Arboretum: Inner City, Caemlyn

Though not exactly busy, the Arboretum's well kept grounds manages to keep it a popular spot in Caemlyn: a quiet escape from the chaos of the streets always ready to welcome any and all that should seek her out.

Not far off, some children run along the paths, dutifully watched by some adults trailing not far behind. A soft layer of snow covers most of the ground, salted paths allowing for cool strolls through the still beautiful garden. Leafless trees stand majestically all around, branches reaching out to the intermittent snowfall. The small pond in the center is frozen over, and all around are burrows: tiny tracks leading to and fro as animals keep warm in the winter. Small stone-lined paths creep off the park's main path, offering visitors a chance to slip away and find their own 'private' spot to sit and enjoy the greenery all around. At the western most end of the park, a high wrought-iron fence is surrounds three large trees, their crowns rivaling the nearby towers of the Inner City. Nestled amidst the ancient giants is a small gatehouse, nearly obscured with creeping ivy.

<There are places and +views here.>

Shalayne walks through the large iron gates, entering from the Inner City.

Xavier walks through the large iron gates, entering from the Inner City.

Nirema is for all intents and purposes, mostly covered by the bushes, the only covering this poor unstately figure can find in the cold snow about her. Somehow, the figure has managed to find a coat of some sort, bedraggled and eatten by moths. A pair of feet, with an unsavory pair of slippers, stick out from the bottom of the bushes, showing that someone is within them. Further inspection would show that someone is sleeping there.

Sasha emerges from the side entrance that leads to Ferret Run.

Xavier, a dark haired youth, unassumingly enters the Arboretum, intent on the flowers, and promptly trips upon a set of feet emerging from a bush... "Oops... sorry."

Shalayne makes her way into the gardens, her eyes wandering over the snow covered scene. She breathes in deeply, exhaling slowly, breath forming a misty cloud.

Abruptly, Nirema startles from her sleep, a deep mixture of surprise and fear touching her features, "What... who... where?" She fumbles for a small dagger that was placed not too far from where she was sleeping, yet clearly has no idea how to use the thing beyond it being an eatting utensil.

Sasha is wrapped in her cloak, humming softly as she enters, heading for the frozen pond to watch the reflections.

Xavier, offering a hand to the recently awakened form, "I'm dreadfully sorry, it would appear that I disturbed your repose"

Shalayne looks to the bench, fingering the pouch at her waist, as if trying to decide whether to sit and sketch awhile. She obviously decides not to, as she walks on, eyes falling on the ill-dressed young woman and the man ahead.

Sasha hear the noise and turns to watch from a distance, her shyness is growing less.

Protectively, Nirema holds that dagger before her, suspicion lining her eyes. Fear seems to radiate from her, as well as a load of mistrust, "It's alright..." Her voice comes, her teeth chattering together in the cold. Her unprotected head looks rosy and read, and almost chapped from the wintry air. She pulls her arms into the battered coat she managed to somehow find, keeping a grip on the weapon.

Xavier withdraws his offer of help rather quickly upon seeing the knife. "Oh good. Well, sorry for disturbing you... although you look like you could use a meal or something. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Uncertainty waivers in Nirema's eyes as she watches Xavier. A quick glance ensures her that there are others about, relief touching her briefly. She gives a small shake of her head, "No.. thank you..." She manages a weak, yet wary, smile, "I will manage...." She lets her voice drop, but not her guard.

Sasha watches, feeling sorry for the woman and remembering her days on the streets and the cold times in winter. Sasha pulls her cloak tighter against the chill.

Shalayne approaches the pair cautiously, curiosity and concern mingling in her eyes. She eyes the knife warily, as she unclasps her cloak. Stepping forward she nods politely to the man. "Good day, Sir." She turns to the woman. "You look chilled to the bone. Please. Take my cloak."

Xavier turns to the woman, stops taking his cloak off... "Thankyou madam, that is very gracious, but in fact, I am rather too hot here with all the plants, and I have another cloak." He turns to the still prostrate figure. "Please ma'am, why don't we make a brief trade - my cloak for your knife - before you do any damage to you or me."

Again that uncertainty seems to waiver within Nirema. "But you'll grow cold, Mistress...." She murmurs, her voice as gentle as a summer breeze, a direct contrast from the harsh wintry chill. "I could not... I will manage." She murmurs a little more firmly. Her green eyes appear to take in all around her, making certain of her surroundings. Her fear is no less than when she was so abrubtly woken. In fact, her fear seems to grow somewhat at all those others taking an interest in her - some other patrons of the park taking notice now.

Aislynn walks through the large iron gates, entering from the Inner City.

Sasha moves silently and quickly over to Shalayne, feeling much better around someone she knows.

Something seems to flare within Nirema, and she jerks away from Xavier now at his request, or mention of a 'trade' rather. "I would rather keep my dagger, thank you." Her words are curt, yet it is very noticable that fear guides her actions, "If I hurt myself, I have only myself to blame." In her seated position, she scurries into the bushes further, though the only thing that is not concealed is her head, which stucks above the planted material.

Of a sudden, a small cluster of Queen's Guards enter, fanning out to the left and right of the entrance, as a dark-clothed woman sweeps in, swathed in a voluminous black velvet cloak from shoulders to toes. She looks rather tired, and a bit sickly, but she easily keeps up with the Guardsman next to her, who seems to be functioning as her escort. "There was a bit of storm damage here, Your Majesty," he says, in clipped tones, and leads the young, slender woman further into the garden area.

Shalayne pulls her cloak back around her, seeing as the gentleman has offered his. She eyes the woman with puzzlement as she withdraws into the bush. "Please, Mistress. If you will come out, we can try to help you," she says softly.

Xavier steps back, and hands his cloak to the group of increasing size. "My apologies, you are obviously distressed, and it was not my intention to cause further additions. I will leave if you wish."

Morden emerges from the side entrance that leads to Ferret Run.

Xavier says "Bloody hell, is that the queen?"

Sasha catches sight of the fancy lady she saw last nite, the Queen Shalayne had said. Sasha moves closer to Shalayne and hides herself from the gathers guards, she is uncomfortable at best and considers joining the woman in the bushes.

Morden comes walking in with a number of obviously well to do men. Many of them are carrying writing tablets taking notes as other point things out. Seems the queen is not the only one out surveying the dammage.

Shalayne turns at the sudden activity and drops into a deep curtsey as she spots the Queen. Catching sight of Sasha out of the corner of her eye, she smiles reassuringly.

Not seeming to notice the Queen's entrance, of that of the guardsman, Nirema keeps her prime focus on Shalayne, Xavier and now Sasha, whom has sideled up next to Shalayne, "There is nothing you can really do to help me, Mistress, though I thank you for the offer." For someone who seems like nothing more than a common street begger, appearance-wise, she seems particularly stubborn, and most unusually polite.

Aislynn inclines her head politely to the young Guardsman at her side, and follows him further into the centre of the Arboretum, nodding as he points out areas where this tree was downed, or that garden rooted up by winds. At times, she holds one hand protectively over her belly, at others, she gathers up the abundance of her dark cloak, and wraps it tighter over her slender frame. She glances absently at the group gathered. She offers Shalayne a wan smile, though no less friendly and warm for that.

Xavier turns and bows, looking quite relieved not to get his sword tangled in his legs.

Sasha blushes and begins to shake, unthinking she moves behind the bushes where the other woman hides, her movements are quick an catlike, fluid as the running waters.

At all the hubbub and the exclaimation from Xavier, the others are momentarily forgotten as Nirema turns her attention now to the guardsman and the Queen. Her eyes widen, a sudden rush of relief enters her eyes, "Aislynn..." She murmurs, her voice a gentle murmuring and that word so familiar to her. She drops her dagger, her one form of protection, and emerges now from the bushes. It seems as if this ragged young slip of a woman is going to chance walking right up to the queen herself

The group of men seem more interested in structural dammage then dammage to the flowers and all that...They move first to the wall surrounding the place. At this point Morden and one of the other gentleman point out a few things and others take notes.

The black clothed young Queen, shivers as she gathers her voluminous cloak once more about her, and watches the strange looking young lady approach. A Guard moves protectively in front of her, but Aislynn places a restraining hand upon his arm, watching the young lady curiously.

Shalayne watches as the young woman approaches the Queen, subconsciously holding her breath.

Sasha's eyes go wide as she peers from the bush the other woman has just left.

One of the men notices the queen and points her out to his commrades who stop doing their business and start chattering amongst themselves like a gaggel of women..seems they have something to say to her...all of them do? Morden is the only one who goes on surveying, pursued by 1 or 2 others. "Jules...That's the queen, maybe now's the time?"

Shivering, the young, baldly shaven woman wraps her bedraggled coat about her, looking rather moth eatten and torn - hardly something that could truly protect her from the elements. When the guard moves to stand in front of Aislynn, Nirema's certain surety seems to flutter. Uncertainty waivers over her, seen visibly in her posture. She pauses her steps, then glances back to the 'safety' of the small home in the bushes she's managed to make of herself, weighing which would be best of options for herself - to freeze, or face the Queen's guard.

"Pray, do not be afraid, young Lady..." Aislynn says, in a rich, warm voice. "If there is aught that I can do for you, do not be afraid to ask..." This, to Nirema, as she seems to sense the other woman's hesitancy. The young Queen seems concerned with the strange woman, who--for all intents and purposes--could be one of Andor's lowliest subjects. However, the Queen has been known in the past for her aid to all manner of Andoran citizens.

Shalayne's gaze remains fixed on the scene unfolding before her. She pulls her cloak a little tighter around her, as if suddenly feeling the chill. She waits with baited breath for the young woman's response.

"Come on Jules...I know the Old man wants to set the meeting up on his own...but she's right here! I mean we could do it ourselves. Talk about instant prommotion." Morden shakes his head. "Don't go over his head or you'll wish you hadn't. The guild will make contact with her in its own time."

