Log 3: Christmas with the Harkonnen

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

12/28/2001
Logfile from DuneIII-Ophelia
Where the Great Houses vie for power in the Padishah Imperium....

Grumman Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

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

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

        Today, however, there is a new addition to the usual appearance of
Grumman Hall. The Moritani are in the midst of celebrating their Giorni di
Natale, or, as some call it, Christmas. The Hall is decked out in grand
Moritani style for the 15-day long fete.

Players:

 Martin

Exits:

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

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

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

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

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

Boris walks in from Banquet Hall through the Alabaster Arch.
Boris has arrived.

Ulricke walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.
Ulricke has arrived.

Fahahd walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.
Fahahd has arrived.

The festivities within the great hall of the Moritani continue...

Servants milling about in the hall during their off-hours sing traditional
songs of Grumman and the Giorni di Natale, the wine is flowing (among other
spirits), and the food is still available a-plenty on the tables set up for
it off to the side of the chamber. The voices of musicians and their
instruments have been added to those of the servants, and a few who are
deeper into their cups than others have started dancing. But the nobility is
not absent from the celebration, not in the slightest. The Contessa herself
stands at the base of the grand staircase, laughing at something someone has
said to her. Wine glass in hand, she's certainly a part of all this as well.

Felix walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.
Felix has arrived.

Martin walks into the hall with a small smile, straighting the collar of his
suit jacket. A servant offers him a warm mug, which he accepts with the
smile. He approaches the Countess, bowing to her.

Boris strolls into the festival chamber, gallantly escorting his daughter at
his side, their arms intertwined. He gives a grin and a mirthful laugh at
the antics of some of the dancers. "Is this not grand, Uli?" he asks,
beckoning at the holiday scene.

The Baronial retinue enters just a few steps behind, bearing various
burdens.

Fahahd is among the entourage, bearing a rather wiggly burden. Whatever it
is, it's covered in fuzzy and wrinkled black hide, and solemnly regards the
festivities out of dark eyes nearly hidden in folds of skin. Floppy ears
perk curiously, and a deep 'woof' comes from it - a puppy of some sort.

Ulricke smiles. "It certainly is, Father." she agrees, looking around
delightedly.

Felix follows Fahahd, trailing by a few footsteps. Doing his best to look
dignified, he bears an enormous silver platter topped with a thick
dome...however, there is a bit of blood apparently dripping its way across
the dish, and the puppy wriggling in Fahahd's arms seems quite intent on
getting to it. As such, Felix stops every now and then to let the guard get
a few more steps ahead, features composed in silent consternation.

It's... them. Someone is kind enough to approach Ophelia, to whisper in her
ear that new guests have arrived. Apparently, that is the content of the
whisper, for she looks to the entranceway as she's being whispered to, a
great smile breaking out on her face. She takes herself away from the
stairs, a hand on Martin's arm to tug him along with her. "Baron Harkonnen!"
Ophelia calls enthusiastically as she crosses the floor. "And his ravishing
daughter... we... /are/ honored!"

Boris chortles at the greeting from Ophelia. "No, no, my lady, it's we who
are honored, eh? What a grand fete you've gathered! But I'd be even more
honored if someone would get me a bloody drink, eh? I'm parched!"

Ulricke smiles. "Good evening, Your Excellency. Buon Natale."

Felix offers a bright smile and a stiff bow from his rearguard position,
though most of it is hidden by the large tray in his arms.

There's another woof, and more scrabbling from the pup in Fahd's arms. He's
got a faint pokerface on yet again, the better to survive the utter
indignity of his position.

Martin bows his head, respectfully to them both as he stands behind the
Countess. He looks to her Her Ladyship with a grin as he remembers her from
the Birthday party.

Ophelia claps her hands, summoning the attention of many of the servants.
Wine is brought for all with all due haste, while the Contessa looks on with
a wine-touched smile.

