|
||||||
|
||||||
|
Harkonnen visit Ginaz. New friends? ================================== Ulricke pages Sisay, Genevieve, Fahahd, and Jacob: Anyone mind of the Harks come a-vistin'? :) Anthony has arrived. _____________________Dune III Player Data Sheet: Ulricke_____________________ Fullname: Ulricke Sasha Ludmilla Harkonnen Faction: Harkonnen Title: Lady Position: Baron's Daughter Address: Lady Harkonnen Age: 23 Background: The Baron Harkonnen's wayward Swordmaster daughter, she has recently returned to Kaitan to be with her father. See private background for more info. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- _____________________Dune III Player Data Sheet: Fahahd______________________ Fullname: Fahahd Alaurans Faction: Harkonnen Title: Guard-Leutnant Position: Familiar Guard Address: Age: 22 Background: So self-effacing as to be nearly a nonentity, he's known among those familiar with the Harkonnens as one of their Guard Sergeants. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Gardens -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain) These gardens look as if a chunk of Marcinko has been transported to Kaitain and placed atop the Ginaz Embassy. The 'room' itself is roughly circular, filling the upper floor of the embassy, save for the northeastern wing, which contains the ornithopter pads on its upper level and various service areas below, and a small portion of the western wing which contains the residential areas of the embassy. The translucent walls are for the most part covered with the distinctive white Marcinko ivy, and at intermittent levels one can see several balconies and many windows that overlook these gardens. The gardens are lush and green but the temperature is below normal. A grand fountain spews water thirty feet into the air, and stands in the center of a pond that occupies a full quarter of the entire room. Among the foliage, there are many paths and different clearings in which a visitor or group of visitors might dally. The path from the ornithopter pads to the elevator that leads to the foyer is direct but not short, forcing anyone passing through to experience at least a small part of the gardens. (OOC note: There are places here, type +places/help.) Players: Anthony Exits: Stone Stairway <U> leads to Ornithopter Pads -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain) Elevator <D> leads to Foyer -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain) Anthony Anthony is tall and well built despite not being muscular. He is about 6'5 and weighs in at 200 pounds. His hair is raven black and he keeps it well groomed at all times. His bronze tan is rather pronounced, although he can look very pale in cold days. He has brown eyes with a slight shade of green in them, and they are in a constant expression of sharp thought. He's quite a good-looking 25-year old though he attempts to present himself conservatively, a mixture of the German and Chinese which reflects in inter-mixing of races in House Ginaz. Anthony wears a dress-tunic of a Ginaz Civil Servant for his everyday work. For formal occasions, he dons on his formal regalia as a noble Palatine Earl of the Imperium. In his occasional forays to Kaitain High Society, Anthony puts on the latest fashions for young nobles. Regardless of the occasion, his dress is always immaculately creaseless. Anthony wears an affable, though thoughtful expression. He carries a leather briefcase at all times and occasionally wears silver-rimmed glasses in poor light. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- _____________________Dune III Player Data Sheet: Anthony_____________________ Fullname: Anthony von Badenburg Faction: Ginaz Title: Earl of Badenburg and Minister of Finance Position: Chief Economic Advisor Address: Minister (or Earl) von Badenburg Age: 26 Background: Anthony was born to the heirs of House Bandenburg, to the na-Earl Edward and na-Countess Alexandra Chi Zuen on Planet Kaitain. His parents were House Ginaz diplomats and he was trained from an early age for a career of Civil service within the House. The stability of his early years was shattered however when his parents died in an ornithopter accident when he was only 9 years old. Raised as a ward of House Ginaz ever since, he was sent to the Ginaz Academy for basic martial and leadership training before being sent to the College of the Padishah, Kaitain to complete an Imperial Degree. He majored in both Imperial Economics and Political Science, with minors in CHOAM/Landsraad protocol. Anthony demonstrated at both schools a unnatural rate of learning and was an all-round achiever. He was both an excellent essayist, a skilled swordsman and an adroit debater at school. All this allowed him to graduate top of this class after each exam and to be the first every two-time valedictorian in Imperial History. Anthony was then sent on a learning tour of the Planets Arrakis (before it fell to the Moritani), Caladan, IX and Richese. The end of his tour coincided with the death of his grandfather, the Earl Henry, and so the title of Palatine Earl of the House Minor Badenburg was his. Not wanting to live a life of an idle noble, he successfully petitioned to be accepted into the service of the House Ginaz. