Courtyard Gardens: Tiras Lorn, Caemlyn

Large white stone surrounds the courtyard of House Hune. Set into the western wall is the gate, leading out of the manor. The manor house itself lies to the east. A large marble portico runs down the middle of the courtyard in a north/south direction, effectively dividing the large yard in half. It is large enough to hold several wagons, and contains the stables in the northwest corner. The half of the yard closest to the manor house is contained by the portico which runs along the courtyard walls as well, and connect to the house. This creates a covered walkway to protect you from the elements; shade from the sun, and a roof to keep off rain and snow. The ground here is paved with stone, with only a few weeds growing up here and there. In the center of the paved area is a square flower garden.

You sit down on the Tree Swing.

Stepping in front of Tiras Lorn, one would see an odd sight. It seems the manor, or at least the gated portion of the manor, appears to be something of a construction sight in progress. Large scale tools are carefully laid out, as though some large person or thing will be back to work on the gates and the surrounding walls. The actual gated portion of the wall seems to be removed, some of the parts seen on the ground within the manor grounds. Four guards stand on the outside of the gates, their occupancy doubled during the time the manor is in construction.

Stopping at the gate and speaking to the guards there is an imposingly tall, blonde woman in grey. After some discussion, she looks about at the construction, and heads in the direction the guards point her, accompanied by one. As they approach, the guard makes a bow. "Lady Rennar.. a woman named Cende is here. She said your husband sent her." The guard waits for a sign - to excuse himself, or to (attempt) to forcibly remove the visitor

Sitting on a swing beneath a tree is a young seeming woman. Rennar looks up as the guard approaches, having heard his footfalls across the yard. A brow lifts curioustly, her emerald eyes taking in the man and this would be visitor. "Demonder....?" There's a hint of question within her voice, and her curiosity only seems to grow as she takes in Cende's appearance more fully. "It's alright, Virgil. I'll speak with her." She delicately lifts a hand and pushes a few locks of hair from her features, having fallen when she lifted her head.

Cende scans the area quickly, eyes flicking to and from the woman on the swing, waiting until the guard retreats out of earshot. Once true, she speaks, in a voice like smooth, warmed brandy. "Good afternoon, madam. You look suprised, so I'll explaint.. Your Lord, Demonder, came to me. He said Th.. Prince Theowyn sent him to me. He told me you are the Daughter-Heir, and in need of a bodyguard. Therefore, I am here." She raises an eyebrow briefly, and gives a faint smile "And before you object, let me be quite honest - you fall under an oath I made to Th.. the Prince, several years ago. I'm afraid that as long as there is need, you're not going to be able to get rid of me. Oh.. My name is Melicende Animana. Cende."

There is a small semblance of surprise that comes over Rennar's features. It does little good for her to attempt to hide the expression. Her eyes, too, go to where the guard has returned to his post, but it doesn't take long for her to look back to Cende. Tilting her head to the side a bit, she comments in a voice quiet enough that only she and Cende can hear. "I guess I oughn't be surprised that Demonder went and did this, particularly not with... King Renford within the city." There is an obvious pause when she mentions Renford, a distinct look of distaste coming to her features. "No matter what pleas he brings, that man is dangerous." There is a firm manner in which she speaks those words. "I trust my husband's decision, and even Theowyn's." Bold is she to speak the Prince's name without his affiliated title. Though, the words denote a certain familiarity with the Prince.

Tilting her head Cende inquires "King Renford? Forgive me, but I've been.. away from Andor for the last year and some, only returning in the last week. I am not entirely familiar with the way politics stand at the moment." She pauses, one hand absently touching the jade pendant at her neck even as she once again scans the area, her eyes returning to Rennar again. "I won't restrict your movements, your husband only said he wanted someone to make sure you weren't attacked or harmed. He didn't give me any particular direction, I presume he is assuming you and I will work out the details of arrangement."

Nodding slightly, Rennar responds, "Demonder's learned his lesson last time, I think." A small touch of a smile comes to her lips, though a hint of sadness can be seen in her eyes. "King Renford is the current monarch of Murandy. He and his House, Fiores, have been responsible for some rather... vulgar acts around Andor." Rennar's brow crinkles a bit, and a sigh escapes her. "Unfortunately, the proof that we do have will be seen as inconclusive and perhaps planted. Members of House was responsible for sending assassins after me, and harming my husband on more than one occassion."

Cende frowns "What happened to Sydelle?" She is pacing lightly now, not far, just enough to see around things, and to keep her line of sight predominately unobstructed. After making a brief circut of the tree from which Rennar is hanging, she once again stops. "And what would you like me to do? Knowing that you fail to have proof of.. deeds.. makes why Theo sent me here for a little murkier." The use of the Prince's familiar name is absent, as if more habit than using his title.

