The Queen's Gardens: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn
This circular expanse of garden curves around the backside of the Royal Palace. 
Flagstone paths meander off through the lush greenery, through trees and many 
flowering shrubs. Trellises with flowered vines crawl up the gleaming white 
walls that surround the palace. A white stone courtyard sits at the center of 
the gardens, with tall columns circling around it, holding up its golden-tiled 
roof.
The sounds of Palace servants going about their nightly chores and the noise of 
children laughing and playing in the distance drift over the garden. The trees 
and flowering shrubs are all in full bloom, their petals and leaves creating 
rainbow splashes of color and fragrant scents. A path paved in flagstone 
meanders back around the Palace, and a white stone path leads back to the 
Courtyard. A white stone staircase curves up near the Palace, leading to a 
balcony above.
                                           
Contents:
Jeffrin

Rennar is sitting on the bench near the fountain, quietly reading a book. She 
does not see her uncle entering the gardens, slightly entrenched in what it is 
she is reading.

As Jeffrin enters, it is hard not to see his absolute arrogance. His shoulders 
roll and from the smug expression upon his face he is obviously most full of 
himself. Taking a few steps to the bench where his niece is sitting he clears 
his throat...loudly. Lips quirking up in a little grin he speaks with overdone 
warmth. "I hope I did not disturb you too much, Rennar...but how lovely it is 
to see you!"

Rennar starts quite visibly, looking up from her book. Carefully she composes 
her surprise into something more calm, "Good evening, Uncle." She speaks in a 
rather reserved voice. "You are not disturbing me overmuch. I was merely 
reading a novel."

From the Queen's Plaza, Demonder enters the Queen's Plaza from the north.

From the Queen's Plaza, Demonder is provided with an armed escort while on the 
Palace grounds, and any weapons are taken.

Demonder enters the Queen's Gardens from the east.

Rennar is sitting on the bench near the fountain, her attention calmly placed 
upon her Uncle. She does not see Demonder entering the gardens, a common 
failing this evening with people arriving.
[
As far as nods go, the one Jeffrin favours Demonder with is nothing too 
impressive. One could almost swear his neck moved, but it's not quite 
impressive. His eyes gleam with predatory delight as he gazes down upon Rennar. 
"I'm sure you must have lots of time to read now that things are as they should 
be, eh Rennar?" His tone is somewhat provocative, his smile broad, "You're 
welcome at Tiras Lorn, it's now even better than it used to be"

From the Queen's Plaza, A young woman with a basket of roses on one arm walks 
slowly through the plaza, singing a soft song that hawks her fragrant wares in 
a delightful way.

Demonder walks into the Queen's Gardens in typical manner, at least for him, 
with those long and casual strides. Hints of a smile do approach his expression 
as he looks for the fiancee he expects to see somewhere nearby. Though that 
changes, of course, his eyes taking in the scene with Jeffrin and Rennar. Not 
well indeed. There is no greeting in his eyes, as he takes to where the two are 
conversing, no doubt in his mind that he belongs there.

"Pardon, uncle? Things are always as they should be, with my running the House. 
I do thank you to welcome me home, however. I have missed Tiras Lorn during my 
stay in Tar Valon. I trust everyone treated you well while I was away?" Rennar 
watches Jeffrin in her usual reserved manner, not giving one hint of her true 
emotions, for now. Spying Demonder she nods to him, though never takes her full 
attention away from her uncle.

"That is what I meant, dearest niece," Jeffrin replies in continued oversincere 
tones. "And I am absolutely delighted to have additional company." A firm hand 
waves in the direction of Demonder, almost dismissively. Scratching his chin he 
responds to the second question, "Some servants complained about the new way of 
things about Tiras Lorn, so I had them confined to their quarters for a while. 
They stepped in line now." With a direct gaze at his niece, matching her poise 
with his own he notes, "They spoke against Hune's rightful High Seat"

"I am sure that none of my staff would speak against me uncle." Rennar replies 
back, reaching out to take Demonder's hand in a deliberate manner. She smiles 
sweetly at Jeffrin as she makes her comment, smoothing over her skirts in an 
absent manner after placing her book upon the bench. "Being rightful Heir of 
course. It is unfortunate that you and father got along so badly."

