LHC Elections Log

["House Ginaz" <house_ginaz@hotmail.com>]

Here is the log of the elections that happened last Saturday, from my 
perspective. I got there early and left late so I don't think I missed much.

-Ernsdorf

Congressional Chambers -- Landsraad Congress (Kaitain)

        The room is slanted, forming several tiers of seating. Each group 
seats has a designated pattern on the back of their chair, representing the 
House it belongs to. At the front of the room is a large table where there 
are seats for the High Council members only. Behind the table is plush 
throne, draped in all the colors of Corrino. Directly infront of this setup 
is an open area considered the floor, where people may address the Chamber.

                        (OOC NOTE: +places/help)

Players:
Erich                                              Elsa
Ekaterina
Objects:
Podium                                             README FIRST
Exits:
Double Doors <E> leads to Inner Rotunda -- Landsraad Congress (Kaitain)

Erich walks up and takes a seat in the throne.

Elsa joins the Ginaz seating.

Jacob walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.
Jacob joins the Ginaz seating.

Boris walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Ekaterina acknowledges the lady Elsa with a somewhat placid smile, even 
going so far as to nod and lift her hand in greeting in the direction of the 
Ginaz seating area.

Charlotte walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Ernsdorf stands on the floor, fidgeting and talking softly to himself, 
watching everyone file in and muttering about not recognizing anyone.

Martin walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Boris enters with his retinue in close quarters, offering a bow towards the 
Imperial box, and another towards the Congressional functionaries.

Boris joins the Harkonnen seating.

Martin joins the Moritani seating.

Sveena walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Jacob swiftly makes his way to his seat, and once he's arrived, he offers a 
deep bow towards the Emperor, and regal nods to the other Siridari present. 
He looks amusedly and Ernsdorf and smiles.

Pers walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Ruhail walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Muradin walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Pers joins the Alvstad seating.

Martin walks down the aisle with a case under his arm. He watches the 
nobility assemble within the august chambers and smiles. He slides over and 
takes a seat with in the Moritani tables. He pulls out a file.

(OOC) Ernsdorf says, "FYI, this old guy's running the show for the 
elections. Directions to follow OOCly. ;)"

Charlotte enters the room, head held high, with every air of a seasoned 
diplomat and drops a deep curtsy to the Emporer and all others appropriate 
before finding her seat.

        Quietly the Baron Bajazet enters the congressional chambers, finding 
his seat wordlessly with his son close at his side.

Charlotte joins the Atreides seating.

Muradin walks alongside his father, glancing around at the various houses, 
his hands clasped behind his back, in a rather military fashion.

Ruhail joins the Bajazet seating.

Ekaterina sits back in her seat, and lays her hands idly in her lap as she 
gives soft instructions to a few of the retainers who have come with her. 
Their quiet Russkiy is relatively unobtrusive.

Muradin joins the Bajazet seating.

Ophelia walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Wilhelm walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Shane walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Sarah walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Shane joins the Moritani seating.

Ophelia joins the Moritani seating.

Ernsdorf mumbles lightly to himself some more, surveying the attendance. His 
eyes are so cloudy it's unclear if he can actually see anyone in the 
audience.

Jacob nods to each entering Siridar in turn, sparing a deeper nod for Ruhail 
and his clan.

Wilhelm joins the Moritani seating.

The Baron Bajazet answers the Marquis' nod with one of his own.

Pers takes his seat with surprisingly little acknowledgement of the other 
Siridari around him...are those circles under the Viscount's eyes? With one 
elbow against the table in front of him, he props himself up by catching the 
side of his neck. Silently, he studies the ancient Earl of Eenhorn, unknown 
thoughts gathering in the back of his mind.

The Moritani contingent arrives, as usual, fashionably late, the Contessa 
Moritani flanked by her na-Count and Swordmaster. With nods and smiles to 
those she knows, she makes for the Moritani seating. The sight of the Baron 
Bajazet in attendance gives her pause, though, and with a grave expression 
she favors him with a slow, deep nod.

Margot walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Martin raises from his seat at the arrival of the Countess, bowing to her. 
He repeats the move to the Na-Count, standing before they are seated. He 
rejoins them at the tables, offering them a sheet of information from a 
file.