"She was murdered, here in the courts of Andor. No one knows who did it. All they do know that it was a person dressed as an Andoran Guard. The person has yet to be found." The young Duchess relates the accounting of what's happened so many months ago. She folds her hands in her lap, feet briefly pushing her back and forth in an idle manner. "There is proof. Symbols and flags were left at the scenes of some of the crimes committed. House Fiores managed to murder part of Sydelle's family on Andoran soil, near the Murandy borders." There is a brief pause at the question of what Rennar would like Cende to do, the young Lady uncertain of that herself. "What would you normally do?" There is a hint of question within her voice.

The frown returns to Cende's face, but she doesn't comment on the murder, instead considering Rennar's question. "Well. If there is proof, it is out there. Somewhere. I was asked to guard you, so I presume that it what is specifically wanted. If I had received this information previously.. I don't know, it depends on what he would have wanted." Who 'he' is does not get defined. "On my own.. I think I would have looked for proof, except that I don't know entirely what I am looking for." She smiles suddenly, a general lightening of a face that had seemed rather forbidding previously "I am able to get into places, but making sense of what I find is not precisely my forte."

"If I know my husband, he'd prefer that my personal safety was secured. There was a matter of my uncle having kidnapped me to assume control over House Hune." This brings a touch of a frown to her features, though there's a reminiscent look of fear in her eyes. Rennar looks to Cende in a careful manner, surprise coloring her features once more, "Get into places?"

Cende looks steadily at the younger woman, meeting her eyes squarely "That is probably not something you would be comfortable knowing more about." Her voice is quiet, and firm, although not disrespectful. This is apparently a woman who takes people on her own terms. "As far as your personal safety, I agree, and it will be secured. Which leads to the question of, what are your activities that you usually indulge in?" She once again circles the tree, moving gracefully and almost silently.

Rennar stops pushing herself on the swing, tilting her head so that it rests against the ropes. "Well, I sometimes go to the Inn, for a change of pace. It's not a venture I take often." She crinkles her brow a bit, "I shop in the Inner City, and visit the Arboretum. More recently, I've started going to the Palace." This hints that she hasn't been doing such for sometime. "Other than that, most times you'll find me here in my home."

A nod for each of the mentioned locations, with a slight change of expression at the mention of the Palace "I am staying at the Inn. In your own home, you should be safe, although I will be here in the morning. Please don't leave without me." She pauses "Unless I am requested to stay in house, in which case I'll still be here in the morning, and please don't leave without me." She smiles once again. "As long as you don't get a strange notion that because I am following you about, you can go exploring the lower end of town, I won't object to where you go. I will not, however, take you slumming" Her tone is amused, although the words indicate that this is a precautionary note for something others have asked for.

"I assure you, that were I to go slumming, I'd be foolish enough to do that on my own. But... I have not done such for.... longer than I can remember." A sigh escapse Rennar, hinting at some sadness over her last comment. "If I need to go somewhere, I will wait for you."

Moving quietly, Cende approaches and touches Rennar lightly, briefly on the shoulder. Her voice is quiet and sympathetic as she said "Also.. if you feel a need to confide, what you say to me stays with me." She kneels next to the swing, and turns her hand, wrist up. "Look, here. If something happens, and I am down, press here." She presses a certain point on her wrist, and a knife springs into view - a knife which she expertly catches by the hilt. "Take the knife, run here or the Palace, to Theo, as fast as you can. Scream if you have to." She looks at Rennar intently "I believe you will be safe, and I am only precautionary. But if something happens, you are not to worry about me, it goes the other way around. You are the Heir to the Throne, not a hero." She studies the other woman's face, and then adds, Her voice is quiet and sympathetic as she said "Also.. if you feel a n

Moving quietly, Cende approaches and touches Rennar lightly, briefly on the shoulder. She kneels next to the swing, and turns her hand, wrist up. "Look, here. If something happens, and I am down, press here." She presses a certain point on her wrist, and a knife springs into view - a knife which she expertly catches by the hilt. "Take the knife, run here or the Palace, to Theo, as fast as you can. Scream if you have to." She looks at Rennar intently "I believe you will be safe, and I am only precautionary. But if something happens, you are not to worry about me, it goes the other way around. You are the Heir to the Throne, not a hero." She studies the other woman's face, and then adds, Her voice is quiet and sympathetic as she said "Also.. if you feel a need to confide, what you say to me stays with me."

Rennar watches as Cende kneels next to her, a curious note coming to her features. Her eyes widen slightly as the knife comes into view; a natural reaction at such an occurance. She looks from the knife to Cende and to the knife again, pressing her lips together, "I'll take it, if there is need, but I honestly don't know the first thing about using it. It would be useless in my hands. It'd be nothing more than a pretty bauble that rests on my dressing table in my hands." There is a brief pause, almost as if Rennar was going to say something, but she doesn't.