"Ask, and ye shall receive, Boris... though had I known you were on your
way, I would have had it waiting by the door for ye." The rebuke is softened
to teasing by a playful wink from the buxom broad, as she passes off her own
near-empty wine glass for a fresh one. "But we are glad to have you, my
dear... very glad. How are things in the House of the ram?"

Announcement: Lilith shouts, "For those who are looking for stuff to do --
don't forget to +bbread 20/85. Festivities in House Moritani are on-going,
and will continue to be so until the last Moritani drops!"

Over your communicator's secure frequency, a man's voice says, "Message from
ornithopter 970, bound for Moritani Embassy, requesting clearance, "This is
Lord Mintor Atreides... again.. Requesting landing clearance..""

You clear the vehicle over your communicator.

Mintor walks in from Reception Hall through the Colossal Arch.
Mintor has arrived.

Mintor walks in with a smile.. he pulls back some wind-blown hair and is
carrying a bottle of wine..

Boris grins broadly as a large circle of merrimakers dances past him. "I can
remember Count Galeazzo's Natale festivals, my lady Contessa. By the looks
of it, you've outdone even that old rascal!" He accepts a large wine glass
happily. "The ram's affairs are most excellent, of course, my lady," he
rumbles. "We're strong and happy and surpassingly lovely--" he glances at
his daughter a moment--"and for that, of course, all our enemies hate us!"
he laughs.

Ulricke grins, looking around. "It really is magnificient, Your Excellency."
she chuckles in amusement at some of the dancing, a hand resting lightly on
her father's arm.

Mintor walks up to Opelia, speaking with the Harkonnens.. He stands quietly
and polite, not wishing to interupt.. He nods to those that attract his
attention..

Martin listens in and chuckles. He looks at as the poor Captain struggles
with the puppy with a smile. Seeing the arrival of Lord Mintor, he bows to
him with the grin still present.

Fahahd finally gives up, and simply sets the pup down, though he keeps a
firm grip on the leash affixed to the little beast's collar. The fuzzy thing
promptly makes a beeline for Ophelia, straining at the end of the leash and
wagging her tail furiously.

Boris rumbles, "Mintor Atreides! As I live in breathe! Why, it's been some
time, lad! You're looking well, if maybe a bit underfed. Uli, look, it's
that young Mintor!"

Felix's shoulders lower in momentarily relaxation as he sidles up next to
Fahahd now that the hound has been released. Clutching the platter close to
his person just in case the pup leaps backwards, he lets his eyes dart about
the room, taking in the massive decorations.

Ulricke grins. "Yes, Father. I see that." she gives him a grin. "Hello,
Mintor."

Ophelia tips her head back as she laughs, though the dark shape of the pup
lunging at her evinces a small squeak of surprise. But even this brings more
laughter, as she shakes her head. Mintor's arrival, announced as it is by
Boris, is quickly noted, and she favors the young man with a nod and her
bright grin. "Ah... back for more, is it, young Atreides? Good, good! The
more the merrier!"

Mintor smiles and nods to all.."I thought it would be best to bring a
present this time.. I offer a bottle of the finest wine made on Caladan.."
he smiles and bows to both Boris and Ulricke.."My Lord Baron, it has been
far too long since I've been in the midst of your bitterblooms, it does my
heart well to see you again. And you, M'Lady, simply become more ravishing
every time I see you.." he takes Uli's hand and kisses it.

Martin moves to the puppy, slowly trying to pet it, carefully keeping his
hand in case the pup nips. He looks up to Fahahd. "Does it have a name?"

Boris snorts at some whispered comment Uli's made. He tells Mintor, in
mock-conspiratorial tones, "Lad, a word to the wise. Bringing the Moritani
wine is like bringing sand to Arrakis. Kanlies have begun for such insults,
eh?" he teases.

The little girl pup doesn't nip..but does offer an amiable slobbering before
resuming her scrabbling on the flooring...still trying to get at Ophie. "Not
yet, my lord," Fahd notes, softly. "It was deemed best that her new owner
choose a name for her."