Margot quickly enters muttering something about faulty wingblades. Her face 
is all business, but still allows for the friendly now, smile and wave as 
she makes her way to her seat.

And to the Contessa, too, does Ruhail grant a nod quite close to hers in 
gravity.

Margot joins the Atreides seating.

(OOC) Ernsdorf says, "OK, here's how the voting will be working. I'll 
collect the votes OOCly via page. For each round, I'll ask whoever is 
running to stand up ... simply pose standing up. Then when I call for votes, 
you will send a page from your House up to me (just @emit it) with your 
votes. I'll tabulate them and announce."

Sveena follows behind Margot, curtising to thoses who need them, noding 
gracefully to others, a smile to a few and she slips into her seat.

Sveena joins the Atreides seating.

Sarah joins the Moritani seating.

Brand walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

From House Atreides, Charlotte smiles at her daughter and niece as they join 
her, but quickly her face turns serious and she falls into quiet 
conversation.

Brand strides into the Congressional Chambers, quickly taking his place 
alongside the Viscount in the Alvstad seating area.

Brand joins the Alvstad seating.

Elsa leans slightly over to her right, whispering something into the Ginaz 
Marquis' ears softly, her face set in a mildly friendly fashion, her lips 
barely moving at all as she speaks.

Ernsdorf coughs and sputters into motion. "Greetings, assembled Siridari and 
other dignitaries. Greeting also to His Imperial Majesty, Hajus ..." he is 
interrupted by a page, and after a brief argument, he continues. "Excuse me, 
Erich Ladislas Corrino." He mutters something that sounds like 'who's that 
guy, anyway?'. "We are gathered to elect all three seats of the Landsraad 
High Council today so let's keep it moving along, now!"

Ekaterina acknowledges the houses gathered in the rotunda, with a deep nod 
of her head, and a half bend in her seat, hand to heart.

From House Moritani, Ophelia settles herself down in a very short order, her 
neck craning as she looks around to see other faces present in the chamber 
today.

From House Alvstad, Pers turns from his contemplation of the Landsraad 
Ancient to nod at Brand, some of the dullness lifting out of his eyes. As 
Ernsdorf speaks, his spirit seems to lift a bit further. He once again turns 
to look at the Master of Ceremonies, but this time there is perhaps the 
ghost of a smile on his lips.

From House Atreides, Margot seats herself after exchanging kisses with her 
aunt and cousine who had accompanied her.

From House Bajazet, Muradin talks to his father, quietly, but his facial 
expressions display a range of emotions that are not one bit pleasant.

From House Bajazet, Ruhail answers his son with a kind of stony resignation 
upon his face - almost as a henpecked husband would.

Ernsdorf bows deeply towards the throne, though he in fact misses and ends 
up bowing to a point ten feet to the left of the throne. Then he continues 
in his high, crackly voice. "We will then attend to other matters of Council 
after the new High Councilmen are elected." He looks back downwards and 
seems to be trying to remember something ... or maybe he fell asleep. After 
a brief pause, he sputters back to life again, with a shrill cry: "Noble 
Siridari! All those who wish to declare their intent to run for the first 
available seat, stand up and make your intentions known!" He peers around 
blindly, relying on a young page to tell him who stands.

Boris stands from his seat. "I do. Baron Boris Harkonnen." the big man 
rumbles.

The Rastanyev representative stands, putting her hands flat upon the surface 
in front of her.

Way in the back, feeble old Siridar-Count Johnston stands, apparently 
attempting to win this seat.

The diplomatic aids of House Johnston rub their fingers together nervously, 
occasionally drumming them against the threadbare and shoddily manufactured 
blankets that they feel compelled, for reasons unknown, to carry everywhere.

From House Atreides, Margot quietly raises from her seat.

Ariane walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Ernsdorf listens intently to his page. "I see" (which is an overstatement, 
since he's as blind as an Alvst cavefish) "That Houses Rastanyev, Harkonnen 
and Atreides have chosen to run for this seat. Are there any additions?"

Erich shifts slightly in his seat to rest his chin on his hand as he surveys 
the assembled nobles.

The Siridar-Count Johnston mumbles something about nobody ever caring 
anymore.