Cende nods. "Desperation can sometimes breed amazing things." She looks for a long moment at the Duchess "What's wrong?"

The hesitation remains with Rennar. The young Duchess regards Cende in a quiet manner. "If Theowyn and Aislynn both trust you, I shall trust you as well." There is a final conclusion within her voice, nodding to herself as she speaks those words. "There is a matter which you should know, which might be of import in my safety; particularly with this Renford in the city."

Listening, Cende nods, resheathing the knife.

Rennar continues, "I... I have an ability that very few know about, the Queen one of those few." She watches Cende in a quiet manner. "I can see things, images about people, that tell a portion of their personal future. Sometimes.... sometimes I can determine what they mean, other times they're too vague to determine anything at all." She pauses briefly, watching carefully now Cende filters through this information, "Somehow, men within House Fiores discovered of my ability. They attempted to black mail my husband with the lives of his own family, and mine, to get me to reveal the secrets I might know."

Blinking, Cende considers this for a long moment. She opens her mouth as if to say something, then closes again, thinking. A troubled look comes into her eyes, perhaps thoughts that she didn't want to have, but she says only "Well. Thank you for your trust." The words come slowly, as she considers. Finally, she takes a deep breath, and says simply "All of us have burdens of some sort to bear. That is something that the Borderlands impressed upon me more than anything else." She stands, and looks around. "These men, these Fiores, will not use you, or your gift, for anything you do not wish to use it for." Something firm, implacable, traces through her voice as she says this, then she once again smiles. "Now. It is only early evening, did you wish to do something?"

Faintly, a brow lifts at Cende's words. There is no challenge upon Rennar's features, certianly the tone of the other woman's voice was enough to settle that matter. Rising from the swing, she glances between the gates and the manor. "Perhaps the Arboretum or the Queen's Gardens." She considers her choices a moment, then wrinkles her nose a bit, "Maybe the Arboretum is better. I don't particularly think I'm up to being courtly tonight."

Cende nods, a very faint wash of relief passing over her face at the choice. She stands quietly, waiting, scanning the area once again, before laughing softly "In the borderlands, they leave lamps lit all night, so that there are no shadows. I seem to find shadows more meanacing now." She shakes her head "After you, madam."

"I have heard of such things in the borderlands. Lord Turail of Roesone used to speak of such things." Rennar states in a quieted manner, eyes going back to the gates. She waits for Cende to move onward, maintaining politeness. "Unfortuantely, as you say, no such thing happens here. The streets of Caemlyn are generally safe, what with men of the Queen's Guard constantly patrolling. However, that doesn't keep the more... criminal... element from surfacing at times."

Cende nods, and falls to a brief step behind Rennar, now quiet as she follows her charge. Once on the pavement, her steps are muffled, and she walks with a simple grace the belies the constant activity of her eyes.

You push open the heavy gate and walk into the street.

Crown of Roses Avenue: Inner City, Caemlyn

This portion of the Inner City is filled with large structures of gleaming white stone, roofed in tiles of purple, red and azure. White walls divide small expanses of lush lawn, and golden domes and tall spires rise to the heavens.

The sounds of crickets chirping and laughter from a nearby inn interrupt the quiet of twilight. The warmth of the summer breeze whips through the Inner City, rippling the water of fountains and rustling through the leaves of leatherleaf and elm trees. White Lion Way, a narrow street paved in white stone, leads off to the southwest, and Crown of Roses Avenue, also paved in white stone, leads to the west.

Cende enters the street, closing the heavy gate of Tiras Lorn behind her.

Rennar makes her way to the downed gates of the manor and pauses at the guards, "I will be going out for a portion of the evening if my husband asks after me." Likely, Demonder will grow frantic if he does not know of her whereabouts, or of someone who might know. "I will not be long. If Demonder comes looking for me, I am in the Arboretum." With that small bit accomplished, she glances over her shoulder to find Cende there as she said she'd be. She offers the other woman a brief smile, then slows her steps so that she might walk with her, rather than apart. Her gaze does briefly go to the Tower establishment, a small touch of a frown coming to her features. Sighing, she moves onward.

Cende returns Rennar's smile, and nods briefly to the guards. She accepts the other woman's subtle invitation, and walks next to the Duchess.

You walk along Crown of Roses Avenue, headed west.

Caembarin Boulevard: Inner City, Caemlyn

The Inner City of Caemlyn is built upon the highest peaking hills, surrounded by a fortified wall built of polished granite with gleaming white marble inlays. One can look down over the gentle slopes of the rest of the city from the many vantage points along the wall. The streets have been crafted to follow the natural contours of the hills, and are paved in silver-streaked gray. A large park-like area lies to the western edge of the walled Inner City.

