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

This circular expanse of garden curves around the backside of the Royal Palace. Flagstone paths meander off through the lush greenery, through trees and many flowering shrubs. Trellises with flowered vines crawl up the gleaming white walls that surround the palace. A white stone courtyard sits at the center of the gardens, with tall columns circling around it, holding up its golden-tiled roof.

The sounds of Palace servants going about their nightly chores and the noise of children laughing and playing in the distance drift over the garden. A fine sprinkling of pristine snow lies upon the ground, and the water in the redstone fountain has a thick layer of ice on its surface. A white stone path leads back west to the Courtyard and a white stone staircase curves up near the Palace to a balcony that overlooks the gardens.

Demonder walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Rennar sits on the bench next to the fountain, where she can be found most times lately. There is a cloak wrapped about her shoulders, looking warm and snug, as she looks up at the wintry sky.

Demonder makes his way through from the palace courtyard, though not with his typical stride. This time around it is one of his feet that drags against the snow as he struggles with a limp. Even worse off is the lack of weapon on him, or at least the axe, likely too heavy on his hip. His left upper leg is bulged with the wrapping that must be beneath, his knee not seeming to bend too much as he walks. "Renni..." there's an almost relief in his voice.

The young andoran noble woman glances away from the evening sky as she hears her name called. THe crunching of the snow, and the dragging effort, already warned her someone was approaching. And, of course, there are those guards about her from the palace, keeping an eye on things. "Demonder.." She murmurs gently, a soft smile starting to come to her lips, but quickly disapparing and replaced by concern as she spies her fiance's condition, "What happened?" She looks as if she would rise, but there's something not right about her face, almost as if she's been crying.

"Those that seek knowledge came back," Demonder explains as he finally reaches Rennar, his hand cupping her cheek and then brushing just underneath her eye. "They did not take likely to me not having a word of what they wanted." Demonder lets the words move out faintly, as he sits beside Rennar on the fountain from necessity as standing does seem to hurt the lord. "What happened?"

"Calisa's been taken..." Rennar quietly starts, turning her head away Demonder as she speaks, "By the Children of the Light." Her arms seem to pull the cloak about her more tightly. Her earlier confidence that was just starting to show seems shattered to bits once more. Conflict upon conflict seems to pile upon her.

Demonder's hand goes to Rennar's cheek, he drawing her head to his shoulder for comfort. "I was there on the night she had been speaking with the Inquisitor," Demonder explains slowly. "On the way out, I heard they were searching for a woman. I was not sure who. What have you heard on it? Do they know who?"

A small shake of the head accompanies Demonder's words. "I have no idea who... just an inkling why.." Fear treads within Rennar's voice, "which we've already discussed..." Her voice trails off quietly, "As far as who they are looking for, I have no idea really. All I heard is that they took her, and knocked the child Emos out for attempting to stop them."

Cronus walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Turail arrives with Cronus.

"Emos?" There is slight question there in his voice, Demonder knowing the boy from a few occasions now. "So you have had words with the Queen?" Demonder asks dreadfully almost, knowing what this must have cost Rennar within. Demonder's head turns to those that enter, Rennar being held in his arms in comfort.

Rennar sits upon the fountain bench, with Demonder sitting just beside her. She is apparently looking away from him, with cloak pulled tightly about her. Everything about her manner indicates she's fairly upset over something. "Yes...Emos, the small boy who helped you during the fires." Rennar answers, not really paying attention to the new figures crunching through the snow. "And, yes, I've spoken to Aislynn." So forward she is with using the Queen's name so informally, not a usual thing for most nobles to do.

Cronus enters the gardens scanning the area and his eyes eventually lock onto Demonder and Rennar, to which he continues to move, Turail following and two guards flanking behind him in escort formation. Upon getting near the two of about 10 feet he bows formally, "Lady Rennar, Lord Demonder..." he speaks... "Sir, Lord Turail claims to be of your house and is in want to speak with you, my lord."

Rudra stays back, whether by command or not... he remains out of sight of the Lady and near the entrance to the gardens.

