Entry Hall: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

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

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

Nicodemus walks up the white steps into the foyer of the Palace.

Nicodemus makes his way through the entry hall, taking note of each an every shadow as if one would leap forth. His blue eyes catch sight of The Lady Rennar. As they do, the business he was intent upon, falls back in importance. With a balled fist placed to his lios, he coughs, announcing his arrival.

The Lady Rennar appears to be moving quietly to the stairs, leading to the upper quarters which still holds her stuff. She blinks slightly, pausing her steps and looking about the room for the person who interrupted her quiet thoughts. Upon her head is a hood from her cloak, keeping people from staring too much at her bald head.

Ice blue eyes catch a hint of what is beneath the hood of Rennar's cloak, or rather what doesn't. He thinks to ask upon this, but thinks tact more useful in the moment. "Good eve to you M'Lady."

Rennar's eyes finally catch upon Nicodemus. She pauses, going pale for a few brief moments. Uncertainty washes over her eyes as she regards the Gaidin, though that does not keep her from gracefully nodding her head in respect, "Gaidin. Good evening." She speaks in a reserved manner.

Sadi walks up the white steps into the foyer of the Palace.

Nicodemus inclines his head in a respectful bow. "It is good to see that you have returned..." What he leaves off speaks volumes on what he thinks his business. He clasps his hands behind his back, and starts for Rennar. "I do hope that you are having a pleasant eve..."

"Only long enough to get my things and return to Tiras Lorn. I will not beg on the Queen's hospitality any longer." Rennar's own words may also speak volumes. "My evening has been pleasant enough. Thank you." She returns the pleasantry.

Sadi comes walking in quietly. Not like her at all lately. She's lookin for Rennar of course and starts to go that way when she sees her, but then does an about face when she spots Mr. Spooky and decides to go right back out the way she came in

Nicodemus lets his eyes drift from the hooded woman to Sadi. They do not remain long upon the woman before returning to the Lady Rennar again. "Beg the Queen's hospitality? I dare say that she begs for yours, and I would think it her wish to at least be told of your dicision."

"After our last... conversation... I do not think that the Queen would much favor seeing me. I'd prefer to just get my things and go. I will send a missive her way telling her that I, and my family, have returned home." Rennar answers quietly, hands folding before her, "I have to see that rooms are prepared for those newly come to my House."

Sadi walks through the tall double doors that lead back to the courtyard and exits the Royal Palace.

Nicodemus inclines his head. "I am sure that your hand wishes to follow your heart in hospitality, but rest assured that any guest could wait one more day to take from that hospitible hand your heart."

"My own bed will suffice, unless you are insisting?" There seems to be a strained note to Rennar's voice as she asks that question, and a hint of wariness of the man before her.

Nicodemus reaches a hand to the hood of your cloak to lift it should you allow. "I believe I do insist... At least for this night."

Rennar takes a step away from the hand, eyes glancing about the entry of the Palace. Her jaw seems to set somewhat at the Gaidin's insistance, though she nods her head, "If that is your will, Gaidin." Clearly, she's not happy, but she's also not going to go against the Queen's Gaidin. To do so may prove fatal to her own life.

Nicodemus takes his hand away from the hood, pressing no further. "It is my insistence uless you can give me a reason that I should otherwise insist." He waves a hand up the stair. "We could speak of this in a less traveled venue if it suits M'Lady."

Rennar glances from the Gaidin to the stairs, then back again. "I'd rather not talk at all." She comments lightly. "Though I've no choice in that." Her words are not biting, merely speculating. With that said, she moves to the stairs, eyes once more moving over the hallway. She does not hurry, yet she does not take too much time either.

You walk up the grand spiraling staircase, holding the gilded gold rail.

Nobles' Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

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.

Nicodemus climbs up the spiraling staircase, from the lower levels of the Palace.

Nicodemus follows you closely. He rolls the words over in his mind. "It seems you feel as though you are a woman with little choice in anything."

