Practice Fields: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

This is a large expanse of bare field, encircled with a low, wooden fence. During the day, masters-at-arms instruct new recruits of the Andoran militia in swordsmanship and archery. Stuffed mannequins on posts and targets are situated around the field, and practice weapons are held in a rack near the barracks.

A few soldiers practice swords with each other, or with mannequins. Dead leaves crunch underfoot and drift from the tall leatherleaf and elm trees in a red and gold mass. A flagstone path winds off to the southeast. The Royal Stables and the barracks of the Andoran militia are located nearby.

Cende, Kellian, Aeril, Turail, Rudra

Aeril blinks with a moment of surprise at Kellian's command, but is moving to join his side before the gesture is even completed. She stands on his left side so that her sword is free to be drawn if needed, but not behind him as she might do on guard duty. She remains attentive as Kellian continues to speak to Turail, paying attention.

Tall at just under 6', Cende is a rather imposing woman. Her long, white-blonde hair is pulled back into a tight braid hanging to mid-shoulder, and her grass-green eyes gleam merrily onto the world. Her figure is solid, although nicely curved, and long. She is dressed oddly for a woman, in a loose, light blue blouse with laces at the neck, tucked into a pair of baggy black pants. The leather boots on her feet lace up to just below her knees. She wears a pair of knives at her waist, and another tucked into the top of each boot. Her only jewelry is a pair of small gold beads, one in each ear.

Wandering into the practice fields, the daughter-heir stops and speaks to one of the guards. A light inquiry passes between the two before the young woman's attention is diverted to the another section of the fields. A single brow raises in a delicate manner, and Rennar purses her lips together thoughtfully. Nodding, she thanks the guard, then starts to enter further into the area, though keeping to the background somewhat.

Turail nods his head, the black topknot on his head bobbing slightly, a tassel marking Shienaran honor. "My first concerns Captain General, have been for the training of the men under my care. I have requested records on certain of them, and have been reviewing their skills and obtaining recommendations from their Lieutenants and Seargents already. Those that I find with greater potential, I intend to refer to Master of the Sword Methos for further individual training." He glances at Aeril, whom he has not met.

Picking up another set of knives, Cende switches to her right hand. This time, the four 'thunks' happen in rapid succession, and afterwards Cende goes to investigate her aim.

Kellian nods with approval at Turail,"It is in a sense, the same path I am now following with yourself and others of the Guard." He notes the glance at Aeril, and says to the Captain,"This is Lieutenant Aeril Ibewyth of the 3rd Infantry." Without looking away from Turail, he is speaking to Aeril then,"Captain Turail's experience and insight will be a welcome addition to the Guard."

Aeril meets Turail's glance with a steady look from her ice blue eyes. Her manner is not cool, but there is an aloofness there that might remind you of the queen herself. She touches her fist to her heart in a formal salute to the Captain. "The Captain's experience in the field preceeds him, Captain-General. There are few that could spar with Methos as well as he just did." Then she nods to the man, giving him a measure of respect as any might do to an obvious blademaster.

While the young noble woman isn't moving too quickly towards Cende, it does become somewhat obvious that Rennar is travelling in that general direction. She neither sneaks up on the other woman, nor hides her presense. Rather, she stops a few feet away, watching quietly as her guardswoman throws the various knives she possesses.

Kellian says to the Captain in return,"Just as the Lieutenant's experience, skill and dedication are an asset to the Guard and the Lion Throne."

"A pleasure, Lieutenant." Turail responds in his rasping voice, adding another short slight bow and a brushing of fingers from heart to brow as is the custom of servants in Shienar. Someone oughta give him some tea or something for that voice, though it likely won't help. His voice is always like that. "I look forward to working with you at length," he adds.

Theowyn arrives from the southeast, following a path of stout flagstones.

After retreiving the practice knives from the target, Cende steps back to the top of the practice area. Carefully putting away the equipment, she then turns to Rennar and places her hands on her hips. Despite her scruffy appearance, her low, velvet voice holds some asperity as she looks firmly at Rennar "What are you doing here? Your house told me you weren't planning on leaving this evening, and you're not supposed to go without a guard - which I don't see behind you." The voice is not raised, instead being pragmatic.

