The truth comes out...

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

The Saudir I Memorial Grand Library of the Imperium -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

        The Grand Library of the Imperium, founded by Wallach I, is among the 9
great marvels of the Known Universe, and rightly so. The Library is a structure
unto itself, barely contained by the Imperial Palace. Soft cherry wood paneling
adorns every surface. Every manner of filmbook, holographic record, still
recording and even rare bound parchment or the occasional paper works are stored
here- some dating back to pre-guild authors. Five landings, each filled with
stacks and stacks of volumes, rise upward to the MURAL adorned ceiling. The
combined works represent a copy of nearly every volume ever published in the
Known Universe since the year 2903- when it became a crime to publish a work in
the Imperium without providing a copy to the Emperor's library, including
several unique one-of-a-kind works.
        The ground level landing is centered by a series of oak topped desks and
green-shaded reading lamps. The lights hanging from the vaulted ceilings are
specially designed to emanate light at the same wavelengths as that given off by
the Ixian sun, widely regarded to be the best color for ease of reading and the
prevention of eyestrain. These special fixtures are actually incandescent
antiques and it is well known that an entire staff of 25 maintains the lighting
fulltime. Even now, scholars shift here and there, retrieving writings from
every corner of the Imperium for reflection and study. Soft silence fills the
ears of visitors to the library. A quieter place for reflection and intellectual
pursuits would be hard to find. Indeed, scholars have been known to vanish into
the library, eyes drawn ever upward, before wandering out days later, babbling
to themselves with a new revelation gleaned from some obscure collection of
works available nowhere else.

Exits:
 Carved Doors <SE> leads to Hall of Emperors -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)
 Carved Doors <W> leads to Salon of Wallach I -- Imperial Palace (Kaitain)

 The quiet of the library is, as ever, peaceful as it may be. A few visitors
browse through the volumes and volumes of material available, moving with
conscientious effort to be quiet, and when speaking, speaking in soft, hushed
tones. Among today's visitors is the Lady Rastanyev, still limping slightly from
her minor injury recently. The poetry section seems to hold her interest, as she
meticulously is searching every single title she can see, hunched over slightly
with the effort.
 Galen enters without so much as a rustle or squeek, so as to not disturb the
silence of the library. He scans the room with a mentat's speedy prescion and
finding his target makes his way casually more with a fair amount of speed over
to her general location. Arriving at the poetry section, Galen takes a brief
look around to check for guards or other patrons before speaking, "I would
highly reccomend the works of the 34th century poet, Yakashi. His use of iambic
pentameter is supurb."

Indeed, the lady's small personal squad of Noukker wait silently by the door,
their eyes not leaving the stranger who has approached her. But orders are
orders, they remain a discreet distance away, though quite watchful.

Tat'iana turns her head slightly to see who belongs to the voice so close by,
noting immediately the silver phoenix pin so similar to her own. "I was actually
seeking more on this poet, Anaia Andra, actually," she replies quietly, nodding,
"but I thank you for the recommendation, m'lord."

Galen smiles slightly, and leans agains the stack behind the lady. He folds his
arms across his chest and seems to examine his fingers. "I would be careful
bending like that, your ladyship. The weight of his majesty's gift is likely to
topple you."

Tat'iana reaches up to touch the necklace encircling her neck with her
fingertips, a her head dipping in modesty. "It's no comparison to the weight he
must bear, of the Imperium," she murmurs blithely, picking up on the possible,
but slight, innuendo behind the words. "But I come from Rastanyev stock...
strong, loyal Rastanyev stock."

Galen straightens a bit, a abondons his examination of his cuticles, "I meant no
disrispect, your ladyship. I occurs to me that it would perhaps behoove me to
introduce myself." He dips into a low bow, "Master Malcolm Galen, Mentat to
House Rastanyev. At your service, m'lady."

Tat'iana gives the Mentat a deep nod at his introduction, amusement tugging at
the corners of her lips. "And it seems, Master Galen, you already know who I
am," she observes, stepping back a pace from the bookshelf and folding her hands
before her. Though she locks her jaw down tightly and clenches her teeth, her
face turns bland and neutral. No doubt, the thoughts already circle rapidly
about in her mind. Satyavrat's visit was cut short, so the vulture has sent a
Mentat next to try and pry her way back in. At least this one isn't bringing
gifts that will have to be snooped for poisons.

