Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

A large, wide-open courtyard surrounds the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Palace of Andor. The pale beauty of the famed Ogier stonework, its high terraces and balconies and golden domes making your eye travel higher and higher to see more. The courtyard is very austere, with well-tended patches of lawn offsetting the stark white of the paving stones.

Small groups of Queen's Guards patrol the area, keeping it safe from any intrusion. The smell of delicious foods cooking fills the air. The warm breeze brings the scent of roses on the air. Their heavy scent completely permeates the air here, creating an exotic feel. The massive, double doors to the Palace are guarded by a small group of Queen's Guards. A small path paved in white stone leads off to the east towards the Queen's Gardens and flagstones lead northwest towards the guard's practice yard. A hoof-beaten path angles towards the stables to the west and the great gates lead back north out to the Queen's Plaza.

Eronian, Ashe, Aberto

Ashe slowly paces around the yard, traveling no further then he is able to hear the two talk. He watches and nods to all who pass by with a "Light Shine on you this eve."

Eronian slants his head slightly in though, I think I have met this man once, "I don't recall your face. Though I have seen many."

Ashe upon hearing this, turns back and walks toward Aberto and stands beside Eronian.

Arriving within the palace grounds is a young woman who bears the heritage of Andoran nobility. Rennar pauses briefly to speak to the guards, letting them know who she is. Upon hearing that the Daughter-heir has arrived, they let her in easily.

Ashe looks at Eronian, "Guardsman, do you mind if I ask a quick question of Aberto?"

Eronian shakes his head, "Not at all."

Ashe faces Aberto, "Thank you Guardsman, Aberto...have you found anything about the Aiel?"

Aberto nods eagerly, "Most definately! I'm surprised she hasn't sent anyone to see me yet since I came into town!" he hmmms, "I really hope she isn't upset with me, I've been busy!"

Ashe remembering that Aberto talks rather loudly sometimes decides to remind Aberto not to speak so loudly "Aberto...just a little quieter." Ashe shakes his head with a grin and a chuckle.

Ashe turns adruptly and spots a woman he saw no later then a couple of days ago, he recalls it was at a party, before he became a new recruit.

Aberto looks to his side at the obvious gate of the nobility in her feminine grace. He doesn't say anything but his voice cracks through the air like lightening in the middle of monsoon season, reaching all with in a broad radius. "Of course!" he nods to Ashe, not nearly much quieter than before. "I haven't found out anything about the Aiel! I have my fellow hunters looking into it though! There are a lot of people in this city! I've been busy investigating the near kidnapping I thwarted in the Rose and Lion Inn!"

Ashe turns back to Aberto, but keeps a watch of Rennar out of the corner of his eye, for now he knows who she is...."Nothing eh? Well, I thank you that you are still looking." Ashe thinks to himself for a bit about wether or not to pay Aberto for his trouble.

Eronian shakes his head slightly, "I will see if the Queen is expecting you. I will return shortly." he looks once more around for a moment and walks into the palace.

Eronian walks through the gleaming white double doors, into the Royal Palace.

Ashe turns to watch Eronian go, and turns back to Aberto..a little fury in his voice " I sure hope that The Queen is expecting you...I don't think that Guardsman Eronian will like it if he has waisted his time in going to find out."

VIEWING: You see: (1) "This is obvioulsy a past viewing here" There are shadows all around him, though he tries to run they will not let him go." (2) There ia a wolf, who is fighting herself and he is almost like a trainer over her though he treats her calmly. (3) A heron marked blade fighting a blackness. Though when you see this blackness it is as if it didn't exist, though it appears to be within Eronian."

Not waiting for any sort of Guard to escort her, the Duchess of Hune moves into the Palace, nodding to a few nobles and dignitaries she's familiar with. Some welcome her back to the palace, expressing that it has been sometime since she's come for anything other than a business function.

Servants and guards bustle past you as you walk into the Royal Palace.

Nobles' Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

You find yourself in a antechamber with a high, vaulted ceiling inset with colorful stained glass. Lush carpets of red and white lie upon the marble stone floor. Couchs and chairs are arranged in conversational groupings within the room.

The blue-gray of twilight can be seen through the long wall of glass. The evening's first stars are beginning to twinkle. The warm air of summer carries the scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass. To the east is a wing set with doors that house the nobles who reside in the palace. To the northeast are a pair of double doors that lead to the balcony and gardens. A hallway with guests' rooms branches to the west, and the heavily guarded Queen's chambers are south. A great staircase of white stone curves down to the Entry Hall below.

