Guest Quarters: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

Dark woods and pale marble play a game of contrasts in this room. It's broad and arching ceiling, carved from the finest alabaster, mixes with the roughened edges of some southern hardwood's stained hue as it's criss-crossed by beams. The walls placate the surrounding fervor of marble sprites carved here and there along the window sills with paneling of the finest grade, polished to a near mirror sheen. There is a rotund bed, heavy with ivory linens, roughly in the center of the room and the accoutrements surrounding such finery are of the highest quality.

Subdued motes of dust linger int he calm and hazy afternoon sun that shines through the unfettered windows. The windows are bathed in a feathering drift of snowflakes that gather themselves in the corners of the panes, making perfect ovals in which to view the outside from. There is a large set of oaken doors that lead back out into the hallway of the Resident's Wing.

Emos looks around curiously as he in from the Nobles' Sitting Room.

Emos walks in, looking like he just did a lot of running.

Servants are within the room, emptying a tub set up for a bath of its dirty bath water. "Demonder, is that you..?" Rennar asks, voice softly spoken, and very tentative. She is hidden behind a screen used for dressing. Once she finishes whatever, she steps out, wearing a crisp clean dress rather than the dirty blouse and trousers of before. She blinks slightly as she spies Emos, "I suppose you are not Demonder...." She murmurs quietly, an odd relief within her eyes. Why would she be relieved that its not Demonder. She smiles warmly at Emos, though seeing his condition concern grows in her eyes, "Is all well...?"

Emos nods, smiling, but looks slightly tired from his run.

"Are you sure?" Rennar doesn't seem convinced, "You look as if you've just been chased by a lion, or some other critter."

Emos pulls out a piece of paper and writes onto it, 'I like to run'

Emos's note seems causes Rennar's smile to grow a bit more warmly, "Ah... well then, I suppose that's good." She moves over to sit upon her bed, tilting her head a bit. "Are things well between yourself and Nicodemus Gaidin?"

Emos writes 'I haven't seen him'

Rio walks softly in from the Nobles' Sitting Room.

Jhafir jingles in from the Nobles' Sitting Room.

Rio walks quietly into the room just behind her warder, Jhafir. She looks around the guest room and spies young Emos to whom she gives a small smile. Then her eyes take in Lady Hune and she gives Rennar a respectful nod. "Light keep you, Lady Rennar." Rio Sedai remains at her warder's side, not moving into the room too far.

Rennar nods to something Emos writes, then blinks, looking up as yet several more people come into her rooms. She rises from her seat upon the bed as she discovers it is Jhafir, and an unfamiliar woman. "Light keep you..." She glances at the Gaidin questioningly, as if seeking for some guideance on the name.

Emos steps out of the way of Rio Sedai and her warder, watching them both.

The handle to the outside turns and the door swings open. Jhafir ducks through, bells jingling slightly as he does so. When Rio enters behind him, he shuts the door and turns, straightening. His eyes immediately go to the child, a mild look of accomplishment crossing his features. He turns to Rennar when Rio greets her, and gives his own respectful nod, though still a little too short for a Warder to give a High Seat. He seems a touch surprised by her not recognizing Rio (oh my god! A warder admitting surprise! Is it snowing in hell?). He clears his throat, his accent especially thick this morning since he's not yet spoken to anyone that he's forced to curb it for, "Peace favor you." somehow, it seems that he finds it necessary to say this before answering the unspoken inquiry, "Lady Hune, this is Rio Sedai."

A look of understanding, and realization comes to Rennar's features. She shifts, seemingly uncomfortable at the introduction. "Light favor you, Rio Sedai." The young High Seat of Hune murmurs once more, now that introductions are completed. She pauses a moment, only glancing momentarily between the two, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" Her hair is still wet, from the back she's just finished, servants still taking out the dirtied water. Her face seems to hold a gaunt and pale expression, and she looks under nourished and sickly.

At the question, Jhafir looks over at the boy briefly, then turns a mildly embarrased look at Rennar, "A Guard carried the boy here last night. I have a reason to speak with him, but I didn't know that these were your rooms, Lady. I'd not have entered without permission, and certainly not armed, if I had." he looks almost ready to leave.

Confusion seems to linger over Rennar's features at Jhafir's words, then a frown seems to settle in, "Why would you need to come armed to visit with a small child? Or, do you mean to make him swear some sort of Oath as did Nicodemus Gaidin?" There is irritation in her voice as she mentions this. It is clear there might have been some sort of disagreement between the two over the matter.

Emos blushes suddenly and tries to hide out of sight.

Rio shakes her head at her warder. "No, it is my fault. Emos had mentioned that he was a ward of House Hune, I should have thought that he was perhaps sharing quarters here." She shifts her posture to include the others in the room. "Lady Rennar, we are simply here to see Emos. Please forgive our intrusion. I came upon the boy in the gardens yesterday and wanted to find if he was feeling better today."

Rennar's flicker to Emos a moment, then she nods a bit, settling herself back down upon her bed, "Please, feel free to visit with him then." Her manner seems to settle a bit, though her eyes remain away from the Sedai and the Gaidin. She's seen enough visions for one day, she need not see any others lingering over those two. Though, before she does, she gives Jhafir an oddly concerned look - and a flash of newly arrived pain, from something earlier done perhaps, comes to her eyes. She closes them a moment, and as politely as possible tries to make herself meld with the furniture.

Confusion seems to be passed around like a hot potato. Jhafir's brow furrows in, er, confusion and he shifts his stance, unconsciously adjusting his shoulders and shifting the weight of his Baldric. He allows Rio to speak, but still gives his own explanation, "I am always armed. It is easier that I carry my swords than she carry them for me and give them to me when needed." he makes no gesture as to who 'she' may be. "But I'd not have worn them into the Ladies Apartments, had I known." he looks over at the boy shying away, "There are enough Oaths given to my name already. I need none from a Southlander boy."

