The Queen's Gardens: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

This circular expanse of garden curves around the backside of the Royal Palace. Flagstone paths meander off through the lush greenery, through trees and many flowering shrubs. Trellises with flowered vines crawl up the gleaming white walls that surround the palace. A white stone courtyard sits at the center of the gardens, with tall columns circling around it, holding up its golden-tiled roof.

The early morning sun glints on the gleaming white walls that surround the Palace, making you squint your eyes against their brilliance. Although the first chill of autumn is in the air, the roses are still in bloom here, despite the senescing leaves of gold, orange and brown that cloak some of the trees. A white stone path leads back west to the Courtyard and a white stone staircase curves up near the Palace to a balcony that overlooks the gardens.

Lorewyr

Lorewyr sits down at the Bench near the fountain.

Lorewyr sits by the fountain, flipping between several sheets of parchment. He looks happy, and cheerful, but also, in his own little world.

A young woman, perhaps reaching her early twenties, enters into the gardens of the Palace. She talks to a younger woman, in her teens, in an animated fashion. Lady Rennar pauses a moment, leans in to whisper to the girl, then rises. The young girl grins excitedly, then darts back through the gates and moves toward the exit. Rennar sighs, though in a happy manner, then continues to make her way into the gardens. She pauses further, to look around at those already present.

Lorewyr misses the exchange completely. He's busy, you see. Setting up a party for himself actually, but then, not many know of this party yet, as it's just starting to be formed. He keeps shuffling papers, and reading.

Today is Eightday, 11 Danu, 999 NE. It is an Autumn morning.

Spying Lorewyr not too far off, a touch of a smile comes to Rennar's lips. She recognizes the young man, that much can be seen in her eyes. Moving forward, her skirts swish lightly against the grass and other foliage they seem to catch upon. "Good day, Lord Lorewyn." She greets the other man, her voice softly spoken.

Lorewyr looks up from his paper work, startled at first, cringing a bit at the title, then smiling brightly, "Ahhh, Lady Rennar. How good to see you. May the Light protect you."

Perceptions high this particular afternoon, the Lady does manage to notice Lorewyr's cringe. She doesn't do anything to show she's noticed however, aside from giving the young man a disarming smile, meant to put him more at ease around her. "May the light protect you." She comments lightly, looking briefly around the garden. "I did not mean to startle you, Lorewyr." She uses his name familiarly rather than formally; an attempt on her part to further put him at ease. Looking back to the other man, she tilts her head in a curious fashion. "I just came by to send a greeting. I've noticed there are a few dignitaries that I say little to, these days..." She sighs faintly, "Though I suppose that's only my own fault, for estranging myself from the Queen for so long."

Lorewyr smiles a little, "Please, Lady Rennar," He appears to be caught up in titles. Well, he is the Herald, and titles are his job. "You did nothing wrong, I'm just... over involved in the planning of an event at the moment. My concentration wanes for the world at large." He tilts his head, "And the Queen has been busy herself lately, and pretty much unreacheable, as a result."

"Most likely matters over Murandy and Caenna Sedai." Rennar states in a quieted voice. She looks up to the balcony, where the Queen's rooms are housed beyond. There is a general concern which graces her features, "Is the Queen faring well? I have not been able to get to the Palace much these past weeks."

Lorewyr nods his head, "Yes, Murandy, and Caenna Sedai's death have taxed her greatly. Though I fear it was the acknowledging of her husbands (?) death that has strained her the most." He looks down at the ground, "She seems... more reserved then normal, almost waiting for the next horror to fall on her." He sighs, looking like for all the world he wishes to protect the Queen from that. Him? Protect the Queen? What a dreamer, the Herald is.

Slowly, the daughter-heir nods her head at Lorewyr's words. "I can only imagine how she feels. She was bonded to her husband, which, from what I am told, makes matters worse." That concern only seems to grow upon her features as she speaks, "At least she has Aranvor..." She lets her voice trail, a speculative note coming to it. "Is her son bringing her any happiness?" There is more worth placed on that question then perhaps there should be, some hidden knowledge showing briefly upon her eyes.

