Dune III - Ulricke - Tuesday, August 15, 2000, 7:52 PM
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Seating Area -- Kaitain Arena (Kaitain)
The general seating area of the arena is broken up into three sections: lower, middle, and upper levels. The seats are plush, red and seem to be wider spaced apart as one draws closer to the front row. Below, the arena floor opens up. The area is a dirt floor several feet down from the seating area.
Players:
Mintor (lower) Ulricke
Ornia (lower)
Exits:
Archway <N> leads to Entrance Area -- Kaitain Arena (Kaitain)
Ornia nods very slowly "Well I have." Ornia then eyes the laided out food again and moves to pick up some of the bread.
Ulricke comes down the steps and into the lower tier, sliding into the Harkonnen box.
You join lower level.
Mikael walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Mikael has arrived.
The na-Duke is sitting with a woman in Bene Gesserit robes.
Mikael rocks on his heels and bounces up and down slightly with a youthful energy. His hands are thrust into the pockets of a long black cashmere coat with the collar turned up against the wind. He surveys the group and follows his sister to a seat.
Ulricke lays on a chaise, rather Cleopatra like, and offers to have Mikael join her. Slaves promptly bring food and wine.
Mintor smiles, "Really M'Lady, a forbidden love? And who might this be?" He chuckles, not really expecting an answer.
Ornia glances to the newest arrival and actually smiles from beneatht he cowl of the hood "Well Actually I wish I could say who she was." Ornia then pulls a small pience of the bread from the rest adn then pops it into her mouth some
Mikael looks up at that question in interest and casts his sister a glance
You sense: Mikael looks into your eyes with a quizzical expression and a smirk at Mintor's question
Ulricke leans down and whispers to Mikael while she feeds him a grape with her fingers.
Mintor smiles, popping a piece of artichoke in his mouth, "Well, what is on the topic of conversation for today?" He asks
You whisper, "The little Bene Gesserit wanna-be was in love with our Lady Etta - isn't that amusing? And she's apparently not really a Bene Gesserit, but some screwed up little Ginaz...a daughter, I think." to Mikael.
You say, "I rather think it was this little Lady Ginaz's deep and unrequited yearning for our Lady Etta, wasn't it?"
Ornia glances at the two Harkonnens and half smiles as she then looks to Mintor as she finishes the bread "Honestly I believe it was you who invited me here and I do hope that they quit wasteign those bueaitful bulls on criminals."
Mintor chuckles, "They will. They shall bring out the Ecaz Rock gorgons soon." He says this with abit of bread in his mouth looking at a program.
Mintor watches a Bull gut several criminals with its many horns...."Well looks like the Bull doesn't take any gruff from them now, eh?"
Mikael leans back in his seat and props one foot then the other on the seat in front of him. A very minor dignitary turns and curses as he finds a boot on his shoulder and gets treated to a disarming smile and a thoroughly insincere apology from the young man. Mikael yawns and stretches an arm round his sister's back. "Dear why do you insist on these bloody spectacles? Haven't you got fatigue yet from watching our house's little creature perform her art yet?"
Ulricke sighs. "Because, Mikael - it
Ornia pages: just asked. The few poses I have seen from you and Mikael seems sparse is all and I may have lost soemthing before it
Ulricke sighs. "Because, Mikael - it's educational. And I'm perfectly capable of performing it myself, but occaisionally I like to slum."
Mikael chuckles "Oh and slum we shall.." he says. "Err.. present company excepted and so on."
You say, "Naturally. This is the lower tier, and even if the Lady Ginaz wants to dress like one of the witches, we really shouldn't fault her. Would you like a grape, Mintor?"
Ornia glances now at Mintor "Well Tell me m'lord maybe some more fo your tiem at te Swordschool?"
Mintor claps as the Bull wins this watch, flowers being thrown to it. It stands in abit of pride, sniffing the roses. It is then pulled back into the cages, and there is a short intermission.
Magnus walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Magnus has arrived.
Magnus smiles as he enters, bowing to the others, then turning and looking down at the pit, watching a little.
Ornia glance suddenly towards Mintor and the Lady Harkonnen as she just says polietly to the woman "It would do you better to understand those you seek to insult." she then just smiles again
Mintor looks to Ulricke, "No M'Lady I am quite fine with my artichokes." Looking back to Ornia, he begins the discussion, "As I was saying I would believe it to be most interesting with your Bene Gesserit training and training at the Swordschool."
Ulricke smiles right back. "I'm sorry. I thought the Bene Gesserit were supposed to teach -subtlty-. Were you sick the morning the lesson was scheduled?"
Magnus walks gingerly with his cane to the lower area where the others are sitting, then bows slightly to them, letting off a smile, "I hope you don't mind me joining you?" he asks this of no one in particular who are seated.
Mintor looks to Ulricke, frowning abit setting his artichoke back on the plate. "M'Lady please..."
Ulricke nods to Magnus, extending a goblet to have one of the Harkonnen slaves pour her more wine.
Ornia just breaths very lightly "Maybe to those of their Sisterhood, but I am not in such a position." she then glances at the new voice.
Mikael grins at his sister proudly "Retract those claws little sister" he says in an admonishing tone and pats her on the arm. He takes one of her grapes and pops it in his mouth
Magnus chuckles a little at the fighting, then notices Mikael and bows to him also.
Ulricke grins at Mikael. "If you insist." she says, and leans back to watch what's going on in the arena.
Mintor looks to Magnus, "Pretty hot up here in the seats eh sir? Please come join us, have abit of ritsina."
Magnus joins lower level.
Ornia mutters to Mintor, "I... she needs to spend... finishing... than I..."
Magnus takes a spare seat next to Ornia and gives her a little smile, then turns, looking at the show.
Ornia glances once more towards Ulricke and then sips more on the wine in her hand.
Mikael glances from Ulricke to Ornia and back with an exaggerated expression of wide-eyed interest. Were this to turn into a catfight the results would be... interesting
A servant walks to Magnus, handing him a glass of wine and bowing. He nods in recognition and sips the wine.
Ulricke looks over at Ornia and just laughs. . o O (As if I'd put one foot in the witches' demesne. But if she wants to pretend she's one of them, who am I to delude the pitiful creature?) O o . She playfully bats at Mikael. "Stop looking so smarmy. Is something on your mind?"
