Through the eyes of Setzer:
Saudir I Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain)
The avenue loops about a large FOUNTAIN, which is fed from the mouth of a golden lion statue at the center. The pavement is a smooth black material. The avenue branches off in three different directions, providing access to other areas of the city.
Players:
Sylvie Setzer
Exits:
Wooden Double Doors <N> leads to Cafe Alvsgaard (Kaitain)
Mall <E> leads to Butler Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain)
Mall <W> leads to Congressional Circle -- Central District (Kaitain)
Imperial Boulevard <S> leads to City Center -- Central District (Kaitain)
Setzer sighs as he exits with her, "Let me apologize for that unruly behaviour. It was not my intention to have you insulted in any way, my lady."
Sylvie laughs softly, "I know. I think if it was your purpose to have me insulted, you'd have done a better job."
Setzer smiles, "Last time we spoke, a tea between myself and the Lady Ulricke arose in the discussion. I was wondering if you join me now, for a tea at my own Embassy?"
Gaia walks in from Cafe Alvsgaard through the Gilded Silver Doors.
Gaia has arrived.
Fahahd walks in from City Center along the Imperial Boulevard.
Fahahd has arrived.
Gaia walks on by the two of you as she seems to mind her own bussiness and heads towards Imperial Boulevard.
Sylvie is about to answer Setzer, but notices Fahahd's arrival and smiles at him.
Gaia walks to the south and moves along the Imperial Boulevard.
Gaia has left.
Fahahd is meandering up from the taxi stand in the main square. His expression is abstracted until he catches sight of Sylvie; on seeing her, he grins shyly and makes his way toward her.
Leliya walks in from Cafe Alvsgaard through the Gilded Silver Doors.
Leliya has arrived.
Leliya walks quickly by.
Leliya walks to the south and moves along the Imperial Boulevard.
Leliya has left.
Setzer looks at Fahahd and nods gently toward him, waiting until he arrives to continue talking.
Fahahd just looked at you.
Sylvie says, "Sergeant, do you remember Lord Vaslaj from the starport?"
Fahahd favors the Lord with an almost feline stare for a moment, before replying, "I believe I do, my lady. A pleasure to see you again, my lord."
Sylvie says, "He's just invited me to tea at his Embassy."
Fahahd ahs softly, and makes as if to withdraw. "Oh, please forgive me for interrupting," he replies diffidently.
Sylvie says to Setzer, "This is Sergeant Alaurans, he acts as my personal guard from time to time."
Setzer laughs slightly, "No problem, Sergeant," he nods to Sylvie, "Yes indeed, I do remember him from the Starport."
Fahahd bobs a little bow, looking from one to the other like an attentive pet.
Sylvie says, "Before I agree to the tea, My Lord, I would like to know what was going on in the cafe. Have I done something to cause gossip and...amusement among the noblewomen of Kaitain?"
A slight frown flickers over the guard's features at the idea of someone spreading rumors about the lady. He's already seen enough of the Baroness's browbeating.
Setzer chuckles, "I doubt so, my lady. I'll be sure to tell you what was the nature of that rudeness displayed, and tell you. At the moment, I think it would be best if I kept away from those two for a short while."
Sylvie nods, "That would be most kind of you, thank you." She pauses a moment, then asks, "Did you wish to speak to me alone over tea?"
Fahahd is politely silent, as he watches the pair with bright eyes.
Setzer smiles, "That would be lovely, though if you insist on the Sergeant coming, I would not mind."
Sylvie gives Setzer a grateful smile, "Since I don't yet know what rumor is being spread about me, I think it wiser that I have a chaperone." She looks to Fahahd, "That is, if it is convenient for you, Sergeant?"
Fahahd's smile is impish. "Oh, certainly convenient for me, my lady. And very kind of you to ask, my lord."
Setzer nods, "The pleasure is mine." He takes out his communicator and speaks into it gently.
After speaking for a moment, he turns to Sylvie and the Sergeant, still smiling, "If you'll be so kind as to follow me?"
You request a limo over your communicator.
A Venhei Limousine pulls up near Setzer.
Sylvie walks in from Saudir I Plaza along the Imperial Boulevard.
Sylvie has arrived.
Venhei 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')
Sylvie has arrived.
Fahahd has arrived.
The driver nods.
There is a sense of acceleration as the limousine picks up speed.
Lights from the numerous buildings and walkways outline the roadway.
The limousine is buffeted slightly by a large gust of wind.
Lights from the numerous buildings and walkways outline the roadway.
The limousine decelerates steadily and comes to a smooth stop.
Gateway -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
The grand structure that is the Venhei Embassy is made from a beautiful white marble, ribboned with veins of blue. High vaulted windows, framed and paned in gold, are set to either side of the entrance. A short flight of stairs leads up from a circular drive to a pair of large plasteel double doors. Two STATUES of the Venhei panther stand guard on either side of the stairs. Directly to the east of the building is a large ornithopter PAD and to the west is an arched doorway set into a high wall that leads to the private garden.
