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.

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

Rennar is quietly walking the paths of the gardens. Behind her, lagging a small ways back, are two Queen's Guards keeping watch over the lady Rennar. It seems they, nor she, are taking any chances.

Entering for her morning stroll Sasha pauses noticing the guards, she grow shaky then notices the woman who looks familiar. Sasha carefully makes her way to the pond suddenly realizing that is the bald lady who grew hair she saw with the Queen. Stopping she remembers what Shalayne told her to curtsey so she does care to do it right.

Rennar pauses her walk not too far away from the pond. She stares down at the icy waters for a few brief moments, then catches movement out of the corner of her eye. So wrapped up in her thoughts was she, that she failed to miss the crunching of a new set of feet within the snow - then again, with two rather burlesque guards behind her, there's no wonder she missed it. Carefully, demurely, Rennar inclines her head in Sasha's direction. Her face is pale and wan, and she doesn't look much better than that first day she was discovered in this very area with the Queen. In fact, despite her fancy clothing and clean body, she seems somehow worse.

Sasha smiles up to the woman as she rises then goes cautiously to the pond she loves so much, speaking softly a bit afraid Sasha comments "Do you like to watch the lights on the pond too?" she seems innocent enough but noticed the womans condition and is curious and concerned.

Silence lingers in the air a few moments, filled only by the soft sounds of birds greeting one another within the morning. Rennar takes a few moments to consider the question, her brow knitting together. Behind her, the guards only stir momentarily, eyes carefully scanning the area for signs of danger. Finally, after those moments pass, Rennar speaks, "I just prefer to be out of doors." She pulls her cloak about her, made of fine, warm wool, yet still seems to shiver - though perhaps at some memory rather than the cold, wintry air.

Today is Fourday, 21 Jumara, 998 NE. It is a Winter morning.

Sasha smiles gathering her courage "I like it too I come here every morning from my shack to watch the shadows dance on the ice and the lights reflection play." she pauses and keeps going now that she started for fear she will run "I saw you here with the Queen when you were in the bushes scared, I wanted to help you cause I know what it is like to be alone." she keeps her eyes on the ice "You don't look to good are you sick like the Queen was from .."pausing eyes go wide with some thought "Are you going to have a baby too?" she forgets her shyness for a moment her face turning red from the bold statement she realizes slipped out.

Eyes widen brightly at Sasha's last set of words, a touch of surprise entering her eyes, "I am not pregnant." She seems appalled, almost, that someone would even suggest such a thing, Rennar not being married currently. "I am merely worried and concerned about my family. Things have not exactly been," she pauses, attempting to find the right words, "easy." That is all she can come up with, "And, to answer your first I just like being out of doors. I'm not too terribly fond of enclosed spaces."

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

Rennar is standing by the pond, almost opposite of Sasha. Behind her are two Queen's Guards watching things in a careful manner. Those unsavory people who attempt to get too close to Lady Rennar receive a menacing look as if to say 'move along'. All others are greeted casually.

Shalayne ambles into the arboretum, seeming a little preoccupied. Eventually, she looks up and notices Sasha with Lady Rennar. She tries to catch Sasha's eye to give her a reassuring smile.

Sasha sees the shadows move and looks up here eyes meet Shalayne's becokning her to join.

Shalayne approaches the two young women, a little cautiously, given the presence of the pair of guards. "Sasha, good day," she calls. As she draws closer, she drops into a small graceful curtsey, "Lady Rennar, Light shine."

Sasha eyes go wide turning to Shalayne then back to Lady Rennar she curtseys again "I am sorry to bother you." she backs away realizing she may be in trouble for talking to the woman.

Turning away from her conversation with Sasha, Rennar moves to see who produces the sound for those newly spoken words. Spying Shalayne, she nods her head ever so gently. Rennar looks worse than she did that first fateful day when found in the Aboretem, even with her fancy clothing and cleaned state. She seems more pale and wan than even the Queen - no doubt all the events going on about her taking their toll on her. "Good morning, Mistress Shalayne." She manages to speak, her voice the quietest of whispers, and seemingly hoarse.

Sasha stops and stays quiet her shyness taking over for the moment.

Shalayne's eyes fill with concern as she sees the condition of the Lady before her. Being unable to offer anything meaningful, she merely looks from Rennar to Sasha. Finally, she asks Sasha, "Have you asked Lady Rennar yet?"

