Dealing wth Witches

["Jans Alvstad" <jans@protherminc.com>]

Jans Alvstad
Alvstad Faction Head

Log File from Dune3.

The Siridar Viscount Jans Alvstad
The Reverend Mother Lavinia Isabel Arahtiam
The Bene Gesserit Sister Aurelia Constance Felgaard

Discussion of property.  :)

+++++++++

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
  vehicle 2967, bound for Alvstad Embassy, requesting clearance, "A Bene
  Gesserit Envoy requests permission to enter the Alvstad Embassy Compound.""
Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Clearance has
  been granted for vehicle 2967, bound for the Alvstad Embassy, by Jans."
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:
 Aurelia                               Lavinia                               
 Jans                                 
Exits:
 Revolving Door <N> leads to Foyer -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Cobbled Walk <S> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain)
The deep wrinkles in Lavinia's long, dour face leaves little doubt as to her
  age, though the strong form of her chin and her high cheekbones give her a
  regal countenance. Deep blue within blue eyes peer from under heavy eyelids,
  and look about in a manner unlike any other; with an unnerving and utterly
  complete smoothness of motion.

Streaked gray hair is pulled back carefully behind her head, where it is held
  by a small, circular black clasp. The clasp is rounded and almost entirely
  featureless, but appears impossibly dark, as though it swallows any light
  which encounters it.

She wears a long, unadorned black hooded robe, the dark folds of which undulate
  silently as she walks. Her motions are slow, but deliberate and precise.
  Though the strength and agility of youth may have left her, she continues to
  exude a sense of supreme self-control.

        A few molecules over one hindred and sixty five centimeters, this young
  human is not the most imposing of figures, at least not at first sight. 
        She has something of the hawk in her, a sense of explosive energy and
  movement kept under tight control. High cheekbones and a narrow face, long
  slender hands that are habitually clasped behind her back. Flinty-grey eyes
  that never seem to miss a source of data set off her slightly pale
  complexion. Her hair is dark, pulled tightly back to the crown in a long
  tail. 
        Her form is lean, with a layer of well-trained muscle coiled in wait,
  and she has chosen clothing to accentuate this: a long dress of aqua silk,
  unadorned but cut without shoulders, the material has been cleverly made to
  cling ever so slightly for a moment more than usual. Traction-soled slippers
  of the same color as the dress are revealed now and again.. here is a bit of
  decoration: tiny pearls set into the uppers in a nautilus pattern.
A small Bene Gesserit entourage consisting of two women and four attendants
  have just arrived at the Embassy.
Lavinia just looked at you.
Aurelia is exactly two paces behind the Reverend Mother, head down and hands
  clasped behind her back.
Jans offers a half bow, "Reverend Mother, it is an honor. I did not expect a
  personal visitation in response to my communique."
Lavinia responds in kind with a gentle nod. She speaks in soft, tones, almost
  soothing to the ear, "The honor is ours, Siridar-Viscount. I have attended
  personally because I am interested in seeing to it that this transaction is
  mutually beneficial. Perhaps we should proceed straight to business? I am
  certain that your time is most valuable."
Jans offers a wry smile, one seen when he finds things amusing to his own
  strange sense of humor. "Of course." He gestures toward the door, and as a
  servant opens it he steals a glance toward Aurelia. "If you would, Honored
  Mother?"
Lavinia gathers up herself and nods curtly, not responding to the smile. "Of
  course, Viscount."
Lavinia walks to the north and passes through the Revolving Door.
Aurelia follows the Reverend Mother, keeping her eyes down.
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:
 Aurelia                               Jans                                 
Exits:
 Revolving Door <N> leads to Foyer -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Cobbled Walk <S> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain)

You walk through the Revolving Door.

