Tatiana Arrives on Kaitain

[Celery <celery@headwired.net>]

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With her back to any who might approach, a dark-haired woman stands 
  contemplating the city. Her shoulders remain back, chin lifted 
  proudly, though her expression has relaxed to betray boredom... and 
  annoyance. Stony and silent, she stands, waiting. 
Were the woman the girl she was but a few years back, she would have 
  fidgeted endlessly. 

The Earl is preceeded from the limo by four Cossack Legionaires. He 
  stands tall and straight, betraying no signs of nervousness upon 
  seeing his sister again- whom he has not seen in a number of years. He 
  approaches her with a mischevious grin, placing a cool hand on her 
  shoulder. "Welcome Sister." His voice a deep basso marred by a light 
  almost Slavic accent. 

Tat'iana turns slowly to face the Earl and drops gracefully into a low 
  curtsey before him. "My Lord Earl," she intones formally, her head 
  bowed, and then adds, "Brother." 

She rises without invitation to do so, giving a cold smile. "You're 
  late," she notes flatly. 

Cainen strides into the Guild Spaceport:strides into the Guild 
  Spaceport, a hurried and flustered look apon his face. After 
  surverying the area briefly, he spies the markings of House Rastanyev 
  on a nearby 'limo'. He then briskly makes his way over to what appears 
  to be the Lord of his House...Mikhail Rastanyev.... 

Cainen bows earnestly towards Mikhail and then says, "My Lord...." 
 
Mikhail does not return her greeting with a bow or any sort of a formal 
  gesture. Instead he states(matching her flat tone). "Yes, yes... So 
  I'm late." He sighs softly as he's addressed by his Sword Master- do 
  they ever learn? It's impolite to address the Earl before he deigns to 
  address you. "Sword Master," he says to the approaching man, "It is 
  good to see you out and about." 

Cainen half grimaces/half smiles as he nods again to Mikhail. "My 
  sincere apologies, My Earl...in my 'rush' I acted poorly, of course. 

Cainen then turns and bows to Tat'iana.... 

The corners of her mouth twitch with humor, briefly, but Tat'iana turns 
  to regard the approaching Sword Master with curiosity. She folds her 
  hands neatly in front of her, studying the man. 

The Earl smiles thinly at Cainen saying, "Mmm... That is 
  understandable." Well, it makes little sense to continue standing here 
  engaging in useless small talk. Gesturing to the waiting limo he says, 
  "Shall we return to the Embassy?" 

Cainens eyes widen slightly as he returns his attention to the Earl and 
  then speaks succinctly, "As you wish, My lord...." 

Tat'iana easily rests her hand on Mikhail's arm, nodding at the 
  question. "Indeed... and then you must tell me everything that has 
  happened lately, my brother. I thirst for news." 

Cainen moves quickly towards the limosine, opening the door with a 
  slight touch to its outer frame. With a sharp 'hiss' the door opens 
  while Cainen waits at attention for the Earl to enter... 

Mikhail nods as he leads Tat'iana toward the limo. "Ahh... News... Yes, 
  where to begin? There have been many things happening on the Imperial 
  centre-world over the course of the last several years. Perhaps there 
  is somthing that intruiges you? The Venhei of course are an 
  interesting subject- rumours of an illegal ascension abound." He stops 
  before the limo, waiting for his sister to enter first. 

Tat'iana nods slowly, an eyebrow rising at the mention of the Venhei. 
  She gathers her skirts, though, and steps into the limo carefully, her 
  tide of questions held in check. 

Tat'iana enters the Rastanyev Limousine. 
Rastanyev Limousine 
The vehicle has been appointed with every luxury that can be installed 
  and still provide seating for six with room to spare. Two sets of 
  three seats face each other across a small, solid mahogany table. The 
  sides of the table have recessed handles for access to the 
  compartments within. A circular light over the table bathes the inside 
  of the limousine in a soft light. 
(For help see 'vhelp') 
Players: 
Tat'iana 

Settling into one of the comfortable seats, Mikhail mutters a 
  destination to the driver, who nods. "Mmm... Certainly an interesting 
  thing the Venhei are. Their PR department states that the last heirs 
  to the Venhei name died in a fatal thopter crash, similar to the one 
  that killed H.I.M Fredhrik XIX- ironic, no?" The Earl chuckles softly. 
The driver nods. 
There is a sense of acceleration as the limousine picks up speed. 
The limousine continues quickly to its destination. 
The surroundings darken for a moment while going through a tunnel. 

Tat'iana nods slightly, but then sighs. "But what of the family?" she 
  blurts. 
The limousine decelerates steadily and comes to a smooth stop. 

