Ornia's Education TP Pt 1

[coon.27@osu.edu]

>From: "Kristi" <kristi@fiamg.net>
>To: "Steffan" <coon.27@osu.edu>
>Subject: Steffan & Justine
>Date: Sat, 4 Sep 1999 02:15:45 -0400
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>
>
>Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
>vehicle 2391, bound for Alvstad Embassy, requesting clearance, "na-Marquis
>Steffan Lear requesting clearance to enter the Alvstad embassay to see the
>Lady Justine.""
>
>You clear the vehicle over your communicator.
>
>Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Clearance
>has been granted for vehicle 2391, bound for the Alvstad Embassy, by
>Justine."
>
>
>You walk through the Revolving Door.
>
>Grand Steps -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
>Fifty-three stone steps lead from the cobbled walk to the plate-glass front
>of the Alvstad Embassy. At the top of the steps, uniformed guards survey the
>neighborhood. The Alvstad Embassy is a large, rectangular building of blue
>stone and thick glass, three stories tall and built to the proportions of
>the golden rectangle. The facade consists of twelve panes of thick plate
>glass, each with a slight greenish tint. The stairs are flanked with statues
>of aquatic organisms: the stealthy BRINESQUID, the hardy PACKWHALE, the
>delicate FISHIMANDER, and the dexterous DODECAPUS.
>Players:
> Justine                               Steffan
>Objects:
> Alvstad Ornithopter                   Ginaz Limosine
>Exits:
> Revolving Door <N> leads to Foyer -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
> Cobbled Walk <S> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain)
>
>Justine steps out of the Embassy and walks slowly towards you with a warm
>smile, "Hello Lord Steffan, it's been.....a long time."
>
>Steffan steps out of the Limoand stops for a moment to look around. Then he
>sees Justine and smiles thinly and then bows, "M'Lady...it HAS been
>....along time..."
>
>Justine bows deeply and lowers her head to you before rising again and
>softly says, "I wish to thank you for responding so quickly to my request. I
>know that you are a busy man. Which reminds me, I hear that congratulations
>are in order."
>
>Steffan raises abrow, "I was quite antonished to here from
>you.....Congratulations?"
>
>Justine nods a little with a somewhat sad smile, "Yes, the Duke's daughter.
>Quite impressive." She motions towards the door, "Shall we step inside to
>discuss matters at hand?"
>
>Steffan nods, "Yes of course....."
>
>
>Diplomats' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
>The Diplomats' Lounge dispenses with the cold austerity of the rest of the
>embassy, and gives the feeling of a much-used, much-lived-in lounge. The
>only actual furniture in the room is an old leather SOFA that leans tiredly
>against the far wall. The rest of the room is filled with large CUSHIONS,
>which are much more common on Alvsgaard than couches or chairs. In the
>northeast corner of the room, an expensive REBEC sits in its stand, with its
>case and some sheet music nearby.
>Players:
> Justine
>Exits:
> Folding Screen <SE> leads to Visitors' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
> Blue Door <E> leads to Conference Room -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
>
>Steffan pushes aside the folding screen and enters the room.
>Steffan has arrived.
>
>Steffan looks about curiously avoiding eye contact with you, "I don't
>remember this....but it has been awhile. ..." He sighs uncomfortably.
>
>Justine turns to you once she's in the room and starts to speak but
>hesitates. Her eyes linger on your face for longer then she should and
>shakes her head slightly, "Ummmmm, I understand. I do not remember much of
>your Embassy either, but Dominic has has offered to show me around again if
>I so wished." She smiles and quietly asks, "Can I get you anything before we
>talk? Something to eat or drink?"
>
>Steffan hrms, "Dominic is my most efficient retainer, a good man...yes...
>drink would be nice...."
>
>Justine nods with a smile, "Very well." She turns and walks over to the wet
>bar and pours herself something to drink and starts to fix yours when she
>pauses, "Forgive me, but I seemed to have forgotten what you like to drink."
>She looks over her bare shoulder at you with a slight flush and asks, "What
>is your favor?"
>
>Steffan wanders wanders over to the corner of the room, studing the rebec
>for the moment, "some wine would be nice....if you have some..."
>
>Justine frowns slightly at your back and then turns back to the wet bar. She
>nods a little and quietly says, "But of course." as she pours the wine. She
>replaces the bottle and then picks up both glasses of wine before walking
>over to you. A somewhat sad smile is on her face when she hands you your
>glass and says, "I hope this is to your liking."
>
>Steffan closes his eyes and nods smiling as he takes the goblet from you,
>"as I remember the wine here has always been quite good." He takes a sip,
>"so you know of Lady Helen...from Ornia ..no doubt..."