The streets of the Inner City are quiet now, with only a few citizens enjoying the lush landscape of the park. Warm breezes waft through the leaves of the cultivated trees, creating a whispering sound. A white stone-paved road leads to the south, winding uphill, and its twin leads off to the east. To the north lies Origan Gate, which leads into the New City. 

Cende enters the wide, park area from Crown of Roses Avenue, to the east.

"It's not far." Rennar assures Cende, as she moves through the streets. She nods to a few of the people she knows along the nobles district, but doesn't get overly friendly or chatty with anyone in particular.

Cende nods quietly "I know where it is." Her voice has lowered so that it fails to carry much beyond the immediate. She does not greet anyone, although she notices all who greet Rennar carefully.

A faint blush passes over Rennar's features. "Of course." Quietly, she continues down the streets now, passing through the gates that takes her into the city gardens.

You walk past the wide iron gates leading into Caemlyn's famous Inner City Garden.

Arboretum: Inner City, Caemlyn

Though not exactly busy, the Arboretum's well kept grounds manages to keep it a popular spot in Caemlyn: a quiet escape from the chaos of the streets always ready to welcome any and all that should seek her out.

Not far off, couples walk hand in hand, threading their way through the garden's winding paths. All around, vibrant blue, violet, red and yellow flowers fill the garden's many beds -- grass, bushes and trees all thriving in the summer's heat. Nearby, small birds and animals scurry here and there, carelessly about their daily chores. The garden's centerpiece fountain and pond rest calmly in the distance. Small stone-lined paths creep off the park's main path, offering visitors a chance to slip away and find their own 'private' spot to sit and enjoy the greenery all around. At the western most end of the park, a high wrought-iron fence is surrounds three large trees, their crowns rivaling the nearby towers of the Inner City. Nestled amidst the ancient giants is a small gatehouse, nearly obscured with creeping ivy.

Cende walks through the large iron gates, entering from the Inner City.

Today is Sixday, 13 Choren, 999 NE. It is a Summer evening.

Shadows linger and lurk everywhere within the Arboretum. Not far off is a grouping of trees, its canopy thick at this time of the year. The sky is speckled with little lights, spreading across the horizon. There are few people out this time of the night, and those that are tend to stick to the more well-lit paths. Still, even among those paths, shadows linger.

"Sometimes I come here at night simply to gaze at the stars. The lamps here are not as bright as those within my own courtyard, so it makes the heavens easier to see." Rennar explains as she moves toward the fountain. It is there that she makes her seat, upon its edge.

You sit down on the Edge of the Fountain.

Seeing Rennar's blush, Cende smiles "You couldn't know I had been here before. I said I had not been in Andor for a while. I left Caemlyn a year and a half ago after some.. difficulties." She frowns, and looks around, keeping a careful eye on the paths, as Rennar makes her way to the fountain, and sits. She nods to Rennar's words "It's nice, when I've guarded caravans, some nights are so bright it seems as if you can see the entire heavens."

Cende sits down on the Edge of the Fountain.

Cende joins you.

"I think that's what I enjoyed most, the one time I did travel out of the country, watching the skies at night." Rennar comments quietly, smoothing over the folds of her skirts. She looks to Cende a moment, studying the other woman. Curiosity still lines her eyes, how can it not when such an interesting person is imposed upon her doorstep.

Cende sits quietly, one foot on the edge of the fountain, her chin on her knee. Seemlingly relaxed, but in a pose where she can spring up at need. One hand absently fingers her pendant, the edges of the etched symbol catching the little light there is. Her eyes flick about the vicinity, watching quietly. After some length of silence, she finally, albeit reluctantly says "You can ask. I may not give you all the answers you want, but if you have questions of me, you can ask."

Cende's words cause Rennar a small amount of surprise. "I do not wish to pry." She murmurs quietly, looking away from the woman to turn her eyes skyward once more. "It's just... you're an unusual woman." She gently rests one of her hands upon the fountain's edge, supporting herself in that manner.

Where there's darkness, danger always lurks somewhere around the corner. This is no less true on tonight of all nights. Two figures, clad in darkened clothing, walk through the city park. The camoflage works well, though those trained to watch for such things would possible catch a glimmer of them passing by. Both look to be up to no good, or looking for some trouble to cause.

Cende laughs suddenly, softly. "You are unusual in your own way, madam." A possible glimpse, out of the corner of her eye, and she tenses, watching more carefully. Low, softly "Be prepared to drop to the ground when I say." More normally "However, as I say.. I may not be able to give you answers to all you ask, but if you ask the questions, I will give you what answer I can."

