Meeting the Marquis - March 6, 1999, Part I

[Edward Pang <ogrek@home.com>]

Title: Meeting the Marquis, Part I of II

Date: March 6, 1999, approx 7:00 PM CST

Logger: Iason 

Participants:  Arn, Demosthenes, Iason, Osien, Saiban

Summary:  The Atreides delegation goes to meet the new Ginaz Marquis after
	        Morgen goes to join the priesthood.  Gifts and pleasantries are
	        exchanged, before business is discussed.  

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Courtyard -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain)
Contents:
Arn
Atreides Limosine
Obvious exits:
 Main Entrance <N> leads to Foyer -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain).
 Gateway <E> leads to Negara II Plaza -- Embassy District (Kaitain).

Demosthenes exits the Atreides Limosine.

Arn holds the door open as you leave the limosine. He closes it behind you and
signs for the driver to leave.

The Atreides Limosine departs the area.

Guardsman comes from the Foyer.

Demosthenes climbs out of the limosine. Four other servants awkwardly manhandle
the large paintings out of the trunk.

An honor guard of ten stand ready to recieve the visitors in full regalia and
servicable ceremonial weapons and shields. Two step forward to aide Demosthenes
with his burdens.

Iason steps lithely out of the limosine, unfolding himself from the seat to bow
to the Guardsman. "The Atreides party to see the new Marquis." he introduces.

Guardsman takes a step out of the group, nodding to the two helpers milling
about the paintings with paranoia attention and bowing smartly to Iason. "The
Marquis is waiting, sir."

Arn is standing behind his betters, carrying an oblong object neatly wrapped in
read silk. He refuses the help of the Ginaz servants with a polite shake of his
head and makes ready to follow the Guardsman's lead.

The Atreides servants who are busy with the paintings finally activate their
Holtzmann generators. The heavy weight of the paintings seem much less
considerable. The men fall in line behind Demosthenes, who bows smartly to the
guardsmen.

Iason straightens, then falls into step behind the Guardsman.

Guardsman turns with precision and leads the way north into the foyer, the
other guards forming a line on either side to recieve the party.

Guardsman passes the Main Entrance.

Demosthenes passes the Main Entrance.

Foyer -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain)
The dark blue marble exterior of the embassy has seemingly desolved into a
gleaming white marble with gray veins in a circular room. There are high arches
and sweeping buttresses meeting the ground with Ionic style pillars made of
black marble with gold veins. A ceiling extends to the very roof of the
building. There is a kind of circle within a circle within a circle. The flying
buttresses sweep out and come down in the exact center of the room ending in
fourteen pillars. Between each of these pillars is a desk with an attendant
seated. The second circle is considered the inner circle. This is made by a
series of twenty-eight archways, which leave twenty feet between the arches and
the real wall, at each of these pillars stands a Ginaz Out-world Guardsman in
full-dress. This inner circle contains all of the exits to the different wings
of the embassy.
Contents:
Demosthenes
Guardsman
Obvious exits:
 Gilded Doors <NW> leads to Dining Room -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain).
 Redwood Doors <NE> leads to Diplomatic Offices -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain).
 Carved Glass Doors <N> leads to Gardens -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain).
 Main Exit <S> leads to Courtyard -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain).

Arn comes from the Courtyard.

Guardsman and escorts continue on to the north, through the echoing foyer and
into the gardens just beyond.

Guardsman walks to the north and passes through the Carved Glass Doors.

Gardens -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain)
The gardens look as if a chunk of the Ginaz Homeworld Marcinko. The room itself
is circular and fills the center of the Ginaz embassy all the way to the
rotating colors of the crystal roof, and dimmed point of light that is the
Marquis' sitting room. The walls are for the most part covered with the
distinctive white Marcinko ivy, and at intermittent levels one can see
balconies as well s windows the look directly into this area. The gardens are
lush and green but the temperature is below normal. The room is a series of
hills the culminates in one large hill that spawns a waterfall. The waterfall
pools in a pond that must be fully one fourth the entire room. All different
kinds of plant life populate these gardens, but all of them are native to
Marcinko. The grass is thick and a dark green. The trees are mostly pines and a
deep green, with the exception of the snow white Ginaz pine that dots the
landscape. Atop the waterfall is a white marble island with a walkway of
differing color marble that lead to it. 
     [OOC: There are 'places' here. +places/help for help.]
Players:
 Guardsman                             Saiban                                
 Iason                                
Objects:
 Scratch                              
Exits:
 Elevator <U> leads to Ornithopter Pads -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Carved Glass Doors <S> leads to Foyer -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain)

Arn walks in from Foyer through the Carved Glass Doors.