Galen stays doubled at the waist but raises his head, "My lady there are few in
the known universe who do not know who the beautiful Tat'iana Anstasovna
Rastanyev is. I am more fortunant than most in that I have an errand that allows
me to see such grace in person." A wry grin begins to pull up the right side of
his lips.

One of the Lady's brows twitch ever so slightly, but the mask stays firmly in
place. "Another missive from the Baroness Stalinsky?" Her tone seems absolutely
non-plussed, and less than impressed. And no, not even a mention of the Lady's
actual title on Kaitain now. There is a definite chill factor, and the
temperature seems to be dropping by the moment.

Galen rises from his bow the smile still on his face, though perhaps a bit less
bold then it had been a moment before, "Not exactly a missive from the Baroness,
your ladyship. It is true that I informed the Siridar-Regent that I intended to
pay a visit to the palace. However, the errand is all my own. It seemed only the
polite thing for the new Mentat to pay his respects to the Earl Mikhail's
sister, and the Emperor's bethrothed. Indeed as you pointed out m'lady, you are
a loyal member of House Rastanyev, and it is my duty to place myself at your
service."

Tat'iana perhaps relaxes slightly, though her own guard stays up and she remains
watchful and observant of the Mentat. "It is good that it has not been
forgotten; my brother is yet the Earl Rastanyev," she says quietly, "At least
someone remembers this. I thank you, Master Galen."

Galen nods his head in recognition. He looks briefly back to the stacks of books
before returning his attention to Tat'iana, "Might I inquire as to her ladyships
interest in the aformentioned poet. If memory serves, though quite interesting
the poetry was not particularly note worthy."

"She... is an unknown," Tat'iana smiles, the mask at last finally cracking. "I
quite found the book I currently have by accident, and no one seems to know
where it has come from, who this poet is, or if there are any other volumes of
work at present. I find her work to be quite open, and honest. It is a rare
jewel to find."

Galen nods, "Well I can't say that I have actually read her work myself. Rather
I am relying on second hand information, which is never a wise course for a
Mentat. On the other hand, in my line of work, poetry seldom assumes a role of
much importance."

Tat'iana nods, chuckling. "All business, and no play," she quips. "I would
recommend a small study of it, then, Master Galen, in your free time. I shall
have a copy of the book sent 'round to you at the embassy."

Galen beams, "I would enjoy that emensly, your ladyship. Perhaps you could bring
the copy by yourself and spend a bit of time amongst your kin. I am sure that
there are many at the embassy that would be greatly heartened to see you again."
The Mentat pounces on the opertunity.

Tat'iana's brow arches, and she sighs deeply. "Master Galen, perhaps you have
heard the Baroness fill your head with her empty excuses. But the fact remains,
when she arrived on Kaitain, she quite made it clear to me she wished me not in
that embassy. I am sorry, but I will not be stepping foot within that... that...
vulture's lair!"

The Noukker begin to advance, almost hesitantly, as Tat'iana's voice rises
sharply.

The smile drains from the Mentat's face, and is replaced by a slight palor of
the checks, "Again my appologies your ladyship. I was unaware that you had
such....antipathy for the Regent. Though this might not be completly proper,
might I ask what it is that has caused such a turn of events, and if there might
be some way that my humble abilties might mend the breach?" He flits a quick
glance toward the Noukkers and swallows.

A hand is raised, halting the approach of the Noukker, Tat'iana assuring them
that her safety is not threatened. She returns her gaze to the Mentat, the
stormclouds in her grey eyes quite dark. "She arrived here, usurped my place in
that embassy, and immediately shut me out from my family. She didn't even send
word of the birth of my nephews. My own correspondence to my brother seems to be
disappearing, as is his to me. And now that my marriage draws near, she comes
mewling to the palace like a hurt kitten, begging to be petted and coddled? It's
too late, m'lord. She's already made her bed, and now she can lie in it..."

Galen bows his head, "How unfortunant for House Rastanyev, and how unfortunant
for you, your ladyship."