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Anthony walks into the Gardens almost unnoticed, for his steps are soft. Sisay curtseys gracefully and says with a smile: "Your Excellency." Anthony is still at the entrance to the Gardens, and he steps forward catiously to the ladies. He bows slowly 'M'ladies', he mutters. With a smile, Sisay approaches you and says: "It is a honour to see you here on Kaitain. I don't think you remember me but I think we met a couple of times before, on Marcinko, when I was still little." Anthony holds the girl in his sight for a few moments, and then smiles 'Lady Sisay...of course...who could forget your Ladyship'. He then takes her hand, and kisses it lightly. Jacob has arrived. Sisay smiles and blushes slightly. She says: "I was wondering when I will meet my uncle's staff. Since my arrival on Kaitain, everyone was is such a hurry that I could feel my head ache." Fahahd has arrived. Anthony nods understandingly 'There is much work to be done here in the Capital'. Fahahd just looked at you. Genevieve has arrived. Ulricke has arrived. Anthony turns his head suddenly and looks at the new arrivals Ulricke comes up, standing near Jacob and Genevieve, observing the area with lidded blue eyes. Fahahd is padding along behind Ulricke, playing faithful shadow, as per usual. Genevieve gathers her baliset and puts it into a wicker sack...holding it over her shoulder Jacob exits the elevator with Genevieve and the Harkonnens in tow. They approach Sisay and Anthony, and Jacob begins the introductions, first presenting Ulricke, then Sisay, Anthony, Fahahd and Genevieve, in that order. Anthony bows to all those present, quite reverently. Standing in the center of the garden, Lady Sisay curtseys gracefully in front of the guests. She smiles to her uncle, Marquis Jacob, refraining from a more familiar greeting. With great curiosity, she studies the Harkonnen guests. Ulricke Ulricke Harkonnen is a tall young woman that appears to be in her early twenties. At just an inch under six feet tall, she manages both statuesque voluptuousness and lithe athleticism. There's nothing soft about her, yet she maintains an almost aggressive femininity. Her white-blonde hair is sleek and straight, falling to the shoulder and framing her face. Her blue eyes tend to vary in shade depending on her mood; the more intense her emotion, the more bright and intense they become. Her high cheekbones and full lips provide her with an arrogant, dangerous beauty, an image assisted by her confidant, predatory stance and movement. Never one to adhere to the restrictive fashions the ladies of the Imperium, Ulricke wears a black body suit with flared collar and a zipped front that is left open just below her throat. A personal shield generator is belted at her hip, next to a short sword resting comfortably in a scabbard, worn with the air of someone comfortable in its use. Fahahd The face of a hardened warrior, with steely eyes that would strike fear into the hearts of even the toughest of the Imperial forces....not quite. In fact, the man's face is disarmingly boyish, making his real age hard to tell. No scars or lines betray the hand of Time, save one: the lobe of his left ear is simply gone, as if cut or ripped away.. The green eyes, slightly slanted and posessed of a peculiarly innocent intensity bordering on bewilderment, peer out from beneath slender brows, over high cheekbones...the thin mouth is generally set in a thoughtful expression. The rest of his features are slightly angular, giving him a gamine, somewhat feral air. Hair of a deep ash blond is cropped close, giving it the appearance of a marten's pelt - though glints of silver now spark among the darker hairs, an odd contrast with the youthfulness of his face. His form is leanly slender, rather than massively muscled...heightening the impression that here is one who's left the end of physical childhood not all that long ago. His shoulders are square though, and his hands strong and deft. The general sense of his movement is not a catlike strength, but a sense of barely contained energy, like a tightly wound spring. He's neatly and soberly clad in the dark uniform of a member of the Harkonnen Familiar Guard, with the silver chevrons that signal a Leutnants's rank gleaming from collar and cuffs, and jackboots polished to a gleaming gloss. On the left shoulder is a brightly embroidered patch: a white shield emblazoned with an equal armed scarlet cross, surmounted by a silver sword - the insignia of one who served in the campaign in the Outremer system on the Bajazet frontier. From a sword belt of glossy black leather depends a steel-hilted kindjal in a worn sheath. The belt also holds a maula pistol in a snug holster, as well as a standard-issue shield generator, most often on and humming contentedly. Despite the uniform and weaponry, his general air seems more clerkish than martial. The strangeness in his gaze has apparently ratcheted up another level - the clouded green of aged jade, it seems that he's almost perpetually staring off at something visible only to himself. Going blind, perhaps? It's accentuated by an air of distraction, if the bulk of his attention were on something remote. Ulricke returns the greeting - her odd, infamous hybrid of bow and curtsy directed torward Sisay in particular. She then grins at Jacob. "Would I trouble you for introductions, Master?" she asks politely. (repose) Jacob exits the elevator with Genevieve and the Harkonnens in tow. They approach Sisay and Anthony, and Jacob begins the introductions, first presenting Ulricke, then Sisay, Anthony, Fahahd and Genevieve, in that order. Anthony waits for Jacob to begin. He has notably faded into the foreground. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Fahahd has faded back, as per usual, hands clasped behind his back loosely. Standing in the middle of the garden, with two eagle-eyed Ginaz guards at a couple of paces in her back, Lady Ginaz says, with a shy smile on her face: "Lady Harkonnen, I have heard of you. If I recall correctly, you graduated some years before me?" Jacob also takes a step back, as he knows all the discussants and waits for the usual pleasantries to be exchanged by those meeting for the first time. A new scar on his right temple seems to wriggle like a worm exposed in the earth by the rain. Anthony watches Jacob intensely, especially at the new scar. Ulricke throws one of her trademark smiles at the younger Ginaz girl. "Indeed." she confirms. "I've so been looking forward to meeting you, dear. There simply aren't many ladies here on Kaitain who can manage something more then deciding what dress to wear and how to wear their hair. We simply must work out together." Jacob smiles lightly at the exchange between the two young noblewomen. He seems pleased, although many other men would likely not approve of their nieces associating with such as the Lady Harkonnen. The thought seems not to bother him in the least. Genevieve stays in the back, not speaking unless spoken