Demosthenes walks in from Foyer through the Carved Glass Doors.
Demosthenes looks at Scratch, who bounds over to him, wagging his tail
excitedly.

Arn glances at Demos with a slightly raised eyebrow, then concentrates fully on
their host.

Iason steps into the Gardens with his party, and drops into a deep, respectful
bow to the Siridar-Marquis. "My Lord Marquis Ginaz, it is a great pleasure to
be allowed to visit this eve." he intones.

Saiban
    His figure is tall, the impression of swiftness in movement and thought
embodied in a man of stocky Asian appearance. Deep brown eyes, serene in their
awareness, are faintly slanted, as befitting his heritage. Dark hair is swept
back from a bit of a receding hairline, and a beard speckled with grey graces
his chin, neatly groomed as befitting his breeding. His bearing is upright,
almost judgementally so, with the firmness and attentativeness of faith guiding
his hand and heart as befitting his honor. This man seems one whom God could
measure and find worthy of the title Siridar-Marquis.
    He is dressed in a uniform of simple, economical design. It is a hereditary
design, passed through the warriors and swordsmen of Ginaz many, many
generations. The jacket is more a tunic, reaching almost to mid-thigh and
belted with a thick black sash; a personal shield settles there with the sword
harness. Black piping accents the double-brested front of the tunic and the
Mandarian collar. Black shoulderboards of matched quilted fabric top his
shoulders, single dull black buttons nestled there, holding in the two braided
loops on the right. Tall matte-black boots complete his attire. The only real
ornament is a collection of high ranking honors and squares of honor and award
on his left breast.

Arn copies Iason's bow in perfect unison, holding the oblong, silk-wrapped
object with utmost care in front of him.

Demosthenes strides proudly into the room, his heels clicking smartly upon the
flagstones. Shortly behind him are a number of servants carrying large, draped
paintings. The servants guide the hovering paintings to a halt, and at the
touch of a button, they are stabilized in midair. The artworks hover eerily
above the ponds and grass.

The presense of guards is less obvious here, though the feeling of there
-being- a presense can't be dismissed. The Siridar-Marquis stands a few meters
short of the entrance, flanked by personal guard, with his hands clasped behind
him. He returns Iason's bow with a respectful nod. "The pleasure is mine," he
replies, glancing over the others briefly. "I am glad to have the opportunity
and chance to recieve you."

Osien walks in from Foyer through the Carved Glass Doors.

Slowly straightening, Iason is the very picture of dignity as he replies. "The
Duke wishes to welcome you to Kaitain, and offers gifts to show the esteem with
which he holds you and your House."

A tall, large and thickly robed figure emerges from the Foyer. He wears the
garb of a priest and carries himself with a benevolent carriage, as if the wont
of his brotherhood. His eyes are downcast and his hands crossed within his
volumnious robe.

Arn slowly rises, a fraction behind the Earl Merx.

Iason bows agani to the newcomer.

"The honor, Siridar-Marquis, belongs solely to House Atreides. We have heard
much concerning your august reputation." Demosthenes smiles warmly as he
straightens. He then gestures to the paintings behind him. "These paintings are
among the finest in the Atreides collection. As Minister of Culture, I am
honored to present them to your house."

Arn also bows to Osien, a performance of grace that is perhaps a fraction more
shallow than the one showed to the Marquis.

Saiban's answering smile is polite as he answers, "Duke Praxton is indeed kind.
News travels fast on Kaitain," he adds wryly. The Marquis registers the
entrance of Osien with a flicker of his gaze, before looking to Demosthenes and
the gifts. "The art taste of the Atreides is well known to be of near-divine
quality, to be sure."

Demosthenes turns, and bows as well. His motion is in sync with his brethren.

The Ginaz Priest, Osien, makes the sign of the cross and smiles benevolently
towards all present before bowing deeply; God is with this man but that does
not give him power over those of higher station, "May God bless you all." He
intones in the deep, powerful voice that has brought the light of God to so
many within the House already.

Demosthenes drops The Death of Holtzmann.

