Courtyard Gardens: Tiras Lorn, Caemlyn

Large white stone surrounds the courtyard of House Hune. Set into the western wall is the gate, leading out of the manor. The manor house itself lies to the east. A large marble portico runs down the middle of the courtyard in a north/south direction, effectively dividing the large yard in half. It is large enough to hold several wagons, and contains the stables in the northwest corner. The half of the yard closest to the manor house is contained by the portico which runs along the courtyard walls as well, and connect to the house. This creates a covered walkway to protect you from the elements; shade from the sun, and a roof to keep off rain and snow. The ground here is paved with stone, with only a few weeds growing up here and there. In the center of the paved area is a square flower garden.

Sadi
Chade
Calisa

Sadi says "nah not really, just the trial and all. Been kinda quiet round here now dat Jeffrin's been sent on his way."

Quietly exiting the building is Rennar Hune. She seems withdrawn, almost as if caught up within her own thoughts. She nods to those present without really seeing them, continuing on her way toward the gates.

Calisa stands near Chade and Sadi, eyes fixed on the other women. As Rennar passes within her line of sight, Calisa's gaze swings to her, and she steps towards her sister.

Chade inclines his head politely to Lady Rennar, though a look of concernn crosses his face as his eyes follow her.

Rennar pauses her steps when Calisa moves toward her. A brow lifts in a delicate manner, and only then does she fully take in the others present. Her gaze rests quietly on Sadi a moment, unreadable, before it turns back to Calisa. "Sister." She greets, a single word and non-commital.

From her expression, one might think Rennar had just slapped Calisa. She replies in kind, bewilderment evident even in the single word. "Sister."

Chade watches the exchange curiously but says nothing, rather deciding to listen and watch.

Perhaps reminiscent of a time when Rennar had just returned home herself, and received such a greeting, or almost such a greeting. With nothing more to say, already knowing that Calisa is well, at least in body, Rennar starts her walk again to the exit, nodding once as she does so. She still seems withdrawn, and in her own thoughts. No doubt the matters of the last evening, and those other things she managed to reveal plaguing upon her mind.

Calisa draws in a deep breath, anger slowly building in her. She starts after her sister, step controlled.

Chade glances at Sadi briefly before turning to watch the 'sisters'.

The High Seat continues moving, unaware that Calisa has decided to follow after her. She pulls her cloak about her to ward off the cool spring air, still threatening to be wintry. She pauses just at the gates, looking out into the street with quiet, unreadable eyes.

Sadi moves over towards Chade. "Wonder what's gotten into dem?"

Calisa stops just behind Rennar, watching her in much the same manner Rennar watches the street. "I thought perhaps you might like to talk, sister?"

Chade shrugs slightly at Sadi's comment.

Hands come out from inside Rennar's cloak, then draws the hood up over her shaven head - just now starting to get some real growth back, "I have nothing to talk about." So closed is she, so reserved. Tension must coat the air like pea soup.

Calisa's words are more of a cry, control slipping away from her. "Why?!"

A quizical expression touches Rennar's features at Calisa's cry. She turns her head and carefully observes Calisa, tilting her head just slightly to the side, angling it to get a better view of the young girl. "Perhaps, because I do not wish to share my thoughts with anyone at this particular moment. Not with the jumbled mess that they are in."

Chade almost starts to wonder if he should even be watching this, if anybody should evenn be watching this but he makes no move to leave, rather he stands and watches.

Calisa calms quickly, but for her eyes, still reflecting the hurt that evoked her outcry. "You've not...I did not treat you this way after you were rescued...Why, Renar?"

Sadi decides she doesna want any part of this and goes into the manner house

Sadi climbs the stairs to the main door and enters the house.

"You were too busy interrogating me, sister, to seek revenge upon our uncle, to really notice how you were treating me, which was certainly not like a sister." Rennar responds, her emerald eyes carefully registering Calisa's reactions. Her hands disappear back into the folds of her cloak after pulling her hood up.

Stiffly, "I would thank you to call me Calisa - or had you forgotten my name?" She's lashing out now, trying to return hurt for hurt.

No hurt registers in Rennar's reserved expression, her emerald eyes glinting in the afternoon light. "I have not forgotten your name, though I do believe you have forgotten who you are." Her tone is gentle, "Far forgotten..." Is there a touch of sadness there? Perhaps not. "The Wheel Weaves as the Wheel Wills." Strange how she says those last words. She turns her gaze back to the streets oncemore. Just before she did, there was an uncanny sense of knowledge showing in Rennar's eyes - this seems to be creeping up amongst many of the people she speaks with lately.