to Fahahd does exactly that as well..doinghis best to fade into utter anonymity. Which isn't hard, considering the relative plainness of his uniform, and his unassuming manner. Anthony watches all the proceedings intently, yet keeps silent. Sisay approaces Ulricke and says: "Indeed. Even though women don't quite come out in todays society, I hate women loosing their time with less than trivial matters. Alas, we can very well make our cut into important events in the univerese, won't you say so, Lady Harkonnen?" She takes a deep look to Fahahd not knowing exactly his rank nor his position in regard to Urlicke. Ulricke indicates, "Lieutenant Fahahd Aluarans. A member of the Harkonnen House guard, and soon to be a member of my personal battalion." she then grins. "You should meet our Swordmaster, though. Sen is...unique." Fahahd bows, very slightly, as his mistress indicates him. "My lady," he murmurs, Galach noticeable accented. Ulricke pages: Uli is /infamous/ in the society pages. She's the sort of gal everyone is supposed to hate, but a good few admire. Got balls bigger then most men. Has made a point of publically saying that if men are permitted to dally with as many women as they want, no one has any business accusing her of enjoying daliances as well. Kaitain's Bad Girl, basically. ;> Jacob takes this opportunity to introduce the others more specifically. First Anthony: "Earl von Badenburg, my minister of Finance." Next he indicates Genevieve, "Miss Genevieve Milan, recently arrived on Kaitain to be with Lord Phillip Metternich." Genevieve curtsies Anthony bows to to assembled company gravely. Ulricke lets her eyes drift up and down Anthony, the way some men eye women at Revelers. "Pleasure." she says to him with a smile, then turns to Genevieve. "And are you finding Kaitain well, madame? And you as well, Lady Sisay?" Anthony takes a discreet step to his side. Genevieve says, "yes I am...It is quite lovely here." Sisay curiously raises her eyebrow at Ulricke while greeting Fahahd with a slow but graceful nod: "Enchanted, I'm sure." She then turns back towards Ulricke and asks: "Your Swordmaster you say? I don't recall meeting him. I myself trained with some of our top Swordmasters back at the Academy on Marcinko" she turns her head to Jacob giving him a broad smile. "I find Kaitain pretty complicated, but I managed to have some... fun since I arrived here." You notice the glimmering in her dark obsidian eyes as she puts an accent on 'fun'. Fahahd keeps his gaze demurely turned away from the nobles, looking more like a bored tourist than a prim and proper guardsman. Ulricke smiles. "'She'", she corrects. "But one can't often tell by looking at Sen. She smirks. "Ahh, fun. And if a day goes by without a proper bit of it, things can be so terribly dull." <<Ulricke thinks: I like her. Assuming she doesn't talk behind my back about the Harkonnen Whore, we may even be friends.>> <<Anthony thinks: Why are we standing in the middle of the hot sun when we could be on the Chairs under the shade drinking soda-pop ?.>> Anthony slides up to Jacob 'Perhaps we could retire to the Chairs, Sire ?' Sisay slowly walks to the right side of her uncle. Staying in a dignified position, chin up, hands casually leaning at her sides she lets her gaze wander about around the peacefull garden. She can't help but notice that except her two personal guards which constantly stay two paces behind her, other guards from the Security service of the Marquis scattered around the garden. They stand in a relaxed posistion but very attentive to everything that happens, both inside and outside the garden, to the contrary of the Harkonen bodyguard. Jacob gestures towards a series of benches and chairs that sit in the shade of several large trees. "Shall we all sit for a while?" Ulricke grins Cheshire-like at Sisay. Yes, she noticed her noticing. She then flicks a look at Sisay's guards. "You might as well step back a few paces, gentlemen." she addresses the pair boldly. "She's probably better then you both, and could have at each of you at the same time with a blindfold on." She then smiles sunnily. "Ah, yes! Let us go sit. You've something to drink I hope, Master? I am rather parched." Anthony stands aside for the Ladies, and discreet motions for the valets who have been standing statute-like in the shadows to bring refreshment. Jacob leads the way over to the chairs and places an order with one of the aides. Jacob enters a clearing with a cluster of chairs under a grove of trees. You enter a clearing with a cluster of chairs under a grove of trees. Ulricke enters a clearing with a cluster of chairs under a grove of trees. Anthony gestures at the chairs to Fahahd 'After you, sir' Sisay takes a seat right besides Ulricke. Anthony enters a clearing with a cluster of chairs under a grove of trees. Ulricke reclines in the chair like it's a throne. "Ah, Grumman red!" she says as her drink is brought. She turns wicked eyes at Jacob, "You always did remember just what I liked, Master." Anthony takes a seat on the right of Jacob, slightly behind him so that his body hides Jacob's posture to the outside world. For those familiar with House Ginaz security measures, this is own as the 'Human Shield' position. Jacob can't contain a grin at Ulricke's banter. He says nothing for the time being, but a spark seems to go off somewhere behind his eyes -- he's pleased. He accepts a tall, thin glass of a clear fluid. Sisay inspects the tray brought by the servants looking for her usual Marcinko root-tea. She takes it from the tray and clutches it in her hands. She then turns towards Ulricke and says: "I see you have a taste for wine, Lady Harkonnen." She takes a sip from her hot cup while gazing around towards the assembly. Ulricke confesses, "Not originally. For some time, I was betrothed to Cesare Moritani, and in a silly girl's effort to please him, I developed a pallette. But now I do find it enjoyable, and have a healthy tolerance." Sisay rolls her eyes upwards as she remembers that she is engaged too. She asks in a low voice: "Is it that bad?" <<Sisay thinks: Did she actually love that guy? Oh god!