Moritani Fete, part 1 of 2

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

6/3/01
Logfile from DuneIII-Ophelia

-----Thank you EVERYONE who attended!!!-----

((I'm sorry! I'm afraid I only captured a few descs!))

Caeciliah
Deep eyes of soulful blue cast out from the untouched ivory skin of this
lady's porcelain face. Hair of pale brown softly cradles her pretty,
aesthetic face. Her cheeks and lips show the faintest shade of rouge
coloring to them, and her eyes are enfolded in long, sienna lashes. Her
slender body fits her noble status, demonstrating that her hardest physical
work goes into making sure the place settings are correct for the evening's
gala, but shows the subtle strength inherent in her lineage.

Pure, angelic white drapes the form of this ravishing woman. The sleeveless
bodice cut with a low neck and bust is adorned with whorls of silvery
embroidery. Upon unblemished arms glide silky gloves of snowy hue edged in
more glittery silver embroidery. From below a silver belt flutters blizzard
of silver-sparkled snowy chenille in whispering layers hugging to the curves
and fluttering with the breeze. About her shoulders rests a long wrap of
glittery silver cloth adding more sparkle to the purity of the dress. A
single strand of pearls is woven into her hair in an intricate braid, and a
cascade of styled ringlets falls from the top of her head over one of her
shoulders, lending color to the snowy winter of her dress. About her neck
rests a double-strand of pearls of finest quality clasped on a silver chain.

Ulricke
Ulricke Harkonnen is a tall young woman that appears to be in her early
twenties. At just an inch under six feet tall, she manages both statuesque
voluptuousness and lithe athleticism. There's nothing soft about her, yet
she maintains an almost aggressive femininity. Her white-blonde hair is
sleek and straight, falling to the shoulder and framing her face. Her blue
eyes tend to vary in shade depending on her mood; the more intense her
emotion, the more bright and intense they become. Her eyelids have been
shaded with silvery gray shadow and outlined with kohl to emphasis her eyes
even more. Her high cheekbones have been brushed subtly with shadow, and her
full lips, which glossed lightly to luscious effect, provide her with an
arrogant, dangerous beauty. The image is assisted by her confidant,
predatory stance and movement.

The two piece dress is a rich, royal shade of blue, and made of a light,
silken fabric. The top is a simple tube bandeau, in a sleeveless halter
style. The shirt is cropped to just above the navel, where a glistening,
dark blue jewel has been set. The skirt, ankle length and made of the same
material, is a sort of split skirt divided into two pieces. The back piece
is hemmed at the top to drape from the inside of each part of her hip all
the way around to the back, while the front section is worn loincloth style
in the front. While covering her lower body completely, it allows her to
reveal her long, svelte legs, all the way from her sleek upper thigh to her
soft and elegantly pedicured feet. Her additional ornamentation are a solid
silver necklace with a large, dark blue sapphire twined in smaller silver
wire, and a coiling wire upper arm band also made of silver. Her skin has
been dusted with a faintly sparkling silver sheen, causing her skin to glow
luminously.

Ophelia
Of average height, she carries the olive-toned complexion known to her
mother's side, though not as dark as most. Her lips are full, her nose
rounded and smallish. But her eyes are rimmed in thick lashes, and the
irises so darkly colored as to nearly be indistinguishable from the pupils.
Overall, her oval-shaped face is neither one of classic beauty, nor is it
hard on the eyes.

Her thick, black hair is absolutely straight, resisting any and all efforts
to hold the curls so stylish and luxurious to have. So instead, she wears it
pulled back and plaited into several braids which are gathered at the nape
of her neck. Though simple, the coif is very elegant.

