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.

Darayn

Demonder opens the door of the house and joins you in the courtyard.

The doors to Tiras Lorn open, and out come Rennar and Demonder. The young Duchess pulls her cloak about her shoulders, staving away the chill autumnal air. "Then he as much demanded to know where House Hune stood in terms of support of the Queen." A darkened expression touches Rennar's emerald eyes, a fiery light coming to them, as she speaks of the new Captain-General.

Demonder frowns at Rennar's summary, escorting his wife down the length of the stairs. "It does make one wonder what he has been hearing to ask such a question? Perhaps the Tower has been poking, they do not seem to like us much at the moment," Demonder notes, turning to Rennar with the faint grin.

A brow lifts delicately in response to Demonder's words. Rennar tilts her head to the side a bit, giving her husband a sideways glance. "I could only imagine they are very afraid of what I might do now that they've let that man loose. I have grounds to pull my support from the Queen, yet I realize that her hands were tied. I can't fault her for that." Her brow crinkles deeply, concern coming to her eyes. "I do not like that man. There's something I can't quite put my finger on, but I swear he's the one responsible for everything."

The rustling of fabric against the air provides an infrequent counterpart to the whistling of steel cleaving the wind as Darayn Hune works the forms in a rather secluded portion of the Courtyard, the husky Lord whirling through a series of stances and actions with exquisite precision and barely-constrained power.

Demonder's grip on Rennar tightens at the thought of Renford. "I would carry that opinion of any man that would have me open a box with a severed head inside. I would certainly see the need to bring evidence to the High Court, but to place a box with the head inside on the table, and give no warning as to what would be inside?" Demonder still fumes over the insident. "Sick."

That image only serves to make Rennar shiver unconciously. "I am glad I was not there for that." She allows her gaze to trail about the courtyard, as they wander toward one of the various benches within. Spying Darayn, she smiles faintly, but makes no motion to disturb his practice session, "Perhaps you could spar with my cousin sometime? I know you like to keep in shape with your axe, and I know you haven't been getting to the Palace grounds as often lately."

Motion brought to a sudden stillness Darayn assumes a raised, one-legged stance, sword held out before him as the gentle autumn breeze ruffles his hair. It happens that this movemtn (or lack thereof) results in his facing the conversing couple, whom he spares a nod and slight smile before resuming a passionless, distant expression.

Demonder leans over to Rennar as though revealing some masterful secret. "Your cousin is a Blademaster," he notes with a reminding tone. "Though I've already challenged Turail to a dual, perhaps another Blademaster would not be a major adjustment. Do expect me to return with a few knicks." Teasing, Demonder eyes Darayn's swordforms with some curiousity. "It would seem that Turail has no intentions of leaving anytime soon. It would seem that we are well protected here, especially so on the nights that Lord Darayn decides to sleep in his chambers."

"Turail seems to have accepted a position as Captain of the Guard within the Andoran army." Rennar replies quietly, eyes returning to her careful study of Darayn. "So, I do seem to think he'll at least be in Andor, if not within Tiras Lorn itself." She pauses briefly, murmuring gently, "Turail is welcome to stay here as long as is needed."

Distant his expression may be, but his reaction to Demonder's jibe belies the attention he was paying to the pair nevertheless, as Darayn's precarious position is endangered by the faintest of twitches, causing the swordsman to bring his other foot to the ground lest he spill most ungraciously into the dust of the Yard, snorting softly as he sheathes his blade with a smooth, economical motion.

"And this Mistress Cende, she seems most affective as your guard, I would say?" Demonder asks, arching an eyebrow as he watches Darayn. "I had questioned her loyalties considering the source of the recommendation, though from what I have heard, she is rather affective."

"She proved her effectiveness the other evening, when two brigands attempted to attack us within the arboretum." Rennar speaks in a soft mannered voice, moving to take a gentle seat upon the tree swing. "I would say that she is quite skillful." A light smirk comes to her features, "I'd almost think she'd attempt to teach me how to use daggers, though she has not asked if I'd be willing to consider it." There is no show on her features as to whether or not she would either. Her eyes still linger on Darayn, a slight touch of a smile coming to her feature at her cousin's vexxed expression. "I do not question her loyalties. But it seems she may become distracted by matters of the heart."

Grasping a small cloth draped across a nearby bench, Darayn blots a face covered in a light sheen of perspiration as he makes his way towards the Duchess and her mate, tugging his slightly disshelveled clothing into some semblence of order as he moves.

"Indeed, I've yet to thank her for that evening," Demonder murmers, wishing he was there. "Cousin," Demonder inclines his head to Darayn as they walk closer to the man. "My wife makes a good point, have you yet to challenge a man of the axe in battle?" The teasing nature in Demonder further intends to contrast Darayn's earlier vexxed expression.

"Indeed, I've yet to thank her for that evening," Demonder murmers, wishing he was there. "Cousin," Demonder inclines his head to Darayn from a distance. "My wife makes a good point, have you yet to challenge a man of the axe in battle?" The teasing nature in Demonder further intends to contrast Darayn's earlier vexxed expression.

