Mintor and Sisay visit Revellers

["Jason Howson" <howsonjay@mediaone.net>]

Dune III (Mintor) - Wednesday, January 16, 2002, 2:36 PM

 

Atreides Limousine
The vehicle has been appointed with every luxury that can be installed and still provide seating for six with room to

 

spare. Two sets of three seats face each other across a small, solid mahogany table. The sides of the table have

 

recessed handles for access to the compartments within. A circular light over the table bathes the inside of the

 

limousine in a soft light.
(For help see 'vhelp')

 

The driver nods.
Clearance is required for that destination. Send a request with 'msg <message>'.
There is a sense of acceleration as the limousine picks up speed.
The surroundings darken for a moment while going through a tunnel.
The driver nods, "Message sent."
Numerous vehicles can be seen darting through the avenues.
The limousine is buffeted slightly by a large gust of wind.
The driver turns to the passenger area, "Clearance has been granted."
The limousine decelerates steadily and comes to a smooth stop.
The vehicle will remain on hold until told to leave.
Sisay has arrived.

 

The limousine continues quickly to its destination.
The limousine decelerates steadily and comes to a smooth stop.
The vehicle will remain on hold until told to leave.

 

Mintor smiles.."Shall we go?"

 

City Center -- Central District (Kaitain)

 

        A 200-meter tall statue of a lion dominates the City Center. The lion, rearing up on its hind legs and roaring

 

toward the north, appears to be made of polished gold. A narrow road passes under the statue and directly through

 

the small park surrounding the lion's feet. Around that is a multi-lane traffic circle, with wide tree-lined avenues

 

leading to the four corners of the city... and the Universe.

 

Objects:
 Atreides Limousine                                 Ginaz Limousine
 Courier                                          
Exits:
 Stairway <D> leads to Subway Station -- Central District (Kaitain)
 Via Astra <E> leads to Circle of Stars -- Central District (Kaitain)
 Imperial Boulevard <N> leads to Saudir I Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain)
 Lion's Tail Road <S> leads to Einrike Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain)
 Via Pecunia <W> leads to Circle of Fortune -- Central District (Kaitain)
Sisay exits the Atreides Limousine.
Sisay has arrived.

 

Sisay smiles and nestles her hand securely under your arm. "Of course, My Lord."

 

You walk along the Lion's Tail Road.

 

Einrike Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain)

 

        The square plaza is built around the tomb and monument to Einrike of Henoor. The gardens and facilities are

 

kept immaculate, like everything in the Central District, but the scenery does not betray the same extravagance as

 

many other parts. The plaza is lined with shops and boutiques aimed at the petty nobility and high ranking servants

 

of royalty. Small alleys and streets lead from the open and light of the square to some of the more "colorful" parts

 

of the district.

 

Exits:
 Circular Drive <E> leads to Main Entrance -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Lion's Tail Road <N> leads to City Center -- Central District (Kaitain)

 

Sisay walks in from City Center along the Lion's Tail Road.
Sisay has arrived.

 

You follow the circular drive to the entrance, double doors that slide open as you approach.
Main Entrance -- Revelers (Kaitain)

 

     The walls of the small lobby sparkle with a river of stars across a dark purple background. The room is full of

 

shadows, the only light shines from behind a wall-hanging shaped like a large party mask in the center of the far

 

wall, golden glowglobes gleam through the eyes and reflects off the gold satin halo that trims the edges of the

 

mask in a wide ruffle dotted with golden stars. The floor is covered by a plush carpet, the same shade of violet as

 

the walls and decorated with the outlines of tiny gold stars.
     There are wide doors left and right made of polished metal, etched with similar mask designs as are on the front

 

door and the wall-hanging. There are no door knobs or fittings of any kind on these doors, but they slide open

 

silently when someone approaches, men on the right, women on the left. A small table in the center of the room,

 

almost invisible in the dim light, holds a stack of programs that detail upcoming events.

 

Exits:
 Polished Metal Door <GL> leads to Gentlemen's Lounge -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Polished Metal Door <LL> leads to Ladies' Lounge -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Double Doors <O> leads to Einrike Plaza -- Central District (Kaitain)

 

Sisay enters from the plaza.
Sisay has arrived.

 

Mintor points to the ladies entrance as he walks through the gentlemen's..

 

Sisay passes through the polished metal door into the Ladies' Lounge and the door slides shut behind her.
Sisay has left.