>> Fahahd declines the seat with a faint shake of his head, murmuring, "No, thank you, my lord." Ulricke smiles. "Well, I'm no longer engaged to him... though Cesare might have made a good husband. He valued my skill and opinion - and few men do that these days." Her brows furrow in thought. "You've a pre-arranged match, yes?" Sisay mubles a "Yes, so it seems." as she fiddles around with her cup of tea. You notice her small hands turning white, despite the hot cup they're clutching. She continues in a low voice: "I immagine it as a suprise-box. Who knows who or what pops out." She glances at Ulricke with a grim smile. Jacob holds his glass up to the soft sunlight, and a small flash of color hits his forehead as the liquid acts as a prism. "Clearer than water, indeed," he muses. He sips at it lightly and looks impressed. "Moskokovskaya." He explains in response to any inquisitive glances. Ulricke says seriously, "My dear Sisay, no doubt your uncle will tell you that I'm quite wicked for saying so, but if at all possible, sample the wares /before/ you buy. Nothing's worse then a life shackled to some man who hasn't a clue how to please you. Mintor Atreides, isn't it?" She then looks to Jacob, hmmming. "Vodka?" she guesses. Fahahd remains pointedly bland, though he does glance sidelong at the Harkonnen noble. No doubt recalling her last fiancee. Jacob nods at Ulricke. "It is to vodka what a Swordmaster is to a child with a stick playing soldier." He smiles at her advice, refusing to officially condone such behavior but clearly not denying its wisdom. "Mintor Atreides will treat you well and give you your space. He is a good man." He sighs. "I, too, will have to marry for politics someday, my niece." Ulricke leans over to murmur softly in Sisay's ear, giving Jacob a coy 'we're just silly girls' smile. Ulricke whispers: Mintor Atreides was in my year's class on Marcinko. He is rather fond of women, so I'm sure he's at least skilled, unless he's the selfish sort of lover. Still, he's sentimental enough that you could play him like a harp if you wanted to. Fahahd has edged himself over into the standard guard's position a bit behind and to the left of Ulricke. His stance remains relaxed, head slightly bowed. Sisay giggles merrily and winks knowingly at Ulricke. She conceals a smile behind her hand and leans over to Ulricke and quicky whispers to her ear: "You... sampled the ware?" She resumes her position on the chair and says in a loud voice gazing at her uncle: "I know you want the best for me, uncle. And I gave you my promise not to dissapoint you." She sighs deeply, dark thoughts seem to wander through the young girl's head. She feels her right side of her belt with her hand in a long exercised motion that seems for the unaware eye only a careless movement of her hand. It seems that whatever might be hidden there would be the only thing inspiring Sisay a bit of confidence. Fahahd notes the girl's motion, cocking his head very slightly to one side. He doesn't let his gaze linger, though, instead looking off, ostensibly over the expanse of the garden. Ulricke shakes her head. "Can't say that I have." she admits. "Mintor's a bit florid for me. But he has what some call 'a good heart'. To my people, it's 'sentimentality'." Jacob reaches over and places a hand lightly on Sisay's upper arm. "Be strong, my niece. If you so choose, you may still live here. Very little need change." With a sniff and a quick nod, Sisay says: "I will do whatever is necessary." She looks her uncle in the eye while continuing: "You _will_ look after me even after I'm married, right?" <<Fahahd thinks: That poor little thing should still be in the schoolroom, not prodded into marriage with some bleedingheart Atreides.>> Jacob chuckles lightly and beams down as warm a smile as he can muster. "You will still be my niece and I will fight for you as hard as I must." He removes his hand and has another sip of the Rastanyev-made beverage. Sisay sighs deeply and, with an effort of will forgets whatever thoughts roamed her mind. With her hand still in that careless, yet strange position at her belt she looks up to Ulrike. <<Sisay thinks: Why can't I be like her? Strong, independent, caring about nothing? Isn't that what I've learned back home, roaming the forests all by myself? Was there anybody there when that huge bear attacked me in my sleep? And I bested it! I still have its claws in my room. What is the right way? Will I ever make it? >> From afar (to Sen, Jacob, and Sisay), Fahahd grins. Let the Sen in, por favor? THe expression on the Harkonnen guard's face is, for a moment, almost pitying. He looks down to his own mistress for a long moment. Sen has arrived. Fahahd enters a clearing with a cluster of chairs under a grove of trees. Fahahd stands guard by Ulricke, who reclines, chatting with a pair of Ginaz. As per susual, he looks rather abstracted. Sisay raises from her chair and approaches the new guest with great interest in her eyes. She curtseys gracefully and says: "Welcome, to our humble garden." Ulricke rises. "Now, here's a treat. Come meet our own Swordmaster, Sen Howrym'n. Sen, this is Lady Sisay, Master Jacob's niece...Mintor Harkonnen's fiance. And recently graduated from Marcinko, I believe?" Genevieve looks at Fahahd curiously, she curtsies to him Fahahd arches a brow at Gene's gesture, noting softly, "YOu hardly need curtsey to me, my lady." Sen, having left her men in the car, looks very tiny and alone when she steps out from between the elevator doors. "Mm," she replies shortly. "A pleasant meeting, then." Sisay invites Sen to take a seat on the chairs under the trees. "Would you like anything to drink? Ulricke told me about you..." she winks at Ulricke with a smile. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- _______________________Dune III Player Data Sheet: Sen_______________________ Fullname: Sen Howyrm'n Faction: Harkonnen Title: Jagerkapitan Position: House Swordmaster Address: Swordmaster Age: 15 Background: The latest Harkonnen Swordsmistress is strange and reserved, very polite and unassuming. There is much disagreement over her age, being given as anywhere between sixteen and sixty. It's rumored that in battle, she moves faster than the eye can see. Some say she's actually a Harkonnen boy trained covertly in the Bene Gesserit fighting way, while others suggest she might be a Tleilaxu construct, and still others whisper harshly that she must incorporate godless Ixian devices into her body. She is not married or betrothed, and it is not known where she comes from, other than that she was previously a ranking officer in the Jager forces. Certain atrocities of war in the Lermontov conflict are attributed to her, but which these are, exactly, are also disputed. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Sen has a queer flat voice with a slightly unhealthy rattle to it and the most precise of all possible elocutions. It's instantly distinctive. She glances to Ulricke before seating herself tidily. "Not at the moment. What did she say?" ============================= Places in Gardens -- Ginaz Embassy (Kaitain) == Chairs [5/8]: Genevieve, Ulricke, Fahahd, a: None Northshore [0/6]: None Southshore [0/8]: None ============================================================================= Ulricke chuckles. "I said that you are our Swordmaster, and that you are unique." Fahahd doesn't smile..nor does he seem overly pleased to see the Swordmaster. IF anything, he draws back a little bit. Sen considers the word 'unique' being applied to her for a little while, eventually giving a thin, contemplative smile. "Thank you, Young Mistress." She turns back to regard Sisay, first one eye, then the other, then her head, and waits expectantly. Sisay looks at Ulricke for a brief moment wondering if she goofed with something. Cautiously she nods at Ulricke and says: "I... I have trained for a couple of years with my uncle at the Academy. It is strange, I didn't hear of you while I was there..." Sisay looks at the Harkonnen Swordmistress not knowing exactly what to think of the lady in front of her. She glances back at Ulricke as if to find any support. Sen A youthful figure, small and lithe, untouched by the ravages of age, disease or malnourishment. The wiry, spring-woven person before you looks to be about five foot one, with a complexion which could be described as 'peaches and cream' without the peaches. There is something immediately striking about her, a self-contained kind of presence setting her apart from others. Upon second glance, she is vaguely alien in appearance, too sexless and sculpted to be quite human. She rather resembles an achingly beautiful boy, or a large, all-too-knowing child. The strange little person's hair is stark white, not even blonde but rather with a tinge of silver to it, and cropped close to her head on the back and sides. Her hands are refined and expressive, with long and tapered fingers. It seems she speaks almost as much with her hands as with her lilting voice.. they are the hands of an artist. Judging from her quick, evaluating gaze, she appears to have an opinion about everything she sees. Whether she actually expresses that opinion or not, it's quite evidently there, glinting behind preternaturally bright green eyes. Overall, she gives an impression of androgynous artifice, an interloper in the natural world, but the eerie beauty she possesses is tempered by a lethal, unforgiving nature. At the moment, she's wearing a sharply tailored violet uniform cut from some kind of wet-looking, iridescent material. It's creased and pressed with a martinet's devotion, and the myriad of medals and silver accents are polished to a healthy shine which matches its wearer's soft shock of silvery hair. The uniform jacket's Nehru collar is left open to the third button, displaying no decolletage since Sen hasn't any. It does, instead, display the slick black Ixian skinsuit underneath. Her jackboots are polished to a mirror shine, their soft soles failing to announce her presence in any but the stillest room. Ulricke smiles. "As I was saying, Sen is unique. Her training was special. It does not surprise me that you've never seen her or heard mention of her." If being spoken of in the third person makes her feel awkward, the little androgyne doesn't show it. Sisay's eyes continue studying Sen's clothing and figure. A strange woman at best. Letting her gaze wander at everyone through the assembly she gets a faint wicked smile on her face and mutters: "Who ever said girls are helpless?" Fahahd meets the young Ginaz's gaze levelly for a moment, and replies, "No one with any sense, I am sure, my lady." Ulricke notes to Sisay, "Don't you know? Most of the Imperium. And it's both tiresome and gratifying to prove them all wrong." She notes languidly, "Believe me, Sisay, most of the women of Kaitain save for the witches don't have power, or choose not to take it, or if they do, they flutter around like spineless wretches." She couldn't referring to Margot, would she? "Now, let me suggest - cultivate the Countess Ophelia. I'll take you to meet her, if you haven't already." Sen's nostrils flare and her jaw tightens distinctly. Sisay slances sharply at Fahahd, her wicked smile still in place, giving her teenage figure the look of a kid who's just about to do something forbidden. Having heard Ulricke's response, she thinks << The typical template of a man. False to the bone. >> In a loud voice she says: "No, I didn't have the pleasure, would you care to introduce me to her sometime?" Did you happen to hear just a droplet of hatred in her voice as she said the last words... Genevieve listens to Ulricke intently, she blinks a few times and watches the others Fahahd remains perfectly pokerfaced, giving one room to doubt just how serious his statement was. Ulricke beckons to Genevieve, "Don't be a stranger, Genny." she smiles to Sisay. "Ophelia isn't warrior like you and I," perhaps giving the teenager a little thrill at being 'classed' with Ulricke, "But she's a smart woman, and doesn't allow any of the men to tell her what to do - and still enjoys their company." she tsks. "Sisay, darling - modify your tone. Some men are quite worth their weight in spice...the difficult part is /finding/ them." Genevieve bows her head "I've not been in a talkative mood tonight, I apologise." Sisay looks worriedly at Genevieve but composes a right joyfully smile as she notices Ulricke misinterpreting the hate which slipped her tongue. Studying the Harkonnen Guard from head to toe as if he just arrived she says: "Oh, but I don't care in finding them in the first place. They must find me if they wish so. I can always say yes or no." She takes her cup of tea from the table and takes another sip. She frowns as she notices the tea got cold already. Ulricke chuckles. "My mistake." she says smoothly. "And rightly so! You should enjoy yourself before getting married. Unless your house has some silly mores against it. But Master Jacob has never been one to deny another's pleasure." Genevieve , unlike many here, dosent hide her emotions. You can tell what she's feeling just by looking at her...and right now something is bothering her, weighing her down. Fahahd lets his own gaze wander with insolent slowness over Sisay, taking his time. Then it slides away, as if the maid weren't worthy of prolonged scrutiny. The pitying expression has vanished, replaced by something akin to a tolerant boredom. Ulricke prompts, "Genny, something's a veritable albatross around your neck. Whatever's the matter? And don't say 'not a thing', because we can all see something's wrong." Genevieve says, "just this talk of femanine power." Genevieve says, "I find it infuriating." Ulricke doesn't seem offended. "How so?" Genevieve says, "I find it a bloody well cowardice doublestandard that men should be able to marry and keep whores on the side." Genevieve eyes burn Ulricke tilts her head. "Your first mistake, Genevieve, is to imply the dishonor is the whore's. And if men can do it, then there should be no stigma attatched to women who choose to seek their pleasure elsewhere." Genevieve says, "precisely" Sisay looks away from the Harkonnen Guard looking at Genevieve curiously. She thinks << Patience, little guard. Little Sisay might teach you a couple of new lessons.>> She sighs and nods understandingly at Genevieve. "Okay, what if they do. You can always have the same god-damn fun they also have. You should know that better than me." She nods at Ulricke. Genevieve says, "its worn me quite thin honestly." Ulricke looks at Genevieve. "So why don't you?" she says patiently. Fahahd permits himself the smallest of smirks, as if he could pluck the girl's thought out of the air. He belongs to Ulricke - little chance that Sisay could show him anything he hasn't encountered before. But he glances curiously at Genevieve as well, quirking a brow. Genevieve says, "Why don't I what?" Sen's emotions are evident... but still not readable somehow. Whatever they are they don't express themselves the usual ways. She seems interested in the conversation and yet not really a part of it. Ulricke says, "We've no few pleasure slaves to our embassy to spare. We should make an evening out of it - gather some of the more virile ones and have ourselves a nice little orgy." to Genevieve, "Find yourself a man to take your pleasure with, if your Lord is busy with another woman?"" Genevieve says, "If he dosent arrive soon....I'll consider it."" Genevieve says this more like an empassioned threat then actual desire Ulricke tsks at Genevieve. "You're letting a man set the standards of your thought, dear. You are a concubine, are you not?" Sisay says in a precipitated tone: "Look, I sneaked from home _against_ my father's will and went to the academy to learn to fight. I dissapeared for weeks in the forests, nobody knowing anything of me. I had my fun. Untill my father commanded and escorted me on Kaitain, curse that day." She frowns at the thought but blushes at Ulricke's idea. Genevieve says, "Yes...but you all are of noble blood." Genevieve says, "I am common....one must simply look at my face and know this....my eyes." Fahahd looks for a moment as if he'd like to comment, but stifles it and glances down at the toes of his boots. Ulricke shrugs. "So find yourself a nice, virile stable-hand and have a bit of fun. You could come over and make use of it." she tilts her head. "Your eyes betray spice addiction. Correct?" Genevieve says, "Yes." You say, "And I could disguise myself in a commoner and go get hired as whore, do you really think the bloodline is good for anything else that stupid formalities?"" Genevieve says, "If he decides....I am nothing." <<Fahahd thinks: I rather doubt she has the training to make a decent whore.>> Ulricke then notes to Sisay, "That makes you tough, dear. It doesn't make you powerful, or knowledgable, though it does do you credit." she looks at Genevieve. "Spice addiction is an expensive habit to maintain. Anyone looking at you would assume that you are a lady of noble birth, or maintains herself in a noble household...because of that very fact." Genevieve says, "Or....seeing my sun tinted skin....knows very well where I'm from." Ulricke rolls her eyes. "Are you Fremen, then?" Genevieve says, "I was born in Arrakis...no I'm not fremen." Genevieve sighs Ulricke looks at her. "No," she says. "No Fremen would half such low a sense of self-worth. You are what you decide to be, Genevieve...no more. If all you choose to know of yourself is your birth and your skin and your eyes, that is the only value you will have - but I don't blame you, it's easy to complain. Still, you are a concubine - a bound one, but a concubine. I'm surrprised you're not Bene Gesserit, really." Sisay leans more relaxed into her chair, takes the hot cup of tea which has just been delivered to her and sips from it deepened in her thoughts. <<I don't belong here and neither does Genevieve. I might just aswell run away and hide. But that won't do me any credit either.