Lorewyr shrugs his shoulders, "I do not know. I've not seen Aranvor more then just briefly here and there. He is mainly secreted in her Quarters, I believe. I think she's overly protective of him, at the moment." He sighs a bit, "But I shouldn't speculate on such things."

"Overly protective of him?" Alarm touches Rennar's eyes briefly, "Has something happened to him?" That concern shown is genuine. A friend of the Queen worried for her and her family. She breaks off her words, shaking her head a bit. "Perhaps I should not delve too deeply into things I am not priveledged to just yet. If possible, could you pass word to her that I am here if ever she needs a friend to speak with, and that I miss the times we used to talk to one another?"

Lorewyr nods his head, "Of course, Lady Rennar." He smiles a bit, "And nothing has happened that I know of, but would you not fear for the safety of one's child, if everything seemed to be crashing down around you. As I'm sure, though I have nothing to compare it with, it must seem to the Queen."

The young lady does seem to relax a bit at Lorewyr's explaination. Rennar smiles a touch, "Perhaps I would, had I any children of my own." Married almost two years now, Rennar has yet to produce a child and heir to her House. "But that is not something I am looking forward to. As Aislynn," she speaks of the Queen informally, as one would a friend or peer, "I have much to fear. I do not think I could bring a child into this world, only to be possessed by it later." Sadly, she shakes her head, "Especially not with this so called King Renford running lose, and all the troubles within Murandy."

Lorewyr shrugs his shoulders, "I'm just a simple Herald, and above the notice of such men." He smiles as if he knows he's not, but oh well, "But I have plans for children, but they must wait a while yet." He chuckles, "Marraige first, of course."

A soft chuckle erupts from Rennar, a curious glance being thrown in Lorewyr's direction, "May the blessings of the light be upon you and the woman you choose to wed, Lord Lorewyr." Unconciously, she slips back into the formalities, but seems to grow more at ease around the other young man. "I am sure you will make a fine father, and someone a fine husband." There's that uncanny hint of knowledge which lies behind her eyes.

Lorewyr smiles at her, and nods, "Aye, I do hope so, Rennar." He seems to be warming to her, or maybe it's the fact he's suddenly looking like he's dreaming of something, or someone, "Umm, I do so truely hope so. She deserves nothing less." His eyes focus again, with a grin.

That curiosity only seems to grow, "There's a woman you favor then?" Rennar asks in a non-committal manner. As she speaks, she moves over to sit on the edge of the fountain. "Do you love her?" There seems to be some importance in the question, though a curious thing for a noble to ask; though this particular lady was known for marrying for love over politics and any ties that might be brought to her House.

Lorewyr smiles at that, and nods, "I'm engaged already, Lady Rennar. The Queen has approved my wish to marry. This is a happy time for me." He sighs, thinking of his love, "Yes, I've found my bride, her name is Kasimira. Not a noble, but I never felt comfortable with nobles." he pauses, and smiles a little, "Present company excepted, of course." He pauses then, and says, "I do not believe I could love anything more."

There is a note of approval within Rennar's eyes. "You should never marry for anything less." She nods her head a touch as she speaks, folding her hands upon her lap, after smoothing over the creases made in her gown. Her smile warms as Lorewyr mentions he feels comfortable in her presense, or at least hints at it. "At least that is my feeling on the matter." She further notes, eyes looking out over the gardens. "Congratulations on your engagement." That uncanny knowledge rests within her eyes still, and smile widens a bit, at some thought or another.

Lorewyr smiles some, and nods, "Thank you. We are both so happy." he shakes his head, "Of course, the party is a bit rough on us, as we both don't know that much about planning such things, but we do our bests, and hope it works out."

"Party...?" A brow lifts at the mention of a party. Of course, he had made mention of the plans previously, but she had overlooked those. Rennar sits up a touch, eyes going to the papers, "You are speaking of an engagement party?" She seeks clarification. "If so, perhaps I can lend aid? I was married not more than two years ago, and had to go through such things myself." Her smile saddens a bit, "I was never prepared for such events myself. My mother died when I was fairly young, so I had to rely on others to give aid."