On the verge of saying something, Rennar pauses her words at the warning from Cende. A brow lifts inquistively, though she nods, smiling at the other woman, "Please, you may simply call me Rennar. I try to run my household as informally as possible, though my servants and staff know how to perform formalities when necessary. If possible, I'd like to maintain that between us." Unusual indeed. Rennar sneaks a small, almost nervous glance about the grounds. Missing anything out of the ordinary, she looks back to Cende. "I was just wondering at your unusual skills, and how you came to be noticed at the Palace. Surely you must have with the way you speak as informally of Theowyn as I do."

Unaware that they've been noticed, the two men confer with one another briefly. They split up. One travels along the edge of the trees, to reach the point closest to the fountain. The other disappears into the bushes. A faint trace can be seen of him from time to time, a tell tale-sign of bushes moving that might be noticed by a practiced eye.

A soft, almost missable, definately miserable whisper..."Oh, Theo.." It's probable that she doesn't even realize she said anything, as she continues normally, keeping an eye on the bushes, and straining senses for any other. "I spent some time in Caemlyn about a year and a half ago. I informally met the Prince, we spent a little time discussing some things." A definately evasive answer, and at odds with the tone of unhappiness in her voice at his name. "As for my training.. " She pauses, alert, as the men get closer.

The Duchess can be a perceptive person, when she wants to be. Somewhat sensing some discomfort about the topic of the Prince, she makes a non-commital answer, "He can be pleasant to talk to, at times." She smirks faintly, then adds quietly, "And a bit irksome other times." She quiets when Cende starts to mention the training.

The first man continues to keep to the trees, then simply pauses. He rests his back against one of the larger monstrosities reaching for the sky, his clothing blending in with the color of the trunk. Knowing what to look for, Cende may be able to find him still. The second man starts to slowly come out of the bush. A loud 'snap' 'crack' can be heard coming off to the right, followed by a low curse that's easily heard.

Smoothly rising and snapping around, Cende releases a blade and flips it directly to the bushes and the sounds within. A noise indicates she got something, somehow, but no clear indication of what or how badly can be gotten. Reaching to the back of her neck, she quite suddenly is armed in both hands, seeking for the second fellow, trying to keep an ear out in case the first isn't down yet. "My training my be handy just now."

A solid thud is heard off to the right, where the cracking sound was made. This gives some indication that the first man is indeed down. The second plays it cool against the tree, though seeing some commotion about the fountain does cause him some alarm. Stepping carefully to the side, he starts to move from his current position, still skirting along the trees, but moving closer to the fountain. If he had any shred of sense he'd leave now.

Rennar's eyes widen considerably as the first blade is released from Cende's hand. Pressing her lips together, she starts to say something when she notices the other woman well armed now. "Perhaps so..." She comments quietly, eyes searching the darknses. "Do you think now would be a good time to leave, or would that be more of an indicator that we are aware of the trouble?" She keeps her voice low pitched, so anyone not close by would have trouble hearing.

Cende smiles faintly, half turned towards Rennar, attempting to act as if nothing's wrong while still keeping her eyes moving, watching, all possible directions. "I was raised in Ebou Dar. You could say that knives are a city-wide phenomenon. So are footpads. I don't know if the first one is down for good or not - I hope not, I don't need to be arrested - but he had a partner, and I'd like to have someone for the guards to arrest. It tends to make them happier."

Slowly, the young Duchess nods her head. "I would have to agree, it does at that." Though, Rennar can't help but raise a brow at Cende's explaination. She presses her lips together, turning her attention to the sky once more; a meager attempt at keeping her nervousness from view.

The remaining man on the loose stops not too far off. He watches the woman, watching how alone they are. His eyes narrow slightly, moving to the bushes where his partner should be. A frown comes to his lips. He crouches down low, in front of one of the trees, looking much like he's waiting for some sort of signal.

Sheathing one of her weapons, Cende relaxes her guard very slightly - still aware, just trying to appear less threatening. Reaching up, she grasps her pendant in her hand and pulls it over her head, over her braid, the gold of the chain glinting in the light. She hands the pendant to Rennar, saying a little louder than might be warrented "It's very precious".. then adding softly "Please be careful with it.."

Rennar blinks slightly, carefully taking the pendant, "Thank you. I will. It's a lovely piece." She catches onto the conversation, eyes going to the jewelry now within her hands, at least superficially.

The man remains crouched where he is, though his eyes do glint on the pendant. He licks his lips nervously, glancing to the bushes. Patience was never a virtue for him. He shifts his weight a little, looking as though he's about to pounce, body tense to do something.

Pacing, Cende's posture seems to have changed into a sway, her brushed velvet voice a little louder, a little more petulant - an awful lot like a spoiled daughter. "I wish they'd show up. He promised to take me to see a shop, I wheedled my allowance out of father.. " This doesn't sound quite like the woman who was assigned to guard, more like a brat of noble raising.

