. A finely crafted katana his hanging
at his belt on his left side. His right arm is in a sling.

Helen looks at you with worried eyes, "What happened to your arm?"

Alethia walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Alethia has arrived.

Siegfried do a painful grin "Oh...that...A simple gift originating from the
total lack of security work at the moritani palace. If I had knew, I would
had bring my shield-belt at their party."

Alethia enters the Salon at a sedated pace, however her cheeks looks slightly
flushed as if she has been rushed, gracefully she glides across the room
towards Helen.

Siegfried bows deeply to Alethia "Greetings, Milady."

Alethia inclines her head regally, "Siegfried Lear, Baron of Ryoden is it not?"
Alethia asks knowing the answer, "It has been to long since we last spoke."
She smile charmingly as she comes to stand next to Helen.

Helen is standing, talking shyly with Siegfried.

Siegfried smiles "Must been very long indeed..."

Siegfried says, "At least, ten years or more...Sorry if I don't remember very
well..."

Alethia nods to Helen, "How are you tonight Baron?" Siegfried asks, her hands
running along the waist of her bodice, she flicks her hands upward rubbing
her fingers together, "Has it been ten years?"

Siegfried laugh a bit "Don't you remember? I was that little boy who  was
pulling your hairs and tried once to put your dress on fire..."

Helen smiles, "I was still in braids then...." She brushes a stray lock of hair
out of her face with her right hand.

Alethia smile brightens and nods her head slightly to Helen, "How is the Lady
Caia? She has not visited Kaitain in sometime, I miss a kinswomen's company."

Iohannes walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Iohannes has arrived.

Siegfried says, "She's fine, thanks
for asking Milady. I'm sure she would be happy to meet you sometime in the
future. She is very lonely since...I got on Kaitain. Oh. I msut apologize
sincerly for my fault in not responding accordingly to your invitation for
tonight. I was with the Emperor's Suk because of my shoulder and they kept me
for much longer than I wanted."

Alethia nods, "I had heard of your injury, it is good to see that you are
well." She glances to Helen and then to Iohannes.

Iohannes slowly makes his way into the salon, admiring the room as he does so.
He promptly sweeps into a low bow to each of the ladies, as well as the noble
Siegfried.

Siegfried bows to Iohannes "Greetings Milord."

Iohannes says, "A good evening to my lord and ladies!"

A man of medium build, quiet, unobtrusive, but with an aura of quiet authority
none the less. His voice is clear and pleasant, but with a slightly chilly
quality to it. He is conservatively and austerely dressed, wearing a greyish
brown version of the traditional Alvst long tunic that reaches to the knees,
a dark high collared cloak, dark grey leggings and silver buckled boots of
dark whale leather. A heavy looking antique sword clanks against his side,
accompanied by the ominous clatter of swinging Aomist prayer beads. He has a
trim beard streaked with grey.

Siegfried returning to the conversation "It's not thanks to the Moritanis...If
me and that "Arakeen" man hadn't moved..."

Iohannes just looked at you.

Helen smiles shyly at Iohannes, allowing her lady mother to do the formalities.

Alethia inclines her head to Siegfried, "Excuse me a moment Baron." She turns
to Iohannes.

Iohannes gestures politely as a handful of Alvst servants follow, bearing a
number of small packages.

Alethia says something into her communicator.

Alethia gestures to her daughter Helen, "Lord Ambassador Helmsgillar, may I
introduce my daughter Lady Helen Atreides?" She performs the traditional
introduction.

Iohannes bows deeply. "I remain charmed. His Grace must be delighted to have so
buoyant a daughter. Indeed, both my Lady Atreides and my Lady Iovine continue
to look radiant, as they always have."

Siegfried smiles "indeed..."

Helen returns with a curtsy to exactly the right degree, "Perhaps more charming
than charmed, my Lord... but I thank you for your gracious words."

Alethia inclines her head, "If I didn't know better Lord Ambassador I would
think that you were attempting to flatter my daughter and myself, yet we know
that the Ambassador of Alvstad is nothing but honest at all times." She
smiles and glances to Helen.

As the servants step forward, Lord Helmsgillar bows once more and continues.
"As a token of the esteem House Alvstad has for His Grace's noble and chaste
daughter, the Lord Alvstad has asked my to bring these gifts - a  small
necklace of black pearls and a silver toilet mirror set in whale bone. I
myself would like to present this Orange Catholic Bible, made and illuminated
by hand in a small monastery near my home."