Mikael watches a young slavegirl pad by who's striking looks are matched by an outfit that leaves little to the imagination. Still his imagination appears to be working overtime. "Hmm..? Oh. Nothing" he smiles
Ornia just continues to sip on her wine and nos to mentor slowly in response to what he says.
Ulricke mmhmmms, and waggles her brows at her brother. "So when do we get to see you down there, Mintor?"
Mikael looks up in sudden interest. "Oh that /would/ be excellent to see na-Duke. Tell me, is it possible to sponsor a bull here perchance?"
Mintor chuckles, "Ulricke I do most of my fighting on the Landsraad Council floor now, you know that."
Magnus laughs haughtily at the comment and drinks some more wine to stiffle his laughter, "More's the pity, a good fight would break some of the monotony and bore of the usual Kaitain..." he looks to Ornia, then Ulricke and then Mintor, giving him a grin, "Of course, the boredom is not always ever present."
You say, "That's a shame. A hot blooded man reduced solely to such dry, dusty involvements."
Mintor frowns, drinking the wine, "Besides you only kill when you are in danger." Rumors have been going around that the Na-Duke is a vegeterian.
Ulricke looks at Mintor like he's lost his mind. Or his balls.
Mikael looks sharply at Mintor. "That is a fallacy suitable only for the Landsraad floor. Never for profit sir?"
Mikael shrugs and settles back in his seat shaking his head. He leans close to his sister and murmurs to her for a few moments, his lips brushing her ear.
Ornia closes her eyes "I would yearn to see someone more skilled down there myself, maybe a female like the one in the last Tournment that was so booed because she sould not have been there?"
Mintor nods, "Perhaps." He then looks to Ulricke, "Caladan taught me something, M'Lady. But for you....I shall Bullfight, now."
Magnus sips his wine, "I personally think every hot blooded man--or woman," he smiles at this, continuing, "--needs a little bit of cooling off and civilized fashion rather than the continual hunt and kill of some lives. The Landsraad is enough of a bloodthirsty world to live in."
Dominic walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Dominic has arrived.
Magnus smiles at Ornia, whispering something into her ear
Dominic enters the arena seating area. He looks around, notices Ornia, and begins to make his way toward her.
Mikael pulls out a stiletto from his pocket and cleans under his nails with the blade.
Ornia half smiles at Magnus and then turns to whisper back to him
Mintor looks to one of the Arena workers, then tells him to bring out a Bull, banderillas, and other things.
Mikael whispers, "at some point did this man have balls dear sister? He must have softened since you first knew him eh?"
Ornia mutters to Magnus, "... if I..."
You say, "The Swordmaster Sen? You must have misheard, dear - she wasn't booed - the crowd merely supported that the final warrior she faced lived. Of course, you are no doubt too caught up in your studies to actually bother with such detail, rather then witness yourself." she arches both brows at Mintor. "Right now? Well, that would be quite a treat."
Ulricke grins down at Mikael as he murmurs to her and she runs her hand down his spine affectionately. "You wicked thing."
Mintor looks to Ulricke walking off to go to the arena. All of a sudden the song 'La Virgen de Macarena' is played in the background. He looks at her as if calling her a bitch to her face, but then smiles.
Dominic bows slightly to Ornia. "My lady, I see that the Bene Gesserit have let you out." He nods respectfully to the other assembled nobles, even though he does not know any of them personally.
Dominic just looked at you.
Magnus sips his wine, a wry smile on his lips at Ornia's comments. Notices Ulricke running her finger down Mikael's spine and chuckles to himself.
Mintor walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Mintor has left.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor has arrived.
Ulricke smiles right back to Mintor. If he had any balls, he would just call her a bitch instead of hiding behind a bull.
Mikael grins and tosses the knife up in the air causing it to spin and tries to catch it by the handle. He misses and cuts a shallow red gash down it. He mutters a curse and sucks at the cut. He shows it to his sister with a pout.
Dominic joins lower level.
Magnus stands up as Mintor enters and gives a salute to him, holding up his wine glass, "SALUT!" he yells at the top of his voice, grinning happily.
Dominic takes a seat near Ornia, watching the spectacle.
From the Arena Floor, The Music begins to go into a climax. Mintor looks to Ulricke from the stands, holding the red cloth. The Salusan Bull is heard in the background, snorting, snearing....
Ornia glances to the floor "Well then it seems I must have missed that as I am sure it was a fast kill then?" she looks then to Dominic and actually giggles "Oh Kommandant I see you are back from the Swordschool." she smiles now
Ulricke immediately coos concern over Mikael's wound. She pauses to toast Mintor for luck, and then with a comforting murmur to her brother, lowers her head to gently suck on the wound. Licking her lips after a moment, she rises, and then calmly withdraws a scarf from her bodice, marked with the ram of Harkonnen and tosses it over the side, to the arena below. She's just granted Mintor her favor - he can of course, refuse to acknowledge it, or do something rude - but would he insult a fellow noble in public so crudely?
From the Arena Floor, Mintor looks at the Bull keeper, telling him in Aglicon to prepare to release the bull. He sighs deeply, then holds the cloth. He looks to his barrel, holding the poison tipped Bandrillas.
Dominic nods. "Yes, I managed to find the time to attend to some duties I had there. Checking up on some students." He turns his attention to Mintor on the arena floor.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor looks at Ulricke, sneering almost, his hawk like jaws cocked. His head turns to Ornia, smiling abit, he winks to her. Then adjusts his uniform.
Marco walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Marco has arrived.
Ornia watches tot he floor in some silence now, she seems mildly supprised at the scarf tossing as she just seems a bit concerned for Mintor.
Dominic glances over at the arrival of Marco, then returns his gaze to the arena floor.
Magnus sits back down in his seat, grinning, then notices Marco entering, "Don Marco! You're just in time to see young Mintor give a show of his prowess and bull fighting skills," he pats the seat next to him gingerly, then sips his wine again.
Marco walks in and smoking a spice cigar, and looks to Magnus, "So I see." He sits next to the Count.
Marco joins lower level.
Marco nods to every one the looks to the Count, "I see you are still with us?"