Indecision settles upon Nirema's features. She glancse from the Queen's Guard, to Xavier and Shalayne - both of which were helping her before, and them to the Queen herself once more. Obviously, more than anything itself, she wants to go to the other woman, but she does not, at least not just yet. She bows simply, with a certain style and grace that denotes a practiced ease and eloquence, certainly not one found within the lowliest of Andoran subjects. Her eyes, saddened green emeralds, full of some minute hope, stare back at the Queen. Finally, after standing in the cold for so long, she manages to find her tongue, "There is naught that I desire more than my home and family, your Majesty, but they have been both have been ferreted away from me. I do not know that you could help with that." Her voice, though hoarse, may sound a bit familiar.

Xavier gasps with obvious astonishment.

Aislynn blinks at this admission, taking a few steps forward, slowly and in a nonthreatening manner, so as not to frighten away this flighty young lady. She inclines her head, so as to get a better view of the young woman in front of her, the eyes seeming to light a spark of recognition within her. "If there is aught I can do to help you find your family, young Lady, I have those who would be glad to help you. Not the least among them is myself, who is interested in the safetey and welfare of -all- of my subjects." She stops, and awaits for the other woman to speak.

Watching the unfolding scene, Sasha moves away from hiding, finding her bravery somehow and moves to stand next to Shalayne.

Shalayne turns to the young man by her and leans in to speak softly. She mutters to Xavier, "... know... Sir." Seeing Sasha approach, she smiles once more. "Good day, Sasha," she says softly, as if afraid to disturb the procedings.

Sasha nods to Shalayne, her eyes wide and cloak wrapped tight but no words escape her.

Xavier wispers in reply "Not in the slightest madam, but I believe I have made a good aquaintance with her feet, and soon afterwards, the pavement."

A small smile lights upon Nirema's features, though it is dwarfed by the continying fear and uncertainty that she feels within, all showing quite readily upon her features. "I..." She begins, one again looking around her uncertainly, at all those watching her. She seems to be looking for something, then relief passes over her. So many times has she wanted to just come out and say what she wanted, yet... fear keeps her back, fear that she will not be believed. "My family is scattered across the countryside, your Majesty..." She settles for a lie, lowering her eyes from the woman lest the guard decide she be too perky with the Queen. "... and many of which whom may not know, nor recognize me for who I am..." Through subtle words and hints she expresses her own fears, and wraps her hole wrought coat about her even more tightly as another bout of wintry chill sends her into wracking shivers.

Morden mannages to convince his commrades that now is not the time to approach the queen and they grumble and go back to their survey of the dammage. Morden watches for some reason thoug...a certain amount of detached interest when the queen talks perhaps.

Shalayne smiles at the man's response, her attention momentarily straying to Morden. She hurriedly looks back to the young woman, still stood before the Queen.

Aislynn appears pensive for a moment, and silent, her glacial gaze resting upon the singularly odd woman before her. After a moment, she nods, "That is, indeed, a tragic situation. Have you proof to relay to members of your family, that would allow them to believe you are who you say you are?" She lifts a pale brow, speculatively, waiting for the answer.

Sasha follows where Shalayne to the Morden, then back to the Queen, she has never been this close to a fancy lady save last nite. Sasha still trembles as she moves closer to Shalayne.

Shalayne has partially disconnected.

Xavier mutters to Shalayne, "... be the gentlemen over..."

Carefully, attempting to not appear threatening, Nirema shifts her weight to her other foot. Her eyes scan the area about her once more, a nervous mannerism. It could be from the Queen's mere presence, or the crowd - though which seems uncertain. "I have only words..." She comments, "All else was taken... and when I attempted to reveal the truth the first time, without sure proof, I was dismissed."

Shalayne continues to study the young woman curiously as she replies to the man. She mutters to Xavier, "... have... inn... his name... more of him... that."

Shalayne turns her head slightly to Sasha, averting her eyes from the enigmatic young woman for only the briefest of moments. "Are you alright? You seem to be a little...uncomfortable," she asks sofly.

Sasha nods, "I...I think so Shalayne." pointing to Queen, "she...she had fire in her hands last nite.." her voice shaky.

Sasha is confused on time and events her nervousness makes her that way at times.

Aislynn nods to Nirema, curiosity in her eyes. After another silent period of scrutinizing the odd young woman, Aislynn finally inquires, "Might I ask what catastrophic event ripped you away from your family, young Lady?"

Xavier unconsciously leans forward with interest.

It is just when the Queen asks her question that Nirema happens to look up at her, and then grow something close to three shades paler. She seems unable to answer, fear and trepidition reviting her in place. Almost immediately, she lowers her eyes, "Circumstances, as many, that were out of my own control... and remained so for a long time, your Majesty..." She shifts uncomfortably, and now seems completely unwilling to meet the Queen's gaze, even a smidge as she did so boldly before.

Aislynn hmmms to herself as she sees this reaction from Nirema, her glacial eyes widening slightly, as if in faint recognition of this mannerism. "Is there something wrong, young Lady...aside from your most obvious plight?" she inquires, in pleasant tones.

Shivering, either from the cold or something else, Nirema shakes her head, not willing to meet the Queen's gaze. "No... your Majesty," she is quick to ensure Aislynn, perhaps too quick, pulling her moth eatten coat about her even more tightly. It seems more to be an action of nervous fear than anything else, which looks as if it has increased marginall within the young woman, "Nothing..." Obviously, that is a lie, considering how she is reacting now. She glances about, giving that bush of hers a longing gaze, as she stands there hugging herself.

Aislynn nods to herself, still regarding the other young lady speculatively. "There is something about your mannerisms in the past few moments that remind me of something....or someone. I cannot quite put my finger upon it, though....and your eyes, though you now hide them, are familiar, as well." She states this as simple fact, and waits patiently and serenely to see what the other woman will make of this.

Sasha watches silently her urge is to move to the woman but her nervousness stops her she understands the cold of being alone, no family few friends it it worst than the winter chill.

A minute glimmar of hope, mixed with that never ending fear, causes Nirema to glance up at Aislynn's words. Silently, indecisvely she chews on the bottom of her lip. "I..." She starts to speak, then stops herself, looking away. "You would have no reason to believe me, were I to tell you... to come right out and say that which I've been trying to hint at for so long." She pauses, her voice catching and tears now brimming her eyes, "Why would you...? She is supposed to be dead afterall..." And with the last spoken, she turns her body away from the Queen, so that her facial features, wrought with a mixture of emotional pain, cannot be seen.

Aislynn blinks at this, and takes a couple of quick steps forward, no longer clutching her cloak about her, and the wind takes it up, blowing it out behind her. She murmurs under her breath, hope and desperation mingled, "You know aught of she who is believed to be dead? If you do, please speak, and fear not of repercussions...."

Sasha gasps at what she hears.

Aislynn glances over at Sasha's little noise, and turns placidly back to Nirema.

"She is nothing but a rat... or so she was told by her uncle..." Nirema's voice can be heard, back still to the Queen, "Yet she is alive and well." The emotional pain that was there before remains, as the tears still fight to be released from her eyes. She tries to maintain control over herself, at least to speak when required of her.

Sasha tries to fade into the shadows after seeing the Queen glance at her but she remains fixed with fear and listens.

Aislynn takes a few more steps toward Nirema, hoping not to startle her into bolting. She murmurs, She mutters to Nirema, "... believe you...?"

You sense Aislynn takes a few more steps toward Nirema, hoping not to startle her into bolting. She murmurs, "Rennar...why would you think I would not believe you...?"

Shaking Sasha turns to Shalayne the mutters "the the fancy lady looked at me." her voice shakey and a bit to loud for her liking.

The young woman does give a start, however she does not bolt as might be expected. Her head rises a bit and she moves around quickly to confront the Queen. There is a look of pure hope, pure desire to be recognized, yet that fear still maintains its grip on her, "Th... the guards... they did not." She answers the softly spoken words of the Queen, then glances down at herself - proof of why, "They just looked at me skeptically... I could offer them nothing, nothing that would satisfy them. They caught me shimmying down the side of the way, attempting to run from the House..." As she speaks her words become more choked, until they cut off finally, some of the rest told without words.

Shalayne can't help a smile breaking out on her lips, despite the tension of the situation. "You mean the Queen?" she asks Sasha. "Did you curtsey?" Her eyes remain fixed on the two women, as she tries to piece together exactly what is happening.

Aislynn continues to regard Nirema speculatively, her expression showing one of concern and despair for the other woman's plight and tribulations that she must have gone through. Suddenly, it seems as if an idea blossoms in the Queen's eyes, and she closes her eyes briefly, her fingers twitching, one hand raised to point a finger toward Nirema. A wavery shape seems to coalesce around Nirema's head, and when it finally solidifies, it is hair, cloaking the woman's baldness.

Sasha eyes go wide, "Yes the Queen the fancy lady." tears welling in her eyes, "Was I suppose to curtsey. let me do it now ok"..

The hair that takes shape is long, and auburn, with reddish highlights and contours, drastically changing the woman's appearance.

Xavier gasps again in particularly obvious astonishment. "Real magic..."

Sasha gasps and goes pale, "What is happening..look hair growing from...." her words frozen in her throat as she grabs Shalayne for protection

Uncertainty seems to overtake Nirema as Aislynn does whatever it is she is doing, standing in the wintry chill as her body now shivers uncontrollably - through both the wintry air and her own emotions. She does not see the 'illusion' of the hair being placed about her head, nor really feel the affects of the One Power being woven, not being a channeler herself. At the Queen's studious gaze, Nirema lowers her eyes, hope nearly extinguished as nothing more is spoken.

Shalayne gasps at the transformation of the young woman, eyes wide in astonishment at seeing channelling in action. Somehow, it seems to have more of an impact on her, now that she is not engrossed in any sketching.

Once the illusion is in place, Aislynn nods to herself, and closes the intervening distance between Nirema and herself, taking the other woman up in a warm embrace. "Rennar!" she exclaims, "How wonderful!"

Xavier breaks out into a huge grin.

