Dune III - Ulricke - Thursday, August 17, 2000, 7:41 PM
Anatoly grins as he sees Ulricke enter, "Ahh, Ulricke, I was just telling Lady Moritani here, Count Cesare's cousin, imagine that, about you," He pauses, "And Cesare."
Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from vehicle 2488, bound for Harkonnen Embassy, requesting clearance, "Satyavrat Lord Devhapti, in service of the Earl Rastanyev, returns to call upon Lord
Ulricke arches a brow. "Guest of yours, Anatoly?"
Anatoly shrugs, "The Rastanyev Diplomat, I guess I'll have to see what he wants."
Anatoly says something into his communicator.
Sylvie says, "He was here earlier. He was rather charming."
Anatoly walks to the south and passes through the Golden Door.
Anatoly has left.
You say, "The diplomat, or Cesare?"
Sylvie says, "Lord Devhapti. I haven't met the Moritani Siridar yet."
Sylvie says, "Have you seen your father today, Lady Ulricke?"
Ulricke shakes her head. "I'm afraid not. I did have something I wished to speak with him about today, but he's apparently been very busy."
Mintor pages: Care to roleplay soon?
Sylvie licks her lips nervously, "He...broke his leg."
The temperature in the room drops several degrees. Ulricke's eyes suddenly flash vibrant, intense, almost turquoise blue. "He broke his leg. When and how did this happen?"
Long distance to Sylvie: Ulricke grins. "We can each take a limb and make a wish?" ;>
Long distance to Anatoly: Ulricke got told that her father broke his leg. She's not pleased.
Sylvie twists the wine glass in her hands, "He gave me a present of matched horses. We went riding. His horse threw him."
Ulricke nods. "I see." Ulricke's hands grip tightly. "And I assume he's in his chambers being looked after?"
Sylvie nods, "As soon as it happened, I used my communication bracelet to summon help. The Swordmaster brought a medic and took him to his chambers."
<<OOC: Sylvie and Ulricke are promptly summoned to the Salon, where Anatoly is entertaining Satyavrat. Bella is the victim of an accidental disconnection, and enters the scene later.>>
The twin slave girls hold the ivory doors open for you as you enter.
Salon -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
A long, low-ceilinged room, lit by freefloating suspensor lamps. In the very center of the room bubbles a small indoor fountain.The walls are paneled in comfortable dark woods. There are a variety of tables scattered about the room, promoting conversation and relaxation. Smoke usually fills the air. A low dais, accessible by a short flight of stairs, runs along the eastern wall, with more tables up there. Along the western wall is a sideboard, where Keffi waits to make guests comfortable.
Players:
Anatoly Ulricke
Satyavrat
Exits:
Sloping Tunnel <D> leads to Arena Grandstand -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Embellished Portal <S> leads to Dining Hall -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Ivory Doors <N> leads to Giedi Hall -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Sylvie enters the Salon from Giedi Hall.
Sylvie has arrived.
Ulricke enters, expression rather set in a calm, placid manner.
Anatoly finds an unfortunate slave and orders him to bring them a bottle of red wine, "Ahh, have you seen that Lord Devhapti, two magnificant ladies have chosen to join us. I hope you approve of red wine? Would you like anything else?"
Sylvie follows Ulricke into the room.
Satyavrat shakes his head politely. "No, thank you. Wine and talk shall suffice." He rises from his recently taken position to greet the Harkonnen Ladies. "Good evening, Lady de Biencourt," he says charmingly to the familiar figure of the Baron's concubine. He proffers a bow to both, introducing himself to the unknown woman. "Lord Devhapti, a servant of House Rastanyev."
Sylvie smiles at Satyavrat, "Good to see you again."
Anatoly pours now 4 glasses and sets them on the table, just before taking a sit himself.
Ulricke looks to Anatoly, expecting him to introduce her as she extends her hand, palm down to the Rastanyev.
Anatoly's height that rises up to 6'4" and width makes him easily mistaken as a bear from afar, his red hair and large beard contribute to this. However, as you get nearer to his you'll find that this man is far from being a bear but a proud man. His muscles and figure shows that he has been working out and might indicate that he isn't about to let himself gain unnecessary weight. His posture shows that although he isn't a master of arms, he can handle one. His brown eyes penetrates everything he lays his sight upon.
Anatoly is wearing the uniform of a Junior Officer in the Harkonnen diplomatic corps, that is covered by a black vest that reaches to his belt. He wears no arm and has no Shield belt. On the center of his belt the Harkonnen Ram in embedded, it's eyes are two small rubies.
Anatoly grins, "Ahh, Lord Devhapti, please meet Lady Ulricke Harkonnen, daughter to the Baron Harkonnen, A wonderous Swordmaster whose skill is known worldwide and a sight to sore eyes."
Satyavrat takes the Lady's hand in his own and bows to kiss it after his formal introduction. He withdraws, leaving it slightly wet...not the lusty mark of a Moritani, of course, but not quite so chivalrous as an Atreides. "A pleasure, milady Harkonnen."
Ulricke inclines her hand. "The favor likwise returned, Lord Devhapti."
Sylvie waits to see where the others will seat themselves before taking a glass of wine from the table.
Mintor enters the Salon from Giedi Hall.
Mintor has arrived.
"It would seem," the Rastanyev diplomat comments as he withdraws to the table, catching site of a new figure at the door, "That the Harkonnen Embassy gains new occupants daily."
Anatoly doesn't really looks suprised to see Mintor, all he does is smile and calls for the slave, who'll have a lot of work today.
