Dune III - Tuesday, June 11, 2002, 11:33 AM

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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.

 

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)

 

Shane comes out quietly as he hears that there is someone at the gates. Walking casually, his mannerism is comfortable, his footfalls helping him to stroll as he lets himself look up, to see who the guest at the gates might be.

 

Well, not only the good Count Padron seems interested in the happenings, but it seems a good deal of the Moritani guards aswell. For a black clad young Lady stands there, one hand on the hilt of a rapier. The guards have no idea what is happening, not what she wants, but they arranged themselves into a protective circle, casting the scruffy-looking Lady to the exterior. "Count Padron!" she yells. "Give me Count Padron! Right now!"

 

Raising his brow, he can't help but to smile a bit. Making his way towards you he looks, his brow curious, tilting his head, as he lets his eyes flicker over you. He does remember that outfit, it i what you wore before you went to go change. Canting his head to the side, "Lady Ginaz?" He gives a polite bow, "What may I do for you?"

 

Shane

 

������� Part rock, part imp, one is perhaps perplexed by the contrasts in Shane's features. Short cut sandy-blonde hair gives the man a look of one slightly younger than he truly is. The look, somewhat boyish, gives way to a face bronzed by prolonged exposure to the sun. Light green eyes are almost transparent with the area around his temples marked by laugh lines. In a flash, however, this jovial face with its hard-edged jaw and full reddish lips can harden to cause the harsher features of his jaw to stand more apparent and his eyes to harden to little green rocks staring with intense scrutiny. At roughly 6'0" in height and a build appropriate to his height, the man moves with an unmistakable grace. A new addition that adds a sinister expression to the typical jovial look is the scar that runs from his right eyebrow to his right jawbone that echoes as a permenant reminder of his duel with the former Ginaz Siridar.

� ������A pair of khaki trousers of a tight-fitting leather seem to cling to the wearer this day, smooth and clinging to powerful calf and lean thigh alike. Apparently brushed in some way, they reflect the light though not in quite the same way the perfectly polished black leather boots in which the pants are tucked reflect. A white long-sleeved shirt adorns Shane's torso. Kept to a perfect brilliance in colour the shirt itself seems loose-fitting as there is a hint of bagginess within the sleeves, hanging slightly at the elbow and giving his movements a somewhat more flowing style. Still broad across his shoulders, the rest of the shirt is hidden by a burgandy coloured vest that is fastened with an older hook-and-eye style. The vest itself gives the outfit a slightly more militaristic feel thought doesn't seem to have any military functionality. Over his left breast, the emblem of House Moritani, a burgundy red fleur-de-lis on a white background, is worn proudly. At either side of his hip, a pair of curve-bladed daggers with white ivory hilts sit in sheathes, attached to a thick black belt buckle that surrounds his waist, holding within it his personal shield generator as well.

 

 

Sisay looks Shane up and down with a scrutinous look, her black eyes glimmering the light in what the guards mistook for an upset and evil gaze. "I came her to challenge you..." she thunders gravely, pausing a little just to see the guards tense, several hands already moving to the shield projectors and the weapons they wield. "... to a friendly sparring session?" she adds in a mild, sweet tone of a lovely girl asking for a candy. By now it would be clear she does temendrous efforts to conceal the laughter behind her lips.

 

Raising his brow, he seems about to say something, until finally he just chuckles. "Come with me," he says, simply, holding his hand out toy ou. When you approach he does attempt to give youa chaste kiss to the forehead before attempting to lead the way, to show you where the sparring session will be held.

 

As Shane kisses her forehead, her arms gently squeeze at his shoulders and she casts a smile. "I'm glad to see you too, My dear Count." she whispers, nestling her arm securely into his.

 

You begin following Shane.

���..

 

Swordmaster's Ward -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 

������� The room lacks great luxury, though is generous in size and furnishings. In addition to the necessities: bed, wardrobe, desk and chair there are a number of other pieces, arranged as to give the Swordmaster time to himself for planning, reflection, and maybe even training.

 

������� To the left of the room there is no furniture, save for two walls lined with books. On the floor is a large fresco style painting, though it consists of several series of circles, within circles.

