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.

Demonder's axe nicely deflects the near blow from one sword, and he just manages to dodge his way out of the second uncoming thrust as he spins and pulls away. Over the years Demonder's defensive skills have been looking better, as have his offensive ones with that axe. The two nearly hired young Hune guards push forward with their practise sword, the first slicing at Demonder's shoulder. Though he blocks the blow with the hilt of his axe, the dodge and twist away from the second blow is far too slow. Demonder gets the point right into his stomach. Though cushioned a little from Genette's cooking, certainly not enough. His head flies forward in that 'oof' as air rushes out of his system.

Demonder's axe nicely deflects the near blow from one sword, and he just manages to dodge his way out of the second uncoming thrust as he spins and pulls away. Over the years Demonder's defensive skills have been looking better, as have his offensive ones with that axe. The two nearly hired young Hune guards push forward with their practise sword, the first slicing at Demonder's shoulder. Though he blocks the blow with the hilt of his axe, the dodge and twist away from the second blow is far too slow. Demonder gets the point right into his stomach. Though cushioned a little from Genette's cooking, certainly not enough. His head flies forward in that 'oof' as air rushes out of his system.

The other Hune guards watch, a few of them already showing marks from battle. One is holding his head, the other has his leg stretched out. A few more are breathing hard from practise. When Demonder finally falls, a few cheer lightly. There are those, the ones that are standing with the wooden practise-axes, that frown a bit. But they do seem eager as Demonder straightens at the waist and manages a light smile, holding the poked part of his stomach. "Okay, okay, now go practise..." he mutters, shaking his head. "Good fight," that said more quietly to the pair of young Hune guards in training.

The doors of the Hune manse are opened from within. Exiting the building is the young Lady Rennar. Walking with her appears to be one of the younger servants of House Hune, acting as a page and messenger for Rennar at various times. "Please make certain the letter gets to her, and only her. I have need to speak to her about the contents." She murmurs quietly, adding further, "You are not to open it and read it." There's a hint of warning in her voice as she gives her instructions. Sending the young man off, Rennar pauses a moment to look around the gardens, looking ready to take a walk within the confines of her own manse. Hearing Demonder's voice, a warm smile comes to touch her lips; a sight that has been occuring more and more of late, as she finally starts putting past events more firmly behind her.

Demonder's hands lightly brush against his stomach as he feels for the tender poke. A few of the Hune trainees move with Demonder, seemingly eager for something or another relating to forms of the axe. That's something Demonder shrugs to. "Er, swing it at your target..." he expresses, really having only a vague idea of actual forms with the axe having created his own sort of style. It is the boys that spot Demonder's wife, and one of them goes as far as to blush before turning away and murming his goodbye. The other does as well. When Demonder's own eyes grace across Rennar's form, that certain appreciating twinkle can be seen in his eyes. Demonder straightens, no longer hunched over from the injury. And he does grind his teeth, though adjusts to the more familiar erect position. "My beautiful wife..." he manages from the distance as he approaches. Demonder's dark green eyes seem to roam across her in that casual appreciation much the same way they did when he first met her, that smile broadening when he finds her eyes.

That smile fades a bit as Rennar notices Demonder's hunched position, before he quickly corrects it. "Good evening love." There is warmth found within her velvety voice, emerald eyes looking upon him with some manner of concern. Stepping forward a touch, she murmurs faintly, "You're injured." There are times when she usually ingores whatever perceptions she receives, and then there are times she chooses to notice things.

"Only from the strains of my heart from being without you since morning," Demonder lies in that over dramatic tone. He even manages to release the hold he has on his stomach, using that arm to slip around Rennar's waist instead. "The boys are learning well," he notes to the small gathering of young recruits. A few of them seem to be rather fond of Rennar, sneaking a few peaks at the Duchess they might be sworn to protect. Demonder doesn't notice, of coure, lightly tugging her closer to him though away from the injured side of his stomach. "They're getting better," he grumbles about that.

Fingers lightly prod at the area which Demonder was holding earlier, those emerald eyes watching her husband carefully. "I can see that, love." Rennar states in a quiet manner, eyes briefly roaming to the young recruits. They only stay there mere moments before returning to her husband, that concerned expression not leaving her features. A light, impish smile comes ot her features, "Perhaps you should lay off Genette's cooking a bit."

