The Adrianopol -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Cathedral ceilings magnifying the sheer size of this chamber, this ornate hall of majestic proportions is a study in opulence. Delicately veined rose marble sheaths the floor in a soft glow, broken only by several large, hand woven CARPETS. Natural light flows through the carved, slotted screened windows that tower up the white marble WALLS, casting dancing patterns across the marble surfaces. Mother-of-pearl inlaid mahogany chairs whose arms and backs have been intricately carved, are arranged in small groupings, and two long low ebony tables surrounded by large, colorful cushions, offer hospitable congregation areas for guests. Along the south end of hall, a second storey gallery runs the length of the room, and above it, the ceiling is tiled in an ornate MOSAIC.
Exits:
Platinum Doors <W> leads to Hall of Sultans -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Marble Stairs <U> leads to Gallery of Windows -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Bronze Door <N> leads to Reception Court -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Sunbulzade walks in from Hall of Sultans through the Platinum Doors.
Sunbulzade has arrived.
Sunbulzade enters the Adrianopol, his face grim and somber. His eyes spot the Lady Justine, and he bows low.
Justine is standing tall in the middle of the room with her hands clasped together low and in front of her. She is looking around at the various tapestries, patiently waiting for Hasan. Her head quickly turns towards you as she hears footsteps and you think you hear a small gasp escape her, a gasp of antisipation and happiness. The sides of her mouth pull up ever-so-slightly until she realizes it isn't Hasan and then they fall into a small, disappointing frown. She nods a bit and then curtsies slightly in return, out of sheer respect for she doesn't have to be as regal with the help. "Good evening."
Sunbulzade returns to his standing position, "You are Lady Justine?" He saunters over slowly, his eyes inspecting the women before him. "I was told she was here to speak to the Pasha."
Justine nods a bit to you, her lips pulling up into a little smile, "Yes, I am and I would be most appreciative if I could speak with him."
Sunbulzade nods curtly, his eyes bright, "The Pasha is not available, away on matters of state." He turns slowly, "I am sorry. I, Swordmaster Sunbulzade Keylish, come in his stead. How may I be of service to such a noble woman sucha s yourself?"
Justine's forehead wrinkle with a frown, obviously disappointed and not expecting this. She takes a moment to think and asks, "Do you know when he is expected to return?" After she speaks, she realizes something, "Forgive me, I'm sorry. It's a pleasure to meet you, Swordmaster Keylish and I appreciate your taking time out of your schedule to meet with me. I'm sorry for being distracted, it's just that I haven't seen him for a long time and didn't know he had returned until the other night."
Sunbulzade is silent, contemplating an answer that will soothe the Lady, "I am unsure as to when he will return. I suspect this is a personal matter between you?"
Justine's mouth opens to answer but hesitates as her answer wouldn't be a proper one. Her mouth slowly closes and a serious expression comes on her face just before she shakes her head and states quietly, "No, it....it's business."
Sunbulzade nods and motions to the tall doors, "Care for a beverage while you wait?" He smiles at the mention of business, "Again, I stress that I am available to help you if you need me to."
Justine nods a little, returning the smile but you can tell it's forced a bit. As much as she tries to hide it, there's no doubt that she's disappointed. However, that doesn't call for being rude so she nods to accept the invitation, "Thank you, you are most kind. I think I shall. And I appreciate your offer, however, I do not believe you can help me. It's a matter only for the Pasha."
Sunbulzade nods, "Aye. I understand, do to the fact of your... relations to him." Sunbulzade turns and opens the doors, striding from the room.
Sunbulzade approaches the platinum doors, and the two guards flanking them snap to attention as his steps through.
Sunbulzade has left.
