Helen's coming out party - Part 2/3

[Caprice <caprice@leading.net>]

Boris has arrived.

Steffan looks at the Duke concerned, "yes, soon he will be forced to step down
...perhaps even before he dies. I will have to take over for him and I am not
sure the Imperium will be ready for that." He looks to Siegfried for  a
moment, "my Lord, forgive my manners, I would like to present my cousin
Siegfried Augustus Lear, Baron of Ryoden , a cadet at our school who may soon
be our Master of Arms..."

Mintor walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Mintor has arrived.

Filarion mutters to Nestor, "... I... more... for... he stops as B approaches "

Iason turns to bow deeply to the arriving Siridar-Baron."

Siegfried bows to the Duke "My lord Duke".

Helen nods to Siegfried, her eyes flickering to the door and the new arrival.

Steffan notices the Baron as he enters and bows. He then mutters something to
Siegfried.

Filarion bows deeply to the Baron, as he turns from his chat with Nestor.

Boris enters after Mintor, surrounded by his usual knot of grim-faced guards,
his voice booming, "By my grandfather's manhood! What does a man have to do
to get a drink at the Atreides embassy!" He looks most upset, his white brows
bristling. "Flying in ornithopters, marching down endless corridors..."

Praxton spots Boris being bowed and scraped to at the end of the room. A large,
beaming smile spreads on his features, as he waves over a page to  give
special instructions.

Siegfried bows at the Baron.

Siegfried turned to the Duke very rapidly...

Quick as a wink, a servant appears at the Baron's elbow, bearing two tankards
of fine lager.

Nestor chuckles lightly at his Baron's entrance and bows deeply in his
direction, making his way toward the man.

Mintor slips out of the room having delivered the Baron.

Mintor walks to the north and passes through the Archway.

Mintor has left.

"There", Praxton calls out, "kindly quench your gullet, dear Baron. You'll need
the fluid so you don't dehydrate from drooling."

Iason shakes his head a bit at something, then waves the servant over to make a
quick gesture, sending them scooting off.

Helen blushes at her father's words, and says nothing.

Boris accepts both tankards with a smile, the storm having passed. "Good, at
last someone who has priorities straight around here." He samples both mugs
happily, and decides to finish the one in his left hand first. Then he looks
about at all the faces.

Nestor stands at his Baron's side, a slight smile on his face.

The Duke grins broadly, shaking his head once or twice at his old comrade.
"Over here, Boris," he says loudly. "Tear yourself away from your drink so
Your Massive Lordship can meet my daughter."

The servant returns with another, large handkeg for the Baron, of another,
heartier lager.

Filarion stands a little bit aside, a grin splitting his lips.

Nestor mutters to Boris, "... Lord... has... the box... Helen.... several
inuendoes in motion... have... the center... attention.... stage is... Baron."

Boris calls to Praxton, "Praxton! Old hawk, good to see you! You're up and
about I see, not bloodied as you were last time we met, eh?" He approaches
the Duke with Nestor at his side. "And this is the lovely Helen, eh?"

Boris just looked at you.

Nestor walks to one side and behind Boris as the Baron walks along.

Siegfried does a simple step aside, to let his Massive Lordship goes to the
Duke.

Iason finally rises from his bow.

Praxton bobs his head, nudging Helen forward a step. "The Illustrious Boris,
Baron Harkonnen, meet Helen Atreides. Daughter, as you must have assumed
rightly by now, this is the Baron Harkonnen."

Yadir walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Yadir has arrived.

Mintor walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Mintor has arrived.

Filarion chuckles lightly as he falls in pace behind the Baron, right next to
Nestor as they pass him.

Mintor leads the Reverend mother to the receiving line.

Helen curtsies appropriately to the Baron, "It is a pleasure to meet you at
last, after hearing so much about you... and to get the chance to thank you
in person for your generous gift."

Yadir arrives with Mintor, her robes swirling about her, two paces behind a
young acolyte follows carrying two boxes which are typically used to store
jewels.

Siegfried bows at Yadir.

