Dinner and tragedy at the Imperial Hotel

Magnus chuckles to himself, pouring wine for them all from a bottle on the table, "I hope we all like wine? Not spiced I'm afraid."
Marco arrives from the hotel dining room.
Marco has arrived.
Marco enters in with wet hair.
Magnus raises a brow at Marco
Tsukasa takes a glass of wine and smiles, "Thank you, Count." He raises a glass, "If I may, I'd like to propose a toast."
Johann looks at the Moritani entering, keeping his hand on the side of his own chair in a firm grasp.
Magnus smiles, "Certainly, Director."
Marco looks around and leaves.
Marco passes through the arch leading into the hotel lobby.
Marco has left.
Johann watches the Moritani leave and growls slightly, then seats himself back down, dusting his clothes a little, as if cleaning some sort of germ. He then smiles awkwardly, "Yes indeed Director...a toast to what?"
Tsukasa nods, "To you, Baron Johann. I would like to officially welcome you to Kaitain,...I hope that you find your stay here both rewarding and enlightening."
Magnus raises his glass and smiles, "Here here!"
Johann laughs slightly, a little embarrassed, "Thank you very much Director. I hope my stay here is a pleasant one as well," he clinks his glass with the other men and drinks from it.
Tsukasa raises his glass and touches it lightly against the other men's glasses, then lowers it to his lips and sips.
Johann mumbles something under his breath, a prayer of sorts, directed at what, who can tell. He then puts down the glass and smiles, "So, Magnus has invited you to his party as well, Director?"
Magnus sips his own drink, then leans back a little, "All good friends, Johann. No Moritani though, if that puts you at ease," he laughs and runs his finger around the inside of the glass.
Tsukasa savors the wine, "Ah. Excellent choice, Count." He turns his attention to the Baron, "Yes. I look forward to it. I find it quite an honor that the Count considers me worthy of attending such a special event." He smiles as he overhears the Count's last remark.
Johann looks at Magnus, no humour in his face, "If you had Moritani friends, I would simply have to get along with them, for the sake of good relations," he glares for several seconds at Magnus, then turns to Tsukasa and smiles again, "I am, after all, an ambassador."
Tsukasa nods, "And from your remark, a very astute one at that, Baron Johann." He turns to the Count, "Lord Magnus. May I inquire as to who you have invited to the soiree?"
Magnus sips his wine, in silence, then hears Tsukasa's question and smiles, "10 guests. Myself, Johann, Crysania my wife, Celeste my niece, you, Emperor Jeon, Lady Ceile, Princess Jenaa, Prince Eduard and Marta."
Johann blinks slightly, a sly smile creeping over his lips, "That's a very desired list, Magnus. The creme de la creme of society on Kaitain. You'll be a very popular man."
Tsukasa smiles, "As will you, good Baron." He gestures towards Magnus, "The Count has done an exemplary job of ensuring the proper reception for his niece and her friend. Don't you agree?"
Magnus nods, "Hopefully they will all be able to attend. I want this to be a gala event, something to remember."
Johann nods in agreement with the Director, "Indeed, he has. My commendations, Magnus on a well thought out dinner," he raises his glass and smiles, "To Magnus."
Johann turns to Tsukasa, "I have heard much of your brother, Lochinvar. Tell me, when will I get to meet him?"
Tsukasa raises his glass, "To Magnus."
Magnus looks down and shoots a small glare to Johann about the question, "Thank you...you are all most gracious," he sips his wine carefully, keeping his mouth on the glass.
Tsukasa turns to Johann, his mood becoming somewhat somber. He offers a polite, apologetic smile, "I'm afraid you'll not get that privilege. You see, he is no longer with us."
Johann looks at Magnus, frowning, confused a little at the glare, then hears Tsukasa's response, suddenly understanding, "Oh dear...I am sorry Director. I did not know."
Tsukasa shakes his head, "No. No, please. It is quite alright. Nothing to be sorry about. I truly wish you could have met him."
Johann says, "My condolences, Director. I am sure he was loved very dearly."
Magnus sips some more wine, still looking at Johann, then sets his glass down gently, "Do we want to order, gentlemen?"
Tsukasa nods, "Thank you sir." His mood lightens, "Yes, that does sound good, Count Magnus."
Magnus clicks his fingers and immediately a waiter appears, "After you gentlemen."