>> Sen seems a little blank through this part of the discussion. The wildlife and culture of the Moritani treasure chest are certainly not its significant traits, at least so far as she's concerned. Genevieve wipes her moist eyes Ulricke looks to Sisay, seeming to read her thoughts. "You don't make yourself over to suit Kaitain. You demand that Kaitain suit you." Sen exhales with a soft hiss of scorn and a glassy rattle in the direction of Ulricke's little joke. Genevieve stands Genevieve says, "I'm going to retire...it was a pleasure meeting you, Sen, Ulricke, Fahahd....I will see you anon" Genevieve curtsies low Sisay gasps as her inner thoughts are so bluntly revealed. <<Am I that transparent?>> She says, not sure on how to take Ulrike's response: "Everything is happening so fast here... Way to fast for the few days i've been here..." Ulricke looks to Genevieve. "Good evening, dear. Remember, any time you wish to work out your...frustrations...I have some lovely pleasure slaves who'll put the smile back in your eye." Sisay nods at Genevieve and says: "Sure thing. Take good care of you..." Genevieve says, "I'll consider your proposition. <<just to be polite...and a little reckless as well>>" Genevieve bows her head to Sisay "good night dear. Genevieve heads off to her quarters Sen eyes Genevieve's back, but only nods. Ulricke nods to Sisay. "You remind me of myself at your age...of course, you don't have two elder brothers to keep up with, and you've not lived the Harkonnen life." You'd think that Ulricke was old enough to be Sisay's mother instead of her older sister. "If your uncle wishes it, I'd be glad to assist you with integrating into Kaitain's society...but be mindful of the fact that many consider me one of the biggest whores in the Known Universe." <<A small message cylinder of polished brass, bearing the Atreides seal is being brought to the lady Sisay. In it a plain message>> To the lady Sisay Ginaz, As you might have heard through your uncle or through the news and gossip of Kaitain, your uncle and I have agreed to a strenghtening of the bonds between our great houses. This bond is in no way better represented than through the upcoming marriage between my brother and yourself. In this light I want to formally invite you over for tea so you may show our pleasure at this new step in your life. with regards Her Grace, Margot Atreides, Duchess of Caladan ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A servant scurries in and hands Sisay a small cylinder. You can notice it bears the seal of the House Atreides. Sisay quickly opens it and reads the small parchment inside. She blinks a few times then reads it again. She hands the parchment, aswell as the cylinder to the servant ordering for them to be taken to her room. Although her face seems suddenly darkened by sadness she says with a joyfull tone: "I don't see why not, Lady Harkonnen. As a matter of fact, your proposal suits me just fine. And that is all that matters. << This way I'll see how those Atreides think: Do they judge me by the rumors or by my own self.>> Ulricke grins. "Excellent. We'll start by getting you some up-to-date clothes. Don't take this the wrong way, dear - but you're a bit out of fashion. Would you prefer to go with what's popular...or what suits you? I personally think that a Swordmaster should wear clothes suited for utilizing their craft, and save the dresses for the occaisions they're truely needed for." Fahahd has moved back to his former place within a pace or two of Ulricke, head up. His eyes are still lazily half-lidded, however. You paged Margot with 'Great, thank you.'. Sen remarks mildly, "But then the Ginaz Family should all look alike." Sisay smiles broadly and says: "Well, these clothes spared me a lot of trouble, if you catch my meaning." She points her hand in that barely visible move upon her belt. She looks Ulricke straight in the eyes, being sure she understood her little secret which resides under the red belt. <<Sisay thinks, with an immaginary laughter in her thoughts: Well, what about this, little Harkonnen Guard, seems we're both on the same side, aren't we...>> Ulricke tilts her head. "Why not wear it openly?" she reveals the sword at her side. "You've earned the right." With a deliberate slow move (to remove any suspicions) Sisay puts her hand on a barely visible buckled spot on her belt. From there, she extracts what seems to be a dove's foot. As she continues the slow motion, the dove foot appears to be the hilt of a medium dagger, slender and pretty sharp. She puts the dagger on the table before her and says: "My uncle gave me this dagger as a present for my seventeenth birthday. Since then, this little toy has saved my life two times in the forests of Marcinko." Ulricke smiles. "It's lovely. You should wear it openly, and with pride. But in /much/ better clothing." Fahahd resists the temptation to smile. Perhaps he and the little Ginaz have more in common than he�d thought...each of them a former feral wood-brat. Sen watches Sisay closely, but only out of duty, not out of actual wariness. And she only uses one eye to do it with. The other one is still on Ulricke. Sisay smiles broadly and nods. She bounces joyfully on her chair and says: "I am definitely open to suggestions." She gazes at Ulricke happily, however, there is still a small corner of uncertainty in Sisay's mind. Ulricke grins. "We can go shopping if you'd like. And mmm....anything else you'd like to do? Anything you're curious about?" Fahahd makes a tiny, repetitive motion with one hand, for a moment..before catching himself, and forcing it to stillness. Sisay blushes slightly and says: "Shopping! Shopping sounds nice." You can see her eyes glimmering with joy. She has finally found a way out of the daily boredom. <<What I'm curious about? What'd she mean? What I think she ment?