Sasha eyes wide a blush appears on her face "no"

Shalayne smiles, giving Sasha a little nod. "Well, I'd say now is as good a time as any," she says softly. "Go on."

A brow raises in question at the two women, and Rennar glances between them both with a curiously speculative glance upon her features, "Ask me what...?" Her gaze includes both Shalayne and Sasha, seeming as how they know what they are talking about, and Rennar does not.

Sasha shakes her head "Shalayne please you do it" she is scared never having asked such a question of one so high born.

At Sasha's insistance that Shalayne ask her something, Rennar turns her inquistive gaze upon the other woman.

Shalayne sighs softly, nodding again. She turns her attention to Rennar. "Lady Rennar. This is Sasha. She is looking for employment and was wondering if you may have need of her services. She assures me that she is a hardworker and quick to learn." She turns slightly to Sasha, hoping for some input from her.

Rennar's gaze seems to relax a bit. From her reaction, it almost looked as if Rennar thought she was in for /more/ bad news. Relief touches her eyes as she now turns her gaze back to Sasha, "What is it that you can do, Mistress?" Rennar seems friendly enough, not even seeming to look down on either woman. Behind her, the Guards ignore the conversation, doing what they are paid to do - Guard Rennar.

Sasha looks to Renner "I can learn anything and Chade said he might need help with the children and all. I use to help with the children on the street when I lived there." she nearly is holding her breath from the fear she is feeling doing this.

Shalayne smiles and gives Sasha an encouraging nod.

A warm. reassuring smile caresses Rennar's lips, "Please, Mistress, do not be afraid." Having been through enough turmoil to know what true fear is, its no wonder that Rennar can sense, or read, Sasha's own. Her eyes twinkle with a small amount of amusement at her next set of words, "I do not bite, afterall..." She stops, then seems to consider, "well... not much... for I think Kelric, my brother, would disagree with that statement." She is jesting, of course - at least partially. "You can learn..." She muses, the earlier jest replaced by seriousness, "However, I'd like to know what other skills you possess."

Sasha giggles then nods "yes I can read, and I learn fast." blushes at the question "I was raised on the streets and I, well I know many things but I want *honest* work not the kind of work men hurt me for or use me." her voice low but she got it out.

"I thank you for your honesty, Mistress Sasha." Rennar murmurs quietly, regarding the woman in a careful manner. She then turns to Shalayne, "You will speak for her references then? You must be aware with all that has transpired I must take extra special care in who I hire, particularly with assassins having invaded my house through the servants before."

Sasha drops her head and turns to leave knowing her past will forever keep her from moving forward a tear can be seen rolling down her cheek.

Shalayne turns to Lady Rennar. "I have only recently met Sasha, my Lady. But I believe that she is deserving of a chance to prove herself." She shrugs slightly. "I fully understand your concern, but she does seem very keen to find honest work."

"Mistress Sasha, please wait. We're not through yet." Rennar murmurs quietly, catching the woman starting to leave out of the corner of her eye. She keeps her attention on Shalayne, however, knitting her brow in thought. "Everyone deserves at least one chance. I am begining to wonder about second chances however." She sighs lightly, then turns her attention to Sasha, "What is it that you would /like/ to do? I have many positions open, considering I've had to fire every bit of staff that my Uncle has hired, and prior to that he's fired all of my former employess. I have since learned that many have taken on new positions and are rather happy where they are now." This last bit if information seems to be more than a disappointment for Rennar - many of whom she had grown up with since she was a child now gone, some like parents to her, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles.

Sasha stops and nods mustering her courage "I will do anything M'Lady I can learn anything. A man named Mordan said he may have a job for me but he scared me I want to change my life." she appears to be sincere.

Shalayne takes a step back, allowing Sasha to handle this now.

Rennar slowly nods her head, a thoughtful expression coming to her eyes, "I have positions for maids, kitchen help, stable help, launderers, servants and those willing to help take care of the gardens and grounds."

Sasha eyes light up as so many choices "M'Lady I will work where you feel I will be of most benefit to you, you seem ill and if I can help return your kindness in any way I will learn to do anything you wish." she is not really calm looking to Shalayne for support.