"She doesn't seem to be one who takes compliments very well." Rennar observes in a quieter voice. She nods to Darayn as he comes closer, her smile more warm and pleasant than the amused expression earlier, "Cousin." She grows quiet as she listens to Demonder's challenge, a brow lifting delicately as she looks to her husband.

"Greetings Duchess, Lord Demonder," Darayn greets smoothly, offering each a bow in their turn, seemingly untouched by the recent rigors of his practice as he strightens from these gestures of respect and greeting, sparing Demonder a fairly indifferent shrug, "I fear I must seem to be a tool of relaxation for the Lord's ensconced within the walls of Tiras Lorn. FIrst Turail seeks to test my steel, and now I find myself once again the subject of martial inquiry." His soft chuckle spoils his otherwise forlorn expression and tone, "I can almost beleive the First Prince will visit later this evening to venture his blade against my own as well...perhaps I need a dispensation from her Majesty as 'Royal Scratching Post' or something of the like."

A slight smirk does touch Rennar's features at the formal greeting, "Please, Darayn, how many times do I have to say please simply call me Rennar, or even Renni, while in the comforts of our own home?" Now it's her turn to become slightly vexxed, an exasperatedly exaggerated sigh escaping from her. At Darayn's further words, Rennar closes her mouth, cutting off anything she might have said. Though, there are noticeable traces of a frown starting to tug at the edges of her lips. She, instead, busies herself with smoothing over the wrinkles within her garments, and securing her position more firmly upon the tree swing.

A slight smirk does touch Rennar's features at the formal greeting, "Please, Darayn, how many times do I have to say please simply call me Rennar, or even Renni, while in the comforts of our own home?" Now it's her turn to become slightly vexxed, an exasperatedly exaggerated sigh escaping from her. At Darayn's further words, Rennar closes her mouth, cutting off anything she might have said. Though, there are noticeable traces of a frown starting to tug at the edges of her lips. She, instead, busies herself with smoothing over the wrinkles within her garments, and securing her position more firmly upon the tree swing.

"Royal scratching post?" Demonder inquiries, not yet taking a seat on the swing. "Perhaps you should take all challenges on at once, and save yourself the strains of repeated battles?" the young lord suggests, playing his odds at a chance of victory.

Cende stops to speak with the guards for a brief moment as she passes them, then steps through the construction area. Spying the Duchess speaking with family, she places herself well out of the way, and quietly watches the courtyard.

A soft chortle floats from the blonde Hune's lips as he turns to regard the other man with a weighing, vaguely sarcastic expression, "I haven't entertained /that/ many sparring partners, Demonder," he quips is quick rejoinder, "And my apologies...Rennar," he adds somewhat haltingly as he responds warmly to the Duchesses' request, "I seem to have immersed myself in the depths of formality of late, detestable as it is, and the habits seem to be a bit harder to shake than I thought."

Looking away from clearing her skirts from imaginary wrinkles, Rennar's emerald eyes gaze up to meet those of her cousin's. She tilts her head to the side, giving a light shrug of her right shoulder. "I am immersed in formalities whenever I visit the Palace. I'd like to think 'home' is where we can all relax from that." That frown which started to form relaxes and turns into something of a neutral expression. "If you are adverse to sparring with Demonder, you don't have to of course. It was my suggestion." She casts a sideways glance at her husband, poking him lightly in the side, "He's not getting as much exercise as he could be getting." An almost impish gleam comes to her eyes, "Though, I could just as easily ask if Turail will give him a good sparring session."

Darayn's expression carries a certain degree of levity as he thumbs the belt around his waist, "I'd imagine Turail would enjoy such an exercise, Rennar...although I can't say the same for Demonder here. I think a long walk or two might be safer."

Demonder blinks between the pair for a few moments before letting some laughter spill from his lips. He looks to his stomach, patting it lightly. "Compliments to the Genette, of course, though I've not gained that much weight," he smirks at that, and now does begin to settle into the seat. "I do still train," he notes, now a bit defensive, though amusingly so.

There is a slight nodding of Rennar's head as she looks to her husband, "Genette has stated that since you have been here, she's never had to buy so many groceries before." She crosses her arms a bit, though there is a light touching of amusement in her own eyes. "Now, I don't think she's lying about that. I've seen you put away some of her food rather easily, especially her pies...!"

Darayn glances back and forth between the riposting lovers, his amused expression tempered at its edge with the softest of regretful sighs as he leans against a nearby tree, "We all do train, Demonder, it's usually a question of what we train for. I can only say I surel;y sleep well at night knowing that should the Dark One seek to bury us with pastries you will stand forward...our savior."

"I will stand forward to nudge two Blademasters ahead of me," Demonder quirks one side of his lip as he leans back on the bench. Stretching out his arm around Rennar, he snuggles her against him a touch. "As your leading Lord, I would take the credit for the victory, of course." Demonder is amused, clearly.

"Of course," Rennar's voice is amusedly wry. Her emerald gaze sneaks a peek sideways to take in the sights of her husband, "And, if in the mean time this 'King' Renford makes an attack from the back alleys?" She inquires, knowing full well that will strike a chord with Demonder.