Chade seeing things starting to get personal and perhaps a little touchy, quietly sneaks off.

Chade climbs the stairs to the main door and enters the house.

Calisa's hands contort into claws as Rennar turns away from her. "Forgotten who I am, Rennar? You will not speak to me unless I approach you; how can you know this?"

"I've known this since the very night I returned. Just in the way that you conducted yourself. Demanding rather than asking. Full of anger and hatred. You are no longer yourself." Rennar speaks in soft, quiet tones. Her hands draw the cloak about her, "Calling /me/ High Seat as if I had no name, nor was your sister any longer." All these things did occur. "However, why I do the things I do now have nothing to do with our relationship. I do out of survival."

Calisa has no answer to any of that. "And leaving the city while the Questioners still had me, and not returning for weeks? Was that for survival?"

"I did not leave the city." The words are quietly spoken. "In fact, I tried finding you, but no one wanted to give me aid. The Captain-General flat out /refused/ to give me any information about your whereabouts, even though the Queen herself ordered him to. He stormed out of the Palace in a tamtrum, and I had not seen him since until last evening at the trial. And, then when I tried searching on my own I nearly got killed." Rennar keeps facing the street, though only speaks quietly enough for Calisa to hear her. "I was in Caemlyn the whole time I was missing."

Calisa flinches back. "I'm sorry."

"There is nothing for you to be sorry for." The words come out in a firm tone. "You were not the one who refused me information." Rennar pauses, then adds, "Even Demonder and a friend of his attempted to find you. Like I, Demonder almost got himself killed. Ferret Run is more dangerous than I had suspected." A wry smirk can be heard in her words, even if hidden by the cloak now.

Calisa almost laughs. "Very true..." She hesitates. "I like to think I'm more who I was...before."

"You can never go back to who you used to be." Rennar speaks very quietly, "No matter how much you want or desire." This is nothing to do with Calisa's situation. She speaks from her own heart on this, from her own pains and experiences, that much can be told by the intonation of her voice. "You can only try to move forward, and accept what the Wheel has woven for you. No matter how gruesome, or the consequences."

Calisa's answer is as quiet. "No, you can't." She shivers. "I don't know I believe that last, though..." There /has/ to be an out, somewhere.

A brow lifts slightly, as Rennar turns her head to gaze at Calisa. There's that uncanny look of hidden knowledge in her eyes again, "For your sake, I hope not. Though for others." She shrugs her shoulder, "They have no choice but to believe." The last she speaks more for herself than of Calisa. Though, what can she mean by her word? "If you will excuse me, there's a matter in the House that I forgot to take care of." Without waiting for leave from Calisa, Rennar turns and heads back to the manor.

Calisa knows Rennar refers to the viewing, and clamps her mouth shut over the old question, just watchng Rennar go.

Xavier opens the door of the house and joins you in the courtyard.

Calisa just stands in the courtyard, lost in thought. She wears a linen riding dress, the knees of which are as smeared with dirt as her gloves.

A young man, dressed in fairly ordinary clothing, makes his way down from the large oak door of the manor house down toward the courtyard and the two women there, obviously looking for Lady Rennar by his purposeful stride.

Xavier sees the young lady standing in the courtyard, approaches slowly, and bows. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, my Lady, but I was looking for the Lady Rennar, could you tell me if she is around at the moment?"

Rennar is just making her way across the yard, actually, head cloaked to keep the sight of her baldness from public view.

Calisa just getures at her sister's back.

Xavier turns around to where the young lady points, to find himself confronted once more by his kind patron. As usual, he fluffs his bow completely.

"Ah, I hope I'm not interrupting you, my Lady, but I'd like to ask something of you, if I may?" Xavier asks with a slightly concerned tone to his voice.

Rennar halts her steps toward the House, lifting a brow slightly at Xavier, "Oh...?" She murmurs gently, curiosity filling her otherwise reserved expression, "What might that be?"

Calisa watches the pair a moment more, then turns to leave the grounds.

Calisa pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

"It is a personal request, my Lady, on behalf of myself and the young page, Emos." Xavier seems to be becoming more nervous by the moment, shifting his weight from one leg to the other slightly, and gesticulating slightly with hands locked in front of his chest.

That brow still remains raised as Rennar regards Xavier, "Yes...?" She tries one more time, waiting for the question, or rather request.