Mintor chuckles.."i mean no harm.. Just good cheer.."

Martin nods to Fahahd before looking up to the Countess with a grin. He
listens to the Baron's comments and chuckles and again looks to the
Countess.

Felix politely turns away before wrinkling his nose. If House Atreides were
to employ a butler or chamberman with any *bit* of common sense, perhaps
such horrible lack of judgement could be avoided! They'd have been a lot
safer with, say, a dessert of some kind...although I suppose they'd have
been beaten already with that, hmmm? Inwardly, Felix allows himself a
satisfyingly long gloat. Outwardly, he concerns himself with admiring how
wonderfully green the tree is.

Hey, lady, lady, lady - pay attention to me! A forlorn whine comes from the
black bundle still trying to scratch her way over to Ophelia; the puppy is
still pattering in place against the restraint of the leash, bright eyes
fixed on her goal. Apparently the pup's evening won't be complete until
she's shed on at least one Siridar.

Ophelia laughs softly, again, at Boris' comment this time. But Mintor is
favored with a small grin, and a shake of her head. "We'll add it to our
collection, m'lord, should any guest make such an unusual request for
Caladanian wine. But... it is the thought which counts, does it not? We are
appreciative of the intent behind the gesture." Though delivered in a gentle
tone, surely it's meant... that the bottle will never be opened in this
embassy. She motions for a servant to relieve the young Atreides lord of the
wine bottle, though she herself doesn't move to touch it. She glances down
quickly, to ensure the pup is safely at the end of his lead, and not too
close to trifle, or piddle, on her skirts, though the furry thing still has
her quite intrigued. "Her new owner?" she echoes, an eyebrow arched
slightly.

Boris tells Ophelia, "She comes from champion lines, Contessa. A genuine
Giedi mastiff, eh? We've even brought some fare to tide the little fellow
over. Felix?" He blurts, "Felix? Do quit admiring the flora, can't you see
the pup's hungry?"

Fahahd utters a soft command to the dogling...and after a petulant look, she
settles into a wrinkly lump, but still stares firmly at the Countess. The
thick tail is still thumping steadily.

Martin pets the pup as it sits. He chuckles, "It has been well trained. Do
you train her, Captain?"

Fahahd bows his head once, slightly. "Yes, my lord," he affirms, giving the
beasta warning look. A pink tongue peeps out as she licks her nose
worriedly.

Felix snaps to attention, looking first to the Baron, then to the Contessa,
and finally to the wrinkly lump of a dog on the ground. "Ah, of course your
Lordship, how truly foolish of me, I *will* be more attentative. It's just
such a marvelous site, I mean with the lights and all, really capital,
m'Lady Moritani, and wouldn't you agree?" By this point, however, he has
already lifted the lid from his platter, revealing several chunks of freshly
killed and puppy-building meat. As such, it would appear that he is asking
for the dog's opinion, who communicates it by hungrily gobbling up the
offered treat, licking her mouth excitedly and even extending a friendly
lick or two to the hand which feeds her.

Ulricke has meandered over to the food and drink, selecting some for
herself, she opts to be quiet, watching the interactions around her with a
low smile.

Boris drains his first glass of Grummanian Escenczia '34 and accepts a
second. "You have to watch them constantly," he tells Martin, although it's
not sure whether he means puppies or Captains or butlers.

<<Boris thinks: None of that Caladanian mouthwash served around -here-!>>

Mintor walks up to Uli and grabs some food and a glass of the House wine...
"You've been absent from the social scene recently.. I hope you haven't been
too busy with your studies?"

Ophelia watches on in quiet amusement, taking a healthy draught from her
wine as she peers over the rim to the dog's feeding. "She's... quite a fine
looking animal, undoubtedly," she notes after a moment, even venturing to
take a step closer to place herself within the range of the pup.