Kellian stands with Aeril and Turail. While Cende practices with her throwing knifes and Rennar is attempting to sneak up on her. I think :)

Aeril nods to Turail again, acknowledging his words, "I'm sure that our paths will cross often, Captain." Although they do serve in different divisions, Aeril's connection with Kellian often brings her in contact with most of the divisions here at the palace.

Theowyn turns from the courtyard and into the practise yard on this evening. Two Queen's Guardsman flank him on either side, the three men discussing matters privately. As they walk further into the practise field, the guardsman separate, and Theowyn begins to notice those about. At first he notices a few officers of the Queen's Guard, and then a few more until spotting Kellian and the woman he's with. Cende does suddenly get his attention some moments later, more so then even Rennar, and for a moment Theowyn's expression might express stress over some matter.

There's a small frown which lightly touches upon Rennar's lips. She stands with Cende now, away from the others who are across the field somewhere. "I received a message from the Palace about some meeting or another that I was to attend. Unfortunately, I was expected to arrive forthwith so there was not time to arrange for a guard, persay." The young woman calmly folds her hands before her, pressing her lips together.

Kellian has not as yet noticed the arrival of the First Prince, his younger half-brother. He continues to speak with Turail, while Aeril stands at his side,"And what have you discovered so far, Captain about the state of your troops?"

Cende simply sighs, and shakes her head "Well, I rather expected you to do this, so I'm not surprised. I'm just glad you're safely here." She scans over the fields, glacing at the faces. Her eyes come to the face of the First Prince, and she pales abruptly, looking away again quickly.

With her back to the entrance, Rennar does not see the Theowyn come into the practice yard. A brow lifts slightly, some concern coming to her features, "Is something wrong...?" She takes a step forward before catching herself, uncertain whether or not to interefere.

Theowyn continues through the courtyard, still seeming to be undecided whether to approach Cende and Rennar, though they do seem to hold his attention. That's when Turail comes into view just past a few Guardsman passing through.

"They are at about the state I expected them to be in Captain General." Turail responds. "Master Methos informs me much of the blade instruction must be done in groups, which will suffice the more natural of those in the sword, but does not obviously make an elite force. They are trained in the skills as much as possible under the circumstances." He tilts his head slightly, "If it please you, I had been discussing a plan with Methos to improve those that may benefit from more personal instruction."

A faint, unhappy smile crosses the blonde bodyguard's face, and a hand reaches for a pendant that is no longer there. "Nothing that time will not cure." She shakes her head, looking at the Duchess before her "Was your meeting done, or did you have other errands to run this evening?" Cende's voice trembles slightly as she speaks.

Kellian raises a brow at the mention of an elite force. A glance to Aeril, but a quick one at that, and then his gaze is firmly back on the Captain,"As with all things, you may guide a group in general principle, but individual guidance will hone that skill to razor sharpness. Wouldn't you agree, Aerilyn?"

"My meeting was finished." Rennar starts to speak, though her words trail off as she further listens to Cende speak. Real concern comes to her eyes, though she doesn't pry further, not yet anyway. "I heard you were here, so I decided to see if you'd rather be the one to see me home instead of the Queen's Guard." At least she was being sensible in that respect. Her eyes do spot the missing pendant, a brow lifting in a gentle manner,

Aeril nods to the Captain-General. She would not accept her given name from most people she serves with, since she has been -Aeril- since she joined the guard eleven summers ago, but from Kellian, her given name seems to suit. When he glances at her she nods to him with understanding. To Turail she says, "Most of the men do benefit from instruction. It is up to the individual to make the most of their own skills." Is she agreeing with the Captain or not? Hard to say.

Turail nods, "Agreed. But there comes a time when a man with a knack can be catapulted forward with individual attention. It was my wish to identify those few, and train them to a higher leve, and then turn them back to their prides to improve their fellows. Unless you object to this sort of plan, sir, on grounds I have not considered." His way of bowing to the wishes of a commanding officer, but making it plain he feels this is a good way to proceed.

