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, people mill about the paths, wandering carelessly amid the garden's trails. 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.

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

Morden comes walking in...well pacing more like. he seems very high strung and agitated at the moment and this is where he comes to relax and get his mind off things....

Rennar is sitting off the path, along one of the benches. A cloak obscures the view of her face. She seems alone, and does not appear to notice Morden entering the gardens.

Morden starts wandering the garden aimlessly. On occassion he can be heard muttering something to himself. He is obviously not very happy at the moment. He gets onto the cobble stone path which leads towards the fountain and slowly proceeds to follow its course...that cane of his tip tapping as he goes...steadily growing louder as he approaches.

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

Seated on a bench, off the path and away from immediate view, is Rennar - a hood keeping her features from being disclosed. She looks up and over at the sounds of muttering, just now realizing she's not quite alone. She seems to sink further back into the shadows, watching the man with quiet, suspicious eyes. This one's seen things about him, none too good in her book.

Morden moves to the fountain and sits himself down uncerimoniously. He dips the brass pommel of his cane down into the water and swishes it around a bit grumbling still some more...if one were to listen they would over hear him grumbling about domani mothers and their snobby little children

Aeliss glides gracefully into the Arboretum, her sky blue velvet cloak whipping in the wind; the same wind tosses her hair into charming disarray. She glances around, and begins heading toward various sights, a fountain here, a sculpture there.

The woman sitting just off the path keeps to the shadows. Her emerald gaze sweeps out into the evening light, just now starting to push away the last vestiages of light. Her attention is diverted from the man, to the woman that just starts to enter, blinking slightly. Curiousity seems to over come her briefly, though not entirely. Reserved is she in mannerisms, that she has yet to show herself, at least make herself known.

While she walks, the young, graceful girl hums cheerfully under her breath...surprisingly, if one is familiar with such things, a Shienaran battle song. She takes in the sights, not the least out of the ordinary: simply another citizen enjoying the Arboretum.

A stick breaks under Rennar's foot as she moves to put herself further in the shadows of her small bench. This causes the young lady to wince, and with draw a bit, looking much like a mouse in hiding.

Morden looks to the humming cheerful woman as she passes him on her jaunt about the garden. He does his best to be civil, nodiing politely...clearly though her good cheer is not shared...likely she only serves to remind him of earlier troubles her had with a woman in very similar spirits.

Aeliss responds to the sour-looking man's nod with a cheerful and brilliant smile. "Good day, Sir," she intones, though not attempting to start up a conversation. She is simply being polite, and continues along her path, resuming her melodious humming.

Morden resumes his quiet contemplation of suckage and proceeds to dab his cane in and out of the fountain...watching the ripples go through the water.

Seeing that no one really bothered to look in her direction when the stick snapped, Rennar seems to ease off her cringing a bit. Her breath returns to normal a bit more, then she scoots away from the shadows briefly. Those paying attention would see movement.

Morden is not completely obliviouse to his surroundings...A snapping twig he could ignore however clear movement his eyes instinctively go to. All he sees there though is a shrouded woman...Caemlyn seems to be having a surplus of those lately.

Finally, apparently tired of her circuitous route around the Arboretum, Aeliss makes her way to a solitary bench, and unslings the harp case from her back, opening it and removing reverently a very fine harp--chased in silver and gold. She sets it expertly upon her lap, and idly runs her fingers upon its strings, and busies herself with tuning the instrument.

Since there's safety in numbers, Rennar quickly stands from her position and moves over to where Aeliss sets herself up. She pauses a moment, and when she does the moonlight starting to peek in from the evening catches upon her features, showing off who she is briefly before glinting away again.

The harpist, too intent upon finishing the tuning of her instrument, does not see the briefly illumined face of the Lady Hune. Once satisfied that her instrument is tuned to her liking, she briefly runs her slender fingers up the strings, producing a glissado of tinkling sound, and then expertly wrenches a somewhat somber tune from the strings, her head tilted to one side, and one foot idly tapping to the beat.