Arn drops The Dancing Master.
This painting, entitled the Dancing Master, is skillfully rendered in Middle
Caladanian Impressionism. The colors are vivid and florid, emphasizing the play
of light upon the white-clad fencers. The Dancing Master himself stands to the
left, his every gesture recalling a swan about to take flight. His salute, arm
outstretched, evidences the neck of a swan. His feet are flat on the ground,
but appear ready to spring into action, just as a bird's would be before taking
flight. His left arm, crooked behind him, reminds the viewer of a wing. His
students, splayed about him, recall the rest of the flock in various postures.

The Death of Holtzmann
This painting sits in a thin, utilitarian frame of metal. It seems to adhere to
the wall with some sort of static-suspensor backing. This painting has been
esquisitely rendered in the idealized fashion of the third Caladanian
Romantic-Classical movement. It depicts the Marquis of Ginaz, set to the left,
clad in a one-shouldered tunic, favoured five hundred years ago, leaping to
action aboard the bridge of his Frigate. The confined space of the bridge seems
to lend a natural frame to the painting. The Marquis is half out of his seat
with one hand flung out towards the image on the viewscreen. His liveried men
in their beaked helms and tunics are hunched over their controls in a sunken
semi-circle about about him. The officers are splayed across the right side of
the painting. They regard their liege with fearful awe. Upon the viewscreen
that serves as the backdrop, a large and terrible object looms. Holtzmann: the
words are clearly spelled out upon the fearful battleship's bow. It bristles
with lasguns, shield projectors, torpedo ports, and other terrifying weapons
whose names have long been lost to history. Yet, the Marquis betrays no fear.
Only firm conviction in his duty.

OOCNote: Though entirely dissimilar in content, for a general impression of
blocking, see John Waterhouse's 'Counsulting the Oracle', 1884.

Demosthenes rises and inclines his head, obviously pleased by the praise of the
Ginaz Siridar. Without further ado, he gestures to the servants who whisk away
the covers of the paintings. "Siridar-Marquis," he says smoothly, "The first
work is entitled 'The Death of Holtzmann'. It is painted by the notable
Caladanian painter Hausmann. It portrays a remarkable episode of Ginaz history
in a vibrant fashion." He smiles. "The second, more modest work is entitled
'The Dancing Master'. The painter Saged was a member of the Ginaz school."

Saiban turns a bit to stroll to the first painting revealled, the bane of
Holtzmann, a thoughtful cast to his expression. He studies it a moment as he
listens to Demosthenes explain, then glances up at him, a steady shrewdness in
his calm eyes. "The Atreides do seem to have an admiration of the heroic and
courageous, though I had no idea that extended to such histories." He nods his
approval and moves to the next, a wry smile coming to him. "Nice to see a
well-rounded education out of the School," is his comment.

Iason silently inclines his head, waiting for Demosthenes to continue.

Osien begins to shuffle inexorably closer to the Marquis, although it is almost
an unnoticable movement. His stride is one that would inspire the fear of God
in lesser men, with it's straight-backed stiffness and benevolent air.

Arn discreetly follows the priest's movements while outwardly paying polite
attention to the Siridar Marquis' extrapolations on the works of art.

With a graceful gesture, Demosthenes clasps his hands together and inclines his
head. "My thanks for your high praise," he says, "House Atreides has admired
heroes from all houses." As his head rises, he has a smile, "However, I should
note that the Ginaz have produced a near-overwhelming number of heroes."

Saiban turns to give a respectful nod to Osien, murmuring, "Father Osien," with
an oddly natural deference, before returning his attention to Demosthenes. "In
the history of Ginaz there have been great occasions to rise to, great causes
to die for. It has always been, as it ever will be, our duty to continue to
aspire and seek the expectations and standards of those before us. These gifts
do ring true to that ideal." He motions, more distinctly, at the first painting
with a smile.

Arn seeks Demosthenes' attention for his cue to step forward and present the
next gift.

Demosthenes appears quite flattered by the pleasure you take in the paintings
he has found. "The Ginaz school," he says, "As with the House of Ginaz, has
always been synonymous with grace as well as courage. Great occasions have
occured in the history of all Houses, but no House has the flair and panache
borne by the House of Heroes." He bows low, and then steps aside, allowing Arn
and Iason to present their gifts.

Osien bows his head respectfully to Saiban and says, "Siridar-Marquis," in a
low tone before turning his intensely dark gaze towards the Atreides men. His
eyes narrow as he studies them but he remains silent.