Demonder steps in beside Jeffrin and to the side, facing the two. A younger 
Lord and one clear with temper, some would notice that clenching fist that 
opens and closes. Though otherwise Demonder seems calm. "Good day Lady Hune." 
Stressing the last name, of course, as he turns. "As to you Lord Jeffrin, I'm 
sure." The absense of the last name. There is no smile that touches his lips 
when Renni takes his hand, though he does squeeze back a touch trying to be 
mild-mannered.

From the Queen's Plaza, Dressed in simple clothes, a couple with a small child 
close to hand peer awe-struck at the shining Palace.

"That is what comes of having too many sons, it creates tension." He turns his 
own imposing (but somewhat deteriorating) body in Demonder's direction for a 
brief moment and smiles emptily. "With sons and younger brothers, almost 
everything comes to a bad end." His tone remains friendly, but his eyes denote 
the meanness as he rubs salt in wounds that may not yet have healed. Licking 
his lips for a moment, he gazes at the Shining Palace momentarily before adding 
saucily, "But that is why we love the female Hunes so, eh?"

"Remember, this is Andor. Daughters as well as sons, inherit." Rennar's voice 
remains always calm, always reserved. She glances between Demonder and Jeffrin, 
falling silent for the moment.

Demonder seems no need to respond directly to the comment, the hand that Renni 
holds has the knuckles wrapped. Clearly the young Lord is not to playing these 
avid games, not when there is anger hidden behind each smile. Or hate, more 
likely the latter. "A strange entanglement of love and reason, Lord Jeffrin."

"And," Jeffrin replies too hastily, "A most sensible system. Descent is more 
complicated, as I'm sure you know, so the best candidate always finds 
themselves ruling and loved." Pearly teeth shine, everything about Jeffrin 
overdone. "It is," he motions to the palace, "A shame about the Old Queen, we 
/all/ loved her". Shaking his head quickly at Demonder he replies, "Nay, my 
Lord. In Hune there is much love but little reason"

Rennar takes this moment to speak up now, "Have you met my fiance, uncle?" She 
pauses a moment, then goes about introductions anyway, "This is Lord Demonder 
Roesone.... Lord Roesone, I present to you my uncle, Lord Jeffrin, though it 
seems you've already deduced that for yourself." Rennar gives Demonder's hand 
the faintest of squeezes. "I am as fond of Queen Aislynn as I was of Queen 
Arian." Rennar murmurs quietly, "Perhaps more so, seeing as how her Majesty and 
I get along."

From the Queen's Plaza, Rolling on a lazy breeze, a small scrap of paper 
flutters along the paving stones.

"Lord Demonder," intones Jeffrin darkly, again his neck having some slight 
difficulty moving. "We can all pray our Beloved Queen Aislynn does not suffer 
the same fate as her predecessor, don't we." A smirk appears on Jeffrin's face 
as he looks away. "If she survives her first years in charge, all will be well. 
But it is the inexperienced leader that is the most vulnerable." Inhaling 
deeply, he looks to the palace and back at Rennar before apologizing, "I err in 
thinking of such possibilities. I've been too busy these days, it must be 
tiredness. Please excuse me as I withdraw to Tiras Lorn." Taking a few steps 
away, Jeffrin calls, "Long live the Queen!"

Well, at least Demonder agrees to the last statement. Nodding to Jeffrin, he 
looks over the man once more as the hand that touches on Rennar is more telling 
of his feelings then any expression he will show. "One would be foolish to 
argue the traditions of Andor. At least in Andor," he notes quietly, taking on 
the smile they seem to share. "Though in Cairhien's might pleed for an argument 
in this matter."

"I would hope that the Queen could manage her throne well herself. I woudl 
think the Tower has given her enough experience for that, particularly since 
she, herself, has made it to the level of Aes Sedai." Rennar calls out after 
her uncle as he starts to part ways.

Features on his face tight as his mouth is pointed up in a mockery of a smile, 
Jeffrin agrees, "Of course, the Tower connection does little but strengthen 
rule". With a look but no more at Demonder does he mark his passing, taking his 
sarcasm with him. His pace is in the same style, cock of the walk, but his 
hurry does not befit an aristocrat. He hastens to enact some scheme or another

Demonder's eyes turn to Rennar as Jeffrin begins to walk. He'd almost want to 
hug her for comfort, but dares not to make a move until Jeffrin is out of view. 
Not that Rennar might need it, but Demonder would surely think she does. He 
looks to her in question, though matters seemed to have gone well. At least for 
now.