Darayn's eyes twinkle in repressed mirth as Rennar plants a verbal poinard deep in Demonder's side, electing to remain silent lest he upset the momentum of the conversation.

"I've dealt with his men in the back alleys before," Demonder remarks, that amusement fading as a certain hatred takes to his eyes. "That sort will not be privledged the clean slice of a sword. A death by axe is far uglier." He's seen that first hand.

A hand lifts upward and gently touches Demonder's shoulder. "Nor should they be, love." The words are quietly spoken, her own eyes hardening briefly. A light sigh escapes Rennar's lips as she takes in the courtyard around her, completely missing Cende's presence still yet. "I do have to wonder when Jureim will be finishing up with the wall...." Another sigh leaves her, "I do not like feeling so exposed. We've so few guards here since we've had to purge the manor of those men Jeffrin hired."

Frowning thoughtfully at the somewhat darker tone the conversation has taken, Darayn seems hesitant to venture an opinion, yet a subtle shrug prefaces his comment. "I'd imagine if some dark attack was to proceed it would be first focused on Aislynn, rather than here."

"I doubt that, Darayn," Demonder responds honestly. His hand lightly squeezes around Rennar's shoulder. "If someone does mean to take Andor by succeeding blood-lines, they will first need to cut the Daughter-Heir before they do the Queen. Otherwise, the Queen's death will bring them no favored results on their own. That is why Lord Renford meant Renni to die years back." Demonder nods in response to Rennar. "The Ogier does seem to work on his own time schedule. He likely means to be done within a few years," Demonder frowns.

Rennar does nod her head at that, "And if it's not someone wanting to do that, its another wanting to take my position as Duchess away." There's a slight smirk which comes to her features, "Thankfully, if Jeffrin returns to Andor, he'll not be spared another chance to attempt such a thing."

Turning his attention to the aforementioned wall, Darayn's words have a musing, rambling quality to them as he crosses his well-muscled arms before him, "Well, perhaps an Heir to the Hune Seat or two might begin to assuage the danger that a single attack would result in such a disasterous loss of royal heredity, then." A long second after the last word of his comment dies out Darayn assays a quick, clearly amused glance at the pair seated at his left.

Darayn's words only seem to cause Rennar to grow more than a touch uncomfortable. She rises from the swing, parting ways with Demonder, though not before sparing her husband with an apologetic glance, "We are not quite ready to have children, cousin, and may not be for sometime." More likely, it is Rennar who's not ready to have children.

Demonder has his own concerns on the current possible heirs to House Hune, but he does not state them openly. "House Versyr lost all their female blood, enough so that Rennar is Daughter-Heir. I do not understimate the bold nature of our enemy." Demonder turns to Rennar then, offering a light kiss on her cheek. "Fortunately, I do place great value in our defenses." Demonder frowns a little at Rennar's words, but he does nod. "Not yet, Darayn. Not yet."

Darayn mms, murmuring just loudly enough to be heard, "Well, there's another thing to train for then, Demonder."

Rennar's frown appears once more, though briefly this time, at the mention of being Daughter-heir. She sighs lightly, "How I long for the days where I could just ride away from Caemlyn and enjoy late night picnics staring at the stars...." There's a wistful expression which comes to her emerald eyes, clearing away any fiery light that might have been placed there from their earlier conversation.

"Strangely enough, the last you had that love, was in Tar Valon," Demonder notes the irony, Tar Valon not being Rennar's favorite of places.

Shaking her head, Rennar turns to glance toward Demonder, "I think the last time we had that was when I managed to take you away from the city to the cabin for a brief stint..." Her eyes light up briefly in rememberance. "If I recall correctly, you were rather surprised at the hunting hideaway."

Emos opens the door of the house and joins you in the courtyard.

Daraynmay not be the world's finest field tactician, but his adept manuverings in the battles of love are much more developed...and as such he knows much better than to tread upon the pairs idyllic rememberances. Heeding his own counsel, then, Darayn simply watches the two, smiling slightly.

Rennar stands within the gardens if Tiras Lorn, a little ways away from Darayn and Demonder, who are near the tree swing. There's a wistful expression in her eyes as she addresses Demonder on something. Cende is standing in the courtyard unobtrusively.

Cende remains quiet and still, off near the gates, sitting on a bench or an overturned lump of stone, still unnoticed by the three talking near the tree. She seems to have acquired a cat at some point, a scruffy critter who is enjoying a human who's not moving about.

"That was a nice night among hard times," Demonder agrees. He lets the silence settle over the memories and emotions that flow through him. Then, he does go on. "And what are your plans these evening cousin? Are we to expect a visitor here shortly?" Demonder winks at that.