 

The door slides open silently and you pass through into the Gentlemen's Lounge.
Gentlemen's Lounge -- Revelers (Kaitain)

 

     No women are allowed in this medium-sized room, the walls are decorated with murals, illuminated by

 

glowglobes placed at intervals on the ceiling. Opposite the entrance, against a black background, the nude

 

muscular form of a shepherd boy stands ready to place a smooth stone in a sling. The figure is painted in shades of

 

pale brown, and the expression on his face is calm, attentive. The floor is covered by a carpet of sea green and

 

black, decorated with dancing nymphs in flowing robes. The doorways are flanked by faux Giedi marble columns

 

and, over the door that leads to the ballroom, words are inscribed:
      !Speak your love. Speak it again. Speak it still once again.!
     Off to the side, on a small free-standing column post, rests an antique glazed pot painted with the images of

 

water bearers. Comfortable chaise lounges are scattered about the room, interspersed with low tables holding liquor

 

decanters and game boards. The air is scented with aromatic cigar smoke and the soft strains of music drift in from

 

the other room.
                    <There are places here. +places/help.>

 

Exits:
 Ballroom <BR> leads to Ballroom -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Polished Metal Door <O> leads to Main Entrance -- Revelers (Kaitain)

 

You pass through the doorway into the ballroom.
Ballroom -- Revelers (Kaitain)

 

     The first impression upon entering this large, domed ballroom is one of music. Not just the melodies that waft

 

from the low stage at the far end of the hall, but the room itself with its sweeping curved walls and columns, large

 

floral patterns, and complementary shades of green and pink and gold, accented with black. Everything is designed

 

to draw the eye toward the central dance floor crowded with revelers.
     Women in flowing gowns and men in formal black, or costumed in motley, whirl across the dance floor, parade

 

along the colonnade, or enjoy refreshments on the raised patio. Almost everyone is masked and these are often

 

elegant and elaborate creations of papier mache! and lace or gauze and glitter, feathers, beads, ribbons, gold

 

leaves, even precious gems and seed pearls, as each reveler strives to out-do the next.
     Murals painted on large wall panels copy watercolor techniques with washes of muted shades over which are

 

drawn black outline sketches of a lush garden on Caladan, a high walled pleasure palace of Gamont, the exotic

 

green Pleniscenta bloom of Ecaz, and the mysterious spaceship Ampoliros. The floor is carpeted in royal purple

 

surrounding the paler wood dance floor of faux Giedi marble in white with violet and gold veins.
     The costumes worn here are as varied and distinctive as the imaginations of the revelers can produce. Slaves

 

dance with mysterious cat creatures. Smugglers disappear into the shadows with princesses. Paladins share tables

 

with jesters and clowns. And figures in black cloaks and featureless white masks pass through the crowd incognito.
                    <There are places here. +places/help.>

 

Players:
 Sisay                                              Rinaldo
Exits:
 Wide Marble Staircase <U> leads to Balcony -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Mirrored Door <MD> leads to Hall of Mirrors -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Lacquered Door <LL> leads to Ladies' Lounge -- Revelers (Kaitain)
 Columned Door <GL> leads to Gentlemen's Lounge -- Revelers (Kaitain)

 

The slow day the Revelers is having is showing on the faces of the staff, they move from table to table with

 

noticable unwillingness to serve, the band is playing slow, depressing tunes and the bartenders are almost refusing

 

to pour drinks. It's been a long while since this fine establishment has seen such a depression, probably the events

 

that occur in the fine Kaitain are influencing this place too.

 

One who does seem to be content with the less than crowded scenery is Rinaldo, he's sitting next to one of the

 

tables, watching the coming and the going, as usual a glass of fine Grumman wine in his hand, although it seems

 

untouched.

 

Mintor walks out of the gentleman's lounge only to rejoin the Lady Sisay as she enters from the Ladies Lounge..

 

smiling, he leads to a table..

 

Lady Sisay, dressed completely informal, rejoins with Mintor, neatly tucking her hand under his arm, giggling merrily.

 

She seems in quite a joyful mood, remembering her last visit here. Indeed, alcohol should be off-limits... well,

 

maybe just a sip... or two...

 

The establishment's occupents buzz around in excitement as the two nobles enter through the doors, before they

 

even manage to treat towards a table a complete entourage is ready to meet with them.