Shalayne 's eye's widen even more. "Of course," she whispers under her breath, shaking her heaad slowly. "I would never have guessed..."

Sasha tugs on Shalayne, "What, what..tell me Sha..guessed what?"

Hearing the two women next to him, Xavier turns and asks, "Guessed what, maam? I understand I am seeing a family reunion here, perhaps the Queen's daughter returning after running away, or some such like?"

Shalayne continues to watch in wide-eyed amazement. "Lady Rennar..." is all she manages to say.

Surprise over takes the one now called 'Rennar', particularly when the Queen takes her into a warm embrace. At that particular moment, unable to hold back emotionally any longer, she breaks down in the Queen's arms, much like a child would within her own mother's arms. The emotions are very real, not likely to be feigned. Words seem to escape her as she clings desparately to the Queen, an odd sight to see indeed.

Aislynn continues to warmly embrace her lost friend, stroking her hair and trying to comfort her with soft words of encouragement. "It is alright, Rennar...you are back and all will be well..."

Becomming so caught up with fear and amazement Sasha nearly falls stepping closer to her friend. "I...I should leave, funny stuff going on here." her shaking grows as she has never seen anything like it, she even touches her hair as though still trying to figure out what happened.

Shalayne's face softens, the muscles relaxing from their state of tension. "I do believe that is Lady Rennar of House Hune. Believed to have been dead for the past weeks." She addresses this to the man and woman beside her. "It is a /long/ story."

Sasha shakes her head "Sasha likes stories..really" her innscence surfacing.

Shalayne turns her eyes to the nervous looking young woman. "Hmm, this one is a rather dark tale, although it does appear to finally have a happy ending," she says smiling at the little reunion.

Sasha nods, "Shalayne tell me please tell me..I promise I will curtsey at the fancy lady next time please Shalayne" glancing at the two women she is still unsure of what she saw.

Rennar continues to cling to the Queen, not looking as odd before with the minor touches of illusion that temporarily 'restore' the appearance, at least, of her shaven head. She shakes as she sobs in the other woman's arms, her body visibly showing the quakes she goes through. She shakes her head at the Queen's words, as if to deny them, then slowly, so very slowly, she gathers herself together, "There were assassins, Aislynn..." She forgets herself, speaking familiarly friend to friend, rather then Lady to Queen - yet surely within the circumstances this slip can be overlooked. "And not all were caught, or killed."

At the mention of the word "assassins", Xavier's face hardens, and his hand makes a move for his sword before he realises he is next to the ruling monarch of Andor and several of some rather loyal armed guards.

Aislynn nods, still hugging the other woman, "I know, Rennar...I know," she says, grimly. "That vexes me greatly, too." Her eyes glitter with anger for a moment as she says, "And my Guards would not let me into Tiras Lorn at the time of the attack." A few of the Guards within earshot stiffen slightly and look at each other, perhaps a touch of fear in their eyes. The Queen continues, "I have increased patrols, and if you know their descriptions, that would be very helpful..."

Sasha stiffens at the name of the Tiras Lorn and her memories of what she saw.

Shalayne smiles at Sasha. "I'm sure you will hear the story in time. There are other better equipped to tell it than I." She steps forward hesitantly, towards the Queen. "If I can be of assistance. I may be able to sketch a likeness from the Lady's descriptions," she offers.

Still trying to regain control of herself, Rennar shakes her head, "I only saw but one, and at the time I was trying to keep myself from falling down the side of the manor... I barely escaped with my own life, and what little I did see of the man is a blurred memory of him about to throw a dagger at me, and the woman who helped me escape jumping on him to ensure I get away safely."

Aislynn pulls away slightly from Rennar, so as to see her when she speaks. She nods at this, the grim expression still upon her face, as she clutches her cloak about her slender body, shivering--perhaps with the wind, perhaps at the idea of an assassin. She nod to Shalayne's question, "If the Lady Rennar ever does remember portions of his features, that would be invaluable, Shalayne. Thank you..." She turns back to Rennar and nods, "Yes..I did hear of your escape...some of it, before things got to out of control and my Guard..." she shoots a scathing look at those worthy fellows standing nearby, "...had me taken back to the Palace as if I were some sort of fragile figurine. But tell me...who is this lady that aided in your rescue?"

Shalayne steps back again to her previous position, waiting to hear Lady Rennar's answer.

Uncertainty washes over Rennar once more, as she chews on the bottom of her lip, "I never did secure her name... she was one of those who worked in the Manor." Not exactly an untruth, Rennar did not get her name, and the young woman did work at the Manor - just not for Jeffrin. "She kept her face hidden most times, and only came upon my uncle's request, or to watch over me if he had something he needed to do." Memories of events kept locked away in her own home haunt her eyes.

Aislynn nods, the look of concern tinging her features. "I knew you were not dead. As did most in the Palace. It was Nicodemus who first made me think so...bringing to my attention the fact that such a blatant placement of a...body...seemed like deliberate misdirection."

Sasha gasps at the mention of a body again, she stands stark still eyes wide and listens.

Shalayne turns to the pair beside her. "I think I shall leave them to complete their reunion in peace now. It is a little cold standing here. I believe a hot cup of tea is called for."

Xavier, called back from his reverie, nods. "Yes, that would be appropriate, and I've had more than enough excitement for one day. Good day, ladies." And he strolls off.

Rennar shifts uncomfortably at the mentioning of the body, then her hand goes to her head, right through the illusion as she touches its shaven features. "He.. he cut my hair, and used that as proof... he liked my head this way, so just made sure none grew back." Those haunted eyes gaze out in an emotionless array, as her voice grows softer at her memories. After a moment or two she blinks out of it, then takes in Aislynn's appearance fully, for the first time since she's seen her here, "You do not look well..." She comments, her mind giving off a random thought, as those so full of emotion often do in distraught times.

Sasha remains frozen in place unmoving and feeling little of the cold her attention on the Queen and Rennar.

Shalayne nods politely as the man leaves. "Good day, Sir. Good day, Sasha," she adds making her own way out of the gardens.

Aislynn inclines her head to Rennar, the corners of her lips curving up into a faint smile at the blunt observation. She replies, "I have been...unwell of late. The impending birth has not suited me well, I am afraid."

Shalayne walks east, heading out to Caemlyn's Inner City.

"Birth...?" Surprise, though pleasant, touches Rennar's eyes. She had known that Aislynn was going to have a child, just not when. And, from the looks on her features she had not yet heard the news.

Aislynn smiles faintly at this, though her expression seems to be a bit...grim. Or perhaps saddened at the idea of this birth, which is strange, because Andor needs an heir. She nods to Rennar's question, and replies, "Yes...I am to give birth in 5 months' time."

Sasha gasps, covering her mouth quickly to cover it, muttering to herself, "Sasha likes babies, babies are cute."

Rennar sends a small glance in Sasha's direction, eyeing the young woman in a quiet manner before lowering her eyes in a meakly demure fashion. "I am glad to hear that you are with child. Surely, it is a happy time for you...?" She comments, just now chancing a look up at Aislynn.

Sasha blushes realizing they heard her.

Aislynn heaves a sigh, and blinks, replying, "Yes...I am happy. There are simply...." she lowers her voice and looks around before continuing, "..complications..."

Rennar nods her head slightly, then of a sudden a more knowing look enters her eyes. She seems at odds with herself briefly before that odd behavior returns of hers. She looks away, "Perhaps it would be best to get out of the cold, before you freeze? It would not do your child any good for that to happen." Her words are softly spoken as she pulls her moth eatten coat about her once more.

Aislynn nods at this good sense, "Very well...would you like to come to the Palace? We can have some hot tea and speak more of this..."

Sasha shivers, pulling her cloak round her, thinking how hot tea would be nice. Her mind wandering to thoughts of what a palace would be like, she can only imagine from stories and tales.

Rennar seems to hesitate, eyes going to the guards who dismissed her without thought the other evening, "Would that be wise.. .bringing me with you...?" She lowers her gaze again, somehow seeming changed for her experience. She sits silently as she shivers in the wintry wind.

Aislynn waves a pale hand, before gathering her voluminous cloak about her once more, "I see no reason for you not to....Now that they have recognized their error..." She speaks pointedly about the Guards.

The young 'lady' nods, "Then I very much would like to get out of this cold wetness." She mumbles quietly, "I don't know how I managed the last night out here on my own. I'm not helpless, but I also don't have the street smarts needed to survive. I'm lucky I did not run into the others trying to kill me." Her own words seem to chill her to the bone as she shakes uncontrollably once more at that thought.

Sadness shows in Sasha's eyes as she watches, her determination growing to find a way to open a home someplace for people like her and the other woman to come in out of the cold, eat and be safe.

Aislynn nods, and pats Rennar comfortingly upon her arm, as she nods to the Guard, and gestures for them to lead onward. She, herself, begins walking toward the exit, seeing if Rennar is following.

Sasha watching the Queen and Rennar, she decides to follow them as far as she can, at least she can see the palace from the outside.

Rennar does follow, not needing to be offered twice a way to get out of the freezing cold. She remains silent as she moves out, yet wary, as if expecting someone, even with the guards about her, to jump out of the shadows and attempt to do her harm. Skittish seems to be the most appropriate word to describe her.

Aislynn notes that Rennar walks with her, and quickens her strides, taking her swiftly to the entrance of the Arbortum and out. The Guards follow, some in front and some in back.

You head east, leaving behind the peace and quiet of Caemlyn's Arboretum.

Caembarin Boulevard: Inner City, Caemlyn

The Inner City of Caemlyn is built upon the highest peaking hills, surrounded by a fortified wall built of polished granite with gleaming white marble inlays. One can look down over the gentle slopes of the rest of the city from the many vantage points along the wall. The streets have been crafted to follow the natural contours of the hills, and are paved in silver-streaked gray. A large park-like area lies to the western edge of the walled Inner City.

