Rumble in the Palace 3.19.2000

[HYWASaint@aol.com]

**Here's a log of Cesare having a pleasant little run-in with Steffan, 
Srulin, and Justine.  Enjoy the gratuitous cuckolding.**


Cesare directs his invalid chair into the reception foyer.

Srulin passes the guard and ascends the Dark Granite Stairs
Srulin has left.
Steffan passes the guard and ascends the Dark Granite Stairs
Steffan has left.

Lochinvar stands quietly.

Cesare darkens from the smile which was hitherto on his face as he notices, 
and perhaps smells, the hind end of the Ginaz delegation striding up the 
stairwell.

Lochinvar follows Cesare with the tinted oil-lenses.

Cesare scowls ... deeply and inquires of the itinerant Sardaukar, "Who was 
that just passed upstairs, Major?"

Lochinvar shruggs, "I'm not sure good Count, I think one might have been Lady 
Justine, but then again I didn't get a good look, seeing that I was distacted 
when they came in be on of my men."

Cesare quirks an elegant eyebrow at the mention of Justine. "The Lady 
Alvstad? Here?"

Lochinvar raises an eyebrow over the gold frames of hie glasses, "Lady 
Alvstad, uh, I don't think I know her, good Count. Is not the, uh, whats her 
name, the Lady Justine's name Garamond now or maybe it might be Ginaz, nope 
I'm pretty sure its Garamond?" Lochinvar smirks.

Cesare sighs and nods. "Yes, Garamond. In any event, would it be propitious 
for me to go up and see her? I'd rather like to see if she has improved from 
her recent ... injuries." The Count says the last word with a definite harsh 
and bitter tone, strangely like the one in which he states the name of House 
Ginaz.

Lochinvar answers as a Sardaukar captain enters throught the Gilded Doors, 
"I'm afraid, my Lord that I can't not grant clearance for any one without 
higher approval from a higher ranking official."

Justine decends the Dark Granite Stairs.
Justine has arrived.
Corrino-Bldr has disconnected.
Steffan decends the Dark Granite Stairs.
Steffan has arrived.

Justine very slowly makes her way down the stairs, looking slightly annoyed. 
Steffan follows behind her.

Cesare cants his gaze from where his chair resides in the hall to look at the 
stairwell, the sound of footfalls and the sight of Justine drawing his 
attentions.

Lochinvar sees they Moritani and the desceding Ginaz, and slides his hand 
down to his communicator.

Justine pauses at the bottom of the stairwell, bringing a hand to her chest 
as she takes several deep breaths. She looks over to Lochinvar and in doing 
so, she spots Cesare and smiles, "Cesare! What are you doing here?"

Reception Foyer -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)(#2481RtJ)
There can be no doubt that the architects of the Imperial Palace recognized 
that the first interior impression a visitor would have would be the 
Reception Foyer. The foyer is adorned with the most opulent and shameless 
decor of any space in the Imperium. Decorated in a soft-Baroque style, the 
massive, domed chamber, which reaches no less than 20 meters high, is 
masterfully designed -- and with inestimable precision -- to attenuate any 
echos or harsh sounds, despite the fact that the stark white marble floor is 
dressed with neither rug or carpet and the walls with not a single tapestry. 
The dome itself bears a remarkable mural, the largest such self-supporting 
structure on Kaitain. Without exception, every noteworthy piece of furniture 
appears to be an original, priceless antique. The chairs which line the walls 
at strategic points appear to be originals from the 7th millennium, 
flawlessly preserved. Two large gold framed mirrors adorn the north wall. 
Several portraits line the east and west walls. Honor Guards in dress uniform 
watch visitors motionlessly with penetrating gazes while Imperial servants 
mill about quietly on various errands.
Players:
 Steffan                                            Justine 
 Lochinvar                                         
Exits:
 Dark Granite Stairs  leads to Halls of the Royal Residence -- Imperial 
Palace (Kaitain) 
 French Doors <NW> leads to Platinum Ballroom -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 
 Marble Archway <N> leads to Hall of Emperors -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 
 Gilded Doors <W> leads to Salon of Wallach I -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain) 
 Grand Entrance  leads to Cannon Green -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

Steffan comes down the stairs, his expression one of annoyance. He looks at 
the Moritani Count and as he does, slows his pace.