>
>Justine's brow rises as you close your eyes and can't help but chuckle as
>she replies, "Actually, no. And might I ask why you have closed your eyes?
>Am I that repulsive to look at?"
>
>Steffan shakes his head with more pronouced smile, "I see you have not
>changed much.....you always seem to read me wrong. But no, quite the
>contrary....you REALLY haven't changed much...you are as beautiful as you
>were when....when we were really seeing each other." He puts the goblet down
>and sighs in almost a panic. "You know I don't know what Im doing here....I
>shouldn't be here..."
>
>Justine sighs and speaks in an almost pleading tone, "Steffan, please. Just
>look at me. You're here because I asked you to come to talk about your
>sister. This isn't some sort of plot to win you back, I promise. I know that
>you do not want me and I have accepted that."
>
>Steffan picks up his goblet and takes another sip, "Alright...yes. I came
>because you asked. And I know you would not PLOT such things. But we didn't
>exactly break it off because of ...ill feelings." He empties his goblet and
>sets it on the bar, "Very well,... my Sister.. What is it that you wish to
>discuss?"
>
>Justine frowns and softly replies, "Steffan, I cannot talk to you if you are
>not going to look at me. Please offer me the curteosy of looking at me. And
>I'm sorry I left, but I didn't have a choice. I wasn't even allowed to let
>anyone know that I was leaving. I wanted to tell you, I wanted to write you,
>but I was forbidden. Please forgive me, Steffan. The last thing I wanted to
>do was hurt you."
>
>Steffan looks up at Justine, his expression blank for the moment. "Very
>well....even I keep such matters private...very well...this bit about my
>sister. Is there some problem I need to be made aware of?"
>
>Justine motions to the room for you to sit down, "Please, let's sit and
>talk. A problem yes, however, in your eyes you might not see it as a large
>one."
>
>Steffan sighs and sits down on the cushions rather awekwardly, "Oh....I do
>remember these cushions...." After adjusting himself somewhat, "ok....Ive
>been having some difficulties with the Lady Ornia...lately...so Im not too
>surprised by this..."
>
>Justine sits down next to you and turns herself to face you. She takes a
>long sip of her wine and then says, "Your sister is in need of refinement.
>>From our discussions, she hasn't had anyone teach her how to be a 'Lady'.
>Teach her to act, talk and look like how a refined Lady should. I am asking
>your permission to teach her these things. It will benefit your House, but
>mostly her, if you will allow this. I will teach her how to conduct herself
>properly in public and in important meetings. I will show her how to carry
>herself and how to speak well so it reflects good on herself and your House.
>She has never had anyone teach her these things and she will not later."
>
>Steffan takes a deep breath, "Yes, with Father and Saiban gone...and the
>staff busy with more pressing matters, Ornia has largely been ignored....and
>that troubles me greatly. Especially if she is to be my successor. I have
>not decided yet...but she could eventually rule after me. And right now she
>is in no condition to do that..." He stands again and starts to pace back
>and forth. "I will have to discuss it with her, and several of her current
>instructors. However for her sake I will consider it..."
>
>Justine looks to you and softly says, "Steffan, if I might say something
>else about her...."
>
>Steffan stops pacing for the moment and looks directly at you, "yes? what is
>it?"
>
>Justine takes another drink of her wine and then sets the glass down as she
>stands and moves over to you. She looks into your eyes and her voice is soft
>and gentle as she speaks, "Steffan, if I tell you, do you promise not to
>tell her that we spoke of this?"
>
>Steffan looks at you with a concerned look. He nods, "very well...if its in
>her best interests..."
>
>Justine sighs, "It's more a matter of trust, Steffan. She has told me what
>is bothering her because I know how she feels. Because I live the same way.
>I only wish to tell you so that hopefully, you can change it and make things
>better, not to betray her trust. That's the last thing I wish to do. But if
>you let her know that I said anything, she will not trust me again."
>
>Steffan hrms, "very well, I understand. I will not say anything..."
>
>Justine smiles softly as she rests a hand on your arm, "Thank you. Your
>sister is feeling very unloved and used right now. You've been neglecting
>her except for whenever you need her assistance of diplomatic matters. She
>feels like an ornament and is very afraid of you marrying her off just to
>gain power in your house. She doesn't feel like your sister or even a
>person, she feels more like a pawn in a game."
>
>A frown starts to appear on Steffan's face, "you know as well I as do that
>nobles, particullarly women ARE frequently used as pawns. But I didn't come
>up with the idea...because my people need me to lead the house and ...I my
>duties are stretching me in every direction, I just don't have time to hold
>my sister's hand right now. She is quite young, when she is older she will
>understand...and really...a husband would do her good...one worthy of Ginaz
>noble for a wife. She is just depressed because mother and father are gone,
>and I am too a great deal of the time as well as most of the staff. Many of
>them are....away at the moment. What she needs is...." Steffan then stops
>abruptly as he looks right at you again. "She is lonely....she needs more
>social contact...but frankly many people are turned off by her behavior..."