The Adrianopol -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Cathedral ceilings magnifying the sheer size of this chamber, this ornate hall of majestic proportions is a study in opulence. Delicately veined rose marble sheaths the floor in a soft glow, broken only by several large, hand woven CARPETS. Natural light flows through the carved, slotted screened windows that tower up the white marble WALLS, casting dancing patterns across the marble surfaces. Mother-of-pearl inlaid mahogany chairs whose arms and backs have been intricately carved, are arranged in small groupings, and two long low ebony tables surrounded by large, colorful cushions, offer hospitable congregation areas for guests. Along the south end of hall, a second storey gallery runs the length of the room, and above it, the ceiling is tiled in an ornate MOSAIC.
Exits:
Platinum Doors <W> leads to Hall of Sultans -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Marble Stairs <U> leads to Gallery of Windows -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Bronze Door <N> leads to Reception Court -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
The two guards at the door snap to attention as you step through to the Hall of Sultans.
Hall of Sultans -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Gem-studded carved marble walls soar into the vaulted ceiling, giving the impression of space and light. The gilded ceiling sparkles and reflects the soft light that flickers from the large, suspended brass lanterns marching in three neat rows down the length of the hall. Ornate TABLES are pressed snugly against the north wall, under the myriad of windows. Worked with a sweeping mosaic in blues, reds, and greens, the floor tiles click sharply underfoot, the sound echoing through the vastness of the chamber. At the west end of the hall stands a large DAIS, behind it hangs an enormous STANDARD. Slaves clad in black stand nearly unseen, ready to attend to the needs of any occupant of the hall.
Players:
Justine Sunbulzade
Objects:
Enormous Tiled Mosaic
Exits:
Carved Doors <S> leads to Salon -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Platinum Doors <E> leads to The Adrianopol -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Justine follows in behind you and once inside, facing you, she quirks a brow and asks, "Relations to him? Praytell, indulge me with what you speak of."
Sunbulzade shrugs slowly, his shoulders rising and then falling with one liquid movement. "I have heard the slaves speak of past days, before the PAsha left for MAlarca."
Justine nods a little as she takes a seat and asks in what seems innocent enough, yet you can't quite tell, "Do you always believe what the slaves speak of? Please, continue to indulge me, Swordmaster. I, too, wish to hear what the slaves have to say. After all, they are speaking about me. I think it's only fair that I know what they are saying and to either confirm or deny their sayings."
Sunbulzade points to the next set of oaken doors, "If you don't mind, let us find comfort elsewhere, then we will speak more of this."
Justine nods as she stands, offering an apologetic smile and says, "But of course, forgive me for being so impetuous. I'm honestly interested in knowing what was said." She motions for you to go first.
Sunbulzade steps through the carved doors, as the guards hold it open for his.
Sunbulzade has left.
The two guards hold the carved doors open as you step through into the Salon.
Salle -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Cavernous and damp, the Salle has been dug deeply into the ground beneath the Embassy, and serves a purely utilitarian purpose. The walls are draped by large standards, a large collection of ancient weapons and shields displayed between them, adding the only hint of color and interest to this somber place. The polished citruswood floor is devoid of clutter and affords a good purchase, allowing one to move quickly and lithely. Two polished metal weapon racks stand at the head of the room, and several carved wooden chairs, one with a pile of crisp clean towels placed upon it, are scattered near the racks. A distinctly martial feel clings to the aura of this room, enforced by the spartan, weapons oriented decor.
Players:
Sunbulzade
Exits:
Marble Stairs <U> leads to The Polis -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Sunbulzade climbs the Marble Stairs.
Sunbulzade has left.
Sunbulzade descends the Marble Stairs.
Sunbulzade has arrived.
Ornia descends the Marble Stairs.
Ornia has arrived.
Julianna descends the Marble Stairs.
Julianna has arrived.
Sunbulzade enters the Salle slowly, eyeing to make sure nothing has been altered since he left. He nods and takes a place by Justine. He motions to a lone slave, who hurries over to serve Justine.
Justine is sitting in the same place as she was before, sitting up straight and proper. Her eyes shift to the door when it opens and seems somewhat surprised to find Julianna there. Her head nods to her handmaiden and says, "Well, this is a surprise, Julianna."
Ornia only quietly enters the entrance of the room after Julianna and just peeks in to see what is happening.