Cesare glares at the Ginaz Marquis, but softens it as he looks back to 
Justine, deciding for the moment to ignore Steffan. "I was just concluding a 
meeting with the Office for Arakeen Profit. What of you, Justine?" he asks, 
eyes looking over her curiously, "Are you feeling better?"

Justine moves over to Cesare, starting to reach for him but deciding not to. 
She offers a soft smile and says, "I came to visit Her Highness, along with 
Srulin." She nods some, "A little better, yes. How are you feeling?"

Lochinvar stands by quietly while he continues to look at the nobles.

Julianna passes through the Marble Archway and arrives from the Hall of the 
Emperors.

Cesare replies amiably, continuing to ignore for the nonce the two Ginaz. "A 
good deal better. My Suk tells me it will be a matter of weeks more and I'll 
be walking again. Hobbling at first, but walking nonetheless." His hawkish 
gaze strays back to Steffan as he asks of Justine, emphasizing his words by 
staring right at the Marquis, "And tell me ... did they ever give you the 
wedding present I sent?"

Justine is standing near Cesare, the Ginaz boys across the room.

Julianna moves in quietly from the north, a basket in her hands. She pauses 
as she sees the people in the room, debating, perhaps, the merits of turning 
around and leaving again.
Justine's smile spreads at Cesare's good news, "Oh, that's is wonderful to 
hear! I knew you'd be better in no time." Her smile quickly fades as her head 
shakes a little, "No, I have not."
Justine's smile spreads at Cesare's good news, "Oh, that's is wonderful to 
hear! I knew you'd be better in no time." Her smile quickly fades as her head 
shakes a little, "No, I have not."

Justine looks back to Steffan and then to Cesare with a small smile, "But, I 
haven't been feeling well lately. I'm not even supposed to be up and about 
now. Perhaps they were waiting until I was well again."

Srulin stops at the bottom of the staircase seeing it occupied with new 
faces. He then proceeds to Steffan and stops next to him. He wipes his eyes a 
little.

Steffan looks disdainfully at the Count but remain standing where he is, his 
hands clasped behind his back. He peers over at Srulin as he enters.

Cesare scowls his most imperious scowl at Steffan and looks back to Justine 
with concern. "I'm sure once you're well they'll make an excuse that you need 
to try to take your own life again before you'll warrant such kindness, hrmm?"

Lochinvar takes in a deep breath as he hears the statement.

Julianna blinks as she catches tidbits of conversation, and deciding perhaps 
she'd best start right away, she begins to move towards Cesare and Justine.

Justine frowns to Cesare and says, "Please do not instigate a fight, Cesare. 
He is not doing anything to you. I will receive your gift soon enough, that I 
promise you." She smiles a little again, "Whatever it is that you sent, I'm 
sure I will love it and I thank you now for sending it, it was very 
thoughtful of you."

Cesare shakes his head and frowns with almost imperious air at his fellow 
Siridar. "It is a sad, sad state of affairs when a simple and innocent 
wedding present cannot be delivered to the bride. A fight cannot be 
instigated on my part when the gauntlet has already been thrown down by this 
incredulity."

Steffan mutters to Srulin, "... did... have..."

Justine looks sadly to Cesare and softly says, "If you live your life 
carrying around such hatred and spite, it will have no choice but to consume 
you and turn you into something you never thought you could be. And I would 
hate to see someone as kind and generous as yourself turn into what we both 
hate so much."

Julianna slows to a stop, a polite distance from the conversing Justine and 
Cesare. In what seems to be a habitual motion for her, she curtseys. As she 
straightens, she offers Cesare a nod, then looks to Justine. "My Lady, I have 
had the rest of your belongings have been moved to your new home."