Those light cringes take shape on Demonder's lips, each poke introducing him to a new sort of pain. Or so he makes it seem, Demonder's eyes rather beaming with exaggeration. Of course, at the mention of taking away Genette's cooking, Demonder's gasp could likely be heard by those recruits. "Renni! Do not speak such words..." he manages, enjoying Rennar's impish grin all too much as he leans forward to steal away a kiss. Well, more then just a little kiss, though likely that was his intention. The kiss turns into something more in haste, though he chuckles away from the kiss when the hooting from the boys learning to train becomes a bit excessive. "Damn rug-rats..." Demonder mumbles, his lips still close to Rennar's.

Even at her light teasing, that look of concern does not leave Rennar's features, "Perhaps we should call for a 'Mother' and have her come look at you?" She lowers her hand to her side, though seeks out Demonder's free hand as she does, squeezing it gently. She gladly accepts the kiss, and returns it with a loving warmth. A faint blush does come to Rennar's lips as the young boys start to whoop and hollar in their directiong. Letting go of Demonder's hand, she leens back to look around his shoulder, "It does seem we've quite a following these days..."

If it were only so easy to move away from Demonder. Rennar releasing his hand only has it slink around her waist and bring her in closer, though he does turn away enough to face the small gathering of recruits. "I've been hurt worse, especially by that big kid there..." Demonder points out, though the man he indicates is now kid but rather an elder guard Demonder hired for experience in training and arranging the guards. "He's rather sharp with the sword," Demonder notes with a disguised frown. "The other 'boys' are mostly the farms, though I did find a few locals kids that had an interest in coming out here to train." The boys are likely only five or so years younger then Demonder, though some reach as young as fifteen. Each is looking to their feet, most are shy, though there is that blushing guard that keeps sneaking a peak at Rennar.

Leaning in conspiratorialy, Rennar states in a quieted voice, "I think a few of them may like me." There's a gentle teasing to her voice, and a curousness to her eyes to see how her husband will react to that news. Demonder has had little competition when courting her for her affections. Now, she is tied to him. That concern does not wash away however. "Then I will not call the 'Mother' for now. But if I think you are more seriously injured then you are letting on, I won't hesitate." That concern touches her brow as it crinkles when she speaks.

"Only a few?" Demonder questions, his smile broadening while though light green eyes look between the boys and young men, though far too eagerly he takes sight of his wife. "If only a few, the rest are fools." Always dramatic. The way his eyes play off hers, he reaches and dares for another kiss, though even before their lips touch the boys begin to cheer the motion on. The elder guard simply clears his throat, and tries to get the recruits ordered into some sort of training menuver.

"Mmmm..." Rennar replies thoughtfully, not really putting a word to the sound. "Perhaps not quite fools, my love. There are some who at least have their mind on their work." Her eyes turn toward Demonder at that, their emerald green taking in his expression. It is returned with one of love and warmth. She does lean forward and kiss her husband, not at all embarassed at the display. Likely, she is becoming all too used to the behavior the new recruits present. Better to have those who will look out for her, than those who hate her and will do things to her.

The cheering does stop at the command of the instructor. This gives Demonder all the more opportunity to enjoy the blissful touch of his wife's lips on his, guiding the kiss deeper and into penetrating movements of his tongue. Another sigh escapes his lips, this one just as wanting. "Fortunate for me that my job is to insure that my beautiful wife smiles when she sees me." Demonder's words are mostly honest, with only a hint of teasing. He pulls away just enough for decency. "Light, Renni, my love... must you always have me acting like a silly school-boy in love whenever you are near?" More teasing.

"It is not I that has you acting that way, my love." Rennar answers back, that impish look still taking to her form. "I think those young men have put a spell of sorts on you... or rubbed off on you somehow." She lifts a hand up and gently caresses his cheek, "You look cute, blushing, when they express their delight in our being together."

"Do I now?" Demonder leans shoulders back from Rennar, all the while his arm holds her waist still pressing against his own. "How wonderful of you to notice, my love." Demonder settles lightly into the next kiss, leaning back to her to just barely brush his his lips against Rennar's. "Good, that you still notice." Though the arm remains around Rennar's waist, he shifts more to her side and begins to lead her away from the practise area for the guards. "Otherwise I'm sure the Hune men will go into service when called upon. I thought the boys will do well in a few years as a replacement for guarding this manor specifically..." Demonder's sudden turn on the subject shows his concern. "That is, if we are to support the Queen, which I think more likely after meeting this Renford. Even when he attempts to convince us there will be no war, I doubt so much that he's said..."

That amusement fades all too quickly from Rennar's eyes as Renford is mentioned. "I have yet to decide whether or not I will lend support to the Queen." There is a serious expression which comes to Rennar's eyes. The young High Seat appears to have done a lot of thinking over this particular matter lately.