The large park here is draped in long shadows of the afternoon sun as it arcs across the sky, on its way to setting. A fine sprinkling of snow lies like a light blanket across the hills at the heart of Caemlyn. The white stone walks have been cleared of snow here. A white stone-paved road leads to the south, winding uphill, and its twin leads off to the east. To the north lies Origan Gate, which leads into the New City.

Sasha walks out past the large iron gates leading into the Arboretum.

Aislynn glides gracefully out past the large iron gates leading into the Arboretum.

Aislynn follows the curving white stone road up the hill to the south.

You continue southward, walking along the white paved street that spirals around the hill, toward the Queen's Plaza.

The Queen's Plaza: Inner City, Caemlyn

A large, oval-shaped plaza, paved with pristine white stones faces the tall gates of the Royal Palace. Spires and golden domes can be seen from over the walls.

Children scamper around the Queen's Plaza, carefully dodging the adults that bustle about on various errands. Snow covers the large plaza, and the stones are slippery under your feet. The patches of lawn lay barren, as do the bare rose bushes. They await the spring warmth that will bring them back to flower. The tall, gilded gates of the Royal Palace are guarded by a group of Queen's Guards. White stone-paved roads lead to the south and to the northeast.

Sasha enters the Queen's Plaza from the north.

Sasha looks sad and shivers as she watches the Queen and Renner, moving a bit to close she can near touch them both she curtseys as Shay said almost falling in her effort.

Aislynn notices the young woman trying to keep up, although the Guards are looking at her warily. She smiles at the curtsey, and nods her head politely.

Sasha catches herself from falling and smiles at the Queen, she is visibly shaking as her shyness overtakes her again her face turning read, she is speachless.

Rennar glances over her shoulder, and seems to hover in closer to Aislynn. Mistrust resounds about her, unable to help the emotion she's feeling at the moment. She keeps up the pace the Queen sets, looking as though she does not want to be left behind.

Aislynn offers another smile to the girl, as she moves off again with the contigent of Guards, walking next to Rennar.

Sasha remains frozen in place as she watches the Queen move on. she then follows behind a bit longer wanting to see what she can of the palace through the gate.

The guards confiscate any _visible_ weapons and you are provided with an escort of two armed Queen's Guards for the duration you are on the Palace grounds, unless said escort is dismissed by a higher authority.

Aislynn leads Rennar right through the Palace gates and up to her personal chambers...

The Queen's Suite: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

You find yourself in an immense room, with a white marble floor and the same white stone walls that make up the rest of the Palace. The ceiling is a high, vaulted arch and wide, fluted columns line the east and west sides of the room.

Red-and-white liveried servants busy themselves with dusting tables and sweeping the huge expanse of floor. A roaring blaze keeps the huge room warm to the furthest corners during the dead of winter. A tall, arched stone doorway, curtained in thick red velvet, leads further into the chambers. A pair of huge double-doors, gilded in gold, lead out of the room.

Contents:
Aislynn

Rennar follows in quietly behind Aislynn, seemingly mulling over her thoughts as she moves with the Queen, something disturbing her. Still, she seems jumpy and skittish about every corner, half expecting something to lash out at her.

Aislynn smiles faintly as she arrives in her rooms, "Please..have a seat..." she gestures about idly at the various places to sit, and does so herself, inquiring of a nearby servant, "Please bring us some hot tea...." The servant bustles off quickly.

Aislynn sits down at Chairs near fireplace.

Not wanting to stray too far from the only person that currently brings her any sort of security, and sense of of her former self, Rennar moves to take a seat with the Queen near the fire - not to mention warmth would perhaps be a good thing for this particular young woman right now. "Thank you... f.. for believing me." She comments quietly, eyes looking down at her hands when she finally finds her tongue again.

You sit down at Chairs near fireplace.

Aislynn nods, tilting her head to one side, "How could I do otherwise once I was sure it was you, Rennar? As I mentioned before, I knew you could not possibly be dead...And I am quite glad that you have been found..." After a few moments of silence, the servant enters again bearin a silvered tray with a steaming pot of hot tea, and two cups. He pours it out for both women, and then bows his way out, shutting the door behind him. "I know that it may be hard for you...but would you like to talk of it?"

Gratefully Rennar accepts the tea, raising the cup to savor the smell of it before she takes a very /careful/ sip. She looks as though she has lost quite a considerable amount of weight, showing neglect to her person on Jeffrin's part. She shifts uncomfortably at mention of 'talking' about the situation, however there will probably be no changing her comfort level thinking about what had happened to her. So, she simply asks, keeping her eyes lowered, "What would you like to know?"

Aislynn hmmms to herself, "Do you know who those men were, the assassins? And why Jeffrin seemed afraid of them, if he hired them? Or so I was told by a mysterious fellow who told me you were imprisoned there...."

Rennar shakes her head slowly, her hands seeping in the warmth of the mug. "I can only guess at who they were, though I think I have a pretty good inkling... And if my guess is right, it was not my uncle who hired them... if he wanted me dead, he needed not to have someone come into the House and kill me. There were people a plenty who would have done the job for him."

Aislynn nods, listening intently, lifting her cup to her lips to sip every once in awhile. "That is true....and you think you know who these men were hired by?" She looks extremely curious, but also seems as if she does not wish to press the matter.

Rennar shifts again, "It seems there is someone out there who did not like the fact that you named me heir-apparent. I must say, I was surprised myself to hear it..." She comments quietly, "A man had come to visit my uncle and had demanded my immediate death. My uncle was stubborn on the matter and refused, wanting me more as his enslaved victim, to taunt and tease, than wanting me dead. That... and I was of use to him." With the last, she looks down at her tea, avoiding Aislynn's gaze. This is the closest she's come to telling the other woman about her ability.

Aislynn nods, heaving a quiet sigh, "I am very sorry...perhaps it was somewhat my own fault....what you have been through. Perhaps had you not been considered the heir-apparent...." Aislynn shakes her head, looking stricken. "But then, among many of the Nobles, it is known that you have the most connections to Ishara, next to myself." She trails off and takes a sip of her tea, remaining pensively silent for a few moments, before asking, "And what would you have done with Jeffrin?"

"For a just punishment, I would wish for him to go through the same excruciating torture he put me through, but I do not think that would be enough to serve what he has done to me and my family over the years." Rennar comments quietly, fingers gently trailing around the rim of her cup before she takes a small sip of tea, savoring its flavor, "He has been plaguing my family since I can remember, and my father's last attempt to 'deal' with him internally served to exile him from House Hune. I thought maybe he had changed over the years, and put up with his nonsense when he decided to return. I was a fool for thinking so..."

Nodding speculatively at this, Aislynn inquires, "And would you push for banishment or executions for his crimes? I think that he will have to be tried, Rennar...as much as I do not wish you to go through any more pain. But the public has been up in arms about this...and if there is no trial, they will wonder why. But I can leave it to you to offer mitigating circumstances if you feel execution is too harsh a punishment."

Aeron walks through a pair of gilded doors, entering the Queen's Chambers.

After being announced by the guards beyond the main doors, Aeron enters with a brisk, purposeful step, left hand resting on the hilt of his sword to keep it from swinging while he walks.

Aislynn glances up at Aeron, from where she is seated near the fire with Rennar. She offers Aeron a polite nod, murmuring, "Good day, Cousin."

What seems like the same young woman from the last evening at the Tiras Lorn 'showdown' is sitting nearby Aislynn upon the set of chairs settled by the fire. Her attention appears to be on the Queen, though she seems almost meak and quiet. "Banishment..." She murmurs quietly, answering a question put to her earlier, "... and if further is needed, upon pain of death should he re-enter the country. I do /not/ want to have to go through that again with my family, or have them go through that again. I can only imagine what Demonder is going through right now." And with that there is a touch of pain entering her voice once more, "He must be beside himself with worry, or grief, depending on what he has heard right now."

Aeron halts a respectful distance away, looking around the huge chamber. Once Aislynn nods her acknowledgement, he advances again, approaching the pair with a somewhat pained frown. "Forgive my interruption, Cousin."

Aeron is looking at you.

Aislynn returns her attention back to Rennar, noddin at her words, "Very well. Banishment will suffice for our purposes...As I am sure the magistrates cannot see fit to declare the man innocent under any circumstances..." she trails off, unsure whether such a private conversation should take place in front of others, no matter the familial relationship. She beckons Aeron over, and says, "Aeron, you do remember the Lady Rennar, do you not? Rennar, this is Lord Aeron Versyr, my kinsman."

Aeron presents himself with what courtly formality he can muster, though his bow isn't particularly polished. "Lady Rennar," he begins as he straightens up, "I apologize for your treatment yesterday."

Aislynn nod in satisfaction at the apology, and settles back into her chair, sipping her wine, not looking particularly well herself.

The young woman sitting with Aislynn glances up quietly from her hands, and consequently her cup of tea. She seems to freeze as she recognizes Lord Aeron, her eyes and expression turning unreadable as she regards the Lord. "Lord Aeron..." She greets, finding her voice after a few long moments, yet seeming distant. "Your apology is accepted." Still, that warm cup of tea huddles close to her, as she continues to soak the warmth from it, as if her night was not so warm.

With a grim expression, Aislynn inquires, addressing Aeron, though not particularly placing any kind of blame upon him---or at least not -only- upon him, "Why did the Guard not give her a chance to explain who she was? I am surprised and saddened at this treatment."

Oddly enough, Rennar does speak up on Aeron's defense, "They did, Aislynn." Her tone and words speak of familiarity, "But I told you, I had nothing to offer them in way of absolute proof."

Aislynn nods to Rennar and heaves a sigh. "You are of the Andoran nobility. They should have brought you directly to me, however."

Rennar chews on her lower lip a moment, "I smelled... horribly. I was left in my own wastes in a small closeted room. I was not allowed to bath, unless for some circumstance he wished for me to go with him somewhere, and then I only had so much time to clean." She heaves a sigh of her own as she continues, "And I was covered in dirt, soot and dust.... would you have, honestly, believed someone who looked that horribly disgusting could have been a member of the nobility? The only thing clean on my body... though not as clean as last evening, was this set of clothing that I am now wearing... before, I was in rags that were even more moth eatten and ragged than that coat I managed to find last evening when I slept in the streets."

