Gull preens, grinning through his curled mustache and running one hand back over his balding pate as if smoothing back what hair remains to him.<br/><br/><strong>"In that case, if this is to be an informal evening of pleasant discourse and refreshment,"</strong>he says, his voice rich and merry, far more enjoyable to the ears than the monotone of his associate,<strong>"then I am more than happy to bypass the usual protocols and proceed."</strong><br/><br/>You think you see the Guildsman wince a bit.<br/><br/><strong>"House Dorcha's invitation is acceptable,"</strong>the dull-voiced man adds a moment later, then awkwardly half-turns and gestures to the large box.<strong>"House Richese offers a minor token of esteem to Heir Dorcha on the occasion."</strong><br/><br/>The two servants and the Bene Gesserit novice approach...but only so close, remaining at a polite (and more importantly safe) remove. They try to hold it still and level while the novice pulls her sleeves back to give her hands freedom of movement and then works the side panels open to display a dark green sphere, maybe a little larger than a skull, shot through with veins of white and lighter green, carved into multiple freely rotating layers.<br/><br/><strong>"A facsimile of an ancient artwork associated with longevity and good fortune,"</strong>the novice explains, her voice high and light and soft, her eyes daring to rise to Eliza's face and linger.