Mikhail frowns slightly. Mmm... Perhaps patience is still not a virtue 
  with her. "The family... A most complicated subject indeed. One better 
  suited to discussion once we retire to more comfortable quarters," 
  remarks the Earl. Two Cossacks slide open the passenger doors and 
  exit, allowing the Earl and his Sister to do so next. 

Cainen sits back motionlessly, almost without breathing. He listens to 
  the conversation intently, however... 

Tat'iana makes no response, nor nod to the statement. She gathers her 
  skirts and exits the limo quickly. 

Courtyard -- Rastanyev Embassy (Kaitain)(#662RLt) 
Solidite echoes dully underfoot as one travels across the midnight blue 
  stone walkways of the courtyard. Lining the walkway on both sides are 
  small octagonal beds of white tulips. The remainder of the courtyard 
  is covered with green grass, save for a small pathway to the northeast 
  which ends at the steps leading to the ornithopter pad. 

High walls of smooth cream coloured stone stretch to the north and 
  south, providing the embassy with a modicum of privacy. The embassy 
  proper, a large three story block shaped structure looms before you, a 
  set of fourteen white marble steps leads to the single entrance way. 
  Soft corinthian columns and fireze are skillfully used to offset the 
  severe block shape of the building. Multipaned square windows are 
  spaced at even intervals along the front facade of the embassy. Bell 
  towers stand in each of the four corners of the embassy grounds, two 
  on each end of the walls, and two behind the building. 
Players: 
Tat'iana 
Objects: 
Rastanyev Limousine 
Exits: 
Front Gates <E> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain) 
Arched Entrance <N> leads to Reception Hall -- Rastanyev Embassy 
  (Kaitain) 

Cainen looks around the area, searching carefully for anything that 
  might be...out of place. He then proceeds to the main entrance that 
  glorifies the statehouse of Rastanyev. 

Tat'iana pauses upon exiting the limo, her gaze travelling up the facade 
  of the embassy building. She studies it, without word or expression. 

The Earl follows his sister from the limo, he stands beside her for a 
  brief moment before taking her hand and again leading her onward 
  through the courtyard. His heavy boots cause loud footfalls upon the 
  blue solidite covering the ground. 

Satyavrat steps through the main gates and into the Courtyard. 

By contrast, her soft slippers give no sound whatsoever. Tat'iana 
  follows Mikhail, struggling to keep up with his stride. 

A Rastanyev staffcar drives up to the side of the walk just then, 
  disgorging the form of the Earl's pet...ahem, Chief Diplomat, before 
  circling round to the Embassy garages. Satyavrat is dusting off his 
  uniform, portfolio clutched under arm when he looks up and notes the 
  presence of more than the usual attaches. 

He begins to walk towards the Embassy entrance as well, deciding against 
  calling out to the Earl and his unfamiliar escort, staying several 
  paces behind them. (continued from above) 

A member of the Earl's personal guard rushes out of the embassy and down 
  the steps, muttering in frantic in Russkiy, the Earl only nods to the 
  man and quicken his stride. He trusts that the Diplomat will care well 
  for his sister. 
 
Tat'iana pauses on the steps as the Earl leaves her side, two small 
  spots of color brightening her cheeks. "But..." she begins, but stops. 

Noting the Earl's hasty departure, Satyavrat quickens his pace to 
  overtake the Lady from behind. He pauses momentarily to bow to the 
  Lady Tat'iana, recognizable to him from the portraiture within the 
  Embassy. As the Earl disappears into the Embassy, the diplomat 
  introduces himself. "Good afternoon, m'Lady...Satyavrat Lord Devhapti, 
  at your service." A formal and stiff greeting for a stranger in all 
  but appearance. 

Tat'iana turns to regard the Lord, nodding only slightly to him. "I 
  suppose you will be showing me to my rooms then?" she asks haughtily, 
  if not a little petulantly. 

Satyavrat coughs politely. Oh dear. "I'm actually not quite sure whether 
  m'Lady's rooms are...prepared," the diplomat says delicately. "Of 
  course, the entire Embassy is at m'Lady's pleasure, and there is a 
  guest room presently available for sleeping arrangements. I am sure 
  the Earl shall have more permanent quarters prepared very shortly," he 
  adds consolingly. "In the mean time, shall I show the Lady the extent 
  of the Rastanyev residence on Kaitain?" 

Tat'iana waves a hand, sighing. "Is this how my brother rules, now? That 
  something so simple as being prepared for my arrival is pushed aside? 
  Very well. I will see the residence." 