Aislynn shakes her head sadly at Rennar's tribulations, offering another little sigh. "That is...terrible." She finally manages. "But, there is at least something hopeful in all of this: You can return to Tiras Lorn. At least I believe you can, to take back your rightful place. If you need extra protection, I could assign some Guards to help you for awhile...until...-if- we catch that last assassin..."

Aeron pauses a second, but apparently can't find anything useful to add to his apology, and just confirms it with a curt nod towards Rennar. He grimaces at the Queen's question, and forces his eyes down towards the floor, his own answer held back until Rennar has spoken, "I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I left her in the care of a File Leader, with instructions to see she was given something to eat and a chance to clean up. Then I went to see if Lady Rennar had been found or not." He adds gruffly, "But I'm not making excuses for my error. If you're displeased ..."

"I do not want to go back there..." Rennar quickly speaks, blushing as she does so and lowering her eyes, "At least... not yet." Her voice seems to plead. "If I may stay here, for a short while, I would be most grateful... There was also fire damage done to my home, so I will need to see to the repairations, not to mention that the gates and the doors are now battered and broken, I will need to see to getting those fixed."

Aeron doesn't look all that relieved at Aislynn's response to him, and falls silent again as Rennar speaks, an uncomfortable frown settling over his face.

It is now Aislynn's turn to blush, upon hearing of the damage. "For the gates, I must apologize, and offer to repair. And of course you may stay here. You will be more than welcome."

"There is no need to apologize, Aislynn." It is now, this very moment, that Rennar displays her first 'real' smile since becoming free, not even doing so when she finally thought she escaped her confines within Tiras Lorn. "I don't know that I'll be able to thank you enough, for interfereing and not believing that I was dead. If not, I would have been left in his clutches, and only Light knows what would have happened." She emits another shiver, her eyes turning haunted once more.

Aislynn nods, looking satisfied with the answer, and perhaps a bit disbelieving that Jeffrin ever thought he could get away with such, "And where are your sisters? I have not heard whether or not they were brought back here...."

"I saw Satira with Master Chade. In truth, she was the only one that I saw within Tiras Lorn." Rennar responds, pressing her lips together tightly, "Of the others, I have no idea. I can only hope that one of the servants that worked for me, before Jeffrin threw them out, took them in."

Aeron stands silently for a time, not interrupting the conversation. Then he lifts his right fist before his mouth and quietly clears his throat. "If you'll excuse me, Cousin. Lady Rennar," he says a bit gruffly, "I'll leave you to talk in peace."

Aislynn lifts a brow at Aeron, "You do not have to leave, Cousin, if you do not wish."

Aeron mmmms reluctantly and looks between the two of you, "I don't want to intrude. But there's one other thing I wanted to ask you about, Cousin. It may be Queen's business. I'm not sure. Do you wish to discuss it now?"

Aislynn nods, "Of course....please...sit down if you wish."

Aeron gives a brief nod and steps around to take a chair, settling in easily. He starts in without delay, "There was a man nosing around upstairs at Tiras Lorn yesterday. When I questioned him, he claimed to be on the Queen's business, and that his name was Kane Barydar. Of House Barydar."

Aislynn nods to this, waiting to see if Aeron is finished.

Aeron apparently is, as he nods in return, "It seemed ... unusual. I don't know what he was looking for, but he left once Jeffrin Hune had been found and brought out."

Aislynn nods again, "Yes. Lord Kane of House Barydar does work for me, Aeron. But this is not something that we want widely spread about just at the moment."

Aeron gives a grunt of understanding and nods once more, "As you wish. That is all I had to say." There's a thoughtful pause, and then another grudging frown creeps across his face, "That and to suggest the Queen of Andor could be a little more careful of her health."

Aislynn arches a pale brow at this, the corners of her mouth turning up in clear amusement. "Oh?" she questions, coyly. "I feel fine, Aeron. Perhaps a trifle tired, but no more than that."

Aeron's grimace deepens at the coy reply, and his tone becomes a bit harder, "Andor has an army of soldiers, Aislynn, but only one Queen. I'm not going to sit here and lecture you on your duty, but remember that, if you put yourself in danger, men may die trying to protect you. Aes Sedai or not." He reins himself in with an effort, running the palm of his right hand across the hair atop his head.

During the converastion that the Queen has with her cousin, Rennar becomes thoughtfully silent, casting her own gaze into the fire to give the two some discreet time to discuss matters.

Aislynn's smooth brow creases into a frown at this, her glacial blue eyes flashing darkly. This is generally the attitude she takes when about to fly into one of her notorious tantrums. She takes a deep breath, as if to calm herself, and replies, through gritted teeth, "My good -Lord- Aeron, I had every right to be where I was that day. Rennar is my -friend-. I realize that I have a fine contigent of Guards, and that is all well and good, but they would not have been able to have gained ingress into Tiras Lorn as quickly as they did, were I not there to help them." She stops, and takes another deep breath, looking at Rennar, as if in apology, before turning back to Aeron, "And, as if you did not notice, I was spiritied away by said Guards shortly afterward. I was in no immediate danger, Aeron."

The young Head of Hune seems to wince inwardly at the Queen's tone, chancing a small glance between Aeron and Aislynn. Still, she remains quiet, regarding the two in a rather careful manner.

Aeron's own expression darkens, but he holds his tongue and his temper, though it's only with a tightening of his jaw that pressed his lips together. Finally he grumbles out, "I did notice, Cousin. And I was relieved." Exhaling a slow breath he glances to Rennar, then back to Aislynn, "I suppose I've said enough. By your leave?"

Aislynn sighs, and crosses her arms over her chest, nodding to Aeron, "Of course, Lord Aeron...." She nods to Rennar, apologetically.

Aeron rises swiftly from his seat and steps back, offering a stiff bow towards Aislynn, and then a second small one to Rennar, "Your Majesty. Lady Rennar. Good afternoon."

Rennar gives Aislynn a reassuring smile, her eyes remaining thoughtful as she regards those things about her. She dips her head gracefully in Aeron's direction, "Lord Aeron..." She murmurs quietly.

Aislynn inclines her head, somewhat stiffly to her Cousin, murmuring tightly, "Good day, Cousin."

Aeron wheels smartly and all but marches out, boots thudding against the carpeted floor as he crosses the room. A servant opens the doors for him and Aeron continues through without pause, making his exit.

Aeron walks through the white, gilded doors, leaving the Queen's Chambers.

Rennar shifts uncomfortably within her chair, taking another sip of her tea. She glances from the door to Aislynn, murmuring quietly, "He merely worries for you Aislynn." She comments softly, her voice almost a whisper, "And though he does not know it, he should." There is something ominous about her words, they seem to hold a dreading she did not wish to speak.

Aislynn watches Aeron leave, a touch of regret painting her features. She turns back to you and nods idly to your first statement, and then her eyebrows rise almost into her hair line at the last. "Pardon?"

Again the young woman seems to wince, though because of the expression, or her own words, is not easily discerned. She chews on her lower lip uncertaintly, "I... if I were to tell you the reason that Jeffrin want to keep me alive... would you promise not to tell another person, not even a member of the Tower?" There is worry deeply etched into her eyes as she now finally meets the Queen's gaze.

Aislynn nods, saying solemnly, "I swear it by my hope of salvation and rebirth, Rennar. I won't tell another soul."

Those very words should relieve Rennar, but they do not seem to. Uncomfortably, she shifts once more, taking a sip of her tea in hopes that'll calm her some. Of course, it does not work. "I have an ability that he wished to abuse for his own purposes." She keeps her eyes lowered, much like that first time when something came to her in Aislynn's presense. "I'm still coming to understand it myself, and its something that frightens me, terribly. All it has done is brought about destruction, as far as I can see." Vague are her words, and there is no missing that a part of her loathes her 'gift'.

Aislynn nods, looking at you speculatively, as if confused as to what you are talking about. "I do not sense that you can weild the Power....What 'gift' do you speak of?" Aislynn inquires, quietly.

The young woman raises her eyes, watching Aislynn a moment, "I don't think it's connected to the Power." Her words come soft and slowly, "Only that it seems to manifest itself more rootedly while around those who wield the Power." She sighs softly, finding difficulty to just come out and say it, "I can 'see' things... its almost like reading the pattern, I suppose you could say." And with that, she lowers her eyes again. "For some, I suppose they could call it a gift, but the first true images I had were of my father and my brother..." She lets her voice grow quiet - there are many implications regarding what she just spoke.

Aislynn blinks in amazement, and look a bit disturbed by this. She does not ask about it, though...simply remaining quiet for a few moments, digesting this information. Finally, she says, "I have heard of such things at the Tower...vaguely, though. The Brown sisters would give their eye teeth to study you." She smiles reassuringly, "But I will tell no one. I swear it."

"They would be hard pressed to get me into the Tower, they would find. I would become as stubborn as one of those Two Rivers women that I heard about in my studies." Rennar responds, her voice still quietly spoken. "As I said before, images around those who can channel are more prevalent. In fact, I had never seen so many before going to the Tower for your voyage home. It is the reason why I left so suddently. I was being overwhelmed by the great mass of things I was seeing. Before, it might have been one or two a week, if I was lucky, something I could manage to cope with and handle, but there I was more skittish than when you saw me today in the Park. And it's not just Aes Sedai, but it's Gaidin too."

Aislynn nods, lifting a brow and seeming curious about the whole thing. "And that is why you have been acting oddly...dropping your eyes and so forth?"

"Some of it, yes..." Rennar admits quietly, a blush of crimson coming to her cheek, "But it depends on the visions that I see... the small ones, ones I cannot glimmer any recognition or meaning from, they do not bother me... but others... the ones I do understand, those are the ones that disturb me most."

Aislynn tilts her head to the side, regarding you speculatively. "And you say that I have every reason to be concerned with my healt...as Aeron admonished?"