Morden looks back to the water...his eyes might linger on the shrouded woman were it not for the fact that he has no desire to look in the direction of the cheerful woman right at the moment. You know how little boys are when they're mad. They want to sulk and don't like it when people come around to cheer them up.

Today is Sevenday, 26 Saban, 998 NE. It is a Winter afternoon.

"You play very nicely," The cloaked woman speaks, her voice hinting at a certain grace that might give a hint to her indentity. Rennar nods her head to Aeliss as she listens, glancing once over her shoulders to make certain Morden is still where she left him. She licks her lips once, then pulls her cloak about her more tightly. Her voice, however, is hard to miss.

Her fingers not pausing upon the strings of her harp, Aeliss looks up and nods politely--almost primly so--to the female who has addressed her. She narrows her wide, gray eyes somewhat, as if trying to make out the woman's features more clearly. "Thank you, My Lady," she murmurs quietly, still wrenching out the tragic tune.

A bemused smirk seems to find its way onto Rennar's lips, "And a fitting song, it seems, for all of us here." With a hand she indicates the sulking figure by the fountain, though does not look back this time. "Are you newly arrived to Caemlyn? I have not seen, nor heard of you before..." She pauses, then smirks even more, though clearly at herself. "Though..." She comments, "How could I when I've been locked up for well over a month." The last is spoken softly, to herself, but still quite audible.

The music comes now to a dead stop, as if cut off with a knife--were that possible. Aeliss lifts her chin, to get a better look at the woman, and intones, in a rich, melodic voice, "Lady Rennar Hune?" Before she gets an answer, however, she gently sets aside her harp and rises to give the woman a graceful curtsey fit for a Court. "It is a pleasure, m'Lady..."

There is an uncomfortable shifting. Rumors might have mentioned that Rennar had disappeared once more after an arguement of sorts at the Palace and in the streets, "Aye." She finally admits. Afterall, how can one not disclose who she is when her half bald head under the cloak would give it away immediately - the Queen's illusion having worn off over time. "Though I do not know who you are..." She comments lightly, glancing nervously over her shoulder once before looking back to Aeliss.

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

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

Walking with Xavier Sasha is talking to the entertainer smiling heading for the frozen pond.

Rennar is slightly off the path, speaking with Aeliss - who just set her harp aside on a bench. Her features are covered by a hood, keeping them slightly hidden. On a fountain nearby sits Morden, who keeps poking his cane into the water while he mutters curses about children and domani women.

Morden stops muttering curses...

Aeliss rises from her curtsey and looks a bit abashed at having directly addressed Rennar. "Of course, my Lady, there is no reason why you should." Suddenly, her face brightens, and she appears to have an idea. "Although I did send you a missive...but...in light of your..." carefully, here, "...-troubles-...I was not sure if you had received it. My name is Aelissandra al'Dia." She waits patiently to see if this will ring any bells.

Xavier follows Sasha toward the frozen pond, glancing from time to time at the woman slightly off the path, as if recognising someone from the not too distant past.

Rennar does notice the movements, and glances in the newcomers' direction but briefly, the moonlight showing her features just as briefly, before turning her entire attention back to Aeliss. A brow lifts, and then knits together, "Vaguely. Something about wanting an audition within my House...?"

Aeliss inclines her head politely, a look of relief washing her pale face, "Yes, my Lady. That was I. Before your unfortunate troubles, I was seeking to find employment as House Bard with one of the great Andoran Houses, and of course heard that you were a great patroness of the Arts."

Sasha notices the people gathered round and recognized Morden as the man who she spoke to about work she sees the other but does not recognize them she nods politely and hurridly goes with Xavier, curious as to his looks at the women. Coming to the edge of the pond Sasha points to the ice "See Xavier the shadows look like their dancing and the way the moonlight reflects is beautiful." her attention appears to be on Xavier yet she did notice for a brief moment of recognition the woman under the hood but says nothing.

There is a slight pause as Rennar watches Aeliss, the young lady pressing her lips together, "Have... have you found a place to patronize your work?"

Aeliss shakes her head, and a faint blush creeps into her high cheeks. "No, my Lady. I was....waiting to hear back from you and yours before I resumed my hunt."