>> She says: "Umm well, let's take it one step at the time... I am a very curious person, but I don't want to rush things you know..." She looks at Fahahd with a wondering gaze as she asks: "Everything allright?" Fahahd replies, smoothly, "Yes, my lady," His hands are gain clasped behind him loosely. Ulricke nods. "We'll work out together too, if you wish." she notes, and chuckles. "You know - if you haven't had a chance to enjoy a skilled male....Fahahd, for example, is an exquisite lover." Fahahd, of course, colors brightly...though it fades much more rapidly than it did when he first arrived on Kaitain. "My lady is entirely too kind," he murmurs, modestly. Sisay chuckles softly and says while blushing: "Ahem, we might want to discuss the latter in private..." She takes a quick glange over the Harkonnen Guard in the light of new information. << I don't know about the other Harko's, but Ulricke seems my type of friend. A friend! Hmm>> Ulricke smiles. "Splendid." a pause. "We've been here for some time. Are we keeping you from anything?" Fahahd doesn't look directly at Sisay this time. Sisay smiles happily and says: "It has been a long day for me." She sighs "A very long one, I got my marriage announcement, cried in front of a Bene Gesserit Sister, bumped into a whole bunch of diplomats down at the embassy..." she pauses for a breath. She looks Ulricke deep in the eyes and mutters: "You know, I didn't have many friends back home, but the few ones I met are friends for life." Ulricke smiles sympathetically. "There's a reason why 'witch' rhymes with 'bitch', dear. The Bene Gesserit are never to be trusted, I was always taught." Sisay hmms and says: "Well, I just met one of their sisters, and she seemed... well, quite okay. Except for those very annoying statue-like poses they get, I cannot say I had any dissapointment with them." Ulricke snorts. "Just be wary. They're manipulative, dangerous." Sisay tilts her head says: "Well, now that you say it, I wonder how the damn did she make me cry? I never cry except in my own room and nly when I'm alone!" She gets a very upset look on her face. Ulricke nods. "They have ways of making you do what they want you to do. Perhaps she wanted to find a way to break you. They're cruel like that." Sen looks rather disgusted with something or other. That's one emotion that is easy to read on her odd features. Sisay nods at Ulricke dreamily. She then looks at Sen and says: "You have been very quiet the whole time, dear Swordmistress. And I thought you'd tell us several of your adventures you've been through." She giggles merrily. "Unlikely," Sen replies evenly. "My adventures are not fit for gentle company." Ulricke smiles enigmatically. "Sen is highly gifted. She leads our Jagers...the space forces." Sisay nods slowly immagining many space fighters clustered somewhere secret, awaiting an order to attack a feuding House. "I can only show my respect to someone that gifted in deed." Ulricke tilts her head back. "You said something earlier about living in the woods?" she prompts. Sisay raises her eyebrows and mumbles: "Y... Yes... I wandered through the forests on the mountains of Marcinko. Sometimes I was away for weeks and my father had to call Ginaz patrol to find and bring me home." She giggles. "I was never the type of person to stand still at home." She sighs. "Why do you ask?" Ulricke says, "I'm curious as to what sort of adventures you've had. I've never run away from home myself."" Sisay gets a very casual look on her face, taking her dagger in her hand and playing thoughtlessly with it. "Oh, nothing much. Like being attacked by a huge black bear in the middle of the darkest of the nights, like having to descend steep ravines and almost falling off it just cos I was so stupid as to drop my knapsack right onto its bottom. Encounters with smugglers." She laughs merrily as she remembers: "They were so cute. They took me with them. Gave me food and drinks. And in a couple of days we were all arrested by the Ginaz Patrols. You should've seen my fathers look as they explained:'Uhm, we're sorry, but your daughter is in... prison.' Oh, those were the real times." She puts the dagger back on the table and takes another sip from her tea. Sen listens quietly. Whatever her evidently unspeakable accomplishments are, she's either too modest or too considerate to discuss them in polite company. Ulricke smiles, listening. "What happened to the bear?" she inquires curiously. Sisay grins wickedly and says: "As I was used to, when wandering through unknown woods, I didn't sleep tight. Those particular bears are very cunning, and make next to no noise at all when sneaking to a prey. I was lucky enough I heard a branch above me crack as the bear was about to gut me with the rake of his claws. I drew my dagger..." She quickly grabs the dagger from the table and holds it in attacking position, with the blade perfectly aligned to her hand. "The stupid thing was that I couldn;t clearly see him. In plain daylight I could have thrown the dagger through his skull. But I taunted him to follow me to a creek nearby. He almost got me untill there. But finally with a little light from the stars, I just evaded two of his attacks and I cut his neck. I could've targeted the heart but it would've been too risky. In a couple of minutes of writhing, it was dead. And it's claws are on my wall in my room, as a trophy. Ulricke looks surprised. "If I were you," she says, "I'd have them wire-wrapped with silver and wear them around my neck." Sisay says: "In deed I did so. Untill my father said to remove those 'barbarian things' away from my neck. My father never agreed with what I did. But he tolerated my behaviour. And that's why I love him." Ulricke smiles. "My father indulges in me because he knows how much I care for the House. And that's why I love him." she pah's. "Your father isn't on Kaitain...and you may set a new fashion. And if you do, he can hardly complain for his daughter being a trend setter, mmmm?" She eyes the younger woman. Going to have to do something about that mop of hair, too. Sisay smiles sheepishly. "I'll trust your immagination, Lady Harkonnen." Sen follows Ulricke's gaze. Of course her own hair is far too short to concern herself with. A benefit of the position. Sisay raises and curtseys gracefully to Ulricke and Sen. "Well, then, It seems we will see each other quite often..." Ulricke rises. "We will indeed. Do feel free to come by the Embassy. Ask your uncle - he should have no problem with our coontinuing each other's company." Ulricke has left. Sen has left. The Forms must be obeyed! Please return to Dune III soon. *********** D I S C O N N E C T E D *********** % Connection to mush closed by foreign host. ---- No world ---- |
||||||
|
||||||
