A meeting in the Gardens

[coon.27@osu.edu]

Hi everyone,

This was a rather short impromtu meeting between Dominic and Katrina that
was rather well done and I think it will likely lead to other TPs with the
Harkonnen  and so  I thought I would share it with all of you.


---Steffan




Dune III - Monday, July 26, 1999, 11:34 PM
------------------------------------------


A Meeting in the Gardens.


Katrina walks in from Giedi Hall through the Burnished Doors.

Dominic is looking at the garden and turns as he hears Katrina's approach.

Katrina steps out into the garden, whistling softly. Two guards follow her
discretely, keeping an eye on the lady. As she steps outside, and sees
someone unfamiliar, she hesitates, and dips her head politely.

Dominic bows slightly towards Katrina "Good evening, my lady. I was out for
a walk this evening and decided to pay a visit to the Harkonnen Embassy. I
am Staatkanzler Dominic Valerian of House Ginaz."He smiles at Katrina.

Katrina curtesys politely, although the slightest flicker of a frown
crosses her face at the mention of your house. "Good evening, sir. I am
Lady Katrina Harkonnen." She straightens with an arrogance that implies
that if you don't know her by name, then she's not about to tell you who
she is.

Dominic seems very relaxed despite the presence of the two guards. His
piercing green eyes seem to take everything in. "My apologies My Lady
Harkonnen for not immediately recognizing you. I am new to Kaitain and to
my position."

Katrina dips her head slightly, and murmurs, "Tis fine, dear professor of
the Ginaz. How are you.. and what brings you to my home?"

Dominic bows again before continuing on" Your picture in the briefing on
House Harkonnen I was given does not do you justice, My Lady." He says this
last line with a slight grin on his face.

Dominic smiles "Well, I was here recently to open a more direct diplomatic
channel between our two Great Houses. I spoke with Ambassador Ilsabet and I
had the opportunity to meet such noble Harkonnen dignataries as Warmaster
Larkov, Lord Laadislas, and even the Siridar-Baron himself."His smile
broadens before he continues. "In fact, I had the chance to meet them all
at the same time."

Katrina dips her head politely, and murmurs softly, "I am certain that
such.. dignitaries were pleased to meet with you as well, Professor
Dominic." Her eyes glint with a playfulness, "My Lord Baron is a very wise
and noble man, with true leadership."

Dominic nods "Yes, the meeting was most instructive. I even had the
opportunity to speak with the Lord Baron. He seemed very wise indeed. But
please, professor is what my students call me at the Academy and it has
been several months since I have been there. Please, you may simply call me
Dominic, My Lady. One such as dignified as you should not be restrained to
mere titles."The grin returns to the corner of his mouth.

Katrina gives you an impish smile, a childlike innocence flittering on her
face, "Thank you, Dominic. But you'd best call me My Lady or Lady Katrina,
or my brother would be very cross." SHe lowers her voice conspiratorially,
"After all, even our house has to address me that way."

Dominic looks at her with the glint of a smile in his eyes "Of course, My
lady. I would not think of addressing nobility as I would the common man or
woman on the street. Perhaps My Lady wishes to sit down for a moment and we
can continue our conversation in a more relaxed manner instead of standing
here."

Katrina smiles, "Of course." She heads to a bench, the two guards following
her. The take up a position on either side of her bench, as she settles,
smoothing her skirts out neatly. She smiels, waving at one of the nearby
seats, "Please, have a seat."

Dominic sits down. "Thank you, My Lady. Now, as to my reason for this
impromptu visit. Besides looking after the matters of state of House Ginaz,
I am also an instructor at the Ginaz Academy of Warfare. Recently, we have
been considering offering some training to members of other Houses. As you
know, Ginaz Swordmasters are considered the best in the Imperium. At the
highest levels, even a match for Sardaukar. But dont let the Emperor know
that!" He winks at Katrina.

Dominic continues on "As I said, we are considering offering this advanced
training to members of Houses that we deem to be....shall we say...kindly
disposed towards House Ginaz. While I have been made aware that House
Harkonnen is officially neutral towards House Ginaz, I am hoping to change
that to a more friendly disposition. Thus the reason for my appointment.
Besides swordsmanship, I seem to have some small talent for diplomacy."He
smiles at Katrina."Thus the reason for my appointment."

Katrina archs an eyebrow at that, her lips pursing momentarilly. "The best
in the Imperium? THat could be.. a very foolish statement to make,
Warmaster." She accords you the title, generously. "YOu never know who will
hear you say such things and repeat them at the most.. inopportune times."
SHe hesitates, and notes carefully, "All.. diplomatic situations should go
through the proper channels of course. Of which, you realize, I am not
one."

Dominic shakes his head with a smile "No Warmaster am I, My Lady. Merely a
humble swordsman who has been thrust into the role of diplomacy. And yes, I
am aware that you are not a diplomatic representative of House Harkonnen. I
merely brought this up in passing, in conversation as it were, since this
is not an official diplomatic visit. As to my statement of our training,
you will forgive a teacher who merely is proud of his students and his
scholarly heritage."

Katrina dips her head politely, "Of course. I wish you luck with your
diplomacy.. you'll find that House Harkonnen is never unwilling to discuss
friendly relations.."

You say, "Thank you. I find that most reassuring. Well, I do not wish to
keep you long. Sadly, I must leave your presence and attend to some duties
at my Embassy. If you will do me a small favor, My Lady? If you happen to
see Ambassador Ilsabet, please convey my regrets as to missing her and I
will make an appointment next time."

Katrina dips her head politely, "I'd be happy to convey your regrets to the
Ambassador, when I meet her. I am.. recently arrived to the embassy from my
home." She rises, and her guards straighten instinctively.

Dominic quickly rises from his seat and as he bows he takes her hand and
kisses it lightly. "Thank you for your time, My Lady. The pleasure and the
honor have been all mine. I look forward to our next meeting."He grins as
he looks up at her.

Katrina curtesies, "Of course, Dominic. Thank you for the pleasure of your
company. I shall see you again soon, I hope?" Her eyes twinkle, "Do come
back."

Dominic smiles as he turns and walks back towards the Ginaz Embassy.




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