She does not have the small waistline, either, of the fine young ladies who
favor the waif look. Ample in bosom, her figure surely depends on rigid
corsetry to contain that hourglass shape. The tightness of her very low-cut
bodice threatens disaster momentarily with every breath, yet, amazingly,
everything remains held together. Gone is the usual, drab gown of black.
Now, she wears a gown of deep, rich burgundy velvet, the sleeves nothing
more than short caps at the tops of her arms which leave the soft skin of
her arms bare. The skirts are wide and full, and whisper across the floor as
she walks. Little else in the way of trim adorns the gown, though jewels
adorn her neck, ears, and fingers. A long strand of pearls is looped around
close to her neck, and then a second much longer loop hangs nearly to her
waist, while pearl and garnet earrings dangle from her ears.




Grumman Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)(#1554RatA)

        Constructed with a single purpose in mind, to illustrate the wealth
and influence of House Moritani, this magnificent hall accomplishes its
goal. Colonnaded hallways make up the eastern and western boundaries of the
vast three story hall. Immense marble columns support the arches that rise
nearly one hundred fifty feet above. Resting upon the four arches is a huge
golden dome with small windows ringing its base. Shining down from the top
of the rotunda in gold filigree is the symbol of the Lion Throne, serving of
a constant reminder to all of House Moritani's service and loyalty to the
Padishah Emperor.

        Directly opposite this magnificent golden lion, inlaid in the floor
by mosaic, is the Moritani coat of arms. Easily two hundred feet from top to
bottom, the mosaic is set within a circular field of black marble, which in
turn is surrounded by white alabaster that blazes brightly when caught by
the light from the windows of the dome.

        For the evening, banners in burgundy and black are draped from the
galleries above, and an adundance of flowers overflow through the
colonnades. Liveried servants direct guests to the Banquet Hall, and scurry
about to see to their wishes and needs.

Exits:

 Grand Staircase <U> leads to Great Landing -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Oaken Doors <W> leads to Chapel -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Alabaster Arch <E> leads to Banquet Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Ornate Arch <S> leads to Consistory -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Colossal Arch <N> leads to Reception Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
vehicle 1278, bound for Moritani Embassy, requesting clearance, "Mentat
Chardin Klees requesting clearance.""

Chardin walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Chardin has arrived.

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
ornithopter 2693, bound for Moritani Embassy, requesting clearance, "The
Duchess Atreides""

You clear the vehicle over your communicator.

Ophelia stands in the center of the hall, greeting visitors and guests, her
smile warm and bright.

Chardin enters the hall, a winning and appreciative smile upon the face of
the Ginaz mentat as he surveys the delightful decorations and pageantry of
the embassy. He nods with genial candor to several notables whom he
recognizes, neccessary greetings in order to penetrate the wall of bodies
and walk through the chamber.

A gap between people in front of her gives the Countess a view of the Ginaz
Mentat, and she uses the borrowed moment to study the man intently. At last,
the way between them is clear, and her smile warms as she exclaims, "Master
Klees! It is a divine pleasure to see you attending our modest little
gathering tonight.."

Chardin foresakes other millers-about to offer a friendly hand to the
Countessa. "Your Excellency ... A brilliant and ravishing affair, by all the
looks of it ... and nothing less expected from you, hrmm?" he jibes with a
playful wink.

Pers walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Pers has arrived.

Ophelia lifts her hand to place it on top of the offered one, tilting her
head as she peers at the Mentat. "You, m'lord, seek to flatter me," she
notes quietly, though the accusation is softened with an equally as playful
smile.

Caeciliah walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Caeciliah has arrived.

Chardin takes the offered hand of the Countess Moritani and bends with
artful flair to place a chaste and chivalrous kiss upon it. "Let us hope I
can succeed," he suggests in rising.

Standing in the center of the great hall, the Countess Moritani greets her
guests and visitors. True to the wording of her invitation, gone even is the
black gowns she wore prior to this evening -- and in their place, a deep
scarlet for the evening. Currently, the Ginaz Mentat, Chardin Klees, has her
undivided attention.

Ophelia blushes softly at the Mentat's words, the coloring of her face
heightened by the color of her gown. "Perhaps, Master Klees, you have," she
murmurs in response to him.