Magnus smiles at the Don entering, then gestures to the two ladies, "Lady Ornia has had a most wonderful idea, that a woman should bull fight soon. Perhaps we should make a competition, my lady?" he turns to Ornia smiling.
From the Arena Floor, The Salusan bull, mutated, behind force field bars sneers wildly. Its many horns bouncing back and forth, being hit by the bars, angered in this.
Ornia smiles to Dominic and seems not much concerned to have so many possible enemys close by. A small giggle then escapses from her "A competition? And just who should compete?" she does glance at Ulricke after saying that
Magnus nods, "Yes, I am still quite alive. My wife being pregnant hasn't done me in yet. Not until the little terror is about 2 will my head begin to cave in," he laughs, obviously enjoying the Arena atmosphere immensely.
Iason walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Iason has arrived.
Iason silently makes his way through the archway, finding his seats, hasty but dingified.
Dominic nods to Iason as he enters. He takes a glass of wine from the tray of a passing waiter and takes a slow sip.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor looks to Iason, entering. Its time to get this damned show on the road, "Cut the damned music" He yells. 'La Virgen de la Macarena' stops playing automatically.
Marco has to take the cigar from laughing at the Count he just shakes his head and looks on.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor knows he will hate killing this beautiful creature, but, he cannot turn back now.
Magnus turns around slightly to Dominic, noticing Iason in his glance and nodding with a smile, "Who would you suggest is worthy of Lady Ornia's competition?" he looks at Dominic while asking this in a hinting movement, but makes it clear he is addressing the group.
Magnus looks to Mintor and sips his wine once more, smiling.
Ornia seems supprised and then glances at Magnus "M'lord are you suggesting I can fight a bull?"
From the Arena Floor, Mintor looks to Ulricke, smiling. Maybe if she threw him a damned rose he would know, but perhaps she is just playing him like a damned baliset. He smiles at her, almost seductively, and says, "Release the bull!"
Ulricke watches the bullfight. Let Ornia tromp around with the bovines; she hasn't the faintest clue as to how to bullfight.
Dominic shakes his head slightly at Magnus, a small smile creeping on his face. "My Lord, the arena can be a most dangerous place. It can sometimes look easy, but can be quite...lethal." He sips his wine again.
Talia walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Talia has arrived.
From the Arena Floor, The force field goes down and the Bull charges.
Magnus smiles at Marco's comment, then taps the side of his nose and chuckles
Marco chuckles at Magnus then looks down at the arena floor.
From the Arena Floor, The Young Na-Duke holds out the cloth, playing with it, but dancing to get out of reach of the deadly horns. He sees the Bull turning to charge, reaching for a banderilla he slams it triumphantly into the Bulls spine. "Ha ha!" He yells.
Iason joins lower level.
Front row, Iason sits back in the Atreides seating, watching the young Mintor fight.
Talia makes her way down to a seat near Iason.
Dominic returns his attention to the arena where the Atreides heir is sparring with the bull.
Talia joins lower level.
Ornia just sighs somewhat and then sets down a now empty wine glass as she watches the fight now on the arena floor, her attention more on that then anything else now.
From the Arena Floor, The Bull becomes abit sluggish but charges back....he dances again. Then uses one of the Bandrillas as a sword, to tease the damn thing, but he wants to make this as painless as possible for the bull.
Magnus smiles, sitting between a Ginaz and a Moritani, with Atreides on the other side, Harkonnen's in between and a Ginaz behind. Would this be the making of a joke some time in the future? he asks himself, laughing loudly, but not sharing his thoughts with the others.
Ulricke watches with keen interest, leaning forward as she absently strokes Mikael's wounded hand. Her face flushes; she always did enjoy a good spot o' violence.
From the Arena Floor, The Bull makes a large grunt emitting from its snout, after being slammed with two Bandrillas by the Na-Duke.
Magnus sips the last bit of his wine, then holds it up again for a servant to pour some more into his glass, he turns to Marco, "A good fighter, eh?"
Ulricke gives Iason a smile of greeting before turning her attention back to the bullfight.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor dances with the cloth, but the Bull makes a come back. Taking one of his many large, mutated hornes cutting Mintor's chest abit. His uniform is sliced, with parts of his bare chest exposed, blood soaking into his uniform.
Magnus turns to Ulricke, "Tell me, my lady, what areas of fighting do you specialise in?"
Mikael leans forward in his seat and watches Mintor with a glower locked on his face. Every muscle in his body is willing the bull on.
Iason offers the others a slight bow, his attention quickly returning to the bull.
Mikael mutters to you, "i'd call him out for that offence but.. he'd probably kill me"
Dominic glances over at the Harkonnens and smiles at Mikael's reaction.
You whisper, "Let the rumor that will undoubtedly spread do its damage." to Mikael.
Pers walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Pers has arrived.
Ornia slips her hand to her mouth and gasps as Mintor is now struck and bleeding. Ornai quickly glances towards Ulricke to see how she reacts.
Marco nods to Magnus, "Indeed so. I think that the common miscocption is that bullfighting is a sport in when in actuallity it is an art or a dance like the tango."
Talia frowns slightly, a worried look upon her face as she watches.
Pers has arrived, it would seem, in the midst of the action. He watches the floor intently as he makes his way down to the seating area, trying to get as close as possible. He sniffs deeply of the air as he does so.
Ulricke murmurs faintly to Mikael, before responding lazily to Magnus, "I was trained by the Ginaz Swordmasters." She keeps the main focus of attention on Mintor. Despite what may appear contrary, she actually seems to want him to win.
Mikael whispers, "To be fair, he wins a little of my admiration for refusing."
Mikael offers a nod to the ancient mariner
From the Arena Floor, Mintor glances at the bull, then at the cut in his chest, blood slightly dripping onto his hand. He smiles abit, seeing the drugs taking affect. He dances, almost seductively. His head cocked back, with that sexy sneer on his face. He then takes another Bandrilla and slams it casually into his spine.
Iason watches with polite interest.
You whisper, "For what, attempting to cleverly humiliate me? All it will do is harm his reputation." to Mikael.
Magnus snorts a little, one that is quite obviously not put on and goes back to his wine, then grins, imagining Dominic's reaction to Ulricke's response.
Cesare walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Cesare has arrived.