After dipping into a respectful curtsey, Ariane joins the Alvstad 
delegation.

Ariane joins the Alvstad seating.

Ernsdorf, after being nudged by the page: "Yes, And House Johnston. Didn't 
see him way back there."

The Siridar-Count Johnston mumbles something about nobody ever caring 
anymore. Again.

Boris rests his knuckles on the table before him, cigar between his teeth, 
scowling sidelong at the Johnston delegation.

From House Moritani, Wilhelm leans over to whisper with the Countess.

Ernsdorf looks over the candidates and remarks a bit too loudly to his page 
about having had spells in the water closet that lasted longer than some of 
these Siridari. The page looks mortified.

Erich fails to stifle a laugh.

Ernsdorf scowls at the obviously humorless page. "Very well then," he 
croaks. "You may now cast you votes. Send a runner up to my page here ... 
what's your name again, son? Angstrom? Angus? Ingot? ... to this page /right 
here/" he gestures, giving up on the name. He glares at the young man again 
for having such a difficult name.

From the Rastanyev seating, Ekaterina sends her house's page forward with 
their votes. The poor young thing bangs his leg against a table unit on the 
way. Very suave.

From House Alvstad, Pers nods curtly, and a long-legged Alvstad runner 
smartly salutes and sprints down the steps to Angstrom, or Angus, or 
Ingot...or whatever his name was, anyways. The vote delivered, the page 
quickly returns to the Viscount's side.

From House Atreides, Margot whispers to the young boy next to her box, hands 
him a slip of paper and gives him a reassuring nod. The boy ends up nodding 
and hurrying over to Ernsdorf.

So too does the Baron Bajazet send a strong runner to the lad with whose 
name is so irritably (or is that irrelevantly?) in question. The Bajazet 
vote is cast, and the runner returns.

The Harkonnen page salutes his baron smartly, then proceeds to Ernsdorf's 
table, delivering the vote efficiently and with a minimum of flourish.

Ernsdorf glares and dodders as he watches the page gather the votes. 
Incidentally the young man's name is actually John.

After a long moment of thought, the Countess Moritani gestures to her 
waiting courier, then hands him a slip of paper. Knowing what to do, he dips 
a quick bow to her and proceeds forward to turn the vote in.

From House Bajazet, Muradin frowns a little, as he watches the page depart 
the Bajazet area. His brow furrowing, and almost wishing he could strike the 
page down as he moves on.

Ernsdorf clears his throat as young John indicates that the votes are in and 
counted.

Ernsdorf reads the proffered scroll, peering intently at the results. "Oh 
my. This is quite a ... well, who would have imagined ..."

There are quite a lot of drumming fingers...

The page nudges the old man sharply and receives a glare in response. Then 
he remembers his duty. "Right right right. The first seat goes to House 
Johnston. I mean, Rastanyev."

Boris gives a snarl of frustration, throwing up his hands and seating 
himself.

From House Atreides, Margot quietly awaits the vote and hearing the result. 
Her eyes go to the Moritani box as her hands make a ripping gesture.

The Siridar-Count Johnston jumps up, an expression of joy on his face. 
Quickly, however, it is replaced with quivering lips and watering eyes. 
Sullenly, he seats himself and mutters something about nobody caring 
anymore.

From Rastanyev, there is very little in the way of celebration. Their Regent 
only nods, and grants a few well placed smiles, before retiring to sit again 
in her seat.

From House Alvstad, Pers arches an eyebrow warily, biting his cheek as he 
catches the Baron Harkonnen's gaze.

From House Atreides, Charlotte tilts her head and looks up at Margot, 
curiously, brow perhaps furrowed a little too noticeably and then looks over 
at the Rastanyev contingent.

Ernsdorf looks glumly and apologetically at the Johnston delegation. He owns 
many of their shoddily-made blankets, incidentally. "Congratulations are due 
to the House of the Phoenix. And to whoever it is that's in charge of them 
... I can't quite see the lad from here." Another jab from the page, and 
another glare.

Dirk walks in from Inner Rotunda through the Double Doors.

Dirk joins the Alvstad seating.

Ernsdorf clears his throat again and starts to speak, but steps on his 
moustache while shuffling his feet. He nearly falls over but mysteriously 
regains his balance. He pretends (poorly) that this never happened. "Very 
well, then, who intends to run for the second seat available on the High 
Council?" He again peers, as if he can see that far.

