Putting the Horses Down

["Kathie Care" <kathie@availablelight.net>]

Logged from the point of view of Tat'iana. Enjoy!

-----Arra-----
Shoulder length, thick black hair worn parted in the middle, forms a halo of
loose, dark curls about a face of striking beauty. Her dark eyebrows curve
in an expression of mock innocence and this knowing glance is emphasized by
the dark khol that lines her slightly tilted eyes, giving her an exotic
appearance. She has a straight nose and high cheekbones and a delicate chin.
Her skin is smooth, a warm shade of peach, but she has painted henna designs
on her body, visible on her arms and chest and stomach, but probably in
other places, as well. Her lips are covered by a dark gloss that is almost
black, but reflects light with an indigo sheen.

She is thin and petite, almost frail in appearance. Her shoulders are bare
and she wears a sheer gold tube-top trimmed with a knitted black and gold
zig-zag pattern across her breasts. The loose-fitting blouse reaches just
below her waist, leaving her hips and abdomen bare. Hanging low across her
hips, a pair of blue and gold silk trousers cover her slender legs and are
gathered at the ankle. On her feet are a pair of gold and white slippers.

-----Tat'iana-----
Of average height for a woman, Tat'iana carries herself as though she were
taller than she actually is. Her chin is angled proudly, her ivory
complexion smooth and flawless. Thick, dark lashes ring steely-gray eyes,
which tilt upwards at the corners. Though they are the color of stormclouds,
her eyes do catch the light, giving them more of a silvery quality. The
sparkle is aided by a hint of mischievousness in her personality, though
hidden in her facial expression it shows clearly through her eyes. Lips that
are a touch too thin are pulled at the corners into a perpetual soft smile.
A hint of a maidenly blush creeps all too easily across her cheeks, giving
proof that this woman is indeed real and alive, and not just the masterpiece
creation of an artist.

Her deep ebony hair shines, the color so deep it almost casts a blue tint.
Confined by neither pins nor intricate coif at the moment, it is simply
braided, and hangs down her back to her waist. A blue ribbon is looped
around the bottom of the braid, and tied in a bow.

Simple in cut and style, her riding habit consists of a blue velvet jacket -
styled in much the same way as a man's frock coat, a carefully pressed white
shirt with a gather of hand-turned lace at the collar, and well-fitting
black breeches - which show clearly the contour of her shapely legs. Black
boots of an immaculate shine reach to her knees.

-----Ibrahim-----
Ibrahim is Tall and slim, even though he reaches to as high as 5'8'' he is
not an intmidating figure but more a figure of an educated man who spent
most of life in books rather in the harsh world outside. That would be the
first impression that a person would get from him, a closer look would find
very strong muscles underneath the man's cloak. He has black hair and green
eyes that has the tendancy to change colors with moods. He has a couple of
scars on his left cheek and one across his back.

Ibrahim wears a plain, yet not cheap burnoose, that customary Arabic robe
the covers the entire body, the headpiece usualy lies neatly on the man's
shoulders. His wears a brown belt that surprisingly has no shield nor weapon
on it. On his feet there is a pair of black leather boots, completing his
look.

Ibrahim carries a long, straight, wooden staff, which he uses as an aid to
his walk although he has no limp.

-----Mikhail-----
Mikhail is a tall, and well built man who looks to be in his late twenties
or early thirties. Ice-blue eyes stare out at you from behind gold wire
framed spectacles. His complexion is a fairly pale white, flushed with red
at the cheeks, a complexion typical of the ruling class of Garrashu. His
coal black hair has been trimmed fairly short, styled to imitate a longer
version of a crew cut, it is immaculately groomed and well kept.


He is garbed in a uniform of heavy medium-gray fabric. The outfit is pressed
and creased with extreme care- one could look for ages and not find a single
wrinkle. The neck of his high-collared uniform is starched and pressed to
razor sharpness, either side of the collar is adorned with small gold cast
emblems of the rising phoenix. Two rows of gleaming gold buttons line both
sides of the tunic. A golden braid is attached at the third button of the
leftmost row and loops under and around his shoulder multiple times.

Gray slacks adorned with crimson thigh-stripes cover his lower torso. A belt
of slick black leather is girt about his waist, complete with a decorative
bronze buckle in the shape of a phoenix. A voluminous, shimmering cape of
deep burgundy lined with black satin is thrown over his right shoulder and
pinned with a small platinum laurel wreath. An elegant shashka and matching
kindjal rest in jewel encrusted, gilt steel scabbards on his right and left
hips, respectively. A pair of black sheepskin boots polished to a high sheen
completes the ensemble. The weighty Rastanyev signet ring adorns the ring
finger of his right hand, its wide golden band reaching to the fingers'
knuckle. The ring's face is composed of a large sapphire phoenix with two
small rubies for eyes.

-----Raschid-----
Raschid Galeperin would appear to be in his mid-thirties. He weighs around
eighty-five kilos standard and stands not quite two meters tall. He has
blondeish-brown hair shot through with streaks of grey, which would hang
freely to his shoulders were it not caught in a ribbon at the back of his
neck. His face seems rather square, with a strong, angled chin. His
blue-green eyes move about constantly, studying and observing everything.
Thin lips bear the tell-tale stains of sapho, marking him for what he is - a
Mentat.

He is dressed in the midnight blue of House Rastanyev, with a silver sash
crossing his chest from left to right and tying about his waist. The
waistcoat with tails is of midnight blue velvet, and his white shirt beneath
his coat is slightly ruffled, but clearly starched precisely. His grey pants
are tucked into perfectly polished boots which reach his knee. The cloth of
his suit is of a fine weave and cut, meticulously pressed to perfection.