Rennar's eyes widen slightly when she realizes just what's on the pendant. It takes her a moment to recover from her surprise, having several to varying degrees throughout the evening. "They will be here." Rennar's voice returns, not as indignant as Cende's own, yet somewhat irritated. "At least they'd better be. Demonder also promised to see me out this evening." She glances to Cende, that ever curious look touching her eyes as she regards the other woman.

Finally, the crouching man has had enough of waiting. If his partner is not coming now, he's probably chickend out and not coming at all. Small weapon now in hand, he moves forward, slinking upon the ground at first, until he bursts from out of the shadows to approach the two women; completely unaware that he's expected.

Cende spins, one knife in hand, the other popping from the wrist sheath. She smiles tightly, as she lunges towards the incoming man, taking him totally by suprise to be faced with a woman who weilds knives like she knows what to do with them. "So nice you could join us, we thought you'd take all night" is all she says as she feints in, distracting, to come in low with a knife across the stomach.

"What the..." The man manages. He realizes what's happening all too late. Just as he starts to computate what's happening, exactly, Cende's knife strikes him across the stomach solidy. The wound is not so deep that it will kill him, but it is one that will cause him some discomfort. He stumbles backwards, too caught off guard to retaliate.

As soon as Cende makes her move on the guy attempting to attack them, Rennar stands smoothly from her seat along the fountain, and puts a little distance between herself and the fighting couple, though not so much so that Cende would have to extend herself in case something happened to Rennar. Very calmly, the young Duchess watches the events before her, pressing her lips tightly together.

Following up with a low kick that only succeeds because of the disorientation of the man, Cende attempts to bring her knife hilt on the back of the man's head, in order to knock him unconcious. Skipping back after delivering the blow, she watches to see if she hit him hard enough, or just ruffled his hair.

And indeed, the kick does succeed, causing the man to fall to the ground, where before he was wavering inbetween keeping his balance and falling. The shock of that simply jarrs partially him of his sensibilities as it is. So, when Cende does manage to bring the knife down upon his head, she cleanly knocks him out.

Cende hms softly. "Well. I can tell you, these aren't professionals." She drags the now unconcious man over to the fountain, and nods approvingly at Rennar's location. She then proceeds to head quietly over to the bushes, where she acquires her knife, which is in the throat of the man behind them. "Damn. Well.." She leaves him there, not wanting to offend Rennar's sensibilties. "We need to call the guard. Or something."

Rennar stops chewing on her lip long enough to respond, "Calling the Guard would probably be the best answer. Likely, they'll want us both to go in for questioning..." She lets her voice trail as she looks down at the knocked out man, eyes taking him in carefully.

Pertinax walks through the large iron gates, entering from the Inner City.

Cende sighs, cleaning off her knife, spinning in defense as she hears steps behind her, then standing back and relaxing as she sees a guard. She looks to Rennar "Would.. um. You mind doing the talking?"

Two woman, one most notable Duchess of Hune, stand over or near a fallen body, the other perhaps not so recognizable. The man is darkly clad, enough to be hidden by the presense of the evening shadows.

After finishing sheathing her knives, Cende bends and checks the pulse on the unconcious man "He's still alive. Thankfully. And should remain that way, although he'll wake up with a headache that feels like he has a dozen gleepeople practicing in his mind."

Coming in at a half run, Pertinax's impeccable uniform is covered with the filth of the streets of Caemlyn. He stops in a military march, looking ready to salute. Instead, he bows as gracefully as the mail beneath his uniform will allow him, "Your Grace" upon his lips as he recognizes Rennar. Arching a brow he inquires mildly, "My ladies, what has this foul vagabond done to be in such a state?"

Rennar's gaze follows Cende. A brow lifts faintly as she recognizes the man who's come. "I wouldn't mind at all. It looks as though the patrol nearby has already been warned." There's a slight quirking of her lips as she speaks. She nods to Cende's further words, waiting for Pertinax to approach them. "That is good to hear." She comments quietly. When he does finally approach, Rennar turns her attention to him, regarding him a moment, "This man, and another in the bushes, were preparing to attack us." With a delicate motion of a hand she indicates a place just to the right covered by bushes. "This one nearly succeeded before being knocked out. The other...." She lets her voice trail slightly, looking back to the guardsman.

Cende fills in the blank softly "He's dead.:

Pertinax takes his helmet off, a look of puzzlement in his eyes, "They attacked you here? What a bizarre place for an ambush, if you ask me. I'd pick a dark road somewhere in the countryside, when the moon wasn't out and..." he grimaces at his too-quick tongue. Stepping over to the man, he lifts his head up by the hair, studying the face. He looks up, trying to place the face. After perhaps a moment longer than is normal he notes, "I know not the man. Shall we smoke the other one out, my ladies?"

