A Meeting of House Functionaries is Called
RL Date: July 29, 2001

Ruhail is seated amidst the panoply of his court, the Sultan Bajazet having called his trusted staff, retainers, and servants here for what can only be important business. Jaw set in sterness, he is seated upon the vibrant Peacock Throne, awaiting the arrival of the particulars whom he has summoned.

A soft scratch sounds at the door, just before it opens to admit the Concubine Felizia. Immediately after she fully crosses the threshold, she makes her obeissance to the Peacock Throne with a flicker of her hand from her forehead in genufluction. And with her head dipped appropriately, modestly, low, she steps aside out of the path of the doors to a spot off to the side of the rich chamber.

Sakara moves in just behind Felizia and dips her head down, but does move to follow the concubine quietly. It is a wounder the slave is even present.

Aleikum follows Zia and Sakara in after a bit and bows toward Ruhail, then quietly takes his usual place standing sort of at ease.

Ruhail offers a faint, thin smile to one and all, a look going to the guards and signalling for them to shut fast the doors. This accomplished, the Sultan looks round at all who have gathered here and informs in curt, even tone, "The Landsraad High Council elections are upon us. Already the Houses Major present on Kaitain are scheming, plotting, betraying, falling over each other to grasp a seat at that honored table. House Bajazet ... will not pursue a Councillorship. We already have a place at the CHOAM Board of Directors, and for the moment, this will suffice."

Felizia's chin lowers a touch, a bare nod, mostly to herself. Such things have already been discussed in her lessons, and now she listens all the more closely to piece together the puzzle of how it all involves her, and the House.

Sakara pays not much heed to the words as much of what happens here is beyond her comprehesion. The young slave does though pay much attnetion to Felizia in any attempt to keep her from haveing to miss out on what she needs to know of.

Aleikum nods slightly, having heard rumors of such for sometime.

Ruhail looks erstwhile guardsman to attentive concubine to introspective slave girl, gauging their reactions before continuing. "Despite the urgings of some who think we should exploit the present anti-Harkonnen sentiments in the Landsraad and garner ourselves a seat on the Council, it would be perceived as overstepping ourselves, and I will not have this House appearing greedy. What we -will- do is this ... Our diplomatic department, under the auspices of Grand Vizier Altair, will dispatch representatives to Houses Atreides, Rastanyev, Ginaz, and Moritani. These are known to be already organized into a voting bloc, with all save Rastanyev intended to receive a seat on the Council. We will make known to them that we will join their bloc and vote in their favor in exchange for the assurance that upon their election, the proces verbal charge which we have filed against House Harkonnen will be pushed forward. We will use this opportunity to bring about our enemies' demise."

Felizia tries to think, quickly, of other alliances she's been told about, but draws a blank with the new knowledge. Her lips purse, brow creasing, but she remains silent in her focus and concentration.

Aleikum smiles slightly at the thought of out manuevering the Hark's, he would love to see there faces when it happens.

Sakara glances about the room. a good look of curiousty as to why she was even brought here with Felzia on her face.

Ruhail nods with a certain finality that allows no discussion. "They will of course not dare refuse such an offer, and we will both succeed in blocking the Harkonnen from all aspirations of a seat on the Landsraad High Council, but set the wheels in motion for their destruction. All of you will have parts to play in this, from diplomats who undertake the minutae of negotiation to trusted guardsmen who will see this embassy's security heightened during this turbulent time. The Harkonnen will recognize what we are intending once the Proces Verbal is officially added to the agenda of the first meeting of the new Council, and will doubtless attempt every trechery they can think of. We will be ready for them."

Involuntarily, Felizia shudders, remembering her recent run-ins with the Harkonnen. Mental notes fly about her head in random order, but most of them center around not leaving the grounds of the embassy without an escort, ever again.

Sakara for now shifts on her feet. She glances at Felizia as she shudders and moves to her. Once close enough she whispers to Felizia

Sakara mutters to you, "Is my lady ok and can I do anything for you if not"

Aleikum nods curtly

Ruhail trains his gaze fastly upon Aleikum, crooked finger bidding him come forward.

Aleikum blinks but imedaitly moves forward kneeling before his Lord "M'Lord?

Felizia reaches down to give the girl's hand a small, reassuring squeeze, shaking her head slightly.

Sakara just goes quiet and tries to not get in the way

Ruhail solemnly states, "House Bajazet requires nothing short of total vigilance in its security forces during the next few months. It is therefore my pleasure to confirm you, my faithful guardsman, as Swordsmaster and chief of security. Few have served as long, with as much dignity, as you, Aleikum. Though there are those in this House who will think it unsuitable to appoint one not hired directly from a Swordschool, no purchased Swordsmaster would know the intricacies of this embassy, the habits of its denizens, the will of its Sultan. You will serve better than anyone else could, of this we are certain, and place our full confidence in you."

Aleikum raises his head breifly proudly then lowers it in obeisance to Ruhail "I am honored M'Lord, and I will serve you and this house to the fullest of my ability and will do this house and you Honor.