Upon noticing the Reverend Mother, Iason drops again into a graceful, deep bow
to the woman.

Boris laughs warmly "Think nothing of it, my girl. You are a lovely thing,
aren't you, eh? Prax should be proud." He gulps lager from his tankard.

Mintor approaches the Duke "M'Lord, may I present the Reverend Mother Yadir."

Yadir inclines her head to Iason, continuing to the reception line and smiles
to Mintor as he announces her.

Praxton narrows his eyes merrily. He replies, very simply, "I am. Very much."

Nestor stands, hands clasped together as usual, taking in the scene.

You sense: Boris 's gaze lingers on you lewdly but with admiration.

Helen bows to Boris from the neck, her smile unchanging, then looks at her
uncle as Mintor introduces the Reverend Mother.

Siegfried just looked at you.

Yadir waits for her introduction with infinite patience.

Praxton blinks a few times in surprise, the hearty smile fading from his face,
to be supplanted by the more multi-functional rictus of politeness. He uses
this to greet the Reverend Mother, with a bow of his head.

Mintor continues the introduction "...and the Lady Helen Atreides... Reverend
Mother Yadir."

Boris says, "Reverend Mother! What a pleasant surprise this is! Will you have
some of this excellent lager, eh? You might even enjoy it, as much as you
seem to enjoy anything..."

Thomas walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Thomas has arrived.

Siegfried glances at the Baron.

Thomas nods to Siegfried

Siegfried nods to Thomas.

Helen gives Yadir an appropriate smile, "Reverend Mother... how nice to see you
again."

The servant with the handkeg stands patiently beside Boris.

Iason straightens and bows a bit to Thomas.

Nestor remains standing facing the direction of Helen and the Atreides
entourage, not otherwise noting the Reverend Mother's appearance.

Thomas bows deeply to Iason

Yadir smiles to Helen, "Lady Atreides, a jewel in the House of Atreides," She
gestures to Acolyte who presents two cases, each one is opened in turn, one
is a tiara of emeralds and diamonds, the other contains a matching tear drop
emerald and diamond necklace, "Please accept these gifts of my personal
esteem and welcome you to society on Kaitain."

Filarion arches na eyebrow here and there, his gaze wandering around. Still
remaining silently behind the Baron.

Yadir nods to Boris, "I shall attend presently Baron, if you give me but a
momment, I shall happily join you." She smiles charmingly and turns back to
Helen.

You say, "Thank you for your generous gift, Reverend Mother... Please, don't
let talking to me prevent you from enjoying the party."

Steffan smiles as Thomas enters and turns to the Duke, "I wish to introduce the
new addition to our Diplomatic corp....this is Thomas Steiner...."

Yadir inclines her head knowing a dismisal when she hears one, "Do have a
lovely evening Lady Helen, Your Grace," She says to Praxton and Helen in turn.

Yadir turns and walks towards Boris, the acolyte trailing silently behind the
Reverend Mother now relieved of her burdens.

Praxton inclines his head to Yadir, then turns to face Steffan and the new man.
After the introduction, he says, more lightly than natural, "Ah, welcome,
Mister Steiner. I'm glad you could join us this evening."

Boris mutters to Praxton, "... join me?... could be happy about anything, eh...
hawk?"

Yadir seeing Boris speaking with Praxton she makes her way towards some of the
other guests.

Thomas bows low as he is introdueced "It is truely a pleasure my Lady. Word of
your beauty and charm has spread even to far away Marcinko.. My I say it is a
pleasant discovery to find that story and fact have agreed.

Boris bows his head carelessly to the Reverend Mother and slurps his ale.

Mintor drifts away from the receiving line studying the crowd, a small smile
locked in place.

Yadir spots Siegfried and with a smile makes her way over to the Baron.

Siegfried glances at the Baron in a cold manner for maybe two seconds at return
to his joyful habitual look.

Helen nods to Thomas, "The pleasure is mine, sir."

Praxton mutters to Boris, "... shigawire reel."