At another soft word from Fah, she leaves off feeding to offer another
tentative wag of the tail to the Countess, then woofs softly.

Martin looks up the Baron and smiles. "Of course, My Lord." He looks to
Felix if he could offer her a piece, only momentarily looking to the
Countess with a raised eyebrow.

Felix appears more than happy to *not* be the one touching the meat, and
extends his platter towards Martin. "With the Countess's permission, do help
yourself my Lord," he offers cheerily.


Ulricke mms innocently, "I keep up with my daily routines." Setting down her
plate, she sips her wine and strolls along the length of the table. "I'm
considering petitioning to test for the next level soon."

(OOC) Fahahd says, "For an image of the puppy, or one like
her....http://www.neapolitan.org/cgi-bin/neocard/card.cgi"

Mintor raises an eyebrow and smiles.."Ah.. well met then, M'Lady.. It seems
that another will be amongst the those that have already achieved level
10.."

Ulricke laughs throatily. "I've a bit to go before reaching that, Mintor. It
takes years." She approaches the colonnade, standing in its archway.

Fahahd shoots an unreadable look at the Baron's daughter and her companion
for jsut an instant, before hastily looking back to the pup.

Mintor laughs.."Don't I know it, M'Lady... Maybe we could spar some
time...It's been quite a while since you've fooled me with that feint of
yours.."

Fahahd offers a tiny nod to some comment of Martin, as the puppy turns to
lick at his hand.

Boris is working on his fifth glass of the '34 with no signs of slowing
down. He pauses to admire some music played by a pair of strolling
troubadours, strumming balisets.

"And who is this young pup's proud new owner?" Ophelia dares to ask finally,
her teeth biting at her bottom lip subtlely. Holding her skirts carefully
out of the way, she begins to crouch down, perhaps to get a better look at
the four-legged young visitor.

The puppy also sits, though she doesn't cower away. The dark eyes blink at
her, and that pink tongue again flicks out to wet her nose. Fahd gives Boris
a look - better to let him tell the COuntess.

Boris offers an absent wave as he turns from the musicians. "Why, you, of
course, Contessa," he explains. "Happy birthday to this Lord Christmas
fellow, or whatever he's called."

"Indeed," Felix chimes in, boasting a broad smile. "A *most* happy birthday.
How old is m'Lord?" He turns to face Martin, although it's not clear if he's
calling the diplomat Father Christmas, or merely asking the question.

Martin chuckles and looks to Felix, as he takes a piece of the meat. "Me?
I'm Thirty-one." He gives the girl pup the meat, watching his fingers. He
looks up to the another.

Ulricke notes, "I've always been good with the feint." a pause, and her
glance trails upward.

She snaps it up deftly, and licks her lips, before panting for another.
Ophelia getes a quizzical glance. Feed me too?

Mintor happens a glance up and looks quizzically.."I never did ask... But
what -is- all the hanging foliage for?"

A slow grin begins to spread across Ophelia's face as she herself takes a
piece of meat from the near-empty tray. With a small flick of her wrist, she
waves the meat slightly, inviting the puppy forward with it. "Ah... well,
we'll get you a fitting name here soon, girl, won't we?" she directs her
conversation to the dog. Then, more sharply, she adds, "Come!"

Ulricke looks over. "Your Excellency? What exactly is this...for?" her eyes
glint wickedly, she knows the answer.

It doesn't take a second time - the pup bounds for Ophelia, and all but
inhales the meat from her hand. Her expression is positively adoring. Fahd
proffers the end of the leash to Ophelia, wordlessly.

Martin looks up at what her Ladyship is talking about. He chuckles out. He
grins and looks to the Countess if he should explain or she will.

Felix crisply replaces the cover of the now empty tray, quite happy to be
done with *that* duty. Adjusting the rim so as to not smear his nicely
pressed uniform, he offers an engaging smile in the direction of the Lady
Ulricke as he once again returns to admiring the stunning greeness of it
all.