"Not even against that man?" Demonder would appear to be well guarded in tone and expression. There is a light squeeze around her waist, snuggig Rennar closer to him as he leads her away from the clunks of practise swords. "In a way I wish him to be right, at least then we would have no concerns of a war. But... how else would he know that I would recognize that... man.. without being involved somehow?"

"The Queen will not raise arms against Murandy." Rennar states quietly, shaking her head a bit, "Not unless the King is foolish enough to launch an attack against our borders. To attack Murandy now would be unfounded, and leave many angry and upset."

Demonder provides a guarded nod, feeling for Rennar's opinions on this with none committed words from himself. "I understand, love. I would not suggest that, but that man has already invaded our borders, our freedom. I would think if he continues, it will only be a matter of time." Demonder's attention moves toward her briefly, though he seems to guide her toward the swinging bench in between the trees.

There is a guarded pause as Rennar looks to her husband. Quietly, she slips away from his arms, and away from the tree swing. "There is no solid proof that he was the one behind the attacks. At least none the Queen is willing to admit to, despite evidence to the contrary. If she is as blind as all that..." Rennar shakes her head lightly, pressing her lips together. "House Hune will defend Andor, but that does not mean it will support the Queen."

Demonder watches his love with concern, that concern growing when she moves away from him. "I'll support you to whatever end. I will not argue against your wishes, only have my opinions felt. And I will state my opinions if we are at a disagreement." Demonder moves closer to Rennar moments after her escape, taking his place as one of her advisors in Hune, and as the man that loves her, and willing to serve and die for her. That intensity shows. "There is no disagreement here."

"I should not feel the way that I do on this matter. I simply grow tired of everyone questioning whether or not I will support her." There is frustration within Rennar's voice as she speaks this, "The Captain-General questioned my loyalties. Me! Aislynn's most stalwart supporter." There is a deep sigh which escapes her, partially covering over her exasperated expression.

Demonder reaches to capture Rennar's cheek while he covers the remainder of the distance between them. "The distance between yourself and the Queen is likely well known. Your avoidance of the Tower as well. It would not be unwise to question what loyalties you may have to the Queen, but love, I believe this is to advantage. Why show the other side unity between Daughter-Heir and Queen? Would it not be better to show a distance. Those that threatened your life still want it, though perhaps now they will use different tactics. Tactics we could see through." Demonder might not have a full idea of what he means, but he's trying to express something he's given thought too.

"Or those more devious to make certain I do not sit upon the throne." Rennar states all too blandly. "I am not ready to become Queen, nor do I think I will ever be ready for such a possibility. Even thinking about it is frightening. It is too much of a burden to bear."

"To be Queen?" Demonder shrugs, capturing her cheek in the palm of his large hand. "I hope that is not a challenge you will need to face. And if it is, you will over-come the challenges. Still, we do present a possible weakness in Andor that another side might exploit. Perhaps that is to our advantage, I don't know love." Demonder's eyes pass to the entrance of the manor. "What do you plan on doing next, love?"

"I don't plan on doing anything. I will neither show support, nor dissent, toward the Queen." Rennar pauses slightly as she answers Demonder, turning her emerald gaze upon him. "I do not dislike Aislynn, I just question her methods. I am also biased when it comes to this 'so-called' King of Murandy." She snorts derisively at that, "It is best for all that I remain a neutral party."

"Neutral," Demonder repeats, those broad shoulders broadening with a heavy breath as though he realizes the placement of duty on his shoulders. Day by day. "We do have a bias, don't we? Perhaps you are right, best to leave this to someone with less bias. Still, the man is sick." Demonder won't forget the severed head anytime soon. "Sorry, my love, for twisting our conversation to a sour topic." The apology is also offered with Demonder's lips pecking on Rennar's cheek.

"All the more reason for us to stay out of this." Rennar nods her head at her words, showing some strength in her belief of them. "I have other matters to consider, such as possible treasonous acts on Lord Daric's behalf."

Demonder's fingers curl about her cheek as he draws her into an embrace that is brief. When Rennar's words settle in, he pulls away just enough to get the sight of her eyes. "Treason? Against whom?" is the first of several questions that rush to his thoughts, his eyes wider with surprise.

"The Queen, of course." Rennar states quietly, stepping away from Demonder once the embrace is completed. "It seems he is attempting to stir trouble due to the arrival of the Aes Sedai... and insighting that the commners would be better off ruling themselves."

"Oh..." Demonder clearly takes this with less dramatic flair. "I do not think Lord Daric has ever not babbled about his displeasure with the Queen. Its not too unusual to hear that he's been suggesting as much, though I would not think that this would lead him into treason?" Not that Demonder has much favor to Daric, but he is curious if there is more to hear.