 

������� On the far wall hangs a huge tapestry, spanning from floor to ceiling, with the crest of House Moritani upon it. The scene it depicts seems to be in memoriam of some grand battle.

 

Players:

�Shane��������������������������������������������

Exits:

�Stone Doorway <O> leads to Sub-level -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain)

 

Swordmaster's Ward -- Moritani Embassy (Kaitain) -- TAPESTRY:

The tapestry covers the wall from floor to ceiling, and is perhaps about the width of three people standing shoulder-to-shoulder. Beneath the Moritani crest, a battle scene is depicted in great detail. One side is clearly the victor, the other side's forces decimated entirely beneath the onslaught. One side of the tapestry moves very slightly, as if a breeze moves through the room.

 

Shane smiles as he leads the way into his room. This may seem silly, but as it's been RP'ed, he moves to a slide in the wall and he pushes it open. Leading you on through, he smiles, and you can see a large training room. There are mirros all around the room, a bar running around to use to stretch, and then padded floors. There are other devices but their purpose is not readily understandable. Smiling, he motions to you, "Please," he says. "Get warmed up?" He doesn't look as if he was expecting company but nonethless he moves over to a pair of chairs, and setting one foot on one, and one foot on the other, he lets out a bit of a groan as his muscles spread out and he puts himself into the splits, hanging from the chair, face flushing with some of the force.

 

Sisay walks around the room for a bit, getting accustomed with the size and positioning of the various objects. She then approaches Shane and as watches him stretch on the chairs, only to take a quick leap forwards as his feet seem to spread at a maximum and ever so gently plants a kiss right on the corner of his mouth. Quickly, she leans backwards and jumps, pirouetting in the air before falling in the ground, feet stretched on the ground at 180 degrees. "Ready when you are, My Lord."

 

Laughing softly he smiles, and seeing how you land, he just shakes his head. Whistling quietly, he nods, "Impressive," he says, genuinely, looking to you. And it is, it's truly an impressive site indeed as he caresses his chin, and cheek, locking his gaze on you another time. Standing up, slowly, as he leans froward, rolling off the chair and then coming to stand up, he nods, drawing his two smaller swords. They're small, but curved, sharp on either end, and unlike a rapier, one can see that these will be very interesting against your thrusting weapon, for they could catch and push it aside.

 

Sisay slowly thrusts herself to her feet again in a fluid, cat-like movement, losing her vest to the ground at the same time. The black fabric of the suit can be seen stretched over her body with a tight grip and unwillingly sensual in being so. She also draws her rapier and shortly after, her doe-foot dagger, the Lady's saviour and lucky charm is quickly drawn in her left hand. And such, she bows respectfully before taking a leap behind, landing in a crouched position, ready for the battle.

 

Laughing playfully, he nods. Looking after you, slowly takes off his vest, tossing it aside as well. The distractingly clingysuit you wear is a constrat to the loose-fitting white shirt he wears, yet it clings to his shoulders, and while it flows with his movements, it doesn't stop itself from swishing about his form, only to fall away, but always in some place or another highlighting some part of his powerful torso. Laughing softly he gives a pleasant salute, before starting to move towards you, not rushed, but not so guarded, either, he just directly moves at you.

 

The Lady's eyes glimmer as if a wild fire would have been lit within as she slowly shifts weight from one foot to another. As you approach, she starts moving backwards and to a side, apparently willing to circle you. Although the view of the manly body migt drive any of His Majesty's Ladies in Waiting into frenzy, Sisay hardly notices, her eyes constantly fixed into yours. The slow, feline movements seem to accentuate the Lady's feral look.

 

He just moves after you, each movement you make he seems to have a way to turn with, which isn't the hard part. The slightly impressive thing is the way in which he manages to close the distance, if only a little bit, with each one. Those odd blades flicker, reflecting the light before he starts to move, taking a slash at you once he gets close enough.

 

The crouching position of the lady has its advantages. The dagger's slender blade scintillates in the light as it strikes upwards to meet the blow while the rapier slashes the air in an attempt to strike at his foot before using the force accumulated into her knees to leap backwards.