Pers rises firmly from his seat and flips his cape backwards in a tiny 
flourish.

From House Alvstad, Pers turns to Jacob from his standing position and 
offers the Marquis a nod of respectful acknowledgement.

Jacob stands and returns the nod, a show of respect for his opponent.

Ernsdorf confers with the page again. His eyebrows waggle in surprise. 
"Houses Alvstad and Ginaz have declared." He turns to the page. "That beast 
doesn't look like a Lear!" Yet another look of mortified resignation on 
young John's face.

Ernsdorf looks apologetically towards the Johnston contingent. "Had enough, 
eh, you old bat?"

From House Moritani, Shane was settled rather quietly, though looks up at 
the mention of the new Ginaz Siridar not being a Lear. Though he doesn't 
smile, for some reason that comment draws his attention as he looks over to 
Jacob for a moment, before sitting back to watch the proceedings.

Ashamed to meet Ernsdorf's eyes, the Siridar-Count Johnston mumbles 
something about nobody ever caring anymore. His daughter, the lovely 
Marietta, soundly elbows him; the resounding 'oomph,' echoes awkwardly 
throughout the chambers.

Dirk seats himself, bowing slightly to the Siridar-Viscount of Alvsgaard. 
His clothes crinkle under him as his person squashes the fine silk into the 
seat.

Ernsdorf sputters. "Well, then. We have two candidates this round. House 
Alvstad and House Ginaz. Please send your runners now." He attempts to 
mutter to his companion, again too loudly. "Seafood or Swordplay, eh?" It's 
clear he thinks this a spectacularly clever joke. John does not.

From House Rastanyev, Ekaterina again sends a house page forward, carrying 
the card containing the vote of the Phoenix house. She is frowning in a 
decidedly bland fashion at the Landsraad fossil. This page, is gratefully 
able to not fall all over himself on his way to John.

Erich clears his throat. The vocalization is soft, but curiously reminiscent 
of a growl.

From House Alvstad, Pers's simple nod sends the Alvstad runner down to the 
floor and back up again in a quick sprint.

From House Ginaz, Jacob sends a page to John, his expression unreadable.

From House Atreides, Margot waits for her page to return from the box of 
house Alvstad, gives him another piece of paper and sends him running to the 
guildsman again.

From House Moritani, Ophelia hands over her card to her waiting runner, 
giving the young man a nod of encouragement; hurry.

From House Bajazet, Ruhail sends his clean-limbed runner along with the 
Bajazet vote.

The Siridar-Count Johnston gets caught up in all the excitement and starts 
running in place.

The Harkonnen page strolls slowly down the aisle towards John, passing the 
vote to the Landsraad page with a bow and a salute.

Ernsdorf blows his nose loudly as he waits, unfortunately using the hem of 
his robe.

John the page looks grateful to be dealing with other pages temporarily 
rather than the crazy old man next to him. In fact, he wrinkles his nose 
lightly at some real or imagined odor.

Ernsdorf collects the votes from the page, and reads over them with his 
myopic gaze. "It would appear that the victor of this round is House Ginaz." 
He nods in the general direction of the Marquis, muttering, "how on earth 
did /that/ happen?"

From House Ginaz, Jacob nods regally, his expression still inscrutable, and 
turns toward Pers again, giving another respectful nod.

Erich emits a soft cough, his hand slowly covering his mouth as his eyes 
rest upon the ancient man.

From House Alvstad, Pers turns up his palm as he dips his head to Jacob, 
reseating himself. From the corner of his eyes he catches the Contessa's 
movement and offers her a tight-lipped smile.

From House Bajazet, Ruhail merely watches all of this with that impassive 
expression of his. He's had other things to divert the majority of his 
thoughts of late, after all.

Ernsdorf shuffles around as if to see who's coughing and growling at him, 
and can't figure it out. "Very well, let us commence the election for the 
third and final seat! All those running, please stand now!" He mutters 
something about having the futuristic equivalent of a bingo game to attend 
soon.

Finally, the time has come. Ophelia gathers her skirts, and slowly pushes 
herself up from her seat, her chin lifted proudly.