Pers waits patiently somewhere in the vicinity of the Countess, the Lady
Caeciliah at his side. He does not look terribly interested in the hubbub or
opulence of the party around him, but instead stands, with solemn
expression, holding a wrapped cylinder in his right hand.

Chardin genteely releases the hand of the Countessa and, to better make room
for her to mill about with others, takes a step back in courtesy.
Nonetheless, his attentions remain upon her, and he suggests, "Then maybe we
can exchange more flatteries later?"

Jansen walks in from Consistory through the Ornate Arch.

Jansen has arrived.

Jansen slips into the room quietly bowing to his Siridar frist then the
others.

Ophelia gives the Mentat another soft smile, and dips her head in a brief
nod. "I shall ensure it is so, Master Klees. Do enjoy the evening..." Almost
reluctantly, she turns to the next waiting guest, her eyebrows arched and
smile freshly prepared to voice her greetings.

Caeciliah stands patiently, wraithlike on her Lord's arm, attired fully in
wintry white, a slight smile playing about her lips as she awaits formal
reception.

Pers steps forward with Caeciliah, offering a stiff bow even as she
curtseys. "Lady Countess," he says in a somewhat warm tone, "Our best wishes
for the evening. The remodeled Embassy is quite well designed and built." He
turns slightly to look at Caeciliah. "May I introduce the Lady Caeciliah
Helmsgillar, daughter of the Lord Ambassador, who has recently joined the
Alvstad staff from her estates on Alvsgaard."

Ophelia curtseys in kind to the Alvstad nobles, "Your compliments are
greatly appreciated, Lord Admiral. I am pleased we could share it with you
this evening." As the newly arrived lady is introduced, she nods to the
woman, her smile yet in place. "Ah... welcome to Kaitain, Lady Helmsgillar.
I hope you find the climate on Kaitain to your liking." Whether it be
environmental climate, or political climate, the Countess does not specify,
leaving the statement as it stands.

Caeciliah curties deeply, maintaining her ghost of a smile, "Why thank you
for your welcome, Your Excellency, I do hope the evening finds you well."
her grace and poise somewhat the antithesis of Pers' nearly antisocial
stiffness so appropriate for the leader of the Alvst.

Shane descends the Grand Staircase.

Shane has arrived.

Chardin navigates through the crowds, taking time to stop and shake a hand
here, compliment a dress there, make the obligatory social rounds to keep
the hoity toity happy.

Shane descends down the stairs, a bit tardied but not anything too late.
Dutifully, giving a perfunctory bow, the man steps up beside Ophelia, hands
clasping behind his back as he takes the position designated for a man of
his position, hands clasped formally behind his back, the Swordmaster's
countenance nearly perfect on this formal occasion.

Jansen stays pretty much on the perimeter of the crowd, with the partiers
but not mingling really.

Marco walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Marco has arrived.

Pers extends from his left hand a very delicate, rolled silk parchment, tied
with a papery ribbon. "For the Lady Countess's pleasure," he says as he
gives it. "I hope you find its aesthetics pleasing."

Margot walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Margot has arrived.

Jenaa walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Jenaa has arrived.

Ophelia glances to her side as Shane joins her, not noticing the gift
extended to her for a moment. She turns, surprise crossing her face briefly,
and accepts the wrapped parcel with two hands. "Lord Admiral... how kind of
you. Have you met the acquaintance yet of Lord Shane Padron, the Count of
Antilles?"

Pers tilts his head slightly. "I do not believe so. How do you do, Lord
Count," he says, offering a half-bow.

Shane bows politely to the man, "Lord Admiral Eskilsen," intones Shane. To
say he's well versed in many of the politicians is one thing. But most
especially has he come to know those of a military slant and so the
Regent/Warmaster would not go unnoticed. "I hope you'll enjoy your time with
us this evening."

Marco clears his throat some annouceing the guest who he has shown in, "Her
Imperial Highnes, the na-Empress and her Grace, the Duchess Atreides."

Chardin quirks a brow at the Imperial presence, making the occasion all the
more auspicious.

