An enigmatic visit.

["Amit J. Sabnis" <ajsabnis@stanford.edu>]

A log from about 2 days ago, from Pers's perspective.
===
Reception Courtyard -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

        A wide pathway, made out of plascrete, forms a complete loop,
allowing vehicles access to the courtyard. At the northern end of the
circle, one would find the jeweled gates, which lead to Sheuset Square. To
the opposite, at the southern edge of the road, a marble platform forms a
low welcoming terrace, which leads to the grand opening of the Moritani
embassy. Three flagpoles stand out of the green plaza, showing the Imperial
Lion, a burgundy fleur de lis on a white background and the Moritani colors:
burgundy and black. Violet lilies dominate the well-kept garden to the side
of the road. A stone paved path emanates from each side of the garden,
obviously surrounding the embassy.

Players:
 Martin
Objects:
 Alvstad Limousine
Exits:
 Stone Path <W> leads to Rose Garden -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)
 Grand Entrance <S> leads to Reception Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)
 Paved Path <PP> leads to Ornithopter Pad -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)
 Jeweled Gates <N> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain)

Martin is waiting patiencely in the courtyard as his Lordship steps out of
his limo. He bows respectfully to him with a smile. "My Lord, Welcome to
House Moritani. We are honoured for you coming here."

Pers takes a moment to mark his surroundings, nodding with an amiable smile
to Martin as he does so. "Why thank you, Ambassador Rinaldi, and I'm happy
to have been so quickly accomodated into your schedule. I'm sure the
Countess keeps you quite busy."

Martin smiles and nods. "I'm sure you keep your staff just as busy. I'm
always glad thought to welcome anyone to our embassy. Shall we go inside?
I'm could have some tea..." he offers a grin. "Or something stronger brought
for you. "

Pers exhales quickly, a soft and understated laugh. "I see that Alvst
preferences are becoming common knowledge. A strong drink would be welcome,
Lord Martin, as I'm hoping this will be the last matter I've to attend to
this evening." He tips his head towards the Embassy, lips quirked in a dry
smile. "Do lead on."

Martin passes the Grand Entrance.
You pass the Grand Entrance.

[...]

You walk through the Marble Doorway.

Office of State -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

        A heavy sense of formaility hangs over this room which is utilized
as both library and office. In the center of the room, two desks sit
parallel to each other. The first of the two is a large mahogany affair,
finely crafted with delicate detail work and gracing it is a small picture.
The second desk is more modern in appearance; it's wood surface shines from
the laquer that covers its plain form. On both desks are stacks of papers,
scrolls and bound volumes. Several other items grace the tops of these
isors.

        Bookshelves of the same mahogany wood line the walls. Numerous tomes
from ancient to current grace their shelves. Set into the frames of some of
the shelves is a window which overlooks a well tended and quite beautiful
garden. A window seat is set before the large pane of glass and covered in a
deep burgundy velvet. From here one can converse with people at either of
the two desks. Glow globes hang mid air near the ceiling, illuminating the
room with a nuetral yellow-white light.

        Two exits, one on each side of the chamber are set into the shelves.
The dark wooden double doors lead off to other rooms in the suite, meant for
conferences and as well as more private chambers. Opposite the window, in
another recess hangs an ancient painting.

Players:
 Martin
Exits:
 Marble Doorway <E> leads to Consistory -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

Martin leads the Alvstad Lord into his office. He directs him to a chair. He
stops at the door and motions for a servant, who hurries off. He moves
behind his desk, but remains standing for him. "I had some wine fetched for
you, My Lord. I also have some bourbon here in the office, if you would
like."

"Bourbon sounds quite nice right now," Pers muses, letting his gaze sweep
out slowly across the room from his seated position. "While I'm not at all
opposed to wine, I find that a good vintage is often wasted on me; I've
never developed the subtler palate that the Moritani seem to breed so
judiciously," he jests.

Martin chuckles and nods. "True, still I have always like bourbon." He moves
over to a nearby table and pours to glasses. He offers one to his Lordship
before seating himself, taking a drink from it. "How can I and House
Moritani assist you, My Lord?"

Pers accepts the glass, taking a sip of it to wet his throat before
speaking. "The purpose of my visit is of more of a personal slant than I am
accustomed to," he begins, eyebrows furrowed in consideration. His phrases
are spaced apart, as though each one was weighed for meaning before being
spoken. "However, I endeavor to maintain a certain directness in *all* of my
dealings. I wished to speak to you, Lord Rinaldi, of the Lady Justine."

Martin arches a brow at the subject. He nods slowly to His lordship, taking
another drink. He pauses as the drink burns his throat. "The Lady Garamond,
My Lord?"

Pers dips his head. "The same, my Lord. At the latest convening of the
Imperial Court, the Alvstad retinue was seated rather close to the Moritani
contingent, including yourself. When His Majesty granted me permission to
court the Lady in question, several of my retainers noticed
your...displeasure." The word is selected delicately, so as not to put too
much emphasis on the matter. The Viscount pauses, drinking more bourbon like
so much water, waiting to see if you've anything to say.

Martin sits back in his chair and nods. "Ah, yes. Did your retainer also
note who else was present with me, My Lord?"

Pers raises a straw-blonde eyebrow. "The Countess herself, my Lord," he
answers, "and her husband, Count Falkenberg-Moritani. Was there someone else
of import in your company?" His manner has not at all deviated from when he
stepped out of the limousine; the Viscount remains a casual, if direct,
gentleman.

Martin nods to him. "Yes, the Countessa and the Count, My Lord. Since they
were so close, perhaps I was upset with some news that they informed me of?"