Foyer -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
The Embassy Foyer is bright, warm, and somewhat green-tinted. The large green
  plate glass windows let in both warm sunlight and a panoramic--if somewhat
  greenish--view of Greater Kaitain. At the southern end of the room, four
  tables are ringed with comfortable chairs, where harried junior diplomats
  like to sit, drink their crab juice, chat with pretty receptionists, and
  watch the passers-by. The northern half of the room appears to be the Alvstad
  Embassy's primary waiting area. Although it is rather large for its function,
  the room still seems overcrowded--clerks bustle about behind their counter,
  petitioners queue in long lines, and guards check papers and pat for weapons.
  Against the east and west walls there are rows of chairs; in these wait bored
  supplicants, reading newspapers. The long marble receptionists' counter
  against the north wall is neatly bisected by the heavy oak doors. On one end
  of the counter sits a pile of reading materials: Kaitaini newspapers, Alvstad
  agitprop pamphlets, and glossy magazines in an odd alphabet. The floor is a
  mosaic of dark tiles, depicting the various sea organisms of Alvsgaard in all
  their murky blue majesty.
Players:
 Jans                                  Lavinia                              
Exits:
 Oak Doors <N> leads to Main Audience Chamber -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Narrow Doorway <NE> leads to Visitors' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Revolving Door <S> leads to Grand Steps -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
Aurelia walks in from Grand Steps through the Revolving Door.
The servants continue on toward the Visitors' Lounge.
Jans follows his servants, "If you would follow me, please."

You walk through the Narrow Doorway.