Thomas says, "Allow me to compliment your Grace on a wonderful evening. Truely
spectactular as befits the worthy Atriedes name"

Iason scans the room silently, almost as if waiting for something to happen.

Nestor mutters to Filarion, "Who... even... said... evening?... the... words...
while... diplomatic corps speak..."

Nestor hmms to himself, still standing near Boris and Filarion.

Filarion mutters to Nestor, "... sometimes... words... war... are right,...
no... most of... As..."

Yadir inclines her head to Siegfriend, "Baron Lear, do you have a momment?"

Filarion leans over to reply softly to a comment by Nestor.

Praxton mutters to Boris, "... your temper... Bene Gesserit woman....  to
activate... she dismissed you..."

Cristobal walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Cristobal has arrived.

Siegfried bows a bit "Of course."

Boris mutters to Praxton, "... like to... her skinny..."

Praxton turns to Helen and wiggles his brows comically. "My, but I do hear a
waltz about to start....", he jives.

Iason, upon noting the arrival of the Imperial courtier, dips into a deep bow.

Helen murmurs to Praxton, nodding to the door, "First, another guest, Father..."

Siegfried moves slightly toward a less crowded area...

Thomas clears his throat, "My lady Helen if I may I would be honored to present
to you my gift for you this evening. As I am new to the social circle here on
Kaitain, I brought for you a gift from my home planet of Marcinko.. This
literjomn of water was extracted from a glacier in our polar region and hase
been dated as originating as snow which fell in the same year as the famouse
battle of Corrin, where the Atriedes proved their valor. This water
symbolizes the purity, grace, endurence, and beauty of the Lady Halen and the
noble house from which she has flowered."

Cristobal pauses just in the dorrway, looking about,t aking in the new room.
With a moment's hesitation he puts on a friendly smile as one would put on a
jacket or a scarf, easily, but not with an entirely natural feel.

Yadir moves closer to Siefried.

Thomas bows " My lady please accept this humble gift."

Mintor, as he hears the music begin moves to one of the ladies (a  rather
appealing lady in fact) and whispers to her.

Yadir mutters to Siegfried, "... something... M'Lord."

Steffan smiles at Helen as Thomas presents the gift.

Cristobal nots Iason's bow, catching it in stride with a gesture of the hand in
greeting. His course, however, is unbroken, heading directly to the Atreides
Siridar.

Helen smiles at Thomas, "I thank you for the gift, sir, and for the noble
sentiment behind it."

Thomas nods and smiles "It is I who should that you for the honor of this
meeting

Boris snorts. "Water? Is that what Ginaz calls a gift?"

Thomas glance at Steffan, "Forgive me my lady for having detained you while you
have so many other guests. My the night be as magical as you could wish.

Stoically, the servant with the handkeg slightly larger than the tankards that
Boris holds, remains in position, bearing a different drink.

Thomas looks toward the Baron

Siegfried mutters to Yadir, "... you mean,... Mother?"

Thomas looks back toward Steffan

Cristobal offers a familiar, yet respective, bow to both the Harkonnen and
Atriedes noblemen, with a smile still upon his lips he reaches out to pull a
drink from a passing server's tray.

Boris finally finishes his second stein and reaches for the next one from the
servant nearby. He turns to Praxton. ""So what are your plans for the lovely
Helen here, eh? Auction her off to the highest bidder, I'll bet! What will
you take for her, old hawk?"

Cristobal mutters to himself, "... yes..... for later."

Mintor ,laughing softly, leads the lady to the dance floor. After a brief pause
as he raises her right hand, placing his right lightly at her waist. With a
grin and a nod as a cue they begin the dance, slipping and swirling around
the perimeter of the dance floor.

Yadir mutters to Siegfried, "Did... after... M'Lord?"

Thomas says, "my Lord Marquis, perhaps we should let the Lady Helen attend to
her other guests."

Praxton pries his attention away from Helen for a moment, moving his head
slowly so as to have maximum time to think of a proper reply to the Baron.
Then, "To an honest, noble man who will care for her and love her, I'll give
her away for free. For the likes of you, old Boar, I'll be asking for most of
the melange on Arrakis."