Talwyn walks onto the Practice Fields from the barracks.

Talwyn comes walking out of the barracs putting his gloves on as he goes. Probably not best to walk and dress at the same time...We'll see what happens.

Nodding, Cende checks over the practice area she has occupied once more, then turns to Rennar "Yes, I would rather escort you than the Queen's Guards. They have other duties, I do not. If you're ready then..." she allows the Duchess to make the final decision by leaving or not.

Kellian nods at the Captain,"I do not disagree with that Captain, my concern is whether we are putting your skills as a warrior and commander to best use. Methos and the Sargaents that work with him are here for the sole purpose of training the recruits as well as keeping the rest in top form. I will allow you to continue this practice for now, and I would like to have a report on my desk about these men that you have spotted who have such potential. It would aid the battle plans if I know who among our men are potential blademasters."

Turail bows his head slightly, acquiescing. "As you wish Captain-General, so will I do. You shall have a report tomorrow." he replies, his weathered features half turning for a moment to the Lieutenant at Kellian's elbow. "I am of course at your disposal to do with as you think best. Are there duties you would have me take up that I have not been appraised of?"

Aeril continues to remain at ease beside the Captain-General. She doesn't speak unless spoken to, but she is paying close attention to all that is spoken between the two men. Idly, she glances at the arriving first prince, taking note of the guardsmen that flank him with a measure of approval.

Kellian shakes his head,"Not as yet. I understand though that a group from the White Tower is passing through Caemlyn on their way to the Mountains of Mist. I am thinking of sending a troop in that direction to make certain there is no more foreign activity in the area." Refering of course to the presence of black armored, lance weilding, horsemen who, with the help of a group of poorly organized bandits, attacked some of his men in the Mountains and attacked a village in the area.

Theowyn is stopped by a few Guardsman that are obviously familiar to him. The chat with brief, and by this time Theowyn decides to head in the direction. As he comes toward the ranking officers of the Queen's Guard, it would be dificult to miss Theowyn turn to look in the direction of Cende and Rennar. A contemplative sigh escapes his lips, as he does finally approach the group. "Kellian, Turail." A special nod seems to indicate Aeril, "Aeril. It has been a little while," he notes, stepping up to the conversation.

Rennar inclines her head gently to Cende, "Now would be as good a time as any." With that she turns and starts to walk toward the gates, though she misses a step when she, herself, spies Theowyn. Her expression turns rather neutral in manner, and her lips thin as they tighten. Her own reaction is directly the opposite of Cende's, yet similar all the same. "Now would be the best time, in fact." She waits a little, that silent invitation for Cende to walk with her instead of behind her.

Kellian turns his head, just enough to regard his brother, he doesn't seem to be surprised by his arrival, so perhaps was seeing more then he seemed to be seeing. "Theowyn." He even offers a smile of greeting.

An anticipating gleam seems to leap out of the blademaster's frigid blue eyes at the mention of a possible mission to the area the black suits of armor were recovered from. He's quite interested in recent events. Somthing about the whole Renford matter did not ring true in his half shienaran ears. He'd like dearly to know what the cause of that disturbance in his mind on the matter is. He nods, "Yes, of course. Given the events in that area, a presence maintained there might not be a bad idea." He turns his head as Theowyn arrives, "Your Highness." He rasps, a bit more formally than when they two speak alone.

Aeril nods to the First Prince in return, giving him a respectful salute. She then looks at Kellian again as he speaks about sending troops to the Mountains of Mist. "Sir? Do you intend to go with thim?" Aeril is serious about that question and gazes at the man with some intensity that suggests that if he does, she will do what she can to insist on going with him.

Kellian turns at the motion of those two leaving, he raises his hand to Theowyn and Turail, nods his head in inclusion to Aeril. "If you will excuse us." He turns to move toward the departing duo, and says to one of the guards at hand,"I need to speak to those two, Guardsman Norn, please tell them so and see if now would be an appropriate time." The Captain General has taken a few steps away from Turail and Theowyn and expects Aeril to be with him. The Guard dashes over to intercept Cende and Rennar and reports a bit breathlessly,"The Captain General has requested a moment of your time..highness." he adds that last with some uncertainty. Looking between the two of them, as he stands at attention, awaiting their answer.