"It will if there are those amongst the commoners decide to uprise and revolt against the Queen." Rennar points out gently, eyes carefully taking in the appearance of her husband, "ANd he'll have no one to blame but himself."

"True. But are there those that are taking validity in his words?" Demonder has, for the most part, learned to ingore Daric's babbles. Saying that, Daric is far too brilliant with his methods, never really having focused them on Demonder directly.

"It seems as though there are." Rennar admits, shrugging her shoulders a bit. Her eyes briefly grace Demonder's form, admiring her husband. "But, I wish to talk about less.... depressing matters."

Demonder pauses briefly, taking in his wife and her need to change the subject. A smile first hints on his features, and then becomes something more. He takes a step closer to her, a hand threatening to tug her into a hug. "Really, my love? I could offer a few suggests..." As Demonder's voice trails into that quiet wanting grrr, he does indeed slowly steal her away into an embrace.

There's no stopping the light chuckle which manages to escape Rennar's lips. Gently, she places a finger against Demonder's lips, hugging him with her other hand. She murmurs quietly, "I'm sure you could suggest a great many things... but I said I'd like to 'talk' about much less depressing matters, not do." She winks playfully, then takes a chaste step away from her husband; not in any way challenging him.

"Can we talk about doing?" Demonder asks, not needing much encouragement, though clearly teasing Rennar now. "Well, there is a somewhat less pleasing matter though not as pleasing. Lady Cherise is holding that engagement event. I believe she's offer her affair with Durnik, I would assume as much considering she's apparently to marry Lelldorin?" Demonder shrugs a shoulder, playfully confused. "I'm afraid my cousins are far too wild to be of my blood." He exaggerates, of course.

Rennar lifts a brow, wrinkling her own nose in distaste, "Are they not first cousins?" She could have her history wrong, and she has been far gone away from House Roesone to know its inner workings.

"It is a tale of one of those romance novels women sometimes read," Demonder explains with that hinting tone, moving forward to once again capture Rennar, though this time it is simply to take her arm. The voice continues to play in that deeper and lower tone, though he does go on as usual. "They were third cousins, or they thought they were. Lelldorin was discovered to be adopted from a man and woman close to the Roesone's."

"So he is not really of noble blood?" Rennar asks, placing a hand on Demonder's offered arm and leaning against him slightly. There is a touch of confusion within her eyes.

"Apparently not. A commoner. Though one close to the Roesone's." Demonder shows signs of confusion on his tone. "I'd almost think that House Roesone will be begging us for an heir to the House, since none of the nobles are apparently marrying Andoran nobles that would keep our blood strong to the Queen. I mean..." Demonder's eyes lightly gleam in that attraction as he takes a long and wanting sigh. "Well, not that they can, and not that you have promised me children, of course." As he slows the pace, his body turns more to Rennar so that he may lean forward and offer a kiss on her cheek. "I love you, whatever our future plans."

Children. Heirs. Talk of such things seems to bother Rennar. Her features become guarded and neutral. "I'm certain they can find someone within their own clan to produce a probably heir. If not, that is their own making." She accepts the kiss, watching Demonder's features carefully, "I love you as well, Demonder."

"They will figure something out, to be sure," Demonder winks lightly. "To think, that entire line of Roesone women and thus far one is snagged away by a man she thought was her cousin, and the other has had a broken heart from a cousin. Or something of the sort, the staff gossip is mostly reliable, but they don't seem to get all the facts." Seeming to have failed at a happier subject, Demonder begins to escort Rennar back to the manor. "Though hard to argue the attraction of love, especially when nurtured and cared for."

Slowly, Rennar nods her head to the last, "Aye, that it is. To think, I almost never married, because I refused without love." There's a light smile at that. Leaning her head against Demonder's shoulder, she's content to be lead back inside the manse.

"And to think you would have been married much sooner if I were not so stubborn," Demonder shoots back with that playful gaze. His hand swings around to lightly stroke at her cheek between steps. As they walk up the steps into the manor, Demonder can't help but chuckle. "To think you would have said yes... I feared you would say no and that would be the end of it, that one night over dinner."

There's a brief pause as Rennar considers, "I think over that dinner I might have said no... but it has been a long time since that night, and I do forget some, if not all, the details. I remember it was in the Tower, there were candles, and we talked."

Demonder's chuckle can be heard echo through the main entrance hall as they walk within the manor. "Love, you've already admitted to me as much," he corrects while shaking his head in disagreement for her words. "No chance of you taking back those words." Demonder lightly squeezes her arm.