Emos opens the doors, taking a few steps out, letting the door close with a *thud*. He sees those present before him, then quickly turns around and starts back in

A light chuckle is emitted from Rennar's direction at Demonder's gentle teasing of Darayn. However, that chuckle cuts off as the 'thud' resounds about the courtyard. Looking up abruptly, Rennar catches sight of the young Hune ward. A brow lifts in a delicate manner, watching as the young boy spies them, then quickly turns back to the House. "I wonder what trouble he's getting himself into this time." She glances back to Demonder, "You know, I've heard nothing from Rio Sedai about his services to her? I would have thought since I set that up she'd at least let me know how things were working out for him as her page."

Darayn shakes his head, settling in to his lean against a tree more comfortably, "I am afraid my evening is one which I will spend without the benefit of companionship, Demonder, amazing as that must sound," and Darayn's brow furrows in rememberance as Rio's name is mentioned, "The Aes Sedai Advisor? I do believe I've met the girl...that young lad is her page, is he? Good luck..." he comments.

Quirking a brow, Rennar turns her attention back to Darayn, "It's rare for you, cousin, not to have an escort of some sort, particularly on an enjoyable evening like tonight." It is a mild observation which she makes. A soft sigh escapse her and she nods in response to her cousin's words, "Aye, he is. And when he's not in her care, he's in Sasha's when she returns more fully to her position within the House."

"Indeed," Demonder agrees with Rennar. Though not exactly confused, Demonder does begin to question Darayn's answer. "That is rather uncommon for you cousin," Demonder mimics Rennar's words, showing some amusement. "Are you suggesting you have paused in your social activities?"

Darayn seems poised on the edge of some clever jest, yet something catches the jibe at the tip of his tongue and holds it unspoken. A thoughtful expression takes a rare possession of his features as he responds in a surprisingly serious tone, "It is as much of a surprising development to me as it is for you, Demonder," and so Darayn pauses for a long moment, head quirking gently to the side in an image of intent thought, "I seem to feel a ...shift...somewhere, something out of place yet just beyond my ability to understand it, a mirage teasing just at the limits of one's vision." Another moments pause and Darayn breaks his odd reverie with a moderately forced chuckle, "Well, perhaps it's either that or my reputation is beginning to precede me," he adds in attempted jest, although his expression belies a certain lack of mirth at his own humor.

Lifting her arms, the young Lady of Hune stretches a bit, regarding her cousin with a cool, yet amused, emerald gaze. "Perhaps your reputation is preceeding you." She comments lightly, then further adds, "Though I have had a few notes asking lately whether or not I have an eligible young man wishing to settle himself down more permanantly...." The amusement seems to increase slightly as she eyes Darayn for potential in matters of possible alliances; truely, she must be jesting.

On that note, Demonder shakes his head with a surprised amusement. "I think that will be it for me this evening," he comments lightly, brushing his lips against Rennar's cheek before standing. "I have tried my hand at arranging alliances, and the conclusion could be none other that it be best if I were not involved." Demonder adds some hint of fact to Rennar's apparent jest, though his own amusement over the matter shows.

The cat that had been gracing Cende with its company spots a squirrel, and streaks off after it. When the squirrel escapes, the cat proceeds to walk out of the yard with its tail in the air, as if always intending just the rout and not a capture.

"You mean Cherise...?" Rennar inquires almost all too innocently, accepting the kiss and returning it with one of her own upon Demonder's cheek. Her eyes can't help but sneak a glance in Darayn's direction once more, and in doing so she finally spies Cende not too far off with the sudden movements of the cat. A brow lifts gently in the direction of her guardswoman, and she nods to her in greeting.

Darayn snorts at Demonder's pronouncement, but something in Rennar's last utterance truly catches his attention, " 'Notes', Rennar? 'Notes'?" the blond Lord inquires in a voice which, for lack of a better word, could be fairly accurately described as 'shrill'. A tone mirrored for a moment in his expression at Rennar's note of the Roesone lady.

Cende remains still, except for the smile and return nod of greeting to Rennar. She is definately out of hearing range, simply watching the courtyard.

Demonder chuckles, not commenting as he leans back in that light laughter. "You'll know when to find me love," he tells Rennar before heading off toward the manor. "Good evening to you cousin." Demonder could still be seen shaking his head as he enters the manor.

Demonder climbs the stairs to the main door and enters the house.

Emos climbs the stairs to the main door and enters the house.

A light chuckle escapes Rennar at Darayn's reaction, "Nothing asking for you specifically, just in general... someone looking to make alliances with House Hune." She smoothes over her skirts a bit, tilting her head to the side as she regards her cousin. She nods after Demonder's words, "Good evening, love." She smiles warmly after her husband, then turns to speak briefly once more to Darayn, "And Cherise has certainly not sent anything to me. I think she's still smitten on someone else." Her eyes fall to Cende once more. She lifts a hand inviting the other woman over, if she's so inclined.

At Rennar's invitation, Cende gracefully stands, an economy of movement not hampered by the skirts she wears. The tall bodyguard crosses the courtyard easily, something different about her step to one who would notice and compare to previous. A light smile crosses her face as she gives a small bow, and amusement colors her voice as she greets Rennar "Madame Duchess."

"I'd be among the list of the surprised if that particular woman has settled on only being smitten with one person, I think," Darayn notes wryly, eyeing the new arrival with an even, discerning expression.

