Court 11/5/99

["Erin K. DeMoranville" <odessa@apk.net>]

Here's a log of last night's very brief Court Session.

Much happy reading everyone,

Valentina

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Selamlik -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
This enormous hall makes even the large Noukker 
guards seem small, but a trick of the 
architecture focuses attention on the Golden 
Lion Throne sitting on a raised dais at the 
north end of the room, making it and its 
occupant seem larger than life. Fluted columns 
along the walls stretch up to the high, vaulted 
ceilings, which are colorfully decorated with 
frescoes of past battlefield victories. Between 
the columns hang the long, tapered battle 
standards of the Corrino commanders who fought 
in the Battle of Corrin (and afterward became 
Dukes, Counts, and Barons).
Players:
 Jeon                                  Srulin    
                            
 Justine                               Valentina 
                           
Exits:
Round Passageway <NE> leads to Antechamber -- 
Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 
Low Archway <NW> leads to Cloisters -- Imperial 
Palace (Kaitain) 
Vaulted Arch <S> leads to Reception Hall -- 
Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

Several servants dressed in ancient black robes, 
with gold piping, walk into the room. At their 
head is a servant wearing a white wig and 
carrying a long gold and black staff. They take 
up position near the throne.

Srulin is standing with Justine who faces her 
having a small conversation.

The Countessa Moritani enters with a signifigant 
number of assistance this eve, some twelve or so 
on initial count. She proceeds towards one of 
the walls, but only after taking the time to 
properly curtsey to the Lion Throne.

Justine's cheeks flush a bit as she forgot about 
that and then quietly speaks, "Oh yes, I forgot. 
I'm sorry." She looks over to Valentina when she 
enters and then curtsies towards her, bowing her 
head, "Countessa Moritani."

If the Countessa has heard the Lady Garamond, 
she does not acknowledge her. She proceeds 
towards the opposite wall, where she and hers, 
will settle, awaiting for Court to begin.

Hasan walks in from Reception Hall through the 
Vaulted Arch.

Hasan has arrived.

You stand along the eastern wall.

Hasan gives a snappy military-style bow.

Srulin turns his body to see the Countessa. With 
Justine, he bows his head but doesn't speak a 
word. His face is currently in some thought but 
it soon erodes into an unexpressional face.

The chief servant with his white wig, and his 
black rod, pounds the ground with the self same 
rod. It makes a loud hollow sound that 
reverberates throughout the chamber, "Hear ye! 
Hear ye! Hear ye! His most exaltant Majesty Jeon 
XIV cometh this way."

The Countessa rises, as do all that attend with 
her, with this announcement.

Hasan looks around the room. Though his manner 
is diplomatic, it is palin that he is simmering 
with indignation at recent events.

Hasan has disconnected.

Justine's brow rises slightly at the Countessa's 
reaction and then shakes her head a bit. She 
smiles to Srulin, "I guess we better get into 
position since it's starting..." She then walks 
over towards the western wall.

Justine stands along the western wall.

Srulin bows his head a little and respected her 
command. he follows her to the western-wall.

Srulin stands along the western wall.

Srulin stands up straight as he hears the chief 
serveant speak, waiting for the Emperor.

The doors swing wide, pushed open by servants. 
The Emperor in his own parade dress military 
unifmr marches with some spring in his step. He 
smiles at everyone, and then comes up to the 
throne. He turns, pauses and then sits.

Jeon sits upon the Lion Throne.

Valentina inclines her head as the Emperor 
enters, in a sort of half-bow. The rest of her 
entourage fall into a full and proper bow or 
curtsey.

Justine curtsies low to the floor, bowing her 
head deeply as Jeon enters the room.

Srulin bows his head low as he remains standing 
with his posture straight as if he were still in 
the army at attention.

Black Rod, the servant with the black staff, is 
about to open his mouth when the Emperor waves 
him quiet, "Sorry, but I need to say a few 
words." He shifts his weight and says, "You'll 
notice the format is going to be a little 
different tonight. I want to say a few brief 
words and then make right all that went wrong. 
Now, here goes." He grins broadly.

Valentina keeps her eyes downcasted. She listens 
to the words carefully.

Justine's brows furrow together in confusion, 
wondering what he's talking about but she 
remains silent as she stands again and waits for 
him to continue.

Srulin remains standing without changing his 
posture or facial appearance. He looks at the 
Emperor without movement and not without a blink 
ready to listen.

Jeon smooths his pant legs with his open palms 
and says, "Before I landed this job, of sitting 
on the Lion Throne, I was a military officer. I 
am afraid that I hadn't received a proper 
briefing to take my new command, as a result I 
made some mistakes." He continues to grin, "Now, 
I understand an Emperor isn't supposed to 
apologise. I'll try not to make it a habit." He 
chuckles, "But, my father used to say an apology 
is worthless without something behind it, 
something concrete. So, I intend to right my 
wrongs. In that spirit, Countessa Moritani would 
you please come forward?"

Valentina slowly moves away from her entourage, 
as requested.