Following the na-Duke's lead, several other couples move to the floor joining
the dance.

Cristobal approaches the Siridari (Saridars?), "Cousins.. As always a pleasure,
yes?" His voice, much like his smile, is a touch artificial. Sincerity is
clearly a virtue he does not rate so high.

Steffan annoyed at overhearing the Baron's remarks, turns his glance breifly to
Boris, "the Harkonnen would not know what to do with a good woman..." Without
waiting for a response he ignore's Thomas' remark and walks over to the Lady
Helen.

Nestor bows to his baron and detaches himself from the Harkonnen entourage,
turning to make his way through the slowly growing crows on the dancefloor
toward Yadir and Siegfried.

Boris finds theDuke's riposte hilarious and laughs,spraying ale over many of
the folk standing nearby. His laughter, loud and raucous, booms out over the
room.

The Duke turns back to the greeting line, this time headed by Cristobal. After
a moment and a respectful half-bow, he says, "Lord Cristobal, this is my
daughter, Helen. Darling, this is one of His Majesty's most trusted civil
servants, and quite the ladies' man, I hear."

Steffan nods to Thomas smiling.

Iason casually ducks the ale shower, reaching for a glass.

Thomas :bows to Lady Helen, and joins Siegfried

Alethia walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Alethia has arrived.

Mintor spins with his partner as the tempo quickens.

Siegfried mutters to Yadir, "... must... you : I..."

Filarion draws himself out of the closer proximity of the others, observing
quietly.

Alethia enters the Salon looking just a little pale, however she  appears
radiantly happy, she quietly makes her way to Praxton's side with an eager
step.

Siegfried mutters to Yadir, "i..."

Cristobal offers a concocted chuckle, "Perhaps the lady's man at 25, good
Cousin. Today I am sadly quite safe. The wolf has retired to sheep's
clothing." He gives Helen a quick once over, with a nod in approval, "It is
fine to see you all again, today."

Nestor steps up to Yadir and Siegfried, focusing his attention now on the
woman. "Good evening, honored Reverend Mother..."

Steffan smiles at Helen with his hand reaching out, "If you would  permit
me....would you like to dance?"

Helen gives Cristobal an appropriate curtsy and a smile, "A pleasure to meet
you, Lord Cristobal."

Siegfried nods to Nestor. "Good evening, Master Nestor."

Praxton intercepts Steffan with a stern hand. "Ah, ah!", he chides gently. "The
first one's for dear old Dad, cousin."

Thomas Bwsto the Reverend Mother as well "Reverend Mother is is a profound
honor to finally get to meet you. I have heard so much about you.

Yadir turns to Nestor as he approaches, "Ah the Harkonnen Mentat," She inclines
her head with a briefest of smiles.

Siegfried murmurs in the ear of the Reverend Mother.

Steffan bows to the Duke, "yes....of course m'Lord...." he says smiling thinly.

The first waltz ends. After the briefest of pauses the orchestra begins again.

Siegfried mutters to Yadir, "... conversation... be..."

Nestor nods slightly to Siegfried, his attention not otherwise wavering from
Yadir. "If you will permit me the honor, Reverend Mother...by God I have
danced a metaphorical dance with yourself and your Sisterhood for years. Pray
allow me to indulge in a literal one?" And with that he extends a hand toward
her, palm up.

Thomas looks at Nestor eyes wide

Praxton grins broadly and extends his crooked elbow to Helen. "Shall we?"

Siegfried 's eyes seems to turn to a really clear blue...

You say, "Of course, Father..." She smiles at Cristobal, "If you will forgive
me..."

Helen takes her place on her father's arm gracefully.

Iason lifts his glass to his lips, sipping at it delicately as he watches the
events unfolding with a Mentat's undivided attention.

Cristobal smiles, perhaps with a hint of genuine amusement, "Of course. A
father and his daughter should not be far apart."