Lorewyr smiles at Rennar, and nods, "Yes, and engagement party. Rio Sedai is already helping. She's looking into musicians for entertainment, and I'm left with deciding where to hold it, who to invite, and what to serve." He chuckles, "On top of deciding what the invitation should say, and the rest..."

Rennar nods slowly at Lorewyr's words, "I am sure you are in good hands, if Rio Sedai is aiding then." She smiles gently, smoothing over the folds of her dress once more. "And I am sure you could always turn to Aislynn and ask her as well. She's also been through a marriage ceremony. My offer stands, if ever you need extra advice, however."

Lorewyr pauses, then says, "Well, if you promise to keep it a secret, I suppose I can invite you to the party." he looks around, then back to her, "It's only for House Versyr, and the diginitaries who are staying at the Palace. But I'd love it, if you were to drop by."

The young Lady's smile warms once more, "I would like that." Rennar pauses a moment, looking up to the sky briefly, "Would you mind if I brought my husband? He can keep a secret as well, I can promise you that." She grins slightly, speaking in a jovial conspiratorial manner, "If not, all I need to do is threaten to hire a new chef just for him, and threaten to make Genette, my cook, only serve the others within the House." There seems to be some importance in who cooks for Demonder, a soft chuckle escaping from her, "He is growing a belly, and lazier by the moment, I think, with each snack he steals from her."

Lorewyr chuckles a bit, and shakes his head, "No, no. You may bring him. No reason to go about rearranging the entire staff, over a simple party." he winks at her, "But it must be a secret, for I'm not inviting the assembled Nobles. It would upset both Kasimira, and I too much." He shrugs, neither one being at ease with the Noble population.

"I will not say a word to anyone other than Demonder." Rennar states, her tone holding a note of promise to it. "And after my own disaster of a party..." She shivers with that thought, "I think keeping them secret is the best way to go."

Lorewyr smiles, and nods, "Yes, my expierences with parties are limited, though most have turned out, with... unexpected guest." He shakes his head, "Why do people who are not invited to such galas, insist on coming?"

"Were my uncle here, I'd ask him that very question... though in my case I know why he came." Again the lady shivers in a rather visible manner. She chews on her lower lip a touch, pushing away her own worry, then offers Lorewyr a warmed smile, "I am sure yours will go wonderfully well." She tilts her head to the side a bit, then answers the earlier question, "Perhaps its the fact that they were not invited that draws them to such events? They can't help but break the rules of society, or be rude, and sneak into or attend an event where they are not wanted?"

Lorewyr smiles a bit, "I do not know. I've never done such a thing." he seems to frown, at the mention of a less then kind uncle. Could it be that his bride has such, or maybe he does? "I've played by the rules as much as I can." He shrugs, "And I seem to be reaping the rewards now." His eyes glimmer in merriment.

"Nor have I." Rennar comments in a quieted voice, tilting her head to the side a moment. "I can tell you are happy, though. That is a good sign. Hold onto that happiness, no matter what hardships you'll get, and you'll have a fruitful life. Demonder and I have been thrown to the wolves, several times, and each time our love and our commitment to one another have been tested. We come back stronger for it in the end."

Lorewyr nods his head, gleefully, "Yes, yes. Well, I will not flee from her side." He shakes his head, "She's won my heart, and I don't intend for another to ever feel that same love, I shower on her." He looks at Rennar, sounding almost religious in his expounding, "She's the only one for me."

"Then if that is so, I am sure she is the only one for you." Rennar states softly, nodding her head in affirmation of her words. "If she loves you as much as you her, then there will be no obstacle that could ever come between you, though you may have some trying times." She seems to speak of her own experience. "Love is a strong emotion, one that binds two people together more tightly than anything I can imagine."

Lorewyr smiles, and nods, "I thank you for your well wishes, and I but hope she loves me as I love her." He smiles some, running out of things to say.