>
>Justine sighs heavily and then looks sadly into your eyes, again her voice
>is soft and gentle, "Steffan, she isn't wanting you to hold her hand, she's
>wanting to be treated like a human being. She's your /sister/. Your flesh
>and blood. She's more then an inademate object that can be passed around as
>you deem it. She's too young to be getting married, can't you see that? Her
>behaviour is greatly in part because she is immature still. She's trying so
>hard to live up to your expectations but she can't because she doesn't know
>how to. Let me be with her, let me teach her. What she needs is someone who
>will show that they care about her and she already can see that I do and
>that I'm not using her to better myself nor my house. I care for her as a
>person, not as a position." She gently cups your face with her hand and
>quietly says, "Steffan, don't lose what you have because of politics or you
>will regret it later. I don't have family anymore but mine is not by choice.
>Believe me, it would be far worse to lose her trust and her love for you
>then it would be to lose her life. Treat her well, it doesn't take much to
>show that you care for her. Noone is asking or expecting you to spend all
>your time with her, but some time you can afford. You have to afford it."
>
>Steffan hrms, "I love my sister, she knows that. We have spoken about such
>things before. And yes, she is too young right now to be married, even I am
>hesitant. But as nobles we do what me must not just for ourselves but for
>our house, for our people. And THAT I will never regret... She IS most
>precious to me. I will treat her as a noble, as perhaps the the next
>Marquise of this house. That is a singlular distinction that cannot be
>ignored. I know she would like to be treated otherwise....but she will learn
>and be instructed as I have been...and it hasn't be fun for me...and it WILL
>be more difficult for her. I understand what you are saying, but I must put
>my and her personel feelings aside for the moment and I must think of the
>big picture. " He sighs and then takes a deep breath, 'I was not going to
>say this...but the Ginaz nobleship is not a stable thing right now, the
>people are very scrupiously looking at the leadership. At the moment we
>could be overthrown by a small faction of them so I can't afford any
>mistakes. I guess I must abrogate my own feelings for the moment...I will
>tell Ornia to expect you shortly...."
>
>Justine's hand slowly slides from your face as she frowns deeply at your
>words. Her head barely nods to you, eyes filling with tears but fighting
>hard to hold them back. She clears her throat slightly and quietly says,
>"Yes, I know of your troubles, Steffan and I am sorry to hear them, very
>sorry. I've been quite concerned about them and pray that things will get
>better soon. But her knowing that you love her and you showing it or at
>least telling her once in a while would help. Does it honestly take that
>long to just give her a hug and tell her that you love her and you
>appreciate her? Thank her for supporting you and helping the family? Does it
>take that long to sit down with her and explain why things are the way they
>are and ask her to be patient with you at your time of need? Just because
>you weren't given what you needed doesn't mean she should be denied of it as
>well. She is part of your future. Part of your Houses' future. She /is/ the
>big picture, Steffan. Do not marry her off before she is ready or it will
>only cause troubles later. Wait for her to learn and to mature...for her to
>make you proud."
>
>Steffan tries to reseat himself, but his attempt to do so gracefully fails
>again, as he slips off the cushion onto the floor. "How do you STAND those
>things..." he says still looking at the cushions at first bit frustrated.
>Then with a more somber look he then turns and looks up at you, "If I did
>those things that you ask...she would learn the truth from me personally or
>she figure it out for herself and I couldn't live with that...."
>
>Justine bites her lip to hold back a chuckle but a wide grin passes her lips
>in amusement and her eyes twinkle in delight. She watches you and grins as
>she motions to the couch, "Perhaps this would be easier?" Her brow then
>rises in curiosity, "Truth? Which truth? About the problems your house is
>facing? Believe me, she already knows."
>
>Steffan stands up and sits on the edge of the couch, "she does NOT know
>everything...only what I have chosen to tell her. The War on our homeworld
>will be fierce. It is far worse than most people believe, and its very
>possible none of us will return and House will be destroyed. After all they
>had the resources to kill our own Marquis right here on Kaitain. But even if
>it does survive...it will be beaten up badly, and Ornia will likely be on
>the throne. If she knew this, she would wish to come with me...but I cannot
>allow that you understand. That is why I have chosen to distance myself from
>her, to sheild her from social contact, and anything that might pose a risk
>to her safety, and therefore to make it easier on her and so she would not
>learn of this..."