Her Acolyte takes a step forward as if summoned by magics unknown,
"Unfortunately I injured my knee while I was walking through the Imperial
Gardens, perhaps Lady Yenz, would dance with you?"

Yadir gestures to her Acolyte.

The current tune is delicate and elegant, allowing the most dignified  of
movements.

Praxton makes his way to the dancing floor, Helen firmly in graceful tow. Near
the middle of the area, thoughtfully cleared by most of the dancers, he stops,
turns, and gives a picture-perfect, if stiff, courtly bow.

Cristobal turns, then, to the Harkonnen Baron, "So, cousin.. It is so rare that
we can chance to speak. I trust the bull runs lively still?"

Thomas Watches Praxton and Helen

Praxton mutters to you, "Quite a varicolored crowd tonight, eh?"

Helen returns Praxton's bow with an equally perfect, fluid curtsey, then rises
from it exactly as he straightens.

Boris claps Cristobal on his shoulder. "Strong as an ancient hate, old boy. If
you'll excuse me." He approaches Alethia.

Alethia waits quietly to one side taking a deep breath watching Father and
daughter dance together with a prideful glance.

You mutter to Praxton, "As they say, may you live in interesting  times."

Cristobal stiffles a yawn, "Oh, but of course.."

Nestor grins widely. "Ah, another metaphorical 'pirhouette'," he says in a near
chuckle. He changes his stance slightly to face the alcolyte and looks her
over. "How could I deny a young girl the punishment of dancing with the House
Harkonnen Mentat?" And with that, he clasps her hand in his and leads her to
the dancefloor.

Siegfried looks at Thomas right in the eyes...

Lady Ynez curtsies, "I would think it an education experience if nothing else,
sir."

Boris bows lazily to Alethia, "My lady, would you do me the honor?" He gestures
to the dance floor.

Praxton leads his daughter through the waltz, a composed smile on his lips, his
motions well coordinated, yet stuttering and occasionally pained.

Thomas shifts his attention to the Reverend Mother, "Pardon me Reverend Mother.
I hope your knee injury is not serious

Thomas says, "I have some expirience with knee problems"

Nestor begins dancing at a respectable distance from the alcolyte on  the
dancefloor. He smiles again. "And do not worry, girl...I am but one of the
many obstacles still in your path on the road of Life..." He seems quite
amused with himself and begins dancing with some definite skill.

Alethia looks to Boris and pauses for a long moment and then she inclines her
head, "You honor me M'Lord Harkonnen."

Helen's movements are graceful and flowing, following her father's lead, more
than making up for any hesitation in his step.

Yadir shakes her head, "No it should be quiet better in a day or two so the Suk
tells me."

Mintor seems lost in the music. His body flows with it, well matched by his
partner. He smiles at her occasionally as they turn.

Thomas nods to Yadir "A speedy recovery to you then

Siegfried says, "my shoulder would be longer to heal..."

Cristobal manages to rest himself into a chair, depositing an empty glass with
one servant, taking a full one from another. Adept, perhaps masterfull, at
navigating the crowds.

The music builds to it climax. There is a short pause as couples sort
themselves out.

Boris laughs and takes Alethia's hand, leading her to the dance floor and
sweeping her up into a broad step. If not graceful, he's energetic.

Yadir glances to Siegfried, "I hope it is quickly Baron Lear."

Nestor spins the alcolyte in several slow circles before going back to the more
subtle dance movements.

Filarion still stands quietly, his glance flickering around curiously, if not
exactly interested.

Thomas looks at Siigfried shoulder "How did you injury that if I may  ask

There is muted applause from the courtiers for the Duke and Helen.

Siegfried says, "the suk said I had to avoid moving it for some time on...A
good souvenir of the moritani's defintion of a "good security""

Alethia gracefully moves in step following Boris's lead, her pallor seems to
deepen just a bit, her cheeks flushed, however her pleasure simply can't be
denied.

Thomas says, "HA,HA"

Siegfried looking a bit sad "nothing really funny...the emperor was almost
killed..."

Mintor leads his partner back to her friends. He bows to kiss her hand and
whispers to her briefly ending with a laugh.