Stepping to Rennar's side, the rangy blonde gives the Duchess a faint smile. She scans the area as they move, although her eyes return constantly to Theowyn. Stopping abruptly as the Guard approaches, Cende's eyes tighten, and she sighs. "Duchess.. I suspect this is about the Arboretum.."

Theowyn arches an eyebrow as he watches the attention going in the direction of Cende and Rennar. He too had been standing in a position where he could observe the pair, and that doesn't change now, especially with the Captain-General heading in that direction. "I see you are getting situated," he notes to Turail in that casual tone, pondering matters ahead of him.

At the term Highness, a slight touch of a frown does come to Rennar's features. She looks at Theowyn with an almost accusatory glare, then lets her features relax a bit. In a dignified manner, she nods her head to the guardsman, murmuring in a gentle voice, "We were just about to leave. Will this take long?" Upon hearing Cende's words, that frown grows ever so slightly, though she controls it well.

Cronus enters scanning the area, as he exits the barracks and glares at a recruit for not saluting as he passes by and with a quick call down, well the recruit runs upon being dismissed to do other stuff. Cronus doesn't appear to be in the best of moods but there is still an easy going manner in him. He searches the scene and noting Kellian and Aeril doing stuff, with the Prince and a Captain about else where. He heads towards Theo and The Capt since they aren't walking to do other stuff. He presents a bow to Theowyn with a salute, and a nod of respect to Turail. "Good eve, my prince, how fair you this eve?"

As Kellian heads away, to intercept the Duchess and her blonde guard, Turail's eyes follow curiously, and then turn back to the prince. "Yes, it seems so, old friend." His tone is lowered, and he uses friendship terms now rather than formal ones. Untill Cronus approaches. He nods, with a slightly curt bow, and glances to the prince.

Aeril follows after Kellian, remaining at his side.

Moving with Rennar by her side, Cende moves towards Kellian, her eyes flowing once again to Theowyn. Although her face is nominally calm, a certain tightness lingers around her eyes and lips. Her hand once again moves to where a necklace would hang, if one were there.

The guard defers as Kellian reaches his side, The Captain General looks at Rennar,"I do not think it will take long. I just wish to make certain of the details of that business in the Arboreteum. It concerns me, in light of all that is happening, and I would like to set my mind at rest as to whether it was a random act my some cutthroat from Ferret Run, or another attempt on your life by the forces arrayed against Andor, Lady Rennar."

"If it was an attempt on the Duchess' life, Captain General, you may rest assured that it was the unprofessional and pathetic attempt I have ever seen," responds Cende dryly, her burbon voice temporarily having a hint of amusement. "I reacted to possible threat. I did not intend to kill the," she pauses, "gentleman.. lurking in the bushes, but I knew he was there, and I aimed at the noise he made."

A gentle sigh does escape Rennar as she finds herself moving to meet the Captain General anyway. A veiled glance moves toward Aerilyn, a brow lifting very slightly. Hands delicately smooth over the folds of her velvety dress, showing some impatience on the matter. There is a moment of hesitation. "There is no 'proof' that there were any forces arrayed against my life, Captain-General." That's the only likely comment that one will receive regarding Renford and House Fiores' involvement against her. "I will speak with you about the matter in the Arboretum, but must we really do it in a publ-" Her words cut off when Cende starts speaking.

Kellian raises a brow at Rennar's concern. Public? One would think they were in the middle of the inn at the height of business discussing her most personal of affairs. He nods at Cende. "An assassin wuold not have been so careless. That is all I needed to know. Thank you." He looks between them and then adds,"I apologize if I have detained you overly much, or caused any.." he actually offers a sympathetic expression,"discomfort. Peace favor you both."