>
>Justine sighs as she sits next to you and lays a hand on yours, "Steffan,
>you are doing more harm then good. You aren't protecting her, you're causing
>her to distrust you. Believe me when I say that telling her is the best
>thing you can do. Yes, of course she'll want to go, but she won't go. But
>she knows more then you think she does, she isn't stupid and she hears what
>people talk about. My goodness, Steffan, think about it. How would you feel
>if you were in her position? Do you think her hearing about it on the
>streets is better then hearing it from you? You know how rumors are, they
>are either far worse then things actually are or completely false to begin
>with. If you want your sister to be strong enough to take over if something
>should happen to you, then you need to prepare her for it. You need to tell
>her, she can handle it better then you realize. And together...you and
>I...can help her understand it and help her deal with it."
>
>Steffan pauses for the moment, pondering what to say next. "I am uncertain I
>would have the courage to do that...and don't understand why. I can command
>10,OOO men to their deaths in the defense of our house, but I can't talk to
>my own sister. Father would be disappointed Im sure..."
>
>Justine's head shakes slowly as she speaks in a very soft, soothing tone,
>"No he wouldn't, Steffan. He would be very proud of you, as he always was. I
>know it's difficult to tell her, because you're afraid for her, but you can
>do it, you must do it." She watches you with her blue eyes and thinks for a
>moment before she offers, "If it will help, I can be there with you."
>
>Steffan looks away for the moment, "Alright...alright...you have convinced
>me....I will tell Ornia to expect you. I will alert security as well. It may
>take awhile to clear you but Im sure it will be ok. With the imperial throne
>still vacant and with the MRB still in power, security is quite tight. This
>instruction you wish to give her, how much time do you wish to spend with
>her?"
>
>Justine sighs as she lifts her hand to your chin and gently tries to turn
>your face so that she can see you, "If you're going to continue to act like
>this, it's going to make things very difficult, Steffan for I'm going to
>have to meet with you regularly to discuss progress and teachings. As far as
>time, as much time as I can."
>
>Steffan let out a crooked smile, "ok......thats sounds good to me. I would
>appreciate...though if you would let me know what you plan to do before you
>proceed. Im sure, that the Alvstads and the the Ginaz have a great deal in
>common, but Im sure there are differences too. Im not sure how the staff
>will act if they find out an Alvstad is teaching a possible future Siridar
>how to act. It even may take time for them to get used to the idea. Some
>remember you from the old days, but the new retainers will be more
>cautious." He then stands, "I must take my leave of you. It is getting late
>and I need to complete other House business..."
>
>Justine stands from the couch with a quirked brow, "Steffan, have you
>forgotten so soon of my position as well? I am equal to your sister, if not
>higher then her. You forget, when Jans takes Nils' place, I too will be the
>next heir. You also have forgotten of my original house, House Garamond
>which I am /the/ only heir to. If I so wished, I could bring that House back
>to life and I would be the one running it. As far as how she is to act, I
>will be teaching her patience, kindness and the ability to hold to her
>tongue and if she is to speak, speak in a refined way as to not offend."
>
>Steffan hrms, "yes I do remember, my staff keeps me informed about such
>things, however nobles with such power frequently have their own agendas. I
>know that you don't but the staff will be a bit harder to convince. But when
>I tell them, they will not question me. But nevertheless I still wish to be
>kept informed ..."
>
>Justine smiles softly to you, "Of course you will, Steffan. But only if you
>quit avoiding looking at me. You know that I would never do anything to harm
>you, your sister nor your House. I still care too much to allow that."
>
>Steffan nods, "Very well, I will talk with Ornia, and then contact you when
>she is ready. If there is nothing else. I shall depart..."
>
>Justine sighs a little and then takes a couple of steps back and then turns
>and heads towards the door, "Thank you for coming, Steffan. I'm sorry this
>has been difficult for you." She holds the door open for you, "Oh, one last
>thing before you depart. Jans wishes to meet with you, has for quite
>sometime now. You might wish to arrange a meeting with him when you can."
>
>Steffan raises a brow, "Jans?, ah yes, Im sure its regarding Jeon...Ginaz's
>position on the ascension to the imperial throne has not been annouced
>publicly yet. Very well, " He starts then walking towards the door, and then
>turns towards you for a moment before leaving, "I will see what my schedule
>is and then contact him to make an appointment." He starts to smile, "It has
>been good seeing you again. But in future, we will obviously meet again, I
>will have questions of my own. Certainly less important than my sister's
>welfare, but nevertheless important. " He then bows, "Good day, m'Lady..."
>
>Justine's brows furrow in confusion at the latter but she curtsies deeply to
>you. She then chuckles and says, "You know, Steffan, it is not nice to tease
>a Lady like that. Now I will not rest until I see you again."
>
>Steffan nods in another half bow, "M'Lady..."
>
>Steffan walks to the east and passes through the Blue Door.
>Steffan has left.
>


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