"Lord Padron is the Champion of House Moritani," the Countess adds quietly,
then looks up as more guests are announced.

Jenaa follows shortly behind Marco, her dark eyes making a quick survey of
the collected guests as a diplomatic smile frames her face.

"Of a certainty," Pers replies simply. "Lady Countess, I hope to speak with
you later this evening," he says calmly, "but I do believe you've additional
guests to greet." He steps away from the Countess with a quick bow, adding
to Shane, "Your duel on Kaitain was well heard of, Lord Padron. Your skill
is indeed admirable." With that, he heads off into the rest of the crowd to
'mingle.' Or stand.

Margot keeps a hold behind Jenaa, giving her the chance to clear away from
the the na-empress and survey the crowd from a less noticable position.

As the Imperial presence is announced in the hall, nobles and servants alike
bow low, conversations ceasing immediately.

The Countess herself dips into a low curtsey, head bowed low.

Caeciliah follows on her Lord's arm for the time being, mostly to keep his
stalwart image somewhat more politic for the purposes of the party's
demeanor.

Shane smiles politely, bowing to the man once more, pleased to hear the
compliment though he's sure he'll hear many a murmering for and against the
action. Turning his gaze at the sight of the na-Empress, however, he bows,
his head low, though he is as most will be pleased for the presence of her.

Jenaa raises her voice as people bow and curtsey to greet her, "Good evening
Lords and Ladies. Your warm welcome is most kind, but I should not wish to
divert your attentions from Her Excellency, and our Hostess this evening,
the Siridar-Countess Moritani." With that, she gestures towards Ophelia,
palm upturned.

Marco stands with his hands clasped be hind his back, gazeing out into the
crowd of people. His face is set business like but relaxed as always.

Sarah walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Sarah has arrived.

Ophelia rises from her curtsey and clasps her hands before her -- almost
like a child, giddy with excitement. But her face remains composed, except
that her bright smile remains firmly in place. With her voice pitched to
carry through the hall, she states clearly, "Her Highness honors us muchly
with the treat of her grace and beauty tonight, and we are most grateful."
With a gesture towards the Banquet Hall, she then adds, "My lords, ladies,
please do join us as we further open the doors of our embassy tonight. There
is excellent food, fine wines, excellent music and space for dancing within
the Banquet Hall.."

Aleksei walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Aleksei has arrived.

Shane stands as Ophelia does, his place the traditional location where he
can be found at her right. Hands as well are clasped behind his back,
pleased to see the lovely countenance of the na-Empress. While eating would
be fun, and he knows how good the morsels are, one must follow with one's
Lady and well, his appetite can wait.

Marco finds his moment to slip back out.

Marco walks to the north and passes through the Colossal Arch.

Marco has left.

Soft applause echoes through the hall, as people rise from their own bows
and curtseys for the Princess, many of the guests beginning to make their
way through the alabaster archway to where the food, wine, and entertainment
awaits.

Aleksei follows behind Sarah, he is impressed by the massive embassy here on
Kaitain, the Moritani sure know how to entertain their guests and impress
them also. He looks around the crowded room and spots no one in particular
he knows.

Sarah smiles to Aleksei, "Here we are then. Enjoy yourself." She curtsies
and walks away from him.

Marco walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Marco has arrived.

Chardin needs no further prompting, and joins the exodus towards the
awaiting festivities.

Chardin walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Chardin has left.

Marco enters back in from the Reception Hall to make sure that everything is
in place.

Caeciliah,as a member of the general crowd passes through the archway into
the Reception hall.

Caeciliah walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Caeciliah has left.

Sarah walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Sarah has left.

Jenaa walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Jenaa has left.

Margot remains at bit at her place, reminded why it is a bad thing to enter
a place in the presence of royalty.

Aleksei sighs as he just entered the area and perhaps he should just follow
the crowd.. and he slips under the arch

Aleksei walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Aleksei has left.

Jansen walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Jansen has left.