Cesare smiles gently at Justine and replies, "Well you'll just have to visit 
more often to keep me on the straight and narrow, hrmm?" He is distracted 
momentarily by Julianna, bobbing his head towards her warmly. "M'lady."

A faint smile comes over Steffan's face, "You cannot imagine the joy I feel, 
at the expense of your annoyance, Count. Im sure its a innocent and simple 
gift, and Im sure you recieve such things from your enemies all the time. 
Nevertheless, if it does turn out to be true, I an assure you, she will 
eventually receive it.."

Cesare looks back to Steffan, that legendary Moritani anger flashing in his 
eyes but held in check for the moment, perhaps at the instigation of Justine. 
"And you, Lear, cannot imagine the joy I feel with every breath you take, 
each one being closer to your last. Breathe in deep your own foul and 
corrupted stench."

Julianna looks between Cesare and Steffan, then towards Justine as she waits 
for an answer, and perhaps an indication of what she should do now. As she 
waits, she shifts almost unnoticably from one foot to the other.

Justine looks to Julianna with a deep frown, obviously not happy about the 
Ginaz Embassy being her new home, but also knowing she can't do anything 
about it. She sighs heavily and nods a little, "Very well, thank you." She 
shakes her head at Cesare and Steffan, "Just like children."

Julianna nods faintly as she steps back, once again out of the way. She 
simply listens and watches what happens, having little else to do.

Cesare exhales a loud breath and turns back to Justine, pushing the present 
argument aside. "Are you ... adjusting well?"

Justine's shoulders lift slightly and then fall back down again, "No better 
then when you last saw me." She ponders something and then asks, "Did you 
receive an invitation to the Viscount Alvstad's party coming up?"

Cesare nods, smiling in appreciation at the change in topic. "I certainly 
did. Went by their embassy today to meet the Lady Aurelia in person. I will 
naturally attend the reception, but find it difficult to have a meaningful 
conversation with five hundred people clammoring for attention."

Lochinvar snaps his head up at the mention of the name Alvstad.

Justine smiles softly, "Perhaps I could convince you to have one with me? 
It's been a while since we've been about to talk. I received a personal 
invitation as well but wasn't sure if I was going to attend until just now."

Cesare nods without hesitation. "It certainly has, and when we last did it 
wasn't under the most ... pleasant of circumstances, was it?"

Srulin remains at the side of his brother, looking on into the area blankly, 
making some thoughts.

Justine's head shakes and then smile, "Perhaps this time, will be better."

Cesare sighs rather wistfully. "I hope so. It isn't the best thing on one's 
nerves or temper to have a bunch of barbarous guards threatening one every 
five minutes. I must admit, I had never even contemplated what being 
sodomized with a broomstick would entail until then."

Justine chuckles lightly, "There will be no guards at the Viscount's party, 
remember?" She smiles, "We can go somewhere and talk, just the two of us. 
Like we used to."

Lochinvar furrows his brow at Cesare's comment as if to understand.

Cesare cracks his most winning grin at such a prospect. "It sounds ideal, 
Justine."

Justine holds up a finger, "On one condition, though..."


Cesare cocks his head to one side. "And what would that be?"

Justine's head shakes, "I don't want to hear any insults about the Marquis or 
about Ginaz." She smiles a little, "Deal?"

Cesare shifts with mock irateness in his chair, chuckling loudly as he 
acquiesces. "You strike a hard bargain, but alright."

Srulin wakes up slightly from his daydreaming and finds that the Moritani is 
still here. He frowns a little until he hears that the Siridar agrees to 
Justine's proposition.

Julianna listens on quietly, a faint smile passing across her face as she 
catches the agreement. She lifts a hand to tuch a lock of hair behind her ear.

Justine nods with a grin, "Good, I knew you could do it. Just save it all up 
for when you go back home, I'm sure your people would love nothing more then 
to have a good Ginaz bitch fest, but I don't. Just as you wouldn't want to 
have to listen to someone have a Moritani bitch fest."
 