Dominic seems to be watching the fight. Whether he heard Ulricke's response or not, he offers no comment.
Tsukasa walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Tsukasa has arrived.
From the Arena Floor, The Bull, with a loud cry tries to charge back at Mintor. It stops and falls over, crying and grunting like its a young calf.
Cesare makes his way out into the seating area, the Count's gaze distracted somewhat by the fighting down below on the arena floor.
Mikael squeezes his sister's hand and murmurs something reassuring to her. He looks back at the na-Duke's progress and chews his jaw thoughtfully
Tsukasa joins middle level.
Ulricke is sitting in the Harkonnen area, chatting with the other nobles and watching the bullfight down below.
Magnus smiles at Tsukasa enters, "My friend! You're in time, do have a seat," he pounds one fist into the seat in front of him, the other seats around him taken.
Ornia leans in to dominic and speaks to him softly
Pers catches the Harkonnen's nod out of the corner of his eye, returning it a bit on the later side. He does, however, spare a glance at his surroundings long enough to notice and offer a bow to the entering Siridar.
Tsukasa leaves middle level.
Tsukasa joins lower level.
Ornia mutters to Dominic, "Is... speaking..."
Dominic glances around at the growing crowd. His eyes pass over the entrance of the Moritani Count and he seems to shift slightly in his seat, but makes no comment.
Talia slides to the edge of her seat, ignoring all others as she watches the actions on the floor of the arena.
Dominic leans toward Ornia.
Marco looks back to see the Director and gives a casual nod as he exhales a breath saturated with spice smelling smoke.
Tsukasa takes a seat next to Magnus, "It is good to see you. How are you feeling Count Magnus?"
From the Arena Floor, Mintor takes his longsword, looking to Ulricke. Cionsidering she wants to be his patroness in this fight, he smiles at her. It is custom to look to your patroness and ask her if she wishes to have the bull killed. He smiles, standing on the Bull's torso, waiting for an answer.
Tsukasa nods back to Marco.
Cesare looks about through the stands and private boxes, a thoughtful smile on his face as the Siridar hunts for a friendly face.
Magnus bows to the entering Siridar from his seat and leans over to talk to Tsukasa, "very well my friend," he yells out to Mintor in an almost war-cry fashion, then claps for him for a little before turning back to the Director, "And yourself?"
Ulricke's favor lies on the ground of the arena. Since Mintor never picked it up, he never acknowledged her as his patroness. So she cocks her head inquiringly at him, not sure exactly what his wishes are.
Ornia just frowns and looks disgusted now and seems to become more unsettled.
Marco sees the Count Moritani and offers a very formal bow.
Iason rises a bit to bow to the new arrivals, before reseating himself.
Mikael turns and notices Cesare. Its not a friendly face particularly, but a face at least. He pushes himself out of his seat a little to offer a bow and then sprawls back into it, attention redirected to the arena floor.
Pers doesn't even shrug as he pushes a pyon far to the right, taking a seat close to the arena. He watches with an air of interest, although there is a half-smirk on it.
Tsukasa looks down at the scene playing out before him, "Good, good."
Pers joins lower level.
Mikael mutters under his breath "Spare it.. otherwise he'll put its head on a plaque and come visit us to present it to you"
Cesare turns his gaze towards the Harkonnen box and decides to make his progress that way, giving a polite nod where warranted to other notables in the stands.
Magnus grins and speaks loudly, so those seated can hear, "A champion of the bull, no doubt the wonder is how the young man fares in other areas," he grins and winks at Tsukasa and Marco at the comment, then turns on his seat slightly, "Are you not going to request the head of the bull Lady Ulricke? You are his patroness, he accepted the challenge by you."
Ulricke mmms, and leans forward, her voice ringing out into the arena. "Tell me, my Lord Mintor - will this bull survive if he is spared, and live to fight another day? Or by killing the creature, do you offer him a greater mercy?" she looks down at the Na-Duke, waiting for his answer.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor looks to Ulricke, smiling, "The Poison will kill him soon? Do you want his head or not?"
Ornia slightly giggles at hearing the recent comments and just frowns more at Ulricke as she mutters loud enough to be heard "Just like a Harkonnen woudl do."
From the Arena Floor, Mintor says, "I might as well put him out of his misery, Ulricke."
Mikael rolls his eyes and shakes his head to himself. He mutters something under his breath and glowers at his sister as if to say 'look what you've done'
You say, "I would not deny you your trophy, my lord. Kill the noble creature swiftly, and assure that his pain will end."
Magnus laughs heartily, taking another sip of wine, then turning to Marco, "How long until the gladiatoral tournament of yours goes forward, Don Marco?"
Dominic glances up with some slight interest at Magnus's words.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor takes his longsword and makes a swift cut above the Bull's muscular shoulders. The whole field is immediately covered in blood, as is the Na-Duke.
The crowd balks at this talk of this kindness...loud jeers can be heard from the pyons scattered throughout the stadium.
Marco smiles as he rests his cigar in his fingers, "Ask the Director, he's got the paper work."
Mikael smiles softly to himself and whispers into Ulricke's ear "And when will you end the pain of /that/ noble creature?"
Talia winces slightly as she slides back in her seat.
On the other hand, many of the spectators cheer at the sight of blood, and at Ulricke's seeming nobility. Can win 'em all, eh?
Cesare makes his way slowly into the Harkonnen seating, quietly approaching from behind and tapping Ulricke on the shoulder, inquiring with wryness, "A battle royale, m'lady, or a simple bloodletting?"
Magnus raises his brow to the Director, interested, not clapping for Mintor's killing of the bull.
Ornia now rises slowly and bothers to smooth out her robes as she has seen enough for one night and veryslowly moves to exit her seat.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor holds the head of the bull in his two hands, still covered in blood making his way to the Seating.
From the Arena Floor, Mintor passes the Out.
Mintor walks in from Entrance Area through the Archway.
Mintor has arrived.
Ulricke pats Mikael gently on the arm, as if to soothe him. She then looks up and beams at Cesare. "The na-Duke was kind enough to live up to his promise to me of letting me watch him in a bullfight."
Dominic rises and bows slightly to Ornia as she leaves. He returns to his seat and applauds Mintor's prowess in the Arena.