Emos walks enters from the Guest Quarters.

Emos walks through the heavy wooden doors and into the Guest Quarters of the Palace.

"I am but a pawn in a game that I'd rather not be party to, which puts my friend, the Queen in danger. That is if I can even still call her that." It might be noticed that Rennar has not once used Aislynn's name, something that's almost second nature to her, since coming to the Palace. "That I feel that I have little choice in matters surrounding my life should come as no surprise, particularly with the events and circumstances which have come to pass, and have yet to pass."

Nicodemus eyes the boy who only showed himself for the briefest of moments. One could almost see a smile crossing the Gaidin's lips. The smile, so easily missed, fades away as listens to Rennar speak. "Aislynn Sedai just made mention to me only a short time ago that she feared for you... I would be led to believe therefore that friendship still remains." He waves a hand, going on to your next statement. "And what are you doing to see that freedom of choice is your course."

"I don't have freedom of choice, Gaidin. Had I, I would not be cursed so with the events that surround my life daily." Cryptic are Rennar's words, yet there seems to be a strong meaning behind them. "I can either remain caged, as my uncle had me, or walk about freely in terror." She gives a small shrug of her shoulder, "Not much choice in either decision, and had I choice, I'd choose neither."

Nicodemus inclines his head. "Oft times there seems to be no other course, but with the right navigator, new lines are opened up between one destination and the next." He seems to speaking out of knowlege rather than to simply be contrary. "But a new course is for the captain to decide."

"In my case, Gaidin, all courses lay the same direction. No matter what I try to do, what I don't want to happen always does." There is a small smirk on Rennar's features as she speaks that, directed at herself. "I am better off simply staying in my manor and never leaving."

Nicodemus inclines his head. "All lives lay out as the wheel wills, but in the end, what one does with the position of the lay they were given is up to them. Look to the threads about you, and ask yourself if they could make the fabric stronger, or loser still."

"I see the threads every day, about me, Gaidin. That knowledge does nothing for me, when they are fated. Nothing can change those threads, or affect them. Events are bound to happen, no matter what you attempt to do, whether you will it or not." Uncannily, there seems to be a bit of knowledge on the subject within her eyes, "I do not want to be responsible for anything regarding the pattern." Rennar states, her voice firm on tha matter. "Nor should I be expected to do such."

Suddenly, the Gaidin's hands come from behind his back. In is the gleaming steel of a dagger. He flips it over in his hand catching it just so. "Take this then." He holds up his other hand. "Take the point of the blade, and apply it to my palm if you will."

"If I must stay the night, that does not mean I can't still gather my things." Rennar steps away from the Gaidin and starts moving toward the Guest Rooms where her items are stored. She makes no motion to take the dagger and apply it to his hand, "I have no intention of being so foolish as to harm the Queen's Gaidin."

Nicodemus lets a small slip of a grin appear at the corner of his mouth. "Are you then fated to suffer at the Queen's hand for hurting her servant?"

"I don't claim to know the Queen's mind on the matter." Rennar murmurs, not pausing her steps since she's not being stopped. "Nor do I wish to chance the fates. I cannot see my own pattern." Again, there are those words about seeing the pattern. "Nor do I wish to."

Nicodemus follows after Rennar, not letting this go. "If you can not see the wheels weave of yourself, then why do you say that your fate is predetermined? Are you unwilling, unable... Or is it that you are frightened to act?" He gets to the point quickly sometimes it seems.

You walk into the guest quarters of the Palace.

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.

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.

Nicodemus comes into the room.

Rennar pushes open the door to her room, and starts to close it as Nicodemus enters inside. A sigh escapse her as she regards the man before her, "What rumors have you heard of me upon the streets?" She answers his question with a question.

Nicodemus closes the door softly. Oddly enough, or perhaps not, he eyes the shadows in this room as well. "Quite frankly M'Lady that you are besieged by fits of madness at times, all of which end up with you turning tail to run."