Rio gives Rennar a small smile of thanks as she gives permission for she and her warder to remain and catches the look that the Lady gives to her warder. She glances between the two with some speculation written upon her features, but refrains from commenting upon what her thoughts might be. Instead she focuses upon the boy that seems to have a desire to hide. "Light keep you, Emos. How are you today?"

Emos stops trying to hide, still showing embarrassment, though. He writes a note for Rio, that reads 'Better today. Thank you Rio Sedai.'

"Of course Gaidin..." As Rennar speaks, there is a touch of relief within her voice. She spies one of the servants still lingering, and murmurs quietly, "You may go, though wait outside in case there is further need." The servant nods, curtseys to all present, then goes outside the room.

Jhafir gives Rennar the same speculative glance that Rio did, himself unsure of where that came from. He dismisses it, though, used to getting strange looks--usualy due to the bells. He lowers himself onto a knee so as not to be so intimidating. He nods at Rennar and peers at Emos' note, "Did you rest well?"

Rio moves over as Jhafir kneels near the boy and seems content to allow her warder to speak for them both. She gives Emos an encouraging look as she waits for him to speak.

Emos nods to Jhafir.

Jhafir attempts to smile at the boy, and glances up at Rio. With a flitter of his eyes towards Rennar, he asks the boy cautiously, "Do you remember what you told me yesterday?"

Moving further back onto the bed, Rennar folds her legs beneath her and simply watches, eyes curiously, and briefly, moving between those present. Thoughts seem to plague her mind, various emotions passing over her features as she listens. Hands fold in her lap, and fingers start picking at invisible threads. Her brow is creased enough to show some sort of agitation, though nothing she speaks about.

Emos nods slowly, looking down at his feet.

"Could we speak of that now?" Jhafir asks quietly.

Emos looks up at Rio Sedai, then over to Lady Rennar, then looks at Jhafir in the eyes and nods.

Rio looks between the boy and her warder. She asks Emos carefully, "Would it help to be able to write it...like you did before in the kitchen?" Rio Sedai's face is neutral, but she gives a glance over at Lady Hune as if gauging something.

Jhafir sits crosslegged on the floor--the sight likely strange, a man in nobleman's clothing sitting on the floor like a common scout. He follows the boys looks to the two women and explains again, "I keep nothing from Rio. I told you that." a glance at Rennar, but he gives no consolation on why the boy should trust her--he knows none.

Emos nods to Rio Sedai.

Emos nods again to Jhafir, in understanding.

Rio gives Emos a small smile and nods to him. She seems to focus within and then, smoke from the various candles and lamps seem to flow together into the room and collect in front of the boy. It forms a sort of gray slade as if the smoke were contained by a pane of glass. The smoke is within easy reach of the child. Rio gestures toward him but doesn't speak, waiting for the boy to answer her warder's question as best he is able.

The heir-apparent comes out of her thoughts briefly, emerald gaze unreadable. She flashes Emos a warm smile, seeming as though to encourage and hearten him. Her fingers continue to pick at the invisible threads on her dress. Surprise touches her eyes at what Rio does, then a certain sort of curiosity seems to linger within, though she keeps silent, holding back any questions she might have.

Despite the thick coat and warm palace, and his recent complaints about being too warm, Jhafir absentmindedly rubs his arms as if he were cold. He continues to watch Emos.

Emos slowly works what he wants to put onto the smoke, not coming up with anything.

Jhafir waits patiently.

Emos reaches out appearing to have an idea of what to write, then pauses again, obviously reluctant around this topic.

Jhafir looks up at Rio, then over at Rennar, searching for what to do.

The smoke lingers near Emos, tendrils of it curling toward its edge only to be reabsorbed like a flowing ameoba as the passage of his hand causes it to shift. However, the smoky chalkboard remains as yet untouched. Rio Sedai looks down at her seated warder with some concern before she shifts her attention back to the boy. "It is all right, Emos. You are among friends here." Truthful words, as only an Aes Sedai can speak.

Emos finally gets to writing something into the smoke 'Can I ask it be kept a secret?'

That curiosity only seems to grow as Rennar watches and observes those before her. Concern does touch her eyes at Emos's obvious discomfort, and that causes her to frown marginally. She tilts her head to the side a bit as she regards everyone, even including Rio in her gaze - no visions yet, so she might get lucky.

Jhafir squints at the smoke, turns his head from side to side. With a tense blink and a confused shake of his head--jingle jingle--he rises to his feet and walks around the window of smoke. He sits down next to the boy and reads the writing. With a look at Rio, he shakes his head, "I can't say that, but I won't tell anyone from who I learned of his presence, if that's what you're worried about."

Emos nods suddenly, glad the warder understood him.

Jhafir turns his head to look at Rio, then Rennar, hoping for the same agreement out of them.

Rio inhales a breath and doesn't speak for a few moments. "We will do our best to protect you, Emos." Not quite an agreement, but honest at least.

Now, Rennar's frown does seem to grow even more, "Who would he need protecting from, might I ask?" Her eyes do now go to the child, the curiosity now growing into pure concern.

VIEWING: A sword and a knife crossed, not understood.

Emos feels now is the best time to get it out.

Emos moves his finger into the smoke and writes 'There might be a' pauses, looking at Jhafir like he wants reassurance.

Jhafir gives the child a nod.

Emos finishes his note. 'Whitecloak in the palace.'

At reading Emos's words, Rennar's frown only seems to grow stronger. She presses her lips together, tightly enough that they form a thin line. She does not interrupt again, simply watching and waiting.