Turail has stopped almost at the exact instant the formation of guardsmen stops around him, and tilts his head slightly, cold blue eyes searching the face of Demonder, after sweeping over Rennar first. "Cousin. You have grown in my absence." This COULD be the young Demonder he recalls from the face.

Turail glances sideways at the guardsmen surrounding him. Its slightly annoying, but to be expected. The ruinous mess of ash he found several hours ago where once he set foot as a boy was proof enough of the situation.

Rennar pulls away slightly from Demonder in order to allow him better access to the man that claims to be family. Her face appears paler than most Andoran's, even at this time of the month, and it is obvious that she has had been through some great upset recently, if not several. "Perhaps, Lord Demonder," Rennar uses Demonder's title for a change, "I should leave you two alone to get better acquainted. There are arrangements that need to be made, as well as plans I must see to if I wish to make certain the rest of my family stays safe." There is an odd look to Rennar as she says that, as if she's planning to do something.... drastic.

"Cousin?" There is a slight question in Demonder's eyes, as he looks over the man that stands before them. Demonder's fingers stroke at Rennar's shoulder in comfort, though he does lift from her slightly to turn his attention to the two men and the guards. "Turail..." it has been a long time, after-all, and from the looks of it, Demonder has seen better times. Although still at a young age of twenty-two, his eyes take on an edged that have witnessed too much in recent times. Demonder's leg is bandaged just above the knee, and barely bent as he sits on the fountain. "From Shienar? You've been away..." And then Demonder turns his attention to his intended. "Renni?" There's a strict question in his voice, uncertainty touch as well.

Cronus notes Rennar's look and knowing why he watches carefully, "My lady if I may attend you for a bit..." And at the note of recognition, he motions for his guards to back off but to stand vigil over the scene till the truth of the matter is in full light. And his guard does just that, while he himself offers a bow to Demonder and a curious look to Rennar, as if to find the answer to his question...

Turail opens his mouth and then shuts it again as Demonder's attention turns to the woman beside him. The line of his mouth hardens slightly, as if driving unwelcome thoughts away forceably. Turail can wait. He makes use of the moment to look Demonder over more thoroughly, particularly his bandaged leg, and to scan the garden for any one else he might recognise. Is his brother still alive? No one he asked in the city knew.

"If it is about my sister, Calisa, I only just found out this afternoon from the Queen, so I'm afraid there is little help that I can give." Rennar murmurs, her voice now holding an emotionless candor to it. Prior to answering the guardsman, she looked as if she was going to answer Demonder - however it seems she's thought better of that. Best not to let too many in on her plans, lest the wrong people get hurt. "And she was very surprised that I had not yet known."

Cronus looks down, "I regret this my lady, I should have seen the events transpiring, but I was too slow to be of descent aid. And I have been looking for you to give you knews..." he pauses and raises his eyes a still showing a bit of regrett... "and I have quite a few leads to which I need to gain some information to which you might be able to supply?"

There are matters that trouble Demonder, but the young lord seems to push by them little by little. With his hand still on Rennar, he begins the motion of standi. This doesn't come with effort, and Rennar's shoulder likely used more of an aid in the motion then first intended. "Cousin... Where have you been?" There is a vagueness in Demonder's voice, the lord numb from much of what has happened in recent times. "Lord Turail, this is Lady Rennar Hune. My intended."

"As I've just told you, there's very little light I can shed upon the matter. I have no idea why they would want my sister, if only to torment me further than my own Uncle has." Rennar responds to Cronus, "What you have to speak can be spoken here before my fiance. He knows more about myself than even I probably do."

Rennar turns her head then to Turail, after the introduction. She nods her head gracefully, "Lord Roesone." Her words are softly spoken, though her upset is still no less before than it was.

Jeffrin walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Cronus nods, but the look he shares to the drug filled eyes and the newest lord to whose time is curious in this matter, seems to hesitate his manners and words and only looks about the area, then his eyes shift to the new crunched snow.. more ears to listen... all he need.... then his eyes widen slightly as he seeks out the guards to know why this man is free to move about...