From House Atreides, Margot lets her gaze wander towards Alvstad and then 
stands as well.

From House Ginaz, Elsa follows the proceedings with interest, face devoid of 
emotion, careful not to let her eyes rest on anyone specific.

From House Moritani, Wilhelm glances across the room at the Atreides 
contingent, an arched brow his only comment on the Duchess' candidacy.

Ernsdorf openly looks at Ophelia, somehow able to see far enough now. He 
nudges the page. "Look at her, laddie! Makes an old man want to learn how to 
fiddle to kersnipt, if you know what I mean!" John nearly faints in 
embarrassment. A kersnipt, incidentally, is a musical instrument. And no, 
what he said doesn't make any sense.

From House Ginaz, Jacob nods towards Ophelia, then raises an eyebrow at 
Margot's rising.

John, in fact, does faint. Two guards drag him away quickly to a spot 
further away from the old man, and another page replaces him. Ernie doesn't 
seem to notice though the new page is several years older, half a foot 
taller, and looks totally different.

From House Atreides, Charlotte looks between the contestants quite 
tightlipped and face lacking of any expression otherwise. Her intense gaze 
is almost unnerving to anyone who happens to catch it.

From House Atreides, Margot meets Jacob's frown with a little smile as the 
Atreides runner again makes some extra mileage running over to Jacob with a 
note and returning quickly.

From House Alvstad, Pers, for his piece, looks not at all surprised at the 
Duchess's actions.

From House Ginaz, Jacob confers quickly with his advisors before sending his 
runner out. It seems this is an unanticipated development.

Ophelia glances aside to Margot, her brow, unlike others, not rising. A thin 
smile does, however, tug at the corner of her lips.

<<Pers thinks: Dirty pieces of business, these alliances.>>

From House Ginaz, Jacob reads the note, and nods to Margot. His expression 
is still unreadable.

From House Bajazet, Ruhail looks impassively at the development - the 
Duchess has not proven herself a creature of political delicacy in the past, 
after all. Slowly he reaches for the page, and puts in his hand the third 
Bajazet vote to be sent.

From House Rastanyev, Ekaterina takes a long moment writing out the 
Rastanyev vote, and is several times pauses by the advisors sitting nearby. 
One even goes so far as to touch the card where she is writing, earning a 
quick slap to his hand. Calmly, the runner is dispatched.

Ernsdorf bellows (or tries to, his old voice brittle and cracking): "Houses 
Moritani and Atreides will be running for the final seat. Cast your votes 
now, friends!"

The Baron scrawls something on a piece of Landsraad stationery, rolls it up 
and passes it to his page, who delivers it to Ernsdorf's assistant.

From House Moritani, Wilhelm takes mental count of the projected votes, then 
leans back in his chair in forced relaxation, glancing only briefly to the 
Throne for a reaction.

From House Atreides, Margot returns Jacob's nod before instructing her 
panting page. the poor boy runs and runs and again walks over towards 
Elmsdorf with the Duchess' vote.

From House Alvstad, Pers's page moves quickly to the floor and delivers the 
final Alvstad vote. Upon returning, he bows smartly and slips out of the 
chambers to rehydrate himself.

Ophelia pulls a card from her tightly-corseted bosom, her eyes not leaving 
the standing Atreides Duchess. She hands the card over to her runner, and he 
takes off to complete his task.

Ernsdorf boggles at Ophelia's magic card trick.

Martin mutters to Wilhelm, "..."

From House Atreides, Margot meets Ophelia's look head-on as if to say, got 
to give people some choice.

The new page, whose name, incidentally, /is/ Angus, struggles to deal with 
all of the votes being handed to him. One in particular seems to confuse 
him. Ernie barely notices his plight, in his quest to stare at Countess 
Moritani.

From House Alvstad, Pers observes the page's confusion even if Ernsdorf does 
not. His expression sets into a slight grimace.

Ernsdorf finally sees Angus' troubles, and hastily snatches the papers from 
the young man's grasp. He mutters to himself while reading them, but just as 
he says, "Let's see ... we have ... Ginaz votes for ..." he stops himself 
and looks around suspiciously to see if anyone's eavesdropping. Wisely, he 
counts the rest of the votes in silence.