Jhafir nods to the boy, "That's what you told me yesterday, but that's all." a look at Rio, "What more can you say?"

Rio's eyes flicker over the words in the smoke. The words hover there for a few moments before the outline of the script fades away and the smoky chalkboard becomes clear again. Rio gazes at her warder seated on the bed beside the boy, and her eyes narrow a little with some worry.

Emos writes into the smoke 'Only one more thing.'

The plucking at invisible threads stops. Something does occur to Rennar, and her frown is replaced once more by a vague curiosity, waiting for Emos to finish. She tilts her head to the side a bit, allowing her lips to relax in mannerism.

Emos quickly writes the last message to prevent himself from stopping before he finishes. 'I think he knows I know he is here, but I haven't seen him.'

Emos writes into the smoke 'Only one more thing.'

The plucking at invisible threads stops. Something does occur to Rennar, and her frown is replaced once more by a vague curiosity, waiting for Emos to finish. She tilts her head to the side a bit, allowing her lips to relax in mannerism.

Emos quickly writes the last message to prevent himself from stopping before he finishes. 'I think he knows I know he is here, but I haven't seen him.''.

Emos quickly writes the last mesage to prevent himself from stopping before he finishes 'I think he knows I know he is here, but I haven't seen him.'

The smoke chalkboard holds the boy's words for a few moments, long enough for everyone to see what he had written before the words fade away like...well smoke. Rio shakes her head with some amount of displeasure. "You should stay here with Lady Hune, Emos. Allow Jhafir to look into this." She gives a glance to her warder briefly, then adds, "You will be safer here."

Jhafir raises an eyebrow curiously, then looks over at Rio, seeing if she's getting something he's not. Looking back at Emos, he asks patiently, "Do you know anything about him? His name, how he looks, whom he's masquerading as? Anything to help?

Emos shakes his head to Jhafir, looking defiantly at Rio Sedai, obviously not wanting to let someone else take over.

Jhafir doesn't want to intimidate or discourage the boy, but he presses anyway, "Then how do you know he's here?"

Emos taps his ear.

Jhafir nods, "Tell us what you heard."

Rio gestures to the screen of smoke. "Go on..." her voice is quiet and toneless, her gaze remaining on the boy.

Emos looks reluctant again.

"We'll need all the help you can give, if we're going to keep Rio and the Queen safe." Jhafir says.

"It could be..." Rennar finally speaks, though a touch reluctantly, "That he's met the Roesone lord recently arrived." There are several, though one specific one, "Demonder says that one within his family is an Inquisitor." The Queen's Guard already knows this, so there's no reason the others should not, particularly not with Rio being the Queen's advisor. "As a Lord of Andor, I would hope that he is free to roam the halls of the Palace, though I cannot say that I know the conditions upon his return to the city, only that he has."

Emos looks at Rennar, confused.

Jhafir turns and listens to Rennar, but shakes his head upon her finishing, "I know of one Lord that is was Inquisitor, but I'd heard he no longer wears the cloak?"

Rio looks upon Rennar as she speaks. When she mentions that one of the Roesone's is a whitecloak she frowns. One might conclude that this Aes Sedai has had enough of the Children of the Light to last her a long time. She doesn't speak, she merely listens as Jhafir asks his question.

The lady gives a small shake of her head, "As I said, I don't know the terms or conditions upon his return. Demonder would know more about that. I only heard as he was speaking to the Queen's Guard about the matter. He was asked to set up an interview between the two, but only promised to speak to his cousin over the matter.... though..." Rennar's gaze goes back to Emos, "... there are always possibilities that other... things or people... lurk within the shadows of the Palace." Is she speaking from experience?

Jhafir turns back to the boy, "Please. What did you hear?"

Emos doesn't hear Jhafir speak as he looks to his feet, before taking off out the door at a full run.

Emos looks around curiously as he out the heavy wooden doors and into the hallway.

Surprise touches Rennar's eyes as the young child gets up and runs out of the room. A small frown settles in over her lips, then she sighs. "I am sorry for interrupting, I thought that the information might have been of help."

Rio blinks as the boy runs out of the room. She lifts a hand, perhaps to use saidar to stop him, but then seems to pause. Instead of stopping the child, she merely disapates the smoke chalkboard that is still hovering in the air. She shakes her head. "I worry about that boy, Jhafir. He is very much alone." She turns to Lady Rennar and shakes her head. "I think that we have enough for now in anycase...." she looks back at her warder questioningly.

Rennar presses her lips together, furrowing her brow a bit, "Perhaps, if you've use of him in your services, he'd be safer there? He is with House Hune until his mother replies to my missive. He ran from home, thinking she hates him for the death of his father. He caused a fire accidentally...." Her voice trails, word enough for the others to figure out the rest, "Needless to say, he helped my fiance and others of Roesone when their manor burned, and thus earned a position with myself."

Jhafir watches the door shut and his head spins toward Rio, "You couldn't have stopped him?" he snaps before she speaks. He just listens to her, half scowling, and stands. Smoothing his coat and cloak he sighs, "I hardly think we have enough. I told you before we came searching for the boy that he thought there was a Whitecloak. You agreed that we needed to know more, we've learned nothing more, and you thin--." he cuts it off when Rennar speaks, suddenly realizing that they aren't alone. He listens to Rennar and sighs, "My outburst was disrespectful," he tells Rennar, not looking at Rio, "I'm not comfortable with the prospect of Whitecloaks in the palace, not when I don't know of them, especially." He certainly seems both grim, and annoyed.

"Then you will be even less comfortable knowing that there is an assassin amongst the servants." Again, Rennar rationalizes trusting her information to both Sedai and Gaidin, being that they are the Queen's advisors, or at least Rio is. "However, the Queen is already aware of this fact."

