While Consort Oksana's snide little jests about the nature of the reception (and more importantly, it's planned aftermath) had been a constant in the planning process, come the day itself she was present along with Eliza to greet the delegation and wearing a dress that seemed to stay on purely by miracle while also doing little more than hinting.  However, in Father's absence, the woman clearly permits Eliza to take the lead in this matter. As heir, that is her right...and her duty.<br/><br/>Gull, leading the procession, is unmistakable. Balding, portly, and clad in a colorful outfit that seems intended to parody the notion of a ceremonial officer's uniform, he nonetheless projects an air of<em>bonhomie</em>and good cheer that seems to fill most of the room all on its own. With him are a dozen-odd persons in variations of duller, drabber work outfits. Two of them are struggling with a box about a meter on a side. Another, lingering near the end of the party, is a Bene Gesserit novice. It certainly looks like an ordinary, everyday spice merchant and his entourage...<br/><br/>Which, as Martin already knows, means that there is something afoot. The question is what that something will be, and how it will unfold.<br/><br/>Paeter Gull halts himself just shy of the usual distance and sweeps into a perfectly executed, formal bow. One of his companions, a Guldsman by his robes, handles the introduction.<br/><br/><strong>"Trader Gull, on behalf of House Richesse, petitions Heir Dorcha to permit a discussion concerning commerce,"</strong>the man says, his voice dull and monotonous.<br/><br/>