Rennar turns her attention to Demonder, as soon as she believes her uncle is 
out of earshot, She mutters to Demonder, "... man.... so.... he... something 
to... with that... bird, and... feelings... I get... just..."  She shivers, 
breaking off her words.

Demonder senses "Rennar turns her attention to Demonder, as soon as she 
believes her uncle is out of earshot, "I do not trust that man. And rightfully 
so. I still think he had something to do with that dead bird, and the visions 
and feelings that I get around him are just utterly...." She shivers, breaking 
off her words."

From the Queen's Plaza, A young woman with a basket of roses on one arm walks 
slowly through the plaza, singing a soft song that hawks her fragrant wares in 
a delightful way.

Demonder's arm slips around Renni then, pulling you closer to him as Jeffrin 
leaves. "I know, my love, I know," he whispers to her quietly, those eyes warm 
and comforting on yours. "We need to discuss what you see, at least it might 
give hint of what is to come. Perhaps to prevent matters of his intentions. I 
do not trust the man at all."

"I trust him about as far as I can throw him, and seeing as how I can't manage 
to do that on my own, I don't trust him at all." Rennar responds to Demonder's 
comment. "As for what I see, I don't totally understand it all, nor could I 
begin to describe it. I know there's /something/ there. Something that serves 
as a warning, but to whom or why..." She shakes her head, "That I do not know."

Demonder doesn't take well to Rennar's words. Not one to mask his emotions, 
least of all when he his alone with Rennar, that concern clearly begins to show 
on him. The man would likely develop deep worry lines in ten or twenty years, 
ontop of those lines that he will have from smiling too often. "I'd not rush 
our wedding, but each night when I sleep without you near, I worry."

From the Queen's Plaza, A street sweeper comes by to keep the streets their 
pristine white.

"There is a month, maybe more left, before we can marry." Rennar responds in a 
quiet voice. "Tradition>" She reminds gently, "Should we go any faster than 
tradition allow, there will be talk and rumors that we have broken it, along 
with little quivers of other things. I do not wish to sully the reputation of 
House Hune. My uncle will try to do that for us himself."

Demonder must be concerned. Really concerned! After their talk almost a year 
ago at the Ogier Grove, thoughts of it only being a month before the wedding 
would lead to other matters of conversation. But there is not a hint of that in 
his eyes, or that even a matter he considers. "I'd not suggest otherwise," he 
reluctantly admits. Much reluctance in those words. "I could not even sleep at 
your door, for that too would cause rumors. It selfish of me to think I am the 
only one that can protect you, but I do." The last draws his eyes down from 
Rennar's.

From the Queen's Plaza, Jericho enters the Queen's Plaza from the north.

From the Queen's Plaza, Jericho is provided with an armed escort while on the 
Palace grounds, and any weapons are taken.

A gentle squeeze of the hand shows Rennar's appreciation. She smiles warmly up 
at Demonder, a fond expression held within her eyes, "I do not fault you for 
that, Demonder. And I trust you." And in her eyes lies that trust, speaking 
volumes, "As do I trust Ruen. I have not spoken to Halice much, but I know Ruen 
looks out for me... perhaps in more ways than needed. He's terribly...." She 
wrinkles her nose a moment, as if trying to get the right word, "Formal."

From the Queen's Plaza, Rolling on a lazy breeze, a small scrap of paper 
flutters along the paving stones.

Demonder releases that smile that had been held deeply among all his worry. At 
least for now, though concern touches his eyes. As does warmth. And at the 
wrinkling of her nose, Demonder laughs even. "I'd be thankful of his formality 
Rennar," he notes with a smile. "So long as he keeps you secured, Renni, that 
is all that matters in my mind. If he makes your life a little difficult with 
his formality, that a small price to pay." Demonder's words are light, of 
course.

"I suppose." Rennar keeps her nose wrinkled though, "But it makes dealing with 
him a bit troublesome." She sighs lightly, folding her hands in her lap. She 
then blinks, eyes widening slightly, "Oh light. I should get back to Tiras 
Lorn. The Queen is arriving tonight and I do not want to risk running into 
Mistress Maggae."