 

As the blade strikes upwards it rings true against his dagger butsuch is the trick of it, as you can feel the rapier when you o to slash down resist, for the curved blade requires only the slightest turn of his wrist to catch the blade, giving you only the choice to pull it back, or have it trapped in that curved bit of steel. His features flushing now with the fun of combat, Shane licks his lips, "Good."

 

The leap backwards does indeed pull both blades backwards, but as the Lady lands, she swirls on her toes, attempting a direct strike with the rapier at the man's chest, her dagger clutched tightly in her hand near her chest in a defending position. Right now it would be clear for the Master of such arts that the Lady's profficiency with the longer blades is less than that of the hand-held daggers.

 

"Good," he says again as he has to turn, swiping in a downward stroke to push the thrust away from his body, but it's a solely defensive move, no ability for him to take an offensive move out of it. No tthat he couldn't try, but it would involve a certain amount of risk. He starts to move in on you though, trying to eliminate the usefulness of that rapier by trying ot get inside your reach, trying ot make it a dagger fight rather than the sword.

 

Sisay has an intuition of what the swordmaster wants to accomplish yet he has two blades and she'd be stuck with only one. Not good. Yet another dagger is secured inside her vest... on the other side of the floor. An Algau curse escapes her lips as she lowers the rapier and while she tries to leap past the swordmaster the long, slender blade is thrust upwards in an attempt to cut Shane's torso upwards. Yet, it would be clear for everyone that such a direct hit can be easily parried... and that is exactly what the Lady wants...

 

Shane senses, "Sisay tries to keep your hands busy so that she can escape past you."

 

He does parry, but not in the way you'd expect onc emore. As you offer the position, he takes those curved blades of his, and the dull side, the inside, he wraps around your wrist, pulling your arm back behind you as he looks at you. his other hand he slides the blade down the back of your shirt, just enough to cut that suit almost straight down the middle, and then he lets you past him, releasing you. "Don't ever give someone a chance to hit you," he says. "You forgot by giving me your arm that I'm not using straight blades, you just said, basically, "please grapple me." He has no idea of course why you're going to your vest but he lets you.

 

Sisay looks downwards, somewhat ashamed of her failure. However, her look is not upset as she tosses the rapier towards the edge of the room and quickly leaps for the vest. A slender blade is quickly recovered from it, roughly the same size as the other one, however the forms and the craft of it have a distinct signature: Harkonnen. The suit still clings on her soulders, hoever, at her back, the delicate white skin can be noticed glistening with sweat. Rising slowly, armed with her favorite blades, she quickly walks towards Shane, a determined look in her face. <<Now, you're mine>>

 

He raises his brow, and as you switch weapons he salutes. You can see him do something though and that's take the handle of his two blades and he puts them together, the hilts joining, and what you see is that they extend. Now has a weapon that looks much like a Harkonnen weapon as well, it's a staff of about three feet, with a hooked blade on either end, giving him a bit of range now that you have your daggers. He twirls it quickly. THe pace of the fight is about to pick up now. If he saw that flesh, he doesn't show it, as he see's you rlook of determination, and he seems pleased. "Let me see hwat you can do, Lady Ginaz."

 

Her face darknes. The shadow of fear suddenly crosses her delicate face as another image overlaps over that one of the handsome Count... and image of fear and dread... and it's howling... deadly. The lady screams and inhales deeply, picking up her pace, one leap, the second leap and the doe-foot dahher aims exactly through the fuzzy, fast-spinning region between his hands. The other blade meets one of the hooks of the new weapon. And the impact is quite strong, not to be expected of such a frail looking woman.

 

Perhaps not expecting the renewed vigor he quickly goes on the defensive as he tries to assess what you can do. He uses the blade to meet the blade, or the handle of his weapon, given how much there is, to continue to try and deflect. As he moves back from the most recent one you can see that there is a rip in the front of his shirt, no blood, but he is fortunate for that as he ducks down to his knees, taking a swipe at your legs, almost Forcing you to either jump over him, or to retreet back and slow this advance.