-----Nerissa-----
The young woman's oval face is framed with thick, long coppery curls that,
if loose, would tumble past her shoulders all the way down to her hips.
She's not outright beautiful, but attractive in a charming, country girl
way. Her skin is darkly tanned, face graced with full lips and a nose that
suits her just right. Eyes like melted carmel are attentive, the impression
she gives is that few things going unnoticed by her.

Her curly hair is pulled back tightly in a braid, keeping it out of her face
and out of her way. Fitted to her lithe form is the uniform of the deadly
Rastanyev Cossack Guard. Her torso is clad in an almost elegant blood red
tunic, over which is a gold sash. A shield generator is on the belt holding
up her neatly pressed slacks. Her favored katana blade rests on her hip in
its sheath, as do various other weapons.

As she speaks, her voice is soft and almost husky, a gentle alto, with a
heavy Slavic accent.

----- Sin'Vaari-----
Long black hair framing a sharply angled face are the first thing you notice
about this tall man. His body is wrapped in a flowing, crimson on black
velvet armageddon robe, with a set of elegantly forged scimitars strapped to
his back, a shield generator at his right hip and a maula-pistol at his
left. His face, which has a long scar running down it's right side, is
twisted into a perpetual scowl, appearing to show is disguist for those
around him. He has a pair of silver bracers locked to his wrists, their
shiny surface briefly visible under his dark robes.

-----Trasil-----
He is ebony-skinned, a very dark hue. His eyes are deep brown, shadowed by
large eyebrows. His nose is broad and flat with nostrils that flare slightly
and relax with every breath. Two thick full lips form to make his mouth. He
is square jawed with fleshy cheeks. His wooly brown hair is clipped close to
the scalp and his face is shaved clean.

His hips are a somewhat wide with, strong, thick legs. His arms and
shoulders are taut with, well-defined, hard muscle.

He is wearing a thin fur sweater, snow white, with a stripe of black across
the chest, undercut by a stripe of red. Underneath his sweater, he has on a
white button up shirt, the collar of which stiffly protrudes above the
neckline of the sweater. On his collar, he wears two insignia. On the left,
an emblem of a red and gold flower. On the right, a colorful emblem of three
peacock tails. His trousers are black, with red stripes running down the
right and left seam. White slippers adorn his feet.

-----Haroon-----
A tall and swarthy man who carries himself with a pride and careful manner
which instantly suggest a soldier. His face is deeply tanned and showing the
first signs of wear from age and weather but the twinkling green eyes that
shine from beneath thick eyebrows convey an air of youthfulness. His thick
grey hair is cut to medium length, and on his face he sports a magnificent
beard groomed into two forks and a bristling moustache.

He wears a thigh-length military jacket of black silk that is cut to flatter
a body, which despite advancing years, has been maintained in excellent
physical form. A row of engraved gold buttons runs up to the neck and a red
sash crosses his front from right to left. The collar and cuffs of the
jacket are turned back to reveal a red interior piped with white, and
smiliarly coloured epaulettes and gold braid adorn each shoulder.
Embroidered onto his left chest in white is a word in archaic arabic. Baggy
white trousers with a red stripe down each seam flare out from the waist,
ballooning at the ankles, where they are tucked into polished black boots
which reach to his mid-calf. Slung from his hip is a delicately curved
scimitar in an ornate black leather scabbard, embossed with gold
calligraphy.

A black sling is secured around his shoulder and holds his left arm
securely. The uniform bulges at his left shoulder from bandages under it.

----------

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
vehicle 3019, bound for Rastanyev Embassy, requesting clearance, "Lord
Rivest of House Bajazet requests permission to enter the Embassy.""

You clear the vehicle over your communicator.
Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Clearance
has been granted for vehicle 3019, bound for the Rastanyev Embassy, by
Tat'iana."

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:
 Sin'Vaari
Objects:
 Bajazet Staffcar
Exits:
 Front Gates <E> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain)
 Arched Entrance <N> leads to Reception Hall -- Rastanyev Embassy (Kaitain)

Sin'Vaari is standing outside of the Bajazet Staffcar, waiting on his
companion to leave.

Trasil exits the Bajazet Staffcar.
Trasil has arrived.

The Bajazet Staffcar departs the area.

Nerissa walks in from Reception Hall through the Arched Doors.
Nerissa has arrived.

Sin'Vaari bows and says, "On behalf of the Sultan of House Bajazet,
Siridar-Baron of New Andropolis, we wish to see the girl Arra, and deliver
her proper accountermentsbefore her return to the Lady Sutana Sarina
Bajazet.

Tat'iana steps out of the Embassy, her boots sounding sharply on the marble
walkway, riding crop dangling loosely from her hand. She appears to be on
her way out, but pauses as the men greet her. She arches an eyebrow, then
looks back to the entranceway, where Nerissa follows. "Very well then," she
says curtly, "If you will follow me inside?"

Sin'Vaari nods and follows a few paces behind you.

You step into the bustling formal reception room of the Rastanyev Embassy.

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 bronze doors
to the north leads to the areas of the Embassy used for State Affairs. 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. Beyond the chairs
are two carefully polished rosewood staircases, turning a slight spiral as
they ascend to the floors above.

Players:
 Arra                                               Raschid
Exits:
 Rose Wood Stairway <U> leads to Second Floor Hallway -- Rastanyev Embassy
(Kaitain)
 Heavy Bronze Doors <N> leads to Hall of Boyars -- Rastanyev Embassy
(Kaitain)
 Arched Doors <S> leads to Courtyard -- Rastanyev Embassy (Kaitain)

Sin'Vaari steps through the bright blue double doors from the courtyard.
Sin'Vaari has arrived.

