Moritani Fete, part 2 of 2

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

<<continued, from previous...>>

Aleksei replies quietly back to Camilla after her outburst.

Wallach waves his arm out infront of the ensemble, silencing them.

Shane follows the COuntess Moritani, looking after Wallach, of course to
make sure the music does quiet without having to be told a second time,
knowing how much a fan he is of playing, and then turns to face the
assembled audience when all is quiet, to look out and look over the crowd.

Camilla nods to Aleksei then turns her attention to Ophelia.

Marco goes to reply but looks to the Countess. He observes the servants
making sure that they hold while she is calling attention.

Rhedek walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Rhedek has arrived.

Jenaa slips out into the garden.

As if on cue, a passing servant hands the Countess a piece of silverware,
which she uses to tap against the side of her wine goblet. The noise rings
out through the hall, calling even more attention towards her. "My Lords,
Ladies... noble guests... a moment, if you will!" she calls out. Her eyes
scan the crowd, giving a polite pause while she waits for more silence.

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

Jenaa has left.

Chardin turns his attentions, as do all, towards the Countessa,
inquisitiveness glinting in blue-green gaze.

Aleksei looks to the Countess, and quiets completely

Sarah looks over at Ophelia curiously.

Jenaa walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Jenaa has arrived.

Ophelia casts one more look around the room, then draws a deep breath before
she begins speaking. "Again, I wish to thank you all for joining with us
this evening in our celebration. We are quite pleased to welcome you all
into our renewed embassy. As the structure of this building has been
strengthened and repaired, so has our House. And we look forward to a new
future, promising much. It is time to throw off the dark cloth of mourning
we once wore, and look forward to our future, embracing it with new hope and
renewed energy..."

Nobles and servants alike applaud the words to the Countess.

Aleksei gives an applause too, he has heard this before.

Varota walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Varota has arrived.

        Rhedek - for once - has managed to put himself inside the banquet
hall without much stirring the local social gravity. Slipping through the
doors with a few other guests the Harkonnen siege tower quietly maneuvers
his bulk into an alcove by the doorway where he looms, quietly and partially
obscured by the shadows thrown between glowglobes. In this blind he watches
the unfolding events; most especially she who speaks, his eyes discs of dull
fanmetal that observe the Countess Moritani as she speaks her noble words.

Marco applauds as well.

Jenaa offers a slight smile and soft applause.

Ophelia holds up a hand at the applause, smiling and nodding to those
nearest, as she signals she has not completed her speech. With another deep
breath, the Countess Moritani continues, "Upon my arrival to Kaitain, a
flurry of petitions arrived, letters of introduction and the like, from
would-be suitors. At that time, I declined those petitions. I chose then not
to marry. But as I consider the future of this House, it has become
increasingly clear to me... Marriage is an important institution. Marriage
is not something to be overlooked, simply because of the weight of the
mantle I wear on my shoulders. My Lords... Ladies... Tonight, I announce
that I have had a change of heart. Be it known... I will marry. Petitions
will now be accepted and welcomed by my capable staff and Chancellor's
office. And from those Petitions, I will select a chosen few suitors for a
period of Courtship. After sufficient time... I will then select from those
suitors my husband, the man to become Count Moritani and stand by my side."

Chardin cracks a knowing grin and politely claps at the speech given.

Sarah just raises an eyebrow.

Camilla applauds softly, her eyes glowing with mild curiosity.

Caeciliah offers a polite, if resigned applause, since she obviously isn't a
suitor, and is new to the social and political scene here the announcement
doesn't seem all that monumental, though she knows full well the political
maneuvering and chicanery that will come of it.

Shane looks out over the audience quietly. Perhaps seeking out any of those
would-be suitors...or perhaps letting with a glance know those hopeful that
will no longer have the chance. Nonetheless he stands resignedly behind the
lady.

Ophelia raises her wine glass high, smiling broadly as she proclaims, "To
the future! Viva Moritani!"

And without further ado, the Countess signals the musicians to start up once
more, dipping her head in a nod of appreciation to them.

Chardin hoists a fluted champagne glass and joins in the cheer, "To the
future!"

Sarah lifts her glass slightly then takes a sip of wine.

Jenaa smiles softly and applauds.