Martin mutters to himself, "... wonder..."

Ernsdorf looks confusedly up in the gallery. He may be attempting to look at 
Boris, or it could be Siridar-Count Johnston behind him.

From House Ginaz, Jacob glances around the room as if trying to read faces 
in order to guess the outcome of the vote.

Boris clips and lights a fresh cigar, taking his time, and nods at Ernsdorf.

Johnston only glares at Ernsdorf, clutching a shoddy blanket tightly.

From House Moritani, Ophelia continues to keep her gaze directed towards the 
Atreides, her chin lifted and her smile turning more to a light smirk.

Ernsdorf appears to be doing the math in his head. Via abacus. And he 
clearly doesn't know how to use one.

From House Ginaz, Elsa observes the two Ladies, her eyes flicking back and 
forth while waiting for the outcome to be announced.

Ernsdorf finally nods and cranes his neck to look up at everyone. He starts 
to speak and then gets hit with a coughing spasm.

Ernsdorf recovers quickly, waving off the page's attempts to help him. "The 
winner of the third election, is ..." he descends into another coughing fit, 
holding up a wizened hand to fend off the page.

Ernsdorf shows the paper to the page, who announces in a clear but 
apologetic tone, "House Moritani."

From House Bajazet, Ruhail turns his eyes a bit toward the Contessa, and 
inclines his head in a nod.

Ernsdorf allows himself to be led to the back of the room where another page 
waits with a glass of water, which he accepts and gulps greedily, staying 
his respiratory ills. That page, incidentally, is the now recovered John, 
who happens to be the old man's 
great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandson.

From House Atreides, Margot gives Ophelia the most sickeningly sweet smile 
she has ever managed before returning to her seat and leaning over to 
Charlotte on her left

From House Harkonnen, Boris grinds out his cigar in the tray before him.

Ophelia dips a curtsy to the Duchess Atreides, her own smile mirroring the 
other woman's. She turns as she rises, returning the nods of those who 
favored her with them.

From House Ginaz, Jacob stands, moving expressionlessly to take his seat at 
the table. He precedes the other two victors, and awaits to pull out chairs 
for them.

Jacob leaves the Ginaz seating.
Ekaterina leaves the Rastanyev seating.
Ophelia steps away from her area, and makes her way towards the table.
Ophelia leaves the Moritani seating.
Jacob joins the High Council table.
Ophelia joins the High Council table.

Ernsdorf, now recovered, hollers from the back. "Let all welcome the new 
members of the Landsraad High Council!"

The third victor, the Rastanyev representative, makes her way to the High 
Council table, and takes on of the seats that is offered, murmuring her 
thanks.

The Harkonnen contingent gathers up their portfolios and papers. Without 
further ado, aside from bows towards the High Council and Erich's throne, 
they sweep from the chamber.

Ekaterina joins the High Council table.

You relinquish the floor.

Ernsdorf is engaged in a loud reunion with John, his great(x7) grandson -- 
he's apparently forgotten that fact until just now. He's already trying to 
find the poor guy a wife from amongst the spectators.

Ernsdorf seems to be pointing, in fact, to someone in the Moritani 
contingent. "Go talk to her, boy!" John looks like he may faint again.

Boris walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

John looks sheepishly up at Sarah, apparently the target of the old man's 
attention.

From House Atreides, Charlotte nods solemnly at her niece. "I will most 
certainly deliver the message."

At the table, Ekaterina rises from the chair position, with a brief glance 
at the other two High Councillors, and turns toward the Imperial seat, 
giving the due respectful genuflections. "Your Imperial Majesty; Request 
your blessing and recognition as we convene."

Erich nods and gestures, palm up. "You are recognized and may convene."

At the table, Jacob bows deeply towards Erich as well, his head placed even 
lower than usual.

At the table, Ophelia follows suit, not one to be left out of such important 
obeisances.

From House Atreides, Charlotte again nods quite deeply and noticeable at her 
niece and frowns as she stands. "If you will excuse me, I have some business 
to take care of?"

Erich shoots a brief glance at the Marquis Ginaz, his expression unreadable, 
then nods toward the Moritani Countess, recognizing her gesture of respect.

At the table, Jacob clears his throat and stands. "I have one matter of 
business to address today."