 

Enjoying the scenery of running servants and stumbling waiters, Rinaldo puts on his best smile and continues to

 

watch the couple as they enter.

 

Mintor smiles and bows as he walks up towards Rinaldo, Sisay in tow.."Good day, My Lord Count.. I did not expect

 

to see you here.. How fares you?"

 

Sisay's eyes glimmer as they curiously peer around, noticing servants, band, patrons and the omnipresent booze.

 

Noticing Mintor speak, she quickly comes closer to his side, eyes opened wide, joyful. A long second passes for the

 

Lady to notice whom it is about and remembers to curtsey gracefully, as she was taught. "My Lord..."

 

"As well as others," Rinaldo replies as he bows slightly from his seat, just in order to say hello, "And who is this

 

young lady with you? Lord Mintor? I don't seem to recognize her, although she is obviously, hmm, Ginaz."

 

Rinaldo just looked at you.

 

Mintor raises an eyebrow.."Forgive my rudeness.. Lord Rinaldo Moritani, may I introduce you to my betrothed, the

 

Lady Sisay Ginaz."

 

Sisay smiles and curtseys again. "Ginaz to the bone, My Lord Count." Aye, the typical Ginaz pride can be noticed

 

through her intonation and every gesture. "Pleased to make your acquantance." she adds quickly with a more

 

softer tone.

 

Rinaldo smiles wryly, "Bethrothed, hmm? Then have my congratulations, both of you," he sips from the glass of wine

 

in his hand and places it on the table, "Please, do join me..." Rinaldo says as the glass touches the table. He

 

doesn't remark about Sisay's 'Ginaz' remark, the Knaly may be over but there are still better ways to present

 

yourself to a Moritani than 'Ginaz to the bone'.

 

Ekaterina comes in from the Ladies' Lounge.
Ekaterina has arrived.

 

Mintor smiles and nods.."Most certainly.." he notices the tension and tries to diffuse.."Drinks are on me, then.."

 

Sisay adds with a bright smile: "Thank you, My Lord Count, for the honour." And takes a seat near Mintor.

 

You sit down at table one on the raised patio.

 

Sisay sits down at your table.

 

At the table, Rinaldo nods at the two new occupants of his table and smiles, "It's been a while since I've been with

 

such noble companionships," he says and concentrates his eyes on Mintor, "Tell me... How is your sister doing?"

 

Ekaterina sweeps out of the ladies lounge, and its side of the entrance, accompanied by two other women who talk

 

animatedly while she walks stoicly slightly behind. Observed with a scrutinous eye, she can be seen smacking her

 

fan against her hand behind her back, a sort of irritated staccato. At last, two thirds of the way through the glut

 

at the door, she falls back to skirt the clearest part-- making her way for the dining and sitting area. The two

 

women barely notice her absence, and are lost in a sea of faces beyond.

 

At the table, Mintor looks, <<argh, forgot about that..>>."The Lady Margot is well.. but quite busy. She hardly has

 

time to even speak with me.."

 

Just after finishing the last sentance to the two young nobles, Rinaldo's eye wonders toward the new majestic

 

figure that just entered the room, of course he recognizes her, although they never had the chance to meet in

 

person. One would think that in times like this ladies like the royal Rastanyev would be locked up in their embassies

 

and estates.

 

Sisay looks at Rinaldo, then back at Mintor, leaving the men discuss, while she gazes around. She notices Ekaterina

 

and with a smile, remembers their brief but pleasant meeting at the Theathre.

 

Far from cloistered in her Embassy, Ekaterina looks no more comfortable in revellers than a long-tailed cat in a room

 

full of people with very large feet. But there she is, none the less. Katya pauses by the little patio as she prepares

 

to pass to a table on her own, recognizing at least Mintor Atreides and Sisay Ginaz, if not Rinaldo Moritani, though

 

she should. "Good evening," she remarks pleasantly to them, and in a vaguely out of sorts way, bobs a curtsy in

 

the style of a cup-lily, bent by the rain. "I see I'm not the only one out and about."

 

Standing up to greet the approaching Siridar, Rinaldo stands up and performs his formal, if not generic bow,

 

"Welcome, My Lady Rastanyev," Rinaldo says, not yet introducing himself, wanting to see if she does know him from

 

diplomatic files.

 

Mintor stands as well, with Sisay.. he bows and she curtseys.."A pleasure to see you again, dom-Tsara.."