Caeciliah raises her own glass of bubbling drink before taking a sip of it
in toast to the health and success of House Moritani.

Wallach seeing the signal, Wallach smiles and has the ensemble fill the
chamber with lively, delightful music - all of which fits the situation
well.

Marco hmms as the music begins to play and looks to Sarah. Seeing that
everything looks happy for the time being he asks, "Would you care to
dance?"

        Rrrph. He's heard this already, too - Rhedek leans a bit against the
wall of the alcove as he watches her make the announcement that will no
doubt trigger a small flood of hopefuls to put in their papers. Bah. It's
too like bidding on cattle for him; but then, he has his own special ideals
about such 'hallowed' Imperial customs. With a muted grunt welling in the
back of his throat the Harkonnen Warmaster is content to loom, and watch.

Sarah smiles, "Sure."

Ophelia steps away from the musicians, immersing herself once more in the
crowd. She laughs out loud as one particularly boistrous party-goer spins
her around in a couple measures of the dance, but he quickly enough releases
her so that she might continue on.

Boris snorts and approaches Varota. "Sir! We've not heard any music from you
in some time, but you still are cashing my cheques, eh? You Chusuk rogue!"

Camilla looks up at Aleksei and points towards the rose garden. As she
passes Rhedek she gievs him a smile and a nod before going outside for a
breath of fresh air.

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

Camilla has left.

Varota drops instantly to one knee, as a commoner should when adressed by a
Baron. Yet his words are not as respectful, "Cheques which are not as
overwhelmingly generous as they once were, my dread lord."

The rakish young man gives the Countess a gallant bow as she steps away,
then turns to his friends to loudly proclaim, "Tomorrow! Tomorrow I shall I
have my letter in, first thing in the morning!" Though his words are
sincere, his friends just laugh it off, replying, "You'll be too drunk still
tomorow!"

Marco nods and leads her out onto the dance floor. Bowing to her with a
smile.

Jenaa's face rises in a spontaneous smile as she looks upon the famed
musician and baliset maker.

Chardin rolls his eyes at the overt actions of the drunken lothario.

Shane quietly makes his way out, giving a look over to the COuntess once
more but seeing all is well in hand he motions to one of the guards to take
his place at the Lady's shoulder, going to attend to matters that must be
important to draw him away from the lady's side.

Boris scowls. "You're lucky to get one red solari out of me, sir. The last
song we've heard from you was some piddling tripe about some tedious
episode--I can hardly remember what it is, now."

Aleksei hmms as he exits quietly out to the rose garden

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

Aleksei has left.

Varota regains his feet and smiles, almost coquetishly, at the Baron
Harkonnen. "My patron lord has remarkable memory, yet may have cause not to
execute me quite yet, for I have fantastic news... such that made me seek
him out in such august company."

Sarah follows Marco to the dance floor, a grin on her face.

Boris seizes a goblet from the tray of a passing waiter and downs the
contents in one gulp, then wipes his lips with the back of his hand. "Eh?
News? What news?" he mutters.

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

Shane has left.

The mood relatively festive, the music just the same, Wallach lets a large
smile grow across his face. Perhaps now would be a fine time to show the
highbrow of Kaitain what he can do with when he is taken in by a song...

Varota, like a mischievious magician, produces a spool of shigawire,
apparently from thin air, and presents it to Boris. "Your opera, my dread
lord. It is finished. It is more than finished... it is magnificent!"

Marco takes her hand with his and places the other on her hip as he leads.
Twin blue orbs of his eyes look out to the crowd, watching them with some
curiosity.

Sarah follows Marco's lead, enjoying the dance.

Boris takes the shigawire and holds it up to the light, as if trying to read
the encoding by eye. He pauses. "Magnificent, eh? Does it mention me?"

Ophelia makes her way through the room, then finds herself once more near
the Princess. She approaches, dipping a curtsey. "Highness," she murmurs
quietly, smiling softly.

"In such detail as would seem sychophantic", replies Varota, "were it not
all true."

Caeciliah glides over to where the Baron is berating the poor man, "My Dear
Baron, I do hope the evening finds you well." Her smile even has some
genuine warmth now, quite a concept for an Alvstaadi, "My father, Lord
Iohannes sends you his greetings." her interjection flying right over top of
the commoners demonstration.