One by one the servants present the gifts - the sparkling pearls, the glinting
mirror and the colourful Ecumenical bible.

(OOC) Iohannes says, "That's 'the colourful Ecumenical Bible, set in whale
leather.'"

Alethia smiles brightly and nods to the Atreides liveried servant who collects
the gifts as they are presented and moves them to the place on a display
table.

Iohannes chuckles a bit at the Lady Alethia's jest.

Iohannes smiles. "As always, honesty is my byword."

Helen's eyes shine softly as she smiles at Iohannes, "House Alvstad is as
generous as it is noble. I thank both you and your house from the bottom of
my heart."

Filarion walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Filarion has arrived.

Nestor walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Nestor has arrived.

Nestor makes his way into the room, making one final adjustment to his longcoat
as he does so. Upon entering he scans the room, seemingly more concerned
about architecture than personage at this point.

Siegfried does a slight military salute to the newcommers.

Praxton walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Praxton has arrived.

Iohannes blushes a bit at Helen's remark, and bows.

Praxton walks to the north and passes through the Archway.

Praxton has left.

Iohannes turns to bow deeply to the new arrivals.

Filarion enters the room, accompanied by Nestor and a guard who is carrying a
large, wooden box. Halting a few steps into the room, Filarion observes
quietly, nodding to those of equal or lesser rank, a bow to those of higher.

Across the room from the doors of the Salon, Alethia and Helen stand receiving
the guests who have arrived. A short receiving line has formed, Alethia takes
the time in the honored tradition to introduce her daughter to the best and
brightest of Kaitain's Noble Houses.

Siegfried walk aside a bit.

Praxton walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Praxton has arrived.

Nestor walks even with Filarion, having finished his scanning of the room. "I
follow your lead, My Lord Count."

Iohannes moves back a few steps to give the remaining guests more room to meet
the noble pair.

Filarion makes his way to queue into the line, motioning for Nestor to follow
at his discretion. The guard follows as well, holding the rather
heavy-looking box with both hands.

Alethia murmurs quietly as she introduces Helen to another Minor House noble
taking a moment to converse, there is the exchange of gifts and the noble
moves on.

A young man with an incongruously loud voice, stationed near the door, heralds,
"His Grace, the Duke Praxton Atreides!"

Alethia dips to a curtsy as her Duke approaches, remaining thus for a moment
longer, she rises and smiles to Praxton, nearly glowing with pleasure to see
him.

Praxton snakes his way through the small gathering, along the path of least
resistance. He bobs his head in greeting here and there, always smiling
broadly.

Filarion turns where he stands to catch a glimpse at the just now announced
Siridar, sweeping into a respectful bow as the Duke passes. Adjusting his
hair he continues to wait in the line patiently.

Helen dips a curtsey to her father, smiling at him warmly as he joins them.

Siegfried bows deeply to the Duke.

Iohannes sweeps into a deep bow upon the Lord Duke's arrival.

After setting sight on his daughter, Praxton bypasses nearly everyone, and
walks straight towards his daughter. He takes her hands in his and helps her
up from her curtsey. "Darling, you look absolutely ravishing," he  says
simply, then gently kisses Helen's forehead.

Nestor just looked at you.

Helen murmurs, "Thank you, Father... Shall we see to our guests?"

"Of course," the Duke replies crisply. "By all means."

Alethia smiles and takes a step back from the position of honor in introducing
her daughter to society and as proper it is a position for Praxton to assume,
she does take a moment to nod to the Atreides liveried servant who prompts
the next guest.

Filarion finally steps forward, a faint wave of his hand signalling the guard
to do even so. Bowing more than ettiquette requires to the Lady he presents
his greetings. "Congratulations, My Lady, from Baron Boris XVI Harkonnen to
your recent achievements. But, " he adds with a small grin "By all means
should you never forget the worldly things, that make life worthwhile. Thus
accept our gift, if you will My Lady." With another bow he retreats a few
steps, the guard leaving the box standing near Helen.

The liveried servant of House Atreides accepts the gift for Helen, presenting
to Lady Helen for viewing before moving it to the display table that has been
set up.

Helen smiles at Filarion, "Please tell the Lord Baron that I send my warmest
thanks to him, and graciously accept these gifts in the same spirit in which
they are given."

Praxton greets Filarion with somewhat more restraint, yet no less courtesy. He
says to Helen, "Daughter, this is the Count Lankiveil, a close retainer to my
old friend, Boris Baron Harkonnen. An upright and admirable man, this is."