Johann waits for Tsukasa to order
Tsukasa looks to the waiter, "Roast chukka with wild rice." He turns to the other gentlemen.
Johann looks at the waiter also, "Deer please...well done with a light tomato and basil sauce and potatoes," he looks to Magnus.
Magnus thinks for a few moments, "Roast lamb please with a light cream sauce and vegetables."
Mintor enters from the hotel lobby.
Mintor has arrived.
Magnus looks up at Mintor and nods, smiling, "Good day Lord Mintor."
Mintor nods, "Good day, sir." Looks to the other men at the table, "Mind if I join you gentlemen?"
Magnus looks to the others, "Fine by me. Gentlemen? What say you?"
Johann smiles at Mintor and nods in agreement with Magnus
Mintor joins you at the gold table.
Tsukasa nods. "I've not the pleasure to meet you sir. I am Tsukasa Isam Bahattin Alexander, Director of His Majesty's Public Works and Chief of House Minor Methvin." He half-bows politely.
Johann nods also, "We have not met either. I am Baron Johann Manfred von Canarvel, Ambassador-General to the Great Houses for House Ginaz," he offers his hand to the man.
Mintor smiles, situating himself in a seat with the men at the gold table. He nods, "And I Minotauros Atreides, the na-Duke and Brother of the Siridar." He grasps Johann's hand firmly, his eyes lightening up with friendship. "It is nice to be among allies."
Johann smiles back, shaking his hand firmly, "That it is."
Magnus smiles, "We were just ordering, Lord Mintor." The waiter is still standing at the table, not having been dismissed yet.
Marco enters from the hotel lobby.
Marco has arrived.
The waiter turns to Mintor, "You have an order milord?"
Marco enters in smiling to him self and goes to sit at the corner table.
Mintor smiles, the young na-Duke looking at the menu. "I believe I was just have the Kirana duck, with the caviar garnish, along with a bottle of Merlot."
Marco takes a seat at the corner table.
Johann looks over at the Moritani, then averts his attention back to the table.
A waitress approaches the unkown man at the corner table, "Sir, what would you care for?"
The waiter nods, "Will that be all gentlemen?"
Tsukasa nods.
Mintor nods.
Marco says, "Yea, bottle of spice wine and some stuff mushrooms with crab meat."
The waiter bows and nods, "Your meals will be ready soon, my lords."
The waitress nods and leaves.
Magnus sips his wine and says into the glass rather loudly so everyone can hear clearly, "Good day, Don Marco. What brings you here?"
Marco smiles to himself and runs his fingers throught his wet hair. His blue eyes look over to the Count, "Came here to watch the theatre."
Magnus laughs slightly, then murmurs something so just the men at his table can understand, "Going to play a lead role as a clown, is Marco...he's moving up in the world..."
Mintor sips from his water glass, then asks, "Are they still showing _The Battle of Corrin_, they have been running it ever since the Lunar New Year."
Johann grins and chuckles, sipping his wine also, "I know not, Lord Mintor. Alas, I am the new addition to this planet."
Marco laughs at the Count's joke and bangs his hand on the table, "That a good one. By the way Count I got your order in."
Magnus raises a brow, surprised Marco could understand his murmuring, "Order? To the Gladiatoral show I'm guessing?"
Tsukasa raises an eyebrow at the mention of an 'order'. He feigns non-interest and takes another sip of his wine.
Johann sips his wine a little uneasier now that a Moritani is in their presence
Marco goes to say something but the waitress returns with a bottle of spice wine and the mushrroms.
Mintor shakes his head, looking to Johann, "I haven't been here in a decade, but I do keep up with the latest fine arts news on Kaitain."
Johann smiles, "A cultural noble, I am glad, Lord Mintor. Many have slipped too far into decadence and have forgotten the fine arts."
Marco looks to the Waitress, "Bring me back some chucca tounges under glass, that will be all."
The waitress nods and goes to get the order.
Marco begins to eat the mushrooms.
Magnus looks at Marco's wet hair, "Been swimming, Don Marco?"
Mintor nods, "I visited the Palace yesterday for the first time in twenty years. The Princess and I had a fine time in the Library. That fine room is titanic, I was like a child eating pundi candy again. Unfortunately I did not find any Samuel Noah Kramer's works in the filmbooks, perhaps I should make a donation to the Emperor's plethora."