Morden seems to be the only one here who hasn't seen the face beneath that hood. He turns his head in the direction of the musician and shrouded lady eyes starting to examine more closely until his attention is called away to something else possibly loidering about in amongst the trees behind him and their long shadows.

Xavier moved over toward the pond next to Sasha, and bends down toward the surface. "It is indeed. I apologies for my distraction, but I feel like I have seen one of those women before. It is nothing I'm sure, just a reaction from fatigue after a hard days' travelling."

Rennar nods her head slowly, the hood of her cloak slipping slightly from her head. A blink of surprise occurs before Rennar's hand flashes up and snatches the hood over her head, though there is enough there for others to get a slightly better view of her features within the moonlight. "I am surprised you waited so long..." Rennar's voice carries quietly, quite recognizable. "Surely there were other Houses you were interested in?" And her surprise carries in her expression.

Xavier starts at a familiar voice, and the memory of a cloak long lost.

Aeliss shakes her head, "None so much as yours, my Lady. Save, perhaps for the Queen's own," here, she blushes furiously again, and continues quickly, "Although I am afraid my poor talents would be of no avail to me there....even more so than they perhaps would be to you." She smiles faintly, and adds, "But, as I said, I have heard tidings of your House here in Andor, which is my birthplace, and even abroad. All tidings were good, and bespoke your kindness, wisdom and appreciation of the arts."

Sasha nods to Xavier "Traveling can do strange things to a person, so tireing it can be. I love to come to this pond but I fear once I am fully working I will not have the time to visit and Emos is going to be a handful I have a feeling." Sasha hears the familiar but make no apparant recognition, then looks to Xavier "Are you ok?" concern in her voice as she sees the man start.

And there is indeed a figure loidering in those shadows. Why is Morden not at all suprised to see yet another shrouded woman standing there? They're comming to take him away he he... He stands up as she speaks, her voice quiet enough not to travel beyond his own hearing

Xavier turns back toward Sasha, relaxing somewhat. "Yes, and again, I apologise. Could we walk over that way a bit" pointing in the general direction of the two women near the path. "I feel the need to stroll. Thankyou for showing me your wonderful pond."

Morden listens to what that woman has to say and wastes no time in turning to make his way out. The tip tapping of that cane of his can be heard on the cobblestones very quickly approaching Aeliss and Rennar...it seems he will pass very close to them

Rennar raises a hand to her throat and clears it slightly, shifting her weight upon her feet. She eyes Aeliss quietly with her emerald gaze for a few moments, murmuring gently, "I do think that you belittle your Talents, Mistress al'Dia. You are far more advanced than myself, and I have had a few years of musical study. A requirement of my father." Now engrossed in her conversation, she does not realize that Morden draws closer.

Sasha nods turning to walk with Xavier "sure let us do that I love walking here." watching the man carefully with the cane Sasha walks with Xavier.

Aeliss nods at Rennar's words, looking duly impressed. She lets out a nevous, though musical, chuckle. "I envy you that, Lady Rennar. Unfortunately, my Father was not so quick to encourage my talents. In fact, he rather despised me spending time pursuing them, instead of learning the 'business,' as he so lovingly called it." She glances curiously at the sound of the tapping cane.

Sasha feeling uncomfortable with that man approach Rennar picks up the pace with Xavier to get closer to the woman that had helped her make a new life.

Morden is certainly making no secret of his approach...clip clap clip clap the sound of that cane grows steadily louder until all of the sudden it stops as does its master only a few paces behind Rennar...well more to the side really. his eyes go to the woman's face. He is allowed to be curious.

As the cane tapping man approaches the two, Aeliss again tips the man a polite nod, and turn sher attention back to Rennar, patiently awaiting her words.

Rennar blinks faintly at Aeliss, murmuring quietly, "It was not a task that I profess to have enjoyed much." There is a faint pauses there as the cane tapping gets closer. She turns around, half spinning as it does stop, causing her to face Morden exactly. Her eyes widen briefly, however she continues her conversation with Aeliss, nodding politely to the man before her. "However my parents insisted upon it. Some things are forced upon nobility, whether they will it or not, because others deem it 'noble' to know or understand."