Rennar nods her head in agreement with Cende, "Aye. He is quite dead." Carefully, she watches her cousin's reactions to this new information, tilting her head to the side a bit. "I don't believe that will be necessary, cousin." Rennar states calmly. "And yes, they did attempt to attack us here. It is a poorly lit area, as you can see." She motions with her hands all about her, "And rather shadowy."

Pertinax bites his lower lip pensively, quite unsure what to do. His lips quiver frequently, as if he has something to say, but he never quite comes up with the proper words. Gazing off to the spot where Rennar mentions, Pertinax finally replies, "But cousin, are we simply going to let the other vile assailant get away? Surely you must desire some sort of justice to be carried out!" Blank outrage is on the young Guardsman's face. His boot moves back a bit, but he restrains himself from kicking the corpse. "I must take this body back to the Captain-General at once, he shall certainly want to examine it for evidence. I supsect a treacherous plot" Pertinax foolishly clenches his fists into tight balls

Eronian walks through the large iron gates, entering from the Inner City.

A look of silly surprise crosses Pertinax's face as he realizes that the one in the bushes is the dead one, and the one on the ground is still alive. A crimson blush spreads quickly over his cheeks

Looks at Rennar, then at Pertinax, then back to Rennar "Cousin?"

Cende looks at Rennar, then at Pertinax, then back to Rennar "Cousin?"c

Rennar lifts a brow, then glances to Cende a moment. Never before has she been placed in such a position. Looking back to Pertinax, she gives him a perplexed look. "I think you mistake me cousin... the one in the bushes, he is the dead one..." She blinks faintly, looking down at the unconcious man on the ground, "He is still alive. As far as I know, there were only two assailants, but I suppose there could have been more. Were there, they were cowards all..." Rennar pauses her words as Cende speaks up, then steps back a moment, "Mistress Cende Animana, this is my cousin, Pertinax." She pauses a moment, then glances to Pertinax, "Cende is a guards woman recommended by the Prince to watch after me and make certain I stay safe with King Renford within the city."

Eronian walks onto the scene with a confused but determined look. He looks to Pertinax, "What is going on here?"

Cende smiles faintly and inclines her head "Charmed. I'm sure. We will probably want to take the dead man from the bushes, before anyone trips across him and gets a start. As I recall, the illicitly courting couples like the bushes to frolic in."

Eronian gestures to the body in the bushes and the unconsious one, "What has occured here, why are there bodies strewn across the Arboretum? I hope that someone can explain."

Eronian looks to Pertinax once again, "I hope you have some clue as to what transpired here." he seems expect an answer and by the look in his emerald eyes, he might want it soon.

The Daughter-heir looks to Eronian, another guardsman arrived on the scene, and blinks owlishly. A frown does come to Rennar's lips at his demands. She takes on a very calm, and very patient manner, as though she were dealing with a young child, "As I was explaining to the Under Lieutenant, guardsman." She notes his rank, or lack thereof, "We were attacked by two men. This man, who now lies unconcious, and one who now lies dead in the bushes."

Pertinax's blush deepens further at Cende's words, but he manages to dip his head slightly and blurt, "It is my honour, Lady Cende" Still scratching below his ear he bellows to Eronian, "We've got a live one here, we better bind him and throw him in the dungeons. Her Grace Rennar has control of the situation, I doubt we have any need to be alarmed, we'll save that for times when there are packs of murderous thugs out and about." Pertinax this time does kick the body with his grimy boot (or, in his report later on, prods gently), hoping for some stirring.

Eronian nods, "I see, very well. I guess we should get this man out of here then."

The man on the ground does groan a bit when kicked, though he does not stir entirely. With his own stupidity, he managed to hit his head pretty hard when getting clunked. There is also an obvious slash mark against his stomach, hinting at a possible brawl, though no signs in the Arboretum indicate that.

"Thank you, Under Lieutenant." No that another guard is about, Rennar addresses her cousin thusly. She manages a somewhat pleasant smile, "Then I believe Cende and I will leave these two..." She wrinkles her nose distastefully, "men, in your custody?

Starting, Cende frowns at Pertinax "Now, that's unnecessary, kicking a man when he's unconcious is dishonorable, even if he is a footpad." She shakes her head, and proceeds to give a credible imitation of a sergeant "You," she indicates the lower ranked Eronian "Get the body in the bushes, and take him to be disposed of as appropriate. Lietenant, if you will handle the unconcious one you were quite so rude to, be kind enough not to bruise him.." She stops as Rennar speaks.

"Thank you, Under Lieutenant." No that another guard is about, Rennar addresses her cousin thusly. She manages a somewhat pleasant smile, "Then I believe Cende and I will leave these two..." She wrinkles her nose distastefully, "men, in your custody?" Of course, one man is already dead. She does frown when Pertinax kicks the other man, "There's no need for that. The Queen's justice will decide what to do with him."

