Rumble in the Palace

[HYWASaint@aol.com]

A short log between Erich and Ermengildo, the latter approaching the Emperor 
with a request to court his sister ... and from there the fun ensues.
____________________________________________________________________

The Leonine Chamber -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
      This chamber, one of the smaller audience chambers in the palace, is 
meant for more informal and private audiences. Its vast expanse reflects the 
leonine might and strength of House Corrino, their character perfectly 
personified in that most noble of animals. Floors of white marble are set 
with breath-taking frescoes of expertly-cut fireopal tesserae, their gentle 
orange glint causing the scenes of lions, several of which are devouring 
people and small children, to glint and seem to move. Walls of blackest onyx 
are engraved with majestic frescoes depicting scenes of Corrino history, its 
most noble exploits and rulers from the Battle of Corrin to the auspicious 
reign of Fredhrick XIX. The vaulted ceiling, rising high overhead, is a mesh 
of the other two themes, checkered in slabs of the same white marble and 
black onyx of floor and ceiling. Immense chandeliers are hung from its lofty 
height, their Hagal crystal shards chosen for lucidity and efficiency in 
diffusing light throughout the large chamber. In the centre of this all sits 
a dais and upon it rests a throne carved from one immense ruby, a fiery 
setting for a mighty Emperor. The brilliant royal seat glints in shades of 
vermillion and bright orange, strategically set to catch light from the 
chandeliers. Some smaller high-backed chairs are set upon the floor a few 
feet from the dais, this truly an informal and casual audience chamber in 
that it affords the greatest amount of convenience found in the entire palace 
... the rare opportunity to be seated in the presence of the Padishah Emperor 
of the Known Universe.
Exits:
 Golden Doors <SW> leads to Imperial Selamlik -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

Erich is seated upon his ruby throne, the Emperor dressed in his robes of 
state, apparently having come from a public function. A hand taps upon an arm 
of his throne, gaze looking blithely towards the doorway.

Ermengildo enters, his head held regally and high. Though regal attitude can 
only go so far in here. The man kneels infront of the Ruby Throne, bowing his 
head meekly infront of the Emperor. "Hail my Sublime Padishah Emperor. I, 
Ermengildo Moritani, bring greetings and salutations from House Moritani of 
Grumman. However, I come here on my own personal choice and will"

Cromwell has arrived.

Erich makes reply by stretching out a hand, gesturing towards the chairs 
which are arrayed at the foot of his dais. "Be seated, Lord Moritani, and 
explain to us the reasons for this audience," the Emperor insists with 
neutral, even tone.

Cromwell enters casually but offers a perfectly formal bow to the Emperor. He 
then makes his way to lean against a wall should his services be required. In 
the meantime he looks over a report.

Ermengildo sits in the chair directly facing the dais. "I will make this 
brief, my Sublime Emperor. But I have come to ask permission to court Her 
Highness, the Princess Jenaa Corrino." His voice is bold, and confident but 
holding a meekness in this Chamber.

Erich looks to his Chancellor in silent signal for him to approach, the wry 
blandness of his expression vanishing at the mention of his sister, brow 
quirking in immediate concern, green eyes sparking with something less than 
genial reception of this request. "You what? You wish to court my sister?"

Cromwell quietly moves into position slightly behind his Emperor's right.

Ermengildo looks up to the Emperor with his brown, mediterranean eyes. "Yes, 
that is correct Your Majesty. I have grown...quite fond of her Highness in 
the past few weeks. Discussing literature, life, philosophy-" He pauses, "I 
will not bore you with the details your Majesty, I know you are incredibly 
busy. I have grown a place in my heart for her..." He closes his eyes a bit, 
not embarrased but touched by a warmness that is found in the glow of his 
eyes.

Erich does something he rarely does ... The Emperor rises from his throne, 
hands clenched at his side. "Have you even discussed this matter with the 
Na-Empress?"

Ermengildo nods, "That I have your Majesty. She suggested that I come to you 
to offically ask."

Ermengildo says, "I wish to obey the Forms within this matter."

Erich hardly seems to have had his doubts assuaged by this, head cocking to 
one side sardonically. "And does my sister ... return the apparently amorous 
forms you have for her?"

Ermengildo puts his hand over his heart. "I have noticed that Her Highness is 
quite shy. However these mentions of love can only enter the contents of this 
room and my own personal journal due to the fact that I do not want to give 
off the concept to the other Houses that I am courting Her Highness 
unoffically. I feel that she has taken this attitude as well. I understand 
your Majesty's protection, but I am sure you understand this is more about 
titles and fiefs."

Cromwell takes a step back.

Erich seats himself again, leaning forward like so much a vulture eyeing some 
tasty carrion. "Is it now? Do explain, Lord Moritani.'

Ermengildo smiles warmly to the Emperor, matching his look with a smile. "I 
am happy with my position as Earl of the Aran Province on Grumman. I am 
little concerned with the political aspect of this. However, I have noticed 
that many nobles have fallen short of love and romance due to a political 
marriage. The noble man goes off to take his mistress leaving the noble women 
to bear his children, a political breeding mare. Then while he still goes on 
with these mistresses your Majesty, who is left to suffer with old age and 
atrophy? The woman of course. To marry in love and in politics is an 
advantage, and this is one such advantage. I am sure the Throne agrees with 
me?"

Erich replies with a thin, feigned smile. "The Throne finds it far wiser to 
reserve comment until you are finished, Lord Ermengildo. Now expound on the 
fact you have brought up that this is an arrangement based entirely upon 
titles and fiefs."