"Well, my Lady, for the past while, myself and Emos have been having quite a heart to heart, and I find myself greatly attached to the poor lad and his loss. I would like to have Emos adopted into my family, and I would ask your permission before taking any further steps, and indeed, your help." Xavier finishes his rather hurried sentence, obviously hoping to get it all out before his tongue ceases to operate.

A small frown touches Rennar's lips at that, "And what of the child's mother? He ran away from home. She had no idea that he was presently in Caemlyn until I sent a missive to her - one that I am currently awaiting an answer upon."

"Ah. That, I'm afraid, is a slightly different version of things than I have previously heard, and vastly more complicated. Emos said that he does not know if his mother is still alive - the last he saw of her disappeared into a burning building after his father. His father said that if he were to die, he could live with his mother, but Emos cannot remember what he said, or even if his mother escaped the flames." Xavier's face creases into worry, and a touch of disappointment.

Rennar's frown seems to deepen, "Indeed, vastly different stories. He told me that his mother hated him for the death of his father, that she blamed him because he started the fire on accident. He ran away from home, thinking she did not love him any longer."

Xavier seems now obviously distressed. "Well, my Lady, I do not know what to say. The obvious way to resolve this would be to talk to the young lad, but he finds the subject so difficult to broach that I would not distress him needlessly. And yet, if he is alone in this world, I would not have that so."

"He is not so alone as you think. There are many people looking out for him, myself included." Rennar responds, looking to the sky a brief moment, "And on top of that, Rio Sedai and Jhafir Gaidin."

Xavier winces. "I'm sorry, my Lady, but I meant no offence. Yourself, and the people you mentioned are surely more qualified than me to look after the young lad, but, well, he's never had a proper family. Not that I'm saying... ah, you know. If it is not possible, and it seems overly complicated at the moment as to the likelyhood of it, of adopting the lad, well, I'd like to take a hand in his care, if I may. Sort of a big brotherly role. And please excuse me for being so forward, my Lady."

"Doing that is particularly fine. I had set Mistress Sasha to looking after him, but if you would like to aid in that task, that is perfectly fine." Rennar murmurs, looking back to Xavier, "Unfortunately, I must be going now. I have an appointment at the palace." One that she seems to be dreading from the look of her.

Xavier nods. "Of course, my Lady, I apologise for taking up your time. And thank you my Lady!" Xavier turns, and leaves the courtyard going back into the main building.

Xavier climbs the stairs to the main door and enters the house.

Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

A large, wide-open courtyard surrounds the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Palace of Andor. The pale beauty of the famed Ogier stonework, its high terraces and balconies and golden domes making your eye travel higher and higher to see more. The courtyard is very austere, with well-tended patches of lawn offsetting the stark white of the paving stones.

Groups of Queen's Guards march in precise step upon the white stone of the Courtyard. Their red undercoats and long white collars are immaculately clean. The courtyard of the Royal Palace is sweetly perfumed with the scent of blooming flowers. The massive, double doors to the Palace are guarded by a small group of Queen's Guards. A small path paved in white stone leads off to the east towards the Queen's Gardens and flagstones lead northwest towards the guard's practice yard. A hoof-beaten path angles towards the stables to the west and the great gates lead back north out to the Queen's Plaza.

Durnik

Durnik stands in the courtyard as if he is waiting for something....he looks impatient.

Through the gates, past the guards, comes Lady Rennar Hune. She seems to be walking with a purpose toward the Palace. The hood of her cloak covers her head, hiding the stubble that appears to be growing upon it. She does not notice Durnik amongst the others, in fact, seems caught up in her own thoughts as she makes her way through.

Kael enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Durnik doesn't seem to realize who is passing him by, his gaze is too intent on the gates.

Rennar continues, and heads into the palace.

Servants and guards bustle past you as you walk into the Royal Palace.

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. Vases of colorful Atha'an Miere porcelain grace low-lying tables, filled with freshly cut red roses. 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.

Calisa
Aislynn

As soon as she enters the chamber, Rennar pays the proper respects to be shown to a Queen, then raises as necessary. Her eyes go to Calisa, expression unreadable, "You wished to see me, your Majesty?" So formal, so reserved. She's been this way since before the trial, since the last time she met with Aislynn.

Calisa stiffens at the sound of Rennar's voice, eyes flying wide and face draining completely of color.