You move away from the eastern wall.

You stand before the Lion Throne.

Valentina curtseys formally and fully as she 
approaches the throne, stopping at the 
appropriate distance.

Justine's eyes shift to Valentina and watches 
her move before the throne.

Jeon coughs and smiles at her, "Countessa, 
perhaps you have heard the reports that another 
is, shall we say, has a closer lineage to occupy 
the Siridarship?"

Valentina moistens her lips before answering. 
Her words are softspoken, so they may not even 
echo fully through the Selamlik, "Such knowledge 
has made itself known to my humble person, Your 
Majesty. But His Majesty did make... his choice. 
And He is never wrong."

Justine's lips pull back slightly as she reaches 
over to take hold of Srulin's hand, knowing full 
well what is going on now.

Jeon corrects, eqloquently, "Bullshit. I can be 
wrong. Am I not a man? And I will even admit to 
having been wrong in this. You see, I didn't get 
all the facts before I blithely went about 
making appointments. I was so concerned with 
looking and acting the part that I forgot to 
take it seriously."

Valentina remains motionless and wordless, 
perhaps stunned into silence.

Srulin looks back at Justine briefly as she 
takes his hand but then looks over to Valentina 
quickly in interest.

After another moment of silence, she hesitatly 
responds.... "Would it please His Majesty, if I 
were to yield to my dear Cousin Vittorio 
Moritani?" There's a fragility in her voice, and 
something else underneath, perhaps a smothered 
anger?

Prospero walks in from Reception Hall through 
the Vaulted Arch.

Prospero has arrived.

Prospero enters quietly and bows with deep 
respect.

Prospero stands along the eastern wall.

Jeon hmms and steeples his fingers, "Yes, this 
sounds like an excellent idea, My noble lady. It 
shows you are a woman who has honour and 
integrity." he smiles softly.

Srulin continues to observe patiently on the 
western-wall of the Siridari-Countessa and her 
confrontation with His Majesty.

Slowly her head raises. For an instant her eyes 
lock with His Majesty's.

Valentina then tilts her head slightly, "I was 
unaware my honor and integrity were 
questionable, Majesty," she says. She pauses a 
moment, then says, "Valentina Marconna hereby 
yields her title of Siridara-Countessa to her 
First Cousin, Vittorio Lucio Sellanzo Moritani, 
half-brother of Cesare Massimiliano Moritani and 
Colonnelo in our fine Armed services. Her 
Ladyship recongizes that her Cousin relation to 
the elder Moritani does not permit her to the 
title of Countessa. She understands and 
acknowledges the confusion of the events at 
hand, and holds no grudge, nor ill will, towards 
His Majesty, for this. Moritani apologizes, 
profusely, for all miscommunications. Please 
understand, the times have been, most troubling, 
for Her."

She then adds.....

"Her Ladyship also recognizes that the elder 
Moritani was unaware of the facts that he had a 
half-brother, which thereby led to her being 
named his Na-Heir. Her Ladyship does not wish to 
violate The Forms. Thusly, this proclomation, 
should it please His Majesty, and indeed all the 
Imperium, shall be effective immediately." Her 
words then halt. She is finished.

Jeon smiles and nods, "Then is there anything 
else you would have of me at this time, Lady 
Valentina? Because as of this moment onward, 
Vittorio is Siridar."

He folds his arms across his chest.

Valentina curtseys properly, "I merely wish to 
please Moritani, and the Imperium Majesty. 
Should more be required?"

Jeon shakes his head, "At this time, I do not 
think so. Thank you very much for your integrity 
and strength of nobility, Lady Valentina."

Valentina raises slightly, and her hands clasp a 
moment. She slowly removes the ring from her 
right hand's pinky finger, and tucks it into a 
pocket so she can deliver it to Vittorio.

You step back from before the Lion Throne.

You stand along the eastern wall.

Srulin looks down to his feet for little time 
before taking his eyes over to Justine and 
perches and eyebrow. He turns back to Valentina 
who proceeds to her side of the Selamlik then to 
the Emperor.

Jeon takes a deep breath, and looks around the 
Selamlik, "Is anyone representing House 
Rastanyev present?" He searches with his eyes.


Justine watches Valentina move back to where she 
was standing before, a hint of pity in her eyes 
as she does feel a bit sorry for her. She then 
looks back to the Emperor and waits House 
Rastanyev.

Srulin looks around with his blue eyes but 
restrains himself from moving his head and body 
scouting for somebody from House Rastanyev.

Jeon rubs his chin, "I'll take that as a no." 
His lips curl into a smirk. He shrugs, "No 
matter. They'll just have to hear this apology 
after the fact."

He begins with a preamble, "Last court, I was 
very zealous to appear the proper Emperor, but 
in so doing I neglected to hand Rastanyev the 
Siridarship the Lord Regent deserves. With my 
other actions towards House Moritani, people 
were correctly upset. So, without further ado, I 
hereby elevate Lord Regent Josef to the position 
of full Siridar with all rights, freedoms and 
priveledges therein."