Ophelia buries a hand in the wrinkled skin of the dog, the one hand
hopefully keeping the pup from deciding to pounce on her as her eyes lift to
Ulricke's question. She grins as Martin does, a small chuckle preceding her
explanation, "Mistletoe, m'lady... tradition demands that men and women who
meet beneath must share a kiss. And a ring of the bell, to signify the
honoring of the tradition."

Before Ophelia can complete her explanation, a pair down the hall under a
similar sprig of greenery complete their own honoring of the tradition, and
their bell is given a quick ring.

Ulricke mmms. "Well. What do you think, Mintor? Dare we balk at tradition,
or accomodate our hostess?"

Fahahd looks away, pointedly. My, aren't those ornaments fascinating?

Boris calls, encouragingly "Yes! Yes, a kiss! Be careful, Mintor! Her lips
are lethal!" He should know, of course.

Martin chuckles and mutters to himself.

Martin mutters to himself, "The... knows."

Mintor raises an eyebrow to Boris' warning... yes, he too should know...
"Why, far be it from me to insult our gracious hostess.." he leans in slowly
and kisses Ulricke..

There are some women who kiss, and it's really nothing more then a kiss.
Then there are some women who kiss, and spines tingle, toes curl. Guess
which type of woman Ulricke is?

Ophelia gives the pup another pat before reaching up to take the leash from
Fahahd's so-patiently extended hand. Watching the traditions be upheld a
moment, she turns to Boris to quietly say, "I am quite touched, my dear
cousine... this is perhaps one of the best gifts I've ever received. She'll
have a good home here... I'm sure of it. I'd... quite been wanting a dog, to
be truthful." There. Bald honesty from the Contessa. Now that doesn't often
happen.

Fahahd yields the leash silently, as the puppy cotinues to gaze admiringly
up at the Countess.

Mintor regains his footing, a rose color coming to his cheek, and it's not
from the wine.. he looks around trying to make sure he did not make a fool
of himself..

Mintor mutters to Ulricke, "... that... Marcinkan... again.."

Felix offers Mintor a foppishly approving glance before turning back to
notice Fahahd's intense study of the far ornaments. He peers off into the
distance, attempting to discern what's so good about them. The patterning is
well done, but not *fantastic*, what with all the irregularites, and he'd
personally have chosen a slightly less mossy shade of green...

Ulricke recovers far more swiftly, looking a bit like a cat with a feather
in her mouth and a bowl of cream before her. She smiles sidelong at Mintor.
"Old times." she teases lightly, and saunters back to her father.

Martin smiles and stands up as the Countess has the puppy. He moves to the
table and retakes his coffee, drinking it. He looks to Felix or Fahahd. "Do
you have Mistletoe hanging in your Embassy?"

Mintor chuckles.."yes.. that it does.." he takes another drink from his
wine, glancing around..

Fahahd shakes his head mutely to Martin, the bulk of his attention now on
the puppy.

"The tradition on Grumman," Ophelia explains quietly for anyone who might be
listening, though the explanation is aimed at no one in particular, "is that
an old crone... La Befana... some call her a witch.. brings gifts to the
children on the final day of the feasting, Natale. I suppose this year, La
Befana shall have large black pup at her side as she gives out the gifts."
She grins then, having finally revealed her plans to fill the role of La
Befana herself on Kaitain this year.

Boris takes Ulricke's hand, grinning at her affectionately. "I daresay
you've given the lad something to dream about, Uli."

Mintor laughs out loud at the 'dream' statement.. he continues to find small
things to eat.. better to keep his mouth full than to open it and insert his
own foot..

Fahahd suggests, suddenly, "Perhaps my lady might give the pup a diminutive
version of that name, then. Befanita?" When did he learn anything about
Moritani grammar?

Ulricke smiles. "Surely it is the best gift I could offer, no?" she says to
her father. At the mention of bringing gifts to children, Ulricke's
expression suddenly blanches, but she recovers quickly.