Aislynn doesn't look mollified in the least by these blithesomely sworn oaths. Her wintry gaze is locked upon Calisa, and she gestures perfunctorily for Rennar to have a seat. She says to Calisa, her voice frost personified, "And if I were to pack you off to Tar Valon...this -very- night, now! would you place your hands about the famed Oath Rod and take the same vows? And would those vows hold then?" She sounds as if she means it, and would probably not hesitate having her Warder load you up on the back of his horse and gallop off post haste.

Calisa manages, "I thought you said...you would believe me..." She tries not to look at Rennar.

Aislynn rises briskly from her seat, and calls icily to the servant standing near the door, "Have Nicodemus saddle three horses, and make provision for a journey to Tar Valon." She looks now at Rennar, and offers her a small, apologetic smile. "You do know what this is all about, do you not, Rennar?" Her voice is tinged with the faintest bit of regret.

A brow lifts slightly at the tone of Aislynn's voice, and the manner. Rennar moves to the indicated seat, remaining quiet and simply listening. At the mentioning of Tar Valon and the Tower she seems to stiffen herself, but keeps her own expression quite unreadable. "I have a glimmer of an idea, your Majesty. A vision only though." Her eyes finally fall to rest on Calisa, regarding her carefully.

This can't be happening...Calisa looks quite simply terrified, breath coming so quickly as to border on hyperventilation.

Aislynn gestures to another servant, saying in clipped tones, "Have some bags packed for me...enough for quite a lengthy journey." The maid bustles off into the inner room, and the Queen now turns to Rennar, looking at her curiously, before resuming her seat. "Yes, Rennar?"

"The very same matter which we discussed when you informed me of her disappearnce, I would believe, from the sounds of things." Rennar responds to the Queen, keeping her expression reserved and unreadable. "Would it be wise for you to take her to Tar Valon? What of Andor?" The words are spoken gently, as if to remind Aislynn of the country she is in charge of.

"The very same matter which we discussed when you informed me of her disappearnce, I would believe, from the sounds of things." Rennar responds to the Queen, keeping her expression reserved and unreadable. "Would it be wise for you to take her to Tar Valon? What of Andor?" The words are spoken gently, as if to remind Aislynn of the country she is in charge of.

There is a firm knock at the door, a servant announces, "Captain=General Al'Emrys, and the Master Steward of House Roesone await without."

Calisa just sits there, the other's words washing over her.

You sit down at Chairs near fireplace.

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

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

Durnik stops just inside the door and flourishes a bow. "Your majesty." He waits silently.

Rennar sits in the chairs by the fire, speaking with Queen. Yet, her attention is upon Calisa, studying her carefully.

Aislynn responds to Rennar in a slightly brisk tone of voice...most likely not directed to her, however: "I have a divided duty on this account, Rennar. Andor can stand to have me away for a couple weeks. My duty to the Light overshadows all in this instance." She whips her head around at the sound of others entering, and her eyes narrow, glacial orbs scanning the persons coming into the room. She inclines her head to Durnik, politely, and glares at Kael.

Kael bows as he enters the Chambers. "My Queen."

Calisa sits opposite Aislynn, face dead white. She finally manages to speak, one word only. "Please..."

Rennar bows her head to Aislynn, acquiesing upon the matter. She has no say in the matter, as it is out of her hands. She remains quiet, raising her head just slightly to regard those about her in a careful manner.

Aislynn holds out a commanding hand to Calisa, gesturing for her silence for the nonce. She turns to Kael and offers him a barely polite inclination of her head. "Master Kael...we must speak of Lord Daric, Children of the Light, and the Royal Palace of Andor. Should the three have aught in common?"

Durnik raises himself up upon being acknowledged. He looks between the occupants of the room knowing full well what is being discussed, just by nature of the last few comments. He finally looks back to Aislynn. "Forgive me for the interruption, but I have brought the first of three as requested. May I present the Master Steward of House Roesone." He steps away from Kael....the file of guards that 'escorted' Kael to the Palace is outside the Queen's Chambers waiting in the hall.

Kael remains silent for a moment, silently stroking his chin. "Well, Your Majesty, I have heard rumours of Lord Daric being a Child of the Light, however, I have only met the man once, and breifly."

Calisa just sits there, silent, as commanded. She still wears a look of terror, if anything made stronger by mention of the Children.

Aislynn nods perfunctorily to Kael, "Very well. Then it would seem the matter must go on until I can speak to Demonder, or Daric himself." She waves a pale hand in dismissal, turning her eyes back to Calisa. "Now...." she murmurs, "What were you suggesting, Rennar?"