Julianna moves in quietly behind Sunbulzade. She smiles gently to Justine, bowing her head
Sunbulzade eyes Julianna and Justine silently. He nods to the slave to just bring the usual assortment of drinks and finger foods. The slave moves to the stairs and runs by Ornia, just touching her with his shoulder.
Justine's eyes then notice another figure in the doorway and sighs a bit, she really didn't want everyone knowing that she was here and especially why. Last thing she needs right now is trouble with Steffan. Oh well, too late now. She nods to Ornia and says, "Greetings, Lady Kuppershmid. Please, come join us where it's more comfortable and easier to hear."
Ornia seems startled and actaully shrinks back a bit and is really unsure if she should disturb those present.
Justine's head shakes slightly at Ornia and states in her cold tone, which she seems to have taken on now that more people have arrived, "In or out, My Lady. Tis not Ladylike to lurk around as such. You've been invited to stay if you wish, if not, then depart so the conversation can ensue. We're waiting on you."
Sunbulzade grins silently from his chair, some disipline has arrive.
Ornia finnaly steps on out and just stays quiet till she nears just a bit "I actually had not thought anyone to have been here and was just looking about." She loosk to all present "I had not ment to intrude on a private conversation or a pratice."
Sunbulzade looks over sharply, "I hesitate to reprimand, LAdy Kuppershmid, but I believe the Bajazet household would rather you not 'look about' our more personal areas, such as the Salle."
Justine's head shakes to Ornia, "We are not practicing, I came to inquire about something and the good Swordmaster is being kind enough to entertain me." She then looks to Sunbulzade and gives him a stern look, "Is she not part of the Bajazet's now?"
Sunbulzade shrugs, "I ahve noticed that she has not been given the clearance of others in our family."
Ornia swallows and nods just slowly, but says nothing right away.
After Justines comment "No no he is right, I really should not have been in this area." Ornai then loosk to Sunbulzade "My appoligies Swordmaster and I shall leave then if that is the wish."
Sunbulzade shakes his head, "The slave ahs already gone for beverages for four. Please stay, we do have room." He motions to a seat.
Justine nods a little to Sunny and states, "Even so, you could have been a little more polite about it. After all, she /is/ a lady."
Ornia nods and to settle down,but just holds quiet as she feels for ocne she is in the wrong.
Sunbulzade remains silent.
Justine situates herself in her seat and then says, "Now that that is settled..." She focuses on Sunbulzade and says, "You promised to indulge me in the gossip of the slaves."
Sunbulzade nods slowly, "After the drinks have been served I shall talk to your ear's content my lady."
The slave returns carrying a tray of drinks and finger foods. He first serves Justine, then Julianna, Ornia and lastly, Sunny. After all is served, he bows and then leaves the room again, but not before leaving the tray of goodies behind.
Julianna waves off the slave without taking any refreshments for herself, and settles quietly into a seat slightly behind and to the left of Justine.
Ornia does take the drink offered and smiles lgithly thankign the salve before he moves to leave, before giving a smile at Sun.
Sunbulzade nods slowly, taking a sip of water to wet his palate, "What did you inquire about Lady Justine?"
Justine takes a glass of wine, which is unusual for her, and takes a sip before giving Sunny a distasteful smirk, "I would appreciate it if you didn't play games with me, Swordmaster. If you are competant enough to work for the Bajazet's then I'm sure you're competant enough to remember what we were discussing only moments ago."
Julianna arches an eyebrow delicately, her hands clasping each other as they lower into her lap. Bowing her head slightly, the handmaiden tries to smother a smile,or at least, hide it.
Ornia sips on her drink and bit more and then looks at Justine "Really I did not mean to get in the way. If you wish me to leave I will with out complaint."
Sunbulzade lets the coldness from his eyes slip, "Ah. Yes, the PAsha and /you/." hE places the glass in his left hand, and looks squarely at Justine, ignoring Ornia's interruption, "Just some history is all I've heard, nothing of any weight and significance.