Rennar's eyes go to the door, a frown touching her lips, "Could you see who that is?"

Demonder comes into the room.

"Thank you." Rennar responds. She appears to be regarding Nicodemus with a careful eye. She smiles faintly to Demonder, though seems almost forced.

Demonder nods from the outside of the room. "Good evening Gaidin. Yes, I think she might be within," he states with some confidence, but he doesn't peer past Nicodemus.

"Thank you." Rennar responds. She appears to be regarding Nicodemus with a careful eye. She smiles faintly to Demonder, though seems almost forced. "Then if you wish to think me bereft with madness, then perhaps that is the better term to put to it. I only wish that were so. My malady is much worse than that."

Nicodemus looks back to Rennar to see if she would have him admit Demonder.

Rennar gives a small nod of her head, waiting to see the man behind the door. She speaks no more, having said enough. Instead, she starts to neatly pull her things from the dressers and armoirs, where they've been stored these paste few months.

Nicodemus steps away from the door. "Indeed she is sir..." He steps back, wondering if he should leave.

Demonder waits for Nicodemus to open the door fully to allow him in. There is a, of course, a traditional level of annoyance that the Gaidin would keep Demonder from his intended, though understandable with rumours being as they are. Nodding, Demonder does step within the room, eyes quickly searching out Rennar. "Everything alright?" he asks simply.

"Everything would be perfect, were I able to return home this evening." Rennar states in a rather bland and dry voice, having paused her work in gathering her things for anther time to answer Demonder.

Nicodemus folds his arms, deciding to take up a place next to the door til he is called to explain.

"Is the Queen holding you against your will?" Demonder leaps forward to the next conclusion, the worry clear in his voice as he steps forward toward Rennar. Perhaps too much worry, and for now, his priority seems to be on Rennar.

"I would ask the Gaidin. It is his insistance that I do remain." Rennar answers, not looking at Nicodemus as she goes back to folding her clothing and placing them in a spot easily retrievable for the next day.

Nicodemus lets his eyes shift from Rennar to Demonder. "If insistence is will... I am responsible for the Good Lady's delay at returning home."

Demonder takes a deep breath before nodding slowly. As he turns to the Gaidin, his head tilts a touch. "Do you feel Lady Rennar's safety is in danger anywhere but the palace?" he asks simply.

"More like he probably fears me a danger, Demonder." Rennar responds, her words calm and dry, holding little or no emotion.

Nicodemus looks from him to the hooded figure. "I would suggest that she, for reasons made known to me, is incapable of taking care of herself." He would point to her hair as if to illustrate, but stays his hand.

Not being one to take on the obvious, Demonder's voice is challenged in the way it almost remains calm. "What reasons would you have to believe she is not able to take care of herself?" Demonder keeps the words short.

"I am perfectly fine and able to take care of myself." Rennar starts, pausing in her work, "Were I you, I'd worry more about your Sedai, the Queen. She's going to need all the help she can get, with what awaits her future. My life is worthless compared to hers." She does glance to Demonder at that, giving him an apologetic look.

Nicodemus does not answer Demonder outright. He's heard the stories of who takes care of Rennar when one of her 'episodes hits'. Placing his gaze once more upon Rennar he offers, "I look after Aislynn Sedai as best I can, and that, for this moment means that I find some way to prove that her friend, and the next in line for her throne, can take a firm grasp of herself, and stand as something more than an easy target to be taken care of at a later time..."

"She would do better to find the next person with the closest ties to Ishara. Perhaps apprentice Satira under her, or something." Odd how she did not mention Calisa in that, who is in fact older than Satira. "At least the child is malleable enough and young enough to travel to the Tower for proper training. Were Aislynn to die, I do not think I could carry on the proper traditions. I have too many other things to worry about. Survival is one of them." Rennar's words, though quietly spoken, are ones she seems to put belief behind.