Rennar quirks a brow at the mention of Daric, her eyes going to Durnik and then Kael. This time she does speak up, "Jhafir Gaidin did not tell you he was here?" A frown comes to Rennar's lips at that.

Durnik turns back from starting to head out, when he hears Rennar's comment.

Aislynn inclines her head, "Yes..Jhafir told me, Rennar..."

"Did he further tell you that Lord Daric Roesone was of the Children?" Rennar continues, her frown growing, "I told him so that he might tell you so that you would not be stressed unduely over the matter." It looks as though she is not entirely happy about this not getting to the Queen in the manner it was supposed to have.

Aislynn nods to Rennar, "Yes...he did tell me that. And it did give me a bit of stress, which is why I want to understand why he was harbored here without my knowing it. Even though he is of House Roesone and an Andoran Noble, I do not really need those with clearly divided loyalties of that sort under my roof..."

"That I cannot tell you, your Majesty." Again, that tone of formality from Rennar, "Only that he has no home currently, with Roesone Manor gone."

Aislynn nods, looking a faint bit sympathetic. "I do wish to speak with Lord Daric. I am not going to throw him out into the street, Rennar," she smiles, warmly.

Rennar nods her head slowly, eyes going back to the current problem at hand. "I was suggesting nothing upon the situation of my sister. You are the Queen. You must do what you must do upon the matter."

Aislynn nods to Rennar, and looks at her for a long moment. Finally, she rises, and makes her way over to her, leaning down somewhat to murmur for her ears along.

Rennar seems to consider something, "However, would it not be better to send her with Rio Sedai? You may endanger your child by riding..." Another carefully placed warning for the Queen, eyes filling with worry.

Aislynn whispers "Forgive me for being so blunt...but what do you see of her? Right now? I know you do not like your...gift...but it would make things easier..."

Calisa's eyes turn to Rennar, but have trouble focusing. She mouths something, no sound coming out.

Rennar lifts a brow at Aislynn, chewing on her lower lip. She regards Calisa quietly, shaking her head and murmuring back to Aislynn.

Durnik waits as the discussion of Lord Daric is occurring then when it is clear that it has changed he once again makes a perfunctory bow, and gestures to Kael to leave before him.

Aislynn senses "Rennar pauses briefly, her eyes going back to Calisa, "Nothing at the moment, your majesty, though my vision, when I had it, was the night that I returned home, with you.... she had the mark of a dragon's fang upon her head. With that alone, I think it can be safely deduced that the shadow either has, or will touch her soon enough. My visions are seldom wrong. My father was killed by Jerad's hand... that is all I need to know that most, if not all come true.""

Aislynn nods thoughtfully at Rennar's reply, and makes her way back to her seat, where she sits back down after smoothing her skirts deftly. "You may be right, Rennar. Perhaps it would be best to have Rio and Jhafir Gaidin escort Calisa to Tar Valon..."

Relief for her friend touches Rennar's eyes. Her attention goes back to Calisa, regarding her carefully. "I do not wish for you to endanger yourself, your Majesty, or your child." Her words are softly spoken, even if formal.

Calisa comes back to herself, at least enough to speak. "I would never make it there, nevermake it out of the city."

Rennar raises a brow at Calisa, a small frown touching her lips, "And why would that be, sister?" Rennar's words are chilled, and touched with suspicion.

Aislynn just regards Calisa silently, and nods offhandedly to Rennar's previous comment.

Calisa smiles sadly, eyes filling. "Between the lot of you, you've passed sentence of death on me..is that what you wanted?" She looks to Aislynn, anger at her apparent fate slowly coming. "You termed them 'sweet seductions', Queen...Do you truly know what he did to me? /Do you?/"

Aislynn inclines her head, and says, quietly--not without compassion--"Yes...Calisa...I was told what that aweful man did to you. " She arches a brow, still intent upon her purpose, and inquires, "But you swore under the Light, and by your hope of salvation and rebirth that you made no oaths to the Dark. And yet now you bring up what was done to you. If you did not forswear the Light, why bring this up now?"

Rennar remains quiet as she listens to the Queen's questions. Oddly enough, there is no compassion on Rennar's features, unreadable - with a carefully woven mask. Likely, there's much going on emotionally under that mask.

Slowly, "You know. You've ensured they take me again or simply kill me for failure...So why bother anymore?" Calisa sags, spiritless. "I suppose my fate was woven the instant the man selected me."

"Your fate was woven before you were selected." Rennar speaks, her voice quietly spoken and without any emotion. There's that sense of hidden knowledge within her eyes - and perhaps a hint of her previous vision.