 

Ekaterina holds her hands out after a moments hestitation to both Mintor and Rinaldo simultaneously. "Always my

 

pleasure, my Lord Atreides. And Lady Ginaz... and..." she halts a moment, and squints slightly. "Let me see... one I

 

have not met yet. Moritani, certainly-- Mmm... You would be the Count of... Caco? Do I have it?"

 

"Count of Caco and Paerrus," Rinaldo smiles, "I'm glad to know my face is in yet another folder of yet another House

 

Major. Let me introduce myself properly then, my name is Rinaldo Benedict Moritani, cousin to her Highness,

 

Countess Moritani and son of the late Agon Moritnai." He bows once more, this time in a less formal manner.

 

Mintor looks.."How fares House Rastanyev? The last I had seen you was at the Moritani fete for Buon Natale."

 

Ekaterina inclines her head to Rinaldo and says with a certain levity in her voice, "Enchanted, my lord... I thought I

 

saw some family resemblance there. My rude person is called by Ekaterina Fyodorovna Rastanyev.. and I hope you

 

will forgive my laxness with name recognition." She glances then to Mintor and smiles a little helplessly. "I'm afraid

 

I'm rather bad at parties... I believe I left as more important company arrived. I trust the party continued well

 

enough?"

 

"Charmed," Rinaldo replies and lets the conversation between the hawk and the griffin resume to normal causes, he

 

wouldn't be the one preventing such important state talks from going badly.

 

Mintor nods.."Actually, to tell the truth.. I left shortly after His Majesty made his presence known.. it was getting a

 

might dull.."

 

Ekaterina tsks softly, and shakes her head. "A Moritani party, dull? Hsst. Never. My inert blood is not used to the

 

excitement." Her accent thickens briefly while she says it, and asks of Rinaldo, "Were you in attendance, my lord?

 

Perhaps you can tell me how fares the most excellent Contessa?"

 

Rinaldo shakes his head, "Alas, I have made most of the Buone Natale in the family estate on Grumman, I rather

 

being at home at times like this, I'm sure you understand. As for my cousin, she is doing well enough, from rumors

 

and the brief encounter I've had with her."

 

Ekaterina idly fiddles with her domino mask-- pointless to wear the thing after all, since people seem to know when

 

she is coming and who she is at any given time. Turning it over and over in her hand, "Times like these, yes. I can

 

understand."

 

Mintor nods, looking somber.."Yes.. I have the honor of bring the Atreides condolences to His Majesty.. but he's

 

kept himself busy as of late.."

 

Rinaldo hmms, "This conversation has taken a turn to the morbid, don't you agree, hmm?" He says and resumes

 

possesion of the wine glass that has been sitting on the table for such a long time, "Alas, we do live in morbid

 

times, how does the old phrase goes? Karpe diam? I guess we are indeed within the days of Morte diam."

 

Ekaterina lets her gaze slide idly down her her gloved hands, which she meticulously tugs to crisp straightness as

 

the talk turns to the subject of Jenaa, and looks up only when both have finsihed speaking. "There is surely enough

 

going on that thought of grief and death will not rule long. But there is certainly reason for concern... But here,

 

what has brought you all out this evening?"

 

Mintor looks to Sisay and smiles.."A celebration of sorts.. She's been able to ease on her studies a bit to actually

 

make it out into public.."

 

"And for me it was the wish of company, our Estate always look too desesrted to be any fun," the Count says,

 

"And places like this, as much morbidness they radiate are better than empty halls of long forgotten kings."

 

"Indeed?" inquires the Rastanyev Regent, with one copper brow gently upraising. "Za vas, lady Sisay. And Lord

 

Atreides. I hope that your evening out is a pleasant one. And to you, lord Count, I wish a surfeit of enjoyment, out

 

of those nostalgic places."

 

Mintor bows.."Thank you, dom-Tsara.. until we meet again.."

 

Following the example of his companion, Rinaldo too bows, "Ahh... But we live our lives in the relics of others,

 

especially in a place like this..." He says.

 

Ekaterina casts her eyes about the ballroom, noting the murals reminiscent of other places, "Ever wanting to be

 

somewhere else?" Voiced as a question, but perhaps she means it as a statement. "It has been very pleasant.

 

Enjoy your evening.
And with that, she walks away.

 

With a smile on his face, "Adiu," The Lord Count says and he too departs, only to vanish in the small crowd that is

 

starting to form.