Ophelia cranes her neck over the crowd, and as things thin out a bit she
finally spots Margot. She makes her way towards the woman, her smile
brightening considerably. "M'lady... you did come... I was beginning to
worry that you'd not..."

Szandor walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Szandor has arrived.

Margot carefully lifts her dress as she makes her way over, meeting you
halfway. Smiling a bit forlorn she waves a hand. "You know I always make
good on my promises. But sometimes when you're in the presence of those
superceding you, one tends to be pushed out of the picture, even if it is
not meant to happen." A soft shrug banishes the moment to the past. "May I
say you look radiant today Ophelia? Or do you prefer milady contessa for the
occasion?"

Szandor enters the Hall, a little late as usual. He emerges in Merteuil
dress uniform with black cape of course. He bows gracefully do other nobles
as he makes his entrance.

Shane gives a bow of course to the Duchess Atreides but stands quietly to
Ophelia's right as he simply continues his dutiful role of guard, escort,
and deterrent to anything unseemly. His hands are clasped behind his back
properly, his expression...pleased, entertained even though his gaze alert,
as always.

Boris walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Boris has arrived.

Boris bustles into the chamber, chuckling at something, a knot of his usual
guards in tow. He says something to a retainer, who chortles with the Baron.
"Ah, Countess, Countess," he calls, approaching Ophelia, grinning good
naturedly. "Have I missed dinner? You won't hear the end of it if I have!"

Ophelia smiles softly for the Duchess, and manages a slight blush once more
this evening. "Thank you, m'lady... your compliment is most kind..." Though
she pauses, then adds, "Call me what you will, but... it is a public event."
Anything else she might have said it cut off by Boris' boisterous entrance,
and she laughs in kind with him. "Baron! I've only just announced that food
and wine, and entertainment, were awaiting our noble, honored guests in the
Banquet Hall. You've not missed much, I promise!"

Marco look around once moor making sure that everything is in check before
proceeding in. Quietly he nods to Shane making sure that he has ever in
check with the Countess before heading in.

Szandor bows to the countessa, "Milady countessa." After all they are just
aquaintances. He stands by Margot bowing as well. "Your Grace."

Marco walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Marco has left.

Boris rubs his hands, glancing about. "Excellent! Good evening, Cousine!" he
says, offering a curt bow to Margot. "You haven't drunk all the wine, have
you?"

Giving a bow to the Harkonnen Siridar, Shane stands up then, smiling
slightly at the irony of Margot and Boris happening to be here at the same
time. A possibly amusing situation that will seemingly not turn out to be
anything more, he nonetheless, is...the attentive swordmaster.

Margot's face noticable pales hearing the baron Harkonnen nearing from
behind. Catching herself she manages to prevent the instinctive reaction to
flick on her personal shield. Instead she lightly turns on the ball of her
foot and returns the nod with the absolute minimum gesture the faufreluches
prescribe in such a situation.

Camilla walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Camilla has arrived.

Szandor bows a bit to Boris, as he stands at Margot's side. "My Baron." His
expression turning from cheerful to an immediate stoic.

"Of course we haven't, my dear Baron," Ophelia steps around, intending to
slip her arm through his. She nods briefly to the Vicomte, then turns her
attention back to Margot and Boris both. "Now... let me show you both where
the food is... and the wine. There's plenty of it all..."

Jereth walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Jereth has arrived.

Camilla quietly enters and looks around. Seeing the Siridari gathered she
offers a quick curtsie before continuing on to find someone she knows.

Camilla walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Camilla has left.

Wallach walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Wallach has arrived.

Wallach walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Wallach has left.

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
vehicle 1278, bound for Moritani Embassy, requesting clearance, "Lord Petrov
apologizes for his tardiness and requests clearance to tonight's
celebration.""

Shane says something into his communicator.

Boris narrows his eyes and nods at Szandor. "My lord," he murmurs,
recognizing the fellow from Court and giving a smirk.

Jereth has disconnected.

Andrey walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.

