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.

Cende, Turail

Tilting her head, Cende replies "My apologies. Melicende Animana. Cende." She gives no title, although as the man comes closer, she tenses to be slightly more wary. His lack of speed fails to cause her to react poorly.. then whatever else she might have said is lost as her charge comes out.

Today is Eightday, 15 Choren, 999 NE. It is a Summer evening.

The doors to the Hune Manor open, and out comes the young Duchess of Hune. "Please Genette, honestly...." There is a note of jesting in her voice, "I was in good hands." Her head is turned so that it peers over her shoulders as she exits the doors. She steps down the various stairs without even so much as looking forward, suggesting a familiarity with her grounds. "Very good hands." Just inside the door, an elderly lady wearing the emblem of the Hune family upon her garmets can be seen. "And besides, not even Demonder got as upset as you are now."

Turail turns his head slightly towards Rennar as she comes out, one eye going back to Cende to perhaps catch her reactions.

Simply stepping further out into the light, Cende waits until Rennar has finished her conversation with the woman inside. She, in turn, keeps an eye on Turail, ready to move should the situation warrant it.

The elderly woman tsks her voice, "Well, I'd count that a blessing, M'Lady, considering what he went through when that... that beast was here!" Genette sniffs, eyes hardening just slightly. "I just want to make certain you are safe." Her aged features soften considerably. "As I am certain all in your family will want as well."

A soft chuckle from the half shienaran Lord. Could it be he noticed that this woman, Cende, seems to have an eye on him as a possible threat to the Lady Rennar? It's short lived amusment, and his chuckle nulls itself against the eveniing air quickly.

Genette's words cause Rennar to go silent a brief moment. "I know..." Her words soften. "Watch after Satira while I am out." With that, she leaves the elderly woman behind her to move further into the courtyard. A brow curiously lifts as she spies Turail and Cende together. Having noticed them, she makes her way to the couple.

Cende speaks softly, to not interrupt the elderly woman's lecture of the Lady. "You find something amusing, my lord?"

Turail responds softly, still with a hint of mirth in his rasping voice, "You watch me, Mistress, as if I meant the Duchess harm. I found it amusing, yes." He turns his face towards Rennar as she approachs and says louder, "Light Shine Rennar. I am told you have hired a bodyguard?"

Inclining her head in a slight bow to Rennar, Cende simply replies "It is my job to watch everyone as if they mean the Duchess harm. Should I not, then the person I do not watch shall."

"Good evening, Turail, Cende." Rennar inclines her head respectfully to both visitors, a slight smile coming to her features. A slim touch of amusement shows in her eyes at the banter between her guards woman and the Roesone Lord, "Not exactly. Demonder hired Cende." She pauses a moment, then further adds, "And she does have a point." Her lips quirk a litle more upward, that smile threatening to deepen.

Turail turns his head slightly, the lines around his eyes crinkling with increasing amusement, "I am well acquainted with the trials of keeping your person safe, milady." The remark is almost impertinent. And there is definitely some history behind it. He cocks an eyebrow as if daring her to say otherwise.

At the sign that her charge does recognize the man she stands next to, Cende relaxes marginally, although not completely, now scanning the area once more as she waits for the Duchess' word on where they will go this eve.

"Indeed, I am aware of that Turail." Rennar responds, that smile no longer threatening but reaching it's full blown status. "Some matters of my hiding out in an Inn, I believe, and your keeping me entertained." She remarks, nodding to herself. Her smile includes Cende as well. She stops not too far away from her guests, eyes glancing to the gates briefly, "If the Queen has time, I thought I'd go and speak to her a bit. If not, then I'll probably enjoy the gardens a small while. I feel safer within the Palace walls than the Arboretum at this particular time."

Now it is Cende's turn to smile, albiet briefly "A little too much excitement? I will admit that walls make me feel safer, although I would not wish to run into Th.. The Prince. If he's heard that you were attacked last night, I am sure to hear from him. Stepping quietly, Cende moves to follor Rennar.

Turail dares to wink at Rennar, incongruous behavior for old stone face perhaps. he glances between the two. "Perhaps you would not mind my company for the travel to the palace, if I were to give my word to be on my best behavior? I do not think I will go in to see Aislynn.. but I might like to speak with Prince Theowyn.." His glance flicks briefly to the symbol on Cende's necklace.

"It is the Duchess' call to make." Deferring the decision, Cende says nothing about the rest of Turail's plan, although a slight cloud passes over her face at the mention of seeing the Prince.