"I said he has reason to be worried about you, or if he knew what I did... he'd very well have reason." And then there is a sudden, noticable discomfort about Rennar, and it seems that the she cannot meet the Queen's gaze, "I know what your child will be, in more aspects than is necessary to know at this particular time." There is a sort of foreboding about her as she says this. "If you wish for me not to reveal the matters, I will not. But if you desire to know, I will tell you."

Aislynn settles back into her chair, stunned at this revelation, a look of uncertainty settling onto her features. She looks down at her hands, which flutter in her lap, idly gripping at her woolen skirts. She murmurs quietly, "I would ask you to speak of this to no one....It is not the child's fault he is what he is. It is his Mother's fault...." She heaves a sigh, and looks despondant.

Confusion seems to light upon Rennar's eyes as she looks up, regarding Aislynn quietly. "Why would you say that...? You are a married woman afterall, you are expected to have children." That confusion might clue Aislynn in to the fact that Rennar is not speaking about parentage.

Aislynn whispers hoarsely, "My husband is not the father of this child, Rennar..." Stated simply, but an anguished confession nonetheless. She looks at you strangely, though, as if confused by the divergence of the two musings.

At Aislynn's words, the confusion clears a bit, though there is no relief in her eyes, "That is not what I was speaking about... In fact, parentage is not something I could determine, at least not with the images that I've seen of you." She gives Aislynn a slightly reassuring smile, though it slowly fades, "I will speak of it to no one, you've my word." Then her eyes lower once more, "What I speak of is something more serious, but before I reveal anything I want to know... do you wish to know what I have seen about your child, or would you rather it remain a mystery to be discovered through life?" And with her words, there is also a sense that this is the only chance Rennar will give this choice to Aislynn.

Aislynn closes her eyes, stiffening as she seems to ponder quickly over this decision. Finally, she opens her eyes, and nods, her face paling, as if she perhaps has reached the wrong decision. However, the known evil is better than that unknown, so she continues on with her course, "Please...tell me...." She tenses, waiting for the news.

From the expression on Rennar's features, the news seems bad enough that she would regret either decision that the Queen would make. She nods her head silently, "I will tell you now, it will be something hard for you to hear and know, but please... please understand that I do not enjoy telling you, or keeping this information from you. I am your friend, and would do nothing to harm you, and have stood by you through thick and thin." It must really be bad for Rennar to be /this/ worried. Finally, she gazes up and meets Aislynn's eyes, her raw emotions exposed for the Queen to see, honesty coloring her features, "You will be bearing a son..." She does not mention that Aislynn will have 'many' sons, a fact that does not bode well for Andor, "... and he may bring you great joy for quite sometime... however there will be a time where you will have to make a decision regarding him, one between your duties to the Tower and between your duties as a mother." She keeps the information vague at first, watching Aislynn's reactions and letting her draw her own conclusions. However, by her words and her voice, it sounds as though this will not be the 'happy' duty of a mothering Andoran Queen to send her first born off for Gaidin training.

Aislynn nods, listening quietly, her face going paler and paler with each passing word, as she picks up more and more of the little nuances that demonstrate that you are very worried about relaying this news. She swallows hard, and a little muscle underneath her right eye begins to twitch nervously. "Please..." she says hoarsely, "Tell me of my son...." Her slender, pale hands clutch at her skirts desperately, as if her actions could stop what is about to be revealed. It is as if she already has a clue as to what is coming, but attempts to fend it off, no matter how futile that effort may be.

"Your son will become one who will wield the Power." There is no mistaking the dread in Rennar's words, nor her actions or mannerisms. This is not something she wishes to tell her Queen and friend, nor something she would lay on her worst enemy. She closes her eyes against any reaction she might receive, perhaps fearing the worst to come from Aislynn.

Aislynn's face takes on a countenance of bitter anguish, and--as if unable to help herself--she suddenly leans over the arm of her chair, away from view, and retches over and over, the retching mingled with bitter and forlorn sobs that cause her to choke and gasp for breath. "Oh, -Light-...." she curses, before the retching starts again.

Later, Rennar is found within the....

Common Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

You find yourself in a small, but richly and elegantly decorated anteroom; a place where those granted audience with the Queen are allowed to wait in comfort. A large, lapis-inlaid table of a rich, dark wood sits lowly upon an intricately woven red and white rug. Red chairs of cut velvet with the White Lions of Andor on their backs circle around the table.

The room is illuminated to the fullest from the bright afternoon sunlight that floods in from the high, arched windows that look out onto the Queen's Gardens. The sunlight picks out the gleaming highlights in the white stone of the walls. The bitter winter chill is quelled by the large, roaring fire that is crackling in the white stone fireplace in the corner of the room. A winding corridor leads out of the room, through a small arched doorway of white stone. It winds off toward the west, back to the Entry Hall.

Demonder walks enters the anteroom room from the west.

Not one to take much into formalities, Demonder could be heard screaming Renni's name through the hallways, among whispers here and there. It doesn't take long for him to break through the doors and into the sitting room. His dust-filled cloak indicating his extended travels, his eyes wide as they look across the sitting room.

Quietly lounging on one of the settees is a young woman that seems out of place within the palace proper, with her odd array of clothing and her thinning features. She blinks as the doors burst open, turning her head delicately toward the noise outide, than that of the person entering the room. She simply stares at him, unable to do anything else, then tears brim at her eyes and her lower lip starts to waiver. From her expression, Rennar almost never expected to see her fiance again.

Not exactly being warned of his intended's condition, Demonder's eyes find the woman that would clearly be out of place. Although his words can't be heard, he clearly whispers Renni's name as his eyes go wide with a maddened joy. Taking a few long steps toward her, he drops one knee as he simply takes her hand at first, eyes looking her over. It was still within this hour that he had thought she was dead, not seeing any reason why Jeffrin would have kept her alive. But there was still that hope, one that begins to shine through his eyes as he reaches out and embraces Renni into his arms tight enough to have air escape her lungs.

The young Lady simply watches Demonder as he comes closer, a mix of fear and hope in her own eyes. It has been sometime since she has been gone, and for her this could be just some cruel dream. Her eyes watch him quietly, and she speaks nothing, simply content, or unable to do anything but watch the lord before her. Her hand raises easily, and along the palm there may be a few scars scattered about it. With her free arm, assuming she has one, she reaches out and hugs Demonder back, her embrace warm and gentle. And, for the second time within this day she breaks down crying, unable to hold back the torrent of emotions filling her.

There's no doubting that Demonder is near tears, his eyes red and moistened as both arms lift around her now more frail body, and pick her up from the seat so that to hold her. Taking the seat, and having her on his lap, he simply presses her against him some more, fingers brushing across the teared cheeks. "Renni...." that faint whisper of her name. Lifting her away from him again, Demonder watches her eyes as his fingers stroke on her cheek. "I thought I was crazy, but I never gave up hope... I couldn't... I love you."

Rennar seems to melt within Demonder's arms, needing the warmth and comfort offered there, "I am alive..." She murmurs quietly, her own voice hoarse, either from chocking back one too many sobs or because of her being improperly taken care of, "I am here..." She murmurs quietly, her arms gently, yet tightly holding Demonder to him, as much as she's allowed. Her grip is weak, no doubt from malnourishment.

Demonder simply loses himself to the reality of having his intended. There's a moment when his expression goes from joy and disbelief to the sudden realization of what she must have gone through. Her pains. And then there were the things Demonder was told that had happened to her by the hooded figure that had attacked him. Taking her cheek in his hand, allowing free motion of her arms as he holds her, he simply kisses her lips. Soft and light, the kiss adds more evidence to her actually being here. "Are you okay?" he asks, his fingers slipping past her cheek, but eyes going wide in shock as they slip through the weave of the illusion of her hair.

The young woman seems to savor the kiss, closing her eyes at their gentle warmth. She leans into Demonder, not giving more of herself than needed, but simply needing to be close to him, needing support and most of all protection. She sits back a small bit, finally reassuring herself that Demonder is truly there, and starts to answer his question, but abruptly stops and widens her eyes as his hands go through the Illusion she now knows is there. She wincse and turns her eyes away from her fiance.

Demonder's fingers brush again through the illusion of hair, his eyes going wider as he touches upon her bare skull. "I... I just got back from the vinyards," Demonder whispers quietly, fingers stroking across her head and then back to her cheek. "What did they do?" Clearly with the widened eyes, Demonder is not all too familiar with Illusion weaves, but his eyes do not lose their love and warmth. He truly not caring what happened, only wanting to love her now and be there for her.

Servant_Girl walks enters the anteroom room from the west.

Servant_Girl comes limping in and sits herself down

A young woman sits within what appears to be a Lordling's lap, clinging to him in an almost desparately needing fashion - not lustful, just needing of the warmth and comfort of his arms. She keeps her eyes turned away from Demonder, tears brimming at them again, particularly at his hands going through the 'illusion' that is her hair - placed there by the Queen to restore her to true identitity at least partially. "I was shaved bald..." She comments quietly, "The Queen wove the Power and replaced by hair at least visibly. It will grow back, in time." She murmurs quietly, her eyes moving to the girl just now entering the room, a strange look settling in her eyes.

Before you stands a horribly beaten woman. The rags she wears about her are sliced and torn and socked with her own blood. She looks like she has been through a meat grinder or worse. She bleads from her nose and her mouth and one eye is black as balck can be. The keen observer would notice the stab wound on her shoulder which is bleeding quite freely, as well as her badly broken left arm. The woman can barely walk and looks like she's on her last gasp.

Servant_Girl sees a much better place to lay down and goes there automatically. It's a long trip for the poor girl though as she has trouble doing much on her own power

Accepting her words simply for that, Demonder's takes her cheek within the palm of his hand and brings her forward to another kiss even after she has that strange look for the girl that just entered the sitting area. Only then does Demonder really notice the other girl, and only because Renni seemed to have paid her attention. With this reuniting, however, he spends little time noting the other and he turns his attention back on his intended. "Are you okay?"