Andrey has arrived.

Jereth has connected.

Margot smiles at Ophelia and starts moving in the direction of Grumman hall
when the quick passage of Wallach Escobar makes her halt in her tracks. It
is as if fate is conspiring against her. Turning to hide her indecision she
smiles at Ophelia again. "I hope you will not take offense milady, but I
think I'll await the rest of my party to arrive..."

<<Margot thinks: and hopefully some people will have left by then...>>

Jereth walks in quietly, trying to remember if this is the right place. He
smiles when he notices the crowd. He too notices the Siridari gathered, and
immediately makes his way to the hostess of the party.. he walks up to
ophelia and bows deeply..

Guided by a servant, Andrey enters the room. He pauses, taking in the
impressively decorated hall. Seeing Ophelia, he makes his way over.

Szandor raises an eyebrow to the Baron returning the smirk with a brief
scowl. His eyes then move to something more pleasant to behold, the
tapestries that are put out for the event.

Shane smiles slightly. Looking to Margot, "Your Grace," he smiles. "Think of
it as nothing more than the village idiot. What is court, without its
jester, after all?" He has heard of the Squire's foibles in front of the
important woman at at least tries to make light of them. His hands remain
clasped behind his back as he strolls with the Siridari.

Boris chuckles at the young swan, then turns to make his way inside.

Ophelia frowns in Margot's direction, then shakes her head slightly. "If you
wish," she says, nodding to the two men who have just approached. Shane's
words bring a slight smile to her lips, and she nods.

Boris walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Boris has left.

Szandor shakes his head at the Baron, then takes his pocket watch out to
reveal the time.

Jereth says, "Good evening, M'Lady.. I am Jereth Crane, Swordmaster to House
Venhei.."

Ophelia does not give the Venhei a particularly warm greeting, saying
simply, "Welcome, m'lord. You will find tonight's entertainment in the
Banquet Hall." She glances once more towards Margot, then nods to Shane. "I
should finally join my guests, hmm? If you'll excuse me..."

Szandor places his pocket watch in his breast pocket with a sigh....as if he
was expecting someone.

Jereth bows and looks to Margot.."Good eve, m'Lady.. It's good to see the
Areides here tonight.."

Andrey bow deeply to the Countess, then continues on the the Banquet Hall.

Andrey walks to the east and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Andrey has left.

Margot has that distinct look upon her that says 'one drink and she'll be
okay' still unsure how to proceed she is shaken out of her inner thoughts by
Jereth. Turning towards him she smiles politely and nods. "Good evening
milord.'

You walk through the Alabaster Arch.

Banquet Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)(#1003Rntu)

        The formal dining and banquet hall of the Moritanian Embassy is a
gastronomic delight. The walls of the hall are made of pure bloodstone, one
of the favourite gems of the Siridar-Countess. The floors are of white
marble which has been veined with pure gold, and white marble columns are
spaced at even intervals throughout the room. Delicately carved scrollwork
at the bases and tops of the columns is accented with gold leaf, contrasting
nicely against the bloodstone of the walls.

        The dining table, easily able to seat 50 at its high-backed
upholstered chairs, is mahogany and inscribed along its edges are the names
of every Padishah Emperor and the respective Moritani who served them. The
lighting for the room comes from a most curious source: more than 500
candelabra run down the edges of the room, and another 15 are arranged down
the centre of the table. Clearly, the banquet hall is no less of a display
of antiquity, wealth, devotion to the Imperium, and dignity which
personifies the personality and philosophy of House Moritani, than the
remainder of the embassy.

        Along the opposite side of the room from the curved archway leading
in from Grumman Hall, floor-to-ceiling windows and french doors open out
onto the gardens, the scent of roses drifting in on a slight breeze.

        For the evening's festivities, banners have been hung throughout the
hall in the burgundy and black of the house. Servants stand ready to attend
to the guests' desires, and still more pass through the hall with laden
trays of drinks and food. Musicians are unobtrusively ensconced in an
alcove, the quiet music filling the hall.