Shalayne smiles again at Sasha, not wanting to say anything, but hoping to reassure her through her quick nod.

"I would much rather you choose something that you would like to do. It is far easier to keep someone employed when they are happy." Rennar returns to Sasha, one again placing the decision on her shoulders, insisting that she chooses, in fact.

Sasha smiles at the womans kindness "I would be happy helping you Lady Rennar in the house and outside as well." she is surprised at the Nobles thoughtfulness.

"Aye, you have said that several times before Mistress Sasha, but in what position?" Rennar tries again, not satisfied with such a vague answer, "I must know so that I might tell Genette what she expects you to be doing." Rennar is not going to choose for her, this is something Sasha must do herself.

Shalayne stands twirling the band about her wrist, silently willing Sasha to make a choice quickly before the offer is lost.

Sasha shrugs discouraged a bit from her lack of knowledge "M'Lady I know nothing of the work inside a house such as yours nor what the jobs entail but I am willing to learn where I am most needed. I well have learned to help people dress, laying out their clothing, to care for children and teaching them to read and find work. I have served drinks and entertained men" she blushes at that. "I like flowers but I fear I cannot cook. I am running out of money and simply will take on what is best to help you." she is being honest now

Rennar nods her head slowly, considering, "Since you know how to serve, i will place you with the servant staff, for a start. If you find that you wish to seek change later, we can discuss that, or you may speak to Mistress Genette about such things. She is the person in charge of all who work within House Hune, aside from myself. She is also to be respected. She has been with the House for quite sometime, and knows the ins and outs of everything that goes on there."

Sasha nods and cursteys "I will serve you well and I will learn all there is to know to be a proper lady. Thank you Lady Rennar." tears roll down her face she cannot believe a woman such as this would care for an orphaned street waif.

Shalayne steps forwards to congratulate Sasha. "Well done," she whispers softly to her. "I'm sure you'll make a wonderful servant." She looks to Lady Rennar, giving her a smile and then speaking hesitantly. "My Lady. I don't know if you still require them, but I have a couple of portraits I completed at your...engagement party." She clearly fiinds the subject a little awkward to broach.

Rennar smiles lightly at Sasha, then turns her attention to Shalayne as she speaks. She shifts slightly, looking vaguely uncomfortable herself, "So long as they are cast in a happy manner, I would be interested, or Demonder may' She comments quietly.

Sasha looks to Shalayne wanting to hug her but is frozen from her excitement and fear of making a mistake in front of one such as Rennar. she remains silent for now.

Shalayne nods thoughtfully. "There is one of Lady Satira, full of the joys of youth, and one of yourself and Lord Demonder." She goes silent for a moment, before deciding that honesty is the best policy. "I'm afraid that the initial sketch did reveal some...tension on your faces, but that doesn't really show in the painting. I could let you look and judge for yourself. Or I could begin again with a new work."

"I would like to see them." Rennar murmurs quietly, keep her cloak pulled about her in a tight manner. She gives Sasha a reassuring smile, catching her nervousness.

Shalayne smiles, nodding quickly. "Then I could bring them for you to see. You are still staying at the Palace?" she asks.

"Until the fire damange is repaired in Tiras Lorn, yes. And the gates are finished being replaced." Rennar answers, her eyes looking toward the noble quarter within the city now, seeming somewhat haunted.

Sasha smiles to Rennar at the look. Sasha begins to relax a bit and listen politely.

Sasha seeing Rennars look "M'lady I am very good with my daggers and know how to protect well, it is another skill I have learned maybe if allowed I could say be your personal servant and watch over you. You have been so kind to me." her voice low being unsure if she should have said this much.

Shalayne chews her lip, not having meant to bring any more discomfort to Rennar than she already suffers. "Then maybe you could just get a servant to fetch me, when it is convenient for you." She turns to look at Sasha, a little startled by her suggestion.

Rennar's gaze turns away from Shalayne and goes back to Sasha. She considers, "Perhaps when things are more settled, Mistress Sasha, for now both the Queen and Lord Demonder are insisting that I use their guards while I replenish my own House Guard for Hune." Again, another loss her House suffered, not only her complete staff fired, but her House Guard as well, replaced with those mercenaries meant to keep her from leaving the grounds.