Jenaa fails to stifle a sudden laugh at Boris' reaction to the shigawire
reel, but suddenly notices the Countess. She flushes slightly, embarrassed
for having not seen her approach. Clearing her throat slightly to cover, she
nods formally, "Excellency... a most lovely occasion. And a joyful one as
well ... with your announcement of intention to marry..."

Varota puts two and two together in his head, then drops to one knee before
Caeciliah.

Marco gracefully dips Sarah in the dance bringing back up, this time keeping
his arm around her waist and a smile at his lips.

Caeciliah waves her hand slightly in Varota's direction, "You may rise,
Sir." before turning towards the Baron a little more, scrutinizing him
closely, after all, she hasn't seen him in nearly twenty years.

Wallach tunes his lute again before he stands from his seat. He begins to
strum at it, just as he always seems to do, but its feel seems to be a bit
more lively at the moment.

Sarah smiles as Marco dips her. She whispers something in his ear.

Boris nods, mollifying for the nonce at Varota's words. He passes the spool
to a retainer for later viewing. Then he turns to Caeciliah, a smile coming
to his lips. "Lord Iohannes, your father? You must be the Lady Caeciliah. My
dear girl, what a pleasure it is to meet you at last. You are as lovely as
your father claimed, even more so!"

Varota rises to his feet and stands back to make some room for his betters.
In doing so, he spies the Contessa Moritani and the lady with her.

Servants continue their walks around holding hors doeuvres and drinks. Still
people go about talking and socializing. As the band plays the music drifts
through the great hall.

Caeciliah curtsies daintily before the Baron, "The pleasure is mine, lord
Baron." her cheeks color prettily at his compliment, see, the Harkonnens
aren't all bad.

Ophelia nods at Jenaa's compliment, smiling even warmer at it. "I am...
extremely grateful for the honor of your presence, and your kind words,
Highness," she replies. She glances to the Alvstad lady and the Baron
Harkonnen nearby, quite able to hear their conversation clearly.

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

Jenaa has left.

        So too does Rhedek view his Baron presently engaged; he makes no
move to bother him. Instead he merely remains ensconced, like some ancient
pre-Butlerian golem of war ready to be given direction, watching the
proceedings with his usual grave expression. Rather like a gargoyle, really.

Marco grins as he slowly turns stopping, "Thank you for the dance. I could
use a drink myself."

Sarah smiles, "I enjoyed dancing with you."

It seems as good a time as any to start to solo...Wallach's chords start to
fade out of the musicians' sound, slowly being replaced by more varied
sounds. The music rings throughout the hall, providing a certain pleasant
air about it.

Jansen walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Jansen has arrived.

Marco nods, "Of course." Slowly he turns back to the crowd leading Sarah
off. The Count goes about looking amongst the crowd. Doing so he spots a
servant holding a wine tray and heads for him.

Jansen walks back in from teh garden seeming much more refreshed

Ophelia swirls the wine around in her goblet, and begins to look around the
room for others who she might need to speak to. Again, her feet take her off
in some aimless direction, and she finds herself on the far side of the
room, near the wall. There she stands, though not alone -- the guard that
Lord Padron assigned to her yet hovers in silence. As individuals call for
her attention, she smiles and nods to them, sometimes lifting a hand to
acknowledge them with a gesture.

Jansen makes his way over to Ophelia bowing slightly and waiting for her to
recognise him.

Sarah wanders quietly toward the door to the rose garden, her expression
slightly troubled.

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

Sarah has left.

        He spies the Countess, the Harkonnen golem, and offers her a bow -
smiling slightly as she nears his proximity. "Your Excellency," rumbles he
in greeting, but says nothing more - it's not his place, after all.

"Good evening, Master St.Vincent," Ophelia says quietly as the Suk
approaches. Taking advantage of the quiet where she stands, she sips from
her wine as she casts another look around the room. And then, surprisingly,
the deep voice rumbles from the alcove nearby, and Ophelia steps closer to
peer into the shadows closer. "General?" she asks, then chuckles quietly.
"Why are you not out here, enjoying yourself and dancing?"

Marco steps to the Baron Harkonnen and bows, "My Lord Baron, it is good to
see you here."