Aeril studies Cende as the Captain-General speaks with the duchess. It is not that she is not paying attention to the conversation, but old habits of bodyguard duty come into play with her. She is noticing Cende's mannerisms and judging distances between the woman and the Prince she stands with. Aeril doesn't stand behind the man as a bodyguard might, instead she remains at his left side.

Theowyn inclines his head lightly to Cronus, rather growing curious to this matter with Rennar and Cende that involves Kellian. "There was an attempt on the Daughter-Heir's life," he explains to Turail, though shaking his head lightly in a tight smile. "Though I'm sure you're all too aware of that." Theowyn does continue to observe, likely too far to hear any words. "I would approach the Daughter-Heir, but she does seem rather skittish at times," he notes, that with a faint hint of amusement.

"Then if there is nothing more, we shall be on our way." Rennar states in a rather bland, yet mild manner. She does reserve one more glance toward Theowyn, eyes narrowing just slightly at the Prince. Smirking a touch, she glances sideways at Cende, then starts once more to leave the field.

Cende begins to give the Captain-General a salute in the Arafellian style, stopping as it's halfway through and seemingly inwardly amused at the action. She looks one last time at Theowyn, her glance completely different than that of the Duchess, before turning and walking with Rennar towards the courtyard.

Kellian raises his hand, almost as an afterthought, or something just remembered,"A moment." he says to both of them.

Stopping once more, Rennar schools her expression before turning toward the Captain-General. "Yes?" She inquires in a light toned voice, her emerald gaze flickering slightly in the light cast down upon them. Tilting her head to the side a bit, she takes in some of those she missed presently while she was in the field.

Turail indicates his awareness of that little fact by a nod. One would not say he is attempting to listen in at this distance, but his eyes have that void chill empty quality for a moment, which passes as he turns back to the Prince. "Yes, I had heard of the incident." Some faint wisp of amusement does register in the ex-duke's expression. "She is an independant woman, as brash and headstrong as a young bull. She chafes at the fetters of duty." He remarks in his softest rasp to the prince.

Stopping in mid-stride, Cende also turns to face Kellian.

"Does she?" Theowyn isn't sure whether to be amused or tense, the glance from Cende to Rennar sending two entirely different emotions within him. "At least the Daughter-Heir has been making an effort to be within the palace. For that I'm pleased." Theowyn's master plan is working, or so he will believe, as he pats Turail on the shoulder and begins to head in that general direction. "Has the Queen's Guard been of much contrast in comparison to Shienar during your service there?"

Aeril gazes at the Captain-General thoughtful. As if the young swordswoman is looking to learn something from him. She remains at his side, a serious aide ready to do his biding.

Turail falls in beside Theowyn, his hands finding their place behind his back in easy clasp. "Some." A reflective expression assumes a perch on his face as they walk. His eyes find his boots for a moment, though not really seeing them as he thinks. "The atmosphere was perhaps more desperate in Fal Dara." He concludes, adding, "Though war has a way of straightening men's levity into solemn understanding of how precious peace is."

Kellian explains then,"Lady Rennar, I am inclined to believe your assertions about the wrongs done to you in the past. But without proof, we are in a difficult game of wills with the other nations. We stand on the balance now..one slight shift in weight and we will go tumbling into the darkness below. I know you did think highly of the actions of my predecessor, and that in and of it self was a victory for those that stand against us. I would have your house stand with the Lion Throne when the time comes, so I would wish you to always speak openly and frankly with me about your concerns. But as for the other matter, let me do what I can to ferret out the truth and we will see those responsible are brought to justice."

"That is where you are wrong, Captain-General. There is proof, only you do not choose to use it for fear that he may deny it being so. I would no more accept his proof that the erroneous House of Andor were the ones responsible for my near fate with death than I would that the proof already presented was not real enough. I trust no one, nor should I." Rennar states rather bluntly and up front, her arms crossing before her, a slight frown coming to her lips, "Please explain who your predecesor might be, because I believe that there might be a rather large miscalculation about my views upon which you speak."