From House Atreides, Charlotte looks back at Margot and nods. "Of course. I 
shall make arrangements for later then."

From House Bajazet, Ruhail rises from behind his own table. "I, too, request 
recognition of business."

Martin mutters to Wilhelm, "Looks like... to... censor the..."

From House Ginaz, Elsa follows the Atreides diplomat's moves before 
returning her attention to the table.

Charlotte walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

From House Atreides, Sveena returns the smile to her mother, as Charlotte 
makes her way out, her eyes looking up and meetings those watching there 
table, before she turns to speak softly to Margot.

From House Atreides, Margot watches her aunt and head of mester diplomat 
leave. Then giving Sveena a nod and a smile she dons her readingglasses, 
carrying them on the tip of her nose. In her quiet manner she opens a folder 
in front of her and starts sifting through the papers.

From her seat at the High Council table, Ekaterina Rastanyev says into the 
amplifying equipment, "The High Council recognizes the Siridar-Marquis Ginaz 
of Marcinko, to be followed by the Siridar-Baron Bajazet of New 
Adrianopolis."

At the table, Jacob inclines his head slightly, but speaks clearly. "Over 
the course of the long-running kanly between Houses Ginaz and Moritani, 
House Ginaz has committed some unfortunate and regrettable acts. Not least 
among them is the involvement in and responsibility for the deaths of the 
following Moritani nobles and retainers: Siridar-Count Francesco VII and 
Lady Valeria in the year 10,053, Siridar-Count Galeazzo V in the year 
10,091, the Lady Anastasia in the year 10,094, and the na-Count Agon 
Moritani and Masters Corrialis and Montego, Mentat-Analysts and Masters of 
Assassins, in the year 10,095. House Ginaz takes full responsibility for the 
deaths and issues a formal apology for them. Appropriate compensation will 
be delivered. In addition, standard compensation for the loss in kanly will 
be granted, and one of my nieces has been betrothed to Count Padron. With 
these concessions, I would like to petition for a formal end to the kanly, 
which has been defunct in every manner but name since the Lear family was 
removed from power." He turns to regard Ophelia. "Even though the Lears were 
in charge when these events occurred, I deeply regret their occurrence, and 
offer my formal apology on their behalf." Since of course they can't be here 
today ... being all dead.

From House Moritani, Shane looks up at Jacob as he speaks. Raising his brow, 
curiously, he hadn't expected to be so much a part of the Marquis' speech 
between the betrothal and of course, the er, being all dead part but he 
looks over to Ophelia, settled over at the table before once more turning to 
regard Jacob.

Ernsdorf, listening intently, seems to be tearing up, apparently emotional 
to see such a long-running feud come to and end. He nudges John, and mutters 
some appropriately corny advice about there always being hope for peace.

At the table, Ophelia surveys the chamber, then rises from her seat at the 
table. "For 5,000 years, this Kanly has raged between our two Houses. Never 
in the recorded history of this Kanly has a representative of House Ginaz 
apologized for the atrocities necessitated by this situation. And... too.. 
never has a representative of House Moritani apologized for their own 
atrocities. House Moritani accepts the so eloquently delivered apology of 
our cousine, and offers our own in return. We second the motion, that this 
Kanly be ended. The Forms have been obeyed."

Erich looks on, apparently unmoved by the end of this ancient conflict. His 
eyes move back and forth slowly between the two parties.

From House Ginaz, Elsa turns her attention to the Moritani representatives 
when these words are spoken, observing their reaction.

Ernsdorf fights back tears of joy once more. Ah, peace, where once was 
spite.

At the table, Jacob smiles towards Ophelia, and nods. And so it is ended.

At the table, Ophelia nods briefly, offering no further flowery speeches as 
she re-takes her seat. Short, brief, and to the point, business as ever.

At the table, Jacob takes his seat once more, finally looking at ease. "We 
now recognize Siridar-Baron Ruhail al-Nashina Khan Bajazet. The floor is 
yours."