Ah, the lute stands out above the rest of the ensemble; yet another, almost
pretentious, show of Wallach's virtuosity. He continues to play this way for
some time, simply letting his music flow. To anyone who sees him, he might
appear to be a mad man: his fingers of his left hand racing about the neck
of the instrument, quickly changing notes to compensate for his equally wild
right hand, which is picking different rhythms on each string. No longer
concerned with anything around him, he continues to focus on his playing.
Though, the amazing feat does has its downsides, and as he brings his song
to a close, Wallach quickly lays his lute down and spreads open both his
hands, allowing his fingers a much needed (and well deserved) rest.

        "It's not in my nature, Excellency, I'm sorry." Again the smile, and
again the bow - so carefully engineered his movements, made clockwork by
ages of military service and existence in the court of the Baron. "I am
pleased to hear Her Excellency's announcement, as well." Short-spoken, too,
has he become - or is that merely a product of the party?

Varota mutters under his breath, at no one in particular, "Pretentious
bloodsucker."

A bit tired from his performance, Wallach quietly slips out of the hall,
allowing the chamber group to continue with the entertainment.

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

Wallach has left.

"And what did you think of it... honestly?" the Countess asks of the
Warmaster, glancing also to the Suk. "And you, Master St. Vincent? What are
your thoughts?"

Jansen glances at his Siridar "Of you announcement Excellency? "He smiles
slightly "Or of the music?

        "Her Excellency knows that I wish Her only happiness," the Warmaster
says, flicking a glance toward the floor.

Varota replies automatically, "It is empty virtuossismo, of the most cheap
kind. Mechanical repetition of the rankest, most putrid sort. So souless a
display of art Jehanne Butler would have taken a flamethrower to."

Ophelia favors the Suk with a slight smile, perhaps an edge of weariness
beginning to show. "We all know Master Escobar is a competent performer,"
she says lightly, "Though my inquiry was in fact more towards my own
announcement. I hope it was received well..."

Marco looks briefly over at Varota with a raised eyebrow before turning back
to the Baron.

Jansen nods a look of concern crosses his face "From what I heard it was
very well recieved Excellency

Ophelia passes a glance back to the Warmaster, yet smiling. But she says
nothing further to him. The cards have all been dealt, and the next move is
his.

        "I should like to discuss it with Her Excellency, if She so desire,"
rumbles the Warmaster after a moment. "Perhaps when She has liberal time to
walk the grounds."

Ophelia nods to the Suk as she gathers her skirts and passes off her wine
glass to a servant. And then, back to Rhedek, she turns,"Right now, General,
I think a tour of the rose garden would suit me. I could use a breath of
fresh air."

        "By your leave, then, Excellency." The towering man offers her his
arm, thick and muscled with claw gleaming in the light of the dim
glowglobes.

Jansen whispers: Are you tiring my leige? Can I get you something?

Wallach walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Wallach has arrived.

As Jansen whispers something to her, Ophelia stubbornly shakes her head,
then places her hand on the offered arm of the Harkonnen Warmaster so that
he might escort her through the open doors to the gardens beyond.

Jansen bows still looking faintly concerned

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

Boris has left.

Marco goes back to his drinks and such.

Jansen looks down as his comlink goes off adn quietly speaks into it

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

Wallach has left.

        And so, with maiden in tow, the siege engine escorts her that way -
rather genteel, really, in his way.

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

Rhedek has left.

Jansen puts his comlink away and grabs his bag from a side tabel adn hurries
out

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

Jansen has left.

You walk through the French Doors.

Rose Garden -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)(#1783Rt)

        The walled garden is by no means small, though it is sufficient in
size to provide peace and tranquility for those who wish it. A circular path
of white stones runs the perimeter of the area, while two perpendicular
paths also intersect in the center of the immaculately clipped green. Also,
along both sides of the circular path, lies a bed of roses, their velvety
petals all in shades of deep, rich red. Against the walls, the roses have
even begun to climb their way upwards with the help of white latticework
trellises, spaced at even intervals. White marble statues, slightly larger
than life-size, stand among the roses, their smooth-featured faces facing
outwards. Along the building's wall, tall windows and doors face out onto
the gardens, and a pair of doors open for those who would wish to enter the
gardens from inside the embassy.