Visitors' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)(#484RtJ)
This room is a waiting area for more distinguished visitors. Overstuffed sofas
  line each wall, and a glass table sits in the center of the room, surrounded
  by comfortable chairs. On the table sit several decks of cards, a Cheops set,
  and a Fish Tarot. A bookcase on the south wall proudly displays the
  masterworks of Alvst literature. Tasteful ink-and-watercolor silk hangings
  adorn each wall. A large fan built into the ceiling cools the room down and
  drowns out the bustle of the adjoining rooms.
Players:
 Jans                                 
Objects:
 Fish Tarot                           
Exits:
 Folding Screen <NW> leads to Diplomats' Lounge -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Narrow Doorway <SW> leads to Foyer -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Double Doors <N> leads to Conference Room -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Heavy Curtain <W> leads to Main Audience Chamber -- Alvstad Embassy (Kaitain)
Lavinia walks in from Foyer through the Narrow Doorway.
Jans gestures toward the chairs and sofas, "Make yourself comfortable, please.
  Do you require any refreshement?"
Aurelia walks in from Foyer through the Narrow Doorway.
Lavinia seats herself carefully on one of the chairs and gestures for Aurelia
  to do the same. "No thank you, Viscount. We are quite well as we are."
Jans nods, taking a drink from a waiting servant who then in turn takes the
  Viscount's cane. He frowns at the table, then sighs, and sits opposite the
  Reverend Mother.
Lavinia speaks softly, her voice smooth and tranquil, "Quite erratic today, eh?
  First a mysterious smile, then a frown. . . Hopefully we shall manage to
  evoke the former more than the latter."
Aurelia does sit near the Lady, folding her hands into her lap. She looks up
  finally, desperately trying to control her expression, thus only the corners
  of her eyes wrinkle a little with the surpressed smile.
Lavinia smooths a small wrinkle on her robe as she studies Jans' reactions, her
  eyes drifting fluidly about his form.
Jans sips his drink, "I am ever the mysterious, my Lady. Yet some say I am no
  mystery at all, merely up front, which many people fail to see. I just
  hate....formality at times. I live it out of these walls, under public
  scrutiny. Some times I enjoy the simple chat, even if it is a chat about more
  than simple things." He swirls his drink, "I was hoping for the couch, My
  Lady."
Aurelia sits a bit straighter, and steals the opportunity to tug the material
  of her dress a bit higher when the Reverend Mother looks away.
Jans watches both women closely over the top of his glass.
Lavinia nods, "You will be pleased to hear that my intention in this meeting is
  to arrange for such simple pleasures, Viscount." The word 'pleasures' drops
  from her mouth, and seems almost to fall to the floor, welling up as a tingle
  in the belly. She continues, her tone sharper, quickly erasing the odd
  sensation, "And much more. However, my impression -- and I trust it is not in
  error -- is that the two of you might enjoy such. . .activities more
  intensely if conducted in my absence. Shall we see what can be done to
  arrange for this?"
Aurelia shifts in her seat ever so slightly..
Jans clears his throat, lifting his glass he stares into the bottom of it.
  "Very well, Reverend Mother, if you wish it so, it shall be." He sips his
  drink, then looks to Aurelia for a moment. "Of late, I have found myself
  without much objective counsel. And while I know that your order lays claim
  to such, I have seen activities that pique my curiousity." He sets the glass
  down on the table. "Be that as it may, the brief opportunity that the Lady
  Aurelia chose to aide me, it was welcomed, skilled, and most useful in
  nature." He sighs deeply, "I am also aware that I have no heir at present,
  and no longer have a desire to pursue such a relationship. I find Aurelia
  pleasantly attractive, which can be said for many of such an age here. But I
  also found her intelligent, interesting, curteous, and mindful of my wishes,
  which is not so common. So yes, I would very much like to know what can be
  arranged."
Aurelia nods to herself, but holds her tongue.
Lavinia glances at Aurelia, then back to Jans, a small, but discernable smile
  upon her face. "Indeed the young Lady is understandably desirable .She is
  most skilled, would serve you well in many respects. She is healthy, and her
  genotype is compatible with your own, and you should anticipate no difficulty
  in terms of producing offspring." She turns to Aurelia, "Have you anything to
  add, my dear?"
Jans returns to the table with a full glass, and sits. He offers a slight smile
  to Aurelia, hoping to convey something to her other than that she is a piece
  on a cheops set to him.
Aurelia smiles just a bit. "Only that my short time at the Siridar-Viscount's
  side was more than interesting. I must admit that I had felt my teachers'
  lectures on Lansraad politics to be less than interesting.. but I have
  discovered that I was wrong." She allows herself a bit of amusement. "As for
  my.. skills.. I fear that I will enjoy the practice thereof.."
Jans sips his drink. "Indeed. I had the misfortune of being subjected to my
  aged father's profession at a young age. I could offer much insight to her
  studies on the Landsraad." He smiles at her last comment, having spent many
  nights irritating that same father in such avenues. He sets his glass down,
  "It would seem this would be a mutally beneficial arrangement, Reverend
  Mother. Would you not agree?"
Lavinia allows herself a brief smile, "Indeed I do, Viscount. It is important
  to the Sisterhood that we maintain the good relations that we have enjoyed
  for so long with your noble House. The Lady Aurelia will be a capable and
  useful addition to House Alvstad. But we must discuss compensation. Much
  effort has been expended in her training. The counsel which you will receive
  from her -- tempered as it will be with her lengthy and comprehensive
  knowledge of history and politics -- was to have been ours. We are most