Morden smiles and walks off on his way.

Morden walks north, heading into the warrens of New City.

Xavier looking relieved that the strange man has left, turns to Sasha. "Are you alright? That strange man caused you no distress I hope?"

Aeliss chuckles faintly in empathy in response to Rennar's words, "I can understand that, my Lady. I was to inherit my parents' Merchant House, out of Whitebridge, and while it was not nearly so auspicious as a Noble House, there were certain things forced upon me, by way of learning, that I had no desire to learn."

Sasha watches the man leave then turns to Lady Rennar and curtseys to her and remains silent for a moment turning back to Xavier "he was going to help me find work but fortunately Lady Rennar hired me, I suspect his type of work is exactly what I was trying to leave behind." she doesn't know but from her life on the street she has learned to trust her instincts.

XavierAt the mention of 'Lady Rennar', Xavier starts once more. To Sasha he whispers "Do you think this Lady Rennar has need of someone like me in her household?"

Rennar does not quite hear what Xavier speaks to Sasha, her full attention having gone back to Aeliss once Morden went out of sight - out of sight, out of mind, at least partially. Too much has been done to this woman to really make her forget the dangers of living in what used to seem such a peaceful city. A slight shiver runs through her, then she attempts a smile, "Well, if you could play another song, something more cheerful than the dirge...?" She inquires of the last song played, which sounded a bit meloncholy, "I can tell you if I'd be interested in patronizing your efforts. I like the cheerful with the sad."

Sasha shrugs to Xavier "I would have no idea I will get your message to Shalayne though as soon as I can." her eyes scanning the area quickly watching the shadow just to be safe.

Aeliss nods, smiling brightly and sitting down once again to take up the harp. She appears to muse to herself for a moment, as her slender, tapering fingers pluck out random notes that somehow meld and fit together. She then nods to herself, and takes up the attitude of concentration. Her slender fingers begin to pluck out a happy air, putting one in mind of running water burbling over rounded rocks in a merry, meandering stream. Once again, her foot begins to unconsciously tap in time with the music, seeming to almost fit within the previous tune, no matter its happiness.

Xavier moves closer to Sasha, whispering "Perhaps now is a good an opportunity as any." He moves directly over toward the two women, and so as not to interrupt the harpist, removes the case from his back and opens it to reveal a rather antique looking lute. He gestures to it, as if to ask if he may join playing with the harpist.

Aeliss notices the motion from the corner of her vision, and smiles delightedly at Xavier, nodding her permission to join in.

Sasha shrugs "it is up to you Xavier." smiling as she gets taken by the music positioning herself close enough to hear the tunes but her eyes remain constantly scanning as she still is unsure of who else may appear.

Another look of surprise touche Rennar's features. A soft smile comes to her lips as she spies Xavier. At first, recognition does not light upon her eyes, until after a few moments more of regarding him. A light blush comes to her cheek, then she finally nods her head. She does not interrupt with speech, mroe intent on watching and listening for now.

Xavier seats himself more comfortably down, waits a few moments to pick up the thread of the harpists music, and then softly starts to add notes above the melody. Slowly growing in confidence, his fingers begin skipping over the strings, providing a harmony which complements rather than competes with the harpist. His fingers miss a few notes as he notices a slight blush on the lady's cheeks, sure now that he is right in his guess, but continues playing.

Sasha remains respectfully silent and out of the way simply enjoying the musics harmony as Xavier and Aeliss play.

A small smile curves Aeliss' lips as she returns her full attention to her melody, her slender, tapering fingers gliding effortlessly over the strings of her harp, as easily as one who has studied music since knee high. She keeps the merry tune an instrumental; lyrics at this point would seem superflous, so complex is the melody.

Rennar stands back a bit to watch both players at their work. Her smile fades slightly, as she listens intently to the music being played. Her faded smile in no way means that she is less pleased with the work, just that she concentrates upon it.