"Perhaps," Tat'iana says coldly, "the Baroness should return to Vladstok where
she belongs."

Galen looks up, "Indeed perhaps she should. Might I then inquire who the Duma
should nominate as the next regent as the Siridar Earl has not been heard from
in over an Imperial standard month."

Tat'iana frowns, her lips pursing, as if she thought the answer quite obvious.
"The Lord Reeve seems a most capable man, Master Galen. At least he can handle
himself in public without embarrassing the house. I mean, /really/, hanging on
one of those Moritani playboys... her husband is not yet cold, and the Baroness
already struts about Kaitain like a harlot."

Galen nods in understanding, "I understand what you are saying, your Ladyship,
but if I might be so bold. Or in this case a but bolder.' ,he grins a bit, 'Why
should the entirty of House Rastanyev be punsihed for the misguided actions of
one person, no matter how highly placed. Granted, I am an outsider, but it seems
strange that one who introduces herself as a 'lotal member of House Rastanyev'
should endanger the vitality of the House over one person.

"I am not the one who can't seem to handle herself outside of the turnip farms,"
Tat'iana snips. "And in the end, she will harm the house... appearances, Master
Galen, even in social situations do leave a lasting political mark."

Galen says, "Aye, m'lady they do, and the appearances which ALL the members of
House Rastanyev have been keeping up are hardly helping to secure a seat on the
Landsraad High Council or cement our hold over the rapidly expiring Ecaz
contract.'.....he waits a beat....'The services of House Galen were retained
because these are perilous times for House Rastanyev my lady, and they call for
drastic measures. I truly do offer my appologies for speaking in this fashion,
but sometimes blunt words are called for and time is of the utmost importance in
this days. So I ask you your ladyship, did you mean what you claimed when we
met. Are you indeed a loyal daughter of House Rastanyev, or shall I need to look
else were to find assistance in the fight to keep Rastanyev from fading into the
dusk?"

"Of course I am a Rastanyev. Tell the Baroness to run along back home where she
belongs, and you'll have my help," Tat'iana smiles, the gesture saccarine, as is
her tone. "After all, it would not do for me to put in the effort needed, only
for her to tear it down."

Galen sighs, "That leaves us with the same problem as I previously stated.
Should the Baroness leave as you suggest, who is to take her place, and with all
due respect to the Reeve there is a fair amount of certainty that none of the
other great houses would take House Rastanyev seriously with a commoner at the
helm. With the Earl's disapearance, and yes m'lady he has disappeared, who else
should lead the House. Unless you are willing to indefinantly postpone your
marriage and take the reigns yourself."

Tat'iana's smile fades, as she sighs deeply. "I cannot, Master Galen. It would
anger His Majesty, and that would do us no good at all. I believe... I am of
more use here, where I am."

Galen almost raises his voice, but quickly brings it under into an icy tamber
closly matching the one Tat'iana had recently employeed, "More use to whom, my
lady? I fail to see a great deal of benefit that House Rastanyev is receive from
your current boycott. You brought up appearances, m'lady. What kind of message
do your actions send to those within the palace and without?"

Tat'iana raises a finger, and taps lightly on her lips. "Ears, Master Galen. The
right words, in the right ears... And everyone assumes it is that I am so
terribly busy with my wedding arrangements that I remain here."

Galen snorts in bemusement. If it wouldn't be totally against all the forms of
etiquette his eyes would role, "I am afraid, m'lady that hardly anyone assumes
that your lack of contact is due to your wedding preparations. House Rastanyev
is on a fast course to becoming the laughing stock of the Landsraad, m'lady only
the more so because of your upcoming marriage. Are you even going to invite the
Imperially recognized regent of House Rastanyev to your wedding? The odds makers
are claiming that you won't."

Tat'iana shakes her head, her cheeks coloring slowly. "She is not on my
invitation list, no... however, I am sure, that since she is among the Siridari
now, she is on His Majesty's list. I need not bother with inviting her."

Galen smiles, "Quite right. Why would you be expected to?" It would appear that
Tat'iana isn't the only one who can drip saccrince when the need arises.