Iohannes glances at the box from a distance. smiling pleasantly but with his
eyebrows slightly raised.

Helen gives Filarion an appropriate curtsey, "I am pleased to make your
acquaintance, Count... Please tell the Baron that I regret that he could not
attend himself."

Iohannes responds to Filarion's nod with a dancer's bow.

Filarion nods silently, waving his guard away before replying, "That I will, My
Lady. Unfortunately most important matters prevented my Lord Baron from
attending, for I am sure he would have enjoyed to meet My Lady as much as I
do."

Alethia bobs to the briefest of curtsies to Filarion, she inclines her head,
"Thank you for coming Count Lankiveil."

Helen inclines her head at Filarion's words.

Filarion bows away from his place, making way for others to offer their
greetings as he makes his way over for Iohannes, followed by Nestor.

Nestor steps up in line and bows to a perfect forty-five degree angle to Helen.
"I am Alexi Nestor, House Mentat of House Harkonnen and Master of Assassins."
He take a breath to let his introduction sink in. "It is a pleasure to attend
this ball in My Lady's honor...and I am certain that My Lady's newly acquired
training will make her quite the asset to her House." He bows again, this
time to a lesser degree but more slowly.

Alethia quirks an eyebrow upward, her smile remains fixed in place, however her
emerald eyes harden like the glitter gems they represent.

Iohannes has disconnected.

Helen inclines her head to Nestor, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance at
last... after all that I have heard about you."

Alethia flicks a glance to Helen and then passes a veiled glance to Praxton and
keeps her stony silence.

"Indeed," the Duke cuts in, "We are much obliged to your kind words,  sir
Mentat."

Nestor quirks an eyebrow slightly. "Any tales of my exploits have been quite
exhaggerated, I am certain," he says, though his voice doesn't make it sound
as if he means it. "But My Lady's compliment is appreciated none-the-less."

Nestor bows towards Praxton in acknowledgement of his words, but keeps his
focus on Helen.

Helen simply inclines her head to Nestor, the same soft smile on her lips.

Nestor gives Alethia a slight smile, the meaning behind which could be
interpreted so many ways, before he moves along to rejoin Filarion.

Alethia clears her throat and nods to Nestor, beginning to speak to draw the
Mentat to her so that others can greet her daughter, "Thank you for attending
this evening."

Nestor raises an eyebrow again, but acts on the implied cue from Alethia and
takes several steps closer to her. "It is certainly an honor to be invited to
-any- fete which the Atreides Hawks throw."

Mintor walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Mintor has arrived.

Mintor smiles to his family, with a bow to the Duke.

Siegfried bows to Mintor

Iason walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Iason has arrived.

Alethia clears her throat and flicks a glance to Praxton, she nods pleasantly
enough, however it could be inferred she is less than pleased with  the
behavior of the Harkonnen Mentat.

Mintor matches Siegfried's gallantry, adding a grin.

Praxton spies his brother from across the room, "Mintor!", he calls.

Filarion bobs his head slightly as he notices Iason entering, standing apart
from the crowds around the heads of the Atreides family.

Siegfried bows to Iason and look at him.

Siegfried makes a very rapid wink to mintor.

Mintor walks to his brother's side.

Moving easily, a step or three behind Mintor, Iason drops into a bow before all
present, his arm describing a grand sweep before him.

Mintor says, "Good evening, my Lord."

Nestor speaks to Alethia. "My Lady must be pleased that a near Bene Gesserit
has joined the ranks of the Atreides. May I ask, was this My Lady Helen's
role to choose or was it a choice made for her? I ask only because those in
House Harkonnen plot the futures of their own and I have not studied the ways
of the Atreides in this vein..."

Alethia seems about to say something in response and promptly closes her mouth
and carefully remains silent.

Mintor gives his brother a look of wide eyed innocence. He covertly slips
something to the Duke, though it is hard to tell what it might be.

Steffan walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Steffan has arrived.

Praxton directs himself to Nestor. His tone is firm yet kindly, "Sir Mentat, I
assure you, our daughter is not a Bene Gesserit nor anything near it. She has
merely had the benefit of the stellar education for women that order
supplies, nothing more."

Mintor nods sagely in agreement with his brother, though a wink may have passed
in his niece's direction.

Siegfried bows to Steffan "Na-Marquis"

Iason speaks up as he glides across the room to stop behind Nestor. "But those
who do cut their own paths through life are often the most successful, as
Jehanne Butler would no doubt note. Our Lady Helen has had the gifts of
higher education to carry her through the circles of which our Houses move
more easily."