Sakara looks towards the newly bidden swordmaster for a long while.

Ruhail inclines his head in satisfaction. "A proper response, as I expected. You may consider this your official notification, all security protocols are now transferred to your care, Swordsmaster."

Aleikum nods "Yes M"Lord

Felizia smiles softly, then glances aside to Sakara. She notes how the girl's gaze remains on the Gladiator-now-Swordmaster, an eyebrow twitching every so slightly. But she makes no move to call attention to it, or correct the girl. She remains still, absolutely still, her attention once more on the Throne.

Ruhail exhales a heavy sigh and looks now to Felizia. "And you ... along with your assistant," a cursory glance given to Sakara, "Will assist in the diplomatic negotiations with the other Houses. The Grand Vizier will determine your particular assignment, as I leave those details in his good hands."

Aleikum moves back to his position standing silently

Sakara finnaly looks away from Aleikum and suddenly blinks more as she seems to listen to the sultans words, but seems deeply confused.

Felizia immediately bows as she is acknowledged, murmuring quietly, "As our gracious Sultan wills, so it shall be gladly done."

Ruhail looks more pointedly to Sakara now, addressing her indirectly, "House Bajazet is not entirely averse to the emancipation of slaves who prove themselves worthy of it. Ask our son's concubine, and she will tell you as much. Prove useful in ... persuading would-be allies to see things our way, and perhaps you will earn your freedom as well."

Sakara nods deeply, but holds her tounge. Sakara does think now to herself keeping her mind much more open to things than the just strait and narrow.

A small sound comes from Felizia's throat, more like a small cough, as she prepares to speak. "Most noble Sultan, if I may...?" she queries, awaiting his permission to continue, or not, as is his pleasure.

Ruhail quirks an eyebrow at the concubine ... so soon freed, but already taking the initiative. He gestures in her direction, giving signal that she may speak. "You may."

Felizia dips her head again in a quasi-bow. "Gracious Sultan, it has recently been discovered... this one here, who has just so recently arrived. Her name now is Sakara. But at her birth, she was Ylara. And she is my sister. I would request, most revered Sultan, that I might be granted care of her, to instruct her and guide her... so that she might become a precious asset within our radiant Sultan's household." Her bravado begins to leave her and her voice quietens, but she doesn't give up the request. Not yet, anyways.

Sakara hears the words Felizia speaks and still unsure of the facts herself she grows outwardly nervous at hearing this brought up. Sakara steps backwards as if trieing to not be the focus of attention.

Aleikum raises his eyebrows as bits and pieces of conversations fall into place and he smiles slightly.

Ruhail looks contemplatively to the newfound sisters, the slightest bemusement tugging at the corners of a stone-set mouth. "Very well," he at length acquiesces. "She will be given into your care ... for now," the Sultan allows with that pointed limitation. "She is yours, and will serve as you desire."

Felizia bows much lower this time, the gesture hiding her smile while she composes herself quickly. "Our benevolent Sultan is most gracious and kind," she replies solemnly, straightening back up slowly.

The young slave girl finds herself more at ease futher from view of all. She does glance towards Felizia and then to others hopeing she is not being stared at as she grips to her pants tightly and nervously.

Ruhail straightens himself upon his throne and a hand cuts sharply across the air, signalling an end to the business at hand. "The agenda is as complete as it can be for now, but if any of you have questions or comments, you may make them known now. This House is only as effective as its particulars."

Felizia keeps silent, head slightly lowered. There are no other questions tickling at the back of her mind -- at least, none for here. Her one request has already been made, and granted.

Sakara just silently waits for Felizia to make to leave. Her main concern to to see to her sister/mistress now.

Ruhail brings his hands together in a singular clap, the sound ringing through the chamber as the Sultan rises, clear indication that the audience is draw to an end. "Seeing as there are none, you are all dismissed. To your tasks, then." Dark brown eyes, betraying the solemnity frozen upon his face, tell of a far more bemused Sultan, perhaps wondering how the changes enacted tonight will sit with the arch-traditionalist faction. Yes, it will no doubt get a reaction, but then Ruhail has never been one for small, ineffectual steps when one can stride.

Ruhail rises from the Peacock Throne and descends the dais.

Aleikum bows as Ruhail passes

Sakarasmiles towards the sultan who give her a glimer of hope that she may allways be a slave. going now so far and to dips low to her Sultan.

Felizia bows, but then glances to Sakara, who has managed to skitter away from her. And with a slight frown, she again takes the girl's hand. "Sakara, come with me," she says, gently.

Sakara nods now and moves silently to follow Felizia.

Ruhail offers a parting nod, leaving all to their thoughts and private reactions, the Sultan never one to tarry in awkard silence. He is heard clearly as he strides down the hallway outside, "Ready my horse ... and a few of my harem concubines. It's a nice enough day for a short ride."

Aleikum smiles slightly at Zia as he heads toward the door

Aleikum slips out

Aleikum walks to the north and passes through the Ebony and Ivory Doors.

Aleikum has left.

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