Players:

 Andrey                                             Boris

 Wallach                                            Camilla

 Marco                                              Jansen

 Aleksei                                            Jenaa

 Sarah                                              Caeciliah

 Chardin

Exits:

 French Doors <E> leads to Rose Garden -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Alabaster Arch <W> leads to Grumman Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

Shane walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Shane has arrived.

Aleksei smirks and speaks softly back to Camilla.

Shane makes his way in, following Ophelia, hands clasped behind his back as
the man escorts the lovely Siridar.

Boris bows to Princess Jenaa, a smirk on his lips. "Your Highness! How good
it is to see you once more, eh? Pity your brother his Majesty isn't among
us!"

Caeciliah nods her head, taking in her surroundings, "Though I must say that
I find some of the opulence a bit garish... That, however, is just the Alvst
way. I must say the remodel here appears to have been a grand succes though,
hopefully our own estates will bear the same grandeur, if not ornamentation
after we finish with our work on them."

Chardin briefly fingers his unornamented robes. "I share your sentiments,
m'lady, I assure you."

Jenaa offers a slight, closed lipped smile to the Baron as she nods quietly.
Her voice rises, somewhat pinched and thin, "Indeed, Lord Baron. Truly a
shame, but he was occupied with other matters and ... has sent me to attend
in his stead."

Jereth walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Jereth has arrived.

The musicians in the alcove seem to find a way to bring their piece to a
quick, yet pleasant end. Wallach settles down in a chair, which is slightly
to the side of the chamber group, and looks around his immediate area for a
brief moment. A smile comes across his face as he spots another chair near
to him. He drags it over and lays his instrument case atop it. As
unntoiceably as he can, he quickly stretches out his fingers and unlatches
the case. The lid is flipped open, revealing a brilliant lute, painted in a
most iridescent array of blues and purples. The young Escobar takes his lute
in hand, showing a smile that hints quite a bit of pride over the instrument
which he is readying to play.

Caeciliah looks at her own attire, "This is not much compared to what some
of this world's social butterflies wear, but it is considered almost overly
ornamental by the conservatives of my people. That is one of my purposes in
coming to Kaitan, I must see that our embassy and estate are not an
embarassment to the new Viscount."

Jereth walks in quietly, looking around.. getting used to the scenery..

Ophelia enters the Banquet Hall, smiling and nodding to those who seek her
eye. One hand holds the hem of her red gown up above the toes of her shoes,
and with the other she quickly obtains a glass of wine from a passing
servant. Slowly, she makes her way in to the room, stopping here and there
as needed.

Camilla nods to Aleksei and turns her attention to all the Siridari present.

Marco glances over to Sarah making sure that she is well before turning back
to the rest of the crowd.

Chardin offers a kind reply to the Lady Helmsgillar, "I am certain House
Alvstad will continue in the admirable ... and tasteful traditions which
have so distinguished it amongst the Landsraad."

Sarah settles into a far corner of the room, looking a bit tired.

Camilla leans close to Aleksei and softly speaks to him while keeping a
bright smile directed to the crowd.

Caeciliah smiles at the compliment, "With the guidance of my Lord Pers, it
is certain too. However, we must also take a cue from some of our more
liberal brethren houses and make an attempt at bringing ourselves into this
century. Hopefully we will be able to demonstrate that with the gala being
planned to commemorate the renovation of the estate."

Boris opines to Jenaa, "He'll miss a grand time, I'm sure. I must say, I'm
quite impressed with the renovations the Contessa's made, her, eh?"

Chardin quirks a brow, interest piqued. "House Alvstad intends to throw a
gala? Progressive indeed, I must say. The Viscount Jans and his father
before him, neither were of the festive sort, and I cannot recall either
having thrown a single soiree during their tenure."

Aleksei drinks his wine casually and replies quietly back to Lady Camilla,
he glances at a few and nods to those who makes eye contact.

Szandor walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Szandor has arrived.