Eronian, Aislynn

Eronian nods slightly, "Thank you my queen. It seems there is a man in the Palace Courtyard that says you are expecting him. He goes by the name of Aberto Bernardo Ignazio."

Eronian nods slightly, "Thank you my queen. It seems there is a man in the Palace Courtyard that says you are expecting him. He goes by the name of Aberto Bernardo Ignazio."

Ascending the stairs is a young woman who seems to be recognizable by some of the dignitaries and nobles found within the Sitting Room. Rennar smiles briefly at some who greet her, and she even manages a small greeting of her own. Her eyes quietly fall on the Queen being out of her chambers. She makes her way toward the other woman, seemingly the person she had intended to visit with this day. She fashins a low half-curtsey, half-bow, as is proper for those of the Andoran nobility, "Your Majesty." Her tone is warm and respectful, not as formal as it used to be; almost friendly.

Kellian walks enters from the Guest Quarters.

Kellian nods at those here. "Aislynn. Lady Rennar. Guardsman."

Kellian seems faintly preoccupied as he leaves the Guest Room, which is highly guarded.

Aislynn smiles warmly when she sees Rennar enter the room, "Good evening, Rennar," she says. And then looks back to the Guard. "I do not recognize that name." She turns back to Rennar. "Do you?"

Rising from her customary courtly graces, Rennar lifts a delicate brow in response to the Queen's words, "I am sorry, Aislynn, but I didn't catch the name." That name, Aislynn, still seems foreign on Rennar's tongue, though saying it again does bring a smile to her face. "Who are you speaking about?" She queries, turing her eyes to the guardsman.

Aislynn also turns back to Eronian, looking at him curiously.

Eronian nods slightly, "A man by the name of Aberto Bernardo Ignazio stands in the Palace Courtyard. He says that you are expecting him. I told him I would find out for him, though I figured if you were expecting him, he would not still be in the Courtyard."

Kellian raises his hand to his sister,"I am familar with this young man. Let me handle this sister. He is nothing more then a boy who fancies himself a hero."

Aislynn lifts a pale brow at Kellian's words. "I see. For a moment, I had thought perhaps this was the Murandian ambassador that we are expecting." She glances at Rennar from the corner of her eye, knowing how sore a subject this professed 'King' is with her.

Rennar's lips do expectedly press together, the Lady doing a good job of holding any templers that might flair from the mere mention of this supposed 'King Renford'. "I do not know this person, nor have I ever hard of him." She admits to her Queen.

Kellian bows his head to his sister, his Queen. And he also bows his head to she who would be Queen. "If you will excuse me." He looks back at Eronian,"You may return to your duty now, Eronian."

Eronian nods and bows, "Good noght my queen, I am sorry to have brought this small matter to you." he turns an about face and nods at the Captain-Generals order. He proceeds to leave teh sitting room.

Eronian descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

"Very strange, indeed. What manner of man comes marching up to the Palace, feigning as if the Queen is expecting him?" Aislynn's tone is mockingly sharp, though the upturned corners of her mouth denote amusement.

Rennar offers a mild smile, then moves further forward into the chamber. "I came, in part, to apologize for my behavior at the meeting yesterday, and walking out." She gets down to the business of her visit, her emerald gaze carefully taking in the Queen's reaction to her words. "I could not help myself, considering the terrors that I have been through at /that/ man's expense." There is little that can be said or done to prove to Rennar that Renford was not the man responsible for her near death.

Kellian descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

Aislynn inclines her head at this, taking a seat, and gesturing for Rennar to do the same. When she speaks, her voice is filled with sincere sympathy. "I understand your reaction, Rennar. And I do not hold it against you in the least. However, if this man is who he says he is, we risk much in diplomatic relations with all of the nations of the known world if we hold him without more solid evidence." She sighs faintly, and continues: "I know this is not what you wish to hear; but I cannot hold him if he presents the proper credentials as King of Murandy. He will simply say that those items at your home were planted by his enemies. It would be our word against his. And no matter how much I would love to take up against him, openly, we cannot do so at this time."

"What of the items found within the Trigaran estates?" Rennar tilts her head to the side curioustly as she moves to take a seat next to Aislynn, "Or are we not to trust Lord Magnus's words now that both he and Queen Sydelle, a woman's family whom he was attempting to keep safe from harm, are not all dead?"

now all dead

"Please do not think that I do not understand all this, Rennar," Aislynn replies. "But, in that case as well, he would very well likely say that those items were also planted by his enemies in Murandy. Again, it would be our word against his."