Nestor chuckles amusedly to himself as he steps away from the alcolyte and
leads her back toward the Reverend Mother at a slowly metered pace.

Cristobal looks to the outburst of laughter, with a smirk at his lips,  a
chuckle perhaps, aimed heavily at the expense of the Ginaz's faux  pas.

Boris circles with Alethia in an old-fashioned waltz, a grin on his own face as
broad as Alethia's.

Steffan has disconnected.

Yadir nods, "I heard of the dreadful events."

Boris mutters to Alethia, "You dance... lady. Don't..."

Alethia mutters to Boris, "... graceful... need not..."

Thomas says, ""I would be interested in hearing a Reverend Mothers perspective
on those events"

Cristobal finishes his beverage quite quickly, getting up from his seat to find
yet another.

After a few moments, the Duke and Helen stop, rather abruptly. Praxton again
bows to Helen, this time, a bit slower and not as neatly. When he rises, a
remnant of pain is visible on his features.

Praxton mutters to you, "Forgive me, darling. I'm not the dancer I one was,
alas."

Nestor returns the alcolyte to Yadir with a gesture of refined  elegance,
delicately presenting the girl's hand to the Reverend Mother. He looks to the
girl. "I am certain that we will 'dance' again, young woman..."

Mintor takes a flute of sparkling wine from a passing servant. He moves through
the crowd towards the Ginaz group and the Bene Gesserit.

Thomas notices Mintor approaching and bows

Lady Ynez says with skill, "I am sure that we shall waltz many a time in the
future, Mentat." She curtsies and her place behind and to the right of Yadir.

Helen returns her Father's bow with a slightly deeper curtsey, then walks with
him off the dance floor.

Siegfried bows at Mintor

You mutter to Praxton, "To me, you will always be the dancer who first swirled
me off my feet."

Steffan sips his drink while glancing over the crowd with a blank expression on
his face.

Lifting the bottom of the flute up, Iason drains his glass before dropping it
onto a passing tray, deftly plucking a second as he continues to scan the
room, his expression rather bland.

Siegfried walks toward Helen.

Boris does a little sidestep and then sweeps Alethia backwards into a dip.

Siegfried says, "May I ask for this dance, Mylady?"

Nestor begins backing away deferentially from the Reverend Mother and her
alcolyte. "And a Mentat's word of advice to you, girl...always let your dance
partner believe that it is they who leads." With that, and a quick flourish,
he turns away and begins walking slowly toward Filarion.

Praxton smiles a warm, sincere smile, and lifts up both of Helen's hands to
kiss them. He then turns about and escorts her back to the head  table.

The musicians pause, setting their instruments aside and filtering off the
stage for the most part. Several head for the refreshments.

Thomas says, "IF you would please excuse me I need a little fresh air."

Thomas walks to the north and passes through the Archway.

Thomas has left.

Siegfried smiles at Helen

Filarion flashes a short grin to the approaching Mentat, having surveyed the
scene as much as he could.

Mintor smiles as he approaches Siegfried.

As the blood rushes as Boris sends Alethia into a deep, she goes limp, boneless
and slips, unable to support herself as unconsciousness swamps her senses.

Helen smiles warmly her father, before turning to Siegfried. "I believe Steffan
had requested a dance, but if he does not mind..."

Mintor catches sight of Alethia's collapse. He rushes to her side cradling her
fall.

Steffan smiles and nods politely, "whatever my Lady wishes..."

Boris has reconnected.

Siegfried takes delicatly Helen's hand

Siegfried says, "Shall we...?"

A page tugs meaningfully at Praxton's sleeve, gesturing with his chin  at
Alethia's apparent distress. The Duke leaves Helen with Siegfried, and limps
over as quickly as he can.

As the blood rushes as Boris sends Alethia into a deep, she goes limp, boneless
and slips, unable to support herself as unconsciousness swamps her senses.
<repose for Boris>

Iason's glass is suddenly set down, and he veritably leaps into action, moving
over towards Alethia.

