A beautiful day

[Andreea Batatorescu <sisay_ginaz@yahoo.com>]

... in which Sisay has the honour of meeting
Ophelia...


Dune III - Saturday, March 16, 2002, 3:32 AM
--------------------------------------------


Rose Garden -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

        The walled garden is by no means small, though
it is sufficient in size to provide peace and
tranquility for those who wish it. A circular path of
white stones runs the perimeter of the area, while two
perpendicular paths also intersect in the center of
the immaculately clipped green. Also, along both sides
of the circular path, lies a bed of roses, their
velvety petals all in shades of deep, rich red.
Against the walls, the roses have even begun to climb
their way upwards with the help of white latticework
trellises, spaced at even intervals. White marble
statues, slightly larger than life-size, stand among
the roses, their smooth-featured faces facing
outwards. Along the building's wall, tall windows and
doors face out onto the gardens, and a pair of doors
open for those who would wish to enter the gardens
from inside the embassy.

        On the far side of the garden, a single willow
tree stands, its branches dipping gracefully towards
the ground in a falling arc. Behind the shadow of the
thick curtain of leaves, a stone bench sits, a perfect
place for conversing in private.

Players:
 Ophelia                                           
Exits:
 French Doors <W> leads to Banquet Hall -- Moritani
Embassy (Kaitain) 
 Stone Path <E> leads to Reception Courtyard --
Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)



The Kaitain afternoon is, as per the usual on the
Emperor's perfect throneworld, lovely. A gentle breeze
sends the leaves of the rose bushes to rippling
gently, the deep red blooms swaying slightly in a
small semblance of a dance. Enjoying the leisure of
such an idyll is the Contessa, her usual four-footed
companion very much so at her side. The dog, however,
bounds off as a butterfly crosses her nose, to give
chase with a happy wag of her tail; though she returns
a few moments later as the butterfly rises too high in
the air for the interest of the chase to remain any
longer.

As the dog returns, Ophelia absently places a hand on
the black-furred head, giving the ears a welcoming
scratch.

Approaching shyly from the Courtyard, a young Lady
enters the garden. From the very first look it is
clear she's a Ginaz, the firefly is present in every
aspect of her clothing. She clutches a small vase at
her chest, protecting a tender flower blossom with her
palm from the casual wind. Apparently, no guard is
escorting her... wouldn't that be against her houses
protocol? Nevertheless, she approaches, admiring the
view openly untill she reaches the Contessa a few
meters where she drops in a low and respectfull
curtsey.

Ophelia just looked at you.

Though Ophelia seems alone, it is only the semblance
of such. Guards arranged around the perimeter of the
gardens remain watchful and vigilant.

And perhaps the Contessa's closest guard then is the
dog. Uttering a low warning deep in her throat, the
large dog springs forward, placing herself squarely
between her lady and the visitor. Teeth are not bared,
nor does her stance seem hostile -- she's merely
asserting territory. Her nose, as black as her coat,
lifts in the air investigatingly.

Ophelia turns, a brow rising as she studies the young
woman. The expression is not unkindly, though, and
with a quiet word she summons the dog back to her
side. "Shiva," she adds chidingly, "it must be the
radiant Lady Sisay Ginaz. There is no need to be
unfriendly to our guest." She spares the dog another
pat on the head, noting the tail's wag before
addressing the young woman directly in a soft voice
accented thickly of Grumman, "M'lady, I am so very
glad you could accept my invitation. Welcome to my
embassy."

"Your Excellency", the Lady greets, beaming a friendly
smile towards the dog, "It is a great honour in beeing
invited to meet the famous Contessa of Grumman. And it
is a pleasure in being allowed to savor the view of
the famous 'Rose Garden' I have heard about in the
past." She speaks slowly, as if she would make sure
every word is checked and double checked although her
voice still betrays her shyness. She stands up and
looks around, noting the guards and takes a good look
at the Contessa before her.



Ophelia
Of average height, she carries the olive-toned
complexion known to her mother's side, though not as
dark as most. Her lips are full, her nose rounded and
smallish. But her eyes are rimmed in thick lashes, and
the irises so darkly colored as to nearly be
indistinguishable from the pupils. Overall, her
oval-shaped face is neither one of classic beauty, nor
is it hard on the eyes.

Her thick, black hair is absolutely straight,
resisting any and all efforts to hold the curls so
stylish and luxurious to have. So instead, she wears
it pulled back and plaited into several braids which
are gathered at the nape of her neck. Though simple,
the coif is very elegant.