Justine waves Ornia's comment off as she's far more interested in the rumors that the Swordmaster has heard. She nods a bit to him and asks, "And just what history have you overheard? I will be more then happy to confirm and/or deny them. Afterall, speaking of such things about a woman of my position and power can warrant ones death. I'd hate to think that lies are being said about myself and causing innocent and decent people, such as yourself, to believe in them. I'd hate to cause the death of an innocent bystander who didn't know any better."
Sidra descends the Marble Stairs.
Sidra has arrived.
Sidra's footsteps make a soft shuffling sound that echo's on the great room.
At the mention of rumors, Julianna lifts her face again, now marred by a slight frown. She tips her head slightly to one side as she listens, still in silence.
Sunbulzade is silent as Sidra enters in, deep in thought. He waits before answering...
Ornia is just seated there quietly and seemign to just listen.
Justine glances to the door and notices that Sidra has arrived. Her neutral expression doesn't change as she nods to her and says, "Greetings." She looks back to Sunny and awaits his answer.
Sidra nods a polite and curt greeting to the assembled group.
Sunbulzade nods and starts in, "Well, it was well known that you were... what we shall call emotionally unstable... and that the Pasha made it so that he was there for you in your time of need."
Ornia glances at Sirda and smiles to her.
Julianna manages to keep her face impassive as she listens, one eye on Justine, the other trained on
Sunbulzade as he speaks.
Sidra says politely, "I do seem to be interrupting something..
Ornia frowns a bit as her own admission is again repeated and just sips on her drink quietly again
Justine answers Sidra but doesn't look to her, "No, you may stay if you wish, Vizier Nevt." Her eyes remain on Sunbulzade as she replies to him, "Yes, there was a time where my emotional well being was questionable and unstable and yes, the Pasha was kind enough to assist in taking care of me. However, so were the other Bajazet's in the household. In fact, I was asked to stay, on a permanent status but I declined."
Sidra says, "Perhaps, I should go attend to other business..though I thought perhaps I had overtaken a small social gathering..you all seem so serious.."
Sunbulzade nods, "This I understand. That is all I ahve taken for truth." He turns to Sidra, his hand otustretched to her, "Please... stay."
Sidra nods assent, to Justine's last statement.
Ornia looks to Sidra "Well Lady Nevt I am wishign to meet with you at a later date." she smiles "I am here due to a bludering I made and have been asked to stay."
Sidra says, "If you have wish to speak with me, Lady Ornia, you have just to ask."
Ornia smiles and sips more from her drink "Well all when you have time." she then loosk back to Justine and Sun to listen more
Justine's head turns to Sidra and offers a small smile, "Just clearing up some gossip that your dear Swordmaster has overheard by the slaves is all. Please, stay. Afterall, you can assist in process. You know what is the truth and what is not the truth." She turns back to Sunbulzade and says, "It is true that for a short time, the Pasha and I were engaged to be married but the Emperor had other plans in mind for me. The Pasha and I's relationship was never a physical one, I wish to make that extremely clear. He is a very honorable man and in turn, I am an honorable woman. Nothing improper was ever done nor said between the two of us."
Sidra nods, polite assent.
Sunbulzade lifts his glass to his lips and takes a long drink, hiding any emotion, "Understandable. I assure you that in way was your... honor tarnished by the trite comments the slaves made." He grins, even though he brought /nothing/ up about a physical relationship.
Sidra says, "Lady Justine, under her trying circumstances, has conducted herself with utmost integrity."
Her tone carries a sense of finality, as of a thing that never was in question.
Justine nods to Sidra and replies, "Thank you, Vizier." She looks back to Sunbulzade with no emotion and simply states, "My honor would only be tarnished if those who heard false rumors about me believed them and in turn, repeated them. And if this is the case, then they have signed their deathwish, I'm afraid." She takes a sip of her wine.
Sunbulzade nods with finality, "I do not spread rumors, yet it is my job to gather all information, whether rumor or not."