Cristobal walks past the dance area, his eyes pausing briefly on the collapsed
woman. After a few bored moments of rubbernecking, continues on his path
toward the head table.

Helen smiles at Siegfried, and turns with him towards the dance floor, then
turns pale at the sight of her mother unconscious in the Baron's  arms.

Boris has partially disconnected.

Siegfried seems a bit hesitant to start a dance...

Praxton arrives at Boris' side, shooing away the solicitous pages and guests
and offering to take Alethia back to her place.

Mintor's face betrays his concern at Alethia's condition "Let me help, Lord
Baron."

Praxton mutters to Alethia, "Getting worse..."

You whisper, "Stay close to me.. please..." to Siegfried.

Blondel walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Blondel has arrived.

Siegfried whispers, "I am..."

The Baron almost loses his grip in his surprise, but recovers. He scoops the
limp Alethia up in his arms, one arm under her knees, the other under her
shoulders, effortlessly lifting her. "What, dead?" he snorts.

Blondel enters hesitatingly and looks around with large, blue eyes.

Alethia comes to with a start, "What..." She blinks

Iason's attention is now focused on Alethia, studying her quickly.

Yadir quietly takes her leave as the commotion begins.

Yadir has disconnected.

Siegfried whispers, "As the Head of my house minor, I didn't gave you a
gift...here it is." He put is hand on helen's palm. Something is in it,
something round."

Filarion slowly walks over to the odd couple, remaining at a good distance,
though.

Steffan removes a small cigar from his upper pocket and lights it. As he takes
his first puff he glances at the comotion, "Perhaps we should call  the
Suk...."

Nestor takes note of the scene as well as he can see it through the quickly
growing crowd, shaking his head slightly as he observes.

Praxton motions for Boris to follow him, to the head table. "She'll be quite
alright. I might just be the vigor of the Baron's dancing that has exhausted
her."

Siegfried senses, "Helen cradles it in her hands, glancing at it so no one else
can see."

Cristobal finds a beverage as he takes a seat, muttering something, but not
loud enough to be heard.

Alethia clears her throat, "I have use of my legs, M'Lord Baron, would you
kindly put me down?" She says a bit more sharply than she intended  to,
however her embarrassment lending to her irritation.

Iason takes a few steps back, a frown quickly crossing his features.

Boris follows Praxton, bearing Alethia with surprising gentleness. "These
Caladan women are so fragile.." he scoffs.

Thomas walks in from West Wing through the Archway.

Thomas has arrived.

Siegfried senses, "Helen hides it in a pocket in her skirts, whispering to you
warmly, "It is lovely...""

Cristobal looks about, either concerned or confused, "I hadn't known the Duke's
woman to be ill.. How long has this been going on?"

Steffan has disconnected.

Helen is standing near the head table, watching with Siegfried her mother's
condition, a look of worry haunting her lovely features.

Siegfried whispers, "It's called the tear of Blood. The blood in it is mine, it
was took at my birth, my very first blood in this world...it is yours now..."

Thomas moves toward Siegfried

Siegfried look at Helen's mother...

Praxton makes a space for Alethia behind the head table, clearing some chairs
and a few adornments. He indicates for Boris to place Alethia in the settee,
"Gently, now. She's not a barrel of ale."

"Hardly, Baron." Alethia's irritation rising, "However its usually advisable to
warn a lady before you wiz her about to a dip." She reaches for the stays of
her bodice, releasing one or two of them.

Mintor stands still a step away from Alethia, completely focused on her, poised
for action but lacking any clear goal. Then, he moves closer to  Helen,
placing an arm around her shoulder, ever so lightly.

Filarion loosens his communicator on an incoming call. Speaking softly into it
he leans over to mutter some words to Nestor.

Blondel gently trips over to lady Helen, confusion and worry painted on his
chubby face. At lady Alethia's sharp words he takes a step backwards,
reaching for the comfort of his mistress' hand.

You whisper, "It is a wonderful gift... I will try to be worthy of it." to
Siegfried.

