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, couples walk hand in hand, threading their way through the garden's winding paths. Fresh flowers grow all along the many paths of the Arboretum, life once again reasserting itself in its yearly cycle. Soft sounds and smells dance through the air, the warmth of spring washing over Caemlyn's Inner City. Nearby, birds play about the shore of the garden's small pond, happily giving in to the season's welcome call. 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.

You break from the main path and venture forth to find yourself a place of your own in the Shady Trees.

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

Today is Sixday, 7 Aine, 998 NE. It is a Spring evening.

Sitting just on the edge of a grove of trees is Rennar Hune. Her cloak is wrapped about her to ward off the chill spring air, more or less. Hands are sprawled upon the ground to aid in supporting her as she gazes up at the night sky, watching the stars.

Not entirely silent, but close to it, Ealam pads through the grounds of the Arboretum, seeking Lady Hune. He's not positive, but he supposes this is the most likely place for her to be hiding. His own heavy green cloak is wrapped around him loosely, swirling around his boot tops as he moves, first through one section of the grounds, and then moving on to the next.

Catching movement from the corner of her eye, Rennar looks away from the evening sky. Upon spying Ealam, a small flicker of a frown touches her features, though disappears before he could probably notice. "Good evening." She comments, eyes carefully watching the other man.

Ealam stops a moment,swinging his eyes around for the source of that greeting, peering through the darkness. Finally seeing Lady Hune sitting on the ground, he pads that way. "I thought perhaps I might find you here." He keeps his voice fairly low, though he seems less gruff and angry today, though still as stoic as ever. He slips onto the ground a few feet distant, and leans his back against a tree, with his knees folded up and his arms draped over his knees.

"Just got through speaking with the Queen about my sister, among other things." Rennar comments quietly, keeping her voice low enough that it won't carry. "I was not up to returning home just yet." Her features seem to hold a grave expression.

"Hmm." Ealam's reply is not much more than a grunt of acknowledgement. He squints up at the sky himself. He looks tired and worn, perhaps appearing older than he really is. "It was difficult I assume."

"Agreeing with the Queen about sending her to the Tower because you think her a Darkfriend is always difficult." Rennar responds, voice tight and quiet.

If sounds accompanied the motion of Ealam's gaze, the sound made would be a snap. His attention returns from casting over the evening stars rather speedily. "What?? Your own sister?"

"I am inclined to agree with her beliefs." Rennar states in an equally quiet voice, glancing askance at Ealam. There is that uncanny look of hidden knowledge in her eyes that might be glimpsed before she turns her eyes skyward. "There is reason enough to, I think. I heard she was tortured when with them."

Ealam cocks an eyebrow, noticing the passing expression in her glance at him. "Many endure torture at the hands of oppressors.. that is not exactly proof of turning.. I suppose there must be more to this than that."

Ealam breaks from the main path and ventures forth to find a place somewhere in the Shady Trees.

In the shade, Silence echos between Ealam and Rennar for several moments. She looks away from the sky back to the man sitting not too far off from her. She studies him a moment, then murmurs quietly, "I know she may be a Darkfriend, just as I know you may become the next Head of Roesone." Her words may be quite a shock to the Lord, but that knowledge rests certainly within her eyes. She regards Ealam carefully, tilting her head while she awaits his reaction.

In the shade, Does she jest? Ealam considers her carefully, with a gaze as sharp and piercing as the talons of the hawk symbol he has taken for himself. There is no visible movement, but somehow, he's taut as a bowstring and a perceptive person would be able to feel the tension rolling off him in waves. "How do you know that?" His words are like stone on stone, even though soft.

That silence seems to linger once more as Rennar regards Ealam. She carefully raises her head from her tilted position, looking up at the night sky once more. Dead serious is she about her words. After a few moments longer, she answers, "I read the pattern." She gives a small, non-commital shrug of her shoudlers.

In the shade, Ealam does not untense, his eyes remaining on Lady Hune. "So it is true." He's not sure he wants to hear what she may have seen. "You were staring at me strangely yestereve.. "

In the shade, A smirk passes over Rennar's features, "That I am cursed with such an ability? Yes." She chuckles wryly, "My reactions used to be much worse. I have, since being held captive by my uncle, learned to curb that trait. His 'way' with me, that I mentioned last evening, was to use my ability for his purposes. There's no telling what information he could have gleaned about the nobility had he had me longer."

In the shade, Ealam scowls, and leans his head back against the tree, a few thoughts winding through his head. In all likelyhood, that is the reason her dear uncle did not wish to kill her. Perhaps his banaishment is not a very good thing. Imprisonment or death would have been better for a secret like that. But Ealam is possibly a bit colder about such things than some. "What did you see?" He forces his mouth to grind out the question.

In the shade, "Only that you may take the Head of the House sometime. I don't know when or if it will happen." Rennar murmurs quietly. "The visions come and go, and half the time I don't know what most mean, but yours had a certain meaning to it." There is a hesitation, then a brief pause, "It was that of the banner or sigil of Roesone, with a hawk flying beneath it. The hawk turned to a ram." She does explain the vision.

In the shade, Ealam slips his ring off his finger and rolls it in his hands, perhaps a gesture of thoughtfulness, or aggitation. The implications of that are pretty clear, even to him. "Thank you for telling me." his voice remains rather gruff, and hushed. "Will you reveal this to others?" Given the fact that taking the reins into his hands are what he has in mind, it might be important to know who else will be privy to this viewing, if anyone.

In the shade, "If asked, the only other person I would tell is Demonder himself." Rennar looks to Ealam quietly, "He is in no position to inherit House Roesone, or to do anything about anyone attempting to rise to Power." There is a brief pause, "My question would be, what do you plan to do with House Roesone?"