Martin looks to the Countess, he raises an eyebrow, but grins. He walks over
to the refreshments and takes a piece of the sweat bread. He grins to
Mintor.

The look on Ulricke's face is not lost on Ophelia. Though fleeting, she
catches it out of the corner of an eye, and stifles a small frown. Mental
notes are written, though she doesn't mention such a serious matter here.
It's just not appropriate. Keeping the conversation towards the pup sitting
at her feet, the Contessa nods to Fahahd's suggestion. "I'll certainly keep
that one in mind... a good though, Captain."

Fahahd bows a little, face gone equally grave. "My lady is most kind," he
murmurs, demure.

Felix rocks back on his heels slightly and stifles an overbearing yawn,
unable to shield his mouth as he is carrying the now empty tray. He looks
about furitively, mortified that someone might have seen such an undignified
action.

Boris drains number eight of the '34, without missing a beat or slurring a
syllable. He signals to his retinue that he will be retiring. "Well,
Contessa, thanks for your hospitality, but I'm to meet with some of my
vassals about some House matters. Enjoy the pup!"

Fahahd obediently falls into line with Boris.

Boris offers his elbow to Ulricke. "Will you be accompanying me, my jewel?"
he asks her, smirking.

"I trust I might call on your Captain here, for consultation in matters of
its training, I hope?" Ophelia adds hastily as she rises to her feet,
clutching the lead's handle in one hand. "I am so glad you came by... and
brought such a wonderful gift..." Wonderful, that is, until the pup reaches
the chewing stage.

Boris nods. "Of course! Fahahd will be happy to serve you in this. Isn't
that right, Fahahd?"

Ulricke looks to Boris, smiles. "I'll be along shortly, Father. Let me
linger a bit and enjoy the festivities?"

Boris tells Ulricke, "Very well. Show them how to properly celebrate such an
occasion, eh? But go easy on poor Mintor; he's merely an Atreides, after
all." Grinning, he offers a bow to Ophelia, a nod to Martin, and turns to
go.

Fahahd bows again. As if he'd dare argue with Boris. "I am entirely at my
lady's disposal."

Martin moves to the Countess side as the guests leave. He offers them a
large grin and bows respectful. "Thank you for visiting, My Lord."

Felix bows smartly to the assembled, then swivels about and follows Boris
out, tray balanced carefully before him.

Ophelia dips a low nod to the departing Harkonnen, flashing another smile.
"Don't work too hard, Boris," she drawls, before turning her eye on Ulricke.

Boris walks to the north and passes through the Colossal Arch.
Boris has left.

Felix walks to the north and passes through the Colossal Arch.
Felix has left.

Ulricke has walked over to listen to a group of servants singing songs of
the season, crossing her arms over her chest, eyes narrowed.

Fahahd has, apparently at some gesture from Boris, remained to dance
attendance on Ulricke.

Ophelia hands the pup's leash off to a servant for her to be walked and her
other needs seen to, though the changing of the guard, as it were, is done
with much reticence. She carefully approaches the Lady Harkonnen, standing
at the woman's elbow. "Perhaps... we might relax some in my sitting room,
hmm? These shoes kill my feet, and, I could surely use some sitting down..."
she notes quietly, discreetly. A small glance is aimed at Fahahd, though it
is not an unwelcoming one.

Martin watches the Ladyship reaction to the choir as he takes a drink of the
coffee. He raises an eyebrow both to her and to his Countess. He looks to
the Captain with a grin. When it comes the Countess, he might was well
concide.

Ulricke looks sidelong at the Countess. "That would be lovely, Your
Excellency." she smiles, gestures. "I await your leisure."

Fahahd is his accustomed stonefaced self, hovering patiently some litle
distance from Ulricke.

Ophelia flicks her wrist in a gesture towards the stairs, though the
staccato of her heels are already sounding in that direction. The sitting
room, apparently, is upstairs.

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