Mintor is lead in by a Harkonnen guard. Two Atreides guards enter, click their heels to the na-Duke, then leave. The Harkonnen guard annouces his presence, "The na-Duke Minotauros Atreides."
Ulricke smiles. "Well, we are a very social House." she purrs, and looks over. "Hello, Mintor." she seats herself, and invites him to join them all.
Wary of the Forms if nothing else, Satyavrat obeys the unclarified but well understood command and bows to the arriving Lord.
Anatoly manages to somewhat bow from his place, "Na-Duke Mintor, I don't think we have had the pleasure of meeting, I am Lord Anatoly Lachery, the House Diplomatic Liason, please, join us."
Bella enters the Salon from Giedi Hall.
Bella has arrived.
Mintor nods. A smile is not on his face, perhaps this is not happiness to see them. He nods to Satyavrat, his eyes closing. He takes a seat next to Ulricke, who is on his right.
Sylvie retreats somewhat as the number of people in the room continues to grow, but curtsies to the Na-Duke.
Satyavrat hides his sigh admirably as he rises once more and bows to the new arrival. Of course, it's a bit more stiff this time around, but that's really to be expected. Only so much bobbing a man can be expected to do...up and down, up and down...
A servant holds the door open as the Lady Bella returns from the powder room.
Mintor looks to Anatoly, "Thank you for the welcome, My dear diplomat." He nods to Sylvie, with abit of a smile.
Bella curtsies to Satyavrat and moves towards him to introduce herself."
Anatoly nods at Bella and turns his eyes to see the Slave carrying a crate of wine, "Ahh, put it there and bring a couple of bottle here, do it quickly, will you?"
Ulricke watches Bella blow right past her. Her lips turn in amusement.
Satyavrat smiles as he realizes that he is once again in for several more introductions. "I do hope," he begins slowly, "that you all will excuse me if I sample some of our hosts' wine before we continue." There is a slight scratch in his voice (probably faked, at that) as he raises his glass to a wet throat and takes a large gulp of the crimson liquid therein. "Lord Devhapti, diplomat of House Rastanyev, my Lord and Lady."
Bella curtsies once again to Satyavrat. " I am the Lady Bella Moritani. It is a pleasure to meet you." Bella turns to Ulricke. "And you must be ulricke. Anatoly has told me many good things about you. It is also most pleasurable to meet you finally."
Ulricke smiles. "Yes," she says the woman. "I am the Lady Ulricke. And I understand you're Cesi's cousin?"
Sylvie keeps her gaze averted from the proceedings as Bella is introduced, finding the fall of water in the fountain hypnotically fascinating.
Anatoly coughs, "My Lady, do sit down," He raises his glass, let us make a toast, "For beauty, as it seems to surround us lately."
Bella smiles shyly. "Yes, I am Cesare's cousin from Arrakis."
Mintor looks to a slave, smiling. He still believes that silly belief that all men are worth something, even slaves. "Could I get a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon?"
Mintor looks up, hearing the word Arrakis.....Arrakis, it moves slowly off the tounge like a midnight song.....-Arrrakis-
Ulricke affects suprise. "Really? Whyever did he make you stay on that horrid planet?"
Bella takes a seat and turns to Mintor. "And you of course must be Mintor of the House Atreides."
Mintor nods, "That I am..."
Bella looks at Ulricke and starts to speak. "Well, actually, Cesare did not even know of my existance. My father chose to keep my a sevret from the rest of the family."
Ulricke looks concerned. "Were they ashamed of you?"
Anatoly coughs slightly as his toast wasn't answered and instead he chooses to empty his whole glass, he turns back to the slave as he was just planning to get Mintor's Sauvignon, "Slave, fetch some Burgandy with that."
Bella laughs. "Why goodness no! My father wanted me to experience life outside of a noble upbringing before I reached the age when I might decide my own fate."
Bella turns to Anatoly. " I did not mean to be rude and draw attention away from your toast. It was a very worthwhile one."
The slave just fades into the background, fetching what he was asked.
Satyavrat raises his eyebrows. "An interesting concept. And did he expect you to choose a life on that benighted planet?" The question is a bit sharper than it need be.
Ulricke oh's, nodding in understanding, now. "So you mean it was your father who was unstable, not yourself." She offers Bella a sympathetic expression.
Mintor takes his glass of Sauvignon, swirling it in the glass, smelling the bouquet, then thanking the slave. He looks to Bella, "It could not be as bad as Marcinko, nearly froze my buttocks off on that snowball." He tastes the wine, swirling it around on his tounge.
Bella gains a stern look on her face. "Every land is beautiful in it's own ways, only the hasty observe something outside their relm as undesirable!"
Anatoly taps slowly on the table, waiting for his liquor to arrive.
Bella motions to a servant for a glass of cabarnet merlot.
Sylvie drifts toward the table and sits down, a quick glance flickering over the others occupying the room.
A servant rushes past bearing a glass of cabarnet for the Lady Bella and Anatoly's drink. He presents them and scurries off.
Mintor looks to the wine, thinking, "I read somewhere in the tabloids that the Museum is having a wine tasting get together." He looks to Ulricke, "Perhaps your father shall be interested in this, yes?"
Ulricke looks over to Mintor. "I'll be sure to tell him." she promises, and looks again to Bella, this time smiling indulgently. Oh, look. Kitten's got claws.
Satyavrat smiles. "Perhaps, my Lady Bella. But there are some places that I would rather not spend my time on to find their...ahm, 'inner beauty.'" He drains his glass of wine. "Rossak being one of them. I assure you, Lord Mintor, that Marcinko is a veritable Caladan in comparison."