Filarion mutters to Nestor, "... to... early, i am afraid. There is... an...
just..."

Cristobal shakes his head, "I just just hope it's not something fatal. Perhaps
she would need some time away from the center of the Universe. I know it
certainly kept me sober."

Helen smiles up at Mintor, then gently pats Blondel's hair.

Boris sets her down in the settee as the Duke indicates. "I am not in the
habit, Lady, of warning people about my actions." he says, chuckling. "I hope
I didn't break anything."

You mutter to Blondel, "It's alright, child. If mother is fussing again, then
there is nothing truly wrong."

Siegfried whispers, "Sorry, i must go, my duty at the embassy..."

Nestor mutters to Filarion, "I will... the Baron safe..."

Filarion bows quickly to the others after bowing his head to Nestor in
acknowledgement, before leaving the hall with silent steps.

Filarion walks to the north and passes through the Archway.

Filarion has left.

Praxton fans Alethia with a napkin, then remembers himself and asks a nearby
lady-in-waiting. Rather embarrassed, he turns to the Baron, "If you have, old
friend, the bill will be in the mail," he quips.

Blondel nods innocently to Helen. "If you say so, milady."

You whisper, "Of course... please, say you will call on me again?" to Siegfried.

Thomas says, "I can't believe I'm saying this but it's to bad the na-countess
Moritani isn't here."

Siegfried whispers, "of course, Mylady."

Alethia jerks her hand from Boris's her irritation growing by the moment,
mostly because of her growing embarrassment, "Never fear, M'Lord Baron it
would take more than a twirl about the dance floor." Her foot comes down with
an irritated yet satisfying stomp.

Boris says, "Dancing always makes me thirsty! Where's that ale, eh? Ahh."

Siegfried says, "I'm terribly sorry to quit at a time like this, but I have
duty at the embassy that can wait..."

Siegfried bows to all present and remove himself...

Boris accepts a mug from a servant with a chuckle.

Iason silently gestures for the server to bring Boris another handkeg.

Siegfried has disconnected.

Praxton mutters to Alethia, "... want to..."

Nestor slowly begins making his way closer to Boris' side.

Thomas says, "By all means, Lord Praxton, is there any assistance I migt offer?
You have but to name it"

Alethia flushes and looks indecisive.

Cristobal nods to his conversant, continuing to speak quite frankly.  His
demeanor not changed from the moment of his enterance.

Praxton mutters to Alethia, "... here... yourself."

Using Aglicon, Alethia says, "You choose, I am so flustered now I can't decide
what I want to do, however can I hit Boris?"

Praxton shakes his head ruefully, "If you decide to do that, just remember the
pru-door is behind you, to the left of the black pillar."

Helen murmurs, "Don't worry, she is fine..." She looks over at Iason, "As the
other young gentlemen have deserted me, perhaps you will favor me with a
dance?"

Using Aglicon, Mintor says, "I will happily cover your back."

Nestor approaches his Baron's side. "Perhaps the good lady of this House would
rather we turn our attentions elsewhere," he suggests in a slightly bored
voice. "A hostess' duty is to her guests and I would not personally care to
insult My Lady Alethia further." He bows to the concubine and begins letting
his eyes wander elswhere.

Alethia flashes an irritated glance to Praxton, but slowly smiles.

Praxton motions to a nearby page. To the young woman who materializes next to
him, he gives some hurried instructions. The girl walks off quickly in the
direction of the orchestra.

Thomas make his way to his Lord

Mintor gives the mentat a cold look.

Using Aglicon, Alethia says, "Or better yet can I kill Nestor? Hmm?"

Iason merely raises his brow, bowing deeply to Helen. "If the Lady wishes."

Nestor whispers to Boris.

The Atreides herald steps forward, rapping his staff three times on the floor.
"M'lords and ladies, your attention please!"
 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Dune III Readers Mailing List (dune3-readers@fremen.org) This list is unmoderated. To unsubscribe, email majordomo@fremen.org with 'unsubscribe

'. For help, mail majordomo@fremen.org with 'help ' in the message.