Stepping forward, Iason bows again to both the Marquis and the priest. "My own
gift is far more humble than those that my fellows have to give. He holds out a
very small bundle, proferring it to the Siridar.

Saiban inclines his head to Demeosthenes at the compliment to both House and
School, before turning to Iason and accepting the package. Carefully
unwrapping, he comments, "There are many days I welcome humble, Earl," with
some humor.

"One must be humble to God," the large priest says in an eerie tone, gazing
directly at each of the men present.

Iason nods once. "It is a very early spacefarer's edition of the Bible, from
the days preceeding the ECT. It has been passed down in my family for millenia,
and I would be honored to offer it to your House and yourself.

Arn silently inclines his head when Osien's eyes pass over him like a spiritual
razors.

Demosthenes inclines his head as he hears the voice of the aged priest. He
clasps his hands together. Yes, his mother /did/ bring him up properly, and he
/does/ go to Church every Sadai.

Saiban hands the wrapping off to a nearby guard, who steps forward for the
task, and brushes fingertips over the Bible before looking to Iason with a nod.
"It is indeed an honor. As with courage and prowess with weaponry, Ginaz has
always put such heroism to the causes of the righteous." He hesitates
thoughtfully, before adding with a smile, "We continue along that path, past,
present and future. Thank you for your gift, it speaks well of you and your
House."

Iason shakes his head in a negative motion. "I also have no sons or daughters
to pass it on to, though I do ask that you be careful in its handling - it was
published before shigawire was availible, and the paper is very delicate and
very sharp."

Osien nods his head approvingly at the gift and says, "Yes, the bible is the
best gift that could be given to any Marquis." After speaking he shares a
secret glance with Saiban.

Iason straightens again, inclining his head to Arn.

Iason quietly quotes, "The gift is the blessing of the river."

Saiban does indeed handle the Bible carefully, holding it in one hand as he
returns the priest's look with an inscrutable look. The expression evens to
polite as he moves on to Arn.

Arn takes a half-step forward, smoothly kneeling in front of the Siridar to
offer him the object wrapped in red silk. "Education, Faith and Valor are the
marks of this noble House, and these virtues demand the proper gifts. To
complete the three I present this item to you, my Lord, in the name of his
Grace Praxton and all Atreidan warriors - humbled as they are by the merits of
your great House."

Osien smiles slightly at the mention of faith but otherwise concentrates his
harsh gaze on the form of Arn.

Saiban accepts the blade with a deep nod, oddly formalized and ceremonial. "An
honorable gift indeed," he notes quietly, hefting it in his free hand and
studying the workmanship. "And fitting. House Ginaz does not forget those who
have lent their hands, weapons and eyes in times of our need. A sharp blade
divides much, but allies bind more." He turns briefly to Iason, regarding him.

Arn performs a kneeling bow. After the required pause he comes to his feet,
bows again and backs off.

Iason bows his head a bit under the Siridar's gaze, showing the proper respect.

Demosthenes drops to one knee, following Arn's motion.
Demosthenes rises then, and takes a step back.

Osien leans closer to whisper something to the Marquis of Ginaz; his eyes do
not leave the faces of the Atreides ambassadors. He does not get on one knee
for he will only do that for a Cardinal or Bishop.

Saiban listens a moment to Osien, offering the Bible to the priest's care, and
keeping the katana in one hand. He smiles at what he hears, nodding his
agreement before facing the vistors. "As I have ever been, the gifts from House
Atreides are welcome and much appreciated. If, for now, you would convey our
thanks to Duke Praxton, I hope it will suffice until I am able to meet with him
to convey my thanks in person."

You say, "It will be done, my Lord Marquis."

Osien removes one large hand from his sleeves and takes the bible gently in his
arm. Slowly, he opens to a random page and begins to murmur softly to himself.

Saiban nods, satisfied, and notes, "With the retirement of Brother Morgen into
the service of the Lord, I do not expect to be unavailable to visit the Duke,
if he has the time. I would like such a meeting quite soon, if it can be
arranged."

Osien cackles with delight, an uncommon outburst from a Man of God, as he reads
the bible which was just handled to him, "I haven't seen one of these in quite
some time," He murmurs softly to himself.

Arn shifts his feet.

Attention turning to Osien, Iason's response is merely to raise a brow. Then he
turns back to Saiban and murmurs, "The Duke understands your position. Have you
been made aware of the political situations that have come about here in
Kaitain?" he asks, curiously.


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