Nerissa steps through the bright blue double doors from the courtyard.
Nerissa has arrived.

Trasil steps through the bright blue double doors from the courtyard.
Trasil has arrived.

Raschid walks down the stairs with Arra in tow preceeded and followed by a
sqaud of Cossacks

Mikhail descends the Rosewood Stairway.
Mikhail has arrived.

Sin'Vaari bows as Earl Rastanyev enters the court.

Tat'iana steps into the reception hall, tapping her riding crop against her
leg with some impatience, followed by the two guests from House Bajazet. She
looks up, and sees the Mentat bringing Arra down the stairs, and nods with
satisfaction. "Ah, Master Raschid... these gentlemen have come for... Arra,"
she calls to him.

Trasil follows silently behind the warrior Sin'Vaari. He observes the
surroundings before his eyes are drawn to the uniformed Cossacks.

Arra looks intimidated by the Cossack guards that surround her.

The Earl Rastanyev descends the stairs and enters his reception hall,
trailed by more cossacks, perhaps one hundred or so, descending the stairs
in ranks of five. The Earl gracesfully drops from the last step, landing
with a slight *thunk* as his boots strike the hard marble surfaces.

Tat'iana's eyebrow arches all the higher, and the tapping of the riding crop
against her leg stops altogether. She glances aside to the two Bajazet men,
and then to Arra, perplexed.

Sin'Vaari looks at the squad of soldiers surrounding Arra silently.

And somewhere in the midsts of the Cossacks is one oddity... a more finely
dressed one... and a woman Cossack. Nerissa Langkamp. The legendary
weaponsmistress of the House Rastanyev.

Sin'Vaari says after a moment, "Earl Rastanyev, myself and the Agha Kislar
Trasil have come to retrieve the girl Arra, whom you released from your most
noble House earlier.

Sin'Vaari closes his eyes and continues, "With your permission, Lord
Earl.....we would like to return her to the Bajazet Embassy so that she may
be prepared to serve her Lady Sultana once again."

Raschid smiles from his position next to Arra.."It would appear that we will
be keeping Arra with us awhile. It would be shame to return such a lovely
gift would it not? After all we would not wish an insult to be percieved."

Sin'Vaari bows his head and waits for the Earl's response.

Mikhail chuckles softly, "I don't recall releasing her. I told her she was
yours and that you could have her, yes. But to get her back, you will have
to return sevently thousand of the Solaris which were given to you during
the Malarca crises and give up any hope of support for your case in the
Landsraad." An almost feral smile tugs at the Earl's lips.

Sin'Vaari's head rises slowly as he says, "I am sorry, Lord Earl....but that
was not what you said when you released her to us."

The tapping begins once more on Tat'iana's leg, the leather tip of the crop
connecting with her boots with a quiet slapping sound. But then she stops
again, and stands quietly, watching the exchange with a bemused, if not a
touch anxious, expression.

Sin'Vaari continues, "You released her to us unconditionally, before the
whole of House Bajazet.

Nerissa's tone is a bit sharp as it cuts through the air. And definately one
of military quality. "Are you accusing the Honorable Siridar-Earl of House
Rastanyev of lying?"

Sin'Vaari finishes, saying, "At no time was their mentioned any monitary
transactions for her."

Sin'Vaari looks at Nerissa and replies, "No.....I am mearly reminding him of
what was said. If any insult was taken, then I appologize."

"I would not call... three individuals 'the whole of House Bajazet',
m'lord," Tat'iana interjects acidly.

Sin'Vaari says, "I am merely recounting what was said before the Sultan."

Arra stands very still and quiet, wishing that she would melt into the
floor.

Sin'Vaari looks at Tat'iana, "The Sultain /IS/ House Bajazet."

Tat'iana makes a small sound in the back of her throat, akin to a 'hrmmph',
then shrugs slightly. "As you wish, m'lord," she murmurs smoothly.

Sin'Vaari looks deeply offended by Tat'iana's remark and says, "I have come
for Arra, whom has been lawfully released to House Bajazet."

"It sounds more like you have come to mince words." Nerissa's tone is pretty
cold.

Raschid slides smoothly to one side pressing Arra back slightly into the
mass of troops

Sin'Vaari ignores Nerissa and says to Tat'iana, "You have a member of House
Bajazet under your custody, a member who has no further connection with your
House. Your Lord Earl released her to the Sultan earlier. We have come to
collect her for the Lady Sultana Sarina Bajazet and our Master of Assassins,
not pending any secondary conditions that were not previously mentioned. If
there are such conditions, then a Legate will have to be consluted to
mandate upon their validity and veracity."

Tat'iana nods in agreement with Nerissa, then adds, "M'lord, I myself was
present at that meeting, as you were not. And I do recall clearly what was
said. No timeframe was agreed upon. All that was said was that she would, in
fact, be returned. I am sorry, you seem to have made some rather unwise
assumptions here today."

Sin'Vaari says, "Then, perhaps I should get someone that was there?"

Arra takes a few stuttering steps back into the soldiers, looking confused
and tries to get Raschid's attention by tugging at the back of his sleeve.

Nerissa slips back into the crowd of Cossacks, until she's by Arra's side.
She intends, it seems, to ensure the slave girl doesn't escape. Not that
there's a particularly good chance, with all the guards here.

Mikhail sighs softly at the ignorant pony hopper, "You dunce, the earliest
conditions for the release of this slave-woman were laid down very clearly
to your Baron. Either you allow me to keeper and I remit the payment of your
debt or you take her and pay."

Sin'Vaari speaks into his communicator.

Raschid glances sharply at Arra as he procceses the comment about the Master
of Assassins

Arra changes her mind about asking Raschid any questions after his sharp
look in her direction, and goes back to being a silent observer.