Kellian looks into her eyes,"Durnik Kasagara, of course. You told me yourself, when I was still a Captain, that you were unhappy about his decisions. If I mistook your actions then, and you in fact were pleased, then by all means I stand corrected. Misunderstanding..and the failure of communication..are the greatest contributors to a failed campaign..or the collapse of a nation. As for the evidence you speak of, I have not seen such, but if we can discuss such at length, I am not afraid to present the facts about Renford Fiores and his family." His jaw tightens some but his tone is honest and forthright.

"The victory was gained for Andor with the removal of your predecessor," Theowyn reminds as he enters into the conversation, unable to not comment on that note. "Durnik was removed because he failed to understand the chain of command, and continues to act foolishly in despiration. Those are not the qualities of a Captain-General. And yet he continues in the same path now, brother. I have Children of the Light approaching me pondering why Durnik is accusing their men of being Darkfriends when he hears it second hand from the words of an eleven year old girl..." Theowyn does indeed set the record straight on his beliefs on the matter. "A girl that had reason to lie." Those attentive blue eyes take to Rennar with that. "You will not convince the Daughter-Heir of Durnik's worth, not when he hired a chargedDarkfriend and invites her to this very palace."

Cende simply listens, with some interest, to the conversation, even as she scans the area, constantly watching for potential trouble.

Kellian nods to his brother as he interjects himself into the conversation, looking back to Rennar for her reaction.

"Where House Hune stands at the time of any insurmountable attack depends largely on how the Crown functions and acts, as it always has. My support and my choices are my own to make, and will not be discussed with any save Aislynn herself." Once again the Daughter-heir makes her voice and words clear as she continues on the earlier topic. She does not add the honorary title, speaking of the Queen in the familiar as one friend would to another. This is something that's more than second nature to her. "You did not mistake that I was rather displeased with that man." She will not bring herself to speak Durnik's name, a look of complete distaste on her features. "Nor will I go into my reasons for disliking him so here and now. As to the evidence presented, it was presented publically in the meeting of the Noble's council before Queen Sydelle arrived by Lord Magnus Trigaran himself, after an attack that had befallen the Queen's own family on Andoran soil."

Kellian brows raise dramatically,"Magnus Trigaran.." he says softly. Though only Aerilyn likely heard him. It's almost the tone one would use when swearing softly.

Turail stands to the side, not interjecting anything towards this cvonversation, though his own feelings on his countryman, by blood, if not by honor, are hardly secret either, and tend to run with Rennar's.

"Indeed, Magnus Trigarn. He presented a flag bearing House Fiores's symbol, stating it was left behind at the attack on Queen Sydelle's family, members which were staying on his estates because assassins were going after them within Murandy, I believe." Rennar looks briefly to Theowyn for conformation of this, though looks back to the Captain-General, "I am almost certain it would be kept within the Palace vaults, especially considering one of the men within House Hune during my time of capture had visited my uncle and ordered my death."

Ian arrives from the southeast, following a path of stout flagstones.

Aeril nods as she hears the Captain-General speak and she stiffens. She continues to listen to the conversation.

bore that same symbol - erg, add that to Rennar's last few words.

Kellian nods. "I see." Then he adds,"Your council is your own to keep, Lady Rennar, But the defense and protection of Andor is my responsibility..from the poorest of children..to the highest born of nobles. And so I must do everything in my power to see that your House, and all the Houses of Andor are protected, but I also must know where you stand when it comes time to protect Andor and her Queen. You will forgive if I do not simply leave such matters to chance or whim."

Ian approaches the practice yard, the sching of his spurs likely lost in the din of conversation and practice. He follows along a path towards the barracks, his step a little too fast to be considered casual. Any paying study to his countenance might note a slightly shaken man.

"I will decide where I stand when there is a time decide. Now is not that time, Captain-General." Rennar states rather blandly, a touch of insult coming to her eyes. "I am growing weary now. I bid you a good evening." She does cast Theowyn one last glance before starting for the exit once more.

Aeril shifts into a more attention pose beside Kellian and regards the Lady Rennar with her icy gaze. It is as if she too were curious about the answer to this question, however, as she has from the beginning of this encounter with the Hune noblewoman, she remains silent.