        On the far side of the garden, a single willow tree stands, its
branches dipping gracefully towards the ground in a falling arc. Behind the
shadow of the thick curtain of leaves, a stone bench sits, a perfect place
for conversing in private.

Players:

 Jansen                                             Rhedek

 Wallach                                            Fahahd

 Sen                                                Sarah

Exits:

 French Doors <W> leads to Banquet Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Stone Path <E> leads to Reception Courtyard -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

Sarah tries to reply to Wallach but can't really manage to speak at the
moment.

Sen's nostrils flare and she curves sharply off into the gloaming, peeling
away from the path like a shark to find the semiconscious girl bleeding.
"Mm, what have we here, Fahahd?" she remarks mildly.

Jansen angles toward Wallach Sarah "Excuse me, coming thru Excuse me" He
drops to a knee by Sarah and opens his bag and begins to pull out bandages
and other paraphenalia "What heppened here?

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
ornithopter 2693, bound for Moritani Embassy, requesting clearance, "His
Grace the Lord High Chancellor requests clearance.""

You clear the vehicle over your communicator.

Sarah tries to speak again. You might notice a small dagger by her right
hand.

Fahahd murmurs softly, "Obviously the young lady is injured...though I'm not
sure precisely how or why, unless she did herself harm...or she attempted to
defend herself"

Wallach shrugs, "I'm not quite sure sir. She looked a bit ill when I came
here. I went to see if shw was alright, but a moment later she fell to the
ground." He sighs as he continues, "I'm not sure what could have cut her,
but I think she may have inflicted the wound upon herself."

Sen inhales peacefully, standing quietly near the body and the busy medics.
"The question was rhetorical," she replies to Fahahd, but there's no bite in
her tone.

As the Harkonnen Warmaster escorts her out into the gardens, the Countess
Moritani glances about. Hearing the conversation, and seeing the crowd
gathering about someone laying on the ground, she gasps quietly. Her hand
quickly leaves Rhedek's arm, and she lifts her skirts to cross the lawn as
quickly as she can.

        Rhedek enters with the Countess at his arm, looming in his way; the
commotion has his attention almost instantly. "Excellency..." With Ophelia's
sudden rush he moves as well, long strides carrying him past her easily to
where the trouble is.

Jansen nods and stops teh bleeding then checks for a pulse nods satisfied.
He cleans the wound and deftely bandages it. He pulls out his com and speaks
into it breifly calling for a gurney. HE turns back and begisn to insert an
IV into Sarah's arm "Who is this lady?

Sarah seems to be getting close to unconciousness.

Ophelia peers over, then quickly steps back. "It is Miss Sarah Dartania,"
she says curtly, swallowing quickly as she sees the blood present. Though
she has averted her eyes, the sight is already seen. Her hand lifts to her
forehead, and she sways dangerously.

Anakiel walks in from Reception Courtyard along the Stone Path.

Anakiel has arrived.

Anakiel is shown in by the guards... a bit late, perhaps, but -someone- has
to tie up all the loose ends, eh?

        She sways...and is collected by Rhedek, whose brawny arm encircles
the woman's delicate waist. "Steady, Excellency," he rumbles.

Fahahd looks not at all discomfited by the blood - one should hope not,
considering his trade. He hovers behind Sen, watching with interest.

Sen glances up at Ophelia. She certainly doesn't mind the blood.
"Excellency," she acknowledges with a polite nod for the lovely swoony
hostess.

Sarah tries weakly to move her arm across her bloodstained dress.

Jansen stops Sarah from moving "Lay Still M'Lady

Anakiel walks up, glancing around momentarily. The grue spattered about
causes a quirked brow, but he says nothing...either he'll put it together in
a bit, or someone will tell him what the hell is going on.

Ophelia weakly lifts a hand, pointing back in the direction of the embassy,
her voice hushed as she mutters, "Inside... if you please.. General..."

Sarah tries to move anyway, not listening to the suk.

Sen lays a hand to her shallow bosom and inhales the aroma. "Do you think
she will die, Fahahd?" she wonders mildly.

Two Junior Suks hurry up with a hover-Gurney and they carefully lift Sarah
onto the gurney making sure teh IV stays in. Jansen heads off leading teh
other Suks.