Reluctantly, Rennar turns her head away from the other woman entering the room. She turns her emerald gaze back to Demonder, nodding slowly. "I am fine... physically" Her voice attempts to reassure him, "It is the Queen whom I worry about." Worry tinges her voice as she speaks those words, "But that is a discussion for later. She turns the topic back to herself, "Mentally, is another story entirely..."

A wave of relief does spread across Demonder, at least breifly, at Renni's words. The fingers continue to stroke at her cheek, eyes locked within hers. At the mention of the Queen's worry, he simply nods. They'll speak about it later, it seems to send enough knowing through him at the mention. "I ... I didn't think he would keep you alive. I..." his voice breaking, Demonder simply embracing her fully before once again turning his attention to the other woman and then to Renni in question.

"He was too amused to keep be as his personal servant and pet to do away with me... even when another House met with him and ordered to have me killed." Rennar murmurs quietly, lowering her eyes briefly from Demonder's features. "Someone is not happy that I am heir-apparent if Aislynn dies." A fact that still seems to shock Rennar, having not really thought about such things before. She gives a small shiver, then turns her attention to the servant girl once more. She murmurs quietly to Demonder, "One of the girls in the House, when it was stormed last evening by Guards and Children. I can't say that I recognize her, but she came out looking like she was near death."

Rennar shocked by the revelation? That a slight example compared to Demonder's shock by the concept of being intended with the heir-apparant in case tragedy hits the Queen. At least this masks his usual surprise each time Rennar insists on calling the Queen by first name and without title. "Another Andoran House was working with Jeffrin?" he murmers the words quietly, nodding faintly. "Just work on getting better Renni. You'll have me following you like a shadow for months, after all this," he notes with a faint smile, attempting at his usual humor.

Servant_Girl just lays there. She doesn't look at the other 2...they might not even be there as far as she is concerned. This couch is much more comfy then those rock hard cots they had set out for her and the other wounded.

Slowly, Rennar shakes her head, furrowing her brow a bit, "I don't think it was Andoran...." She comments slowly, fingers fidgeting in her now-clasped hands. "It was a House from a place I did not recognize, unless Aislynn recently comissioned a new House...." Question lingers in Rennar's voice, eyes lifting slightly as she regards Demonder. One of these days the poor man will have to get used to Aislynn being one of Rennar's closest friends. "And they ordered him, and he refused. I do not think they are working together... in fact, my Uncle was carried out of Tiras Lorn yesterday, looking as if he had seen better days. Assassins were sent after me, and I narrowly escaped with my life, and would have perished if not for the help of a woman who'd previously been helping Jeffrin. She attacked the assassin who was about to kill me as I was climbing down the vined walls of my own home." She smiles faintly at Demonder's words, gently reaching out to touch his cheek - almost as if making certain he is still real.

There are many things going through Demonder's mind, that evident on his eyes as they search Renni's in quick side to side motions. "Not Andoran?" More questions, though these to explore another time. As his fingers continue to brush against her cheek, Demonder nods at her words. "This is not a good sign..." there's Demonder's statement of the obvious. "The Assassins were sent after you as Tiras Lorn was being invaded? And ... what of this woman, what happened to her?"

"I think before it was being invaded. I was warned of their intrusion well before that of the Queen's entrance into the building." Rennar speaks in quiet tones as she settles herself more fully in Demonder's lap, "As for the woman... I'm not certain, but I owe her my life."

"You have slept here the night?" Demonder asks quietly, his hand turning her head one way and then the other as he looks her over to insure she's alright. Then his hand takes her into his, noticing the scars found there. "Will you be returning to Toris Lorn?"

"I did not... I slept outside..." Rennar comments quietly, "The guard would not believe I was who I said I was... I mean, there was nothing of proof that I could provide. I was escaping the House, just like some of the others. I could have been a thief who got caught up unexpectantly in what I was not supposed to have... I do not blame them, but I did wish for a warm bed instead of cold hard ground last evening, particularly with the snows." To express what she speaks, a small shiver seems to emanate from her. "I am not returning to Tiras Lorn until the damage there has been mended. Parts of the insides have been damaged by fire, while the gates and doors are busted wide open."

"I'm sorry I left Caemlyn," Demonder states quietly, feeling the guilt of not being within the Roesone manor to take Renni in after her escape. "All I would do is sit within my chambers, or take out frustrations on House Roesone guards in practise." His eyes cast downward. "That and I made a fool of myself on the Feast of Roses before the Queen," he notes the last with more guilt.

A saddened smile touches Rennar's features, entering her eyes, "I know... I saw you there... but you were not a fool, you were a man in pain." Her hand continues to gently caress Demonder's cheek, "I so wanted to go to you, to say something, but my Uncle had found me by that time, and when people started talking about paying him back tenfold he became angry and pulled me home..."

Demonder's eyes go wide once again in surprise, his head tilting. There isn't much he's able to grasp for in words, just what immidiately comes to him. "You were there? I... " his voice trails once again, uncertainty touching upon him. "I'm sorry, I wasn't myself." Well, that's debatable, at least. "The grief. The blood loss. One of the men that had attacked Halice and I had said you.. you were ... dead."

"To some of the world, I was..." Rennar points out, gently taking Demonder's hand in her own and squeezing it, "But to the rest I was not." She murmurs gently, "And aye, my Uncle and I were there. Seeing as how we could go costume he found amusement in taking me there. He even let me free for a time, but I was too frightened of what he would do to my family to do anything. I even tried to get a bit of food from a woman, but had to stop because he reappeared. I had a hard time trying to convince her that I was mistaken, and that I no longer needed the food." This seems to be one of the few memories of someone trying to help her she will not forget, "And then... you had nearly pointed me out in the crowd... you might remember a young woman, wearing a collar?"

Demonder's eyes grow edged with anger at the situation, at Jeffrin. There's a reluctant nod of his head, as he does remember the woman. The one dragged away by collar as though she were an animal. With the Feast it was not an usual sight, but Demonder now knows a hint of the treatment that Renni had received. Darkening, he pulls her head to his shoulder so she doesn't see the hatred and anger that grows within him for the uncle and those responsible. "What will happen to him?"

"I've asked for the Queen to give him the same treatment as he had given me, however seeing as how that will not be enough, a trial will be held... Depending on the outcome, she intends to banish him upon pain of execution should he step foot in Andor again." Rennar speaks calmly and smoothly, seemingly something she's come to accept, "Despite what he's done to me, I think I've seen enough death on my account. Many guards and servants died before last evening ended."

Once Demonder takes some control over that anger that so easily takes a foot of him, he squeezes the hand Rennar had just taken moments before and takes her from his embrace enough to see her eyes once again. "He should be executed," Demonder states his own opinion, but shrugging his shoulder as though this not a matter for him to decide either way. "You're not clear of danger yet, are you, my love? Even with Jeffrin banished."

Rennar glances once again to the young woman napping in the room, or at least seeming to, pressing her lips together as she looks away from Demonder, "I am not." She comments quietly, "At least one known assassin got away, and there is no telling how many others there were. They were slaughtering the servants to get to me."

Calisa walks enters the anteroom room from the west.

Rennar is sitting upon Demonder's lap, along one of the settees in the room. Currently her attention is turned toward the 'servant girl' looking away from the man whom she sits upon, seeming quite, and partially distraught.

A heavy breath escapes the Lord that is not more in his age then ever before. "You believe this other House from a foreign land is seeking to gain control of the throne?" Demonder asks. "But we have no way of knowing from where?" And with those statements he nods once again, squeezing her hand before taking another deep breath. "I do not care how many guards are posted outside your door, I am staying within your chambers. I'm not letting you get away from me that easily again." Another attempt at humor in his last statement.

Servant_Girl is pretty much just layin there tryin to be comfortable. Hard to do with broken ribs...

Calisa walks in slowly, stopping altogether when she sees Rennar. She just stands there, staring at her.

Rennar seems to shiver at Demonder's words, even though meant as a jest, "I'd rather have you outside my door than that horrid beast of a dog he kept outside mine." She closes her eyes against the memory, and hence misses Calisa's entrance entirely. "And I had not wished to get away, I had little choice once I reached the stable."

A familiar tugs at Demonder's lips, Rennar missing the jest in his words as she usually does. "I know, Renni, I know." Demonder notices the flash of momevement as Calisa enters, his eyes going to her with another smile. "Lady Calisa..." he greets, shifting Rennar a touch in his lap. He doesn't really want to let her go exactly, but he gives Rennar full opportunity to greet Calisa.

Eyes immediately flutter open at the mentioning of Calisa's name. Rennar turns herself to gaze upon her sister, chewing on her lower lip. Tears threaten to brim in her eyes once more, however this time she manages to keep herself more carefully composed than she did in the presence of the Queen and Demonder.

At Demonder's greeting, Calisa walks further into the room, eyes not leaving her sister. Absently, "Lord Demonder..." She continues forward, but slowly, trying to act "grown-up".

Taking the opportunity presented to her, Rennar rises, though reluctantly, from Demonder's lap and moves over to Calisa. Almost immediately she takes her sister in a warm embrace, not saying anything as words fail or, or perhaps speaking threatens to batter down that emotional dam she's been trying to hold back so desparately.

With reluctance Demonder watches Rennar lift from his lap. He leans back on the seat that Rennar had originally been sitting on, and that he had invaded. Standing, he watches the two sisters hug with warmth.

Servant_Girl shifts on the couch, eyes moving towards the small group and their reunion. She just lays there pretty much though. No indication of what she is

thinking about or what she is fealing besides perhaps pain

Calisa returns the hug, arms encircling the other in the tightest hug she can manage."Rennar...How.." She breaks off, fighting for control.

A warm smile gently graces Rennar's rather haggard appearance, "It is a long story..." She comments quietly, "One which will take several hours to tell."

Always doing the least expected, Demonder nearly pounces Rennar from behind, taking both sisters into an embrace. "She's back..." he notes with warmth on his voice before releasing the quick embrace to allow the sisters to greet eachother without his interference.