Marco smiles, "Yes, I got pulled in to it."
Magnus raises a brow, slightly interested, "Pulled in? By whom?"
Marco laughs and takes a sip of his wine.
The waiter returns with each of the men's orders, handing them out carefully and placing the bottle of Merlot on the table also
"Anything more, my Lords?" the waiter asks.
Mintor gets things suituated for the meal. Placing the silk napkin in his lap. "No, thank you." He kindly says to the waiter.
Johann takes up his knife and fork, shaking his head to the waiter and eats a little bit of deer, looking to Magnus, "By the Baronness Cathyn of the Venhei, Count."
Magnus thanks the waiter and shakes his head, then places his napkin on his lap also, raising a brow, "Oh?"
The waitress places a plate of chucca tounges over glass in front of the man and leaves.
Mintor cuts abit of the duck, using his knife to spread some of the caviar on the meat. He places it in his mouth, "Oh yes, I have heard about the Venhei, almost like Salusan Bulls if you ask me." He chuckles sipping abit of merlot.
Johann nods, a grimacing look on his face, "Yes. In the Imperial Conservatory. Naked...none the less..."
Marco pops another mushroom in his mouth.
Johann glares at Mintor, obviously very offended by the remark and opens his mouth to speak, then remembers himself and closes it.
Tsukasa places a napkin on his lap and arranges his silverware. He looks up at Marco, and then at Johann, with an inquisitive expression on his face.
Marco takes a sip of his spice wine.
Tsukasa cuts a piece of the roast chukka and takes a bite.
Mintor eyes light up, a soft 'oooh' escaping from his mouth. Mintor has been known to quite the womanizer, "But then again, I have heard the Venhei are quite good with the solaris."
Marco takes a bite of the chucca.
Magnus widens his eyes, then cuts a little of his lamb and eats it, "Most intriguing. I know nothing of the Baronnes, is this her common thing?"
Marco looks over to Johann, "Who gave you such a wild story?"
Johann stands up, unable to control his anger and glares at Magnus, "Don't you speak out against her, friend. You knew her years ago and she's still the same girl now as she was then. My father housed both of you for a while and you know how well presented and immaculately perfect she is, LORD Magnus," a fiery glaze comes over his eyes and then he turns to Marco, "She did, Don Marco. Her and I are like bread and butter and I've no reason to believe she's lying about anything."
Marco says, "Butter is quite tasty."
Marco says, "But I am more of a jam man."
Tsukasa starts choking on the piece of chukka he is eating and starts to beat on his chest as he attempts to clear it.
Marco stands and runs over to the Director.
Magnus gulps slightly, embarrassed, then dabs his mouth with the napkin, "I know, Johann...I know. I have not seen her for years until today...and neither had you," he looks to Tsukasa, then beats him just gently on the back to help him, "Are you alright Director?"
Mintor cuts his duck spreading the caviar on the meat. He takes a bite, looking at the fireworks in the room. "Oh this duck is good..." He prefers not to get into it and stays looking at his plate.
Marco says, "Director, you okay or do you need help?"
Mintor looks around the room, "Should I get a Suk?"
Tsukasa finally seems to have cleared his throat. "No,..." he coughs, "I'm quite alright now. Thank you both for your offers."
Johann hands the Director his glass of wine.
Marco nods and sits back down.
Tsukasa he turns to Mintor, "No, na-Duke. I am fine. Thank you."
Tsukasa takes the glass of wine and nods appreciatively at Johann as he takes a sip.
Mintor nods, "I have heard the Baron's daughter is quite a catch." He sips some of his wine.
Tsukasa finally composing himself, "Is this the Lady that the gentlemen speak of?"
Magnus slowly sits back down, replacing his napkin over his lap and shakes his head, "No..we speak of Baronness Cathyn of the Venhei."
Tsukasa nods, "Yes, that is who I am referring to. She is looking to wed?"
Johann shakes his head, "She is wed. To Baron Novak."
Mintor looks up, the hawk eyes lighting up abit. "Now I remember the Baronness, we had a short conversation near Lake Corrin, lovely woman."
Tsukasa says, ""I see. I've not formally met either, I'm afraid to say.""
Marco says, "It is quite rude to discuss a lady while not in her prescence."
