Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn
A large, wide-open courtyard surrounds the breathtaking beauty of the Royal 
Palace of Andor. The pale beauty of the famed Ogier stonework, its high 
terraces and balconies and golden domes making your eye travel higher and 
higher to see more. The courtyard is very austere, with well-tended patches of 
lawn offsetting the stark white of the paving stones.
Small groups of Queen's Guards patrol the area, keeping it safe from any 
intrusion. The smell of delicious foods cooking fills the air. The courtyard of 
the Royal Palace is sweetly perfumed with the scent of blooming flowers. 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 west, and the great 
gates lead back out into the Queen's Plaza.
                                                                              
Contents:
Jerald

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

Just about to enter the Queen's Gardens is none other than Rennar Hune herself. 
And in her usual apperance, she pays no attention to the general surroundings 
around her, safe for the book under her nose as she travels to the quiet abode.

How lucky does Lord Demonder always seem to be, catching the High Seat of House 
Hune walking about while paying little attention to what is around. Of course, 
the young Lord takes rather long strides as he approaches her from a distance, 
likely noticing her a while before. Though Demonder does show some restraint, 
and instead of doing his typicall 'Booo!' like action to surprise his fiancee, 
Demonder simply sweeps in next to her. "Hello love," he greets all too 
imformaly.

Pleasantly, Rennar is surprised, unlike the other terrible frights she's had 
before from Demonder's spontaneous attempts at doing just so. A warm smile 
graces her lips, "Good evening, love." She comments, "Out to enjoy the slendor 
of the Queen's Gardens as well?"

Demonder is not often witnessed without a smile, though it clearly widens 
around Rennar. "All the splender that the Queen's Gardens offers, yes, 
especially when my fiancee is within the garden walls," he notes rather 
quietly. "Though I'm afraid you will not get much reading done with me about," 
Demonder notes turning his attention to the books in Rennar's hands. "Do you 
\need any help with those?"

Rennar glances from her two small books, then back to Demonder, grinning 
somewhat impishly, "Why of course." She hands the books over to Demonder, "That 
way I will know that your hands will be too occupied for teasing my sides."

That one hurt! Enough to cause Demonder to wince playfully, unable to hold back 
the laughter that escapes. Moments later he tries to gain composure. "Ah yes, 
just be careful for that third hand of mine, it could sneak up on you at any 
moment." He, of course, takes the two books from Rennar, and as though 
attempting to prove his point, the books go to one hand. And no sooner do the 
last of his words escape that the hand closer to Rennar darts out for her 
sides.

Rennar leaps ahead of Demonder as soon as the books are in hand, easily 
escaping the one darting toward her, "You have to be much quicker than that, 
Lord Roesone, if you wish to catch me." With that she darts into the gardens, 
out of reach for the moment.

You walk along a white stone path to the west.

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:
Nicodemus
Obvious exits:

Demonder enters the Queen's Gardens from the east.

Nicodemus leans down, looming over a beautiful red flower. Cupping it in his 
hand gently, he brings it to his nose, and inhales deeply it's scent.

Only a few steps ahead of Demonder, Rennar bolts her way through the entrance 
of the garden. Demonder, oddly enough, is swinning two books in one arm as he 
makes his way into the garden. "Some would say you are already caught," he 
jokes sarcastically with a smile.

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

"Some, aye, but not me." Rennar has a soft chuckle in her voice as she runs
forward, teashing the Lord chasing after her. She fails to see, in her usual 
manner, the man sitting and plucking the rose.

Nicodemus straitens when he hears voices unknown to him. He turns gracefully to 
see who has come into the gardens. Ice blue eyes take in the two, but his 
indifferent face gives away little about what he thinks. He remains silent, 
either waiting to be acknowledged, or passed over.

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

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

The young Lord chasing after Rennar does seem rather intent on his target. With 
those long legs he does manage to gain some distance on her. It's a wonder 
those books don't go flying out of his hand the way he swings them around 
during this run. "You were always a difficult one to chase," Demonder jokes 
back, his arm reaching for Rennar's waist to take her into a hold as he nears 
her.

Darei enters the Queen's Gardens from the east.

Darei walks up the winding staircase, leaving the gardens.

From above, Darei climbs up the winding staircase to the balcony.

