Court-side at the Palace! (Part 1 of 3: Before Court)

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

A little pre-court warm-up. Enjoy =)

7/8/01
Logfile from DuneIII-Ophelia
Where the Great Houses vie for power in the Padishah Imperium....


-----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.


-----Anatole-----
A tall man, lithe and in good shape, seemingly athletic, at least in a
casual way, if not overly large. His hair is dark, a rich black and well
kept, in a short style. His eyes are dark as well, so brown as to almost be
black, and yet they have something of a light within them. His complection
is not light, but neither is it dark, somewhere in between the two extremes,
but his skin is smooth and soft. He is the model of handsome, a youthful
smile, a casual tone, a well practiced mannerism, and it might be said that
ladies would jump at the chance for a glance from him.

He wears a tight fitting shirt, white in color, and a sharp contrast to his
dark hair and eyes. Around his waist lies a burgundy sash, pinned with the
Fleur de Lis of House Moritani. His pants are form fitting as well, black,
with a burgundy accent on the leg, completing a rather dashing ensemble.


-----Wilhelm-----
A towering figure at 6'5" tall, his broad shoulders, barrel chest, and
powerful legs are prime indicators of his strength and prowess. His close
cropped blond hair, deep blue eyes, and strong facial features are
definitely Germanic in origin. Ever alert, he seems ready to respond to
threats from any quarter, his sabre resting to his side in a fine gold and
silver scabbard. His uniform is assembled accurately, each battle ribbon and
every medal precisely placed and arranged. His boots, polished to the point
of almost mirror-like shine. The only oddity is that, with all the look of a
soldier about him, the man has the deep ruby lips indicative normally
indicative of a Mentat.

----------

Siridar's Sitting Room -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

        Though not an overly large room, the sitting room is just as
luxuriously appointed as it can be. The glow-globes are tuned to a soft,
warm yellow, and are not overly bright nor overly dim. A small grouping of
chairs, plushly upholstered in burgundy velvet, and a settee, are centered
in the room. Small tables accompany the chairs, and an oblong, low table
sits in front of the settee. Various books sit around, presumably left where
they were last being read.

        Rugs of an exotic flavor are piled in layers throughout the room to
cushion one's footsteps. A small table on the side of the room opposite the
glass doors holds decanters of wine, as well as spare glasses for visitors.
In the corner, near the glass doors, sits a small writing desk of
black-lacquered wood, a tray of stationary and an antique quill pen set
neatly upon its surface.

Exits:

 Sliding Door <S> leads to Balcony -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 Redwood Door <E> leads to Siridar's Bedchamber -- Moritani Embassy
(Kaitain)

 Golden Arch <W> leads to Niushe Atrium -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)


Anatole walks in from Niushe Atrium through the Golden Arch.

Anatole has arrived.

Slowly pacing back and forth across the room, the Countess mutters quietly
to herself. Imperial Court is just a matter of hours away, and in one hand
she holds a glass of deep red Grumman wine - perhaps more to calm her nerves
than anything else. She pauses, shaking her head, then sighs, then starts up
her pacing and muttering again. Practice, as they say, makes perfect, and
evidently the Countess has business to bring before the Emperor.

Anatole smiles as he walks into the room, greeting his cousin with a smile,
an attempt to calm her at least, with his easy manner, and almost
ever-present wry smile. "Hello cousin...are you alright?"

Ophelia stops her pacing, looking slightly sheepish as she's been caught
practicing her speech for the evening. She sips from her wine glass, using
it to cover the slight blush that spreads across her cheeks, and nods
slightly. "Oh, indeed... all is well..."

Anatole nods once, as he makes his way further into the room, closing the
door behind him. He looks for, and finds the bottle that produced the glass
of wine Ophelia drinks from and asks, politely "May I join you? It seems
like you could use some company, or at least someone other than yourself to
talk with."

Gesturing to the other empty glasses on the cabinet, Ophelia nods once more
and moves to sit down, lest she pace more. "The company is welcome, cousin.
How are things with you these days?"

Anatole shrugs a little, as he procures himself a glass, and pours it full
before sipping it, nodding with a smile to the crisp taste, and taking a
seat. "Things are as well as can be expected, busy, but well. Chancellor
Wilhelm keeps me busy doing this or that...which I would hope that I am able
to return somewhat."