Aislynn shakes her head, looking quite grim indeed. Her glacial gaze has not moved from Calisa's face these few long minutes. "And so you admit now that you lied to me? Now..even now...you do not deny swearing Oaths to the Dark?"

Calisa plunges on. "I lied to you, and I lied to Jhafir, and Durnik, and Shalayne. You /have/ what you wanted, Queen - and you will not even have to pass sentence yourself. The Shadow will do thatfor you. No matter where I go, or where you put me. Please, let m go."

"You mistake me, child. Do you think I wish for your death? No...that is the furthest thing from my mind," Aislynn says, though her voice holds the slightest vestiges of ice. "But you lied to me, and swore under the Light that you had not taken oaths to the Dark. Therefore, you are now an Oathbreaker, Calisa, and that carries a heavy penalty. But beyond that, I shall not let the Dark have one of the Andoran High Born...not if I can help it." Her eyes move to Rennar now, as if to see what her friend's reaction to Calisa's words will be.

"She is in your hands, your Majesty. I have no love for those who've turned to the Dark." Her words are once again spoken without emotion, "Even should the person be a part of my own family." There is no remorse in Rennar's voice, her eyes as emotionless as her voice and features. Oh yeah, she's keeping everything pent up.

Aislynn looks at Rennar for a long moment, her expression pensive and perhaps a bit chagrined. Then she looks back to Calisa, and says nothing, simply fixes her with her icy gaze.

Calisa says "I do not think you can, your grace..." Her face twists at Renar's words, she leaping to her feet and rounding on her sister. "/DO YOU THINK I WANTED TO?!/" The whole Palace could probably hear that one."

A single brow simply lifts, "Whether or not that you wanted to is not in question. That you did, is." Rennar folds her hands within her lap, then adds, "And then you lied about it, and became an Oathbreaker upon it. Your fate is in the Queen's hands. Something you will have to accept."

As Calisa leaps to her feet and rounds on Rennar, suddenly she is held back as if by invisible bonds. "Unwise, Calisa..." Aislynn says, simply. "Very unwise....considering your precarious position here."

Calisa strains forward, face streaked with tears. She continues more quietly, but no less intensely. "You were not down there with me, Rennar; you were not tortured as I was! You stand here and pass judgement...but you would not have held out either..." She sags, only the bonds holding her up now. "I fought, /High Seat/, for as long as I could. Do you hate me for what another caused?"

Aislynn does not get involved in this part of the conversation. She simply

Tears do not even threaten to come to Rennar's face as she regards Calisa - so controlled are her features. "Yes, as you keep reminding me countless times I /am/ High Seat. And, as such, I do what is best for the House, and the Houses's best interests. I underwent my own horrors, though not as intense as yours, they were horrors all the same. Am I to simply allow you to reside within my House and home, always having to watch what I say, or wonder if my family is in danger? I should hope not. Perhaps the Queen can find a use for you, but that is for her to decide."

Aislynn arches a brow at Rennar, and then turns back to Calisa, "You realize my -mother- was murdered....-murdered- by Darkfriends. In her bed. As she peacefully slept. She didn't even have a chance. No more than you will have a chance now to defy your orders when they are given to you by the Dark." She shakes her head, as anger begins to creep into her own voice. She has remained icily restrained up to this point, and attempts to school herself back to that tone. She says, barely above a whisper, "And what if I choose to have you branded...with D's upon your hands and forehead....and escorted out to the Whitecloak camp....?"

Rennar has just finished what Viktor begun; destroying Calisa totally. The girl's tears stop, she turning her head towards Aislynn. "I would consider that a mercy, your Majesty. For they would surely kill me."

Aislynn simply regards Calisa quietly, holding the bonds, as if trying to decide what to do.

Rennar simply remains quiet, having nothing more to say on the matter really. She contents herself with simply staring at the wall for now, not meeting any gazes.

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

Rennar sits upon the chairs by the fireside, her eyes glued upon the wall, though from time to time they do sneak back over to Calisa. They are narrowed into icy green orbs, carefully observing her sister's reactions. No expression can be read upon her features, nor emotion within her eyes. There appears to be a cold fire burning deeply within her, told by the woman's carefully composed visage. Her hands are folded into her lap, knuckles showing white as she clasps them together.

Soft, like a shadow, Rio Sedai slips into Aislynn's chamber. The young Aes Sedai scans the room calmly and quickly. Those that can see such things would know that she is touching the source.