Johann eats a little more of his deer, "She and I basically grew up together...since we were 10...when she was 17 she left...I have only just met her again today, coming from the spaceport, quite by accident."
Mintor smiles to Don Marco, "Not if you are discussing wonderful things about her."
Magnus looks over to Tsukasa, "Are you feeling alright, Director? You gave us all quite a fright."
Marco nods to Mintor, "Well in that case of course."
Tsukasa nods, "Yes. I'm sorry. Piece of chukka down the wrong pipe." He smiles warmly and then turns to Maximus, noting what Maximus is eating, "Maximus, I see you have ordered the roast chukka tongues under glass. Order that often?"
Marco says, "When one gets used to eating for a while, it is hard to stop. Reminds my of..."
Tsukasa nods knowingly, almost as if he knew how the sentence would end, "Yes. I know what you mean." He pauses and gazes momentarily at the profiteer, "Yes. I know exactly what you mean."
Magnus frowns, turning back to his dinner and eating more, sipping his wine cautiously.
Mintor nods to Johann, "Good for you General, It is nice to meet aquaintances, old friends especially. The first person I saw when arriving here was an old friend of mine, an old lady friend."
Johann looks at his meal, then slowly pushes it away, putting his napkin on the table, then laughs, "I am no General, Lord Mintor...although I did pass from the swordschool. I am the Ginaz Ambassador-General, head of Ambassadorial affairs in the House."
Marco says, "I have not been there for a while, but I liked being there."
Tsukasa nods, "Yes. It does grow on you...once you get used to it."
Mintor says, "Of course I was simply referring to your diplomatic positioning. Sorry if I have mistaken."
Marco nods.
Magnus shows obvious irritation at Johann leaving his meal, "Not hungry, old friend...?"
Johann shakes his head, "I seem to have lost my appetite. I apologize, gentlemen."
Tsukasa turns his attention back to the conversation at hand, "Was the deer not acceptable, Baron?"
Mintor finishes his duck, "Well then next time, perhaps you should try the duck with caviar, very light."
Johann is in a daze for several seconds, then wakes up at Tsukasa's question, "Eh? Oh...no, the deer was lovely. Other things on my mind which ruin my stomach."
Magnus smiles to himself and eats some more lamb, finishing it, understanding what Johann means by the comment.
Tsukasa nods, looking concerned, "Hopefully, nothing I've said or done. If so, I apologize."
Johann shakes his head, "No no, you have all been wonderful guests. The mind is heavier than the heart, though, and some thoughts destroy appetite. I apologize for not finishing."
The waiter comes by, taking the finished meals from their owners, "Would you like some dessert, gentlemen?"
Mintor nods, wiping his mouth with the napkin. "Certainly we are not here to offend anyone, Herr Botshafter-General. You are among friends."
Mintor looks to the waiter, "No thank you, just abit of brandy would suffice."
Magnus nods, "Yes...brandy please."
Tsukasa turns to the waiter, "No thank you, I'm fine." He returns his focus back to Johann, "Well, I hope that the heavy thoughts down weigh too heavily on you, Baron."
Johann smiles to Mintor, then to Tsukasa, "Yes...thank you for your concern. You are right, I should not think too much on such things."
Marco sips his wine.
Mikael enters from the hotel lobby.
Mikael has arrived.
Lena enters from the hotel lobby.
Lena has arrived.
The waiter nods and walks off, coming back soon with two glasses of brandy.
Marco sits drinking a spice wine and eating Chukka underglass and stuffed crab meat mushrooms.
Marco smiles and stands, "Lord Harkonnen and Lady Lena. How are you?"
Magnus looks to the new guests and smiles, standing and giving a polite bow, "Lord Harkonnen, Lady Lena...I hope to find you well?"
Mintor takes the snifter in his right palm. He looks to the Harkonnens entering the room, he smiles with a nod, then turns to his brandy.
Mikael returns the bow briefly "Very well thank you sir. Ahh Maitre'D. Yes the usual table, very good.." he gives a breezy smile to the rest of the room, and inclines his head to the Atreides table - not looking very sincere about it
Lena walks into the dining room and brushes some stray curls from her eyes. She smiles at the Moritani vassal. She wasn't expecting to see him, let alone be greeted by him.
Johann sips his wine, then nods slightly to the new entries.

Dinner and tragedy at the Imperial Hotel - Part I