Tilting her head to the side a bit, Rennar gives Cende a sideways glance, "Please, just Rennar while here..." She reminds the other woman, insistant upon that small matter. She gives Cende something of a warm smile, though the concern she had shown the woman the previous evening is still present within her eyes. "Mistress Cende, this is my cousin, Darayn." She motions lightly with a single hand to the man indicated, "He, too, is a Master of the Blade, as Lord Turail." She pauses a moment in the introduction to chuckle lightly at Darayn's words. "I do not pry into the matters of her chastity... though Light only hopes she remains so. I would not want to see House Roesone disgraced in such a manner." She sniffs slightly, still the classic Andoran in some ways. "Darayn, this is MIstress Cende, a guardswoman whom Demonder hired upon Prince Theowyn's recommendation."

The smile on Cende's face does not fade, as it had so many times previously "As you say, Madame." There is definately an undertone of a light teasing there. She nods to Darayn "My Lord." Standing under the trees, seemingly unarmed, Cende does not look much like a bodyguard, save that she is perhaps more athletic in her movements and stance than most women.

"Recommended by the First Prince, eh?" Darayn notes in a clinical tone, "High praise indeed, Cende. Where did you have the opportunity to garner such a repuatation as a practitioner of martial pursuits?"

A brow lifts faintly in response to Cende's modified greeting, though Rennar retains her warm expression. Folding her hands before her, she waits for Cende to answer Darayn's comment, though adds quietly, "I suspect that the Prince and Demonder are both concerned for my safety, particular with the King of Murandy having been within the city, and the possibly responsible for several acts against House Hune."

Cende tilts her head, and gazes at Darayn coolly but directly. "I was raised in Ebou Dar, and trained by my father. I have been a bodyguard and caravan guard since I was seventeen. Two and a half years ago, I met the Prince. The circumstances between he and I shall remain that way. The last two years I have spent in Arafel as a Blight scout." Her bourbon voice is still smooth and low, but somehow holds a lightness to it.

Darayn's lips purse in consideration as the arms-woman lists her experience, his indifferent shrug a statement of unconcern as she finishes, "Nevertheless," he begins smoothly, "And with no disrespect meant to you, Mistress Cende," he adds, offering the woman a slight nod, "But part of a bodyguards duty would seem to be dissuading an attack from being attempted and, well, I can't help but think if you were truly interested in insuring your safety you would employ a few additional blades to insure it, Rennar."

"My husband and Lord Turail both look out for my safety as well. If you feel that Demonder is remiss in the matters of my safety, you may want to bring that up with him. He is the one in charge of looking after the Guard and who gets hired to look after me." Rennar comments in a smooth voice, wrinkling her nose a bit at the thought of /more/ people looking after her than there already are.

Simply raising an eyebrow, Cende shakes her head "There are times when I miss Ebou Dar," is her simple response, before she dismisses the conversation with Darayn by the simple expediance of scanning the area.

Darayn sighs, sparing the rather terse Cende a bemused smile, "Ah well," he begins, "This is why I try not to involve myself overmuch in the machinations of House business. Too many women." he notes solemly, although with a wickedly entertained smirk.

Rennar chuckles lightly at Darayn, "Might I remind you, cousin, that it is women who run this country." There is a bemused smile showing in her eyes. "It would not go well to go around disparaging them."

"Indeed?" Darayn asks inquisitively, "I hadn't realized I had cast any aspersions on the fairer gender, Rennar...I simply mentioned I tended to prefer to avoid the circles which run thick with women. Now, one at a time..." he allows...

That amusement continues to settle itself within Rennar's eyes. "Indeed? Then you'd be apt to consider a possible arrangement? Normally I do not think much of such things, but it is time that I start pointing House Hune into a more prosperous direction."

Darayn takes a seat at the bench at his left previously occupied by Demonder, sparing a few moments to compose his thoughts as he adjusts his shirt with a few idle tugs, "I can 'consider' many things, Rennar," he notes non-committally, "But without hearing more I'm afraid all I can guarantee is an open mind."

Giving a small nod of her head, "An open mind would be all I'd ask at this point." Rennar's words are spoken softly, "I personally detest arranged marriages. You can tell that my own was out of love rather than any financial gain... but they do have their uses sometimes. It'll never be something I force anyone into. So, if something gets started, and minds are changed, then I'd honor that."

Darayn shrugs slightly, "A fair option, Rennar, and one I appreciate. I suppose I couldn't cajole a bit more out of you than that you've recived a note or two, could I?" he asks mischieviously .

Rennar shakes her head slightly, sighing softly, "Just inquiries, thus far. I have yet to answer them. One is from House Ildevwyn of Cairhien." She looks away from Darayn briefly to take in the sights of the courtyard.

Another sigh escapes the lips of the blonde Lord as he rises from his just-taken seat, "Ah well, the Wheel weaves, so they say. A good eve to you, Rennar," Darayn adds, bowing respectfully to the Duchess of his House, "Perhaps one day soon you will be able to spend a day in the fields with Demonder on a picnic," he says, his warm smile a softening thing as he makes ready to depart towards the Estate proprer.