Aislynn sits upon a velvet settee, maintaining a weave of Air that restrains Calisa. She nods politely at Rio as she enters, and murmurs, "Good evening, Rio. I am glad to see you back...." It is clear there is something not altogether right going on here.

Calisa's face and voice are devoid of feeling. "You, Queen, and you, my sister, are far more monsters than the man who tortured me. You will dispossess me, perhaps execute me, for something that aws not my fault, that I could only fight so long against. And you've not truly tried to find alternatives."

Calisa stands facing Rennar, the position she's held in suggesting she was about to luge at the other.

Rio gives a polite nod to the Queen. As an Aes Sedai, Rio is not required to bow to royalty, but there is a concerned expression upon her face as she walks toward Aislynn. "I sensed that something might be amiss...." her voice trails off and she gazes openly at Calisa, her eyes widening slightly at her words.

Rio gives a polite nod to the Queen. As an Aes Sedai, Rio is not required to bow to royalty, but there is a concerned expression upon her face as she walks toward Aislynn. "I sensed that something might be amiss...." her voice trails off and she gazes openly at Calisa, her eyes widening slightly at her words. She completes her steps until she is standing beside the young queen. The Gray sister makes no move to channel since it is more than obvious that the Queen has everything well in hand. Rio gives a polite nod to Rennar, "Lady Hune, as always, it is a pleasure to see you again. It is unfortunate that it is during such circumstances." Shifting her posture, Rio looks at Aislynn, "Who is she?" indicating the woman that Aislynn holds in her weave of air.

"There are no alternatives to find. You yourself say that those you've sworn yourself to will simply kill you if you are released, or otherwise attempt to leave the city." Rennar's voice comes once more, again emotionless and this time hard, almost as if she's had enough. "You had a choice. You made a choice. It was the wrong choice." Again, no remorse within her words. "Had I been in your position, I would have chosen death over turning my soul to the Dark." There is ice in her last set of words, eyes narrowing. Yes, this perhaps makes her a monster in some manner, but her hatred for the Dark leaves no room for anything but what she feels now. "Had people /within/ the palace given me the information I needed to find you, instead of running off and throwing tantrums, perhaps you would have been found /before/ any of your downfall happened." There's no doubt where Rennar lays the blame for this, no doubt at all. Durnik's feet. He had information and refused to give it, even under Queen's order.

Aislynn says quietly to Rio, after Rennar speaks, "It is the Lady Rennar's sister, Rio....who has just admitted, from her own lips, that she has sworn to the Dark under torture...."

Calisa whispers, "Protect me. You could at least try, sister. But all that matters to you is that I gave oath. Not how. Not that I am your sister. Will you hold the knife yourself?"

Rio looks at Aislynn with surprise. "Lady Calisa?" she says quietly. She frowns at the woman in question. "My own warder saved this girl only a fortnight ago...at considerable risk to his own life, I might add." Rio Sedai turns and looks at the captive like a cat might a mouse, "And what will be her fate now, Queen Aislynn?" Whenever Rio uses Aislynn's title, she is speaking to her offically.

"I told you." Rennar responds to Calisa, "The matter is now within the Queen's hands. Not mine."

Aislynn shakes her head, tearing her eyes away from Calisa to look at Rio. "I am considering the matter, Rio. It is said that no one is so lost that she cannot return again to the Light....What think you?"

Calisa stares at Rennar. "What do you mean to tell Satira?"

Rio thinks upon Aislynn's words for a moment, as most Gray sisters have a habit of doing. "That depends on how far she has fallen into the darkness. It is no small matter to swear an oath to the Dark, once done, she will always be a threat to herself and to others. For after all, does not the Dark One place a mark upon his minions, one that can not be removed? Will not those of the Dark always and forever seek her out?" Rio shakes her head negatively, "I believe that for the safety of your kingdom, you should discover how binding this oath she has taken is, and then act accordingly."

Aislynn listens quietly to Rio--after all, the woman is her advisor, as well as her friend. "Very well, Rio. Although, I must admit, I am not very practiced in the ways of rooting out Darkfriends, and finding out how deeply the Dark permeates them. Do you offer any suggestions?"

"That will depend on how your fate is decided by her Majesty." Rennar responds coolly, eyes moving to Rio and Aislynn for a brief moment. She grows quiet as she listens to their words, furrowing her brow.

Calisa falls silent after that, waiting for the others to reach a decision.