Sylvie asks Satyavrat, "Is that one of the worlds you visited in your travels?"
Bella shoots Ulricke a unreadable look.
Anatoly takes a sip from his newly acquiered drink and places the glass on the talbe, "Ahh, Ulricke, what would they think of our lovely Giedi Prime?"
Satyavrat inclines his head, smiling pleasantly to the concubine in a change of attitude for the better. "Aye, milady. A very desolate place." Picking up on Anatoly's comment, he adds, "Quite the opposite of Giedi Prime. Civilization there consists off hardscrabble villages and smuggler's grounds."
Sylvie smiles, "It's a smuggler's planet, then?"
Anatoly laughs, "Wouldn't surprise me, Marcinko isn't known for it's benefit as an advanced planet, they still rely mostly on naval vessels, imagine that."
Satyavrat shrugs. "They stake no claim there, because there is nothing to claim. A convenient passing ground, I suspect, and little else." He places his empty glass onto the table with an audible clink, summoning a servant. "I travelled a great deal when in the service of the Lady Regent Ivanova Rastanyev."
Mintor looks to Bella, "I have read many stories of Romanticism in the desert, especially those Before Guild. Beauty can be found in the most desolate places, of course anything that is considered dead is considered romantic in
Ulricke doesn't read Bella's look, so it doesn't really bother her. Instead she inquires, "We've yet to have dinner, would anyone care to join us?"
Bella glaces around the room as she begins to feel uncomfortable.
Anatoly nods and takes another sip, "A sad story indeed, how is the Earl taking it?"
Mintor smiles to Ulricke, "I second that, anything cooked here is considered the ultimate culinary experience."
Bella smiles at Mintor. "That was a very poetic way of descibing Arrakis."
"The Earl Mikhail has dealt with the tragedy of the Lady Ivanova," Satyavrat replies curtly. "He still grieves for her...downfall, of course, but the death of the Lord Josef understandably is more troublesome to him." The man turns to Ulricke, seizing her offer, greatful to let the subject drop. "I would be delighted to be the guest of your House, milady Harkonnen."
Mintor nods, smiling, "Well the Desert is like a phoenix, many people believe life shall rise from its ashes.
<<Ulricke thinks: Good heavens, Mintor will say anything to get into a pretty woman's bed, won't he!>>
Satyavrat turns to Mintor with an odd look in his eyes. Rarely does one find talk of the phoenix when a Rastanyev is near...particularly given the recent topic of discussion.
Anatoly nods at Ulricke, "Shall I have the slaves set the table?"
You paged Mintor with 'And you're not even done yet.'.
Ulricke looks. "As soon as we know how many we're having for dinner...?" she looks to the guests.
Sylvie says, "I'll be taking my evening meal with the Baron." She rises to her feet and offers a smile to everyone generally, "Please excuse me."
Mintor nods, "I believe that I shall dine with you tonight, M'lady."
Satyavrat thinks << And now the concubine must make a hasty retreat, leaving the man with only one woman on whom to affix himself.>>
Anatoly turns his look at Bella, "Dear Lady, shall you join us at dinner?"
Sylvie senses, "Ulricke gives you a look, but it's a rather companionable grin - as if she's offering to share mocking the little Moritani wench with you as if you were a pair of predators about to stalk some innocent little doe."
Satyavrat rises as Sylvie announces her departure. "Good evening, my Lady de Biencourt," he says, bowing. "It was a pleasure to see you again."
Bella smiles graciously. "I would love to accompany you for dinner."
Mintor nods to Sylvie, "Yes, Good evening. Give my regards to The Baron."
Ulricke calls out, "Sylvie, do let me know when he's free this evening." her eyes glitter.
Anatoly bows from his seat, "Please send my Uncle I shall come to visit him later."
Satyavrat registers his suprise with a silent flick of an eyebrow and a shift in his seat.
Sylvie curtsies, "And you, Lord Devhapti." She includes everyone else with a smile when she says, "I'll pass on your good wishes to the Baron, and your messages." With that she glides from the room.
Bella waves good bye to Sylvie. "It has been a pleasure meeting you."
You sense that Sylvie winks as she passes.
Sylvie walks to the north and passes through the Ivory Doors.
Sylvie has left.
Mintor sips his wine, looking at Ulricke from the corner of his eye...what is he thinking? Is he just pleading to some damn skylark? Is he acting like a giddy schoolboy? Of course.
Ulricke looks to the slave. "Five for dinner, if you please...and perhaps we'll watch a bout in the arena if you would all care to after dinner."
Satyavrat smiles encouragingly at the suggestion. "You are a most gracious host, my Lady."
Bella smiles at Ulricke. "Thank you for your most kind invitation."
Mintor nods, smiling, "Yes, thank you." He sips abit of his wine, nodding to Ulricke.
Anatoly stands up, his glass in hand, "Would we have the pleasure to see you fight, Cousin? Or shall we have to be satisfied with second best?"
When in Rome...Satyavrat rises to his feet a few seconds after his Harkonnen counterpart.
Ulricke purses her lips in a coy smile. "Only if our guests insist. I had quite a work-out yesterday."
Anatoly laughs, "How was the bout with Hektor? I am terribly sorry I missed that one."
Bella turns to Mintor." I would be most interested to see our beautious hostess "battle it out." I have never seen a bout before."
Ulricke nods her confirmation. "It was. I'm thinking about asking Daddy to let me have him. He's positively viscious, have you noticed?" she grins in delight and rises. "Why don't we proceed to the dining hall?"