Again, just barely, Rennar escapes Demonder's attempt at taking her. A 
mischievous light dances in her eyes, and she remains blissfully unawares of 
those who've either just entered the gardens, or who were sitting here 
previously, "Aye, there is mention of that as well, if I remember my rumors 
correctly, Lord Roesone." With a devious grin, she makes a beeline for the tall 
maze made out of various bushes and hedges, disappearing within. "But do you 
know the key to catching me?"

Nicodemus watches the two with a judgmental eye. He makes no motion or sound to 
draw their attention. He is often quiet, moreso around people he has not had 
the opportunity to be introduced to.

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

From the Queen's Plaza, Darei walks through the guarded gates, and steps into 
the Queen's Plaza.

"Door after door left yet to be opened," Demonder responds laughing, stopping 
at the entrance of the bushes where Rennar disappeared within. The humor in his 
voice is thick, his words carrying over the hedges. "And here I thought a 'yes' 
for my proposal in marriage and a ring would leave all open to me?" There is a 
laughter at his own words, and how silly they sound. "The challenge of the hunt 
makes the rewards of marriage all the more interesting," he notes as he steps 
within the bushes and begins to seek out the High Seat of House Hune.

"Yes, well.... that is a start Lord Roesone." A voice from within the bushes 
taunts the Roesone Lord. "But only a start." Farther it grows from the 
entrance. "The real challenge is finding your way out of these bushes. A hard 
task that. One so few have been able to do, and one that keeps your hands from 
my sides. Have you the heart to accept my challenge?" There is distinct humor 
within Rennar's voice as she moves through the bushes, hardly in sight of the 
lord.

Nicodemus makes his way slowly about the gardens, his ears ready to hear 
anything that the two should just happen to speak. He had hoped to meet the 
Lady Rennar Hune, but he would not dare intrude in the antics she and her 
husband engage in. So, he remains wrapped in the silence that nearly always 
seems to cloak him.

Well, what more is the Lord to do? He can't very well escape the bushes. 
Demonder presses on, following whatever sight of Rennar he can manage to 
capture. And when he loses her, the voice does the trick. Though already he is 
heard stumbling into a few rather sharp bushes as he "ouches" his way around. 
"A challenge with the rewards of tickling your sides? It is one I gladly 
accept." And with that, he presses further through. "Though, if I'm not 
mistaken, I'm sure you know this maze of bushes inside out." There is clear 
amusement in his voice.

A giggle can be heard from somewhere deep within the bushes, "That I do.... 
that I do." Then silence permeates the air. For those who have been watching, 
or listening all along, they might seen Rennar escaping the confines of the 
bushes in a rather silent nature. Spying Nicodemus finally, she raises a finger 
to her lips and walks toward him, a mischievous grin upon her features.

Nicodemus inclines his head to the lady, showing some deference here to her 
wishes. His face is stoc, but his eyes seem to be watching Rennar with 
intensity. He offers a polite bow, straitens, and folds his arms over his 
chest.

Some might find the sound very funny, somewhere off in the distance, the 
ruffling of material against the thick thorns of some bush. And then the sound 
of stretching fabric, a rip, and a rather heavy thud. "Ooof" is heard too, all 
in matter of moments, as Demonder falls to the ground within the maze of 
bushes. "You will have me within these bushes for months then, searching for 
you." No doubt, considering Rennar isn't even within them anymore. And with 
that, bushes and trees shake off in the distance as Demonder pats his way 
around. It would be funny to note that Demonder seems to be walking in a circle 
within the maze.

Nicodemus' gaze moves to the hedgemaze as the sounds of Demonder trapped within 
the maze drifts to his ear. Though he truly finds this situation amusing, and 
deeply symbolic of the relationship between male and female, he will not allow 
his mirth to show itself.

"Perhaps.... where are you within the maze? Describe it to be exactly." That is 
where Rennar gives away her position, her gaze now turning toward the bushes 
she no longer occupies.

Even Demonder would notice that the voice of Rennar is much further then it 
once was. The young Lord likely turned suddenly and started a run, for he trips 
over something else once again. The poor books he must be carrying. And that 
rather heavy axe? Well, soon he is heard walking once again. "Let's see. 
There's a rock that is the shape of a turtle, a small tree no taller then my 
waist, and plenty of sharp bushes. About a dozen too many of those." Clearly, 
Demonder is amused by all of this.