Satyavrat inclines his head in a vaguely subserviant manner. At least he 
  isn't groveling. "Please, m'Lady, do step inside." House guards snap 
  to attention as the pair pass in to the Reception Hall. 


Reception Hall -- Rastanyev Embassy (Kaitain)(#2775Rnt) 
The Reception Hall is square in shape. The walls are covered with 
  hand-polished white marble set with glit bronze sconces. A magnificent 
  chandelier hangs from the high vaulted ceiling, shedding soft golden 
  light around the room. 
Square windows line the front of the room allowing the bright Kaitain 
  sun to pour in during the day, and the soft glow of moonlight to seep 
  through during the night. A set of large ornately carved elacca wood 
  doors to the north lead to the main areas of the embassy. To either 
  side of the doors, two small alcoves each with a small marbled topped 
  table and couch are tucked away allowing for private conversation even 
  when a large crowd is present. A raised marble dais rests in the exact 
  centre of the room, and upon it sit three ornately carved chairs. 
Players: 
Tat'iana Satyavrat 
Exits: 
Heavy Bronze Doors <W> leads to Hall of Boyars -- Rastanyev Embassy 
  (Kaitain) 
Rose Wood Stairway <U> leads to Second Floor Hallway -- Rastanyev 
  Embassy (Kaitain) 
Elacca Wood Doors <N> leads to The Hall of Portraits -- Rastanyev 
  Embassy (Kaitain) 
Arched Doors <S> leads to Courtyard -- Rastanyev Embassy (Kaitain) 

Satyavrat slowly directs you to the Bronze doors to the west. "The Hall 
  of Boyars is one of the more traditional examples of Garrashu 
  architecture," he says as the doors are opened. 

Satyavrat walks to the west and passes through the Heavy Bronze Doors. 

Tat'iana walks to the west and passes through the Heavy Bronze Doors. 

Hall of Boyars -- Rastanyev Embassy (Kaitain)(#2886Rntu) 
Dim light illuminates from torches and candelabra's set in ornates brass 
  sconces along the wall. The flickering flames cast shadows upon the 
  room. On the southern and western walls hang two enourmous tapestries, 
  on which images of Tsarkoe, the city of the Tsars have been carefully 
  and painstakingly woven. Two alabaster statues stand on high marble 
  pedastals to either side of the entrance. The statues honour the 
  handmaidens of the Jarla Alexandra III during the battle of Neyvak. 
A large table cut from a white stone native to Garrashu VI sits in the 
  centre of the room. Chairs crafted from a dark hued hardwood have been 
  placed along either side of the stone table. Resting against the 
  backwall, not far from the table, a throne-like chair has been placed, 
  cushions of dark red velvet contrast the dark wood of the chair's 
  body. 
Players: 
Tat'iana Satyavrat 
Exits: 
Heavy Bronze Doors <E> leads to Reception Hall -- Rastanyev Embassy 
  (Kaitain) 

"Please, have a seat," Satyavrat says warmly. "I'm sure you must be 
  rather tired after your recent journey...is there anything you'd like? 
  Refreshments? Fruits?" The diplomat is looking increasingly on edge. 
  "The Lord Earl will be joing us-" he cuts off as Mikhail enters. 
  "Presently," he conclues with a smile. 

One of the alabaster statues swings aside, revealing a dark passage way. 
  A few moments later the Earl emerges from it, muttering to himself in 
  Russkiy. He drops warily into the throne-like chair at the head of the 
  table, his tired voice echoes, "Have young Boris bring tea, mulled 
  rasberry liquer, pastries and whatever else it is you people drink. 
  However," he glares at Satyavrat, "if My majordomo enters this room 
  with one of those cigarrettes hanging out of his mouth..." His voice 
  trails off. 

Satyavrat's expression softens to a wry smile. He opens his mouth to 
  respond in turn but, with a quick glance at the proper form of the 
  Lady Tat'iana, decides to say merely, "Aye, m'Lord." He excuses 
  himself briefly to deliver the order himself. 
" 
Tat'iana turns, ignoring the offer of refreshments, as Mikhail's 
  entrance is noted. She smiles -- genuinely -- at last, and holds her 
  hands out to the Earl as she approaches his chair. "Brother... now I 
  can greet you properly. No more interruptions, eh?" 
 
The diplomat returns within a few moments, his jacket lacking a 
  previously visible bulge, taking a seat at the Earl's left. A young 
  man of roughly fifteen years enters shortly thereafter, bearing a 
  large hammered-gold platter, topped with various comestibles. He sets 
  it delicately on the table, then begins to prepare a cup of tea for 
  the Earl. 