Rio sighs. "The study of the dark was not one of my strong points, Aislynn. I know more about treaties and diplomacy with the Light and the ways of Peace." Rio eyes the woman distastefully, "Perhaps time in a jail cell would be appropriate until such a time that someone more knowledgable can be brought in from the White Tower? After all, if you kill her now, you remove all options from your power."

Aislynn nods to Rio, "Yes...that would be the best course. How think you on sending to the White Tower for someone who is knowledgeable in such?"

"If she is placed in a cell, that would surely bring attention to her." Rennar speaks up, "She has commited no public crime for such an occurance, nor any crime against any of the nobles. Surely they would suspect, and find a means to get to her in that manner. Particularly with that assassin running about the Palace."

Aislynn glances over at Rennar, and nod thoughtfully at this. "Yes, of course, Rennar. You are right. Perhaps in a heavily guarded guest quarters?"

Calisa shakes her head again. "You may as well...May as well kill me, for all I care now. "

Rio gives Aislynn a pleased nod. "I could have word sent there forthwith, Sister. I've been meaning to have an assistant sent to me in anycase. The expert might provide protection for her on the road." Rio looks over at Lady Rennar, "There are even better ways to hold her. A shield around her quarters would prevent her from leaving even as cold bars of steel would." To Aislynn, the gray sister finishes, "With your permission, I would consent to maintain a ward around her quarters. You have more important matters to attend to than to rope a mouse."

Aislynn nods to Rio, "Of course, Sister. I will graciously accept the offer. I will have a servant clear out the room directly across from mine. That way it will by near both myself and you..."

Rio gives Aislynn a small mona lisa style smile. "Please let your guards know that they are not to enter her quarters for any reason without consulting me first. They are to keep others out...not to keep her within. I will see to that." Rio turns to the Rennar, "Will this do to preserve your houses honor, Lady Hune? As Aislynn's advisor, I seek to promote harmony among the nobles in the palace if it is within my power to do so."

Aislynn nods to Rio's suggestions, and inquires, "Will the weave allow myself to pass, Rio?"

"The Queen and I have a..." Rennar pauses, giving AIslynn a sidelong, uncertain look, "... fair relationship. There are few worries there." Notice she didn't say no worries. "If that is what the Queen desires to do, then it will do for me. The matter is not within my hands."

Calisa gives Rennar a very odd smile. "And if it were?"

Rio shakes her head. "What if a darkfriend that can channel comes to free her? It might be better if I am on hand to see who comes and goes. I am seldom not in the palace, sister. If you prefer for me to leave a loophole in the shield, I will of course. She is your prisoner and subject to the green ajah, but it would be safer to not do so until more of our own arrive from the tower."

Rennar does not ackowledge the Calisa's question, keeping her attention on the Queen.

Rennar does not ackowledge the Calisa's question, keeping her attention on the Queen. "If you will excuse me, I think I am in dire need of air now."

Aislynn nods at this, and replies to Rio, "When you send world to Tar Valon, please request that a Sister of the Green Ajah come. I believe my own Ajah would have the most experience in dealing with this sort of thing...."

Rio nods in agreement. "It will be the highlight of my missive, sister."

Rennar rises from her chair, smoothing over her skirts as she does so. She waits to be dismissed, her manner careful and quiet.

Aislynn inclines her head to Rennar, "I am sorry this has to happen, Rennar. You have my word that no harm will come to Calisa until the true nature of her Oath has been discovered."

I don't recognize that name.

Calisa never takes her gaze fromRennar, serchiing for a hint of compassion, anything at all, in Rennar's face.

Rennar delicately quirks a brow at Aislynn's words, a thin line pressing together, "As I said, your Majesty, she is in /your/ hands now. I need no promises from you." With that, she spins on her heel and makes to leave the room.

Calisa stares:stare:stares at Rennar, searhching for something of the sister she knew. She looks down as the other turns to leave, looking blindly at the floor.

Aislynn shakes her head and watches Rennar leave, angrily gripping her skirts.

Aislynn releases the bonds of Air from Calisa, and nods to Rio. "She is in your hands now...for the nonce..."

Except Calisa was still slumped in them, and only quick reflexes keep her from falling to the floor. She flicks her gaze between the two Aes Sedai, pleading in her eyes. "I never wanted any of this."

Aislynn says nothing, though her expression shows the faintest hint of pity and compassion.

As easily as a thought, Rio Sedai quickly weaves air and spirit to form a ward around Calisa. It is strong, but doesn't touch her anyway. The gray sister gives her captive a nod, "Up on your feet girl. You only have to cross the hall. I will carry you if I must."