Sin'Vaari looks at the Earl and says, "Lord Earl.....I shall wait upon the
judiciary decisions of our Master of Assassins, who is on his way as a proxy
of the Sultan.

Raschid grins almost ferally at this announcement.

Tat'iana shifts her stance, one leg out in front of her, as she alternates
between rocking up on her toes, and back on her heels, her arms crossed in
front of her.

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
vehicle 3032, bound for Rastanyev Embassy, requesting clearance, "Master
Ibrahim Ibn-Elmahid, to join the Bajazet party that's currently visiting the
premessis.""

Raschid nods at Nerisaa shifting his charge to her care then strides through
the crowd towards the outer doors

His Lordship sighs deeply, a quick series of hand-signals are made to the
guard unit closest to him. The Earl moves to the dais, quickly strides up
its three steps and then proceeds to seat himself. He in addition indicates
that Nerissa and Tat'iana should join him, after all it is improper to make
the two women stand and wait in what is likely to be a long conflict.

Raschid walks to the south and passes through the Arched Doors.
Raschid has left.

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Clearance
has been granted for vehicle 3032, bound for the Rastanyev Embassy, by
Satyavrat."

Sin'Vaari puts his hands behind his back and stands silently.

A moment or two passes as Nerissa presses through the crowd of guards once
more, arriving at the dais and taking her appropriate seat. She adjusts her
katana to rest across her lap as she sits.

Tat'iana leaves her place next to the guests, striding across the floor to
step up on the dais. Settling herself in the chair to Mikhail's left, she
again fidgets with the riding crop in her hands as she crosses her legs. "I
suppose I will take Shishka out another day, to put him through his paces,"
she mutters, though not overly petulantly. She leans an elbow on the chair's
arm, and grins across to Nerissa.

Mikhail takes his place upon the dais.

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
vehicle 2967, bound for Rastanyev Embassy, requesting clearance, "The
Warmaster Haroon Osman Kiamil""

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Clearance
has been granted for vehicle 2967, bound for the Rastanyev Embassy, by
Satyavrat."

You seat yourself upon the dais.

Raschid steps through the bright blue double doors from the courtyard.
Raschid has arrived.

Ibrahim steps through the bright blue double doors from the courtyard.
Ibrahim has arrived.

Haroon steps through the bright blue double doors from the courtyard.
Haroon has arrived.

Raschid glances to his Lord Earl and nods before resuming his place next to
Arra

Haroon enters, his boot heels clicking away on the floor. He sweeps a deep
bowto Mikhail and the rest of the Rastanyev entourage, his scimitar jangling
as he does so. "My Lord Rastanyev.. the Bajazet divan" he says, indicating
himself and Ibrahim.

Ibrahim and Haroon are following Raschid into the room, both of them seem in
a hurry, Ibrahim is treading quickly, using his staff as support for his
limp. He approaches Mikhail and bows, following Haroon's example.

Arra bows as Haroon enters the hall, although it may be difficult to see her
from behind all those Cossacks.

Sin'Vaari stands silently, a slight smile on his face as he looks at the
soldiers surrounding Arra.

Ibrahim's eyes dart towards Sin'Vaari, then Arra and then back to Sin'Vaari,
his hand, holding the staf runs down the staff a little bit, making his
position more stable.

From the dais, Mikhail offers a small smile to the former Bajazet Regent,
"It is so good to see you again, Lord Bashir. The terms of this woman's
release were made perfectly clear to your house after my sister made the
unfortunate mistake of trying to present her to me as a gift. Are you
prepared to accept them?"

*thwap* *thwap* *thwap* *thwap*
Tat'iana's riding crop again bangs against her boot, her legs crossed as she
sits to Mikhail's left on the dais. Recognizing the Bajazet Mentat from
earlier, she grins down at him, though not with enjoyment of this scene.

Nerissa is seated comfortably at her place on the dais, her sword across her
lap. She's quietly watching the Bajazet entourage.

Ibrahim nods to Tat'iana, acknowledging her gaze and then moves forward,
addressing Mikhail, "How can it be, My Lord, that a free citizen of New
Adrianopolis and a staff member of House Bajazet will have terms of release
from your custody. I had no idea we were in any state of fighting, or that
there is any animosity between our houses."

"A free citizen? Yet she is called a slave, and given to the House Rastanyev
as a gift? Indeed, I wonder at you of House Bajazet." The Lady Langkamp's
tone is disdainful.

From the dais, Mikhail sighs, "You Bajazet cannot get your lies straight can
you? She tells me that she is but a slave of your house, you tell me she is
free..." He sighs again, "In this case, she is a risk to house security and
will be detained until we can determine whether or not she has taken any
information from us by one means or another, it is that, or I put her to the
sword- here and now."

Arra hears those words and tries to get past the guards, desperately trying
to flee.

Ibrahim takes out a scroll from inside his garment and throws it to the foot
of the Dais, "This is her release contract, I am signed on it myself. She
has been free for months now. She might have had some confusion as for her
start but she is under my authority and if necessary I will make
disciplenary action."

Haroon looks Arra up and down slowly and glances over to Mikhail, with a
calm but quizzical expression. He runs the fingers of one hand along the
fork of his beard. "My Lord Rastanyev" he begins in a deep rumble. "I hope
that that would not be necessary." He folds his hand behind his back
"Naturally, in your own house, such action would be your perogative but I
should be.. deeply saddened if the relations between our houses require
that"

The Cossack guards don't allow Arra to move. At a hand signal from Nerissa,
a guard seizes the woman, one on each arm. Their grip is firm.

Sin'Vaari motions for Arra to be still.

Arra doesn't seem to have much choice about remaining still and she stands
there, docile, her gaze downcast.