"Perhaps," Rennar echos after Darayn, "A good evening to you." She watches as her cousin escapes into the confines of the Hune manor.

Emos opens the door of the house and joins you in the courtyard.

Emos pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

Cende sits quietly for a long while after Dalayn leaves, before she finally seats herself on the bench and looks at the Duchess "Rennar.." She pauses, considering, then begins again "This is going to sound odd, but I will explain.. Have you met the Princess Elyse? What do you think of her?"

Rennar glances to Cende as she speaks, tilting her head to the side a bit, "I haven't spent any great length of time with Kandori Princess. In fact, I haven't even formally met her. The most I've dealt with her is in passing at parties and other events." A look of curiosity touches Rennar's features as she regards Cende. "So I can't really give an opinion on her.

Nodding quietly, a slight flash of relief crosses through Cende's eyes. Taking a deep breath, she begins to speak "Two and a half years ago, I came to Caemlyn to recover from injuries I had received. Theo had just returned from the Tower, and was fretting at the bonds his position placed on him." She glances at Rennar with a light smile, she has heard enough to understands the young Duchess feels the same way that Theo did at the time. "He decided to escape the Palace, and came to the Inn. He was handsome, I was showing off to attract his attention. We met. We spent that night, and many nights out of the following month and more talking. Eventually, we became lovers. After four months, he gave me the pendant I showed you before, as an engagement gift." Here she pauses, waiting to see Rennar's reaction.

Rennar's eyes widen slightly at Cende's words, unable to hide the mild surprise which shows on her features, "I could tell there was something going on between the two of you, I perhaps even guessed there was an initmate relationship of sorts, but I never imagined you two were that close..." She lets her words trail, no look of disgust or judgement on her features.

Again, a light flash of relief, then Cende continues "Before our engagement was announced publically, my past, the part I was recovering from, caught up. It threatened me, Theo, Aislynn. I made a mistake.. I felt that to protect the ones I love so dearly, I had to leave. I should not have, between us, Theowyn and I could take on anything, and succeed," Her voice runs with confidence on that statement. "But I was afraid. I hurt Theo, badly, despite my promise to come back when I thought I could. I ran to the Blight, and spent two years trying to lose my past while doing something for the Light. Instead..." She pauses, then says simply "I died. I was revived, and I realized the mistake I made, realized I had been given a second chance, and came back here. Only to find that I was not quick enough, that another woman had begun to move into Theo's life."

There's a few moments of silence as Rennar digests all that's being said to her. "And you mean to discover whether or not she'll make him a good wife, or... do you mean to get him back?" The young Duchess turns her emerald gaze upon Cende, that curiosity still lingering within her eyes. She does not ask about what the danger might have been that was so bad it put the Queen's own life in jeapardy.

Cende smiles. "In her own way, I am sure she will make him a good wife, although I am not convinced that it is the kind of wife that will cause him to grow in meaningful ways. No, I want him back. I love him, Rennar, with all of my heart and soul." Her pale green eyes meet the Duchess' darker ones frankly and openly.

A true advocate of love over duty when it comes to marriage, Rennar nods her head in a quiet, contemplative manner. "You should do what's right for yourself then. With the recent entrance of the Captain-General Kellian into the Versyr line, they have someone who can be 'arranged' for alliances if its needed." She shakes her head gently, murmuring in a quieted voice, "And I don't see the Prince Theowyn just settling for anyone."

Biting her lip, Cende sighs "Last night, he made it clear to me that he loves me still, that he would not willingly see me leave. However, he also loves her. And she at least believes that she loves him, although..." She pauses, but does not continue that thought. "Rennar, it is much to presume, perhaps too much to ask.. But will you assist me? I don't know how, and will understand if you feel it wrong. I don't ask you to do anything you are uncomfortable with, I actually ask nothing of you save for a bit of support. But if you can think of anything that would assist, I would be grateful."

Again there's that small touch of surprise. Cende's question seems to throw Rennar for a bit of a loop. Smoothing over her skirts a bit, a gesture she uses most when she's contemplative or nervous, she moves to sit down next to the woman who is now her protector. "I can't promise much..." She starts out at first, meeting Cende's eyes gaze for gaze. "If it turns out the Queen supports this union, there's little that can be done. And I don't see you as the type of person who could settle with an affair on the side." There's a brief pause, her thoughts turning inward, "I can promise to try and support you, be an ear when needed. I can speak to Theowyn on occassion and hint at there possibly being more than he's willing to admit between the two of you...." A slight smirk touches Rennar's lips as she says that much. "Of course, that means I'll have to endure his endless lectures, but I think it's pay back enough for his constant reminders that I am Daughter-heir."