Calisa stiffens as Demonder joins them, pulling back once he releases her. Almost cooly, "There is time." She doesn't quite meet Rennar's eyes.

Surprise overtakes Rennar as Demonder pounces upon both herself and Calisa. She blinks quietly, confusion lightly her eyes as she gives Calisa a curious look, however she hovers near Demonder. "THere is time for what...?" She asks, glancing between Lord and young Lady.

Sighing, as neither sister seems to hold his humor or amusement in his rather silly joyful self, Demonder trails back to the seat with a slight smile. Rennar is safe, and relatively unharmed. The rest can wait for another time. The lord watches the servant girl for a moment before turning to face the two sisters some steps away.

Calisa looks towards the servant. "Your story...High Seat." She says the last almost under her breath. "But maybe we should get this woman help?"

Rennar seems to blink at Calisa at such the formal addressing, "High Seat...?" A perplexed tone touches her voice, "And yes, there is time later for the story..." Her eyes go toward the servant girl, "From what I can tell, the healers have done all they could with her... she was one of the few servants from the House when it was taken over who survived the ordeal after the assassins started going after them."

Servant_Girl raisesa hand and waves Calisa off. "Thanks darlin...but I be ok..." The hand flops back must have been some effort for her to raise it

You paged Servant_Girl with 'Is she making an effort to disguise her voice?'.

Something Rennar has never seen before in Calisa leaps into her eyes - a hard, cold rage. "Satira is safe?" She nods to the servant, looking back to Rennar with those alien eyes.

Calisa's demeanor causes Rennar to become distracted from something the injured woman stated, the surprise reserved for her sister, "As far as I know, Satira is more than fine. She doted on Jeffrin every moment he had time to give her attention, and did not want to leave the Manor at all. But, thats as far as I could tell. I was not allowed to speak with her, or get in touch with her." Visions of what might have been done to her seem to dance hauntingly in her eyes. "She was led out by Master Chade when the Queen's Guard and the Children stormed Tiras Lorn. Jeffrin is safely tucked away in the dungeons, or so I'm told, but his fate is yet to be completely decided. The house has some internal and external damage done to it, so we will be staying here until it is fixed."

Demonder nods to the servant girl, and then turns on his heels as he takes a few steps forward to Rennar at the sound of her voice in a rage. A hand touches upon her arm as Calisa speaks.

Calisa draws in a deep breath. Biting off each word, "Jeffrin should be thanking the Light that he does not stand in front of me this instant." Strange words from one her age, yet she means each one. And if the look in her eyes means anything, it is a threat she would carry out.

Demonder nods to the servant girl, and then turns on his heels as he takes a few steps forward to Rennar at the sound of Calisa's rage. His hand simply moves up and down in support as the sisters speak. "There'd be a long line of those that would demand his execution."

Now a frown does admonish Rennar's features, "Jeffrin will be lucky if he survives any ordeal after this, should he live. However, death is too easy of a punishment for him. I want. him. to. endure. /everything/ I went. through by his hands." The punctuation of her words seems very distinctly present, "Most especially the humiliation. Therefore, I've asked to the Queen to consider banishment, upon pain of death if he ever enters Andor again. Whether or not he lives after that... well, that's another thing entirely. He'll more than likely have the assassin that was after me searching out for him first for what occured."

Calisa smiles coldly, taking refuge in the anger - a far too familiar thing of late.

Rennar leans back gently into Demonder's arms, "I believe Satira may be in the guest rooms here, if you wish to speak to her later." Rennar continues quietly, closing her eyes a moment as she leans against her fiance. Then, something comes to mind, that was pushed away in the moment of Calisa's angered outburst. Her eyes go to the servant girl and seem to study the woman for the longest of moments, a brow raised inquistively in her direction.

Servant_Girl stops eyein Demonder now and flops her head back onto the couch where it belongs. Not much for talkin right now

Cronus walks enters the anteroom room from the west.

Calisa nods. "I think I will. Jeffrin..." The name comes out in a snarl, Calisa's fry now one much more familiar, if more intense.

Rennar continues her careful study of the servant who survived the ordeal, pressing her lips together. Whatever seemed to have caused her attention to look in the young woman's direction this time, she chooses to keep quiet upon the matter. Instead, her concern goes back to Calisa, "Don't allow yourself to become as hard as that man, that will be your downfall." Her voice speaks in gentle tones as she regards her sister.

With Rennar leaning against Demonder, his hand on her arm, the lord continues to watch the sister speak as he notes the servant girl for another moment, then Rennar.

Cronus enters the room, after hearing talk of various people here. And since the report was for him, he might as well follow up. He enters the room and scans those inside, giving what he can of a bow to Lord Demonder, and a nod to the rest who may notice him. Rudra as usual stays faithfully at his side although strangely makes a point to stay out of view/retreat from those in the room. Perhaps he recognizes the scent of one in the room and knows the command that normally follows it...

Quietly, "The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills." Calisa looks anywhere but at Rennar as she says this.

Rennar's eyes seem to narrow at Calisa as she speaks those words, "Perhaps... and some things are woven more defintely than others. The future is uncertain." Well, to most. She sighs tiredly, leaning more heavily into Demonder than before. Sleeping on a cold ground at night, then all the emotional trauma she's experienced throughout the day, it's no wonder she's not forcibly resting in some bed somewhere. "Have you heard anything of Leylia or Cyradelle... or Kelric?" Quietly she names the others, raising her hand to stifle a yawn that seems to want to escape her.

CALISA'S VIEWING: A Dragon's Fang appears on Calisa's forehead.

Cronus blinks, recognizing the voice and it stirs a memory which fades though. But he does know the voice, yet he seems perplexed as to her appearence as if the reasons behind it escape him, or more likely the belief of the stories he has been told are starting to take form...

Demonder nods to the Lieutenant that enters the room, noting animal that follows him within the sitting room. Being only reunited with his fiancee on this day, Demonder does seem very warry of her state. At her yawns and tired looks, he rubs at her arm and tilts his head enough to have a better look at her from the side. "Time for you to gain some rest, love?"

Calisa shakes her head. "I have not."

For some reason, while looking at Calisa, Rennar blinks several times, then shakes her head and blinks some more. Some might think that the woman was having trouble seeing, yet for the disbelief that seems to show there. Her eyes widen brightly as she looks to her sister, and her jaw drops slightly. An odd reaction, to say the least. Immediately, she turns to Demonder and buries herself in his chest - answer enough it may seem for the question he posed.

Calisa steps forward, reaching a hand towards Rennar's shoulder. "I will see you later...Sister?" A concerned frown. "What is wrong?"

A good thing Rennar is wearing pants on this day. Demonder wraps one arm around her legs the other on her shoulder before lifting his fiancee into his embrace. "I'll take her upstairs..." he tells Calisa quietly. Looking around, he insures that Rennar's gaze is kept clear of Cronus' pet, as he begins to take Rennar out.

Swept off her feet, literally, Rennar is unable to answer Calisa's last question - though perhaps this is for the best. She keeps her face deeply buried in Demonder's chest. Those who were less observant might just think she's just terribly upset over the whole ordeal she had to go through, reliving the emotions and feelings of it again.

Calisa nods, hand falling to her side. Her lips move, in a statement best left unheard. She watches after the pair, concern warring with the anger.

Long distance to Demonder: Rennar got a viewing that Calisa had a dragonsfang about her.

Servant_Girl is asleep now...bliss for someone who has been without it for so long

Cronus seems to be gathering the infor of the scene and of Rudra's actions and Demonders.. and puts it all together and now knows the reports to be confirmed. Yet with them leaving he has not much else to do than leave himself...

Demonder nods once again to Calisa, his eyes noting her angered expression. One he had shared not too long ago, but now somehow managing to keep himself under control. He carries Rennar out through the doors of the sitting room.

You walk underneath the arched doorway, and follow the winding corridor back to the entry hall. Along the way, you are accompanied by the colorful tapestries that hang from the walls, and the plush feel of the rich carpet underneath your feet.

Entry Hall: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

A wide, circular entry hall with a high, vaulted ceiling greets you as you enter the Royal Palace of Andor.

You can hear the sounds of the evening meal being prepared from somewhere further in the Palace, the smells of freshly baked bread and roasting meat filling the air. A roaring fire is laid upon the huge hearth of white stone that was formed in the corner of the entry hall. Its warmth chases away the bitter winter cold. A grand circular staircase curves up to the higher levels of the Palace. A long, straight corridor runs to the southwest, and a winding corridor tiled in white leads off to the east. Atop a couple large steps, A great, arched doorway of gleaming white stone faces the high main doors and leads further into the palace.

Contents:
Jaeden(#3451PJc)

Demonder walks into the Entry Hall from a winding corridor to the east.

Calisa walks into the Entry Hall from a winding corridor to the east.

Cronus walks into the Entry Hall from a winding corridor to the east.

Rudra arrives with Cronus.

Demonder carries a young woman in his arms through the hallway, concern clear on his expression as he begins taking her upstairs.

Rennar is buried in Demonder's arms, her face against his chest. She seems to be crying silently once more, as if having gone through a very bad ordeal. She makes no complaint about Demonder carrying her.

Jaeden stumbles in from the Courtyard, his clothing disheveled, his face deathly pale. His eyes are vacant and glassy, a spotty flush of fever bristling across his forehead and chest. The boy seems to be heading for the stairs as well, though he moves with difficulty, as if he must swim through the air rather than walk through it.

Calisa folows perhaps 10 feet behind the others, expression one of cold fury simply awating a target.

Cronus calls out to the lad there and signals some guards over to help, although recognition for who the lad is seems not to be on his face but Rudra knowing his master's intentions speeds along to the lad as well. "Lad pray you what is wrong?"

Calisa continues out of the Palace, heedless of the boy she passes - again unlike her.

Demonder continues to carry Rennar up the stairs, and promptly settles her into a bed.