"And leave her within the walls where we know danger lurks?" Demonder asks simply, turning to Rennar for a moment before returning his attention to Nicodemus. "Nicodemus, unless you are by the order of the Queen..." there's at least not a hint of a question there, even though Nidedemus could very well be. "... I see little standing between Rennar and the exit of this palace, if she chooses to leave." Of course, there could be many other people that would stand in the way, Demonder doesn't mention that. "You have yet to answer my question on this knowledge that you've arrived at?" And then Demonder turns to Rennar.

Nicodemus looks to Demonder then. The man must be able to see that at this point the Gaidin simply tries to goad Rennar into standing up for herself. "You have a mind for survival, and yet by your very words to me this eve, I think you are doing little more than waiting to die." He turns to Demonder. "What knowledge is it that you wonder about?"

"What does it truly matter to you what I do and don't wish to do?" Rennar responds, a brow lifting in Nicodemus's direction. "Because, honestly... all I can do /is/ survive. Much like yourself." She points out, regarding Nicodemus. "Or, Aislynn's child." Her last few words seem to hold some sort of hidden meaning.

Unfortanuately, Demonder is only so bright, and doesn't pick up of any of Nicodemus' intentions. Even when Demonder himself had the same plan not too long ago, which led to the fight in the middle of Caemlyn streets. Instead, he watches Rennar carefuly, this topic of the Queen an increase discomfort for him. "Child?" there's a whispering question in the pondering, before he shakes his head away from that and focuses on the topic at hand. "I am not without concern for Lady Rennar's choices, but if she wishes to leave, then she shall. At least, unless you wish to push the matter further? Another time we can mix words of what I'd like you to know, or what I know, or what you want to tell me you know. Not today." Demonder shows his background in being raised in the barracks, that's for certain.

The Gaidin, who rarely shows little emotion, looses grip of his schooling for one brief instant. His knockles go white as he clentches them at his side. He wheels himself around from Rennar. Now he knows the source of Aislynn's despair. There is something else there within him as well, but for now it is a far distant Rage over the Light only knows what. He hasn't confronted it himself. He glares at Rennar with every fiber of anger pouring out through those eyes. Suddenly, he turns for the door, and walks out.

"Wait." Rennar calls out behind Nicodemus, worry starting to crease her eyes. "You, above all, at least deserve to know the entire truth."

This is over Demonder's knowledge, of course. The turns his eyes on Nicodemus, uncertain on what she could have said exactly to anger the gaidin. He knows it is something to do with the child, a trouble in its future, that much he got from those that attempted to gain information from him.

Nicodemus halts just at the door. He remains focused on the way out though, not looking to either. His face is distorted in pain. Summoning up the void, he asks, "Yes M'Lady." His voice doesn't so much a tremble.

Inwardly, Rennar winces, eyes carefully observing the back of the Gaidin, "I told you, in not so many words, that I can see the threads of the pattern. This is true. You may ask the Queen herself. They are the reasons for my 'bouts of madness' as some would like to call it. There are visions that occur that I would much rather not bear to see, like that of the Queen's son." She adds the last word, for only those who know the Queen personally would know that she's bearing a son, "and what malady he is being born with." She does not go into that, her eyes going briefly to Demonder, nor the parentage. "Worse, when they began, I saw my father's own death, not so much as who would do it, but that he was fated to die. My own brother had blood on his hands. It stands to reason that I am frightened of these visions. My brother ended up killing my father. I can't even seem to have one that bears a happy thought."

The warning look that comes from Demonder fades slowly, and then he simply takes a step back. Not all of this he would know about, and less understand. So instead, he watches.