Uh oh...look who has been let out for a walk...It is certainly an akward walk as there are 2 guards who have him on a leash of sorts and his hands are in shackles...but the wisdom said he had to have some fresh air...so the guard is oblidging

Turail might have offered assistance as his cousin struggles to his feet, but there is still too much tension. He's not yet above suspicion, and movement in that direction might still be mistaken for aggression. "Fal Dara Cousin." He bows slightly, touching brow and heart in the Shienaran custom, "Lady Hune. My Cousin is a fortunate man indeed. If I can be of service, but ask."

Demonder senses "Rennar seems to suddenly tense as you hold her shoulders."

Cronus face grows hard as he eyes the two guards to which escort Jeffrin, as if meaning to get the anger unleashed later than rather calling his men down in public he looks to Rennar and what her reaction may be...

Turail's features might have softened briefly, but they harden again on noticing the reaction of Cronus and the renewed tension. His eyes track to the apparent cause and stay there.

Oh, Rennar seems to see who is coming into the gardens. How could she miss seeing such a person. Upon spying Jeffrin she seems to recoil backward upon the bench, fear touching her eyes briefly even though he appears to be in shackles. Quickly, she lowers her eyes, becoming the 'meek' woman she was when held captive by him.

Demonder is about to respond to Turail, his eyes beginning to warm to the man that is his long-lost cousin. And then a different note is taken, as his eyes move beyond the small scene of people to the man that walks in leashed and well guarded. Demonder takes a limping step forward, but his hand is still on Rennar's shoulder. Feeling Renni tense, he looks to her. Sees her eyes, and somehow this only sparks further anger within the man. "Get him out..." the light whisper would be as near order as Cronus would hear from Demonder.

Travis walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Jeffrin is starting to look like Rennar did when she was found. His clothes haven't been changed since he's been in there. They're tattered and warn now, ripping in places...He has lost quite a bit of weight and his skin is still pail from his recent brush with death.

Cronus is by no means meek... put out of commission in the hopes of learning where Rennar was, and then bed ridden till after the fact amoung other things, but easily hearing Demonder's words although none of his attention is on the man as he rounds to bring forth the full power of his wrath and rank, "Squad Leader Travis, I know not what has granted this man leave to be escorted about the Palace grounds, but he is a prisoner and as such should REMAIN in the Practice yards or the dungeons... and to be kept away from anyone not approved by the Capt-General, the Captain or Me..." the last he seems to state and mean and with those words Travis steps forward along with his comrade to take hold of Lord Jeffrin's arms... in what will lead him in the direction /back/ to the prisons.

Turail shakes inside, the reaction of the lady to this man telling more than 1000 words. Disgust roils behind that hard exterior. Any man who could make a lady react like that... His time in Shienar has probably affected his view of the proper treatment of women rather directly, and more than he realizes.

Travis seems a little taken aback by this. he was ordered by the palace wisdom...a woman who no one argues with when she wants her way...to take this man for a short walk in the garden. That's what he did, and now he's getting yelled at for it. Ah well...being a guard truly sucks. He salutes and hauls Jeffrin back out the way he came, likely only to get screamed at by the firey wisdom later

Jeffrin walks along the white stone path, towards the Palace Courtyard.

Turail frowns openly after the man, loathing still sickening his stomach, though reduced as the man recedes from view.

Rennar does not look up again, even after Jeffrin has left. She remains in her 'meek' state, her frame of mind already low to begin with from one shock after another; another day in the life of Rennar Hune.

Cronus grumbles a bit under his breath but as he turns back to face the Lord and Lady his face has become stone, yet does manage some sympathy, "Forgive me my lord... my lady... I knew orders have been sent down to see the man get some air... but I did not think to set restrictions on the location.... I am sorry."

The pain on Demonder shows only slightly, as the leg that has not bent for days because of swelling does so now as Demonder goes down on his good knee. From this position he is slightly lower of Rennar's eyes, and insures that he looks to them as his hand touches her cheek. "Renni?" he asks quietly.

If Rennar heard Cronus's words, she gives no indication of it. She does, however, respond to Demonder, with him having come down to her level, at least partially. "Yes...?" It's a simple word, but a word none-the-less. Her eyes still avoid his, and her hands somehow manage to clasp together in her lap.