 

Terrified, acting most on instinct than on training, the Lady jumps high in place and her blades are repositioned in her hands with the tip downwards. By the time she starts to fall, both blades are pointed downwards, rapidly closing the space between them and the Count's shoulders or chest.

 

As he see's you jump he rolls back, moving into the splits himself as he brings his arms up, the blade being turned so that he doesn't actully hit you with it, conscious of the fact you're not fully in control, and he lets the stick of his weapon, the hilt, aim to try and deflect your arms away. Shaking his head, he nods, contently, looking at you almost hostily as he tries to protect himself without hurting you. It's one thing to be able to get you out of hte way, another to do it with as little harm to himself and no harm to you as possible.

 

The hit of the hilt across her arms makes her turn in mid-air, landing a couple of centimeters near you with a loud *thud*. But, just like a cat, she doesn't waste time to cry, check for injuries and broken bones. She's in the woods of Marcinko and her life is threatened. It is night and the huge animal looms menacingly near her. Quickly she rolls on her side, jumping to her feet and takes a leap towards Shane.

 

Laying back, it's probably a 50-50 chance that one of the blades scratches his chest as for when you leap at him, he tosses his weapon aside, his hands coming up to grab your wrists. T he problem is that he could have been too slow in going back, and gotten cut, or he could have not had the right strength to stop you before you got to his chest. But hte movements were enough to at least stop you froms tabbing him...and maybe he did avoid getting cut, he won't know until he checks. Still though, you're atop him as he holds your wrists, looking up at you, "Sisay."

 

The edges of the daggers are stopped mere centimeters from Shane's chest. The grab of her arms would make you feel her over-tensed muscles, a techinque of dubious origin, mostly noticed on Harkonnen mercenaries and smugglers to nervously induce muscle contraction as to increase strength. But the image of the terrifying nightmare ends as her name is called. Muscles relax and the exhausted gaze of Sisay's black eyes meets yours. "I... didn't mean to..."

 

"It was fine," he says. "But if we kept going I was going to have to hurt you, and that's not the point of sparring," he says with a smile as he looks up at you. Staring at you he nods, slowly moving your arms to either side, as he expects you to let the daggers drop. Breathing out, softly, he looks up at you, holding your gaze, and nods. "Alright," he says, sure that you've gotten control back. "Let's get up," he whispers.

 

As you come out of your daze, he'd pulled you into a hug. His hands are warm on your bared back, your poor shirt ripped in the back almost the whole way down. He looks at you, speaking softly in your ear, as he listens. He lets you relax, as he holds you there, listening. You're in the chamber off his room, the training room with the mirrors and the bars. He nods, looking at you, his hand cupping the back of your head as the other moves over your back. "There," he says. "You seemed to disappear there...hmm? I'm glad you didn't get hurt."

 

Sisay smiles as she hugs back, adding a kiss on the man's cheek. "I... was distracted with the ... umm... fight." she says, rolling on the ground besides him. "I wish I could train with you. I mean, really train?"

 

Shane smiles at you and he nods. He lets you roll as he grins, quietly, "I could with you," he intones. "I could train with you often, honestly. You'd just need to find the time in your schedule," he intones genuinely. His eyes sparkle with amusement and he caresses your cheek once nodding. He slides back, thinking about it. "I noticed," he offers. "you seemed...just distant. Like you were in some sort of nightmare."

 

Sisay sighs softly, running a hand through the curls of her long hair, eyes fixing the ceiling, looking through it. "I ... don't know what you're talking about... what nightmare?" she says with a faint and distant voice.

 

"Nothing," he says, smiling softly. He shrugs it off. Perhaps it's just your way of focusing. In the future, perhaps he'll notice it again, perhaps he'll call you on it, but for now he'll chalk it up to an overactive imagination. "That was impressive near the end there, the way you went so completely on the offensive. Dangerous but accurate."

 

Sisay shivers slightly. "Such is the way in the wilderness. It's the way of our wolves..." she replies in an echo, eyes sparkling lost somewhere in the heights above her as her hand starts playing with that peculiar bear-claw on her chest. Surely all this is somehow connected.