Demonder chuckles some more at that nose, his hand going to brush against it 
playfully. "Of course, we can't have you running into the Domani. To think 
you'd rather go back to the manor and risk running into your uncle, and prefer 
that over Maggae," he notes further with amusement. At least this part he takes 
much more lightly then Rennar does. "I will walk you there."

From the Queen's Plaza, An orange tabby cat wanders along the top of the wall.

Rennar gently moves back from the hand, giving Demonder a funny look. She 
smiles though, all in good humor. "Rather, it's that I do not wish for my 
servants to have to face him alone." She responds, taking her book in her free 
hand, and rising smoothly from her chair, "I have to amend the wrongs he has 
done, now that I know about them. None would tell me anything about what had 
happened since he has returned."

"They should not hold secrets from you," Demonder notes quietly, attemping 
humor at the comment. "I do fear he must have mistreated them well enough for 
that." Offering his arm to his fiancee, Demonder sighs again. A smile hinting 
at his lips. "Did you hear of my disagreement with the gleemen at the library 
as well?" he asks with amusement. "I hope the rumors end before the Queen 
arrives tonight. A bad impression that would make."

From the Queen's Plaza, A young woman with a basket of roses on one arm walks 
slowly through the plaza, singing a soft song that hawks her fragrant wares in 
a delightful way.

"He said that he locked some of them away in their quarters for speaking badly 
to the rightful heir." Rennar sniffs, "I know who he meant, and he had no 
authority to do as he did." She pauses her words a bit, tilting her head at 
Demonder, "Nay. I had not."

Demonder looks a touch surprised that Rennar had not heard of his little 
incident. Well, with that he's just as eager to change the subject. "Not one to 
be left in charge with the servants even," Demonder notes faintly. "Perhaps our 
only solution is to make certain he fails and gets caught on those ways of his, 
forcing him to leave. It had worked before, though I doubt he will be as neat 
to provide us with reason enough."

From afar, Demonder nods and gets amusement from his pose about it only being a 
month before their wedding. I like Demonder, even we he does think naughty 
thoughts, I can pose surprise that he doesn't think naughty thoughts. ;)

From the Queen's Plaza, Two street minstrels wander by, arguing over 
arrangements.

Rennar makes a small frown, though lets matters lie, catching the hint. "That I 
would very much like to do. However, because it's worked once, I do think he'll 
be much more crafty this time, even if I /am/ only a woman." She smirks, "I 
think he thinks very little of women. Too bad for him that many do have heads 
on their shoulders and would love just as much chance to knock his from his own 
shoulders." She smirks slightly, "I am more than some pretty trinket to be 
looked at and he will very much find that out for hismelf."
himself.

Oh, how Demonder reacts to Rennar's words is priceless. That expression of 
pride and love, hint of amusement at her smirk. He does stop her there, unable 
himself in his next action. Taking her well into his arms, he kisses her. It 
would matter little to him is she struggled in the kiss, though he'd prefer she 
did not. The kiss lasts until the next breath of air, when Demonder releases 
it. "You, my love, are everything I have wanted in a woman. Strong, warm, 
affectionate. And you are pretty to look at, though whenever I make such 
complements I prepare for a slap." He laughs at his own comment.

Surprise touches Rennar's features once more, though this is more of a pleasant 
one. She does not resist or refuse Demonder, rather enjoying the kiss. She 
smiles warmly at the man who's to be her husband, "You, of all people, are 
allowed to say such things, My Lord." Rennar comments in a soft, quiet voice.

Demonder would chuckle at her words, though by her soft tone, instead melts 
away with them. His hand brushing Rennar's cheek with affection. "Soon you will 
be my wife," he notes as he looks further into Rennar's eyes. It is clear this 
time what he means by his words, Demonder's larger frame pressed into hers.

From the Queen's Plaza, An orange tabby cat finds a spot on top of the gate 
where he can laze in the sun.

Rennar smiles gently, stepping back a bit, breaking the tender moment, "I would 
not wan tot be caught here with that contingent from Tar Valon coming like 
this. If you please, I really would much prefer to be back home."

Demonder nods with some reluctance. "Yes, that matter," he notes as though 
attempting to ignore the matter. Offering his arm once again, he grins. "So 
long as you invite me within Tires Lorn. I'd be safest there," the last he 
reasons with a smile.