  willing to see House Alvstad gain this prize, but must, as you understand,
  receive appropriate payment in kind." She pauses a few moments, letting the
  words sink in, "What are your thoughts in this regard, Viscount?"
Jans sighs ever so slightly, "Well, given what we have already discussed, I
  could argue and haggle like a street vendor over her inexperience, and the
  training I will have to provide at my own costs." He lifts his drink off the
  table, "However, such is not my style." He sips his drink, "I do not suppose
  there is some favor we might agree upon, Honored Mother?" He glances at
  Aurelia again.
Aurelia looks from the Viscount to the Reverend Mother, hands flat on her own
  knees, in the tension she has lost control of the small signs of stress.
Lavinia smiles slightly at that last comment, Her voice tightens slightly and
  drives forward in a crisp even cadence, "I believe there is room for such a
  favor, Viscount. The Sisterhood is willing to assign the Lady Aurelia to your
  service in exchange for the option to co-opt any female children which issue
  forth from the union."
Jans pauses for a moment, staring into his drink.
Lavinia adds, "Of course, this will need to be made formal, and contingencies
  must be in place in case no such children are available. But this is our
  offer to you in general terms."
Lavinia turns her eyes to Aurelia, and studies her for a brief moment, then
  returns her attention to Jans.
Jans takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "The option after the first,
  should the first child be female. And your word that if there be more than
  one, you do not take all? An empty House is often a lonely House. I should
  know."
Aurelia can only smile, the corners of her eyes softening, her gaze returns to
  the floor.
Lavinia nods, "A reasonable request. We shall not take the first child, and if
  there is more than one healthy girl-child, we will agree to allow at least
  one to remain within your Household."
Lavinia adds, "However, reasonable efforts must be exercised to see that more
  than one child is produced."
Aurelia offers quietly. "I forsee few problems in that regard."
Jans sips his drink, downing nearly all of it. He chuckles. "I suppose one
  remaining for each one you may or may not take is too much to ask?" He looks
  to Aurelia, smiling slightly at her comment. "Perhaps not, given my history.
  But perhaps the Reverend Mother seems to think I could refrain if it was in
  my interest." He downs the rest of his drink, "The game is afoot, even now."
  He mutters.
Aurelia nods slightly, evidently to the Viscount's comment. "Perhaps Your
  Lordship will find time to be able to teach me something of the hunt, then?
  It was always said that I spent too involved in the games they used to teach
  us."
Lavinia smiles softly, drawing in a breath slowly through her nostrils. "Yes.
  It is too much to ask. I cannot make such a promise -- but I can tell you
  that we will not necessarily co-opt as many children as this agreement will
  allow us to. We have specific requirements, and female children that do not
  meet these standards will be allowed to remain within your Household. Female
  infants must be sent to the Chapterhouse for a brief period shortly after
  birth. Our sisters will make the necessary determinations at that point. If
  the child is acceptable to us, we will take her. If not, she will be
  returned. We shall wish to examine all female children -- even the first,
  though she will not be retained by the sisterhood in any case."
Jans nods, perhaps to both women. "As you wish, yet before we finalize this
  amiable discussion, I have one other request."
Lavinia says, "Yes?"
Aurelia nods again, sitting forward a bit. "Even if they are not allowed to
  serve the SIsterhood, an examination will reveal a great deal of the child's
  proclivities and likely talents.."
Jans appears to choose his words carefully, "Perhaps it could be discussed at
  another time. It does not need to be a condition of this agreement."
From afar, Lavinia studies your body language. Does Jans wish to discuss it
  now, and is hesitating for some other purpose? Or is he uncomfortable with
  the topic he was about to discuss? What information can Lavinia glean from
  his movements?
You paged Lavinia with 'It is some other purpose, he wants to discuss it, but
  is unsure how to phrase it. It is almost as he overstepped his intentions,
  perhaps because even tho he feels strongly about keeping children of his own,
  he got a pretty good deal here. You may sense it involves some malignant
  feelings of some sort.'.
Lavinia pages: Okay. Thanks.
Aurelia waits quietly, if not patiently.
Jans stares into his drink glass, reflective all of a sudden, almost withdrawn
  as if his mind is already elsewhere.
Lavinia speaks, her voice once again rounded and soothing, "As you wish,
  Viscount. Perhaps I could leave the two of you to discuss your arrangements.
  You are welcome to discuss any thoughts or concerns you have with me when you
  have decided to do so. . .and of course, you may always discuss them with the
  Lady Aurelia."
Aurelia nods. "I exist to serve."
Lavinia nods in silent agreement, and looks to the Viscount for his reaction.
Jans nods smartly, and stands, offering a polished smile to the Reverend
  Mother. "Of course, noble Mother. Again, you do us much honor by seeing to
  such dealings yourself." He crosses over to stand behind Aurelia, "Shall I
  have my factor draw up the arrangements?" He places a hand on the back of her
  chair.
You paged Lavinia with 'You would sense he already has placed whatever it was
  into some corner of his mind, returning all his attention here.'.
Lavinia offers a measured smile as she rises, "Forward the draft to my staff.
  We shall see to it that the agreement is formalized. In the mean time, I will
  leave the two of you to your own devices."
Jans shakes his head, "I shall see you out, of course."
Aurelia rises as well, to do as she is bid.
Lavinia turns to Aurelia, "Serve him well, my dear. You have my best wishes."
Aurelia nods. "Yes, Reverend Mother.."