Ophelia chuckles softly, raising one leg to hook it over the other. She
leans forward slightly to prop an elbow on her knee, wine glass dangling
from her fingers. "Oh, I'm sure you can... The Chancellor is happy for the
work. And I am happier for it as well - my load is certainly lighter, thanks
to his assistance."

Anatole takes another long sip from his wine, nodding once, with a playful
smile "Yes, i'm certain you are. I know you have been kept busy dealing with
a few of your potential suitors, although I must say, most of them...as you
told me, leave a bit to be desired still."

Ophelia chuckles quietly, then sighs. "I need to narrow down the list soon,
I know... and yes, I do still think many of them leave much to be desired."

Anatole nods once, rubbing his chin, as he thinks for a moment "Have you
thought of who you would narrow the list down to yet?" he chuckles a little,
quietly "Forgive my curiosity, but....well....I just am."

Ophelia nods slightly, thoughtful in expression. "As of right now... the
three that stand out in my mind are the General Rhedek Maas-Stroheim,
na-Earl Darwin Heleneaus, and Master Chardin Klees."

Anatole nods, taking a long sip of his wine, thinking on it, or on Ophelia's
words, it is difficult to tell, until he speaks "Interesting choices
Ophelia...." he smirks "Still, none of them...are truly worthy of you I
think."

"They are, I'm afraid, the best Kaitain has to offer. Or at least, of those
that are willing to step forward," she answers quietly, her gaze dropping to
her wine as she swirls the glass around.

Anatole leans back in his chair, setting his glass down, and folding his
hands in front of his face for a moment "I see...and yet you are lovely,
that much is not debateable, wealthy, powerful, everything an up and coming
young man could want...." he pauses for a second or two, before continuing
"You want more though don't you? A man that is a bit more than just one who
wishes to climb the social ladder?"

Ophelia nods slightly, then sighs once more. "Indeed, Anatole. Indeed."

Anatole nods once again, pausing, for effect "Someone who finds /you/ an
intriguing woman, a woman that presents both challenge and excitement, and
one worth devoting themselves to, to pleasing, and being pleased by her. A
truly...rare man indeed."

Ophelia glances up to her cousin, her dark eyes steady, lips slightly pursed
in a pout. "And just where do you think I might find such a man, Anatole,
hmm?"

Anatole laughs a little, playing coy perhaps, or at least teasing lightly "I
don't know Ophelia. Perhaps such a man is closer than you think?"

Ophelia arches a brow as she glances towards the man. "Oh? Is he something I
can hunt down on the Imperial Hunting Grounds then? Perhaps he might give
good chase..."

Anatole laughs, as he leans in, towards Ophelia "Hunt down? I think the
chase would be worthwhile, but the catching is perhaps even better...and
keeping, well I think they both would reap the benefit of that."

Ophelia's other brow quirks slowly upwards, and she chuckles softly. "Hmm..
a good chase, and a goot catch. I think I /do/ like the sound of that,
cousin...."

Anatole chuckles a little, his eyes gleaming brightly in the light of the
room, enhanced by a very intent glance "It does sound...exciting does it
not? I should think that he would love the chance...to be with a woman as
wonderful as you."

Wilhelm walks in from Niushe Atrium through the Golden Arch.

Wilhelm has arrived.

A knock sounds at the door, followed by Wilhelm's voice, "My Lady, it's time
to leave."

Ophelia starts to open her mouth to give her own coy response, but, the
knock on the door averts her attention. She mutters an apology to her
cousin, then stands, calling towards the door her permission for the
solicitor to enter. "Cousin... I'm sorry, I lost track of the time. Will you
be accompanying us to Court this evening?"

Anatole stands, nodding once "I would love to accompany you to Court
Ophelia." There is just a hint of emphasis on the word 'you' Perhaps it is
intentional...perhaps not.

Wilhelm enters after a suitable pause, his bearing is one of subdued
confidence. He seems unsurprised to see Anatole here, "My Lady, m'lord. I'm
sorry to interrupt, but we should go."

Ophelia nods as she smiles. "Indeed, we should..." And as she makes one more
check of her clothing, she makes her way towards the door.


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