Tsukasa glances at Marco momentarily and then smiles, "Actually Don, the ball is in your court. All that is required is your signature."
Iason claps a bit, then looks over as Mintor arrives.
Magnus smiles and nods to Ornia politely as she moves to leave.
Cesare turns his gaze slightly towards the seating of his rivals and notes ... quite loudly, "Yes, I thought when I walked in that I smelled bullshit, and apparently I was right. There are Ginaz among us."
Ornia smiles at Magnus and then gives s small curtsy to others she was with before she reaches the stairs.
Ornia leaves lower level.
Pers offers some polite applause and stands to honor the victor as he passes the benches of the Seating Banks.
Marco burst out laughing at the Counts comment.
Mintor walks down the aisles, carrying the Bull's head by the horns. He then goes to the Lady Ulricke, still covered in blood. He lays the head at her feet. "A gift...it would honor me if you would except it, M'lady." He says, breathing heavily.
Ulricke applauds the entrance of the noble toreador. "Most exquisite, Mintor." she tsks at Cesare. "Be nice." she coos, lifting a brow.
Mikael looks at Mintor as if challenging to him approach, covered in blood and carrying a dripping bulls head proudly like a lunatic child. This suit is worth a lot of caladanian rice-padies.
Magnus stands up and bows with a over exaggerated flurry of his hand, smiling at the victor, "Well done my lord."
Dominic seems to chuckle at Cesare's comment, as if finding it humorous. He turns to Magnus. "Ahh, I see that the true intellect of the Moritani shines through." He smiles as he takes a sip of his wine.
Ulricke mmms. "Of course I'll accept it." she indicates to two burly Harkonnen slaves, and they advance to pick the large head up and cart it off to the embassy.
Mikael claps politely and looks with obvious distaste at the mess now seeping around his boots.
Marco stands and looks on at the crowd then back to Magnus and Tsukasa and smiles, "Who knew that Kaitain could be so fullfilling?"
Ornia shakes her head some as she looks back at the scene now where she was seated near.
Cesare stretches a thin smile and reclines as Mintor approaches with his gory prize and it is duly received. "I hate that I missed your corrida, m'lord. I assure you it is already the talk of the town."
Magnus smiles back at Dominic, then turns and grins at Marco, "Yes indeed, the muscles of the mind combined with the muscles of the body. It makes a nice change, I said earlier, from some of the droll monotony of paperwork and meetings."
Talia stands from her seat. She gives a slight shiver, and moves towards the exit.
Talia leaves lower level.
Mikael kisses his sister on the cheek and stands "I think I shall retire to the embassy. The excitement here has been a little too much." He looks at his feet and rubs one of them on the seat he has just risen from.
Mintor nods, to Magnus, and to Caesar. But he seems to be very weary. He is handed a towel by his maid, Athena. Taking off the uniform, revealing a slightly bloody muscular torso, shining in the hot sun. He wipes the blood from his body nodding to Cesare, "Do not worry, My Count, I am sure there shall be more to come."
Dominic nods in congratulations to Mintor. "A most excellent fight, my lord."
Ulricke says immediately, "Of course, Mikael..." she returns to kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you at home."
Iason says, "Congratulations, Lord Mintor."
Mintor nods to Dominic, "You are too kind, m'lord."
Mintor nods to Iason, as if giving him a 'don't congratulate me, don't worry about it look.'
Mintor joins lower level.
Magnus makes himself comfortable in his seat, then pats the now spare seat next to him, where Ornia once sat, "Do have a seat Lord Mintor."
Ornia glances at Mintor for a while and then just moves to leave
Mintor looks to Ornia, while removing the blood from his body, He smiles to her.
Wrinkling his nose in disgust at the odor of bull's blood, the Admiral makes his way out of the Arena. Disappointing fight, although the things you learn by listening...
Pers leaves lower level.
Ornia smiles back and then just turns to leave the arena.
Pers walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Pers has left.
Mikael bows formally to Mintor "Congratulations na-Duke." he intones and grins at him. He bows again to the rest of the group and lopes away up the steps, turning up the collar of his coat as he goes.
Ulricke indicates to a slave, who brings her a goblet. Uli walks over to Mintor and offers it - nothing but cool, clear water to refresh him after his arduous bout. After all, it's the least she can do.
You paged Mintor with 'It's not poisoned. It's just water.'.
Ornia walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Ornia has left.
Mikael walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Mikael has left.
Tsukasa nods to the victorious bull-fighter, "Lord Mintor. An excellent exhibition...or so I've heard."
Mintor nods, thanking Ulricke. He sips the water, then hands the goblet back to her. "You are too kind, Uli."
Ulricke nods, taking it back to where she sat.
Mintor bows to the lower seating, thanking them.
Magnus smiles at Tsukasa, "sometimes the most wonderful exhibitions are the more subtle and missed ones," he looks to Ulricke and then grins at Dominic, taking another sip of his wine.
Cesare quirks an eyebrow in silent question at Ulricke, leaning over to mutter something to her softly.
Mintor sits, relaxing his strained muscles. Athena coming back asking him to put on something decent to cover his torso and he says to her, "When I return home, Madame."
Mintor senses, "Ulricke takes the goblet, and from where only you can see it, raises the cup to her lips, drinking a sip from the exact same spot you drank from on the rim, her eyes half lidded and watching you. A quick lick of her lips, and she returns to her seat."
Cesare whispers, "Is Lord Mintor having trouble deciding whether he wants a Bene Gesserit or a real woman?"
Talia gathers her skirts and lifts then only slightly, enough to keep from tripping over the hem as she leaves.
Mintor turns, looking to Ulricke, smiling, but chuckling, shaking his head.
You whisper, "Who knows? Half the time he acts like he wants me, and the other half acts like he'd prefer some knock-kneed virgin." she pauses, adding impishly, "Just like someone else I know!" to Cesare.
Ulricke pretends to dodge a mock-blow from Cesare, as she apparently murmurs something at least a little wicked.
Magnus stops sipping his wine, an expression on his face, "Ah! Director...I almost had forgotten. The dinner I am afraid is to be postponed, due to the fact my niece cannot come at the given time, and neither can the Princess. A new time will be decided on soon though, I hope you will still attend?"