Anatoly moves his arm in the general direction of the Dining hall, "Lead the way, mon cher, it seems you are tonight's, how did our guests put it, hostess."
The na-Duke nods to Bella, "You would be very interested in Bullfighting perhaps." He smiles, then hears Ulricke talking about the Gladiator...he frowns abit, sipping his wine. <<Skylark, I suppose. How can she do this? Is she better than this? Am I just throwing my damn coins into the wind?>>
Mintor looks to Bella, "Shall I escort you, M'Lady?"
Satyavrat swivels on his heels, ready to follow *anyone* at this point.
Bella stands to follow Mintor to the dining hall. "It would be my pleasure to accompany you anywhere."
Mintor stands, offering his arm to Bella, ready for Ulricke to lead the way. His glass is in his other hand, swirling the liquid almost nervously.
Anatoly senses, "Ulricke looks for a moment like she's going to gag."
You walk through the Embellished Portal.
Dining Hall -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Gargoyles with oddly human faces decorate the walls of this room, which are covered with pink marble shot with black veins. This room's centerpiece is long carved table made of highly-polished mahogany. High-backed suspensor chairs surround the table. Hanging low over the table are three immense chandeliers of ornate design, each throwing off flickering light from a hundred tiny glowglobes.
A huge oval metaglass window in the southern wall gives a view of the arena beyond.
Players:
Ulricke
Objects:
Decorative Caryatids
Exits:
Embellished Portal <N> leads to Salon -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Satyavrat walks in from Salon through the Embellished Portal.
Satyavrat has arrived.
Mintor walks in from Salon through the Embellished Portal.
Mintor has arrived.
Anatoly walks in from Salon through the Embellished Portal.
Anatoly has arrived.
Bella walks in from Salon through the Embellished Portal.
Bella has arrived.
Mintor looks at the Caryatids, "Very very interesting....."
On either side of the grand doors stand tall, decorative white marble pillars, exactly alike in every respect, but mirror images of one another. They're marvellously sculpted in traditional Harkonnen fashion, depicting strange, vaguely-human animals copulating with and devouring delicately wrought but life-size nudes. The human figures have a passively masochistic aspect, a combination of pleasure, horror and resignation.
The uppermost nude on each pillar is a small one, arms and legs bound in marble shackles. It could either be a sexless boy or undeveloped girl, but is probably meant to represent an angel of some kind because the fluting near the top of the pillar, outlined in long, twisting snakes or tentacles, spreads towards the top in a manner suggestive of wings. The matching angels seem slightly pained, but serene, their heart-breakingly beautiful faces and bodies sculpted in such a way that you know, looking at them, that the artist must have been deeply in love with whomever he chose to model them after.
Satyavrat smiles, noting the na-Duke's attention. "They were brought here by the House Swordmaster, if I recall correctly. The resemblance is quite remarkable..."
Bella looks around in awe. "The sculptures of the gargoyles are fantastic."
You say, "I'm not sure which particular House artist made those...but they are fascinating, aren't they?" she seats herself. The gargoyles though, are quite old..."
Satyavrat allows himself a slight shrug and takes a seat directly to Ulricke's left. "Brought to Kaitain from Giedi Prime, my Lady?"
Mintor seats himself across Ulricke , still looking at the decors, "Interesting....The artist had an interesting image of a women when he created it." He tilts his head, sipping his wine.
Ulricke admits, "I'm not sure, if you refer to the gargoyles." she takes the head seat, gesturing for Anatoly to join her at the right. Satyavrat's initiative earns him an amused, indulging smile. "Please, let us have this be a casual, enjoyable dinner. I do so abhor formality." and with that, slaves appear - offering up the first course - Caladanian mussels sauteed in white wine from that same planet.
Mintor looks to Ulricke, "My My My, you have made my favorite...."
Bella seats herself between next to Mintor.
Bella says, "This dish looks absolutely devine."
Anatoly finds his seat, placing him right to Mintor and infront of Satyavrat, "na-Duke, it's my understanding you brought them, I wanted to give you my personal thanks for that."
Ulricke says serenely, "Thank you. And yes, they were a gift from Mintor...perhaps later you'd like to see the head of the bull he killed for me in the arena a few days ago?" she asks Bella.
Satyavrat picks up a fork and delicately twirls it in his hand, idly wondering if it is really so simple a matter to shock the Lady Bella.
Anatoly just chuckles to himself and starts to eat, between bites he says, "I heard your brother is a famous bull fighter. Did he not fight alongside with Baron Harkonnen in the arena a while ago?"
Bella grins from ear to ear. "Thank would be absolutely lovely. " Gently grasping Mintor's hand. "I just adore a man who is good with his hands."
Satyavrat exhales sharply at this coarse comment, covering by sipping lightly from his chalice of water.
Mintor looks abit nervous, "Well, I thank you." He nods to Bella, he then turns to Anatoly, "That I do not know, My Brother enjoys watching bullfighting, but participating in it is not his cup of tea I would imagine."
Anatoly shakes his head, "I remember clearly that night, your brother gave quite a show. We should ask my Uncle, if he'll make an apperance."
Ulricke nods. "The Lady Ornia seems to be quite a fan, though." she forks a mussel and places it in her mouth delicately. For some reason, Bella's comment highly amuses her. Not the kitten's trying to show what a big cat she is!
Mintor forks out a mussel and places it on his tounge in his mouth. He then sips abit of wine, "Yes the Lady Ornia is quite a fan, but she does not appear to like blood much. Funny, I find blood to be a romantic thing."
Anatoly laughs, "She was married to a Bajazet, no? I should think that blood is one of her most favourite things."