Kellian rubs his chin thoughtfully. Well, he didn't take this position to make friends and influence people..well, mostly not. "Light Protect you both." he says sincerely.

"Light Illume," Theowyn tilts his head just enough, not sparing the title, though his eyes focus on Cende. There is a tension there, its visible on his expression. "Cende..." her name trails as he looks to the woman that is Rennar's guard.

A faint smile crosses Cende's face at the Duchess' fire. As Rennar turns away to leave, Cende once again looks at Theowyn. Softly, she only answers "Yes?", but there is a world of hope or despair in that one word.

Theowyn looks between the others briefly, and then steps forward. "I will be escorting the Duchess and Cende to their manor," he states quietly enough to not impress a 'big-deal' out of it. And even as he states this, that focus remains on Cende.

Kellian nods at his brother. "I trust someone will be escorting you."

The Daughter-heir continues walking on, whether or not Cende follows. Her steps are at a normal pace, suggesting that it'd be rather easy to catch up to her if necessary. Red velvey skirts swish back and forth as the young woman makes her way to the exit, catcing on the various blades of grass.

Dropping her eyes briefly, Cende nods without replying. She turns to catch up to her charge - a few quick strides, and she is beside Rennar, leaning over to speak briefly as they walk towards the courtyard.

Aeril gazes at the two guardsmen that have been escorting the First Prince as he travels about the grounds. She nods. The royal prince does indeed have an escort of his own. She remains at Kellian's side, glancing at the new arrival to the practice field momentarily, trying to judge who he is.

Ian continues steadily across the field, making only brief scan at those gathered. He steps off the path enough to make room for the departing few and continues towards the barracks.

"Of course brother," Theowyn responds, noting that that Daughter-Heir is already at some distance away. Folding his arms behind him, he casually follows behind, his longer strides likely closing the distance without him actually rushing ahead. As he passes by Ian, he offers a nod.

Kelliangaze was on the departing figure, but he turns his head sharply to regard Ian's figure.

Kellian mutters to Aeril, "... you know..."

Seeing the group scattering, Turail bows to Kellian and Aeril formally, and then takes his own direction to the stables.

Pausing briefly, Rennar leans in closer to Cende as she's spoken to. She glances over her shoulder, and upon noticing the Prince following along, a sigh erupts from her. She nods to Cende, murmuring something back to her.

Cende senses "Rennars voice is low pitched, for only Cende's ears, "You may walk with me, or him, whichever you prefer most." She casts a sideways glance at her guardswoman, though there is no look of accusation upon her features."

Ian returns the prince's nod, with a more formal one of his own and gives a greeting that's half mumble.

Glancing momemtarily back at the approaching Prince, Cende then returns her attention to the Duchess and once again unhappily smiles to Rennar, replying in the same soft tone.

Turail walks through a huge doorway and into the Royal Stables.

Theowyn paces ahead toward the two, though seeming to be in no rush as they seem to desire privacy.

Cende whispers "You know him, he won't do anything in public, anyway. He will follow me to my home, if he wishes to speak with me."

Cende shrugs to Rennar, and simply walks with the smaller woman.

Rennar's lips curl downward in a softly hued frown. She nods her head a bit, "You are right, Cende." She speaks aloud, giving Theowyn one more glance over the shoulder before she continues forward once more.

Kellian will remain where he is, speaking quietly to Aeril. He motions to Guardsman Norn again,"Ask that man to come here." Indicating Ian. Guardsman Norn dutifully rushes after the fellow and stops in front of Ian,"Captain-General wants a word with you, sir."

You walk along the flagstone path toward the southeast.

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. A small group of servants prepares the Palace for the pre-winter cleaning. The stone of the courtyard and steps leading to the Palace are being carefully scrubbed. 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.

Katsi, Lorewyr

Katsi walks along a white stone path, to the east.

Cende glides silently into the courtyard from the flagstone path to the northwest.

Theowyn walks into the courtyard from the flagstone path to the northwest.

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

Saorla walks through the guarded gates, to the Queen's Plaza.

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

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

Serionus arrives with Wesley.