Rio stands very still as Jhafir snaps at her, rather like one might hold herself against against a strong wind. As he turns to speak to Rennar, the Aes Sedai seems to calm a little, as if a sudden obstruction has protected her from the storm. She turns to Lady Hune, not looking at her warder nor acknowledging his outburst, "I think that your suggestion is an excellent one, Lady Rennar. Perhaps he could be useful as a scribe...and at least we could keep an eye on him." Rio pauses as Rennar speaks and then frowns. Her only comment, "It seems that there is much afoot in the palace lately."

Despite the words, Jhafir shrugs it off like she said water was wet, "There are always assasins amungst servants."

VIEWING: Jhafir standing in front of a waving flag of Arafel, a golden circlet around his head, and wearing a warder's cloak-- also flapping. Cool?

Rennar nods her head, starting to say something to the advisor, then clamps her jaw shut, eyes widening in disbelief. She glances to Jhafir, giving him a more careful study than before. Her brow crinkles, and a touch of confusion enters her eyes along with the surprise. Hardly a reaction that's normal.

Jhafir watches Rennar's reaction and his brow furrows enough to plant crops. The confusion gives way to worry, "Lady?"

Rio shakes her head. "Do not be alarmed by my warder's....attitude, Lady Rennar. He simply is not an optimist."

It takes a moment for Rennar to gather her senses about her. "Hmm?" she manages to mumble, then blinks, taking her eyes from 'beyond' Jhafir, "Yes...?" She then turns back to Rio, remembering what she was about th say, though stays rather confused and distracted, glancing back at the Gaidin once or twice as if to reaffirm something to herself. Yet, she doesn't exactly glance /at/ him. "That is, if he is willing to leave my service. He's expressed an interest to 'help' me with my problems, though I much rather he be in a safer environment. Hanging around me will only serve to place him in danger." Cryptic are her words, more or less, "At least, until things around House Hune finally settle and get back to normal." Though with her reactions to the Gaidin, its hard to say what 'normal' is.

Demonder walks in from the Nobles' Sitting Room.

There's a knock on the door before Demonder opens the room with a slight hesitation. He steps within.

Rennar is sitting upon the bed, legs folded beneath her. She appears to be 'dressed' for the Palace rather than the streets, and looks a little cleaner. Her attention is on Rio and Jhafir, speaking with them. Yet, at the same time she seems to look beyond Jhafir - confusion and surprise evident in her eyes. This is somethign Demonder would quite well recognize.

Jhafir seems a bit uncomfortable with the way Rennar's looking at him, and even makes as to look behind him to see if it's something else. Luckily, that's when the knock comes, and he uses that to disguise his uneasiness. He looks at the man who enters, and, seeing him for a Lord, gives him a short respectful nod, but nothing near one one might expect a warder to give to a Lord.

Rio gazes at Rennar with some concern, a half half reaches out in a comforting manner, before the Aes Sedai pulls it back. "I would not wish to take the boy from you, Lady Rennar. Perhaps suggest the idea to him and remind him that being in my service does not necessary remove him from contact with you or from House Hune." Rio glances between Rennar and Jhafir, puzzlement upon her face. She seems to note that Demonder has entered, but her attention is still upon Lady Rennar.

The lady nods to Rio's words, though the knock to the door brings her a much needed distraction. Eyes light up in recognition, "Lord Demonder.." Rennar greets, a small, warm smile touching her lips, before rememberance of the day's earlier actions come to her, then she does another odd thing - she lowers her head, eyes moving to her hands. She also grows quiet.

After his outburst, Jhafir has seemed plenty comfortable with letting Rio speak on the matter of the boy with Rennar. His chin is taut, perhaps a bit annoyed, and his expression one of unyielding fatalism. He looks like he'll explode the next time he opens his mouth.

There is a slight pause as Demonder steps within, his eyes first gazing upon his fiancee. And he clearly does recognize the look about her features, and Jhafir's possible level of uncomfortableness. And then, then there's the Aes Sedai that is finding all this particularly strange. Demonder decides its a good time to have the attention on him, until Rennar recovers from whatever she is 'seeing' this time around. "Renni..." he greets quickly, and then sets his attention on the Aes Sedai as he walks toward her and the Gaidin. "Rio Sedia," he notes with a smile that would be shared between old friends. Well, they did meet a few times, after-all. Bowing his head forward in an appropriate manner, he only then turns to the Gaidin at her side. Well, that much he can clearly assume. "An interesting surprise, it has been a long time. Have you had the pleasures of a dance lately?" There, that will draw some attention to himself.

Jhafir's thoughts are far away, deep in memories of past events between he and Rio. From where his mind is, Demonder's words make him look at Rio incredulously, and a beet of embarassment (pun intended) flashes across his countenance before he turns to look out a window down at the gardens, his chin setting stubbornly.

The Lord's words have their desired effect and Rio's attention is clearly diverted upon Demonder. "It has been a long time, Lord Demonder, since that day in the Tower's courtyard." Rio spares a single glance to her warder, but seems indifferent to his reaction. She sighs. "Perhaps we can remeniss about old times on another occasion." She gives Rennar a polite nod of farewell, "But I fear that my warder and myself have business to attend to." Clearly, Rio Sedai was not pleased to have the past brought up in such an abrupt fashion.

Jhafir looks back from the window and steps toward Rio, apparently agreeing with her about leaving. He nods once more to Rennar and Demonder, his words coming out tight-lipped and so full of northlander accent he must not be trying at all to cover it, "Peace favor you both."

Well, Rio Sedai was an Accepted then, and Demonder vastly over-ranking here. How things change. Now Demonder seems to produce a rather charmed smile that he wears with another bow of his head. "It has. You had promised me a dance?" That could be stretching the truth. Yes, she won't remember a thing about this Rennar looking strange thing. Well, at least Demonder doesn't think she will. "Good evening to you both."