"Ah... well then. You are close to the middle, I would figure." Rennar offers, 
yet at the same time offers no help on how to get out. There is much amusement 
within her voice as she speaks to Demonder. She then turns her attention 
briefly on the stoic looking man whom shows no emotion, eyeing him carefully, 
"I am Lady Rennar Elliya Hune... I do not believe I have seen you about the 
palace before. Yours is a face I believe I'd remember."

The Cairheinin's eyes return to the lady Rennar. Perhaps he wonders how long he 
must remain silent. Nicodemus offers another bow to the lady, before he speaks. 
"I am Nicodemus Gadwin M'Lady... And I believe that I have seen you about." 
Wether he cares if she remembers him or not, shows not on his features, but 
things rarely do. Emotions are too telling, and will lead on into a trap. "It 
is an honour to meet you finally Lady Rennar."

It would have to become obvious to Demonder now that Rennar is somewhere 
outside the maze. Perhaps now he remembers her words about it being most 
difficult to find your way out? Not that Demonder is always the brightest of 
Lords, much too insistant on brute strength and rushed motions then to think a 
situation out. Seeing that Rennar won't offer him much help, Demonder starts 
strumbling through. At least he seems to be finding the direction alright. He 
is getting closer, at most times. Though not all. "Nicodemus Gadwin?" 
Demonder's voice is heard from within the maze. "I am Lord Demonder Roesone." 
Well, at least he takes the time to introduce himself, though this moment in 
concentration has him tripping over something else.

"From the way you say that, I would think that someone else has been telling 
you about me." Rennar comments offhandedly, eyeing Nicodemus in a careful 
manner, "Though whether it be ill or good remains to be a mystery." Her gaze 
goes to the garden maze briefly, "From the middle, go straight, then two 
rights, a left, another right, two more lefts, and then straight again.

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

Nicodemus calls out to the lord. "It is an honour to... To meet you sir..." He 
thinks to tell the man to place his left hand on a wall, and keep it in 
contact, turning at each left, ever keeping his hand upon the wall. He might 
travel the entire maze, and backtrack as well, but he will get out. His 
attention goes to the lady once more. "Queen Aislynn speaks highly of you 
M'Lady." He offers a simple enough explination, and one he hope will let some 
of her suspicions fade.

At the mention of Aislynn's name, Rennar seems to break out into a warm and 
fold smile, "Ah... indeed it was all good then." She nods her head. "Her 
Majesty and I have been longtime friends."

Demonder does manage to look descent enough as he slips back out from the maze. 
All except for the leaves that hang from his clothing. And upon closer look 
there would be a few thorns in his pants. Placing the books down, he begins to 
brush himself off before taking the books and heading toward Nicodemus and 
Rennar. Demonder eyes Rennar suspeciously in the dramatic manner that can only 
be taken as playful. Laughing, his steps toward Rennar are short as he nods to 
Nicodemus with respect.

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

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

Nicodemus inclines his head once more. "She told me much the same M'Lady." He 
watches the lord make his way from the hedgemaze, and offers him a bow as well.

"Lord Roesone." Rennar greets, a slight grin showing upon her features, and 
that mischief ever present in her eyes. She turns her gaze back to Nicodemus, 
narrowing her eyes slightly, "Yes, I think I remember you were with the Queen 
the other evening when I had attempted to visit with her." Almost immediately, 
the mirth she holds leaves her expression, "Which I still intend to do. There's 
a few rather important matters she needs to become aware of."

Kragar enters the Queen's Gardens from the east.

Kragar enters the gardens and stands back a bit not wanting to interrupt 
anything.

Kragarin fact he wanders to a bench beneath the trees.

Kragar sits down at Bench underneath trees.

Demonder can't help but laugh at the look in Rennar's eyes. "Lady Hune, I do 
thank you for your aid," he notes with a smile. "It would been another few 
days, to be sure, before I reached my escape." And with that he looks between 
Nicodemus and Rennar. "More matters to discuss with the Queen?" Well, this 
sends Demonder into a reflex of concern.

"Ones that have not yet been discussed with her, I'm afraid." Rennar gives 
Demonder a meaningful look, "Among others brought to my attention."