Tilting her head to the side, Rennar regards Turail curiously. "It's been quite a while since we've been able to talk at any length. I would not mind if you joined us." Her emerald gaze passes to Cende, checking the other woman's actions. That note of curiosity does touch her eyes briefly, though she continues to say, "However, I'm not really in the mood to deal with Theowyn myself. If you run into him, please keep him entertained." She smirks slightly, "The last thing I want for tonight is to be reminded of my 'duties' as daughter-heir" She sighs faintly, then starts for the opening where the gates should be.

Turail chuckles softly and turns to follow Rennar towards the gates as well. "Indeed. I did have a matter I wished to discuss with him... now that I am without useful duties." He doesnt elaborate on what those matters are however. He seems fairly content, folding his hands behind his back in typical Turail fashion.

Silently stepping forward, Cende follows the nobles, quiet in manner and step as she scans the area they approach.

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

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.

Cende enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Turail enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Rennar pauses just before the gates, announcing herself to the guards. Almost immediately is she ushered inside the grounds. A wry expression touches her features at their hasty assurance that she is welcome upon the palace grounds. "It seems he's already prepared for some things..." This comment is made more to herself than to others. She sighs lightly.

Cende glaces at Rennar, an expression of concern in her eyes. Her own trip through the gates were not without a slight discussion, but what that discussion was she does not tell anyone.

Turail is eyed uneasily as he two meets the gate security, but it seems his name is on a list of persons allowed to retain his primary weapon. A name put there by the Prince. He does not offer to surrender his heron, and it is not insisted on. He follows after entering the grounds last.

Rennar continues for the palace, making a polite inquiry of one of the servants. The servant nods to the lady, then disappears inside. She then turns her attention to the two who've followed her, "We'll receive word soon enough about whether or not Aislynn is busy."

Settling herself with her back to a wall, Cende, perhaps inadvertently, once again blends in with the shadows. Although she is quiet, she is also watchful, even here on the Palace grounds.

It doesn't take long for the servant to return, bearing news of some sort. "My apologies, Duchess Hune, but the Queen is in a meeting at the moment. Will you like to send word that you are waiting for her, or shall I let her know you will call at another time?"

Rennar hesitates a moment, considering the answer, "Please inform her Majesty that I will call on her another time." A light smile touches her lips briefly, "And perhaps I can visit with young Aranvor then as well." With that, she dismisses the servant. "Well, that settles eve-..." Rennar begins, then cuts her words off short when she notices Cende missing; having not caught the other woman disappearing into the shadows during her brief discussion with the servant.

The soft, bourbon voice comes out of the shadows near a wall "The gardens are beautful in the moonlight, if you would like to walk for a while."

Cende steps into the light once again, following her voice.

Rennar's eyes widen slightly as Cende steps from the shadows. "I agree... they are." Words spoken for lack of a better thing to say. "Will you join me there?" The question is directed at both Cende and Turail.

Turail tilts his head slightly in the direction Cende disappeared in, just as her voice pinpoints her location. His glance runs its way back to Rennar. "Do you favor a walk then, Rennar? I do not think I have thanked you properly for allowing me to reside at Tiras Lorn for a few days. It has been helpful to me to put a little distance...ah.. well I am sure you understand the need." He trails off, his hands still folded behind him.

Cende 's eyes close briefly, followed by a simple nod to Rennar's question, and no clearer answer than that.

"You know you need not thank me, Turail." The young Duchess's voice comes softly, emerald eyes glimmering in the flickering light of the lanterns hung about the palace for lighting. There is insistance in her voice, and her gaze. "And, I do favor a walk. At one time I might have welcomed nothing but to stay within the confines of Tiras Lorn, but now I'm feeling the strains that I once felt to stay there wearing thin. I mean to take back my life once more, and live it fully." Her tone is warm, and is only heighened by the smile that touches her features when she speaks her words.

You walk along a white stone path and into the Queen's Gardens.

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 sounds of Palace servants going about their nightly chores and the noise of children laughing and playing in the distance drift over the garden. Flowers of every hue bloom on almost every tree and shrub in sight in the garden; roses of every color under the sun, purple Emond's Glory, and golden yellow sunburst. 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.

Turail walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Cende glides silently into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Despite the walk that was her suggestion, Cende soon ceases walking, and once again fades into the shadows, keeping a careful eye on Rennar and Turail, but allowing them the privacy to speak together.