As the tune sweeps down gradually from a swirling climax of melody, the rhythm resumes its smooth, lithesome grace, and finally, after wrenching out a few more interesting combinations of notes, Aeliss' fingers cease their movement, and the tune (at least the harp portion of it) ends.

Xavier, sensing that the harpist is about to come to a close, also finishes off his accompanying rendition with a modest flourish.

Sasha is so caught up in the music she begins to sway with the tune not realizing the music had stopped. As the realization hits her she blushes in embarrassment smiling to the musicians.

Aeliss carefully looks up at Rennar, setting her beloved harp reverently next to her, lying it within its fine case.

"Very good.." Rennar speaks in a reserved manner, though clearly she seems pleased. She nods her head to Xavier and Aeliss both, a smile touching her lips.

Aeliss smiles brightly and blushes faintly, "Thank you, my Lady. It is an honour to play for you."

Sasha looks to Xavier smiling in encouragement but remains silent as she has no place in this now.

Xavier, also smiling with slight embarrassment, gestures toward the harpist. "I thank you for allowing a tired newcomer to play with such a talented musician." He then looks up at the Lady Rennar, realises he is still sat on the ground, and quickly gets up and brushes himself off. "Ah... my apologies... I mean, thankyou, my Lady. I hope I will have the honour of playing for you again at some later date. The only honour I could think of greater would be to play for you accompanying this incredible harpist." Xavier smiles tiredly back at Sasha.

Aeliss nods politely to Xaver, the blush recently departed from her cheeks returning faintly. Though she does look pleased at the compliment.

"You are welcome, Mistress al'Dia." Rennar speaks in a quiet voice, eyes trailing over the young man briefly. She continues seaking to Aeliss, "You would be a most welcome addition to House Hune, if you are still so inclined." She pauses her own words at Xavier's, "Then you, as well, are looking for a House to patronize?"

Aeliss looks much relieved by Rennar's words, and quite pleased to the point where she even seems to preen the slightest bit. "I thank you, My Lady. And I humbly accept. It will be a pleasure to serve..."

Xavier nods. "My Lady, I am indeed. I would be honoured to serve one such as you, however, I am young, and my skills few."

Young and delicately built, Aeliss is a small bundle of anxiety and restless energy. Her pale face with its high cheekbones and expressive dark brows constantly changes expression, as if thoughts are constantly racing through her head. She often lifts a pale hand to rufle her mass of raven spiral curls or to even twirl a single thick lock continuously about a slender artist's finger. Her shapely lips are often curved in a warm smile, or one of pensiveness, and her strange grey eyes constantly scan her surroundings, seeming to notice the smallest detail.

Her thin frame is clothed in a fine gown of deep midnight blue, a shade that sets off her pale eyes nicely. Although rather severely cut in the Andoran style, the bodice is cut to flatter her thin frame. The sleeves are decorated with embellishments in silver thread and fall sof fine silver lace decorate her cuffs. Matching velvet slippers are worn on her fet, and a simple necklace of silver, featuring a small sapphire, is worn about her neck. A heavy cloak of rich dark blue velvet hangs from her shoulders, and is lined with dark fur.

is a fairly short dark haired youth in his early twenties. Quite handsome, with a presuming posture which belies his height and gives a certain presence, his brow is slightly furried as if coping with a recent loss. Xavier is wearing a thick white shirt and dark trousers. His knee length leather boots have quite obviously seen better days, but the remainder of his possesions seem well taken care of. A sword hangs readily in a cured leather scabbard from his belt, but he does not move with the natural grace of a trained swordsman. A large case also hangs from his back, which he fingers from time to time with long nimble digits as if to check that it is still there.

Sasha shifts slighty in her excitement but remains silent.

Rennar quirks a brow at Xavier, eyes glancing between Aeliss and he, "You both look fairly young. You judge your skills by age rather than practice and technique?" Confusion touches Rennar's features a bit as she regards the other man, "You play well. Better than I ever could, I think." There is a blush to Rennar's own cheeks, "Though more so that's perhaps because I have no desire or passion to play such as you both. Might I inquire of your name sir?"

Xavier bows, slightly better than the last time. "My name is Xavier Duflos, my Lady."