From the dais, Mikhail scowls down upon the Bajazet Mentat and Lord Bashir
as one of the guards delivers the contract to him. "I have been doubly
insulted. Lied to many times by you Bajazet and after what my House has done
for yours? Is this how you repay friends? Are lies and confusion your method
of thanks? If this be so, you are welcome here no longer- you are tainted
and dishonoured."

Haroon clears his throat, trying to keep his expression impassive. He
glances over his shoulder at the mentat in consternation. "Lies and
confusion my Lord?" he asks. "This girl is merely a servant who was lent to
your House.. I fail to see how we have behaved dishonourably. House Bajazet
has nothing but the greatest respect for all of our allies, and the
Rastanyev above all of them, for your particularly kind assistance to us."

Tat'iana sighs deeply, shaking her head, as she quietly says, "Before they
leave... I wish to know... Why. Why did they feel it necessary to lie, and
portray her as a slave. Clearly, she was ordered to do so as well, for that
is what she claimed to be in my presence as well, in private conversation."
She turns in her seat slightly, to glance to the girl in question - a cold,
flat gaze filled with venom. An eyebrow slowly rises and she looks away from
the girl finally, righting herself in her seat. "A fantastic storyteller she
is. I almost believed it."

Ibrahim takes a step forward, "Only four months ago, this girl was a slave,
I am certain the memory is still vivid in her, when she was lent to your
house, I assume she thought she's a slave again. A thing she always feared.
I assure you, no lies were told with intent. All of this is a mistake that
took the wrong turn of events."

Nerissa says, "She feared being a slave?" Nerissa rolls her eyes. She's
given up on ettiquette, she's too far gone in her irritation. "It seemed to
me she feared being a free woman!"

"I find that very hard to believe," Tat'iana says tersely. "Four months is
sufficient time for one to see things in Kaitain, oh, such as... the city's
center. And yes, she was told, while here, she was a free woman. Nice try...
but no. Another lie."

From the dais, Mikhail smiles rather wolfishly, though his cheeks are tinged
with crimson, "Well then, considering maddame," he addresses Arra now, "that
you are a free woman and not a slave, what would you prefer?"

Ibrahim shakes his head, "In those four months, she learnt how to write,
read, formal ettiquete and how to work as my secretary, I'm afraid she saw
very little of Kaitain at that time."

Arra looks startled to find herself addressed after so much discussion and
can only blink and swallow hard as she tries to collect her thoughts.
Finally, coming up with, "If it please you, Lord Earl...I'd rather not be
run through with a sword."

Haroon allows a brief smile at that comment. No doubt Rastanyev influence
bringing out a loose tongue in a woman.

From the dais, Mikhail smiles benevolently at the Bajazet woman, "Of course,
Madamme. The girl can make her own choise as to where she stays and she will
be released _after_ we have taken measures to assure ourselves that she is
not a spy of any sort."

Haroon harumphs to himself, looking increasingly irritated. "The girl is not
a spy of any description my Lord. It is not our intent to lie or to spy upon
our noble allies." He looks exasperated - this is a bit like arguing with
Boris now.

Ibrahim's eyes blaze as he hears that last sentance, "Is my personal vow not
good enough for the Earl? Is the word of an ally not to be trusted? Then
these are indeed sad times we are seeing in this Imperium."

Arra murmurs something about not being a spy and more that is lost under her
breath.

Raschid clears his throat having been carefully observing the dynamics...

From the dais, Mikhail sighs again and glares at the Bajazet Mentat, his icy
blue eyes boring into the man. "I would not trust my own mother if she had
lied to me so many times. We will assure ourselves of our security and once
this has been done we will return the woman to you- if we find that she has
done no wrong."

Raschid says, "Master Ibrahim, I speak to you as a fellow Mentat now, you
can surely observe the logic of our position. Is it so far-fetched
considering what we have learned this eevning?"

Haroon furrows his brow at Raschid "My Lord you do us a disservice to
suggest that any attempt to spy by our esteemed mentat would end in such an
embarassing and rather unseemly debate." He taps the fingers of one hand
into the other in a sharp rythm. "You may assure yourself of your security
as you wish. You shall find nothing amiss with the girl, and hopefully our
assurances will be of greater value to you, once you prove to yourself that
we are correct"

Raschid merely glances in the direction of the Lord and awaits Master
Ibrahim's response

Ibrahim darts his eyes towards Raschid, "What have you learned today,
Master? That there has been a mistake by a confused girl? That she's not a
slave? I have never claimed her to be one. I've brought you proof of the
truth of my words. All I can see here is a Bajazet that's being held, not by
her own wish, by you. Have your little tests, there's nothing I can do
without starting something that will end bad for both our houses."

Nerissa says, "Until she declares she doesn't desire to remain in the
Rastanyev household, you cannot accuse us of holding her against her will."

Raschid nods softly his hands clasped "I expect you would do the same good
Master, were the situation reversed"

Ibrahim darts his eyes toward Arra, "Arra, do you want to stay here?"

Tat'iana props her chin on her hand, which is in turn supported by her elbow
upon the arm of the chair. She sighs deeply, her eyes moving from person to
person as they each in turn speak.

Raschid glances curiously at Arra, somewhat searchingly..

Arra glances around fearfully, "I think, Master, I've caused
some...unpleasantness. And maybe I should go home."

Ibrahim nods, "Do you want to come home?" He glances as Tat'iana and then at
Raschid, "Lets make this clear, shall we?" He returns his gaze to Arra,
waiting for an answer.

A quick hand-signal flashes from the Earl to the Cossacks holding Arra, a
man wearing a blue sash over his uniform nods quickly and remove a pair of
restraints from his belt, then begins to lock them about the woman's wrists,
"Maddame, you did not wish to make this easy. You are a risk to my person
and the security of my family. I shall have to treat you as a prisoner I
see."