        "Of course." A nod is given to his three Housemates. "Alaurans,
Teslan, Master Howyrm'n." With proper acknowledgements given the big man
scoops Ophelia up in his arms without further ceremony, and carts her back
into the house.

You walk through the French Doors.

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:

 Cromwell                                           Marco

Exits:

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

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

Rhedek walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Rhedek has arrived.

The Countess re-enters from the garden, though it is not by her own power.
Pale, and shaken, she is carried in by the Harkonnen Warmaster.

Marco raises and eyebrow giving a confused look seeing that the party has
died down some but never the less it continues. Servants pass by holding
hors d'oeuvres and drinks. Nobles continue to dance and mingle about.

Fahahd walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Fahahd has arrived.

Anakiel walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Anakiel has arrived.

Sen walks in from Rose Garden through the French Doors.

Sen has arrived.

Cromwell is escorted in by Count Marco, just as the Countessa and her party
return from the garden. He makes a quick grab for a servant an whispers a
drink order in his ear before continuing into the room.

        Enter Rhedek, who carries now a very woozy Countess in his arms -
moving past the parting crowds, for once his mass serving as a virtue amid
the noble crowds. Silent and grim the big man carries the Countess through
to the next room, into the greater hall where chaises can be found, and on
which the Countess can be rested.

Marco looks over to see Ophelia and the Harkonnen and rushes over his eyes
burn brightly as he makes his way through. Face set in stone stands in the
giants way. Stupid but brave it seems. "What is going?" He looks at Ophelia
and at Rhedek.

Ophelia yet presses a hand to her forehead, and then one to her lips. It
seems blood does not so well agree with her. "Lord Marco," she chokes,
beginning to push the hands away from her that are so helpful. "Lord Marco,"
she says yet again in summons.

Fahahd enters, trailing behind Sen and in step with Anakiel. He appears
unimpressed with the Countess's squeamishness, as he rests one hand on the
tall youth's arm.

Anakiel just sort of trails along behind the group...not seeming horribly
concerned, as it were, but he is rather paying attention. Marco's forceful
intrusion is met with a mildly disdainful look, although the tall blond says
nothing.

        Ophelia is duly deposited - not in the next room, but rather in an
alcove where a couch has been set up for drunken revelers. Rhedek sets her
down delicately, ensuring she is comfortable when she lands - he has more
than enough knowledge of anatomy to make one /un/comfortable, arranging the
reverse is easy enough.

Marco kneels beside her takeing her hand and glares at Rhedek before looking
back to her, "What is wrong, your Excellency? I am here."

"It's Sarah," Ophelia says quietly. "She... was injured. In the gardens."
Color begins to come back to her face, which darkens in embarassment. "I
couldn't stay to find out how."

Marco looks confused, "What? Huh? Is she alright? Was Natalia with her?"

Sen returns to the others, having managed to scare up a tall cool glass of
distilled water among all the costly wines and expertly mixed drinks.

A servants rushes over to the Lord Chancellor and hand his a cordial glass
filled with a clear liquid. Cromwell accepts his drink and moves over to the
alcove to see what all the commotion is about.

Ulricke walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Ulricke has arrived.

"I don't know..." Ophelia admits, shaking her head. "I didn't see her..."

Ulricke arrives, decked of course, on either side, by a few sociopathic
looking armored guards.

        Speaking of sociopathic guards, the big daddy of them all is knelt
still by a chaise on the opposite side of the room, upon which the Countess
Moritani is laid; being glared at by Marco, though he certainly doesn't seem
to care, Rhedek is content to stay on station until released from duty by
the swooning maiden.

Marco stands letting out a deep breath. Thoughts race through his head as he
regains his composure slicking his black hair back. First things first, and
the Count looks back to the Countess, "Are you alright, your Excellency?"

Ophelia waves off the Count, and the Warmaster both. "I'll be quite
alright.. I'm fine now... please... and thank you, General." She straightens
herself, and then notices for the first time the presence of the Imperial
Chancellor. "Your Grace," she says, "Please forgive me if I don't get up
right away to greet you."

Fahahd drifts silently in the direction of his Baron's daughter, idly
picking at some of the silver braid on his dress blues.

Bidden back, Rhedek rises to his full height, staying by the chaise out of
lack of further station.