Tucking her legs under the bench, Cende smooths her own skirt, a guesture that is more absent because there is a wrinkle than out of any habit. "Aislynn invited me to see her son, when we spoke in the gardens a few mornings ago. I will take that invitation to see her, and broach the subject with her then. She was noncommittal on Elyse, I could not read her, but she did not object when I stated I felt that the Princess is beneath him in character." A smile then a quiet admittance "I like you, Madame Duchess," and again that lightly teasing tone comes into her voice. "And .. I feel I can trust you, else I would not have said nor asked." She looks over at the woman who is now her charge, and offers quietly "The Tower does not take women who are over about the age of twenty one. They say those of that age are too old to be . One of their own told me this." Perhaps she has not always been quite as far out of earshot as thought in the past.

"I don't feel as though I know the Queen as well as I used to. There was an..." Rennar pauses her words, having trouble saying what she wishes to speak, "altercation of sorts, and I haven't been going to the Palace, except in extreme cases of business, until more recently. Even still, I find it very hard to read Aislynn's actions, particularly with all that is going on with Murandy." She sighs lightly. At the mention of the Tower, she shifts uncomfortably. "I don't think that would matter in my case.... I am the Daughter-heir, and by tradition the future Queen's of Andor study at the Tower. It is something that has been going on for nigh over three thousand years." A touch of distress comes to her eyes, "I don't even want to begin thinking about what would occur should they discover my ability."

Nodding, Cende says "Then perhaps we can mend the breech between yourself and the Queen as well." She touches Rennar's hand lightly "I understand the fear. I think something can be worked out. They have two traditions warring with one another, and the one I spoke of may be Law." She shakes her head, then offers, again softly "And I live in fear if more than those who know were to discover my true training."

Law. That seems to strike a chord within Rennar, but for different reasons. Her eyes widen a moment, "Did you and Theowyn announce your engagement publically?" She seems to stress some importance on this, her eyes searching Cende's features carefully. She shakes her head shortly, "I have no interest in going to the Tower. My ability and its discovery is not the only reason... during my first and last time there, I was nearly driven away by.... the things I saw." She shivers lightly at the recollection, then lifts a brow at Cende's words, "Your true training?" There's a note of hesitation within her voice as she regards the other woman more carefully. She does not move her hand away from Cende's, though she seems to tense slightly.

At Rennar's first question, Cende - distracted for a moment - thinks and answers "We told Aislynn, and she approved. There may have been others at the time. But there was no formal, public announcement, I left too quickly." She nods to Rennar's statement about the Tower "I admit I am surprised you do not see things about me. Theo knows what I will tell you. I believe Aislynn knows from him. I have an oath, to Theowyn because of his knowing." She pulls her hand together, and looks away for a moment "My training was forced upon me by my father, Rennar. He gave me no choice once my mother died, nor did he give one to my sister. She is now insane, but she enjoys what she is. I refuse it, though." She looks to Rennar and says, quietly, simply. "I am not what he was, although I am trained as such. He was an assassin."

There's several moments pause before Rennar actually says or does anything, allowing Cende's words to register through her mind. Another slight shifting of her body shows some mild discomfort, but the other woman does not go running away or pointing fingers. "You might find this a bit... odd... but I once courted an assassin." A light blush does come to Rennar's features, "I didn't know until much, much later in our relationship what exactly he was." That would explain the calm manner in which she takes Cende's news. Pressing her lips together, she further states, "I try to judge people by what they do now, rather than their past, with a few exceptions. My uncle is a person I know I can never trust, for example." Her brows knit together contemplatively, then she turns to address the first comment, "I cannot control when my ability decides to show me things.... I see images, and half the time I can't even interpret what they mean, the other half I have lucky guesses."

A deep breath gives indication of Cende's quiet relief. To the mention of the Duchess' uncle, she says merely "Well. I am watching for you, and if anyone attempts to injure you, I will be extremely put out." A quick hand passes over her head, smoothing down stray whisps of hair. "Do you tell others what you see? I mean, to see if they may have suggestions? When you say images, do you mean pictures, like artwork, of what is or is to come? Or something more like dreams, flashes that are fuzzy and odd?" She tries to keep her tone neutral, but there is some curiosity there.

"I only tell those I trust most." Rennar answers first and foremost, absently picking at her dress now. "Genette was the first person to learn of my ability... I foresaw things that I didn't think much about, and then they came true, blood on my elder brother's hands, and my father's death..." She waits a moment to see Cende's reaction, then continues with her words, "When my father died at my brother's hands, you can imagine the shock and surprise that came to me... She was the first and only person that knew for the longest of times. Demonder, Turail and the Queen all know, as does the Lord Captain of the Children, Inarin. But with his telling came a secret of his own to bear." She pauses, considering further, "They are hazy, but not dreams exactly. I suppose like daydreams almost, but even that's not right." She furrows her brow, "I guess you could say it's a mix of it all. Sometimes there are so many images they are so jumbled up that you can't pick out one from another, confusing them."

Cende betrays an absolute lack of reaction at the son killing the father, something that could be as suspicious as a horrified reaction would be upsetting. "I expect sometimes they are more like daymares, if they are that bad. When they come on you.. is it like a headache, or painful? I had a cousin, I saw only once.. he had visions of what would happen, but they made him double over in pain, and nobody could tell what made them happen. One came on him while he was going through Amadicia. The result is probably predictable."