Arra only struggles briefly, and then only out of surprise. Whatever answer
she may have made to Ibrahim is lost in the turmoil.

Tat'iana sits up straighter in her chair, laying a hand on Mikhail's arm.
"But to be fair, brother, she did not clearly say she 'wanted' to go home.
She said she felt she 'should' go home. Let the girl clarify, first, eh?"

Nerissa ehs softly, a concerned glance to Arra. She then looks at Mikhail.
"Indeed, beloved. As for her home... has she even made clear where it is?
She's not specified what she considered home was."

Sin'Vaari looks at Arra and waits for a response from her.

Ibrahim's eyes blaze again, he takes a step back and lets Haroon have the
front stage, not wanting to do anything that will betray his rage.

A second signal flashes between the Earl and the guards, the man stops
trying to cuff Arra. "Very well," muses the Earl.

"Answer the question, girl... truthfully," Tat'iana says, though with a bit
more gentleness than she might have earlier.

Raschid smiles almost serenely across the room at the other Mentat

Arra sniffs and says, "Please, I...if it's up to me. I'm going back to the
Bajazet Embassy." She can't bring herself to look at Raschid.

Haroon gives Arra an approving and paternal look, and shoots an irritated
one at the Rastanyev mentat. "Good. The girl has finally spoken. Now is it
my Lord's intent to kidnap her here against her will or to allow her to
return?"

Ibrahim catches the akwardness between Arra and Raschid and gives a mental
note to check on that in the future.

Sin'Vaari crosses his arms, saying nothing.

From the dais, Mikhail says, "She will return after we have assured
ourselves of security."

Raschid quirks a brow and nods approvingly towards Ibrahim

Tat'iana resumes tapping her boot with her riding crop, her patience with
this whole episode visibly wearing thin. She bites her bottom lip, and looks
away from everyone intentionally, holding back a comment which will no doubt
be looked upon unfavorably by Mikhail.

Nerissa rises from her seat, furiously. "And do you expect, Lord Bashir, for
the Earl Rastanyev to simply let this insult slide? Do you expect, my dear
Lord Bashir, the Earl Rastanyev to allow any risk to his person? If the
situation was reversed, placing your Siridar in possible danger, regardless
from whom the threat came, how do you think your household would behave? She
will be treated with the utmost courtesy, but she will not be released, not
until it has been deemed appropriate by House Rastanyev!"

Nerissa rises from her seat, furiously. "And do you expect, Lord Bashir, for
the Earl Rastanyev to simply let this insult slide? Do you expect, my dear
Lord Bashir, the Earl Rastanyev to allow any risk to his person? If the
situation was reversed, placing your Siridar in possible danger, regardless
from whom the threat came, how do you think your household would behave? She
will be treated with the utmost courtesy, but she will not be released, not
until it has been deemed appropriate by House Rastanyev!"

Haroon breathes deeply and keeps his voice calm. "My Lady" he replies slowly
"If I perceived a threat to my Siridar from one of our allies I would be
sure to verify it first before calling them to my presence to throw unjust
insults at them." He sighs in exasperation "Perhaps if you had availed
yourself to investigate this matter first this scene could have been
avoided, and perhaps years of good work would not be unravelling before us
hmm?"

"Given the convolutedness of everything, Lord Bashir," Tat'iana offers
quietly, calmly, "I'm sure you can understand the impossibility of getting
to the bottom of everything, without having this discussion we have just
had."

Nerissa places a hand on her hip, near her katana, ironically enough. It
seems a more unconcious action than anything. Her words are ice cold. "If,
my lord Bashir, House Bajazet was upfront with us to begin with, and totally
clear on all terms with which came with Madamme Arra, we would not see the
rug unravelled by a simple tug of the string."

Haroon taps a foot on the floor and looks to Tat'iana first. "Yes My Lady,
but there are ways, and there are ways, and I find this somewhat unseemly.
You have some suggestion to turn this situation into one that bears a little
less forboding?" Nerissa's comment he chooses to ignore, not rising to the
bait.

From the dais, Mikhail sighs and stabs a finger at the Bashir, "You'll have
her back, just not tonight. Surely you can wait a few days, hmm? And after
we have assured ourselves that nothing was taken from us you will have her
back abd she can warm your sheets or wash them or whichever she does."

Haroon looks up at Mikhail. "My Lord, with .. all due respect" He has to
struggle over that phrase a little considering the affront he has had to
face tonight "We shall have your word that she will be returned to us before
we leave here without her. I will not accept any conditions attached to her
release"

Tat'iana shoots a withering glance in Nerissa's direction, and starts to
open her mouth, but closes it again quickly. She leans back in her chair,
rubbing at her forehead with her free hand, and murmurs, "Lady Langkamp...
please. Will you sit, and be calm?" She cracks an eyelid, the diplomat
within her apparently awakening finally, and she nods slowly. "I find it
unseemly as well, Lord Bashir. I will volunteer to return Miss Yebshe to the
Bajazet Embassy myself, if that will help any..."

Haroon bows solemnly to Tat'iana, glad that someone is managing to keep
their head.

<<Ibrahim thinks: Why are you so concerened, my dear Earl, is there
something you're holding back that's so important to risk this much for?
Can't you see that under your custody she's your prisoner?!>>

Nerissa chooses not to reply, nor comply, with Tat'iana. She remains
standing, having grown rather calm as she watches Haroon. Calm, and alert. A
tigress waiting to pounce upon her prey.

From the dais, Mikhail sighs, "Very well, don't leave then. Quarters will be
prepared for you in the south wing of the embassy and you may dwell therein
until we can release the woman to you."