Camilla turns her head quickly to look at Aleksei, her eyebrows shooting up.
"Is she alright? Was she hurt?"

Caeciliah looks slightly peeved, "Jans had no business doing any such thing
anyway, with all of his time spent carousing the seedier districts of town,
and Nils was either ill or senile enough of the time that it would have been
difficult for him to play host. Pers, however, is in perfectly good physical
condition and feels that we must enter into the social world if we are to
continue to be a house in good standing."

Jenaa nods, lifting her eyebrows in an expression of genuine surprise,
"Indeed." she says, almost brightly, "The architecture is most striking."

While he is tuning his instrument, just out of the corner of his eye,
Wallach catches the entry of the Countessa, quickly finishing the task
immediately at hand, he strums a chord on his lute to make sure that it's
tuning is to his satisfaction. Ready to play, he turns to the eagerly
awaiting musicians, and, with another quick tuning chord, they begin to
play.

Chardin has no qualms in discussing the passe and put-to-rest, nodding in
silent agreement with Caeciliah. "You speak so highly of the Lord Admiral.
Is he a direct relation of yours, m'lady?"

        As the band strikes up a popular number attracting nobles and other
high ranking of the like to dance. Servants loaded with snacks, drinks, and
hors d'erves stroll about offering the items to anyone who is in for taking
one.

         The whole atmosphere promotes enjoyment and pleasantness. So, in
the spirit of the fete, have a smashing good time!

Szandor enters, apparently the first Atreides offical to arrive. He sighs a
bit, looking around the banquet hall in full dress uniform of his own house.

Boris overhears Chardin's comment and calls, "A House Alvstad gala is a
contradiction in terms, Master Chardin!" he says jocularly.

Shane echoes Ophelia's steps, his expression pleasant, enjoying the sights,
the colours, the people, but not the drink sadly. One funny thing about
being 'on-duty' is the lack of imbibing so to speak.

Caeciliah shakes her head, "He is not a blood relation. But, the nobility of
Alvstaad tends to be closeknit, and he has been a close friend of my lord
Father, Iohannes for many years."

Boris chuckles, "They're constitutionally incapable of enjoying themselves!"

Chardin shoots an affable wink to the Baron Harkonnen. "Too much klav
khalash and crab juice, perhaps? I understand the Lord Admiral eschews such
vile fare, however, and these -are- changing times, m'lord."

Jereth looks around and grabs a glass of water, finding a quiet corner to
stand in..

Ophelia makes her way once more towards the Baron Harkonnen, his voice
reaching her ears just before she has reached him. Quietly, she chuckles at
the comment, shaking her head.

Sarah walks to the east and passes through the French Doors.

Sarah has left.

Szandor takes a glass of champagne from a nearby servant's tray, and turns
his attentions not to the tapestries, but to the skyline of the Throneworld,
lit up like a city of glowing ivory.

Caeciliah curtsies prettily in Boris' direction, "Good evening to you, Lord
Baron." she gifts him with a genuine, if still wintry smile, after all he is
another friend of her father's and has also been so for many years.

Wallach finishes off one song a easily segues into another.

Jansen noting the BAron has Jenaa's attention he bows slightly to both adn
slips out toward the garden.

Jansen walks to the west and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Jansen has left.

Sarah walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Sarah has arrived.

Marco smiles seeing Sarah walk back in. Stepping in her direction he stops
beside her, "How is she doing?"

Sarah smiles to Marco, "Just fine..."

Marco nods giving looking back to the door once more.

Szandor places a half full flute of champagne for the servant to disgard. He
smiles to others on his way out, quietly excusing himself from the banquet.

Szandor walks to the west and passes through the Alabaster Arch.

Szandor has left.

Sarah looks to Marco, "And how are you doing?"

The Countess Moritani then moves away from the Baron Harkonnen, moving
towards the musicians. She nods to Wallach, signalling to him that it's time
for the music to stop a moment, then turns to face the assembled guests.

<<to be continued, next file>>


---------------------------------------------------------------------
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.