She does not have the small waistline, either, of the
fine young ladies who favor the waif look. Ample in
bosom, her figure surely depends on rigid corsetry to
contain that hourglass shape. The tightness of her
very low-cut bodice threatens disaster momentarily
with every breath, yet, amazingly, everything remains
held together. Her long-sleeved gown is of black silk,
edged in delicate hand-worked black lace. A long
strand of pearls is looped around close to her neck,
and then a second much longer loop hangs nearly to her
waist. Several of her fingers, long and thin despite
her quite not-so-svelt waistline, are adorned by heavy
jeweled rings - not the least of them a large garnet
signet bearing the crest of House Moritani.




Ophelia smiles warmly, giving the young woman a deep,
slow nod of her head. "I wish I could be modest about
my roses, m'lady, but I cannot. Each plant was brought
from Grumman, and I oversaw the plantings every step
of the way. I tend them myself, from time to time, as
my time permits." She lifts a ringed and bejeweled
hand to gesture to the far side of the garden, and the
dog clearly takes it as a release of some form. Her
closeness to still being a puppy is quite evident in
her springing step and crouch into a position inviting
play, both of the ladies being eyed excitedly.

"There is a bench, we can sit while we talk if you
would like. Refreshments will be brought to us,"
Ophelia murmurs, ignoring the dog's antics.

Sisay smiles as she listens. Seemingly distant
memories have been brought into remembrance again...
Marcinko, the mountains, all so far away ...
"Impressive, Excellency, that you still find the time
to tend the flowers." Walking alongside the feared and
warned-about woman, she adds: "And if I may add to the
beautifull collection of roses from Grumman, a rose
from my own garden at home, the 'Misty Rose' as it is
called in those parts of Marcinko." and she shows the
ceramic pot with a young and blooming plant sticking
upright towars the sun.

"I would be happy to add it amongst the Grumman roses,
and I am honored to place it so," Ophelia responds,
nodding as she admires the plant. "And as for finding
time, m'lady... if I may offer you a small bit of
advice... it matters not whether one can find the
time. You can look and look and look and look, and you
will never find the time. The secret, my dear, is
making the time." Her smile widens to a wry grin, and
she even chuckles quietly.

Sisay smiles widely as what she thinks is a symbol of
peace and colaboration is passed from Ginaz hands into
Moritani ground. <<Why my father adviced me against
this, is again a mystery. She seems pleasant and
wise.>> She says: "Making time is a secret I must
still learn, your Excellency." Then she makes an
unexpected move. She drops to her knees and runs her
fingers through the grass, feeling it, petting it,
then raising again and continuing to walk as if
nothing happened. "I must say I was very surprised by
your generous invitation and offer..." she adds.

Ophelia nods thoughtfully, her footsteps slowing even
more as they draw near the bench. "Our Houses have not
had the most successful of friendships, thus far," she
murmurs, her lips pursing. "And I am regretful for
that. Thousands of years of Kanly cannot be erased so
easily. Even I am guilty... very, very guilty. But, we
are working at it still. And this is what counts. Very
much so."

Sisay remains silent for a moment, still digesting the
Contessa's words. "Past becomes history and history
becomes legend, Excellency. I am glad I am chosen to
do my part in lighting tomorrow's horizon." She sighs
and adds: "I know that my house and even my dearest
uncle have great inertia in reestablishing contact
with House Moritani as it should and I also know that
your Excellency is most wise and induglent in this
matter." She pauses before concluding "I wish I can do
anything to help..."

Ophelia senses, "Sisay seems open-minded, even if a
bit naive. It is clear her lack of experience and what
most certainly seems the case, the lack anti-Moritani
propaganda which influenced most of her House."

"I think your being here today is a significant start,
m'lady," Ophelia turns slightly, settling herself on
one side of the bench. Before she can fully settle,
however, servants make their way through the glass
doors from the embassy, bringing a small table, wine
and what looks to be juice, as well as a small platter
heaped with fruits and cheeses. Quietly and
efficiently, they begin setting out the refreshments,
while an additional servant waits nearby with a black
velvet box tucked under his arm.