Using Russkiy, Tat'iana does not turn to look, but knows that Nerissa still
stands yet. She closes her eyes once more, and rubs more forcefully at the
skin of her forehead right between her eyes. In a quiet hiss of Russkiy, she
says, "For God's sake, Nerissa, act like a lady! Have I shown you nothing
lately? Sit -down-!"

Haroon folds his arms across his chest "Sadly My Lord, that is not
acceptable. Much as I enjoy your company I and my colleagues have business
to attend to even more pressing than.. this"

Whatever the Lady Rastanyev said, it really hit a nerve with the
weaponsmistress. She promptly sits, doing her best to act as if nothing was
amiss... even with this rather ridiculous situation.

Arra tries to get Raschid's attention, wanting to whisper something to him.

Raschid turns and leans down to her

From the dais, Mikhail shrugs, "You've got my word that we'll return her to
you after we finish with her, Bashir."

Raschid looks calmly at Arra then nods and returns to watching the others.

Haroon nods calmly and glances around at the Bajazet with him. "Then we
shall be pleased to take our leave of you. We shall return to collect her in
two days. I trust that your mentat can complete a full and thorough
examination of her in that time." He tugs down his jacket to straighten it
"I shall also put my trust in you that she will be treated well. Good day
good Earl"

Raschid glances to his Earl and simply makes a few curt hand signals

Using Amat, Ibrahim looks at Haroon with utter surpsrise, "... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

"She will continue to be treated as an honored guest, as she was treated
during her entire stay with us," Tat'iana remarks gently.

From the dais, Mikhail says, "You will have her when WE have decided that
she is no harm to us."

Using Amat, Sin'Vaari says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Using Amat, Haroon nods slowly to the mentat "... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Using Amat, Ibrahim says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ..."

(OOC) Mikhail steals Anya's crop thingie and swats the pony hoppers with it,
hurry it up! Ya gab like women :P

Using Amat, Sin'Vaari says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Using Amat, Haroon says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Using Russkiy, Nerissa says, "Poor girl... Shall I take her to her room for
a warm bath and a sleep?"

Using Russkiy, Mikhail nods and smiles to Nerissa, "That would be a good
thing. See that she gets some decent clothing as well."

Using Amat, Sin'Vaari points to the ground, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Ibrahim walks forward, "If I am allowed, I shall choose to stay here while
my secretary will be, uhm, checked. I do demand to be there the entire
length of her questioning." He then smiles wryly at Raschid.

Nerissa rises slowly, making her way through the crowd of guards once more.
She rubs her eyes tiredly, before giving a genuine smile to Arra. "Dear...
why don't we retire and leave these politics to the people who actually know
them?" Her voice is soft. "I will escort you to your room and have the
servants prepare a bath and meal for you."

Sin'Vaari stands beside Ibrahim.

Tat'iana opens her eyes and looks towards Nerissa with surprise, then an
eyebrow arches slowly.

From the dais, Mikhail sighs, "You may stay, but by no means will we permit
you to be with her during the questioning procedures."

Raschid can't help but laughing at the audacity 'And would you permit me the
same good Master if the roles were reversed?"

From the dais, Mikhail says, "Infact, you will stay in the south wing of the
embassy under guard."

Haroon cups one elbow with his hand and taps his fingers on his cheek as he
listens to Ibrahim. He glances over at Nerissa, not keen for the girl to
leave his sight with her charge before this is resolved.

Ibrahim open his arms, "Ahh, you must understand, I am concerend for my
security as much as you are for yours. You cannot take her to questioning
about what she's seen and then not allow me the same leeway to take care of
my and my Siridar's security."

Arra casts a startled look from Nerissa to the Bajazets, to Raschid, and
back to the woman-soldier, but she answers obediently, "Yes, M'lady."

Ibrahim raises his arm towards Arra, "She will not leave until this is
settled!"

Nerissa leans down and whispers softly in Arra's ear.

Haroon nods in concurrance and looks up at Mikhail. "My Lord's demand in
unreasonable. It would not be wise to make another prisoner of a Bajazet
sir"

Raschid smiles "And you can understand my position about even permitting
another Master of Assassins to remain resident in our House"

Raschid says, "Much less under shall we say tense circumstances?"

From the dais, Mikhail sighs, "Bajazet, do not dictate to my fiancee while
she sits in her own home. If you stay you will not see her until after all
has been done. I will not permit a strange mentat to venture deeper into my
embassy than I would permit any other, ally or not."

Ibrahim nods, "Very well then Mentat, I will allow you to be a resident in
mine and you could question her there."

Tat'iana sits back in her chair, her eyes not meeting anyone's, her
countenance withdrawn and stony. Her nails tap intermittently on the arm of
her chair.

You sense: Haroon casts a quick a glance over you, trying to read you

Raschid smiles to the Mentat "My Earl I am sure would say that is
unacceptable as well. Remain here in the wing as our guest."

From the dais, Mikhail grips the arms of his chair, "She is a security risk.
You being with her would pose an even greater one, I know well what a Mentat
is capable of doing, I've tourtured three of them to death while they tried
with every trick in the book to get me to stop. You and she remain or she
remains alone!"

Using Amat, Sin'Vaari says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ..."

Arra nods to Nerissa, though her expression is one of bewilderment. Then she
smiles and says, "Yes, M'lady." but she doesn't move from her spot, having
being ordered by Ibrahim to stay.

Ibrahim shakes his head, "I am here to take care for the security of the
girl and of my house, if I'm not permitted this than your offer has nothing
concrete in it."