Mikhail smiles softly, "Mmm... Hardly can one expect things to be normal 
  or uninterrupted around here... If it's not this, it's that... the 
  cleaning staff is _still_ complaining of the spittle stain those foul 
  Venhei," the venom in his voice is unmistakable as he says the name, 
  "left upon the rugs in the jade salon." Mikhail squeezes Tat'iana's 
  hand affectionately, "How have you been, sister?" 
 
Tat'iana leans down to kiss Mikhail on the cheek, and settles into a 
  chair nearby. "I have been dreadfully -bored- at that school!" she 
  rolls her eyes dramatically, then sighs. "Let me run the household, my 
  brother. You shouldn't have to worry with such... petty... things." 

Cainen strides heavily into the Hall, pushing past two Cosacks standing 
  a little TOO close to the entranceway. The swordmaster makes his way 
  over to the Earl, bowing slightly upon arriving. 

Pouring a small amount of the liquer into his tea mug, Mikhail smiles 
  again. "Oh? I'd think two years with the Bene Gesserit would be a 
  fascinating experience, it's not?" He thinks a moment. "As for the 
  running of the household, it is yours." 

Satyavrat chuckles lightly. "Are you *positive* that the Lady Langkamp 
  wouldn't want the...ah, privelidge?" he asks jokingly, helping himself 
  to a pastry. 

Tat'iana raises an eyebrow as she settles herself back in the chair, 
  pausing to pluck a fruit from the tray. "Lady whom?" she asks archly. 

Satyavrat merely redirects the Lady's gaze to the Earl as wipes a speck 
  of confectioner's sugar from his lip. Some things are better (and more 
  enjoyable) to leave to His Grace. 

Cainen waits patiently upon entering the Hall for the others to 
  aknowledge his presence. He stands casually...yet an air of rigid 
  'attentivness' surrounds this man, as if he is a soldier that has come 
  across several commanding officers... 

Mikhail laughs quietly at his Diplomat's comment. "She'd have the 
  cleaning staff trained in the fine art of geurilla warfare before they 
  even got to the cleaning part." He turns to his sister, "My fiance. 
  Perhaps you will meet her later, at the moment I do believe that she 
  is out shopping or seeing that the tailor fits her new gown properly, 
  somthing to that affect anyhow." He gestures once toward the 
  Swordmaster, then to an empty chair. "Sit, Swordmaster, and join us." 

Cainen nods ever so slowly at the Earls 'suggestion', before pulling out 
  a chair and sitting. He looks over at the other seated next to 
  Mikhail, nodding curtly towards both. 

Deftly handled, the diplomat notes. "I believe," he corrects, "that she 
  is in a protracted meeting with General Aleksei. She has been somewhat 
  disappointed by what she has seen as a decline in the hand-to-hand 
  combat skills of the Cossacks." 

For a second time this day, the two spots of color rise to Tat'iana's 
  cheeks. "Fiancee?" she asks, incredulously. "From what house?" 

Mikhail smiles thinly, ohh yes, she'll either love this one or we'll 
  burst into another of those oh so lovely arguments. "A common woman 
  from a small village on Homeworld, dear sister. It does not surprise 
  me that you don't have an inkling of who she is." 

Tat'iana stares pointedly at her brother, then shakes her head, laughing 
  thinly. "Don't jest so, dear. Who is she?" 

Cainen looks over at Mikhail and says in a low voice, "My Lord....I am 
  sorry that my trip to the homeworld was....longer than expected. But 
  everything that you requested there IS in order, sire. I am now 
  available for service here, on Kaitain....if and when I am needed. 

Satyavrat coughs on his sweetroll and throws a warning look at the 
  entering swordmaster. 
<<Satyavrat thinks: Not now, you dolt!>> 

The Earl returns his sister's stare with just as much intensity and 
  flatly states, "I am quite serious, dear sister. She's quite common." 
  He lifts a delicate pastry from the tray and takes a small bite from 
  it. "Does it trouble you that I might actually marry for love instead 
  of to increase my already vast fortunes?" He nods to Cainen, grateful 
  for the distraction. "You have always served us well, welcome back, 
  Swordmaster Cainen." 

Her cheeks redden even more, and then she pales. Tat'iana narrows her 
  eyes at the Earl, ignoring the presence of Cainen and Satyavrat. "She 
  is beneath you!" she nearly spits, her temper rising quickly. "It is 
  your -duty- to marry within your class!" 

Cainen looks over at the lady, a slight cock of his head to the left 
  showing some sort of question that is not spoken outloud. Cainen 
  continues to listen intently, his hands now crossed on top of another 
  on the table top. 