Players:
Spetsnatz Team
Objects:
Venhei Limousine Security Camera
Sign
Exits:
Arched Doorway <W> leads to Garden -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
Iron Gates <S> leads to Negara II Plaza -- Embassy District (Kaitain)
Large Plasteel Double Doors <N> leads to Grand Foyer -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
Sylvie exits the Venhei Limousine.
Sylvie has arrived.
Fahahd exits the Venhei Limousine.
Fahahd has arrived.
The Major in charge of the security team looks over the party that just arrived.
Setzer smiles at Sylvie, "Will you join me in our gardens? I do apologize for the amount of security, but events concerning our House have dictated it so far, as you can guess."
Sylvie glances around at the security and only just prevents herself from whistling in appreciation. To Setzer she replies, "The garden sounds lovely."
Setzer offers Sylvie his arm with a smile, "If I may?"
Fahahd is silent, though he's quite obviously scanning his surroundings. He offers a mischievous grin and nod to the present guards.
Sylvie hesitates but does finally rest her hand on Setzer's arm and allows him to lead the way.
The Major asks "ID please?
Setzer looks at the Major and raises a brow, "Since when have I had to present ID to you? These are my guests, they're here under my guidance."
Setzer sighs and turns to Sylvie, "I apologize for this, once more."
Sylvie shrugs, "I am accustomed to security. At the school, it is very strict."
The Major shrugs "I have my orders sir from General Kasan and the Baron Himself
Sylvie says, "Do you need my identification?"
Setzer glares at the Major and takes out a small ID card, "/Prime Minister/ Setzer Cartusa Vaslaj, /second-in-command/ of House Venhei. Perhaps you have just forgotten who I am, and you will address me as Your Lordship."
Fahahd is nobody of any particular importance, so he keeps his gaze demurely fixed to the pavement as the Prime Minister argues with the Guard.
Setzer gestures to Sylvie and Fahahd, "Yes please. If you don't mind. I hadn't realized security was this strict."
The Major looks at the card and back to Setzer's face and nods "Thank you M'Lord, I assume you can vouch for the Lady and him?" He points to the others
Fahahd promptly rummages through his pockets and produces the requisite ID. Of course, in the way of ID pictures, the likeness is not flattering. He looks to the Major, waiting to see if he wishes to examine it.
Setzer nods, "Yes, I can vouch for them."
Sylvie also produces identification, although she doesn't hold it out for examination.
The Major nods and glances at the other two as if making mental notes and motions for the door to be opened
Sylvie glances over at Fahahd and smiles at him.
Fahahd reflexively smiles back at her, concealing his disapproval of the quibbling guard.
Setzer looks at the Major, "What is your name?" He takes out a small book and a pen.
The Major says, "Major Ivanova, M'Lord."
Setzer smiles and writes the name down, "Thank you very much. Don't expect to be working here again." he clacks the notebook back in place and puts the pen in his pocket, then relinks arms with Sylvie and walks into the gardens with her.
Sylvie follows.
Fahahd makes three.
You open the door and pass through into the garden.
Garden -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
Surrounded by high stone walls, the large circular garden contains, at its center, a fountain of white marble. The basin of the FOUNTAIN is in the shape of a broad lotus flower and water streams from the statue of a water nymph holding a pitcher. The white marble of the fountain is ribboned with blue veins, giving it a fragile appearance. Surrounding the fountain, tall trees provide shade and flowering bushes offer privacy and fill the air with their fragrance. Here and there, a carved marble BENCH has been placed along the winding paths.
Exits:
Double Doors <DD> leads to Dance Hall -- Garden -- Venhei Embassy
Arched Doorway <SE> leads to Gateway -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
Paned Glass Door <E> leads to Dining Room -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
Glass Door <NE> leads to Diplomatic Lounge -- Venhei Embassy (Kaitain)
Sylvie comes in through the arched doorway from the forecourt.
Sylvie has arrived.
Fahahd comes in through the arched doorway from the forecourt.
Fahahd has arrived.
Setzer gestures to the marble bench, "If you'll sit with me?" A servant approaches them, holding a platter of chocolate assorments and several glasses of champagne.
Sylvie mmms softly, "Chocolate and champagne, My Lord. You certainly know the way to a woman's heart." She takes one of each and sits down on the bench.
Sylvie rests on one of the marble benches.
Setzer chuckles, "Thank you, my lady, I try my best to be a worthy entertainer."
You rest on one of the marble benches.
Fahahd seems uncertain as to whether the various invitations apply to him, and merely takes up a stance a little ways behind Sylvie..unconsciously reverting to 'guard' mode.
Sylvie gestures the servant to Fahahd, including him whether or not it was intended, "Try the sweets, Sergeant."
The guardsman looks surprised for a moment, but then delicately reaches out to accept one. "Very generous of you, my lord," he murmurs.
Setzer takes a glass of champagne and clinks it with Sylvie's, drinking, then taking a small chocolate and eating it, "Have you yet been here, my lady?"