From the dais, Mikhail says, "If you stayed, I would have to ask that you
allow me to do the same to you after you finished seeing our little
interview. I give you my word-bond as a Siridar and Kinsman of the blood
that I will return the girl to you."

Nerissa lets out an exasperated sigh, pressing her hand to her forehead. She
then turns to the Bajazet group. "If she is not a slave, then you tell her
she is not a slave. Make it perfectly crystal clear. For she seems to
believe otherwise." Her eyes are narrowed.

Haroon smiles a broad lazy smile "If the girl stays here without the company
of the mentat, then we must request that a Rastanyev return with us.. to be
our guest in one of our wings while this matter is resolved. Perhaps the
Lady Langkamp might volunteer?" he asks raising a brow at her "Or some
other.. the security of the girl is our prime concern"

Mikhail rises from the dais, his hand darts to the sword sheathed on his
hip, "She will not and you will leave now, or blood will be shed and it will
not be mine."

Ibrahim looks at Raschid and then returns his gaze to Mikhail, "I do not
question your word-bond. And if I'm not to stay with her, then at least
allow Lord Rivest to do that."

Tat'iana's riding crop smacks against her boot once more, and with a
muttered curse - certainly nothing a lady would say, more like a sailor -
Tat'iana storms to her feet. "Enough!" she snaps, "Bloody hell! For God's
sake! I will go then! Just... do what you need to do, and be done with it
all!" Her cheeks flush red, and her eyes flash wetly. "This is my doing, and
I'll be the one to serve to see that it's fixed!"

From the dais, Mikhail shakes his head, "No." He gestures to the fellow in
the white sweater, "He may stay provided he does not contact Arra during her
FOUR days here. And Sister- shut up, would you?"

Haroon mentally considers which Rastanyev he'd least like to have to
entertain for four days. In her current mood, probably not the Lady Tat'iana

Ibrahim shakes his head, "Your asking me to take the same risk you are not
willing to take yourself. Lord Rivest is stay with Arra those four days, as
a warden of her security, appointed by me in the name of your kinsman, the
Baron Bajazet."

From the dais, Mikhail says, "Fine. Let him stay then, but the no contact
rule applies. I have given my WORD BOND, somthing of greater value to a
Siridar than you could begin to understand that she will not be harmed."

Ibrahim shakes his head, "Again, I do not question /your/ word bond. But
some of your minions intentions are unclear to me."

Raschid laughs one again good naturedly

Haroon steps away a pace to stand besides Sin'Vaari and leans over to
whisper into his ear in Amat

From the dais, Mikhail says, "She will not be harmed by them either. Now
_go_"

Using Amat, Sin'Vaari says, "... ... ... ... ... ..."

Ibrahim bows and turns towards the door, gathering Haroon and Trasil on the
way.

Tat'iana rubs at her eyes with both hands, sinking back to her chair,
completely mollified. Her cheeks remain flushed, and she again rubs at her
temples.

Sin'Vaari takes off his belt, holding his pistol and shield generator and
hands it to Haroon.

Using Amat, Sin'Vaari says, "... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ..."

Haroon rests one hand lightly on the handle of his scimitar, drumming his
fingers lightly "Very well... I see no further potential from this
discourse. Lord Rivest, attend to the girl as well as you can" He smiles "I
trust your own abilities to look after yourself." He looks back to Mikhail
"My Lord, I am sure that none of us shall soon forget this. Good day to you"

Sin'Vaari nods to Haroon.

From the dais, Mikhail says, "Indeed, Lord Bashir. Good day."

Arra watches silently as the Bajazet take their leave and bites her lip
nervously.

Haroon accepts Sin'Vaari's belt and holds it loosely by his side as he bows
to the room in general. He turns on his heel and leaves without another word

Haroon walks to the south and passes through the Arched Doors.
Haroon has left.

Before leaving, Ibrahim turns and says one more sentance, "Arra, as you know
by now, you're not a slave." He looks at Nerissa and then at Tat'iana, "Just
to make things clear."

Sin'Vaari crosses his arms, looks at all the soldiers assembled, not even
trying to hold in his ear-to-ear smile.

Arra nods and bows to Ibrahim, "Yes, Master."

Raschid smiles down at Arra "Please return to where you were before this
evening began. We will discuss things in the morning"

Arra says, "But...aren't I supposed to stay with Lord Rivest?"

Sin'Vaari doesn't even bother to control the immense smile on his face as he
stands silent.

Tat'iana draws her knees up in her chair, and puts her forehead on them as
she wraps her arms around her legs. She stays that way for several long
moments.

Raschid smiles "No, Arra, the agreement was that he may remain to return you
safely."

Raschid says, "Our Earl has already provided his WordBond."

Arra breathes a soft 'oh' and nods, "Yes, Master." With a glance at
Sin'Vaari, she then turns and climbs the stairs.

Arra climbs the Rose Wood Stairway.
Arra has left.

Sin'Vaari looks at Trasil, "Return to the Embassy. I shall be fine."

Trasil returns a blank neutral look at Sin'Vaari. He steps forward past the
warrior. Bending at the waist, he bows twice...once to Tati'ana and once to
the mentat Raschid.

Raschid looks to the Timariot "I am sure, Sir you will find your quarters
satisfactory, and you may meet with her before and after each Session."

Trasil rises and turns to leae.

Trasil walks to the south and passes through the Arched Doors.
Trasil has left.

Sin'Vaari shrugs, "Very well."

Raschid bows and strides upstairs

Raschid climbs the Rose Wood Stairway.
Raschid has left.


---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dune III Readers Mailing List (dune3-readers@fremen.org)
This list is unmoderated. To unsubscribe, email majordomo@fremen.org
with 'unsubscribe <listname>'. For help, mail majordomo@fremen.org
with 'help <listname>' in the message.