Nicodemus looks from Demonder as his attention is drawn once more to the Lady. 
"I am sure that Queen Aislynn wishes to see you M'Lady." He makes no mention of 
what business called her away last eve. "Perhaps; if I may, and it pleases; I 
could give her a message for you?" He eyes the newest arrival for a moment, and 
offers the man a nod. A nod which speaks some amount of familiarity.

Kragar nods back with his amused smile painted as always on his plain face.

Rennar's eyes narrow a little further, "Had I known you a bit longer, Master 
Gadwin, I would do just that. However, we have only just met, and I feel 
safer," a word she stresses to no end, "if I should give the message to her 
myself."

"Mistress Maggae has left?" Demonder notes rather suddenly as his thoughts 
switch between matters. "I had heard of her sickness and then recovery. I 
assume since Cairhien has been somewhat quiet, she is back in Tar Valon?"

Nicodemus inclines his head. "But of course M'Lady. I do understand your 
apprehension over the matter. His face is impassive about the matter. If it is 
important, Aislynn will let him know of it in her own good time.

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.

Kragar begins to roll a coin back and forth across his knuckles. he is easily 
amused, a simple man with simple pleasures.

Rennar nods her head ever so slightly, then smiles gently, "How long have you 
been within the city?" She inquires, allowing her gaze to fall upon the rest of 
the gardens as she speaks with the almost perfect stranger. Her eyes then fall 
on other other seated on the benches. SHe studies him quietly for a few 
moments, while waiting for an answer from Nicodemus.

Kragar looks in Rennars direction, that annoying grin still showing.

Demonder spends most of his attention of Nicodemus and Renica, although his 
eyes sometimes drift over ot the Cairhienian man. Well, not many others around 
in the garden. There is a touch relief on him that Maggae has indeed left the 
city.

Nicodemus follows the lady's gaze about. He offers in a hushed voice. "I have 
been with Queen Aislynn since she left Tar Valon." He lets it lie at that, 
expecting no trust whatsoever to come from that. He leaves the statement open 
so that any number of conclusions might be drawn from it.

Kragar lounges comfortable. How I love the outdoors, the sights and sounds. Am 
I thinking out loud...no thank goodness people would think I'm nuts.

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

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

Renica enters the Queen's Gardens from the east.

The young noble woman from House Hune nods her head gently as she turns her 
attention back to Nicodemus. "I see.... I think. I have heard that her arrival 
was not to be expected, after all the antcipated waiting from those within the 
city."

Renica's soft slippers make no sound on the wide flagstones of the garden path 
as she wanders slowly into view, stopping here and there to admire a 
snowblossom or deep red rose.

The Carhienin's face remains in it's perfect, emotionless state, but there is 
some small fire that seems to build behind his cold blue eyes. "Why would the 
people not expect their Queen." He knows full well why, and why Aislynn was 
received so badly, but he wishes to hear if the Lady Rennar Hune expected her 
own friends return to Caemlyn.

Kragar gives Nicodemus a look...thinking.

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

Rennar carefully studies Nicodemus before answering, "I highly regard the 
Queen, my friend, Master Nicodemus. She and I have gone back a long way. I 
expected her arrival, and her newly found position amonst the Tower serves the 
country well. My cousin, Naya /Hune/ Sedai, having been the Keeper for a short 
time, and support of most in my family, including myself, proves that I also 
have more reason to back the Queen."

Renica straightens, holding a small blossom in her hands, and then catches 
sight of her wayward brother. Smiling, the slender young noblewoman heads 
towards the group.

Nicodemus inclines his head. He is ever so glad to hear of it, but, as always 
he will not allow his pleasure to show. "I make no accusations M'Lady, and as I 
said Queen Aislynn holds you in high regard. Therefore am I not likely to as 
well?"

Kragar holds back a grin with some effort, luckily the shadows from the trees 
cover him admirably.

Demonder reluctantly sighs as he leaves Rennar's books somewhere nearby. "A 
conversation I will enjoy another time, but for now I must be leaving." And 
with that he nods to the Gaidin and Renica. "Lady Hune, Nicodemus Gadwin."

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

"I do not see how that is so, Master Gadwin, seeming as how we've just met, and 
I hardly know you." Rennar glances to Demonder and the others, then back to the 
man she is conversing with. She gives pause as Demonder makes his excuses to 
leave, then considers, "I am afraid I too must be going. The hour is growing
late."