Aeliss does not answer Rennar's question, a look of faint confusion crossing her features.

Rennar dips her head in a graceful manner to Xavier, a soft smile touching her lips, "An honor to meet you, Master Duflos." She pauses. regarding him in a quiet light. She looks to Aeliss, then back to the other musician. "Traditionally, Houses only hire one Bard, however if Mistress al'Dia does not mind accompanyment, I would be inclined to add you to House Hune as well." In that, she partially leaves the decision to her newly hired Bard.

Xavier turns slightly unconsciously in anticipation toward Aeliss.

Sasha smiles and shifts again in anticipation also as she hopes the man that was so kind to Lady Rennar that day here gets hired.

Aeliss inclines her head politely, "As the Lady Rennar is so generous, I cannot see reason why I should not also be." She smiles to Xavier.

Xavier grins and looks like he'd like to dance a jig.

Sasha smiles and waits looking to Xavier with the same encouragement Shalayne gave her.

Rennar inclines her head lightly to Xavier, "Then it is settled. I will speak to Mistress Genette, once I return to Tiras Lorn, about getting rooms set up for the both of you."

Aeliss nods, and rises to again curtsey in a courtly fashion to Rennar. "Thank you, Gracious Lady. I am in your debt."

Sasha curtseys to Lady Rennar "You are so kind M'Lady and I would like to thank you for my room it is beautiful." voice respectful.

Xavier turns to his new patron and fellow Bard, and bows again, still not very practised. "My gracious thanks my Lady. I hope I will serve well. May I ask, however, to retire? My journey these past days has been wearying. When would you like me to attend you?"

Rennar smiles lightly, nodding her head politely to Xavier, "We can discuss that when you are more rested, Master Duflos. For now, see that you rest comfortably."

Sasha looks to Rennar "I have offered him the shack I use to live in for now Lady Rennar." her voice low and still a bit nervouse.

Rennar nods her head lightly to Sasha, "If that is where he wishes to stay, or he can sleep in one of the guest rooms this evening at Tiras Lorn. The fire damage has been repaired, as have been the gates and doors. The House is safe enough to sleep in... for the most part." There is a slight haunted look within Rennar's eyes as she speaks. The House is not safe to her, nor is any other place really.

Aeliss inclines her head to Rennar, "I am currently staying at the Rose and Lion Inn. I shall prepare my things this evening, and set out for your Tiras Lorn tomorow morning, if that pleases."

Sasha nods politely to Rennar noticing the look then turns to Xavier waiting for him to decide.

Rennar dips her head in Aeliss's direction, "That is fine, Mistress al'Dia." She answers quietly.

Xavier nods in agreement. "I also would move tomorrow, if it pleases, and if Sasha can show me the way - I am not currently overly familiar with Camelyn," he finishes with a wry smile.

Aeliss smiles brightly at her new Mistress, securtely fastens her harp case, and slings it back over her shoulder. "Until then, my Lady. Fare you well." She also nods politely to Sasha.

Rennar inclines her head equally to Xavier, "Of course, Master Duflos. You are by no means required to come this very evening."

Xavier smiles gratefully. "My thanks, my Lady. Can I escort either of you anywhere before I retire?"

Sasha smiles to Xavier "congratulation I will come by in the morning and show you the way, the house is beautiful" turning to Rennar "Thank you I was shown my room today and it is wonderful." excitement in her voice.

Rennar shakes her head slightly, "I will be returning to the Palace to retrieve the things I left there."

Sasha turns to Rennar "Will you need help M'Lady?"

Rennar gives a small shake of her head, "Just a few things, things I can take care of myself. Though I do thank you Sasha."

Sasha curtseys turning to Xavier "I will be fine House Hune is not to far and I think I also shall retire for the night."

Xavier says "In that case, I shall bid you both goodnight. Many thanks for your company this evening, Sasha, and thanks to you my Lady for allowing me to serve." With that he collects his lute, turns and leaves the arboritum, turning to glance back once as he goes.

Rennar nods her head to both Sasha and Xavier, "Good evening to you both." With that she starts to take her own leave of the gardens.