Sylvie looks around the garden, "I don't believe so, My Lord. I'd surely remember such a lovely spot, if I had."
Setzer nods, "And I'd surely remember if such a lovely lady had visited here," he eats another chocolate and smiles gently, "I have to confess I do have ulterior motives to inviting you here."
Sylvie smiles, "You do?"
Fahahd is trying to appear as if he's not really listening, but clearly is. He doesn't seem willing to wander very far from his charge, like a nervous sheepdog with a lamb.
Setzer reaches out and takes a flower from a nearby plant, placing it on her collar, "I hope you permit me...yes I do. Aside from wanting your gracious company and beauty, my second motive was to get to know the Harkonnen group better."
Setzer nods at the flower, thinking it looks good, then sips his champagne, "I was hoping that could be arranged, perhaps he would join Lady Ulricke and I at that tea some time? No obligation of course."
Sylvie nods slowly, "I think you would have a better chance of speaking with him if you went to the Embassy. He is usually too busy for social calls."
Sylvie nibbles at the chocolate.
Setzer smiles and nods, "Yes, that was my impression also. The tea was to be held at the Harkonnen Embassy? I can hardly remember, ever since my illness," he sighs, "Seems as though my age is kicking in finally, eh?"
Sylvie says, "Oh, I didn't understand...then certainly, if Lady Ulricke asks him, I'm sure the Baron will attend."
Fahahd seems to remember his own sweet, and consumes it slowly, though with obvious enjoyment.
Setzer nods, "It would be nice to see the Baron, I have heard much about him since arriving here. May I ask how long you have been his concubine?"
Sylvie says, "Not long...a year, I suppose. Why?"
Fahahd listens mutely still, though the expression on his features is pensive. What does this Venhei want?
You say, "Oh no reason, merely curiousity. I often find the attachment between master and concubine to be severely different when a time span is included," he sips his champagne, "I'll be looking forward to meeting your Baron, my lady, and House Harkonnen in general. I've yet to establish my own personal relations with each house, unfortunately.""
Sylvie asks softly, "Are you speaking of loyalty, My Lord, or of affection?"
Setzer ponders for a moment, "Perhaps a little of both. I do not keep concubines or lovers...have only been with two women in my entire life, my deceased wife and now the Lady Obrenovi you have just met," he sighs, "After seeing so much war, you begin to find it hard to establish love for others and within yourself." Tilting his head he asks, "Do you find love within others and yourself, my lady?"
Fahahd's expression swiftly darts away, as if the subject made him uncomfortable.
Sylvie answers thoughtfully, "I find each relationship is unique and some do include emotions of love and affection."
Setzer nods, "Aye...that is true. As the old saying goes, love is a fickle thing. I don't think we see as much of it in this world as should be seen. That's why I am so grateful for the Lady Obrenovi and my daughter."
Sylvie says, "Yes, love is fickle, which is why so many of my acquaintance prefer loyalty."
Setzer smiling, he finishes his champagne and rises, placing the empty glass on a tray which a nearby servant holds. He turns around to them again, "Loyalty is a dangerous and often inadequate word, I find. It can too easily be bent."
Sylvie raises her eyebrows, "And love cannot?"
Setzer laughs, "Touche, my lady." He looks at Fahahd, "Sergeant? Do you have an opinion on this matter?"
Sylvie looks curiously to Fahahd.
Nobles, asking him for an opinion? Fahahd jerks hastily out of his reverie. "I suppose so, my lord," he says, diffident still.
Sylvie giggles, "What is your opinion, Sergeant?"
Setzer laughs slightly, "Yes Sergeant, do tell, please."
"No doubt you will think me a foolish romantic, but I think that love ultimately wins out, if it is true. Indeed, it is one of the few things that can break true loyalty...as in that old tale about Romeo and Juliet, where the lovers abandoned their loyalties to their feuding families for each other," he says, coloring slightly.
Sylvie says softly, "I don't think you are foolish at all, Sergeant."
Setzer chuckles, "Perhaps then we'll see a Ginaz Lady and a Moritani fellow abandon their own Houses to be with each other, eh?" he smiles at the joke and continues to say, "But you are correct. I laugh now, but I believe the same. Love is a very powerful force."
Fahahd nods gently. "It may not 'conquer all'...but its effects can be amazing."
Sylvie sets aside her champagne glass and gets up from the bench, "Thank you so much for the refreshments, My Lord, and the fascinating conversation, but I must be going."
Sylvie stands and leaves the bench.
Fahahd unthinkingly falls in with her.
Setzer nods and smiles, "It was a pleasure having you here. Do give the Baron my best," he gestures to a servant, "Wilhelm will show you out, if you'll excuse me? I have some matters to attend to now as well."
Sylvie glances to Fahahd, then follows the servant to the front gate.
Sylvie opens the door set in the wall and passes through to the forecourt.
Sylvie has left.
Fahahd opens the door set in the wall and passes through to the forecourt.
Fahahd has left.