Sasha nods "I am very good at listening and watching and for you kindness I will keep my ears open and report to you anything that is unsafe for you if that would help." her vice controlled afterall she is good at that from protecting herself near 20 summers on the street.

Shalayne decides that it would be a good time to leave now. "I shall wait to hear from you, Lady Rennar," she says giving a curtsey. "Good day, Sasha," she adds, before turning and making her way out onto the street.

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

Rennar glances distractedly after Shalayne. She nods to the woman, though a bit too late, to acknowledge her departure. She hen turns her attention back to Sasha, "Danger lurks wherever I go, mistress. If you could listen for harm meant toward myself or my family, I would be ever grateful. Being heir-apparent to the Lion Throne is not without its difficulities." Some may know that Aislynn appointed Rennar to take her place as Queen should she ever die without a female heir.

Sasha nods her expression serious "I will do that for you M'lady. It would be best if you could somehow make it possible I live in the palace on the grounds or servant quarters giving me access to hearing what goes on in your absence." she is sincere in helping this woman.

Rennar nods her head slowly, "The Queen is allowing those I slowly hire to stay at the Palace until such a time it is fitting to move back into Tiras Lorn. There are guest quarters available."

Rennar nods her head slowly, "The Queen is allowing those I slowly hire to stay at the Palace until such a time it is fitting to move back into Tiras Lorn. There are guest quarters available." (repose)

Sasha nods "That would be fine. I must gather my belongings from the small shack I am in when shall I come and where to ..." she is speechless as she realizes she will soon be working for Lady Rennar and living in a fancy home for the first time in her life.

"Very well." Rennar murmurs, considering Sasha's questions thoughtfully, "Whenever you have your things gathered." She murmurs, ever gently smoothing over her skirts in an absent manner, "Where, for now, shall be the Royal Palace. Until the repairs to my own home are completed, myself, my family and what little I have of my staff have been invited to stay as guests of the Queen." Rennar murmurs quietly, tilting her head to the side just slightly to regard Sasha's reactions.

Sasha attempts to curtsey but is shaking at the thought now "I will come to the palace gate once my meegor packing is complete. I will serve you well Lady Rennar you shall not regret this." Sasha turns to leave running all that has occured through her mind.

A graceful nod of the head acknowledges Sasha's curtsey, "There is one other matter." She murmurs quietly, 'There is a young boy, who can't be more than seven or eight, currently within my employ. He cannot speak, and may need some special care. I would be most gracious if you would look after him. He's proven himself to be a very brave young man, even though he really had no call to do the things he's done in the past." There is a fond expression upon Rennar's features as she speaks of the child, "He goes by the name of Emos. He is acting as my page, and may be seen wearing my House colors."

Sasha stops and smiles "I met him at the Inn I will happily take care of him and see what I can do." she feels confident she can work with this child.

Sasha smiling now Sasha leaves the Aboretum to pack and prepare for her new life.

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

Corod nods to Sasha as he enters, and stands staring into the pool, trying to look through the thick layer of ice into the depths.

Leaving the Arborteum happily after just having been hired by the Lady Rennar as a servant to the Hune House she notices Corod the man she was speaking to the other day. Happily Sasha goes to him "How are you are you watching the lights dance?" grinning as he had said that to her or something similar.

Rennar is standing by the pool with two Queen's Guards not too far away from her. Their job appears to be to 'protect' Rennar from any danger. She nods her head to the newcomer, watching Sasha as she rushes out of the Arboretum.

Corod grins back at Sasha, and says, "The ice just makes it harder. You just have to stare at the pool longer."

Rennar presses her lips together slightly, watching the two speak. After a few moments, she breaks away from the pond then ever so slowly starts toward the exit. The two Queen's Guards follow her at a small distance, but not so large between them that they could not go to her aid if needed.

Sasha giggles "I love it here and today I am happy I have found *honest* work and I am going to start a new life." odd for the usually shy Sasha but afterall she is excited.

Sasha turns as she sees Lady Rennar move away Sasha speaks to her one last time before she goes "Thank you again M'Lady I will serve you well." she returns her attention to Corod.

Corod smiles. "Slow down, Sasha, breathe. What? Did the Lady hire you?"

Rennar nods to Sasha, murmuring quietly, " You are welcome, mistress Sasha." With that she finds her way out and through the exit.