Yet again, as the 'Queen's son' is mentioned, Nicodemus squeezes his fists, fingernails digging into the flesh of his palms. "I was givin my future by one who claims the same ability as you Lady Rennar... And though it holds me unable to act at times, I still manage my life. I am not claiming I could even understand how it makes you feel, but those you make your visions known to will still live, if only for a short time. Even Aislynn..." Did he slip there, leaving of her honored title? "With so much to loose, will love her son. She knows where his path ends, and yet... Until the time comes when the destination is in sight, she will not hold herself back from living, and loving." He inclines his head, and opens the door. "Do you think seeing these horrors worse than knowing what will become of you? That in the end, it was all for naught..."

"I would rather not have known either." Rennar states quietly, "To go about life normally, or as normally as possible. The future is /not/ meant to be known. At least, I don't think it should be. I know /I/ cannot handle these visions. Would that I could rid myself of this ability."

Nicodemus inclines his head. "Do as you will... I have made it clear that Aislynn Sedai would, I am all but sure, wish you to remain here. I'll not insist that you stay."

"I will be returning to the seclusion of my home. There will I remain until either called to the palace to speak with the Queen, or brought up on charges for other matters." Rennar responds to the Gaidin's back, quietly watching him a moment before going back to her work.

Demonder watches the Gaidin as he speaks. The hints of information are clear, though Demonder is unlike other nobles in that regard. He will attempt not to hear that which is not of his business, not a matter directly affecting him. At least he doesn't think it is. Demonder looks to Rennar at her words, and simply nods in agreement.

Rennar pauses a moment, then adds quietly, "I have heard that my sister Calisa has been returned, yes...?"

Nicodemus leaves the room.

Rennar watches as Nicodemus storms out the dooor, then goes back to her packing, making certain to get everyhing together in proper order.

"I will not be too much longer here. " Rennar tells Demonder.

Demonder turns to Rennar and walks over to see if he can help, where he can. "Your words did affect him," Demonder ponders, on whether it was wise or not. But then, in the next his confidence in Rennar is clear. "The situation was turned around well, love."

"I do not claim to know that." Rennar speaks quietly, "For I do not. It was what it was, nothing more." There is a brief pause as she stuffs some of her things into a bag now, "I just know that I no longer wish to remain here."

"Then we shall go," Demonder nods with encouragement. The cryptic words spoken between Nico and Rennar already being forgotten. "Everything seems as well as could be expected. The gaidin may know something, and you likely confirmed his thoughts, but at least he didn't make motions to arrest you."

"I suppose." Rennar answers quietly, not sounding so certain upon the matter. A deep sign escapes her, then she gathers her belongings, "There are one or two bags I need some help with. I do not wish to return here." Her eyes roam over Demonder as she makes her request known.

"Of course," Demonder nods quickly, taking those bags that Rennar requires help with. "It's safe to assume you have had no words with the Queen?" there's really no need to answer that. "Let's depart here before that changes, though perhaps speaking with the Queen would not be a horrible idea."

"I will not wait to see her." Rennar speaks more firmly, moving for the door already.

Demonder follows Rennar out holding two bags, switching the weight to one hand as he opens the door. "Then we go," he states simply, waiting for Rennar to depart before leaving.

They travel through the streets of Andor, coming to...

Crown of Roses Avenue: Inner City, Caemlyn

This portion of the Inner City is filled with large structures of gleaming white stone, roofed in tiles of purple, red and azure. White walls divide small expanses of lush lawn, and golden domes and tall spires rise to the heavens.

The sounds of crickets chirping and laughter from a nearby inn interrupt the quiet of twilight. The walkways and streets of the Inner City are kept clear of snow, but a coat of white blankets grassy areas and icicles hang from the eaves of buildings. White Lion Way, a narrow street paved in white stone, leads off to the southwest, and Crown of Roses Avenue, also paved in white stone, leads to the west.

Daigim
Turail

Demonder comes up the gently-sloping hill from the west, following Crown of Roses Avenue.

Rennar walks down the street with Demonder, carrying several bags that seemed to look as they they've been hastily packed. They appear to be going toward Tiras Lorn.

Emos comes up the gently-sloping hill from the west, following Crown of Roses Avenue.