Demonder climbs up the spiraling staircase, from the lower levels of the Palace.

Rezna climbs up the spiraling staircase, from the lower levels of the Palace.

Rezna comes tromping up the stairs with his hands in his pockets.

"As it was our word against Queen Sydelle's and Lord Magnus's at the time of their discovery. There is no conclusive proof on other side." There is a brief pause, and Rennar's features harden a bit, "But I /can/ say with a certainty that the man who visited my uncle was of Murandian birth, /not/ Andoran, and he also bore the symbols of House Fiores."

Demonder makes his way to the top of the steps a little behind the short Cairhienin man. He does find Aislynn and Rennar easily enough, heading in their direction with careful steps as though uncertain if he should interfere. One would note one hand is well bandaged.

Aislynn nods to Rennar, and opens her mouth to speak, but halts when she sees the new arrivals. "Lord Demonder, Ambassador Renza," she says, rising to offer both a polite nod, before sitting down again.

Rennar glances away from the Queen when new arrivals are noted. That hardened expression which just previously graced her features softens a little. A smile even manages to come to her lips. She nods her head to the ambassador she does not know, then motions with a single hand for Demonder to come sit next to her, "I'm glad to see you got my message love."

Rezna bows his head to the queen as she stands to greet him. He seems amused as always. Seems this place never ceases to amaze him. He looks around for something hot to drink

Demonder bows to Aislynn, murmering "Your Majesty" with a hint of hesitation before finding his way beside Rennar, rather gladly taking her hand. He also gives Rezna a speculative glance, but turns his attention to Rennar and Aislynn.

Aislynn sits back down, looking at those gathered with interest, a glance spared for the heavily guarded section of hallway a few paces away from the sitting room.

Sensing a need to change the subject for now, Rennar continues onward, "The second reason why I came, was to see the young Prince." This brings a warm smile to her lips, which can only be echoed within her eyes. "Afterall, as I did state at my party, I've yet to see him at all and he's nearly over a year if not so already."

Aislynn smiles with delight as Rennar brings up this subject. "I shall have Nurse bring him out." She gestures to a servant, who walks into the Queen's Chambers.

The Nurse comes forth after a few minutes' time, carrying in her arms a red-haired child, round and chubby as are most almost-2 year olds.

A very energetic toddler, appearing to be of almost two summers old, if that. His skin is a creamy pale colour, much like his mother's. His eyes are a steely blue, but it is unclear if the trademark Versyr silver flecking will eventually grace his irises. A shock of wavy deep auburn hair curls waifishly about his ears. He seems alert and interested in his surroundings--not overtly fussy. He wears a simple tunic of deep blue velvet--simple in design but the detailing in its stitching and the quality of the cloth hint at no expense being spared to clothe this royal princeling.

Demonder offers Rennar's hadn a light squeeze, as he sees the subject turn to something lighter. He does release her hand as the baby is brought out, a slight quirk in his lip showing as he ponders how Rennar will react to the infant.

A sadness settles into Rennar's eyes as she takes sight of the child; yet contrasting that sadness is the warm smile that touches her lips. "He is a beautiful child Aislynn." Her voice almost catches, though she does well to control it. There is a hidden knowledge of sorts behind the eyes of the young Duchess, knowledge only shared between herself and the Queen.

The Queen's own eyes seem to hold their own sadness as she gazes at her son. But quickly the expression is gone, and replacing it is all of a mother's joy in her offspring. "Thank you, Rennar. Aranvor has grown strong, after being a somewhat sickly infant. He seems bright and attentive to his surroundings." She leans down to place a tender kiss upon the boy child's head, ruffling his hair fondly as he sits at her feet. "It is difficult, at times, to keep up with him."

Seeing Rennar with a child does spark those ideas in Demonder's head. Poor Renni. Demonder does lean over to poke at the baby's hand playfully, though decides to behave himself after a few attempts.

Young Prince Aranvor chatters incomprehensibly at this attention.

If the Lady Hune had any intentions to breed, those ideas might come to some fortune. Unluckily for Demonder, Rennar's not wanting children for a long, long time. "He does seem happy." Rennar states quietly, nodding her head a bit. Glancing up at Aislynn, she can't help but smile more broadly, "As do you. I can't imagine when I've seen you happier than you are now."