        The Marquis is responded to by the Baron with a nod; in sweeping 
white regalia he rises anew, long arms tucked behind his back - the 
expression on his face is as grave and somber as one might expect a 
newly-remade bachelor. "The House of Bajazet does not wish to engage the 
council's time unduly, so I shall be brief. There is a grave matter which, 
while brought to forum long ago, had been tabled due to more pressing 
business. With the ascendancy of the new council, I would bring this 
business forth again. I, the Baron Ruhail al-Nashina Khan Bajazet, hereby 
request with the utmost respect and regard the calling of a special session 
regarding the conflict between my house and that of the House of Harkonne, a 
conflict which has led to our calling of proces-verbal. I ask that this 
session open the issue anew, and examine it with all the virtue of the 
Forms."

At the table, Jacob nods gravely to the Baron. "A new session will be 
called, at a time when a full contingent from both Houses Bajazet and 
Harkonnen can be present. This matter will be discussed at length and 
evidence presented, according to the forms. This session will be called as 
soon as is mutually possible for all parties."

	"The House of Bajazet extends its gratitude," replies the Baron, who then 
settles back at his table.

A small amount of scuffling marks the rapid departure of the Alvstad 
contingent from the meeting hall. Bajazets tend to have that effect on 
people these days.

Pers leaves the Alvstad seating.
Pers walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Brand leaves the Alvstad seating.
Brand walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Ariane walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

At the table, Ekaterina thumps one of the ceremonial hand-gavels upon the 
table as the departing contingents make their way out of the hall. Waiting 
for the return of the dull roar, apparently. "Is there any house with 
further business not yet addressed in this session?"

At the table, Ophelia sits quietly, watching with a raised eyebrow as the 
Alvstads take their leave.

Dirk leaves the Alvstad seating.
Dirk walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

At the table, Jacob watches the departure with open curiosity.

Elsa glances over at the Alvstad's empty table briefly, perhaps looking to 
see if any of them left a briefcase standing.

From House Atreides, Margot looks up over the rim of her glasses for a 
second but returns back to the paperwork in front of her.

After waiting patiently for the space of a few moments, the Siridar-Regent 
Rastanyev looks to the other two Siridari assembled at the table, at the 
Lady Moritani and the Lord Ginaz. "With respect, propose motion to adjourn, 
providing there is no further issue."

At the table, Jacob mumbles. "Seconded."

At the table, Ophelia nods her assent as well, though the motion has already 
been seconded.

Ernsdorf coughs and sputters and bows to the High Council table, and allows 
himself to be led away. Presumably he'll be put into cold storage until the 
next time he's needed.

Erich stands up from the throne.

At the table, Jacob stands to honor the Emperor, and bows deeply.

From House Moritani, Shane stands as the Emperor stands, giving a deep bow 
as well.

Erich rises without remark and descends the few steps into a cadre of 
Imperial attendants, who lead him from the chamber. He nods to his noble 
subjects as they bow, eyes languidly looking over the assembly.

From House Moritani, Wilhelm rises with the Emperor, offering a deep bow to 
his Imperial Majesty.

Erich walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

At the table, Ophelia rises from her seat at the table a final time, dipping 
as low a curtsy as she may.

At the table, Ekaterina clears her seat, and stands to obey the necessary 
proprieties with her own deep curtsey. As the mass begins to filter out, she 
tucks the table equipment back down into standby.

Ekaterina leaves the High Council table.

Ruhail rises as well, bowing to those upon the council seats before leaving 
with his son and entourage.

Ruhail walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Muradin walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

At the table, Jacob turns to congratulate each of the other councilmembers, 
smiling, as he makes ready to leave.

Jacob leaves the High Council table.

From House Atreides, Margot rises from her paperwork for a second to 
curtseye the emperor and then returns to her seat, scribbling notes and 
comparing documents.

Ophelia makes her way away from the table as the others do, her direction 
carrying her back towards the members of her own House still present within 
the chamber.

Ophelia leaves the High Council table.

Elsa rises and joins Jacob as the other Ginaz representatives gather their 
paperwork and leave.

Elsa leaves the Ginaz seating.

Jacob strides swiftly out, on business unknown.
Jacob walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Elsa follows the Marquis.
Elsa walks to the east and passes through the Double Doors.

Shane leaves the Moritani seating.

Ekaterina passes the Moritani contingent, signaling with an overt pat to her 
communicator that she will be in touch with the Contessa soon. And then with 
her folk, departs.


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