Julianna sighs softly to herself, not liking the mood of her Lady, nor the direction the conversation is going. Standing with a soft rustling of her skirts, she steps forward. She bows slightly, then looks to Justine, speaking in her normal soothing, barely-above-a-whisper tone, "Swordmaster. My Lady, forgive my interrupting, but you do have an appointment this evening, which you must keep."
Sidra nods. "It is wise, to speak of such matters, amongst those whom it concerns. The better to dispel falsehoods.
Sunbulzade says, "WEll said LAdy Nevt."
Ornia shakes her head lightly and trys to smile "Lady Justine has allways doent hing with honor even if they have offended me, but again I guess I am easy to offend and can not fault her for it."
Justine shrugs, "True, however, that doesn't mean it's your job to believe them without proof either." She turns her glance to Julianna and nods a bit, "You are correct, I have forgotten. Thank you for reminding me." She finishes her wine and sets down the empty glass before offering Sunny a smile and stating, "Well, I thank you for taking time to entertain me, Swordmaster. You are an...interesting...host but I'm afraid that I must take my leave." She stands and turns to Sidra, "T'was a pleasure to see you again, Vizier. I hope you stay well."
Sunbulzade stands, bowing to Justine, "I hope our apths will cross in the future, Lady." He offers a sly smile, "And my apologies for our first discusion, as it centered on unpleasant falsities."
Ornia loosk a bit to Justine and frowns alot, but says nothing about her possible oversight.
Sidra turns to Bid Justine farewell. She reaches a hand, to place it on her shoulder.
Justine nods slightly to Sunny, her face remaining emotionless, "One cannot learn if one does not ask nor discuss." She turns her attention to Ornia and smirks a bit at the back-handed compliment that was given, "Thank you, Lady Kuppershmid for your....help." Her head turns to Sidra and smiles a little, "Thank you, Vizier, but my handmaiden and I can find our way out on our own. I still remember the embassy well. Please stay and continue your visit with the Swordmaster and my sister-in-law."
Ornia stands a bit and moves to Justine and smiles at her "Please Tell Steffan I said hello when you next See him." she gives Justine a light hug before moveing back to settle down.
Sidra lets her hand return to her side. "I did not intend to condescend, nor to offer to 'walk' you to the door. If you desire my company, I am certain you would request it.
Sunbulzade sits staring at the wall of swords over Ornia's head, listening to the two women talk.
Julianna moves quietly towards the door, turning back to look at Justine as she waits quietly, perhaps hinting the need to leave once again.
Justine barely returns the hug but nods to Ornia and says, "If I see him, but chances are, you will see him before I will." Her head shakes to Sidra and says, "I apologize, I did not mean for that to come out as it did. I know that you were being polite, I simply didn't wish for you to leave on my account was all."
Sidra stands aside, eyes wandering, to various items on the wall.
Ornia just settles down and sips more on her drink as she watches Justine an dher hand maiden.
Justine nods to Julianna and states, "Come, let us take our leave." She then begins to walk out as everyone else seems to find accessories more appealing then her right now.
You climb the Marble Stairs.
The Polis -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Square and hushed with a sense of urgent intensity, the nerve center of the Bajazet Embassy is devoted to making the complex as secure as humanly possible. A large Plastasteel table consumes the very center of the room, suspensor chairs placed around it. The outer edges of the room are lined with banks of monitoring equipment, several guards stand by checking readings and reports. A large camera monitoring desk stands near the back of the chamber, two guards keeping a wary eye on the views displayed on the plethora of small screens. Two archways oppose each other, and lead off to the staff and diplomatic offices, causing a steady stream of diplomats, secretaries, and staff to funnel through.
Exits:
Mahogany Doors <E> leads to Lord Bashir's Office -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Marble Stairs <D> leads to Salle -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Southern Arch <S> leads to Staff Offices -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Northern Arch <N> leads to Diplomatic Offices -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)
Bronze Doors <W> leads to Tulip Court -- Bajazet Embassy (Kaitain)