Sisay seats herself on the other side of the bench, a
respectful distance being kept. With a giggle she
explains: "Since I arrived on Kaitain, curiosity is
driving me everywhere. You might add the many meetings
with Lord Marco I had, my studies as Ecologist... "
she shrugs and adds "So things add up and... here I
am." with a girlish smile.
Ophelia nods as she listens, accepting a glass of wine
from her servant. The same man, silently, indicates
that their guest has a choice of the fruit juice, or
the Grumman red wine.

"And here you are, indeed," Ophelia murmurs, gesturing
to the servant standing by with the black velvet box.
He steps forward, dropping to a knee in preparation
for the presentation. The box, however, remains
closed.

Sisay shyly indicates that she would preffer the fruit
juice over the wine, as much as Grumman Red is
appreciated by everyone. However she gets that puzzled
look on her face, not knowing exactly what she is
supposed to do as the servant kneels.

Ophelia reaches forward, opening the lid of the box
herself with an anxious look to her guest. "I am so
very sorry this is late. The artisan was supposed to
have it done in time for your birthday, but... artists
can be so cranky and finicky.."

The box, covered in a soft, black velvet, seems the
standard sort used when one is giving the gift of fine
jewelry. Embossed on its top, however, in gold and
enamel is the Moritani fleur-de-lis and coat of arms.

On a similar bed of soft black velvet, the necklace
lays cradled gently. As soon as the light touches the
piece snuggled within, it seems almost as though
several small fires are lit within. It would seem to
be a delicate vine intertwined with a sturdy, but
elegant gold chain, were it not for the tell-tale
glint of the jewels. Emeralds, gold and brown topaz,
even garnets make up the clever masterpiece. But, that
is all discounting the stunning crown jewel of this
necklace, as it were. Dipping down from the front,
giving the necklace a 'Y' shape, is a rather
intriguing smoky-brownish-colored Hagalian quartz.
Even more distinct is its shape; it has apparently
been pain-stakingly carved down somewhat to very
strongly resemble a claw. A claw on a lady's necklace,
though? Surely the artist was merely intending to be
abstract...

Her jaw drops literaly to the floor, seeing the
beautifull work of art and the jewlery and the gold
and... she almost fell from the bench were it not for
her two arms supporting her. For moments, she just
stands there admiring what might be the most prcious
piece of jewlery she ever owned. And then she smiles,
hapyness written all over the place as the gently
takes the necklace out of the velvet bed and tries it
on as to honour the Contessa for the gift. Well, it
doesn't exactly match her current outfit, however a
shopping day may fix this problem soon. "My Lad... I
mean, Your Excellency, I cannot even express my thanks
in words... so beautifull... so perfect..."

Ophelia smiles softly, nodding her approval and own
pleasure with the item. "Good, good... it does suit
you, as I had hoped. I had so hoped you would like
it... Gifts given to people not suiting to their
personality and taste are so... rude, don't you
think?"

Sisay nods to the Contessa. "Indeed, your Excellency."
She giggles, while noting the 'claw'. "I see your
artisan, whom I wish to thank wholeheartedly, knew
quite a bit about my past experiences." she adds,
fiddling with the necklace and radiating happiness. "A
very thoughtful present for which my thanks are not
merely sufficient."

"I sent a dossier for the man, so that he might craft
something more personal to you," Ophelia admits
quietly. "A lady of such unique circumstances should
not have her spirit broken, nor should she be squeazed
into the mold of the delicate flower so many other
ladies are. We who are strong survive. The others
adapt and submit."

Sisay's eye glimmer momentarily, it might've been the
sun's reflection though. In a low voice she agrees,
quoting: "The strong lead the pack, the rest are
fodder, Your Excellency." and a knowingly smile
crosses her face.

Ophelia laughs with genuine mirth, nodding
emphatically. "Precisely, my dear. Precisely." She
sips her wine, letting the silence descend. Shiva, on
the other side of the garden, barks at another
butterfly that has stumbled across her path, but again
the lithe little flyer darts out of harm's way.
Pleased with herself by the dog-grin on her face, she
lopes back towards the bench where her lady and the
guest are seated, her nose lifting up in the air as
she catches the scent of food. Her lope picks up into
a run, as the realization crosses her mind that there
might just be treats involved in this visitation for
her, if she plays her cards right.

Sisay detaches from fiddling with the necklace, as
beautifull as it is. In stead she takes the offered
glass of juice and sips a couple of times, quenching
her thirst. Looking idly at the dog, she says,
breaking the silence: "I must confess, Your
Excellency, that I am very happy that you took notice
about the... Conservatory project I proposed..."