Aislynn inclines her head to Rennar, smiling warmly. "Yes. One could almost ignore the troubles besetting the world with such a joy in one's life." She looks again toward the child, fondly, and then heaves a small sigh. "At the very least, it makes the struggle for justice and truth that much more of an imperative."

Demonder is thinking procreating, of course, as he looks ot the baby Versyr Prince. He continues to peer at Rennar to see if this has any positive moving affect toward his goal, but manages a smirk in that thought. He begins spinning his finger over the baby's face.

The toddling Prince gurgles happily, and reaches out chubby hands, trying to imprison Demonder's finger.

It does not; not when her own mother died giving birth. Rennar murmurs quietly, "I can imagine it does, if only to protect your child and your future children. To leave them a legacy they can be proud of." That emerald gaze of hers lowers once more, eyes touching upon the young child. "Enjoy every moment of your time with him you possibly can."

Demonder lets the baby succeed in the capture of his finger, finding this all too amusing. Good thing no one has shown Demonder the messier side of having a baby.

When the Queen replies to Rennar's comment, her own tone conveys a secret heaviness, as if something shared between the two women and no one else present. "I plan to, Rennar. Believe me...."

Rennar offers a warm smile to the Queen, smoothing over her skirts. "Has he had any first words yet?" She asks quietly, eyes moving over the Queen's features with a deeply routed concern.

"Mama, Nurse--although he does not quite pronouce it right. Milk, cracker, ball...and a few others," Aislynn smiles down at Aranvor proudly. "I am sure in no time he will be babbling my ear off."

Rennar chuckles wryly, "And if nor yours, half the staff's." A warm light comes to Rennar's emerald gaze, her eyes going back to the child once more. She glances to Demonder briefly, watching him interact with the child. A small frown touches her lips, and a warning note comes to her voice, "Don't get any ideas."

Aislynn chuckles lightly at Rennar's warning to her husband. "But do you not wish for children, Rennar?"

The sadness within Rennar's eyes seems to deepen further, "I do not believe children and I are well suited for one another." There is a brief pause before Rennar clarifies, "Or rather, my having children. I don't mind babies at all."

Aislynn inclines her head at this, her expression filled with sympathy. "I understand, Rennar," She reaches down, offering the toddling child her finger, which he gladly takes. And proceeds to slobber upon it.

Demonder's hand moves across Rennar's shoulder with that response. Whatever need he has for children, he seems to understand, especially with the way he looks to her in reassurance.

Rezna finally finds himself something suitably warm to drink and proceeds to make his way back to the occupied portion of the room, placing the piping hot glass full of liquid to his lips and sipping as he goes. His eyes go to the kid. He has not been privy to the conversation thus far and certainly seems to be in a better mood at the moment. "Who is this?" He gestures to the kid.

"This is Prince Aranvor, Ambassador," Aislynn introduces.

Rennar glances up at the Ambassador's interruption, a brow lifting delicately in response to his question. Her attentions to the Ambassador become distracted as she feels Demonder's arm snake its way around her shoulder. She offers her husband a warm smile, leaning into him briefly for a small, personal hug. Her eyes then go back to the Queen as she introduces the small child.

Aranvor looks at the Ambassador, spouting off some gibberish, after relinquishing is wet grip on his mother's finger.

his, too

Rezna cocks his head to the side as he examines the little kid. "Oh." is all he says for the moment. "Is he more like his mother or his father?"

"I believe it has been said he much favours me over his Father, good Ambassador," Aislynn replies placidly.

Rezna nods and casts the kid a sympathetic glance. poor guy. "They tell me I looked like my mother to." Eyes go to Rennar now. "You are the Duchess Rennar I take it?"

Aislynn settles back comfortably in her chair, keeping an observant eye on the curious Prince as he explores the room, toddling about while holding onto the various furnishings.

There is a moment of pause before Rennar answers Renza. "I am." Though the answer is short and to the point, it is spoken in polite, delicate tones. She squeezes Demonder's hand once more, then looks back to the Queen. "There are other things of import that I need to discuss with you at some point as well. Matters that also concern House Roesone, so Demonder might like to be at that meeting when I can schedule it with you."

Rezna looks the Duchess over. "At some point I should like to call upon you. There are things to be discussed concerning the renewing of Cairhien's grain contract." That ought to get her attention.

Aislynn inclines her head to Rennar, "I would be at your disposal, Rennar. Please call upon me whenever you wish."

Demonder seems to be a little surprised at this matter involving House Roesone, though he does simply nod after a second considering thought in the matter.