 

Shane looks at you and he watches, head cocked to the side, idly. "Wolves?" It's an innocent question, meant for you to go ahead a bit. He grins, listening, but the grin is not one of amusement. It's a friendly smile, one of encouragement as he looks at you laying there next to him.

 

Sisay turns slowly to to face you , face covered in part with silky black curls like a veil. A smile can be heard from within as she says: "Yes, my dear Lord. I'm sure all planets have cousins or relatives of the wolves. Only on our planet, they are the fiercest hunters, a most destructive force of nature."

 

Listening quietly as you turn to face him he smiles. The floor is cool on your bare back. As you lay there he grins, his hands folding as he reaches forward to touch the bear claw, curiously, his fingers trailing the paw a moment and then he looks to you. "Hmmm," he says, curiously. "Tell me more, for I cannot say that I know the likes of which you speak."

 

Sisay's hand falls a bit to a side, allowing the man to touch her precious amulet. And it would be known she doesn't allow just anyone to touch her most intimate things. "The black-tooth wolves, they are called. The name dissolves in the frail beginnings of Marcinko ten thousand tyears ago. Today, they are spread only in the untamed hights of the MacKenzie mountain but their packs still pose a threat to the Rangers and upper villagers." She pauses and smiles again. "They hunt in packs. Big packs. Very smart creatures. Immagine that several years ago, a pack of twenty killed the planethologists colony. Twenty scientists and ten Rangers. All dead." Her voice trails off as her eyes close. One can only immagine she has seen the massacre.

 

Shane ohs. He nods, wordlessly, his mouth forming the word, as he caresses the claw once more and he nods, appreciatively, understanding. Yes, he can almost imagine exactly what happened. His mind plays the short visual, a few quick flashes, likely nothing compared to the exquisite detail you see. "I would love to train you," he says simply, the most he can say in truth.

 

Sisay opens her eyes and her hand moves to encompass yours and the claw. "One night, before I attended the Academy, I wandered in the forest. It had been days since I eat warm food and had a shelter. In the middle of the night, a bear appeared. During spring and summer they are peaceful... as peaceful as they can be. But as fall settles, they become aggitated, attacking creatures they encounter." She pauses a moment to take a deep breath. "I woke up when his paws were about to strike... I had no escape..." her voice is soft and sad. "It is then I first used the wolves berserking technique to rip to her throat. And this..." she says, touching your hand and the claw, " this is the reminder that all dreams can end in the sleep."

 

He nods, as he looks to it, and he smiles. "we've all done what we must, and it has not been easy," he offers, simply. It isn't said in a way that shows pity or sympathy, but more almost factual detachment, that such is the life of a Swordmaster. Who knows how many times he's had to take life...or who knows how few, making it perhaps even more poignant each time it was an action. Nodding, though, he purses his lips. "Who trains you now?"

 

Sisay sighs and clears her face of the black hairlocks. "No one in particular. Our swordmistress, when she has the time. Alone when I feel like." With a smile she adds: "I trained for about a year at the Academy with my uncle. But I have no official grade nor anything..." Blushing, and lowering her gaze she adds: "And I make a lousy student..."

 

Reaching up he bemusedly plays with a strand of hair, the nods. "Well I will be your teacher for a time," he intones. "I do not know either what my grade might be, but we shall see hmm?" He grins pleasantly and smiles, nodding his head as he looks to you. "And it is not for you to shake your head due to a lack of regular training. It is to be applauded yoru desire and effort, hmm?"

 

Sisay giggles and says: "Thank you." Lifting her head a bit, allowing her hair to fall back behind her, she asks: "Shouldn't we ask the Contessa for approval also? Maybe she will not agree?"

 

Shane smiles as you giggle, perhaps a bit bemused as well as he stares after you. A bit more amusement, he scratches idly at his jaw, nodding his head again and watching after you, before moving to stand, holding a hand out to help you up. "I'll see to it that you are brought materials to help you clean up?" He figures a lady would want to freshen up after working as you have. "And the Lady does not hold sway over my free time. Fear not about such," he says genuinely.