Rio gives the Lord a nod, "Peace be upon you, Lord Demonder...and be careful what you ask for...the dance of an Aes Sedai can be more than you might expect."

With those words, Demonder eats his own words. It was the day Jarrue had him thinking she had weaved a Bond to him. Coughing roughly, Demonder nods, turning a touch white. "Of course, Rio Sedai." Those words are less charming, and more official in tone.

Rio says not another word, but simply heads out of the door without another backward glance.

Rio walks softly out the heavy wooden doors and into the hallway.

Though all the chatter between Rio, Jhafir and Demonder, not a single word comes from Rennar. She remains where she is upon the bed, a perfect example of 'servant' meekness. She might have gained her wit about her some while her fiance was gone, however she had not forgotten what it was that occured earlier.

Jhafir follows Rio out.

Jhafir jingles out the heavy wooden doors and into the hallway.

Demonder watches the Aes Sedai and Gaidin leave before turning his attention to Rennar. He heads toward her with haste, fingers touching upon her cheek as he sits on the bed near her. "Everything well, love?" he asks, fully knowing not everything is well, just meeting it in a 'what just happened?' sort of way.

"I am fine..." Rennar's words are quietly spoken, still showing that sense of meekness about her. She doesn't react to the fingers upon her cheek, simply accepts it. "Before we eat, I need to speak with the Queen. I think you should be there as well."

Demonder's eyes go down with guilt. He didn't mean her to return further into meekness, really, be just needs her to be safe. And that sends a horrid feeling in his stomach. Demonder cups Rennar's cheek, turning her to him. "Then we will go now?" he asks simply. "Rio's Gaidin. You had seen something?" he asks while standing and help Rennar up from bed.

"Nothing of any consequence." Rennar answers automatically, maybe like when she did when her uncle asked such things, "Just something that surprised me." Slowly, so as not to muss up her skirts too much, she rises from her seat upon the bed, untucking her legs from beneath her to stand, which she does in a fluid grace. "Now would be best, before Nicodemus Gaidin spreads any tales about things of the other evening." There is much she could be speaking about.

"The other evening?" Demonder asks quietly, eyes growing in hurt. At least for the brief moments, before the hurt is pushed and stuffed further into the pit of his stomach. Demonder begins to guide Rennar out of the room.

"Aye." Rennar answers simply, moving now with Demonder through the doors. She grows quiet once more, thoughts turning inwardly. They continue until they reach the...

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.

Theowyn
Nicodemus
Aislynn

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

Nicodemus looks to the door. It is not clear if he would have answered, his face a facade of stone.

Aislynn looks speculatively at Nicodemus, but holds her thoughts for now, interrupted by the knocking at the door. She smiles placatingly at her brother, but a bit tremulously, as if not sure how much he will be placated by this.

Through the doors comes Demonder and Rennar. Upon entering, she half-bows/half-curtesys as is custumary, particuarly after seeing all those within the room. However, she is not any more formal than normal, "Aislynn..." She murmurs quietly in greeting, looking about the room and perhaps rethinking her entrance. "Perhaps now is not a good time." She looks at Demonder, then back to the Queen, though does not meet Demonder's gaze.

Aislynn smiles faintly at Rennar, as always glad to see her friend, though a tightness around her eyes illustrates that there is something toward here. "Rennar...The Light illumine you...." she says, quietly, and her eyes flick first to her Gaidin and then to her brother, before returning to her friend.

Demonder walks within the room in a slight limp, his eyes moving between the Queen, her Gaidin, and the first prince. Deciding something formal is required, his bow is deep befitting a low ranked noble showing respect to the Queen of Andor (he isn't married to Renni yet, after-all). "Your majesty." And with that, Demonder's eyes to to Rennar, the arm escorting her holding her closer for support. Not that she is the one that needs it in front of Aislynn.

Nicodemus bows his head in respect to The Lady Rennar, and Lord Demonder. He then withdraws a step, and moves himself round behind Aislynn Sedai, giving himself a full view, and yet not imposing himself on anyone.

Aislynn nod politely to Demonder, "Lord Demonder...."

Theowyn goes from impatient to a slight smile as he watches Rennar and Demonder enter. Bowing slightly, he turns to Aislynn with an questioning eye. There are still a few answers he will seek for after this, that for certain.

There is a distinct uncomfortable air about Rennar. Part of what she has to speak about can wait, it seems. She furrows her brow a bit, looking between Gaidin and brother of the Queen. After a few moments, the indecision settling upon her features seems to move away - though she's still not comfortable at all. "It's just, there's a few things I needed to discuss with you. They can wait, if you are presently busy. I do not wish to interrupt a family get togehter."

Nicodemus steps forward. "Perhaps Brother Theowyn, and Lord Demonder wish to move to my quarters for a time."

Aislynn nods to Rennar, and glances apologetically at her Brother. "Would it bother you unduly, Theowyn, to wait just a few moments? You can do as Nicodemus says if you wish."

"Actually, I wish Demonder here for this, otherwise I would not have brought him along, Gaidin." Rennar responds, not moving away from Demonder's 'supporting' arm. She doesn't look like she would, even if she could, something different about her behavior currently, "It regards a member of my family." Her eyes seem to settle upon Nicodemus, "You've met her, I believe, my 'cousin' Sadi." There are slight emphases upon certain words suggesting the content of which she means to speak.

Aislynn arches a pale brow, and turns to give her Warder an unreadable look. She turns back to Rennar, and inclines her head, "Please...what is it, Rennar?"