"What is she like?" Rennar inquires, that curiosity still remaining. She turns her eyes away from Lorewyr once more, this time watching as several of the Queen's Guards patrol the perimeter.

Lorewyr smiles at Rennar, and says, "She's sweet. A little shy at times, but otherwise, she is, well, a poem. All tenderness, and frailty." He smiles.

"Poem?" Rennar smiles at that, "I don't think I've ever heard of anyone charactized in such a manner." There's nothing bad about the way she speaks those words, "If she doesn't love you, she should." There's almost a firmness to her voice as she states those words. "With the way you go on about her, its obvious you care a great deal." With that, she pauses a moment, turning her attention back to the young Herald. "How are you finding life at the Palace? Is it agreeing with you?"

Lorewyr shrugs a bit, "Well, it agrees with me more, then my life previous to it." He shrugs, "Step-siblings can be so mean." He sighs, a little, "And as you get older, their jibes only get meaner."

Rennar nods her head slowly, murmuring in a quieted voice, "Well, I can't speak for step siblings, but I can for normal siblings. I had a brother who was once like that, Kelric. He's recently returned." She pauses a moment, another touchy topic with her. "Times are... akward now that he's returned from Shienar. But he seems improved, more mature."

Lorewyr nods his head, "Ah, well, step-siblings enjoy reminding you that you aren't fully a noble." He smiles a little weakly, "And that you should be a commoner, and they look at you like a commoner." he sighs, "It just wears on one. I had to get out of there, that is why I came here, to be Herald. A step down from my position as Lord, but that title chaffs me."

"Commoners are people too." Rennar states in a warmed tone. "Most who work at my staff are more a part of my family than some of my own family. We all have the same emotions and feelings." She sighs lightly, shaking her head, "I don't think I could ever travel to places such as Cairhien or Tear." She looks back to Lorewyr, "It is good that you are finding a place for yourself here. At least, here, you'll have a chance to prove you are of worth, of being, where your step-siblings may never have that opportunity."

Lorewyr smiles, and nodding says, "Thus is the reason I came here. To get away from being prejudged." He tilts his head, "I didn't help matters, I suppose, always being good, and doing the chores, and studying I was asked to." He chuckles, "I was the 'good' child, which led them naturally to dispise me, I suppose." He chuckles again, then growing serious, says, "Commoners are the important people, if you ask me. The Nobles should work to make the commoners life easier, and to see that all are safe."

"I don't disagree with you, Lorewyr." Rennar falls back to the informal as she speaks, shifting her position along the fountain just a bit. "You are what help make our nation strong, and help it be the power that it is. Perhaps that is why so many people like coming to Caemlyn?" She suggests in a quieted voice. "At least almost as much as they go to Tar Valon."

Lorewyr blinks at that, "I've never been to Tar Valon." he shrugs, "I do not know what it's like there, but I believe that Caemlyn is the center of the world. And if a finer place exists, I doubt it."

A soft chuckle is emitted quietly, "I can't agree more, again." Rennar states in a warmed tone. Tilting her head to the side, she continues, "Tar Valon is not a place that I'd ever want to go to again. I've been there once. I can't say that I found the city very hospitable."

Lorewyr shrugs some, "Well, I'll keep that in mind, when deciding where my Bride, and I go on our retreat after our marraige." He says this reverently, as he starts to dream about the marriage again. He can't believe it still.

Rennar grins faintly, "There was this quaint little inn that Demonder took me to for our honeymoon." She speaks in a conspirtoral manner. "They cater to newly wed couples, giving them plenty of time alone, yet having enough activities to allow you to grow together in your first few days."

Lorewyr blinks, then leans over smiling, "I'm intrigued, please, go on." He says, eyes moving toward the woman, folding his hands on his lap.

Rennar chuckles loftily, then continues, "Lets see..." She lets her voice trail, a moment as she considers the things at this particular inn, "There's private baths, either for your room or ones that you can reserve for private moments. They have stores of candles for romantic moments. Horseback riding, with their own private trails." She tilts her head a bit, "A wonderful selection of foods, musicials for hire, who perform romatic music...." She trails off, eyeing Lorewyr briefly to see how he takes news of this particular inn.