Rennar gives a small shake of her head, "They are not painful, but some of them can be distressing. For instance, I can sometimes tell with certainty that a person will die. I can't tell you when exactly or how, just that they will. That, in and of itself, is frightening" She pauses a moment, then presses her lips, "But there are sometimes happier visions, such as being able to tell the sex of a child, or how many children a mother will have, but the bad outweighs the good by far. And I don't speak about such things to the people they affect. If the result was predictable for the man who could do such things, it is equally so, only to a lesser degree, for a woman." She tilts her head to the side a bit, adding quietly, "However, some visions are headachy enough as they are, and Aes Sedai and Gaidin /always/ have something around them.... hence my aversion to going to the Tower."

Cende nods her head understandingly. "Well. If they insist, I will do what I can to object for you. I am preferring to believe that they will not insist. Aislynn is young yet, and is well warded. I am sure she will have a daughter, and the burden will pass from you." A curious look then. "Why did you ask, before, if we had announced publically?"

There's a look which suggests Rennar knows more than she's telling about the Queen's situation. She shifts once more in her seat, pressing her lips together. At the question asked, relief touches her eyes briefly - another topic to dwell on that's not the Queen's predicament. "Andor has certain traditions regarding marriage..." Rennar starts in a quiet manner. "If one decides to become engaged, they must first annoucne their engagement in a somewhat public manner. They are then expected to wait a year and a day, so family and friends can attest to their compatibility, before they wed. If you had done this, you might have had some legal claim on Theowyn.... possibly."

Rennar considers, adding, "The other regards premarital involvement..." A blush comes to Rennar's cheeks as she speaks of this further topic, "If a man and a woman have slept together before they are married, and it is discovered, the community almost always pushes for the couple to be wed to one another, otheriwse they see it as a disgrace."

At that, Cende looses a burst of rather involuntary laughter "Oh, Theo would have a fit, he is so bad about scandal." She sobers. "I think that Elyse would not fit into the way of Andor very well. She was rather dismissive of me when I was introduced to her without a title. Regardless, I will not shame her, or Theo. I may not like her, I may find her beneath him, but she deserves some respect, regardless."

Rennar nods slowly, regarding Cende with a touch of curiosity, "Andor is a very modest and laid back country in comparison to most, or so I hear." She wrinkles her nose a bit, "Of course, there are those who are trying to get me to look past my modesty, but I like it just fine." She sniffs indignantly. "Nor do I think I need to learn the Sa'sara."

Cende looks curious "There's an idea." She regards Rennar in turn before finally saying "You have all my secrets, Rennar. You can always ask questions instead of just looking like a cat who can't figure out how to get the cupboard open."

There is a slight quirking of Rennar's brow at Cende's 'idea' comment. Slowly, she nods her head, "And they are well entrusted. There are only two people I would further entrust them to, and one already knows; the Queen and my husband. However, I think I can spare him the details." She looks away as she speaks this, adding it to yet another of her 'list of things' she conveniently leaves from Demonder's attention.

With a mischevious look, Cende asks "Do you really know someone who could teach the sa'sara?"

Rennar blinks faintly, pressing her lips together a bit as she nods. She can't help but wrinkle her nose as she does, "Aye... I do." She regards Cende with a sideways look, "A woman within my employ, my bard, Aeliss al'Dia."

Cende smiles at Rennar's sideways look "I want him back, Rennar. I will do what it takes, and if that means dancing for him.. then so be it." She starts to say something else, then decides she will not make the other woman blush. She laughs softly, lowly, then 'oh's as somehting occurs to her "I apologise for bringing up an uncomfortable subject, but do you know of anything that regularly brings Renford out of his rooms? I need to get into them, and I would rather not get caught, it would make things very uncomfortable."

There is no mistaking the frown which graces Rennar's lips at the mention of Renford, "I do not." She shakes her head to further emphasize her comment. "Except for the few times we've gone there, I have been avoiding the palace again because he is there. I did not want to run into him for fear of what rash action I might have taken."

Speaking dryly, Cende comments "Let me take the rash actions, please." She nods, however, and lets that subject drop, sitting quietly in the fading twilight.

Nodding her head, Rennar turns her gaze away from Cende to look at her manor house. "Demonder is waiting inside for me." She murmurs quietly, starting to rise from her seat. Stretching a bit, she glances back to Cende, "And the hour is growing late. If I do not go inside soon, likely he'll come to look for me, or search me out in the stables." Tilting her head to side a little, she murmurs gently, "Feel free to talk to me about whatever you like. I know how to bear burdens that are not my own, increasingly so with each vision I can interpret."

Rising easily, Cende nods "Good evening, then, Madame Duchess." A slight smile, a touch of fondness within "I also am able to keep things quiet, if you need an ear, please feel free to come to me." She steps back, to watch the lady go in.

"Thank you..." Rennar murmurs, a smile slipping onto her own features. She nods her head respecfully in Cende's direction, murmuring gently, "Good evening, Cende." WIth that she turns and starts inside the manor.