Helen smiles at Nestor and the rest, "I'm sure no insult is meant on either
side... Simply that the Harkonnen's have different ideas on how to educate a
woman." Her tone is soft and soothing, as she looks towards the receiving
line.

Steffan bows to the Duke as he enters, "My Father , the Marquis wishes to send
his regards on this glorious day but sends his regrets that his  health
doesn't allow him to attend..."

Iason's feet shift enough to allow him to pivot and bow deeply to the
na-Marquis. "Na-Marquis Steffan... it is indeed a great pleasure to see you
here, this eve."

Nestor turns more towards the Duke as Alethia is less than conversive. "Though
I must admit that I am suspicious of the witches, I would be in irredeamable
error if I stated that their training served no good purpose...even if only
the most basic skills." He glances over his shoulder, turning ever so
slightly. "I would agree with My Lady Helen. In Harkonnen society, abiding by
the path chosen by one's elders or superiors is noble and respectful. To do
otherwise would be...dangerous. To the Atreides I see that the cultural
nuances tip the balance in a different direction."

(OOC) Nestor says, "Sorry for the spam...trying to react to several poses. :)"

Steffan nods to Iason, "Ambassador....it is good to see you again..."

Mintor with a chuckle adds "I find myself that the Lady Helen has returned with
quite finely tuned judgement and no small bit of wisdom. Wisdom enough to
lead her elders on occasion."

Filarion shakes his head, exhaling sharply as he steps forward, resting a hand
on Nestor's shoulder "Master Alexi, I think that is enough. We are here to
enjoy us and not to talk about different ethics."

Iason straightens slowly to offer a dry comment in reply to Nestor's. "So I see
that the Butlerian Jihad was an act of great disrespect then."

Helen gives Steffan a shy smile as the introductions begin again.

Mintor extends his hand to his niece, inadvertently interposing himself between
the ladies and the mentat.

Steffan smiles a bit as he meets Helen's glance, "It is a pleasure to see you
again m'Lady..."

Nestor glances back toward Iason with a smile. "Also, in the Harkonnen way is
that if one -can- succeed in overthrowing his elders and superiors then he
has earned the right to choose his own way. Such a thing was proved by My
Lord Baron himself." He looks to Filarion. "But I see that I absorb too much
of My Lady Helen's time..." And he steps away toward Filarion with a noble
gait.

Helen squeezes Mintor's hand softly, and shyly returns Steffan's glance, "The
pleasure is mine, my Lord..."

Mintor turns to lightly embrace the Lady Alethia.

Filarion nods to Nestor, talking to him quietly as they move to get a
refreshment.

Siegfried moves just a step behind, a little bit on the right of Steffan.

Using Suryzo, Nestor makes his way up to Filarion. "... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Filarion breaks into a soft chuckle, cupping his mouth with a gloved hand as he
does so. "Very well, then, Master Nestor."

<Atreides> Helen says, "Siegfried and Steffan both flirt constantly with
Helen..."

"This is the na-Marquis Steffan Lear of Ginaz, daughter", says the Duke, "A
remote cousin of ours, as you know."

Alethia leans over to helen, "Will you excuse me for a momment?"

Helen murmurs, "I trust you are well, my Lord Steffan..." She looks at Alethia,
and kisses her lady mother on the cheek, "Of course..."

Alethia excuses herself and makes her way to the door.

Alethia walks to the north and passes through the Archway.

Alethia has left.

Siegfried looks to the Duke, a visible shine of respect in his eyes.

Steffan smiles and then nods to Praxton, "Yes my Lord, I have already had the
pleasure of her company. I am ......ok I suppose ....it is my father that
concerns me...."

Helen murmurs to Steffan, "I hope he is well.. perhaps we will get a chance to
talk later?"

Mintor walks to the north and passes through the Archway.

Mintor has left.

Praxton replies, "Yes, we all are very concerned for his well-being. Every
since his last stroke, he hasn't been as hale as of old."

Steffan bows slightly and smiles, "of course m'Lady, I would like that very
much..."

Nestor mutters to Filarion, "I... the Harkonnens... Atreides... is certainly
intriguing."

Filarion mutters to Nestor, ":chuckles... want... imply... that?""

Iason says something into his communicator.

Nestor mutters to Filarion, "... imply... an observation...one to..."

Nestor stands at a distance from the greeting entourage chatting with Filarion
as he watches the small group of Atreides nobles, an interested look on his
face.

Boris walks in from West Wing through the Archway.
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