"The corrida attracts many an enthusiast for that very reason, my Lord na-Duke," Satyavrat observes before popping a mussel into his mouth with a good deal less pomp and circumstance than others at the table. "The procreative urge quickens when a threat to life is perceived."
Mintor smiles, to Anatoly, "My dear friend have you studied their Islamic faith. They won't even pray when their wives have their periods." He places a mussel in his mouth.
Ulricke says a bit stiffly, "I would honestly prefer no mention of those scum at my table, and it please you, gentlemen."
Bella takes a bite of her clam. "Why Mintor, these mussels certainly are a mouthwatering treat."
Satyavrat silently plods through his mussels, waiting for this talk of Bajazet to pass.
<<Satyavrat thinks: And when they find out what the Earl's to do...last supper at the Harkonnen Embassy? Quite possible, that.>>
Mintor nods. << I can think of other things as well, My Lady Bella. >>
Anatoly throws a mussel into his mouth and finishes it in a brief moment, "Ulricke, aren't these known as an aphrodisiac?"
Satyavrat smiles broadly at Anatoly, affording a slight glance at the Lady Bella. "What would fuel such suspicions, my Lord Lachrey?"
Mintor raises his eyebrow, and chuckles, "They are the reason I exsist today, My friend."
Ulricke mms. "I believe they are." Once the dish is removed, it is replaced by a main course: Sligs in butter sauce, asparagus, and some strange Harkonnen breadlike stuffing.
Anatoly just nods at Mintor, "Proven facts, Lord Devhapti, as we see here before us."
Mintor cuts abit of the stuffing ,placing abit in his mouth, "Hmm. This is divine, what is in it?"
Satyavrat tilts his head in agreement to Anatoly from across the table, but declines to comment for the time being.
Bella asks a servant for a fresh glass of wine. "Would you care for another drink Mintor? she says as she stares at his empty glass
Mintor nods, smiling at Bella, "Yes M'lady, that would be quite nice. A merlot perhaps?"
Anatoly takes a long asparagus and starts to nimble on it, letting the rest of the dish wait for now.
Satyavrat says, "Do try some of the Grumman amber, lord na-Duke. It was a favorite of the Lady Etta."
Bella repeats the new order to the servant who goes rushing off."
You say, "Oh, no. Mintor's allergic to Grumman vintages."
Mintor nods, "Make that amber then." He chuckles, then looks to Ulricke, "I talked with my Suk. I am recieving vaccinations to be able to consume the wine."
Ulricke watches the slave rush to fill Bella's order. The girl has a bad habit of ordering around other people's property.
Satyavrat raises his eyebrows. "What a peculiar allergy...is it some birth defect, or a psychological surpression, if I may ask?"
Ulricke smiles. "How delightful. You'll have to share a glass with me at some point."
Anatoly finishes to nimble on his asparagus and just slides into his chair, seems to be enjoying the conversation.
Mintor smiles, "A defect, my Mother was allergic to Grumman vintages."
Satyavrat nods. "Something in the soil, I suppose? Or in their export process?"
Satyavrat smiles lightly. "You do know, don't you, that a good deal of the wine from Grumman is processed by penal work troops? A most interesting process."
Mintor looks up from his plate, "The acid in the amber grape, perhaps caused by photosynthesis."
Ulricke watches Satyavrat with interest.
Bella looks around the room in interest as everyone speaks of her peoples home planet.
Anatoly streches and takes a large gulp from his glass of water. Breaking on of the Harkonnen Breadlike things he asks, "What liquor is made by the Rastanyev, I don't know any... You must have something."
Satyavrat ah's at the na-Duke's curt reply, returning his attention momentarily to his asparagus before replying to Anatoly. "Much liquer comes from Garrashu...along with a particularly strong distillation of vodka." He pauses to chew on a tender spear before adding, "The market is larger for the liquers, however, given most vodka drinkers prefer the rather blatant kick of an Alvst distillation."
Mintor nods, "I prefer a good pundi brandy. Quite nice on cold nights."
"If my lady has any interest, I can have a case of the Raspberry Liquer sent to the Harkonnen Embassy," the Rastanyev offers. "It is quite the complement to any Garrashu stimulant, the tea in particular."
Ulricke looks delighted at Sat. "That would be delightful." she assures. Dinner, with continued conversation, leads its way to dessert: a bread pudding confection laced with just a hint of melange. The chef has thoughtfully sculpted the confection into two people rutting in a creatively acrobatic fashion, the whole thing swimming in a sweet brandy and raisin sauce.
Anatoly eats through his dish, sneaking a peek at Bella every once in a while.
Mintor sips his amber wine, enjoying its flavor with the bread pudding, perhaps this is a good desert wine.
Bella sits in her chair quietly observing the others converse.
Satyavrat manages to remove the manhood of his desert with a deft and well-placed sweep of his spoon. "Delicious," he comments. "An excellent choice of chef." He accents the active role of his hostess in this process, regardless of whether or not she actually took part in it.
You say, "It seems our embassy is popular these days, so we try to make sure the slaves we utilize are well skill in their crafts."
Bella sips her wine and eats her bread pudding glancing between Mintor and Anatoly.
Mintor nods, << Crafts such as love making?>> He thinks. He remains silent, dipping his spoon into the pudding.
Satyavrat nods appreciatively, his spoon now decapitating his pudding. "The Harkonnen has certainly become a very popular House of late. Perhaps due to their most recent arrivals?" he asks innocently, spoon poised for another swoop.
Anatoly chooses to skip dessert making his slightly growing figure an excuse, "I should really start doing excersises again."