Eronian nods, "Very well." he walks over to pick up the dead body.

"No more time for these idle demands of yours, Guardsman. Bind the man promptly and take him to the dungeons for questioning. One does not assault noblewomen of Andor and get away with it!" His last sentence is earnest in the extreme, a sign of inexperience in the Guards. "My apologies," Pertinax adds hastily, "My rage at these vile ravagers of the innocence of the inner city momentarily took possesion of my faculties. No further mistakes shall be made." His face is still crimson from blushing; he simply cannot stop. "We will take the men, but might I ask how these two men were stopped. Surely you are not armed whenever you venture out here..."

Eronian walks over to bind the man, "Yes Sir."

Eronian, carrying the limp body, walks out of the Arboretum.

There is a brief hesitation as Rennar takes time out to sigh, "As I said before, the Prince Theowyn recommended Mistress Cende to be my Guardswoman. WIth King Renford within the city, it was felt that I should be better protected. You do not suggest that she go unarmed, do you?" A brow lifts as she asks her question, almost challenging her cousin.

Eronian awaits Pertinax's accompanyment before leaving the grounds.

Cende glances to Pertinax "Sir, I never go unarmed." With that simple statement, she looks back at Rennar "Lady, may I escort you back home or the the Palace? Assuming no further questions are forthcoming from your cousin."

"Home, please." Rennar responds almost immediately. "By now, Demonder is already worried that I've been out so late. I wouldn't be surprised if he comes looking for me." She glances to Pertinax, "If the Prince, or any others need to know what happened, they may find me at my manor. "

Pertinax sighs and looks down at his tunic. It is splattered with all sorts of vile substances, "What are we coming to these days, Cousin, the streets of Caemlyn are like an open sewer, footpads in the arboreum, and an armed escort for a duchess in the inner city. What are we coming to." He spreads his arms wide and snorts and disgusts. "This is terribly disturbing, my ladies. I hope I did not keep you." He takes a step back, then another, facing Rennar; not turning his back so as to stay respectful.

Cende gently cups Rennar's elbow in her hand, and leads the smaller woman out, nodding to the two guards "Excuse us."

Rennar manages to node her head to Pertinax before Cende starts to take her away from the scene. Nothing else is spoken on her part.

You head east, leaving behind the peace and quiet of Caemlyn's Arboretum.

Cende and Rennar continue to traverse through the city until they end back within Tiras Lorn.

Courtyard Gardens: Tiras Lorn, Caemlyn

Large white stone surrounds the courtyard of House Hune. Set into the western wall is the gate, leading out of the manor. The manor house itself lies to the east. A large marble portico runs down the middle of the courtyard in a north/south direction, effectively dividing the large yard in half. It is large enough to hold several wagons, and contains the stables in the northwest corner. The half of the yard closest to the manor house is contained by the portico which runs along the courtyard walls as well, and connect to the house. This creates a covered walkway to protect you from the elements; shade from the sun, and a roof to keep off rain and snow. The ground here is paved with stone, with only a few weeds growing up here and there. In the center of the paved area is a square flower garden.

Turail

Cende pulls open the gate and comes in from the path.

Escorting the Lady Rennar into Hune grounds is an unfamiliar woman. Once past the guards and inside the gates, Rennar stops and turns toward Cende, "Thank you." She speaks those two simple words. "The hour is growing late..." She looks to the House, not yet noticing Turail is within her courtyard.

Turail is actually not in a position to notice that Lady Rennar has arrived either. He's off in the far side of the courtyard, near the stables, with a rather thin, ragged looking horse, which he appears to be grooming carefully. Not visible from a distance, is the fact that the beast has some sores under it's coat. He's talking to it softly, trying to keep it calm.

Cende nods quietly "Lady. Rennar. My pendant."

Rennar blushes faintly, "Of course." Delicately, Rennar hands the pendant back to Cende, "An interesting piece of jewelry." She comments lightly, not saying more on it. "I will wait for you on the morrow, as I promised, before going anywhere. For now, however, I must go to my husband." She smiles gently, looking back to the House now.

Quietly accepting the pendant and slipping it back over her head, she nods "Good evening. I will see you on the morrow." She steps back, into the shadows of the construction, nearly fading - only the white-gold of her hair catching the light - and waits for Rennar to enter the House before departing fully.

Rennar moves toward the stair of her House, and enters inside the manor, unhindered.

Turail continues to brush the horse. Where did he get such a nag? It certainly is not one of Rennar's fine horses. Here is the man who up till a week or two ago was Duke of Roesone a guest in another House, and brushing a horse down like a common stableman. he does glance up and around the courtyard, noticing the exchange briefly before going back to his brushing.

Cende slips out, into the night.

Cende pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

You climb the stairs to the main door, and enter the house.