"Perhaps on the morrow, Aislynn." Rennar finishes her conversation first with the Queen, then looks back to the Ambassador. "Contract?" It is true that House Hune is a major supplier of grain within the area, though some confusion does lie within her eyes. She looks at the Ambassador more carefully, pressing her lips together in a thoughtful manner. "If I am reminded of which contract that might be, I may be able to better help you. It is possible that Master Taric, when he left my House's employ, may have misplaced the exact document. It has been sometime since Cairhien has had dealings with House Hune, though I do admit I don't keep exact track of everything that passes over my desk."

Aislynn nods to Rennar, and rises, quickly moving over to retrieve the boychild, who sleepily holds to a table, seemingly ready to topple over. The Nurse, who had been standing in the background, moves forward, taking the child from the Queen, and ushering him back into the Queen's chambers.

Rezna simply nods his head. "We can discuss the specifics at a later time."

Vasimer walks into the sitting room from the balcony.

Vasimer goes home.

Asriel walks into the sitting room from the balcony.

Asriel curtsies deeply as she looks about, apparently trying to find her way.

"Of course, Ambassador." Rennar murmurs quietly to the Cairhienin, nodding her head in an elegant manner. Though, there is that shrewd look of a business woman within her eyes. She may not have a Steward for her own House, but she is well aware of business proceedings; experience she's gained over the years of having filled in for the position.

Aislynn smiles in welcome to Asriel, nodding her head politely.

Asriel looks flustered as she tries to figure out which way to go now.

Asriel moves up to a guard and inquires something from him, getting an uprorious laugh in responce, "Child, the rose terrace is not in the palace it is in heartsblush square." she sinks a bit and sighs as the guard gains control of his laughter.

Aislynn's lips quirk somewhat at the student's mistake.

Rezna ambles off to drink his tea.

Seeing the time, Rennar blinks. "If you will pardon me, Aislynn... the hour is growing later than I thought." She starts to rise from her seat, stretching subtely as she smoothes out the wrinkles in her dress. She looks to Demonder, smiling warmly, "You can stay and talk awhile, if you wish Demonder. However, I've a long day tomorrow and need rest."

Aislynn rises to her feet when Rennar does. "Farewell, Rennar. And let me say that it warms my heart to see you about the Palace again. Pray do not stay away for too long." She smiles warmly to the Daughter-Heir.

"I'll try not to." Rennar smiles warmly, then reaches out to actually /hug/ the Queen. Very few would be so brave as to do such a thing. But, perhaps this is a sign of their renewed friendship, now that some certain matters are cleared out of the air.

Aislynn blinks in surprise at this, as if not expecting it, but eagerly returns the gesture of affection. When she releases the other woman, she smiles fondly, and then sits back down. "The Light illumine you, Rennar."

"Light illumine you, Aislynn." Rennar returns gently, then looks to Demonder once more, as though waiting to see what he decides.

Aislynn turns her attention now to Asriel. "Have you lost your way?"

Asriel looks to the queen and curtsies deeply again, "I fear I have never been one who is good at finding her way."

Rezna enters the suite of the Cairnhein Ambassador and his wife.

Aislynn chuckles lightly at Asriel, though not unkindly. "Where are you going, if I might ask?"

VIEWING: Two images appear just above Asriel's head. The first is an ever changing path, never showing a true way anywhere. The second is the Great Serpent ring, laying carefully upon a fringed shawl of the White Tower.

Asriel blushes a bit, "I was going towards the Rose Terrace, where the note asked me to meet her, I thought it would be in the palace.

"To meet whom, child?" Aislynn inquires.

Asriel blushes a bit, "Rio Sedai." she says, a bit meekly as she holds her curtsie, acting more like a towe novice than an ccepted.

With a pale hand, Aislynn gestures for Asriel to rise. "I do not expect my future Sister to curtsey to me." She rises from her own seat, and makes her way over to Asriel, kindly taking her hand. "Please, follow me. We shall see if we cannot get you back upon the proper path."

Asriel blinks a bit, accepting the hand and looking a bit confused to see the queen treating her this way, "Um... uh... yes My queen Sedai..." she obviously doesn't know how to adress her either though.

Aislynn chuckles lightly at Asriel's form of address. "Come along," she says, pleasantly, leading the girl down the stairs.

Aislynn descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

"I will go with you, love," Demonder notes with a smirk, at the thought that there was a possibility of another answer. "Your Highness," Demonder bows formally, before beginning to escort Rennar out. He seems rather pleased about Rennar holding a baby in her arms.