It's a good thing Theowyn's features harden, otherwise it would be clear whether or not this would bother him terribly. Instead he nods. "Of course. Let us change venue then, Gaidin." Theowyn begins to head toward the exit, and at least this way, he can question the Gaidin further.

Nicodemus inclines his head to Rennar, answering that he does indeed remember the woman. Nicodemus pauses, unwilling to leave Aislynn alone fully it seems. He looks from her, to the door. Why should he worry? Has this something to do what he's been going on and on about. He looks to Theowyn. "Perhaps the waiting room will work as well." Opening the door, he alows Theowyn to precede him.

Demonder remains quiet, not making a motion to leave at the Gaidin's suggestion, and simply standing at Rennar's words. The typically charming and carousing noble is in much different moods, his eyes showing the lack of sleep, and the leg showing some signs of trouble. As does his fist, if one were to look closely enough to see the bruising there.

The young Hune notices the exchange between the Gaidin and the Queen. A frown, though faint, comes to Rennar's lips, remaining only briefly, "Only that I wish to confess that she is no cousin at all." Rennar states rather bluntly, "But there are reasons for which why I chose to go along with her scheme. She is both friend and foe to me, and while I trust her little, it is better to have a viper I can see rather than a viperI cannot see." There seems to be more, though Rennar waits to see the Queen's reaction to her words before continuing.

Aislynn swallows hard at this admission from Rennar, and hurriedly calls out to her Gaidin, "Hold, Nicodemus...." Perhaps he should hear this as well, considering his previous interest in the matter. Perhaps her brother should hear it as well. She turns back to Rennar, and lifts a pale brow, "What do you mean, Rennar?"

Nicodemus suddenly decides that he wishes to hear more of this, but... Luckily, Aislynn spares him an untimely exit. He turns toward Aislynn, bows, and returns to her side.

The Gaidin is asked to hold, and so Theowyn no longer has an escort into Nicodemus' room. Theowyn stays as well, standing off to the side a touch as he listens.

That distinct uncomfortableness upon her arriving within the room has caught Rennar once more. She shifts, though slightly, within Demonder's hold of her. Now, it is her turn to swallow. She makes no motion to move forward, and instead moves her hands to grip at Demonder's arms for some particular, unknown reason. "She is the woman who orchestrated my kidnapping." Rennar begins, hands tightening upon Demonder's grip. That explains the foe part. "However, during the storming of my manor, she is also the same person who ensured my safe retreat from the manor. It was not something she /had/ to do, and was also something that put her life in as great a danger as my own." Again, she pauses, though continues forward, "I had not come forward before, because I knew she was going to come to me later to ask for 'payment' of her services rended for saving my life. Had it not been for her, I might very well be as dead as my uncle had pretended I was.

The young Queen's countenance takes on an expression of befuddlement as she attempts to quickly sort out all of the ramifications inherent in this admission. Her lips tighten slightly, and she inquires, "And exactly what sort of 'payment' is she going to ask for? Although she saved your life, Rennar, I like this not. If she will aid in the kidnapping of a Noble, what other crimes might she partake in? Or orchestrate?"

Nicodemus believes that now he has another job for his short Cairhienin friend. Perhaps this way, none will have to worry about 'payment' save that little friend of his. He waits, listening, watching quietly. Things of this nature were easier in the Gaidin's homeland.

Demonder stiffins a touch, though already he seems fairly stressed. Well, more like the lord with duty that strains him to no end. There is more wrong here, though as his eyes look over Rennar, his features pale.

Nicodemus lets his eyes shift slightly to take in Demonder's current state. The Gaidin folds his arms over his chest, wondering something now.

The expected reaction to come from Demonder thankfully does not appear to show itself. Relief, somewhat, touches Rennar's eyes, "She asks nothing more than to be treated as a member of my House, as a family member - and to have the same comforts that come with being such a member, a warm bed, shelter, food and money. While, I cannot assure you that she will not do such things again, she has made mention that she no longer wishes to be within that sort of work. I have also procurred from her an Oath not to harm my family. I know that does not say much for keeping you and yours safe from her." She lowers her eyes, shifting once more within Demonder's arms. "I believe she would be better watched as someone of society, than within the streets, and her knowledge of the underground within Caemlyn could prove useful. She's bragged to me often about how she knows of other areas that are hidden within the city, and has offered to find Calisa several times."

Aislynn's pale brows draw together into a little frown of concern, though she nods, appearing thoughtful. "I would like your reassurance that she is not to be running about the Palace on her own, Rennar. And I am uncertain as to how I feel about this." The understatement of the year.

Oh yes, Demonder doesn't react as expected. He's not about to do so in front of the Queen. Even that is clear. And as Rennar's future husband, Demonder simply stands in support by the woman that outranked Demonder over several steps of nobility. Demonder won't offer any words of support, however, but he really holds no influence here beyond that of support for his intended.

Aislynn casts her Warder a quick look, full of suspicion and doubts.

Nicodemus would grit his teeth if he did such things. Now this woman is to live within the palace walls. A kidnapper, with all of the contacts to go with such. Within the walls. The Noble's wing? If he has anything to say about it she will have a nice warm bed in the servant's quarters.

Rennar nods quietly, not raising her eyes once, "I understand, your Majesty." And with that, the meekness that is Rennar of late comes back, along with formality that befits the Queen's position. That uncomfortable stance grows into an uncertainty. "I will see that someone keeps watch upon her at all times, while here." She pauses briefly, "I merely wished to keep you informed. I was hoping, perhaps, there were subtle ways her knowledge could be put to use, particularly with all that is going within the city of late." There is no doubt that Rennar had the best of intentions in mind when she did what she did - afterall, there's no secret that someone is out to get both herself nad the Quene.