Turail feels a tang of approval, watching Demonder. A half smile replaces the thin lipped frown. So, his cousin has grown into a man of honor. It pleases him to see it, in an odd way.

Emos glances around curiously as he into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Emos walks in, staring at the ground.

Cronus turns to look to Turail and passes a look to the man as if to see if he will move back a bit and give these two some room to talk.

Rennar sits on the 'fountain' bench, eyes lowered in what appears to be a 'meek' position - much like that of a servant to a Lord or Lady, rather than an equal amongst nobles, or even lower than that of a servant. Demonder kneels before her in an attempt to make certain she's alright, while others stand aroudn and watch.

Emos walks in without noticing anyone present.

Cronus hear's the crunch of even lighter footsteps and turns his head to regard the boy, "Emos." he rushes as best he can in a dignified manner to the boys side...."

Emos stops, looking up at Cronus, doing his best to smile.

Cronus kneels beside the lad, "I'm glad to see you up and moving again..." he says moving to rest a hand on the lads shoulder, "Do you remember what happened last night?"

Emos nods, slowly.

Demonder's fingers brush against Rennar's cheek. The lord attempts to catch her eyes, but does not press it further. And just as slowly, he reaches over to kiss her lips. It but a gentle peck, though his lips go to her ear in a slight whisper before he stands with a struggle and then shifts to sit once again beside Rennar. Now the pain may be more obvious, for the swollen leg must be complaining a mouth full being bent where flesh and muscle are too swollen to move. "That man owes her much in his suffering," Demonder states clearly to Turail.

Demonder whispers "I love you, and I am here for you."

Turail glances at the child and then back to Lady Hune. How long did it take her to recover herself from whatever was done to her? He nods and answers Demonder quietly, "Perhaps now is not a time for reunions Cousin. The tension here is palpable, and I fear I only increase it. A man you barely remember. Truly, I have been away too long."

Cronus takes on a gracious nod of gratitude that the boy's memory wasn't impared as his was... "Good... that Child that was speaking with Lady Calisa... did he have something to do with it?" he asks in a soft voice that he hoes will not carry to Rennar's ears.

Emos nods furiously.

A small glimmer of a smile, really a ghost of such a thing, appears on Rennar's features. She leans back against Demonder, a small showing she understood what he said. First, she turns her attention to Turail, not meeting his gaze, "Please, do not leave on my account. I have a great many thing that i need to work through, and I don't think I'll be able to knowing I've chased people away by my actions." With that said she slowly glanecs over toward Emos and Cronus. With Cronus's back to her, Rennar seems to shoot the small boy a pleading look, as if asking him to keep quiet about earlier.

Cronus nods, "Good... calm down now... did he speak words that may have been against his identity as... as a Child of the Light?"

Emos thinks for a second, then looks at Cronus, a look on his face declaring he does not understand the question.

Cronus frowns, "Do you remember the words he spoke?"

Emos thinks, trying to remember, slowly nodding.

Cronus nods, "That is good... I will need you to write them down for me... those that attacked you... they were also dressed like Whitecloaks?"

Demonder holds Rennar in his embrace, an attempt to protect her from that which haunts her. As Demonder returns his attention to his cousin, he shakes his head slowly. "No, cousin. There are matters for us to discuss on House Roesone." More matters the Demonder would care to admit, his eyes moving to the boy that approaches with Cronus. "Lord Turail, please meet the bravest of men within the palace. Master Emos." There's a faint playful humour in his voice as Emos is a child, though the boy deserving in full recognition for bravery.

Emos nods to the last question, searching himself for writing tools.

The scar that marrs Turail's face puckers a bit. "You do not chase me off lady. I am not easily chased. I /offer/," The word is carefully emphasised, "to postepone any discussion with Demonder till a more convenient time."

Emos doesn't hear the introduction, as he is completely engrossed in Cronus's interview.

Cronus looks to Demonder at the words spoken then taps the boy to indicate he has been spoken to, "Lad... Lord Demonder is introducing you..."