Satyavrat casts a mischevious smile at Anatoly. "Perhaps a bout in the arena?" he inquires. "It certainly seems to have kept your cousin in excellent condition."
Anatoly grins, "I am not a great master as my cousin, I would take you on for wresteling, if you wish."
Ulricke studies Mintor, and smiles a little. As she skillfully slices off one of the woman's breasts, she says to Bella, "You know what -truly- irritates me? I'd love to know your thoughts." she dutifully offers the other breast to the Moritani. "Men seem quite capable of rutting as they please, having numerous concubines, and even the ones known as sincere tomcats are spoken of with a grudging respect. Now, a /woman/ who say, takes lovers where she will, as a man would - she's considered a whore. I think that's terribly unfair, don
Ulricke studies Mintor, and smiles a little. As she skillfully slices off one of the woman's breasts, she says to Bella, "You know what -truly- irritates me? I'd love to know your thoughts." she dutifully offers the other breast to the Moritani. "Men seem quite capable of rutting as they please, having numerous concubines, and even the ones known as sincere tomcats are spoken of with a grudging respect. Now, a /woman/ who say, takes lovers where she will, as a man would - she's considered a whore. I think that's terribly unfair, don't you think?"
Satyavrat's spoon gestures to his lanky form in an answer to Anatoly. "I must politely decline, I'm afraid," he says.
Anatoly pats Ulricke, "Now now, cousin, you know that's not the case in our House!"
Mintor smiles, <<Ulricke seems to be planting to many bulbs in her garden. If he could use a agricultural metaphor.>> He smiles, "Ulricke, please you are not a whore. Of course not, just someone who like me, prefers to dip his or her hand into the honey pot every once and awhile. But the honey is even more sweet when lust and love are combined." He places abit of pudding in his mouth.
Bella finds herself staring at Mintor uncontrollably as the others talk, but shockingly snaps out of it as she hears the last comment of Ulricke. " I quite agree that it is quite unfair to label you as a whore."
Bella gets a smirk running across her face.
Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from vehicle 2882, bound for Harkonnen Embassy, requesting clearance, "Limo for Lady Bella Regina Moritani.""
Anatoly says something into his communicator.
Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Clearance has been granted for vehicle 2882, bound for the Harkonnen Embassy, by Anatoly."
Satyavrat says, "Many called the Lady Etta a whore. But she became the hero of Malarca." He swallows a spoonful of brandy. "Names rarely matter."
Anatoly turns to Bella, "My Lady Moritani, A limo is here for you."
<<Satyavrat thinks: And would that limo be Moritani or Atreides?>>
You say, "Oh, you're not staying for the duel, Bella? Such a shame."
Bella politely thanks anatoly. "No, I am afraid I must be off."
Marco walks in from Salon through the Embellished Portal.
Marco has arrived.
Bella whispers to Mintor, "Wanna come meet me somewhere in a couple of minutes?"
Marco walks in and bows. Then proceeds to Bella, "You called, my lady?"
Satyavrat doesn't afford the entering Moritani a second glance, taking him to be an attendant of the Lady. "It was a pleasure to meet you, my Lady. I do look forward to spending time with you in the future."
Ulricke mms. "You're quite right...no need to label me a whore, my dear...you're doing such an excellent job as one yourself." She smiles right back to Bella, as she finishes propositioning the na-Duke Atreides.
Bella says. "Yes, be right there Marco."
Mintor smiles looking at Ulricke, <<Yes, Yes, that is my little viper...>>
Bella whispers to Mintor. "Anywhere you pick."
Anatoly manages to blurb out a chuckle and tries to bury the rest of them with a large gulp from his glass of water.
Satyavrat's eyes hit the table. It wouldn't be meet to openly display his amusement...he entertains himself by swirling a bread-pudding thigh.
Bella smiles and curties to anatoly. "It has been a plesure. I am sure I will see you soon."
Anatoly whispers, "Now, now, cousin, no need to be rude, we shall deal with her at a later time."
<<Satyavrat thinks: Did the twit completely miss that? Or does she think she's saving face?>>
Bella whispers to Mintor," See you in about 10-15 minutes."
You whisper, "It'll have to be something subtle. Cesi would be upset if he found my knife in her back." to Anatoly.
Satyavrat coughs in open distaste. "Really," he confides to his dessert.
Anatoly bows from his seat, "Until a later time, My Lady."
Ulricke waggles her fingers at Bella. "Ta." she purrs.
Mintor smiles, turning back to his dessert, sipping the brandy off of the spoon, then looking at Ulricke, sighing.
Bella moves up very closely to Ulricke. "It has been a pleasure to dine with a woman of such stature as your self. Perhaps one day the two of us could fight it out in a bout, hmmm?"
Anatoly coughs and hopes Ulricke didn't take the suggestion seriously.
Mintor literally drops his spoon on his plate, <<You don't spit into the wind>>.
Satyavrat's lips twitch in a smile as he hopelessly mangles his desert figurines.
Marco sweeps his cloak back and secretly rolls his blue eyes as he thinks about all the trouble that is to come. He straightens his uniform and looks down at his boots them back up and offers a smile to Mintor as if to say what have a walked in to.
Bella walks over to Satyavrat. "We shall have to have lunch again together sometime soon.
Satyavrat looks up from his gory soup, clearing his throat. "You have but to suggest a time, my Lady."
Bella turns back to Ulricke. " Yes, my lady?"