 

Sisay stands up on her knees and smiles, before leaning over for a hug, kissing your cheek. "You are most kind, my Lord. And maybe a new robe? Or a cloak?" she says with a wink of her eye, pointing at her ripped off suit at her back.

 

He laughs, "No, I think we'll let you walk the embassy like that, hmm?" He grins, but knos better as you get the hug, a tight press of your body to his as he is not shy about showing you affection. He departs for a time, before returning with a cloak per your request. It is a beautiful swath of white silk with silver piping. "My chambers are yours," he says genuinely. "I will stay in here stretching, and no one will disturb you." He smiles, as he moves over to hand you the silken garment.

 

Sisay is all a smile of delight. "Thank you, kind Lord, Master of Swords. I shall return briefly." she says, dissapearing into the chambers, returning after a good while. Her hair is wet, falling pointedly across her shoulders as she wears the white cloak. As she moves, the black pants of the suit can be made out, obviously cleared of dust. "How do I look?" she exclaims, making a pirouette.

 

Shane laughs lightly as he smiles at you. "Like you're playing dress-up with your daddy's clothes," he offers, teasing another time. Grinning, he just looks after you, his hands folded tightly together, tapping together at the tips as they're steepled in form. He regards you with amusement, your enthusiasm impossible to miss.

 

Sisay laughs at his words, waving her hands underneath the cloak, prettending to be a bat, flapping its wings. "Only they become -me- better." she giggles in response, approaching to retrieve her belt and rapier.

 

He laughs at that. Your belt and Rapier he scoops up with his foot, grinning as he holds them over his head, just chuckling. He watches you, eyes sparkling as he says, quietly, "Better hmm?" He grins, "I would dare say that I look better in men's clothes than you, and that you surely look better in women's clothes than I. In no clothes we will just leave it a draw hmmm?" He winks playfully and doesn't let you reach your rapier as he keeps it lifted.

 

Completely ignoring the clothes discussion, she desperately tries to grab her rapier yet all she grasps is thin air. "Give it back, you... you... give it! Or I'll bite!" she says, stomping her foot, fluttering her hands to every spot the rapier was just a moment ago.

 

Shane hars. He just grins, as he uses the tip to scorpion-tail you, laughing bemusedly. He watches, as you feel the tip of it poke you atop the head, though it is done lightly, no chance of injury as he just smiles. Still, the inhumanity of being whapped by one's own sword. He just grins, dancing back a step. "Give what back?"

 

Now that just filled the glass. After she'd been bonked, she stops and tilts her head, narowing her eyes. Crazy ideas, for a crazy man. So she quickly unwraps her cloak and with a switft move she throws it towards Shane's head.

 

He blinks, as he shakes hsi head, the cloak falling free and he looks at you. Colour comes to his features in a hurry as he smiles. The smile is not as big as the other though, but almost a more protective grin, as if to hide his own embarassment now as he clears his throat. "I didnt' realize it was that important to you?" Still though, he hands you the rapier.

 

Sisay laughs and giggles, clapping her hands. "Got you! Didn't I?" she says between laughs, awarding you with a wink, before grabing the sword.

 

Shane mm-hmms. He just nods, as he bends down, holding the cloak out to you again. He sighs, a quiet sound, your beauty impossible to ignore as he holds the material for you. "Very gotten," he says playfully, just smiling.

 

Sisay fastens her belt, attaching the rapier to it, before she takes the cloak and wraps it tightly about her shoulders. Then she raises her gaze and looks at you, her smile underlining her dimples plainly.

 

Leaning forward he smiles, as he kisses your forehead and smiles. "I should let you go now," he intones. "I trust you'll want to get in touch with me so as to schedule your training time?" He assumes as much, his hands clasped behind his back, eyes sparkling playfully, his own smile not so dimpling, but giving his face a devilish expression with the stretch of the scar down one side.

 

Sisay's smile fades as she wraps her hands on your neck and kisses you once on the cheek and then a second time at the edge of your lips, pressing her body next to his. But she backs a pace afterwards and just nods, saying. "I will, rest assured. And thank you kindly for... everything." she says.