From above, Renford leans against the balcony speaking with Elyse and her honor guard

From above, Elyse smiles gently, dipping her head a bit, "I must confess the evidence provided is confusing for myself. However, I suspect it has more meaning to Andor. That is likely why I myself find it difficult to draw the conclusion to validate your claims, Sir. No offense, of course," she says smoothly, still with that charming smile. Her guardmen around the Princess on the balcony glance about her surroundings, watching for any threats, as Elyse speaks with Renford.

Turail strolls along in relative silence beside Rennar as they wind deeper into the garden. Gardens are peace. Once the Roesone gardens were his haven. Now. he cannot feel at home there even so much as before Catherine's death. He smiles at Rennar. "I admit it pleases me to see you take your tiger by its tail and lash it soundly." His eyes cast upwards, as they do often of late, watching the stars.

The young Duchess of Hune enters into the gardens with at least two other people. One easily disappears into the shadows. The other is the former figurehead of House Roesone, Lord Turail. "Well, with things as they are now, its only best that I am more assertive in my lifestyle. Light only knows when I'll need that to survive something or another." Her words come in quiet conversational tones, meant mostly for Cende's and Turail's ears.

From above, Renford simply nods his head. "Well I could find ways to make it more compelling...but I find now that I am actually here...I am lacking in my conviction. I suppose zeal must give way to reality sooner or later. In this case, it was sooner. Ah well. You know what they say about the best laid plans of mice and men."

Turail glances over at Rennar as they walk, his hands unclasping briefly to reach out and pluck a white blossom from a flowering shrub as they pass so that he may smell it. He spins it in his fingers afterwards. "You do not seem to appreciate being daughter-heir my lady..." Its softly said, not carrying very far. "What chiefly do you object to in it?"

From above, Elyse smiles gently and nods, "They also say, if you want a rainbow, sir, you must put up with a little rain." Her head tilts a bit in the direction of the gardens, but if she recognizes any bits and pieces of voices drifting to her on the balcony, she gives no indication, "What's to happen if they determine the issue not in your favour, Sir?" Her brow furrows with concern.

"Duty is heavier than a mountain, is it not, Lord Turail?" Answering a question with a question, Rennar pauses her steps briefly and looks around the gardens. Luckily, she has not noticed Renford nor Elyse. "There are many aspects within my life which I do not agree with. I've only just begun to discover what my position entails, what with the recent onslaught of kidnappings, trials, dignitaries and this whole bloody mess with Murandy." She seems to have no scruples about some light cursing.

From above, Renford pushes away from the balcony "Rain is one thing Princess...a flood is quite another." He pauses before making his way out. "I shall do exactly the same thing I would do if it were decided in my favor. Go back home." It is not as if he were asking Andor for anything. "I hope you will excuse me Princess. I think the day is beginning to catch up with me."

"Heavier than a mountain... and unlike a mountain, it finds its way to follow one who flees." Turail responds with raspy almost humor. Well it would be funny, were it not true he supposes. "Some jobs cannot be prepared for easily, nor is it apparent what the duties are until they dig in and scratch." He glances around for Cende

Moving through the shadows, towards Turail and Rennar, the only sign that Cende is there is the slight rustle of leaves, and the occasional gleam of moonlight on white-blonde hair. Only one word clearly drifts down from above, and at the sound of it - Princess - Cende steps once again into the light, her eyes searching the balcony above, and an unreadable expression on her face.

From above, Elyse inclines her head gently with a demure demeanour, "I am sorry if I have upset you, Sir," says the princess in a meek tone, "Peace favour your sword." She remains where she stands, her hip slightly resting against the railing of the balcony, and herhand resting on top of it.

"I think the part about it that bugs me the most is the part which surrounds the Daughter-heir training at the Tower." Rennar comments further, adding a little more insight to the matter. Strange, how she would be against going to the Tower, when House Hune is one of it's foremost Andoran supporters, next to the Queen. "I have a family and a life here, a husband who needs my care."

From above, Renford smirks and looks down to his side...where his sword would be had it not been confiscated. He looks back to Princess...not the least bit convinced that the woman is sorry. Meekness makes a good shield for a clever mind to hide behind at times. "You have not upset me Princess. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance." That said. Renford tuns and heads back into the palace, his 3 friends following along behind him

From above, Renford leaves the balcony and walks into the palace.

Turail stops as they walk and turns to Rennar, considering her last revelation. He knew it of course, but had not really given much thought to the obvious ramifications of the obligatory pilgrimage to the tower for Andoran daughter-heirs. Or what it might mean for his cousin. "I suppose it would cause quite the uproar if you refused."