Mintor chuckles drinking some of his wine, His thoughts running around, <<Oh Ulricke, Ulricke, How does your garden grow?!>>
It takes less then three seconds - not even that. Bella suddenly finds herself slammed up against the wall, with Ulricke's very strong fingers around her throat. Ginaz trained, Ulricke is weaponsmaster and if the dilletante is good at one thing, it's the art of combat. As Bella begins to fight for breath, Uli speaks to her in a sweet, almost kindly tone, while her fingers dig bruiselike marks into the girl's throat. "Now. Let's establish some things very clearly, kitten. Just because you're His Excellency's cousin, doesn't permit you to be rude in my father's household. Thus far you've denied virtually everyone in this room the courtesy of their rank, made guests in my home blatently uncomfortable, insinuated my whoredom while making yours apparent, and then having the gall to think that you could possibly face me in an arena and leave with your life. I'm going to give you a suggestion, dear. Go back to the Moritani Embassy, and stay there. Because if you step into this Embassy again without either learning some manners or gaining some brains, I'll have you drawn, quartered, and sent back to Cesare, even though I am very fond of him...in pieces." She releases the girl, stepping back. She's prepared for retaliation, but then...is Bella foolish enough to really try?
Well, this is something that cannot be exactly avoided. But who dares intervene? After a moment of hesitation, Satyavrat decides that he is not. Instead, he aims a level stare at Anatoly, Mintor, and Marco successively...if no one raises an objection, this may yet pass as pleasantly as possible.
Marco look over seeing the situation his blue eyes focusing on both ladies at the same time, then with an aura of command he looks to Bella and states, "Lady Moritani, we should leave now."
Anatoly isn't really suprised by that, he simply finishes what's left in his glass and says, "Well, I warned her..."
Bella steps back as if suprised by the action. "I am truly sorry for anything I have said to insult you. I suppose I just let the heat of the conversation affect my better judgement. It was rude and uncalled for me to come into your household and behave in such a manner. I shall attempt to present myself in a more appropriate manner the next time we meet. Bella bows her head in a genuine apology."
<<Satyavrat thinks: Easy come easy go? Not bloody likely, poor Bella. Nothing is easy go with these Harkonnens.>>
Ulricke smiles. "Of course, you are dear. Now best be getting home with Lord Marco...you're obviously overexcited. Have a good evening, and give Cesare my fondest wishes."
Mintor sighs deeply, drinking all of the wine in his glass. He looks to a slave, almost choaking, "Could I have more, please?"
Satyavrat quietly advises, "Do keep your allergy in mind, Lord na-Duke. Innoculation may not prove sufficient in the event of an overdose."
Marco glares not at Ulricke but at Bella, "Lady Moritani, we are leaving." He waits for her to lead the way.
Mintor chuckles, "I would just break out in a silly rash." He then looks to Bella, then to Ulricke seductively, "But it is not a damn allergy that worries me, M'lord."
Satyavrat declines to comment, leaving his attention on the Moritani attendant.
Bella stands upright. " Thank you for accepting my apology. That is truly a sign of a great woman."
Bella walks out with Marco.
Mintor looks to Bella, in a kind but sort of 'Get your ass out of here before you are impaled' look.
Anatoly chuckles and says in low tunes, remaining in the table, "Flatery will get you nowhere."
Bella walks to the north and passes through the Embellished Portal.
Bella has left.
<<Anatoly thinks: Boris is going to love this...>>
Satyavrat turns to Anatoly now that the Moritani has left. "It got her out of the Embassy in one piece, did it not, Lord Lachrey?" A broad grin replaces his erstwhile immobile expression. "And no small feat that was. Lady Harkonnen, your skills are...commendable."
Mintor smiles, He should have had a recording device, to enjoy this over, and over, and over again.
Marco turns to Ulricke with a serious look, "Lady Harkonnen, her actions will be reported, I sure you. I apologize for this and hope that this does not obstruct our two houses relations."
Anatoly shakes his head, "/That/ is not what got her out of the Embassy in one piece. Cesare, however, did."
Ulricke sits back down, flexing her fingers. "My apologies, gentlemen. But I assure you, had I been forced to gut her, not a drop of blood would have gotten onto your clothing or the floor. Daddy hates messes."
Mintor sighs....Cesare....He sips his wine, remaining silent.
Satyavrat concedes Anatoly's point with a brief nod of his head. Turning to Ulricke, he says, "I have full faith in your capabilities as Hostess, milady."
Interesting what the Rastanyev expects from a hostess.
Marco still in a serious look and a bow, "Good evening."
Marco walks to the north and passes through the Embellished Portal.
Marco has left.
Anatoly now allows himself to burst into laughter, "Now, that was what I call good entertainment! Ulricke, you must show me some of your moves sometime. Gentlemen, and Noble Lady, could I offer you Coffee, Tea or Drinks in the Salon?"
You say, "Some caffeine would be lovely. Did you gentlemen still want me to fight in the arena, or is this enough excitement for one night?"
Mintor nods to Anatoly, "Coffee would be.." He looks to Ulricke, "Sufficiant."
Satyavrat smiles and shrugs lightly. "I would enjoy a cup of tea a great deal. As to the arena...it is, I believe, fully at my Lady's discretion."
Mintor nods, "By the way, Lady Ulricke, I do need to practice bullfighting with you, if you wish to still learn."
Anatoly waves his hand in dismissal, "I am sure the noble lords would love to see you in the arena. However, in another time, let us move to the Salon?"
You say, "I rather think that after that, I need to let off some steam." she looks to Mintor. "I've been reading up. I recall you mentioned learning the tango, but I have a question - did you perhaps, refer to the pasa double instead? The Terran dance of Espana, the one where the woman is the matador, and the man is the bull?"