Rennar walks down the street with Demonder, carrying several bags that seemed to look as they they've been hastily packed. They appear to be going toward Tiras Lorn. (repose)

Turail's shoulders may have stiffened slightly at the voice to the side of him. He remains leaning there, with his hand resting on his belt, about 2 inches from his sword hilt, but makes no move to take it up. Not looking at the other man right away he surveys the rest of the street. "I suppose it is." He squints, and finally turns his eyes to the other man with a cool sort of expectation.

'Ealam' (Turail) and Daigim are across the street from Roesone Manor. Ealam has been watching the house and Daigim has noticed.

Emos walks, with his eyes looking at the ground, so he doesn't see anything.

Daigim meets the man's gaze coolly. "Certainly it is! A lovely day to take in the scenery that is Caemlyn. I've been doing the same, since I'm newly arrived from Tear. I couldn't help but noticing you watching. Tell me, what do you recommend a stranger like myself." Daigim purposefully ignores his own sword, readying himself for action if necessary, but he is obviously not poised for the attack, at least not physically.

Demonder looks forward to the location of where the Roesone manor will be when renovations are complete. He doesn't spot Turail right away, and simply heads toward Tiras Lorn. Two Roesone guards follow close by. "It will still be some time before the proper number of guards are hired," Demonder says slowly.

Emos somehow manages to trip, falling onto his face.

"For House Roesone, or House Hune?" Rennar's voice carries quietly as she adjusts the packages that she carries, "Your loses were minimal compared to ours, and we have to be equally certain those hired to Hune are loyal to Hune, not the gold they are bought with.'

Turail ignores the remark about his watching and shifts his weight slightly. He does catch sight of Demonder moving towards the Hune family Manor however. He shrugs slightly. "I am from Shienar. Caemlyn is not well known to me that I should recommend." His eyes follow the two as discreetly as possible.

"House Hune," Demonder responds, as his eyes come across the newly repaired gates of the Hune estate. "There are many that need to be either hired back, or new ones need to be searched for to be hired in their place."

Emos pulls himself back onto his feet, brushing off his clothes.

Daigim also catches sight of Demonder, and slides further back against the wall, trying to separate himself from him and the Lady, through use of the crowd. If the fellow beside him does intend trouble, it would be better not to be associated with Roesone. Daigim continues conversationally, as if Turail had not spoken. "The mansion over there," and Daigim nods towards Roesone manner, "is quite a sight. It must have been lovely before that fire. Catches the eye."

Rennar nods her head slowly, murmuring in a quiet voice, "I agree." There's not much more to her words than that, as her eyes look to the ground uncertainly. "But that is a matter to be taken care of later.'

Emos works his way to one side of the street, sitting down tiredly.

Against the buildings on the far side of the street from the pair, Turail moves with a lazy fluidness to lean his shoulder against the wall, facing Daigim with hsi arms folded. Its becoming obvious to him that this conversation is going to continue in this vein and its beginning to irritate him faintly. A hawk glitters from the ring on his finger dimly. "Do you have something you wanted to discuss with me, stranger?" The words are faintly demanding and rough.

"Of course," Demonder responds quickly, before waiting for someone to open the gates to the Hune estates. He barely takes notice of anything else around him, not being the most perceptive person. "So you will be staying here from now on?" Demonder asks slowly, as though half-expecting her to run away into some distant inn once again.

"I will, Lord Demonder, nor will I be leaving these walls again, unless called before the Queen or to travel to the Aboretum for some fresh air." Rennar murmurs quietly, sentencing herself to a life of solitude, pent up away from others.

Daigim is faintly troubled by this; the man appears to mean business, in one way or another. Daigim's eyes narrow. "I would know who you are; Newly arrived I may be, but I make it my business to know my surroundings, and you, sir, are an enigma." Daigim hadn't meant to confornt, but it is either that, or quietly bow out.