Emos looks up at Demonder, then smiles suddenly, looking around to who he would be introduced to.

Turail looks at the boy again and kneels down so he's not towering over his head. "A brave lad, are you?" A faint grin flickers over his lips, lips that rarely smile.

Emos is now used to being referred to as brave, nods, stepping back to flourish a bow to Turail, he does a good job of it too until he starts to fall forward.

Cronus easily manages to catch the lad from such a close proximity as he waits squatted down slightly to watch the exchanges... many a question does he have to ask this lad... his only true eyewitness in the case...

Turail raises hands, quick hands, to prevent the boy from falling. The grin has grown slightly at the boy's most proper bow.

Emos glances at Cronus in thanks, slight embarrassment on his face.

Turail shifts on his heels, remaining crouched. His expression, bordering on soft, seems out of place on his harsh face. "A good man. Who is your father Emos?"

Emos writes into the snow 'Was. I was named after him. He died, in a fire.'

Demonder holds Rennar near as he focuses on the cousin that has returned from a distance. Much be going through Demonder's mind, or will be once it is less numbed. Though for now, Demonder gains in strength, because Rennar needs him stronger.

Turail reaches out to touch the boy's chin. "A hard thing to lose. He would be proud by you." Empathy flickers around the hard angles of his face.

Emos smiles weakly, disliking this topic, but knows Turail' words to be truth.

Cronus nods, as he turns his head to the boy, He mutters to Emos, "... you... I... with... on the..."

Emos turns back to face Cronus, nodding.

Turail stands up, still looking down at the boy, leaving off the subject as the guardsman speaks to the boy. He turns towards Demonder and Rennar. "I have questions to ask you when it is convenient Demonder."

Cronus turns his head to regard thos present, then rises and offers a bow, "My lady... My lords... if you will excuse Emos and I... we have some things to discuss..."

Emos watches Cronus, then offers a bow of his own, pausing half-way down, lookin up at Cronus, then straightens

Rennar sighs softly, glancing back at Demonder, "You should go talk to your cousin, I'll be fine." Though her words try to reassure her fiance, the looks and expression do not seem to echo that she'll be all that fine.

Demonder nods to Cronus. "Of course. Thank-you for your help," Demonder responds quickly to the Lieutenant. "Of course, Lord Turail. They may be discussed here." Well, perhaps not in front of all the guards, but no doubt in front of Rennar as Demonder seems to make no action to release Rennar. In fact, he only grips her harder. "Renni..." his voie trials, the rest of his words left unspoken though likely known to her. Renni isn't going anywhere, and if she is, Dem is coming with her.

Cronus stands there eyes shifting amoung the three for he has not been dismissed nor has his words been acknowledged but he does pause at Rennar's words and then seeing Deomnder's intentions on staying he nods and turns offering a hand comfortingly to Emos and giving a nod of dismissal to his guards...

Emos isn't quite sure he understands, but does understand that he shouldn't, so leaves well alone.

Turail takes a few steps, placing himself closer to Demonder and Rennar, and speaks more quietly. "I do not fear to speak in front of your intended cousin, I only wished to not pain her further as you tell me what has happened. The city abounds with Rumor. I was unsure of what I would find when I came here to seek the escaped of the House. I have a room in an inn not far from here. I can return on the morrow easily."

Emos nods to himself, then steps up to Cronus, ready to go.

Cronus walks along the white stone path, towards the Palace Courtyard.

"Little is known." Demonder looks to Rennar for a moment before turning his attention to Lord Turail. "The attack on the Roesone manor is without reason, Lord Turail." Now that Demonder begins to regain himself, he sets the titles off properly for a man his senior in age and position. "House Roesone has show little participation for power within Andor, and simply supports Queen Aislynn as many do. The attack comes as a surprise. As was the attack on me."

Rennar presses her lips together, turning her eyes away from Demonder and Turail. She remains within Demonder's grasp and does not seem to contest things when he refuses to let her go so he can speak; again that sign of meekness, though more so at Jeffrin's arrival than anything Demonder did or said. Confusion does light on her face once or twice at Demonder's words, but she remains silent. It is his story to tell.