Satyavrat starts to rise from his seat in compliance with Anatoly. "The Salon sounds lovely."
Mintor says, "No I have not, unfortunately that is not much of Caladanian thing, even though we do have the blood of the old Espana in our veins."
Ulricke likewise rises, smiling at the men as she slips out.
You walk through the Embellished Portal.
Salon -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
A long, low-ceilinged room, lit by freefloating suspensor lamps. In the very center of the room bubbles a small indoor fountain.The walls are paneled in comfortable dark woods. There are a variety of tables scattered about the room, promoting conversation and relaxation. Smoke usually fills the air. A low dais, accessible by a short flight of stairs, runs along the eastern wall, with more tables up there. Along the western wall is a sideboard, where Keffi waits to make guests comfortable.
Players:
Ulricke
Exits:
Sloping Tunnel <D> leads to Arena Grandstand -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Embellished Portal <S> leads to Dining Hall -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Ivory Doors <N> leads to Giedi Hall -- Harkonnen Embassy (Kaitain)
Satyavrat walks in from Dining Hall through the Embellished Portal.
Satyavrat has arrived.
Mintor walks in from Dining Hall through the Embellished Portal.
Mintor has arrived.
Anatoly walks in from Dining Hall through the Embellished Portal.
Anatoly has arrived.
Ulricke reclines on the couch. "You know," she says gaily, "All this fuss makes me seriously consider mantaining my bachelorette's lifestyle. I think I'd make a horrible wife."
Mintor smiles, "Perhaps, but an incredible lover."
Anatoly gestures at the numerous chairs and sofa's in the Salon, "Please, help yourself." He takes a seat in a couch, making himself very comfortable. Streching, he calls for a slave, "What would you like, Ulricke? Nah! You'll make a great wife, to the man who'll deserve you."
Mintor nods, "However, it just depends on the man."
Satyavrat chooses to ignore what he regards as nothing more than Ulricke toying with Mintor. He seats himself on a large sofa, quietly requesting a cup of tea from a nearby slave.
Ulricke was actually quite frank on the issue. "Perhaps. Most men want a softer woman for their life partners, I should think."
Mintor asks, "Define soft."
Anatoly chuckles, "Bella.
You say, "Ornia. Princess Jenaa. That Bene Gesserit witch I hear the Prince is marrying."
"And some men want another man as their life partners," Satyavrat jests lightly, relieving the returning slave of an oversized cup of tea. The reference to 'Greek love' will probably not be lost in this company.
You say, "In that case, they need simply take a concubine to insure continuance, or if they're lucky, take an heir from a cadet line."
Mintor raises an eyebrow, "Personally I prefer women who can stimulate me, instead of keeping me bored."
Well, if there's one thing about the Harkonnens, their sexual prejudices are almost nil.
Anatoly orders a cup of coffee for him and for Mintor from one of the slaves, "I don't know about that, sometimes you need someone to keep you bored. Just for the effect of it."
Satyavrat lets Ulricke's point pass without comment. "An interesting suggestion," he says to Anatoly. "I must say that I've never had such an individual in my life, however..."
Mintor stirs his coffee with a small golden spoon, "I know that if I marry a bored woman I will have to indulge in concubines and mistresses."
Ulricke looks to Sat. "Male or female?" she asks curiously. Unlike her previous questions to Bella, her inquiry to Satya is genuine in curiousity, and without animosity.
Satyavrat replies, "Either, really. No one to keep me bored at all. My life has been one exciting experience after another, I suppose," he concludes jokingly.
Mintor adds in a husky voice, "Many, Many, Many Concubines."
Ulricke points to Mintor. "There. And what if -you- bore -her-? Will she be allowed to take lovers and be able to expect you to look the other way?"
"Perhaps you should excercise some restraint in your consumption of mussels, my Lord," Satyavrat suggests to Mintor. "Were we not discussing the whorish nature of male behavior a few minutes back?"
Anatoly shrugs, "Why not? We're an open society, aren't we? I see no reason why women should be more restricted than men."
Mintor shrugs, "Well I shall take that boat when I come to it, I suppose Ulricke. If I love her I shall stay faithful, and allow her own fancies."
Mintor looks to Satyavrat, "And you would learn to hold your tounge, dear sir. Although we are not children, diplomat."
You say, "Actually, he had an excellent point."
Satyavrat nevertheless raises his mug to Mintor in a concessional salute. "Point taken."
Mintor lights a cigarette from his platnium case, bearing his crest. He shoots the smoke out of his nostrils then takes a sip of coffee.
Ulricke reaches over and languids extends her hand for a cigarette.
Mintor opens his case, letting Ulricke partake of it. He pulls out his lighter as well, plated with the same metal.
Ulricke leans over for her cigarette to be lit.
Mintor lights Ulricke's cigarette, when it is afire he shuts it off with a click.
Anatoly looks at the chronometer and damns, "I shall leave Ulricke to take care of you, for I must leave now."
Ulricke looks over. "Are you sure, 'Toly?" she asks with visible suprise.
Satyavrat's eyes follow Anatoly's gaze to the chronometer, which he likewise eyes in surprise. "Indeed...I am afraid that I must also depart." He glances at Ulricke. "The events in the dining room seemed to have occured much faster than they did, apparently."
Anatoly nods sadly, "I have some paperwork I have to go through, you know I've been a total mess these last few days and Uncle Boris won't be pleased if I won't take them out of the way as soon as possible."
the na-Duke says "Well, I bid you goodnight, my friend." He says this, smoke coming from his mouth.