Pers nods agreeably. "Perhaps so," he answers. "...but perhaps you also
misunderstand my purpose in coming here, Lord Martin. It is not my intent to
chastise, challenge, or threaten you."

Martin again arches his brow. "Oh, then my apologies, My Lord. How can I
help you?"

Pers's lips twitch into a dry smile once more. "My own apologies, Lord
Ambassador, for allowing you to be misled. I'm certain that Kaitain is
filled with enough hot-blooded and empty-headed nobles that your fear was
well-justified." Setting his glass down on the arm of his chair, Pers
straightens up. "I wished to remind you, Lord Martin, that the permission to
court a Lady and her agreement to marry are two seperate events. In
addition, I wished to encourage you to not let knowledge of my intent
obstruct any working relationship you had with the Lady Justine. I am aware
that she views you as a close friend...and I will not be responsible for
ending that friendship."

Martin nods slowly as he thinks about the matter. "Thank you, My Lord. Why
are you intentions then, My Lord? Yes, Her Ladyship and I have been friends,
but this could turn rather akward and difficult for all of us. I would not
wish that upon Her Ladyship."

Pers nods at your question, expression becoming vaguely troubled. "The
reason for my bringing this up, m'Lord," he responds carefully, "...is that
I fear there is a great deal of 'awkwardness' for the Lady at present. In
the Palace." He inhales slowly, then adds, "To spare her the awkwardness of
your company would at the same time deny her the comfort of friendly
company. I do not mean to suggest you should do any more or less than you
desire...merely that you should not be overly fearful or trepidatious of my
person."

Martin nods and slowly sets down the glass. "So...,basically you wish for me
to visit her and to comfort her during this time of awkwardness. To make her
comfortable and at ease while you court her." He says it slowly to make sure
that he is clear. "Of my own free will, of course."

"I would refer you to my prior statement, Lord Rinaldi," Pers says on the
heels of your comment, the quickfire nature of his response at odds with his
relaxed demeanor. "Courting and successful courting are quite different. If
you mean to court the Lady Garamond, I would neither stand in your way nor
call you out."

Martin blinks and shakes his head. "I beg your pardon. I believe you lost
me, My Lord. You have been give permission by his Majesty to court her
Ladyship. Do you not wish to be with her Ladyship?"

Pers nods once, solemnly. "I do indeed," he intones.

Martin nods to him carefully. He opens his mouth to say something, but stops
to try another thought . "Then why do this? If it was someone that I love, I
would fight for them. You have been granted the chance by the Emperor. I
doubt that I could have been give such a chance. Any don't you show her how
you feel?" His tones are neutral, carefully constructed.

"But I do," Pers answers back, picking up his bourbon once more and draining
off the glass. "However, Lord Rinaldi, I am not a romantic. And by that I
mean that I do not believe in the beauty of unrequited love." He tips his
head in a subtle nod. "Then again, there is the matter of perspective. I
have known Justine for most of her adult life. Simply put, I would put her
happiness, regardless of what that entails, before my own. I do not believe
in fighting for love, Ambassador, when love makes no such demands."

Martin nods to him quietly. "I see." He sits quietly for a moment. "To be
honest, My Lord, I do not know what to say. I was not expecting this." He
sits quietly again. "I...I do have feelings for Her Ladyship, I am also
loyal to his Majesty, even if it what Her Ladyship desires, I could not and
I'm sure that she could not go against him."

Pers defies all logic and regards Martin with a brisk smile. "Then perhaps,
Lord Rinaldi, you should uncover His Majesty's thoughts on this matter."
Toying with his glass for a moment, he says, "I won't take any more of your
time this evening...I'm sure there's a good deal you would like to think
about."

Martin nods and stands up. His face seems to unsure and rather shocked.
"Good evening, My Lord. Allow me to escort you to your limo."


Pers nods affably, rising from his chair and setting his empty glass down on
a low table. "Thank you for your hospitality, Ambassador. And do convey my
best wishes to the Countess." He pulls his vest down across his stomach once
more, waiting for you to lead on.

[...]

Reception Courtyard -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

        A wide pathway, made out of plascrete, forms a complete loop,
allowing vehicles access to the courtyard. At the northern end of the
circle, one would find the jeweled gates, which lead to Sheuset Square. To
the opposite, at the southern edge of the road, a marble platform forms a
low welcoming terrace, which leads to the grand opening of the Moritani
embassy. Three flagpoles stand out of the green plaza, showing the Imperial
Lion, a burgundy fleur de lis on a white background and the Moritani colors:
burgundy and black. Violet lilies dominate the well-kept garden to the side
of the road. A stone paved path emanates from each side of the garden,
obviously surrounding the embassy.

Players:
 Martin
Exits:
 Stone Path <W> leads to Rose Garden -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)
 Grand Entrance <S> leads to Reception Hall -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)
 Paved Path <PP> leads to Ornithopter Pad -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)
 Jeweled Gates <N> leads to Sheuset Square -- Embassy District (Kaitain)

Martin leads him into the courtyard and to his awaiting limo. "Good evening,
My Lord. Perhaps, you are wrong, maybe Her Ladyship no longer has such
feelings for me."

The Alvstad limousine circles around from the Embassy garages, its attendant
disembarking to open the door for Pers after a sharp bow. The Viscount
pauses before entering, smiling pleasantly at Martin. "I would find such a
scenario quite gratifying, Lord Rinaldi...but that is not an assumption I
can take on faith. Good evening." With that, he's seated in the limo and out
of the Embassy.

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