Aislynn nods to Rennar, and offers her friend a careful smile. "I am sure Nicodemus will be able to ensure my safety....he and Theowyn...." She looks at her Warder speculatively, as if unsure whether or not the man will just kill this woman out of hand.

Nicodemus looks to Aislynn as she looks to him. It is easily sensed that he's not happy about this in the least.

Sensing the words as a dismissal, Rennar starts to turn to leave the room. She does not look up, looking as though she'd rather not meet any gazes within the room. Melding into the wall would be a useful tool right now.

Demonder bows his head slowly before taking Rennar's motion for their departure. Showing a strength beside his future wife, Demonder escorts her out through the door.

Nicodemus' eyes follow Rennar to the door. "I would like a word with you soon, if it pleases M'Lady."

Theowyn watches the scene unfold, his eyes becoming stressed over the matter. That expression has no further room to harden, his Tower training giving him the skills of a face that betrays nothing.

There is a cringing that seems to follow those words, coming from Rennar. Her voice answers in a quiet manner, "Demonder and I will be dining downstairs for the evening. You may join us there, if you wish, Gaidin." It is not an invitation, persay. It is a woman who is uncertain of her position allowing someone with known backing and authority of the Queen know where she'll be when needed or desired. There is no arguement from her, only that meekness shown when the Queen made her words clear.

Nicodemus inclines his head. "I will await word to join you M'Lady..." He bows his head to the retreating figures then.

Demonder will likely wait for his words alone with Rennar, though clearly there will be many. And of course, there is this other nagging issue that bothers him further.

Rennar nods her head, not looking at the Gaidin, "Whenever you desire to chat, I will be at your call Gaidin." She makes it clear it is she who will go to him if needed, otherwise she'll be downstairs. With that, she exits the room finally, growing severely more quiet than before.

You walk through the white, gilded doors, and leave the Queen's Chambers.

Nobles' Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn(#746RL$)

You find yourself in a antechamber with a high, vaulted ceiling inset with colorful stained glass. Lush carpets of red and white lie upon the marble stone floor. Couchs and chairs are arranged in conversational groupings within the room.

The blue-gray of twilight can be seen through the long wall of glass. The evening's first stars are beginning to twinkle. Down below, in the Queen's Gardens, you can see snowdrifts against the white stone walls, and icicles hanging from tree branches. To the east is a wing set with doors that house the nobles who reside in the palace. To the northeast are a pair of double doors that lead to the balcony and gardens. A hallway with guests' rooms branches to the west, and the heavily guarded Queen's chambers are south. A great staircase of white stone curves down to the Entry Hall below.

Down to Entry Hall Queen's Chambers Nobles' Quarters

Guest Quarters Balcony

Theowyn walks from the Queen's Chambers, entering the Sitting Room.

Theowyn walks through a pair of gilded doors, into the Queen's Chambers.

Demonder walks from the Queen's Chambers, entering the Sitting Room.

Demonder is not allowing anyone to follow him.

Demonder escorts Rennar out from the Queen's chambers. The lord's expression is stiff, pained, unreadable, and simply choatic. As though not hearing a word Rennar had said, he heads toward Rennar's chambers.

Huh? (Type "help" for help.)

You walk into the guest quarters of the Palace.

Guest Quarters: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn(#771RAH$)

Dark woods and pale marble play a game of contrasts in this room. It's broad and arching ceiling, carved from the finest alabaster, mixes with the roughened edges of some southern hardwood's stained hue as it's criss-crossed by beams. The walls placate the surrounding fervor of marble sprites carved here and there along the window sills with paneling of the finest grade, polished to a near mirror sheen. There is a rotund bed, heavy with ivory linens, roughly in the center of the room and the accoutrements surrounding such finery are of the highest quality.

A cerise cast lingers on the ivory linens of the bed as the waning light of the day meanders through the room. The windows are bathed in a feathering drift of snowflakes that gather themselves in the corners of the panes, making perfect ovals in which to view the outside from. There is a large set of oaken doors that lead back out into the hallway of the Resident's Wing.

Out

Demonder walks in from the Nobles' Sitting Room.

Rennar doesn't speak, doesn't say anything. In fact, she just follows Demonder, that cringing still going on from Nicodemus's words upon their exit. There is that loathing upon her features. She knows by admitting all in front of so many that she's likely not to be in favor of the Queen any longer, nor trusted. But, what was she to do? Put her family in danger over a woman? If he lets her go, she goes over to the window, quiet and withdrawn. Better to let him do the speaking, since words escape her.

Demonder stands at the door as Rennar moves toward the window. In fact, for everything that after the point of escorting her through the doors, Demonder might as well be a stranger in her room with the vagueness in his eyes and the stiff mannor by which he stands near the shut door. "If you do not trust me with matters of this importance, with keeping you safe as you walk through the streets, then I will have no other choice but to leave." Demonder is near death, or so he believes. The very thought has him feeling the symptoms of a drug that isn't in his system. "You have the strength and will power to be on your own. I see I am not needed." It would be better this way, Demonder leaving before his death, or so he reasons. "I can't be your husband if you will not show me your trust." Too many secrets, too much held back. Too much meekness when faced with conflict, but rebellion as soon as he turns his back.

Offered before her is a chance to protect Demonder, to push him away enough that others would perhaps leave him be and simply go after her. A rat - an apt word for her uncle to use when she was captured, for she's feeling as if she's simply that. "Perhaps this was meant to be Lord Roesone." That formality she showed with the Queen earlier lingers still. "I am but a stranger within these walls, no longer the person anyone remembers or recognizes. I would understand if it is your desire to break relations with my House." She is speaking as Head, rather than lover, a person which duty has befallen her, and it being twenty times heavier than any mountain. "You have gained nothing but pain and strife being with me, why would you not want to leave?" There might be a twinge of regret with her words, but they better serve her purposes, no emotion showing within her voice - features pained, but hidden from view as she speaks them. "Besides, were I you, I'd not want ot be associated with me right now either, not with the Queen looking upon me as she does. I have no doubt I'll have to owrry about being heir-apparent any longer. Surely she'll find someone better to suit the position."