Saorla walks along a white stone path, to the east.

Wesley walks behind the group from the tower, Serionus sneaking high above as he slips onto the grounds over the walls of the palace

Wesley walks along a white stone path, to the east.

Serionus leaves with Wesley.

Walking through the courtyard, heading toward the Queen's Plaza is an obvious looking noblewoman with another woman in scruffier clothing walking with her. Behind them is a man who looks to bear the symbols and rankings of the First Prince of the Sword.

The guards return any weapons they may have confiscated and bid you a good day.

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. Leaves of gold, red and brown are blown through the streets of the Inner City by chill autumn breezes. The fragrant scent of a fire burning fills the air. 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 comes up the gently-sloping hill from the west, following Crown of Roses Avenue.

Theowyn comes up the gently-sloping hill from the west, following Crown of Roses Avenue.

By now Theowyn would have caught up with both Rennar and Cende, though there is no effort to move forward in a conversation. Two Guardsman blank either side immidiately to the trio, and more follow behind in a less obvious fashion.

Cende stops with Rennar outside the gates of Tiras Lorn, and watches the Prince join them. Her eyes scan the area, watching carefully at the odd people with odd items, and also the guards that flank Theowyn.

From time to time, the young Duchess of Hune looks over her shoulder at the First Prince. She doesn't look entirely happy at his presense altogether, but can't help but tolerate it. She stops with Cende just outside of Tiras Lorn and waits a moment for Theowyn to catch up more fully, "You both are, of course, invited into the Manor if you so wish."

"That would be appreciated," Theowyn offers a pleased smile as he steps toward the gates. The Guardsmen seem content at standing near the entrance, a few more gathering.

Speaking softly, Cende shakes her head "Thank you, but I.. should get back to my rooms." She smiles "I will, however, see you tomorrow. And perhaps I will put my name on the list of those to be advised when you have meetings."

Nodding her head gently, Rennar gives Cende a pleasant enough smile, "On the morrow then. Have a good evening, Cende." With that she turns and bows her head more formally to Theowyn, "Prince Versyr." There was a decidedly, half-chilly touch to her words as she speaks the formal title to the Prince.

Kalaes arrives with Eglantine.

"I thought Cende would have been staying in your residence," Theowyn explains, noting the light chill that takes to Rennar's words. "Duchess, if you will excuse me this evening then, I have matters with Mistress Cende that require attention. I'm sure that will be to your satisfaction," the last he notes with a pleased smile. "Though I am glad to see the Daughter-Heir once again within the Palace."

Eglantine walks toward House Barydar, accompanied by Kalaes, and glancing a bit guiltily at the guards as she offers them a quiet 'good evening'. And walks on through.

Hearing the words of the Prince, Cende pales once again, but she quietly waits for the Prince before walking towards her own rooms.

Einone walks out of a house reputedly rented by Aes Sedai.

Einone looking faintly distracted she limps out of the residence and down the street, every movement accomapnied by the gentke chimming of bells

Kalaes follows Eglantine, openly staring at the palaces as they pass by.

Delicately, a brow lifts at Theowyn's words, "No, Prince Versyr, Cende has chosen to stay at the Inn of her own accord. I was not insistant upon her moving into my residence. And there really is no excuses necessary." A thin smile touches Rennar's lips as she regards Theowyn, "As for my returning to the Palace, I suppose I shall say that, too, is all too dependant on how some matters are decided." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, looking to Cende, "I may go do some light shopping in the morning. If I am not up by the time you get here, feel free to have Genette rouse me."

Nodding to the Duchess, Cende smiles at the closest thing to an order that Rennar has given her. She watches quietly as Rennar moves into her house.

Eglantine passes through the gateway leading to Barydar Manor.

Kalaes leaves with Eglantine.

Alcoran emerges from the extensive grounds of Barydar Manor.

Alcoran walks into imposing residence of the Belmond Family.

Einone walks along White Lion Way, in a southwesterly direction.

"Indeed..." Theowyn studies Rennar thoughtfully. "Pleasant evening, Rennar."

You pull open the heavy gates and enter the courtyard.