Cesare nudges Ulricke in the side and frowns in exaggerated affrontery.
Iason raises his brows, his attention having turned to the people in the stands, and not the arena now.
Talia walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Talia has left.
Tsukasa nods, "Of course. I look forward to it."
Marco turns back to Magnus, "Speaking of dinner, I'm hungry. I am starved since my ride to day."
Magnus rises from his seat and smiles, "Of course," he turns to them all in general, "If anyone would care to join me for dinner at the Imperial Hotel, I would be delighted."
Magnus smiles and works his way to the end of the aisle, leaving the lower area.
Cesare quirks an eyebrow in silent query at the Lady Harkonnen. "M'lady, would you care to dine?"
Marco leaves lower level.
Dominic finishes his drink and passes the empty glass to a nearby waiter. He rises from his seat and makes his way out of the lower area.
Magnus bows to them all, then gives a smile to Dominic and looks at Mintor with a 'you've made me proud' look before departing.
Magnus walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Magnus has left.
Marco walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Marco has left.
Dominic walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Dominic has left.
Mintor nods to Magnus, he asks Athena to leave as well.
Ulricke grins at Cesare. "I would be honored, Your Excellency." she says to the Count, but looks over. "Na-Duke, would you honor me by gracing me with your presence at the Harkonnen arena tomorrow? I would so enjoy sparring with you again, as we had during our schooling."
Tsukasa leaves lower level.
Tsukasa walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Tsukasa has left.
Mintor looks to Ulricke smiling. "My dear I would be interested but infact, I may want to just spend the day tomorrow wrapped up in bed and a good novel." He makes heavy emphasis on 'Bed'
Cesare offers his arm gallantly, looking to Mintor and inquiring, "Catch the clap ... err ... a cold, m'lord?"
Ulricke mmms. "Pity. Nothing gets me so stimulated as a good work-out." she smiles sunnily. "Ah, well. Perhaps the Count Moritani will wish to join me instead." she looks up at Cesare. "Ready, my lord?"
<Harkonnen> Ulricke says, "Err, him."
Connected players on that channel are:
Sylvie, Ulricke
Mintor halts Ulricke with his words, "But, count me in...." He smiles devilishly
Ulricke takes her sweet time looking over at Mintor. "Well, then. I shall see you on the morrow. But for now, please excuse me."
Cesare takes Ulricke's arm and places it gently under his own in escort, granting a parting nod to Mintor. "M'lord, unless you intend to dine with the rest of us, I bid you good evening."
Iason rises to bow tot he departing pair.
Iason leaves lower level.
Mintor nods, "Of course, Good day."
Cesare wastes no time, therefore, in leading the Lady Harkonnen out of the arena.
Cesare walks to the north and passes through the Archway.
Cesare has left.
<Cesare and Ulricke arrive at the restaurant. Edited to save space.>
Cesare enters the Dining Room with the Lady Harkonnen on his arm, the Count Moritani leaning over to her as the pair enters and whispering something softly.
Mintor smiles to Talia, unbuttoning his shirt abit. Showing the scar, "Imagine if that was my neck, M'lady" He then buttons it, looking around.
Magnus smiles, rising as the new guests enter and bowing, "Do join us, would you my lord? My lady?"
Cesare whispers, "Well, my dear, I might have to worry of your father depriving me of my manhood before I could enjoy things to their fullest."
Mintor says, "They are bulls, Salusan Bulls, bred to kill, and fertilization."
Talia leans forward slightly, locking gazes with Mintor momentarily. "It very well could have been. And I would have never forgiven you for it, not even in death." She leans back and folds her hands within her lap.
You whisper, "I haven't done anything with a slave that I couldn't do with you if you like, my dear. Father likes to see me happy, and certain traditional conventions were never ones we Harkonnen give much thought to." to Cesare.
Mintor nods, smiling, "They are also a morale tool on Caladan. A citizen will be happy if he has bullfights and pundi."
Ulricke murmurs to Cesare, and then looks at him inquiringly to see how he feels about Magnus' offer. He's escorting her, after all - so it's his call.
Cesare nods and gestures towards the table, properly allowing the lady on his arm to precede him. "We would be honoured, m'lord."
Magnus glares at Mintor. He doesn't mind bullfights, but the look on his face tells him to stop baiting Talia and respect her.
Magnus smiles at the Count and offers them both seats at their table
Mintor reassures Talia, "Bullfighting is not supposed to give me pleasure, but to assure that my people are happy."
Talia replies to Mintor's comment. "No matter what you call it..." She shakes her head and gives Mintor a glance that would suggest this conversation will be finished much later.
Marco stands and bows to Cesare, "Good evening, your grace."
You say, "A most excellent bout of bullfighting, Mintor! Perhaps you will give me a lesson sometime? I've never attempted bullfighting, but it seems quite aerobic."
Mintor nods to Cesare then to Ulricke, his eyebrows lifted, "Perhaps, Perhaps m'lady. It just depends on how....dedicated you are."
Cesare notes as he settles down into a chair next to Ulricke, "I can personally vouch for the Lady Harkonnen's limberness. She's tremendously agile, Lord Mintor."
Marco retakes his seat quietly.
Magnus pours two more glasses of wine for the Count and the Lady Harkonnen and smiles, holding up a glass, "I think it would be most fitting if we toasted to the bull who gave himself for the spectacle."
Ulricke laughs softly. "He knows. We trained at the same time..." she nods her adamant agreement to Magnus, lifting the glass once it is full.
Cesare lifts his glass towards Mintor, "To one hell of a lot of bull."
Mintor smiles, (I bet he can vouch) he thinks. He then turns to Ulricke, "Dedication is the supreme tool in bullfighting. Also you will need to learn how to tango, and not question my ways." He dips
Magnus looks to Talia at this and gives her a slight smile, as if trying to make the matter a little better, he clinks glasses with the others and drinks
Mintor raises his glass, nodding in thanks to Cesare.
Talia makes no move for her glass, averting her gaze from Mintor.
Ulricke purrs at Mintor, "I know how to tango, actually. One of the few lessons of deportment I bothered with because it was so enjoyable." she looks to Talia and says gaily, "My lady, would you not toast so noble a death?"
Marco raises his glass.