Demonder's hand reaches for the handle of the door, the sound heard through the room. It would be easy to walk away, his expression unknown to Rennar as he twists his back to her back. Nothing is said for the longest of time, and then he begins with the words turn away from the subject at hand. "You do not see the death riding over the head of your fiance?" he asks simply, using the term that has them still within each other's commitment. "I was told I may have as long as a day to live, a poison in my system that will end things by tomorrow night. I do not believe anything they have said, though they took liberties with my manor, I see no reason why they would not have me poisoned." Demonder's head bends forward, his palm slapping on the door. "Do you not see my upcoming death?"

"Have I a fiance, Lord Roesone?" Rennar's words comment quietly. A fear grips her, but she does not turn. She does not show him her weakness, her pain. "Had I such a vision, I would not have kept it from the man I loved." Past tense? "For I would have wanted to spend the time with him until the very end, every moment. And he would have known that my trust was great enough to bestow upon him the knowledge of my biggest secret - though I am loathe to have it." She does not turn to face him, her voice contorted with barely controlled emotion. "But, that person is as dead as they say she was, no longer."

The sound of Demonder's fist crashing against the door is heard, the bone oddly bending to the strength of the oak. Trickles of blood flow down from the broken skin that begins to bleed. "I spoke of hurt and the feeling of uselessness in the relationship. I never stated that I lost my love for you. Though it seems you have." The wood spliters fall as Demonder lifts his fist from the door, his head soon falling against the frame, his eyes tight in pain. The door begins to creek further as he turns the door knob.

The loud crashing sounds cause Rennar to jump. Everything screams in her to turn and go to him, but she doesn't. He was right, it is better this way. Silence answers his words, neither confirming or denying them. Better that she had stayed dead. Her arms wrap about her in that familiar manner which shows she's upset, but not once does she turn her gaze away from the window.

Apparantly Demonder doesn't want to make it too easy for her. And in fact, he is very unwilling to leave. So much easier to begin the plan in motion then completing it. "Then tell me you don't love me," states firmly. The door knob squeekes closed as he releases it, and then turns to face the woman he loves. "Tell me so I can die knowing the truth."

"Do you mean to bring about your own death, Lord Roesone? Because, if that's what you mean to do, I will not give aid to it." Rennar's words hold a wide variety of mixed emotions, mostly bordering on pain and hurt. "You are not a dying man."

Demonder's steps are heavy as he makes his way toward her, though he stops midway through the room. "Renni... I love you." The words are barely a whisper.

Everything still screams within her to turn to him, to give him support, to nurture and love him, yet Rennar stays where she is, firmly planted. Perhaps, if she tried moving, she'd just fall over? It's possible. Maybe she's frozen into position, for that's possible as well. Had there been a cloak about her shoulders, she'd tug it more tightly about her, a way to comfort herself, but her arms will just have to do as she squeezes her body more tightly. "Your dinner is growing cold, Lord Roesone." The Lady of Hune reminds him, not answerig his words with the ones he wants to hear, having already given him a set he wanted to hear earlier. "And Nicodemus Gaidin has need to speak with me, perhaps to arrest me for my actions."

Sorry, that player is not connected.

"Then eat with him alone." Demonder states, the hurt evident in his voice as he takes a step backwards from her. And then another, not believing that she would not come to him. Not when he still believes he will die. Sure, doubt lingers on his concious, but then, he has been feeling ill; a subconcious reaction to the stress and the idea of being poisoned. The lord continues to take steps backwards until his back hits the door.

"I had no intention of dining with you, or he." The young woman answers, straining to keep her composure. Obviously, she does not believe Demonder will die. Had she, she would have had such a vision, as death seems to linger about her ability. "Farewell, Lord Roesone." Is that a farewell to him from the room, or for his life? If its the last, it doesn't sound very... loving. Yet, there's a lingering sadness, perhaps reminiscent of what was.

The sound of the door opening is heard, and then closing. Nothing more.

Silence remains within the room for several long moments, with Rennar looking out the window. She grips herself tighter, allowing an emotional moment to pass, then, when her composure is more gained, she turns toward the door, meaning to slip out and leave herself.

Demonder walks out the heavy wooden doors and into the hallway.

You walk through the heavy doors and into the Nobles' Sitting Room.

Nobles' Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn(#746RL$)

You find yourself in a antechamber with a high, vaulted ceiling inset with colorful stained glass. Lush carpets of red and white lie upon the marble stone floor. Couchs and chairs are arranged in conversational groupings within the room.

The blue-gray of twilight can be seen through the long wall of glass. The evening's first stars are beginning to twinkle. Down below, in the Queen's Gardens, you can see snowdrifts against the white stone walls, and icicles hanging from tree branches. To the east is a wing set with doors that house the nobles who reside in the palace. To the northeast are a pair of double doors that lead to the balcony and gardens. A hallway with guests' rooms branches to the west, and the heavily guarded Queen's chambers are south. A great staircase of white stone curves down to the Entry Hall below.

Demonder

Sadi

Down to Entry Hall Queen's Chambers Nobles' Quarters

Guest Quarters Balcony

Demonder storms out of Rennar's room, not paying much attention to anything, as he heads down the stairs.

Demonder descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

Rennar appears to slip out after Demonder, then moves toward the balcony stairs with a cloak in hand. She, too, does not say anything, slipping out as quickly nad quietly as possible.