Sen perks visibly, turning to follow Ulricke's entry and smiling distinctly
to see her.

Ulricke arrives, somewhat blithely disregarding her own lack of escort. Ahh,
there. Fahahd is on his way, excellent. She looks around briefly for the
hostess, and her brow flicks upward when she espies the woman draped across
the chaise.

Cromwell takes a sip of his cordial. He gestures for the Countessa to remain
seated, "That is quite alright, your excellency. You are indisposed, and far
be it from to impose upon a lady is such a condition. I trust everything is
alright?"

Anakiel shifts a bit from foot to foot, watching as usual, yet remaining
rather detached. There's a bit of a set to his lips, however, indicating
some general state of displeasure with the situation.

Marco nods to the Countess' reply. Noting her waving off of his person,
Marco makes sure that everything is in place as he steps back. He bows
silently to Ophelia and Cromwell then slips into the crowd.

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

Marco has left.

Sen glides up to Ulricke, gesturing in her fluttery complex way towards the
hostess. "It appears the Hostess is a little put out, Young Mistress."

Ulricke's brow stays arched. "So I see. What happened?"

Fahahd smiles sidelong at Ana, making a tiny surreptitious gesture to sumon
his boi closer.

Anakiel shifts slightly before pacing over toward Ulricke himself, though he
remains back a respectful distance.... close enough to be near the
Guardsman, however.

Some thoughtful servant, seeing the situation, brings the Countess a glass
of water, then remains close at hand should further assistance be needed.

Ophelia looks around once more, her brow creasing. "I do apologize. This was
quite an unexpected turn to the party." Carefully, she gets back to her feet
once more, shaking her head. "Though I cannot think who would wish to harm
little Sarah. If anyone here has information, or witnessed what happened out
there... I would ask that they relay that information to Lord Marco."

"Some unpleasantness in the garden, Young Mistress," says the Swordmaster.

Ulricke ah's. "I see. Well, I do hope our hostess has recovered?"

The guard casts a faintly disapproving glance at the Moritani Siridar. "It
seems so, my lady."

Cromwell makes sure the Moritani Coutness is sturdy on her feet, and
suitably provided with a drink before he continues, "I am sure this matter
will work itself out. If there is anything that either I or my office can
provide please feel free to ask."

Ophelia takes a sip of her water, her coloring seeming to be back to normal
and her stance steady once more. "I am deeply grateful, Your Grace," she
says, managing even a small smile. She looks beyond the Chancellor, and
spies the Baron Harkonnen's daughter herself some distance away. "This
magnificent creature... can only be the daughter of the Baron Harkonnen,"
she notes. "And here I thought the images I'd seen to be doctored, but in
person... I see I am mistaken in my accusations."

(OOC) Rhedek says, "Even in the future, Photoshop is a good investment."

(OOC) Ophelia pokes.

(OOC) Anakiel bites Rhed at random.

(OOC) Sen says, "Even in the future, nobody actually BUYS Photoshop."

(OOC) Rhedek says, "In the grim future of Adobe there is only WAR!"

(OOC) Sen says, "It exists only on the black market, reproduced and handed
down lovingly for a thousand thousand generations."

(OOC) Ophelia says, "Can you have a Mentat read the software, since there
are no computers?"

(OOC) Anakiel thpts. I did.

(OOC) Rhedek says, "He draws with his....stylus."

(OOC) Anakiel hammers people back into the IC box.

(OOC) Sen protests, "I'm a round peg!"

Fahahd has ended up rather close to the taller Harkonnen youth - apparently
the Harks don't put a premium on personal space.

Ulricke can't help herself, she chuckles just a little. "And this creature
with a wicked tongue and excellent wit can be none other then Her Excellency
the Countess."

        See Rhedek. See Rhedek loom. Loom, Rhedek, loom.

That must be her cue. Sen announces politely, "The Most Honorable Lady
Ulricke Sasha Ludmilla Harkonnen."

Cromwell stands a bit you the side, sipping his drink, with one arm folded
across his chest.

Anakiel offers a faint smile to the Guardsman...almost sly, that, or perhaps
only thoughtful. His eyes track, however, from him onward to Cromwell. Hm.
Doesn't seem to be enjoying the party much, is he?