Lorewyr blinks several time, a slight blush coming to his face as he thinks of all the... pleasant things him, and his love could do at such a place. "It sound wonderful, is there more?" he asks, eyes sparkling with a hint of a mischievious light.

Teasingly, Rennar answers, "Oh, there's much more... but to find that out, you and your wife will have to discover it together. Lets just say I came back relaxed more than I had been in a long while. It's a nice, quite retreat, where few people travel. So if you are looking for something romatic and private, this would be the place to go." She pauses a moment, considering, "Demonder would be the best person to ask for the details, he wouldn't let me know how to get there."

Lorewyr smiles a bit, and says, "I shall have to send him a note, or ask him at the party, if I get the chance." He leans back, and sighs, "But I still have several months of waiting before I need worry about that." he says, with a small smile.

"Indeed, you do." Rennar agrees, nodding her head just so. "And within that time, you will likely have found some other private niche to your liking. Certainly for the first few nights you'll be wanting to get away from life at the Palace."

Lorewyr smiles at Rennar, and says, "I'm hoping to be away from the Palace for a least a week, and possibly two." He winks at her, "I wish to show my bride that not even work is so important to me as her."

Rennar chuckles lightly, nodding her head a bit, "I am sure she will appreciate the trouble that you go through for her. If she doesn't..." She shakes her head, tsking slightly. With those words, she rises from her seat, stretching a small bit, "Will you let me know when the party will be?" There's a small questioning note to her voice.

Lorewyr nods his head, "As discretely as I can." He says, with a bob of his head, "I suspect to have the invitations out in a bit."

"I will look forward to receiving the invitation." Renanr states warmly. "It will be a nice change of pace, to attend a party. And one that will be of a happy occassion." There is a pleasant look on her features as she thinks ahead to that moment. "It has been long since I have been able to have a dance with my husband."

Lorewyr smiles, and nods, "It seems that many miss the opportunity to dance." He nods, "There will be dancing."

"Not enough time to enjoy life, I gather, is the reason for that." Rennar states in a quieted voice. "I speak from experience myself. There are a great many things I still wish I could do, but perhaps cannot."

Lorewyr nods his head, "Ummm.... so true. Duty must come first." he shrugs, and stands up himself, as he's been sitting too long, stretching, "Though one must find time to relax."

"That is something I have started to realize myself." Rennar states in a calmer fashion, nodding her head, "Otherwise, you will be come overburdened by duty and in doing so... neglect those you love."

"That is something I have started to realize myself." Rennar states in a calmer fashion, nodding her head, "Otherwise, you will be come overburdened by duty and in doing so... neglect those you love." (repose)

Lorewyr nods his head, "Yes, or you get so involved with your duties, you forget what is really important, and do a poor job of it." He shakes his head, "Either is a bad thing to have happen."

Rennar nods her head, "Indeed, it is." She sighs lightly, then offers a faint smile, "Speaking of which, I must be home to my husband. I am already longer than I had planned."

Lorewyr smiles, and nods to her, "Yes, well, go. It was very nice speaking with you, Lady Rennar, and I hope to do so again. Soon." He smiles, and winks at her. "I'll be sure to get the invitation to you."

"Thank you. I had a pleasant conversation as well, and I enjoyed it immensely. I will speak to Demonder about the Inn, and see if he'll talk to you further about the arrangement he made for our own wedding might." She smiles secretly at that, and then murmurs further, "Light shine upon you this day, Lorewyr." With that she turns and starts to move toward the exit. As she does, it might be noticed that she is met with a tall, well-muscled man who's face is not familiar by those on Palace grounds. Its been rumored when Mistress Cende, Prince Theowyn's ex-fiance, left the area, she left behind two guards to protect Andor's daughter-heir.

Lorewyr nods, and calls after Rennar, "Light protect you, Rennar." He turns back to his work.