Srulin makes no emotion of that comment but 
remains standing, staring at the Emperor at his 
very most respectfulness to him.

Justine nods slightly to Jeon's words but says 
nothing and has no particular look on her face.


Iason walks in from Reception Hall through the 
Vaulted Arch.

Iason has arrived.

Jeon smiles and turns to Justine, "Lady Justine 
nee Garamond, would you please come forward? I 
have something to say to you also."

Iason stands along the western wall.

Justine blinks at Jeon's words as she slowly 
lifts a finger up and points to her chest. She 
looks around the room a bit before swallowing 
hard and inching her way up to the throne, 
stopping where Valentina did, lowering herself 
onto the floor in a curtsey, bowing her head, 
"Your Majesty...."

Justine moves away from the western wall.

Justine stands before the Lion Throne.

Srulin watches Justine go up before the throne 
with his blue eyes but says nothing to her then 
looks up to the Emperor to listen to his words.

Iason silently stands to one side, observing 
everything as he remains unobtrusive.

Jeon smiles and says, "On the recommendation of 
my advisors, I extend my invitation to you Lady 
Justine to stay on at the palace as long as you 
like. Furthemore if you are worried for your 
safety, I also will grant you the mantel of Ward 
of the Imperium, should you desire it."


Justine keeps her head near the floor but her 
brows furrow in confusion by that. She very 
quietly asks, "Ward of the Imperium, Your 
Majesty?"

Jeon shrugs his shoulders, "Essentially it means 
you are under my protection. Anyone who would 
make an attempt to begin an old feud anew would 
be attacking me, personally. Consider it an 
added layer of shielding." He grins, "I have 
also taken advise on how we might move to 
permanently put behind us that old affair, the 
old war, and see to it that it is extinguished 
forever and you no longer tormented by it."

Srulin grins a little happy to hear the words of 
the Emperor to Lady Garamond.

At the eastern wall, Prospero says, "It should 
be easy enought to end any problems. She need 
merely to renounce the Garamond name. Something 
the Emperor's 'magic wand' should be able to 
accomplish."

Justine remains silent for a long moment before 
clearing her throat and speaking up, "Your 
Majesty, your offer is most gracious and so very 
deeply appreciated. I very humbly accept your 
generosity and pledge my loyalties and service 
to you. Thank you, Your Majesty, you are most 
kind."

Jeon smiles and says, "Well, you are kind to 
accept my gift. Thank -you- for being a friend 
to me, and my family." He takes a deep breath, 
"Well, this is all I had to say. Now we shall 
move into the phase where those who wish to 
speak to me, can."

Justine slowly rises and then looks to the 
Emperor with a warm smile before turning and 
heading back to the western wall, beside Srulin.
Justine steps back from before the Lion Throne.

Justine stands along the western wall.

Jeon looks around and smirks, "Anyone at all ..."

Srulin looks over to Justine and smiles at her 
before turning to the Emperor. He has nothing to 
say unless called for.

Jeon sighs, "Well, if there is nothing else, I 
suppose that I shall end this session of court. 
If you wish to remain, please, be my guests. The 
servants will get you any manner of refreshment 
that you desire." He smiles and stands from the 
throne.
Jeon descends from the Lion Throne.

Valentina curtseys formally as His Majesty 
departs.

Justine curtsies low before the Emperor with a 
smile on her face and bows her head slightly to 
him.

At the eastern wall, Prospero bows deeply to the 
Lion Throne.

The noukkers come to attention with a loud snap. 
The sound echoes throughout the chamber. The 
servants bow. The Padishah Emperor strolls to 
the northeast, flashing a smile before he goes.

Jeon walks to the northeast and moves along the 
Round Passageway.

Jeon has left.

Srulin bows his head formally at the Emperor as 
he desends his throne. He looks over to Justine 
and gives her another grin. "Good job, Lady 
Garamond."

You move away from the eastern wall.

Valentina bows towards the Lion Throne. She then 
turns back to the attendants, giving them gentle 
suggestions as to what they should do.

Iason bows as the Emperor departs, then silently 
straightens.

Prospero moves away from the eastern wall.

Justine watches the Emperor leave and then turns 
to Srulin with a blush, "I didn't do anything, 
really. Merely assisted him on a few occassions 
with some simple tasks. I didn't expect his 
invitation but am honored. Now I have one less 
thing to worry about."

Valentina lets go of Prospero's hand, after 
leaning close to whisper to him.

You mutter to Prospero, "I must meet with His 
Majesty privately. Meet me for a late supper 
upon my return?"

Valentina then gives Prospero a half smile, and 
turns. She walks towards the Round Passageway, 
speaking quietly with a guard there.

Prospero nods, "I shall await you at the embassy 
my lady." He bows.

You walk along the Round Passageway.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dune III Readers Mailing List (dune3-readers@fremen.org)
This list is unmoderated. To unsubscribe, email majordomo@fremen.org
with 'unsubscribe <listname>'. For help, mail majordomo@fremen.org
with 'help <listname>' in the message.