His Grace laughs softly at his sister's outburst. He however manages to 
  keep his legendary temper in check, for once, and quite calmly 
  replies: "You would tell me of _my_ duty? Sister dearest, need you be 
  reminded of your own? _You_ are below me! I have no equal save for the 
  Siridarate, and only His Majesty is above me. It is not your place to 
  comment on whom I should or should not wed." 

Tat'iana rises from her chair, placing the fruit now bruised by her 
  unconsciously tight grip back on the table. "Someone must remind you," 
  she declares, lifting her chin stubbornly. She drops her voice a 
  level, though the icy edge remains. "Papa would be sorely 
  disappointed. Shame on you, brother." 

Satyavrat observes the interchange with a serious face, although his 
  eyes seem to dance merrily from one person to the next. 

"Father was a drunkard whom could barely keep his wits about him, 
  Anya... Do not tell me that he would be ashamed of me, the man 
  couldn't look far enough past the bottle to feel shame for himself!" 
  Mikhail sighs again, as he lifts his mug and drinks from it. 

Cainen looks over at the interchange between his Lord and lady and then 
  nods his head slowly...the words then slowly fall out from his sunken 
  voice, with the swordmaster saying..."Perhaps this conversation is not 
  meant for the likes of non-family members, sire. Would you like for me 
  to depart...?" 

Tat'iana's fists clench at her sides, and her eyes suddenly begin to 
  glisten from gathering tears. "I never saw Papa drink, nor did I ever 
  see him lacking his 'wits'. You're wrong!" 

Satyavrat clears his throat and pushes his hands against his chair's 
  armrests, signaling his own willingness to depart if requested. 

"Oh dear Anya, if only you'd seen half the things I'd seen. It would 
  have been much easier to understand. How do you think Josef became 
  Earl before I? Our house was influential yes, but not that much of an 
  influence! Mother slept with Constantine Rastanyev, and you know what 
  caused it? Father." Mikhail sates flatly. "My dear child... Be 
  grateful of the years you spent away from home, be glad for them." 

Tat'iana blinks quickly, before the tears spill freely. She glances at 
  the diplomat, and the sword master, before returning her attention to 
  her brother. "I will not be a party to this. I will not." 

Satyavrat turns briefly to his left and murmurs something to a servant 
  up against the wall. Within moments, a silken handkerchief is left 
  unobtrusively at the Lady's side. 

"You will not be a party to what, sister? My life? My house? What is it 
  you wish to hide from?" Inquires the Earl savagely. "Dear sister, you 
  cannot hide from the world, it will certainly not hide itself from 
  you." The Earl continues. 

"This 'wedding'," the lady hisses. "And I have no intentions of hiding 
  from anything, dear brother." 

His Grace shrugs, "As you will, sister. Have a part or not, it is your 
  choice and I will not try and persuade you otherwise. It is a shame 
  that in all your schooling, you still have not learned the value of an 
  open mind." 

The rebuke is as a slap in her face. Mollified, Tat'iana sits back in 
  the chair once more, plucking the silken handkerchief from the table 
  to dab at her eyes and nose. She makes no response, nor does she even 
  meet Mikhail's gaze. 

Satyavrat moves silently to pour a small cup of Garrashu tea, with just 
  the slightest hint of raspberry liquer. He slides it gently across the 
  table to the Lady's tense form, before pouring a second cup for 
  himself. 

Mikhail sighs quietly, he extends a hand, gently lifting his sisters 
  chin upward. "Anya... Father would have been more embarrased to see us 
  fighting than anything else. It makes no sense to continue this way. 
  My mind is set on the matter." He withdraws his hand slowly. 


The Earl occupies his usual place, in the massive seat at the head of 
  the table, to his right sits the dark haired figure of his sister, 
  Cainen and Satyavrat sit at seats a few chairs down from the two 
  Rastanyev's. 

Aleksei enters the room and notices Mikhail and automatically does a 
  military salute, he also notices his sister and then Cainen and does a 
  quick bow to them all before he says, "Good evening, Earl" 

Tat'iana pulls her chin away when it is released, and turns to pick up 
  the cup of tea with a grateful nod towards the diplomat. She sips at 
  the tea, silent and pensive. 

Cainen stands as the Warmaster enters the room. With a quick nod, he 
  acknowledges Aleksei before returning to his seat at the table. 

The diplomat gives the Lady a friendly nod and a tight smile before 
  turning to give the same to the entering General. 
 

Aleksei rises as the Earl does and awaits his exit, he will exit soon 
  afterward... 

Sergei pours himself some tea and starts to sip it gently. 

Tat'iana watches her brother leave, and drains her tea with one swallow. 


---------------------LOG ENDS - STATISTICS----------------


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