Magnus puts his glass down gently, finishing his sip and looking to Mintor. He winks at him and gives him an encouraging smile, proud of his victory.
Talia glances to Ulricke. "We differ in our opinions of nobility, apparently, my lady."
Marco sips his wine and sits the glass back down.
Cesare nods approvingly towards Talia. "As we are all welcome to, m'lady."
Mintor smiles, he will speak to Talia about bulls later. He then asks Uli, "Then perhaps, My Lady you must show me your moves once in awhile. I suppose your instuctor was Caladanian?"
You say, "It was a slave, actually. Court entertainers. Exquisite performers, as I recall." she looks to Talia, and says in a pleasant tone, "I have not been introduced to you, Lady? Perhaps one of the gentlemen will oblidge."
Magnus keeps to himself at the Lady Harkonnen's request. Not being officially introduced himself, he looks to Mintor as the obvious candidate to introduce the Lady.
Mintor nods, "This is the Lady Maesis, Tutor to my brother's daughter and my niece. She is also a respected advisor to me."
Ulricke nods. "Lady, a pleasure." she indicates Magnus. "And this gentleman?" she prompts Mintor with a smile.
Mintor smiles, "This is my Brother's advisor, the Lord Count Magnus Paldrigus."
Talia nods respectfully to Ulricke.
Mintor says, "Who is soon to have another child."
Cesare blinks in surprise. "I wasn't aware that was possible."
Mintor says, "No, of course not. His wife of course."
Talia chuckles softly.
Cesare chuckles lightly and nods, winking with levity at Mintor. "Yes, m'lord. Do relax. It appears that bull has you quite high-strung."
Magnus laughs slightly and bows gracefully to Ulricke and Cesare
Marco looks over to Magnus, "Did they ever find out what caused what ever it was that happened?"
Mintor chuckles, "I do wish the Countess was here at dinner with us she does tell the most amusing little stories."
Magnus smirks, "Your shattering your glass on the wall, my heart jumped enough to cause a small heartattack."
Mintor adds raising an eyebrow, "As does my new found friend, the Lady Ginaz."
Magnus raises a brow, "She's been talking about me behind my back, has she?" he laughs and sips his wine.
Cesare frowns with distinct distaste at the mention of a Ginaz.
Marco laughs, "That was it? Habit I picked up from Giedi Prime."
Ulricke smiles. "Congratulations, Your Excellency." she says to Magnus. "I hope your new child is a delight." She nods to Marco in greeting.
Marco returns the nod, "Lady Harkonnen."
Magnus smiles and holds his glass up to Marco, sipping again, "A dangerous habit my friend," he laughs again with more enthusiasm, then turns to Ulricke and nods, "Thank you very much, Lady Harkonnen. Knowing my luck of late, the child will be a screaming terror by the time he or she is two."
Mintor sighs, "She does miss the Cherry Blossom Fall on Marcinko, when I attended the Swordschool it was beautiful, the perfect love making place. So many colors, red, pink, orange, bright green, with the snow forming." He sighs, taking abit of wine.
Ulricke grins at Marcus, and gives Mintor an indulgent look. "You're being maudlin, my dear."
Cesare snorts indignantly. "Making love? Lord Mintor, apparently you don't know the Ginaz very well. They depend on immaculate conceptions to secure the future of their House."
Mintor smiles, "Your Excellency I did not make love to Marcinko women during the Falls, but Caladanian daughters of course!"
Cesare quirks an eyebrow in bemusement. "Marcinko women are what we in the general rest of the Known Universe call 'whores', m'lord."
Magnus shakes his head, "Always with someone by your side, eh Mintor?" he laughs, patting the man on the back, "I will stick to my lovely wife, Valedan to the bone."
Talia shakes her head gently, causing her halo of curls to bounce. "The na-Duke could rarely be found without female companionship."
Mintor looks at his nails, "I do not know many of those 'whores' turned me down once and awhile. Must be modesty in some of them." He then turns to Magnus, "When I decide to marry and stick to one woman I shall."
Ulricke tsks gently at Cesare. "The Ginaz were fine enough a House to have taught me truely unparalleled swordplay, Your Excellency."
Cesare reaches over to gently pat Ulricke's hand. "They merely brought out your natural talents, my dear. As an truly skillful instructor does."
Magnus nods, agreeing with Ulricke, "Indeed, they are excellent in their swordscrafting and swordsmanship," he sighs, "A pity I never was able to join them at the swordschool. I can thank my wonderful brother for that," he scowls at his leg, then drinks some more wine.
Mintor raises his eyebrows, then sighs, "But the Lady Ginaz knows so much on Victorian romances, it is almost wonderful. Wonderful conversations that we have."
Marco squints, "I see relying on a sword a alternate and last resort. I see using ones brain to get as the first line of prtection, the second line is to never sink to the other person's level."
You say, "I'm afraid I never found the taste for them. Always the Lady So-and-So, languishing for the overbearing and powerful Lord Whats-his-name. As if she didn't have a mind of her own. I'm afraid my taste runs to more adventerous stories."
Cesare frowns slightly. "Victorian romances? Far too ... constraining for my tastes, m'lord. Enough of that could render a man sterile."
Mintor adds, looking back at Cesare, expanding his words. "But, she does enjoy Machiavelli. I do not know I find authors such as Austen and Bronte stimulating."
Magnus smiles and chuckles to himself, not commenting at all on the matter, but his face gives off a small smirk at Ulricke's comment.
You say, "I'm rather fond of the classical, ancient plays. I think perhaps, MacBeth is my favorite, but 'Trojan Women' also has a fond place in my heart."
Mintor smiles, "Hamlet, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and of course Richard the Third have my passions of Shakespeare. But Antony and Cleopatra is something I always keep at my bedside." He looks to Ulricke, grinning.
Magnus nods in agreement with Ulricke, "The classics are often the best. I quite enjoyed Caesar, actually."
Cesare cracks a broad grin at his former fiancee. "I also rather like the Oresteia. All that blood and gore. Nothing like a son who boffs his mother to get things interesting."
Ulricke grins at Mintor. "Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale her infinite variety." she quotes.
Magnus smiles, "Et tu, Ulricke?" he laughs as she agrees with Mintor, then shoots him a glance, shaking his head a little in amusement.