Ermengildo sighs, "Your Majesty, I am a scholar of History, as you may have 
known. I am sure you are aware of the Habsburgs of Ancient Terra? I know when 
a situation like this arrised, the Habsburg men always married to gain 
territory. Legally, this will be the case in this marriage, however, God 
willing it will be for love. Tell me, how many historical noble marriages 
were for love? Not that many, your Majesty. I will not longer bore the Throne 
with such history." He sighs again, "I am quite happy with my noble life your 
Majesty. I have a fair sized province, produces some of the greatest wines in 
the Universe. I have my advisory vocation and my villa. But I ask the Throne, 
to kindly not deny the matters of the heart."

Erich replies pointedly, "The Habsburgs were also inbred, and suffered 
tremendous mental and physical retardation because of it, Lord Moritani."

Ermengildo nods, "I am aware your Majesty, that is what they collected when 
they split their Empire in two. Again, to gain territory, not to gain a 
heart."

Erich perfectly glowers, his brows furrowing in consternation. "You will 
allow us to make some observations, Lord Moritani?"

Erich exhales a heavy sigh and then lets out with it ... "You, Lord Moritani, 
are an individual who strikes me as possessing very little intelligence, and 
even less tact. You exhibited this at Court a few weeks ago, and have done so 
again now by professing to love my sister and desiring to marry her for such, 
and then brazenly and brashly extending -far- beyond your station in life to 
dare suggest that House Corrino would have the slightest interest in your 
weed-infested little orchard you have the audacity to call a fief. I find you 
unprincipled, given to vice and uncontrollable lust, and devoid of all 
practical knowledge of the political realities around you. And therefore, you 
may consider your request to court my sister both herewith and forever more 
-denied-."

Ermengildo stands, raising an eyebrow. He simply says, "As you wish, your 
Majesty. I will not waste your time any further. 

Erich notes as the Lord Moritani prepares his goodbyes, "Then you best make 
certain you divulge it to no one, Lord Moritani ... else -you- will not stand 
for long. That I can promise you."

Ermengildo nods, "I am sorry you are ashamed of me, Your Majesty. But my love 
still stands. I wish you good luck in finding someone who equally loves your 
sister, as I love her. Good day." He thinks, <<If it is anyone devoid of 
principal, it is you, Your Majesty. I do hope your Selamlik begins to stink 
with smell of lion piss.>>

Erich rises from his throne with indignant snort. "Lord Moritani, your love 
does -not- stand, do I make that quite clear? I am stamping it out with the 
same ardour with which you have impregnated that Harkonnen harlot."

Ermengildo raises an eyebrow, along with a smile. "Love and lust run the 
Heavens, your Majesty. Without it, your Imperium would have died out long 
ago."

Erich slowly descends one step of the dais. "Love and lust are two opposing 
forces, my blundering and rapacious Lord Moritani. If you group the two 
together you make a great mistake. That whore has nothing in common with the 
Na-Empress, hence why the former opens her legs for any stunted, impotent 
fool whereas the latter has the good sense to deny him."

Ermengildo advances one step, "You know nothing of my personal relationships, 
none of which you have obtained from personal heresay. I will have you know 
that 'whore' happened to be a great intellectual, like your sister. Titles 
may hold water here, but in a way she carried a great intellect, like your 
sister. But I am sorry I waisted the Court's time with my...'impotent mind.'"

Erich inquires flatly, brow risen in challenge. "Do you dare to contradict 
the Imperial will?"

Ermengildo smiles broadly, "I will accept your will, your Majesty. However, I 
came here within the Forms, politely and willingly. It does not bother me 
that you denied my request, your Majesty. But you insulted my intelligence 
and my morality. I will not go into history, and mention the Corrino Lion 
Throne draped in a coats of blood, however, I keep to myself, obey the 
Imperium, and my House. I will accept your will, Your Majesty. But I do not 
/agree/ with it, nor will I sit while you insult my morality, since morality 
is subjective."

Erich scoffs in disregard of such sentiment. "I certainly think you -shall-, 
Lord Moritani ... because you are devoid of both intelligence and morality, 
by all accounts. I will not sully the Corrino Lion by allowing it to be 
mounted by a prating gigolo."

Ermengildo scoffs at this, raising his eyebrows, "Your Highness, I am not 
mounting the Corrino Lion, nor do I wish to. I have better things to do with 
my time. However, I came here on my own time, humbled myself before this 
Court. My accomplishments have been far greater than many other Siridars and 
Emperors in history. I will bow before this decision, but I will not allow my 
intelligence to be insulted. I will allow your Majesty to have his view on 
what 'morality' is, however I am not a sadist as you make me out to be."

Erich blinks imperiously. "You should count yourself lucky that I allow you 
to leave with your -head-, Lord Moritani." A hand waves in dismissal. "Leave, 
before I reconsider this magnanimity. The longer you tarry, the shorter your 
life expectancy becomes."

Ermengildo nods, "Fine your Majesty. Good day."

Erich appends to that tersely, "And you will not so much as speak to the 
Na-Empress until such time as I grant you leave to. You have presumed far, 
far too much, and were I in a less giving vein I would see you hung from the 
nearest tree."

Ermengildo does a quick bow, and then exits. As he leaves he states, "That is 
quite alright your Majesty. I do not want anything to do with the Family of 
Corrino, ever again."

The Emperor mutters wryly after the Lord Moritani has departed, "The feeling 
is quite mutual, I assure you."
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