"The attack on yourself? This occured before or after the burning of the Estate House?" Turail's eyes are sharp. If he had noticed any lack in the honor given him, it did not concern him much. Perhaps in Shienar, he was not called Lord by many. "Queen Aislynn." Those two words together seem to amuse him vaguely. "Are there many who do not support her, the Light favor her?"

Now, Rennar does speak up, "There are very few who do not support Aislynn, and those few are those who do not trust her being an Aes Sedai." To those who do not know her, addressing the Queen as informally as Rennar does may be shocking. However, the way the words come from her tongue so freely, without thought, seems to suggest she's been doing it for quite sometime. "Andor is full of loyalists who support their Queen, amonst nobility and commoner both."

"There are those that wish her power," Demonder's words come out slow, as he tests his hold on Rennar. "And my love is to be the next heir if Queen Aislynn is to fall from power." By death, but Demonder doesn't state those words, his eyes turning to Turail with importance. "There are reasons for the attention brought upon Lady Rennar. And likely linked with why House Roesone has received its attack. Some believe they can extract information, Lord Turail. I think the privacy of it comes at much cost. And would come at the cost of my life if needed. As it would with any man that is sworn to the side of Queen Aislynn." Demonder doesn't actually come out and say anything, but there is enough there to be read.

Understanding inhabits the set of hard blue eyes in Turail's face. "I see." He paces a few steps one way, and then the same number the other way, thinking. "Do you feel safe here?" Another turn and the same number of paces. "Where is my brother Stee? Theowyn is the First Prince now I suppose?" A clenched fist rests against his chin, and tight stern calculating anger is in his voice.

"Safe with the Queen's own guards insuring our safety," Demonder states, but there is more to this too. The young Lord held to too much privacy of facts, but his words hint enough. "Your brother Stee? Last I heard he had returned to Shienar, and only recently arrived back. Though I may be wrong on details, as I have not had words with him myself." Demonder only then picks up on matters. "He is safe. And yes, Lord Thoewyn is the First Prince. Queen Aislynn and he had returned from the Tower some years ago after training. Prince Theowyn only recently arrived back from Cairhien, where he was courting?" there's a questioning eye to Rennar, as though she would know better.

The Lady Rennar only shrugs her shoulders a bit, to indicate she's not entirely certain of the matter. After a second thought though, she adds voice to her words, "I have been locked away for some months and I have not seen Prince Theowyn..." Noticeably, she does not call Theowyn by his first name as she does Aislynn, "... since he's arrived back. I assume, if that is what rumor is saying, that it is marginally true since most rumors hold a twinge of truth to them."

Turail nods, watching both of them, their stance, their eyes, the inflections in their voices, taking in and deciphering what is being said carefully. There is obviously much more that either or both might like to say. He lowers his own voice even farther. "Only 4 people besides myself know I am returned. You Cousin, and your Lady Rennar," His eyes flick between the two, "Cronus, and the boy. How quiet are the tongues of the other two? It might be an advantage if no others heard of it yet. I will walk the city and listen tomorrow, and come again in the evening if you are willing."

"Master Cronus is of the Queen's Guard. Emos is a newly hired page until I can settle a matter between himself and his mother. He will not be talking, as you might have seen before. I don't think he would even think to write to another that you are presently within Caemlyn." Rennar speaks quietly, turning her attention toward the ground as she speaks.

"Your secret is safe, cousin." Demonder returns to lesser formalities. "What is it that you will seek? If it is information, then I could not even offer a direction of the hunt for it. There is little I know of those that threaten Andor. I know none that have better understanding, and if they do, only by ounces."

Turail halts his pacing. "19 years is a long time cousin. A true picture is what I seek. I will find it. Tomorrow evening, we will speak again. Be safe." He bows deeply, "And you Lady Rennar."

Rennar nods her head semi-gracefully toward Turail, "Good evening, Lord Roesone." She comments in a soft voice.

Demonder bows formaly to Turail. "Evening to you Lord Turail."

Turail wraps himself in his cloak, shivering slightly and stalks out of the garden, his boots crunching in the snow.