Ophelia leans forward, giving the Lady Harkonnen a deep nod. "And her own
wit matches her beauty," she says of Ulricke, grinning wryly. "I am pleased
to meet you finally, Lady Harkonnen. But... why did your father not present
you earlier, hmm? I should perhaps give him a piece of my mind about that.
Shame on him..."

Ulricke chuckles. "I'm afraid my dear father was rather bogged down by the
affairs of our holdings. But I hope you will find me an acceptable
representative of my house?"

<<Fahahd thinks: Bogged down on that new slave of his, more likely.>>

Ophelia glances around the emptying hall, and smiles warmly. "But of course,
m'lady. He was actually here a short bit ago... giving a rather pretty
little thing from House Alvstad a difficult time. I didn't see him leave,
actually..."

Fahahd suddenly realizes that he's a bit too close to Ana for the comfort of
those attending, if not for his own. He takes a pace back, and clasps his
hands behind him.

Ulricke chuckles. "A pretty little thing? Caeciliah perhaps?"

Ophelia hesitates, then nods slowly. "I believe that was her name, yes..."

The pretty little ice shard attending Ulricke covers a slight chuckle with
one of her dainty little hands.

Marco walks in from Grumman Hall through the Alabaster Arch.

Marco has arrived.

Ulricke grins. "We've met. A lovely girl. From one of the provinces of the
Alvstad homeworld, I believe."

Anakiel glances briefly at Sen, though given the brevity of the look, he
very likely expects her to be Just Standing Around as it were.

Fahahd purses his lips in faint disapproval at the mention of the newly
arrived Alvst lady.

Sen is more Quietly Fawning, in her unobtrusive way. Standing close enough
to Ulricke that the pseudo-na-Baroness could rest her left hand on the
Swordmaster's head, and listening to her attentively.

Ophelia nods slightly, her smile beginning to fade somewhat. "Ah... yes.
Recently arrived, she'd said." Another glance passes across the assembled
group, and she sighs quietly. "I must ask your forgiveness... the evening
has grown late, and it's time for me to make my exit. Please... stay, enjoy
our hospitality for so long as you like."

Marco makes his way back into the room crossing over to stand beside the
Countess. His face seems serious for party but his eyes seem distracted as
if thinking about something.

Ulricke nods. "Of course." she says amiably. Whatever discourse she has to
share about the newly arrived Alvstad will apparently have to wait. She does
however, let her eyes drift to the Count. "Good evening, Your Excellency."
she says, that slightly whimsical curve to her mouth evident.

Anakiel offers a smile to the Count as well, and even a gracious sort of
half-bow. It's meant politely enough, but somehow still comes off seeming
speculative.

Fahahd bows very slightly as well.

Ophelia looks over her shoulder to see Marco, and asks quietly, "Will she
live?" She does not move from where she stands, delaying her departure to
hear at least a brief report.

Marco answers flatly, "Yes, your Excellency. It seems that everything will
be fine. Though for the Suk, well...anyways she is resting." The Count nods
to the Harkonnen party, "Good evening." He looks back to the Countess.

        "Good evening, your Excellency," rumbles Rhedek by the chaise,
apparently roused into activity by the Countess's announcement of departure.
"I bid you pleasant evening."

Ulricke's brow flickers again. Apparently Marco's too abrupt to greet a lady
of the House properly. Her gaze slides to Ophelia. "Feel better, Your
Excellency." she says considerately.

Sen eyes Marco a little disapprovingly. How improper, to neglect her Lady's
title.

Anakiel remains bland. No dount the infraction has been noted, however, he's
just not saying anything about it.

Ophelia turns back to her guests, after hearing what she needed to know.
With a small smile, she nods to each, "Well then. The night is not a tragic
one after all. If there is anything you wish or require, it will be provided
to you."

But Rhedek himself is given particular attention, as the Countess fixes her
gaze on him. "Your assistance, General, is greatly appreciated, and the
kindness is noted. Perhaps, another evening, we might have that tour of the
gardens uninterrupted."

There being nothing further, Ophelia lifts her skirts and begins to make her
way out, throwing a last statement over her shoulder, "Lord Marco... see
that our noble guests are suitably entertained and taken care of."

Fahahd looks away, eyeing the help rather speculatively.

<<Exit Stage Right for me... or left. Whichever.>>




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