Tat'iana arches a brow, crossing her arms before her. Her chin lifts stubbornly.
"An invitation from the Emperor of the Known Universe is far more to her style,
I think. Perhaps she can even stow it away to show her grandchildren. All of the
Siridari are receiving their invites from His Majesty.

Galen keeps the same smile on his face but his cold gray eyes narrow a bit,
"M'lady who are you really angry with?"

Surprise at the question makes her falter, Tat'iana had not expected this.
"Well, isn't it clear?" she queries in response.

Galen says, "Actually, m'lady it is. Though I don't think that the obvious
person is the one you are attacking. When is the last time you heard from your
brother, the Earl?"

Tat'iana turns her face away quickly, as her cheeks flame even hotter. "It was..
before the birth. When I urged him to quietly turn cousin Camilla over to Lord
Ferenczy as his Concubine.... It was what she wanted."

Galen's face softens a bit, "Yes I see." He lets his implied arguement work a
bit within Tat'iana's own mind. Why make arguements when the other person will
make them on their own.

Tat'iana bites her lip, refusing to meet the gaze of the Mentat. Her face
remains averted, her blush spreading down her neck slowly.

Galen lowers his tone to a calm, almost compasionate tone, "M'lady, as odd as
this seems......it is perfectly...... logical.. for you to feel angry. But for
the good of House Rastanyev, I would enjoin you to be certain as to what and
whom you are angry with. You do not like the Baroness. Very well, but ask
yourself. Would you have liked 'anyone' who had to step in and assume her role?"

Defeated, as she realizes the truth of it, Tat'iana shakes her head slowly. "I
have never liked her," she admits. "Even as children. She was... strange."

Galen nods and takes on a matter of fact inflection, "She is manilpulative,
cunning, and ambitious. I have no doubt that you disliked her then and dislike
her now. The problem my lady is that given current politics cunning and abition
are exactly what House Rastanyev needs.

"But she is also bumbling and socially inept," Tat'iana counters. "And the fact
still remains... she did not see that I received word of the birth. She was
there, and yet, she didn't even notify me."

Galen almost grimaces, "Was it her place to do so?"

 Tat'iana nods slowly. "Indeed... she'd already claimed place as the lady of the
house at that point."

 Galen nods slowly, "Umm-humm. So this was prior to the Earl's departure?"

 Tat'iana nods once more, and then sighs. "And when I'd gone to the embassy... I
was not even permitted to see him. Or the children. Though she took great pains
to tell me she'd seen them herself, and that they were beautiful."

Galen folds his hands, "Is it possible that she was trying to empathetic and
relate to you what information she could? Trying to be your surogate eyes as it
were."

Tat'iana shakes her head. "I wouldn't believe that, Master Galen. Being treated
as an outsider was positively the last straw. No doubt, she's even had my own
rooms redecorated, as she's had my brother's rooms. He liked them that way."

Galen says, "As I have neither knowledge of your room's decorations before or
currently I could not say. However, I do know that your rooms are sill there and
have not been reassigned."

Tat'iana makes no reply for a long moment, before drawing a breath slowly. She
even pauses to release it just as slowly, before she quietly asks, "And what am
I to do now?"

Galen actually shrugs, "That is completly up to you, your ladyship. My only goal
is to help House Rastanyev acheive the status that it desires. Toward that end
it does no one good for her two highest ranking persons here on Kaitain to be at
each other's throats. If I might offer a bit of advice however I would say this;
you said that you were made to feel like an outsider. To combat that I would
suggest that you stop acting like an outsider."

"I will take your counsel upon consideration," Tat'iana murmurs, reaching out to
take what seems to be a random book from the shelf in front of her. Though, the
title is obvious as one of the more prominent works of the poet Yakashi. "Thank
you for your time, Master Galen."

Galen bows formally, "I thank you for your time, Lady Rastanyev. It was a
disticnt pleasure and I hope to see you again shortly so that we might discuss
this poet of which you are so fond."

Tat'iana returns the bow with a curtsy, the book in her hand and her injured
ankle only hampering her slightly. "Enjoy the rest of your evening," she
murmurs, and turns to leave the library.

Galen allows the lady to leave before he makes his way over to the history
section. He quietly peruses the titles for a few moments before he too turns a
departs.




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