The Imp Hunt

[coon.27@osu.edu]

This was a nice little RP session with the former Prince just before his
untimely death.






The Imperial Hunt


Corrin slips off the high flank of his tawny gelding and strides a few
steps to the bow-legged table which has been set with cool refreshments
beneath the spreading and shady elm. He raises a frosted glass.
"Ambassador, do join me. I so hat eto drink alone."

Dominic nods and dismounts from his black steed. He picks up a glass as
well. "To your continued good health, My Prince."He raises his glass.

Corrin eyes Dominic over the fluted, byzantine edge of his glass. "Ah, to
my health indeed. I thank you. You've surely heard of my poor Father's
ailing health?" The Prince sounds disinterested, almost casual in his
discussion of the Emperor's well-known illness.

Dominic looks carefully at Corrin. "I have only heard rumors, My Prince.
The fact that His Imperial Majesty has not been seen or heard from in
several weeks has raised a few eyebrows on Kaitain."He takes a slow sip
from his glass.

Corrin looks distractedly out across the golden sunlit trunks of the
stately trees clustered about the preserve. He nods very slightly. "It
would, of course, be a great tragedy to the Empire should my Father not
recover from his illness." The Prince's voice is pitched very low, so only
a servant or two and Dominic can hear it. "Tell me Ambassador, has your
House's administration discussed the Emperor's illness and how it might
affect the Ginaz?"

Dominic draws slightly closer to Corrin "Yes, it would be a great tragedy
indeed. No, I must admit there has not been much discussion of any illness
of the Emperor. This would, however, cause some problem for our House. I
had only recently requested an audience with His Imperial Majesty at the
Na-Marquis's request. I had also hoped to discuss the matter of the Arrakis
Spice Contract with His Imperial Majesty."

At the mention of Dominic's proposed topics Corrin "ahhs" and shakes his
head in a poor attempt at playing the concerned offspring. "My fear is that
my father's ailing strength will not be spent on seeing to the needs of
House Ginaz. Regrettable, as I had such high hopes that our two great
houses might somehow... draw closer..."

Dominic nods and smiles "I too had great hopes that our two Houses could
grow closer and strenthen our alliance. Perhaps, if My Prince is not too
busy, we could discuss these matters and strengthen the alliance between
ourselves. Obviously if His Imperial Majesty is ailing, perhaps he will
leave such courtly matters to one as astute as yourself, your excellency."

Corrin nods sagely and stares at Dominic for a long, calculating moment. He
smiles, thin and cheerlessly and drains his glass with a flourish. "Why
not, You honor me with your confidences Ambassador. Please, what have you
to discuss with my House?"

Dominic bows his head to Corrin "You honor me, My Prince. I had wished to
speak with His Imperial Majesty concerning the Arrakis Spice Contract
currently held by House Moritani. I feel that if House Ginaz were to be
awarded this Choam Contract at the next meeting, it would be much more
profitable for House Corrino. With the current leadership shuffle between
the Siridar-Count and the Na-Countess I think that the proper supervision
of the contract may be neglected. Also, House Ginaz would of course
increase the percentage given to the Imperium as a sign of genuine thanks
to House Corrino."He pauses to gauge Corrin's reaction.

Corrin raises a well-manicured eyebrow and emits a thin whistle, apparently
weighing the import of Dominic's words. "Your analysis of the Arrakis
situation seems well-reasoned Ambassador, but House Moritani is powerful,
and the contract for spice mining on Arrakis a plum, a veritable jewel in
the CHOAM crown." With a calculated mockery of sorrow he shakes his head
"Surely House Ginaz would not ask me to indulge in such a dangerous
political manuever merely for the promise of an extra percentage or two of
profit?"

Dominic shakes his head "Of course not, My Prince! I wished to merely
present several facts to you. Such as the fact that House Ginaz seeks to
become a firm supporter of House Corrino. Also, should the Emperor seek fit
to award our House this contract, we can guarantee a minimum of a 30
decrease in spice smuggling. I can say this because several Ginaz agents
have infiltrated the smuggling ring and are in place to...shall we
say...decrease their capability. And the minor fact that we are currently
cementing an alliance with House Alvstad. I have spoken to Na-Count Jans
Alvstad himself."

Dominic takes another drink and drains the glass.

Corrin idly scratches an ear while an aide refils the Prince's suddenly
empty cup. He waves a languid hand "Smugglers hold no interest for me.
Their drain on the flow of spice is negligable, when put in the proper
context. No, I would require a stronger lure, perhaps..." and at this he
fixes a sharp eye on the Ambassador "Perhaps your Siridar's pledge, that of
House Alvstad as well, to support the rightful heir to the Lion Throne,
should" he smiles, whiplash thin, "It become necessary for me to assume my
Father's place."

Dominic eyes Corrin thoughfully "Perhaps I may be able to sweeten that
offer, My Prince. What if I were able to secure the not only those pledges,
but the pledge's of House Bajazet and House Atreides as well? Surely the
support of four of the Great Houses of the Landsraad would be of great
value to Your Excellency?"

Corrin allows his eyes to slide shut in an unguarded moment of what appears
to be.. sensual pleasure? His smile is a thin, cold thing to look upon. "It
would indeed be a thing of value to me Ambassador." He opens his eyes "And
your price for this Landsraad voting bloc you propose to deliver is the
Arrakis contract? And nothing more?

Dominic nods "Nothing more, My Prince. House Ginaz merely wishes the
opportunity to give the Arrakis Spice Contract the proper supervision it
deserves and to pledge its firm support of the Lion Throne. The Na-Marquis
himself instructed me to pursue closer relations with House Corrino.And if
the unthinkable were to happen to His Imperial Majesty, House Ginaz would
wish to support such an impressive candidate as yourself, My Prince."He
smile is actually genuine.

A genuine smile, warmer this time, betraying a flash of the child Corrin
was just a few short years ago, flickers across the Crown Prince's face.
"Your leige has chosen his emmisary well if his aim is, indeed to improve
relations with the Imperial House. I can feel our relations growing closer
by the moment." He tips his elaborately filigreed cup back in a quick shot
and hands the cup off. "I would request the pleasure of your company at
dinner tomorrow to explore in more detail the concerns of your House."
Without waiting for an answer, the Prince returns to his horse, which
stamps lightly in the afternoon sun.

Dominic nods and mounts his black steed.

Corrin spares a moment for a satisfied smile before he goads his horse off
on a quick cantor as the guides and the houndsmen fan out before the royal
party. The hunt continues.





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