Turail walks along the white stone path, towards the Palace Courtyard.

Once Turail leaves, Rennar snuggles a little closer to Demonder, pulling her cloak about her shoulders. She glances down at Demonder's leg and seems to blink, "Who attacked you...?"

"The same man that had made demands before," Demonder states quietly, looking to Rennar and insuring she is ready to speak on this. "It was my foolishness, Renni. He had four cross-bows settled on me between all the thugs. I punched him..." Demonder's eyes cast downward. "They made threats I could not longer stand. But they want their information by tomorrow."

"And what was written on the letter, that you would not let me see during the fire?" Rennar murmurs quietly, gently reaching back with a hand to caress Demonder's cheek.

"Word that made it clear of who set the fire," Demonder states blantantly, the costs of this matter already showing to his family. "A reminder of the consiquences if the information is not gathered." Seeing that Rennar is with strength on this matter, he looks to her carefully. "They threatened Renica. She is in Tar Valon."

"It would be hard for them to get to her in Tar Valon." Rennar points out quietly, "That's several leagues away, and would take at least a month's travel." She lowers her hand from Demonder's cheek, turning herself to carefully regard him, "We will speak to the Queen as soon as possible about this matter, so that they will not be delayed any longer."

"They have men in position," Demonder continues. "At least that is what the man said. He said that even with warning they could get at her, as those to do the deed were already in place." Demonder shakes his head, there only so much he could ponder on. Demonder's own hand touches upon her cheek, a slight smile coming across him as he begins to 'run his fingers through her hair' to find her sculp. "Please do, love. I wish to tell them something of a false nature. They gave me drugs to give you to gather the information. If they believe I used it, they will believe I gained the information. Perhaps there is something told to them that could be to the Queen's advantage?"

"We will have to discuss it with Aislynn together." Rennar murmurs quietly, "Perhaps sometime tomorrow, when she's more rested." She seems to consider her words, then nods her head, "Aye, yes.... tomorrow."

The hand at Rennar's cheek draws her in closer until their lips touch. The kiss is faint on pressure, but not on love. Demonder is hesitant in such matters, uncertain what Rennar wants, but he does deepen the kiss before releasing. "Be stronger then the memories, love."

Cronus walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Rudra arrives with Cronus.

Rudra walks along the white stone path, towards the Palace Courtyard.

Surprise overtakes Rennar's eyes at the kiss, something she clearly was not expecting. Almost immediately she lowers her eyes, going back to being the 'meek' young woman she was previously, though not so much as when Jeffrin was around. She leans into Demonder, murmuring in a tone that sounds almost mournful, "I /am/ trying. It's just hard with everything popping up about us."

Cronus enters the area once more a little more confidence litters his face and without the usual convoy of guards and dog. He moves inward and hearing the words thinks perhaps he might come back rather than interuppting Rennar's peaceful moments... but what he knows he must speak on. So he moves to where it sounds as if the two are tentatively till he gets a nod of acknowledgement or somesuch to which he bows respectfully...

Demonder holds Rennar near, his eyes searching hers for the longest of time before he finally nods. "I know, my love. In time. When this has past." Well, there is much meant in that simple word 'this' of course. Demonder turns to Cronus, shifting a touch away from Rennar though he still holds the embrace. "Leiutenant?"

Rennar gives a small nod of her head, then blinks, glancing up at the mentioning of someone else being around. In the momemnt, she had not heard Cronus coming into the grounds.

Cronus moves forward, "Forgive the intrusion my lord.. My lady.. But as I said earlier I had some questions.... questions I might prefer to ask Lady Hune in private but knowing you two as I do of late... I might as well ask the questions in your presence my lord... If this is not a bad time that is..."

"It likely is a bad time," Demonder takes on a note of protectiveness for his future wife. But then, he takes a deep breath, and nods slowly. "If Renni is willing to answer, then ask. But pick the questions well, Leiutenant. It has been a late night already."

Cronus nods grimly and watches for her reply, "My first though, my lord... I have means to Address you as to the identity of the man I saw you with that night in the inn, and Master Kael?" but his eyes take on him during this part.