Cesare pops out a quote of his own from Shakespeare, "Oh judgement thou art fled to brutish beasts and men have lost their reason."
Mintor claps at Ulricke, striking the back of his right hand against the left palm quietly, "Very nice, My viper."
Ulricke grins at everyone. "If I don't break the cycle now, we'll be quoting at each other all night. But what a fabulous party entertainment such a game might be!"
Magnus raises a brow, then turns to Talia, whispering
Talia now reaches for her wine glass and lifts it to her lips, taking a small sip as she listens quietly.
Mintor smiles, "Then My Lady we should get together to play alittle get together game involving quotes and topics."
Talia swallows her wine quickly and begins to laugh at Magnus' remark. She covers her mouth and glances at Mintor with a glimmer of mirth.
Magnus laughs slightly, smiling at Talia, then turns back to Mintor, "Strangely enough I feel aged enough to say I remember them being written!"
Ulricke looks to Magnus. "Do share the joke, Your Excellency." she smiles, eyes suddenly glittering and intense.
Cesare looks to Ulricke and quotes glibly, "She walks in beauty like the night ... of cloudless climes and stary skies ... And all that's best of dark and bright ... meet in the aspect of her eyes."
Marco looks to Magnus, "Yes you correct, I thought you were going to go any minute when your wife told you that you were going to be a father again."
Marco smiles.
Magnus smiles back, "I would not want to ruin the mirth by charming your curiousity bone, my lady," he smiles at Talia, then turns to Marco and laughs, "I was worried about myself there as well, my friend. My third child...and at my age, dear lord. I fell off my very seat."
Marco laughs and sip his wine. He looks around the table at its occupants then takes another sip.
Ulricke inclines her head to Magnus. Whatever it was, she seems to dismiss it. She inquires to Cesare, "Do you eat here often, Cesare?"
Cesare shakes his head. "Not really, no. Unless the Landsraad is convening or a good fight in the Arena, I don't tend to come to this part of the city."
You say, "Ah. Then I'll just have to guess at what may be good on the menu."
Marco speaks up, "Wild Chukka tounges under glass, Lady Harkonnen."
Magnus says, "I recommend not having any brandy, my lady," he looks to Marco at the comment and grins broadly.
Cesare suggests to his dinner date, "I find things more satisfying when in the form of a surprise, m'lady."
Marco smiles, "Just trying to keep your toes. Besides I was drinking spice wine."
Magnus ahh's mockingly, then laughs and pours some more wine for himself.
Ulricke looks at the two men. The secret joke, the glib reccomendations - with her healthy touch of Harkonnen paranoia, it's plain she considers the possibility of a joke at her expense and doesn't like it. When the server does come to take the orders of those at the table (or just those newly arrived), she orders a spicy Grumman dish.
Marco looks to Cesare, "Your Grace, I was wondering if we had a stables at the Estate lands?"
Magnus sighs, "Well...at least I will learn to cut down on my drinking from that night," he looks at his glass and hmmmmm's.
Cesare nods approvingly at Ulricke and orders the same. "So many things from Grumman to tease the palate, m'lady." He turns to Marco with an upraised eyebrow. "A stables?"
Marco says, "Yes sire."
Magnus has disconnected.
Cesare shakes his head. "We do not, but no one has ever had need for one."
You say, "Is there suitable land for riding here on Kaitan?"
Talia continues to sip her wine quietly, listening to the conversation. She seems quite content to not join in.
Cesare frowns in contemplation. "I imagine the hills around the Palazzo Moritani would be suitable, but then no one that I know of has ever expressed a need for stables and horses."
Magnus smiles, "Beautiful creatures, horses. I used to ride quite often, it is very relaxing if at a soft pace, yet invigorating when moving quickly."
Marco nods slowly, "I see, sire." He looks to Ulricke, "My lady, I am not sure. I was hoping there was. It has been some time since I have a chance to ride." He looks back to Cesare, "I understand, your grace."
Ulricke sips her wine. "If you spark enough interest in the activity, you may incline people to take it up."
Cesare nods, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "It could never hurt. Do you have an interest in riding then, Don Marco?"
Marco nods, "Indeed, your grace, for pleaure sometimes, but mostly to practice my calavry tactics. I like to keep my self in good military shape. My horse saved my last time I was in combat."
Talia smiles and nod to Magnus. "I find riding to be quite relaxing. I do confess I miss my mare. Gentle creature, she is."
Cesare smiles obligingly. "Well then, we'll have to see what we can do about that."
Magnus nods and smiles, "Yes...horses are truly lovely animals."
Marco nods, "Thank you, sire, but please you do not have to do anything on my accord. But a stables would be a nice addition, and I will pay all the expenses."
Cesare shakes his head. "My lord, I am all too happy to oblige. It would be a trifle, really. You will have your stables."
Ulricke muses, "I haven't been riding in years...we don't have much space for it on Giedi Prime, so it was a rare treat reserved only for vacations. Do you know much about horses, Cesare?"
Marco stands with a serious look and raises his glass, "To Count Cesare, may you live forever and my your enemies die slowly and painfully."
Magnus toasts a little uncomfortably, looking to Talia, then sipping his glass and keeping silent.
Cesare chuckles lightly and accepts the toast with grace. "I am afraid I am not knowledgeable about horses, no. There are plenty of great pastures and fields on Grumman for riding, but I never really had much desire to learn how."
Talia lifts her glass as obliged, and glances to Magnus briefly before returning her attention to the group as a whole.
Marco nods and drains the rest of his wine. He goes to throw it at the wall but stops himself and looks to Magnus and smiles. He gently sets the glass down on the table and sits.
Ulricke toasts adamantly, and quaffs her drink.
Cesare rises from his seat and nods to one and all, offering his arm to Ulricke. "Well then, by your leave, m'lords, m'lady, I do believe the good Lady Harkonnen and I will be taking our leave of you for the evening."
Marco stands, "I must leave as well. The business day starts early and time is money."
Marco bows to every one, "Good evening."
Magnus bows back, "Good evening Your Excellency, Don Marco."
Ulricke rises and bids everyone good evening. "A pleasure to meet all of you." she says, and slips out with Cesare.
Magnus smiles, "And then there were three."