"The idea is a novel and enterprising one," Ophelia
nods, observing the dog for a moment longer before
turning her dark eyes to her guest. "And the courage
it took to present it yourself to His Majesty must
also be recognized, my dear. Most young ladies would
either have had an older sponsor see to the
presentation of the petition, or, they might have
pursued an audience with Her Majesty to get the idea
pushed through that way."

Sisay forces an odd smile on her face as she has to
recognize that in deed there were other ways possible.
"It seemed a logical choice to pursue the most direct
way. Had I done otherwise, I doubt the result would've
been much different. My uncle was in a... let's say...
peculiar position before Court and the only other
person I could ask for help would've been Lady Ulricke
Harkonnen who was busy with ... other things at that
time. As my teachers never mix into politics, I had
only one valid choice left." A sigh escapes her lips
after she quickly sips from her juice once more. "The
College needs the park to train new Ecologists. Right
now we are studying in an overcrowded Conservatory and
in laboratories of the Guild. The park would also
attract many visitors who would get acquainted to the
Empire's worlds and the new discoveries..." she
explains.

Ophelia's brows lift in surprise as she listens.
"So... there is more to this Conservatory, then, than
to merely be ogled by tourists? It will serve a
genuine purpose... and I am even more enamored to the
idea now. Your College's need shall be met, then. I
will fund the project, in its entirety for you."

Sisay dares a direct glance towards the Contessa with
a look that is happy and surprised at the same time.
"I figured it was best not to speak openly in Court
about unpleasant things." She beams a smile: "And we
would enjoy watching kids and grown-ups alike looking
at the way we tend Nature. On their faces we would see
the impact of our work." She pauses, sips from the
glass and chuckles. "I must be honest, Excellency, I
don't know how me and my teachers and colleagues will
ever repay you for your kindness?"

Ophelia reaches over to pat the young woman on the
knee, in a motherly gesture. "We will use it, you and
I, to grow more than plants my dear. We will use it to
grow and foster the peace between our Houses. What do
you say to that, hmm?"

Sisay smiles happily and looks in the Contessa's eyes.
"It is a most noble plan in deed, Excellency. I know I
agree to this and I feel that you would also like this
dream come true." She sighs and leans back in a more
relaxed position, sipping from the juice and focusing
her attention to one of the roses nearby. After a few
moments, she turns her gaze back and says: "We should
lead the pack!"

"We shall," Ophelia agrees, nodding. "We shall lead
the pack indeed. I'll have contracts and the like
drawn up and sent round to your embassy, so that your
Mentat might review them before you sign. Does that
seem palatable?"

Sisay nods and agrees with a happy smile: "Most
certainly, Excellency. I shall send you all the
documents necesarry and be in touch with you."
Finishing the juice, she adds: "It has been a surprise
and a pleasure, Contessa, to have finally met you. It
is my hope that, eventually, we might become...
friends." Her voice trembles with excitement.

Ophelia's smile remains warm and open. "Please do not
feel you must come here solely by invitation, m'lady.
I think your hope is a wonderful one, and I shall look
forward to it. Truly. I take it then... I am not so
bad as you have been told?" The last query is put with
an impish gleam in her eye, an eyebrow arching
slightly. Her smile even turns to a sly grin. Yes,
Ophelia knows what is said about her behind her back.

Sisay raises and prepares to leave. With a grin she
says: "Men always make smart women appear as witches
when they are outwitted. And about me, I couldn't care
less about rumors..." she concludes with another grin.
Fiddling with her new necklace, the Ginaz Lady drops
in a low and graceful curtsey saying simply: "Your
Excellency, I thank you for your kindness."

"And I thank you for yours, my dear," Ophelia favors
the woman with a deep nod of her head. "Do enjoy the
rest of your day, and send my regards to your uncle,
hmm?"

Sisay nods as she raises from the curtsey and happily
walks out. She smiles at the guards she found quite
menacing earlier, although they wouldn't possibly
smile back. Holding the necklace's box tightly in her
arms, she notices that the fleur-de-lis actually goes
well with the firefly, at least the model on her
dress! Ah, A beautiful day in deed.


__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Sports - live college hoops coverage
http://sports.yahoo.com/
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Dune III Readers Mailing List (dune3-readers@fremen.org)
This list is unmoderated. To unsubscribe, email majordomo@fremen.org
with 'unsubscribe <listname>'. For help, mail majordomo@fremen.org
with 'help <listname>' in the message.