From above, Elyse leans a bit, beckoning the officer who escorted her, "Leftenant?" As he steps up beside her once more, offering her his arm, she leans further still, speaking to him in muted tones while the summer breeze lightly whipping about the balcony lifts and dances with her honey-blonde tresses.

"I suspect it might." A light smirk touches Rennar's lips, "Already there are those who seem to think I've offended the entirety of the Tower my omitting them from the guest list of my party. I may have offended those who came to visit with the Queen, but I seriously doubt the Amyrlin Seat would give notice to a few of hers having missed a simple nobles party."

"Perhaps not." The half shienaran lord plucks a petal from the flower in his fingers and smells it again. He seems very sensory, very wrapped up in sights, sounds, smells of late. Perhaps he has not had time to stop and smell a flower in months, regardless of how hard he has been taking his removal. Or perhaps those small things get him by till he can discover a new purpose for himself. "Perhaps Aislynn will bear a daughter of her own, and relieve you of the duty.." He smiles slightly, "If you had the choice to make it so, would you take it?"

Walking slowly, Cende approaches closer to the Lord and Duchess, stepping quietly even as she seems to be involved in her own thoughts. A light sheen across a cheek catches in the moonlight, briefly, before she resumes her place once more in the shadows - near enough if trouble comes, far enough to not intrude.

From above, The officer nods once, murmuring a comment to express the nod of his head to the blind Princess, but remains at her side. Elyse pauses a moment, turning to take a deep breath of the sweetly perfumed gardens before allowing herself to be escorted back within. Her other four Honor Guards shadow the pair as they move.

An odd, profound sadness touches Rennar's eyes. "Perhaps." She speaks quietly, looking to the balcony, which leads further into the Palace. She does spy the Princess there, but makes no mention to hail her. However, her one spoken word may indicate that she seriously doubts Turail's suggestion. "We shall see, however." She swallows faintly, taking her eyes away from the balcony and looking back to the Roesone Lord. "I don't have the choice, nor would I have even if I had it. I can't say."

From above, Elyse leaves the balcony and walks into the palace.

Turail shifts his weight, and has that impulse to comfort the Duchess, but does not move. He knows that pain of duty, and the loss that comes with it even more keenly now, if possible than he did in leaving his beloved Shienar. "Perhaps if the tower felt it needful enough, they might send Sedai to train you in Andor..." He suggests quietly, again looking around for Cende. He /Will/ discover her whereabouts.

"Who's to say that I will even agree to train with the Aes Sedai?" Rennar counters, tilting her head to the side a bit. "Surely the Queen herself, wit Aes Sedai bearing, could give me whatever tutelage necessary." The last is said with more than a touch of stubborness on her part. "What better manner than to learn from someone who knows first hand what to expect."

Turail grins suddenly. "Ah.. I suppose you have a point.. and even if you did not, you would persist." He can't imagine the Sedai could possibly be any more stubborn than Rennar is.

Looking up at the sky causes Rennar to realize just how late the hour is growing. A sigh escapes her "I it is best I start to head back to the manor. You are, of course, welcome to stay here if you mean to talk to Theowyn," she murmurs gently. "But Demonder is long since home, and has perhaps long since eatten." A smirk touches her, "Or he's on his fifth course and being beatten by Genette to get out of her kitchens."

A soft rustle precludes Cende's stepping out of the bushes. "Madam Duchess," her quiet, low voice comes. "Forgive the interruption, but it is getting late. Your lord will worry."

Rennar's eyes turn toward Cende's voice as she escapes from the bushes, "I was just saying the same to Turail." Smoothing over her skirts, she prepares herself to leave the palace for the evening, looking to the Lord to see if he will be joining htem or not.

Turail has to laugh at that. "His appetite is difficult to rival. Aye I recall his mother remarking on much the same thing when we were boys." He glances backwards, hand straying to the hilt of his sword as that rustle announce Cende's return, and then falling off the sword as he recognizes her bright hair. "As you wish Rennar. I do think I will remain here for a time. Peace favor." He tilts his head and bows from the waist slightly.

Cende steps to one side, nodding quietly to Turail, waiting to once again follow Rennar.

Rennar inclines her head graciously to Turail, "Light be with you this evening, Lord Roesone." She offers him a faint smile, then turns to exit the gardens.

Turail turns away and wanders further into the gardens, apparently not set to find Theowyn just yet.

You walk along the white stone path back to the Palace Courtyard.