Cesare frowns a bit at the castigation, but lets it slide. "I do not believe 
the words 'bitch' and 'Moritani' can be applied together as they can in the 
case of ... nevermind."

Lochinvar sees the new woman, and studies how she acts to the current 
situsation. He then is caught off guard be Justine's comment.

Justine sighs a bit, "You know what I meant, Cesare. You do not appreciate 
hearing anyone speak poorly of your people anymore then I do and I do not 
appreciate hearing anyone speak poorly of the Ginaz either. I do not allow 
people to speak poorly of you in front of me and I wish the same curtesy from 
you."

Cesare mutters something softly under his breath, perhaps a prayer for 
patience.

Justine smiles softly to Cesare, a beautiful and heartwarming smile, "Please? 
For me? It can't be that difficult for you. You have proven time and time 
again that you wouldn't let something so petty get in your way. After all, 
you came to the home of your enemy to visit me and were a perfect gentleman. 
Not many men can do the same."

Cesare remarks dryly as he sneers briefly at Steffan, "Especially with such 
enemies," but this lasts only a second before he forces a smile. "I will do 
as you ask, Justine. But ... only because it is you."

Srulin looks up to Steffan from his mobile chair. He raises an eyebrow at him 
and mutters something to him.

Srulin mutters to Steffan, "... here?... be..."

Justine nods a little to Cesare and offers him a thankful smile, "Thank you, 
Cesare. I deeply appreciate that, you won't regret it, I promise. You are 
truly an honorable man."

Steffan chuckles almost inaudibly to himself but makes no remark. He tilts 
his head downward to speak more clearly to Srulin. He raises a brow at 
Srulin's comment, "I understand.."

Cesare reaches out to pat Justine's arm warmly. "Well you naturally bring out 
the best in people, Justine."

Justine blushes slightly at Cesare's comment as she places her hand over his 
and smiles, "Thank you for your kind words. And it isn't hard to do when the 
people are already so kind, such as yourself."

Cesare smiles gently at the Lady Garamond, forgetting the Ginaz vipers 
nearby. "You flatter me, Justine."

A Sardaukar captain enters from the Hall of Emperors, "Major, your thopter 
has arrived." Then leaves the same way he came.

Lochinvar turns and leaves.

Lochinvar is passed by the imposing Honor Guard before the Marble Archway.
Lochinvar has left.

Julianna smiles softly as she watches Justine and Cesare, shifting the basket 
she's holding to her other hand.

Justine grins a bit to Cesare and replies, "I'm glad I haven't lost my touch 
then." She leans over and gives him a soft kiss on his cheek, "Unfortunately, 
I must take my leave now. But I am very glad to hear that your health is 
getting better and I do hope to see you very soon."

Steffan mutters to Srulin, "... leave brother?... business here..."

Cesare colours slightly and flashes his handsomest grin at Justine, a bit of 
a smug, triumphant look about him. "I think we will if plans go accordingly, 
hrmm? Until then, Justine. Take care of yourself as no one else will."

Srulin nods to his brother and mutters back to him.

A guard starts to roll Srulin out. Steffan follows.

Srulin mutters to Steffan, "You... we... wait... the..."

Steffan mutters to Srulin, "Perhaps,... take one... ours.."

Justine nods a little to Cesare, offering a sad smile, "I know, but I'll be 
fine, don't worry about me." She looks to Julianna and holds her hands out 
for the basket, "Thank you for gathering my things, I appreciate it."

Julianna nods slightly, holding the basket out to Justine. "Shall I accompany 
you now, my Lady?"

Cesare looks back at Steffan, bidding with a thoroughly imperious smile, the 
arrogance of a victor, "It has been a pleasure, Steffan."

Justine gives Julianna an odd look, "Accompany me? Why would you accompany 
me? You work here, at the palace."

Srulin begins to stroll his repulsor lift chair and begins to follow Steffan, 
his eyes look over to Justine. He looks uncertain of what to do.

Cesare bobs his head in feigned obsequiousness to Srulin as he guides his 
invalid chair out of the palace.

You pass the Grand Entrance.

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