In the shade, Ealam considers Rennar, his harsh face unyielding, his eyes like the distant beacons of the night, cold and clear. His ring is slipped back onto its rightful finger, though he still spins it on the finger slowly. "Roesone is weak. I will make it strong." He comments quietly.

In the shade, Rennar seems to consider that quietly, pressing her lips together, "And how would you do that with Corwyn Roesone being the rightful heir presently? You saw what just happened when my uncle attempted to take over Hune." Her words are soft, not without care. She has her own views about Corwyn and Ravenna, none too good from the expression on her features.

In the shade, Ealam frowns slightly. "A way will present itself. Corwyn is heir, but that could change. He proclaims himself unsuited by his failure to act for Roesone in its hour of need." He pauses and then adds softly, "Thus it falls to an estranged son to protect.."

In the shade, Surprise, and perhaps a touch of confusion, catches Rennar's eyes, "You are Corwyn's brother...?"

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

In the shade, Ealam shakes his head quickly. "I am not. Stefan is my brother... but my father is before Corwyn's father in order.. thus I.. am technically more entitled to the seat, than Corwyn."

Morden comes strolling along on his nightly walk. The sound of that cane tip tapping against the cobblestones giving away his arrival.

Rennar sits beneath the shady trees, sitting upon the ground and supporting herself upon her hands. She appears to be speaking to the man Ealam. Confusion erupts on her features, and she lowers her voice once more.

Rennar's confusion remains rather apparent in her eyes, She mutters to Ealam, "... your... is elder, why do not... your line injerit..."

Ealam senses "Rennar's confusion remains rather apparent in her eyes, "If your father is elder, why do not the members of your line injerit instead?""

In the shade, Ealam smiles vaguely, breaking up the stoniness of his face for a moment. "That is rather difficult to do when one is dead, don't you think, Lady Hune?"

In the shade, That confusion remains ever present, "You and your family is considered dead?" Rennar tries to make sense of the matters about her, carefully observing Ealam's features as she regards him.

In the shade, "My father and mother are dead, and two of my siblings. I am presumed dead, and Paedrig is still missing. I can only assume Stee is considered too young for the seat. Perhaps that is why Corwin is current heir, if a poor choice."

In the shade, A frown settles upon her lips, "I was eighteen when I inherited House Hune." Rennar smirks slightly, "I consider myself far to young to be a Head, however my House thrives... it would be doing better had not my Uncle attempted to interfere."

The man looks very much like your typical merchant round here. He's wearing nice clothes and is carrying a leather bag full of papers. He sits down next to Morden. "Well Jules, I've got to hand it to you, I thought Jeff would end up swinging by his neck."

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

Morden chuckles "I thought so to after I heard about the dead animal thing. That's not the sort of thing you should leave out when speaking with the man who is preparing your defense."

Ealam and Rennar are sitting on the ground under some trees, out of the way talking quietly.

The merchant nods removing some papers from his travel bag. "One thing I thought odd Jules, why did you allow the depositions of the servants to go unchallanged? That dog biting the servants thing had to go badly for him."

Rennar's eyes stray away from Ealam, looking toward the men by the fountain. Thankfully, the shadows of the evening nad the trees help conceal her identity. She reaches behind her and pulls up the hood of her cloak, just to be extra certain. She continues to speak with him, of course, but seems distracted.

Emos walks in, appearing happier than normal, as he walks what appears to be aimlessly through the Arboretum.

It is perhaps a bit chilly, but Rennar's pulling up her hood draws his attenion enough to cause Ealam to turn and look where she is looking.

Morden snorts. "That damned judge! The man cut me off in mid sentance." Morden takes a moment to compose himself. "That's not the first time I've seen Vincinne do that you know. I think he's holding a grudge from the last time I was in his court."

The merchant smiles and begins signing some papers. "Oh really? And what happened then?"

Morden smiles. "Do the words 'not guilty' answer your question?"

In the shade, Quietly, Rennar lowers her voice, keeping her attention strictly on the two men, "I think that man is no good. I had a vision about him once as well." She speaks of Jules Morden.

The merchant just shakes his head as he continues his work. "So was the guy guilty?"

Morden shrugs. "Let us put it this way, I began the case, with a clear conscience." Morden can't help smiling.

In the shade, Ealam unconciously fingers his sword, nodding briefly, then whispers, "What did you see?" His own opinion of this man is similar.

Rennar continues to watch and listen quietly. From time to time she murmurs something within the wooded area, speaking to the man at her side. She withdraws her hands inside her cloak to keep it closed.

In the shade, Rennar smirks slightly, "Just him standing over my uncle's shoulder. However, anyone willing to help Jeffrin has to be a snake." She seems convinced of that.

The merchant hands Morden several papers to sign. "I've always known you knew your way as far as the law was concerned but I never new you practiced it Jules."

Emos spots the two under the tree and smiles, but doesn't appear to recognize them. Maybe it is his unnaturally happy state.

Morden glances over each paper before signing them one at a time. "Only in special cases do I haul my law books out."

Or, it could be that Rennar has her features cloaked and masked by the shadows? She spots the movement of the boy from the corner of her eyes. She nods, then quickly turns her eyes to the men once more, a frown settling over her lips as she listens.

The merchant leans back against the fountain as Morden begins signing. "Oh really? And what made Jeffrin so special?"

In the shade, Rennar says "I wonder what sort of 'special' cases those might be."

Morden smiles. "Perhaps the fact that he paid me enough to retire 4 times over for the service?"

In the shade, Ealam quirks a brow, peering around the tree his back is to, to peer at the men. Standing over Jeffrin's shoulder? That would almost imply a master relationship to him, but perhaps that is not what it means at all.

The merchant begins taking the papers as Morden signs them. "You are a lucky one. Why don't I ever land business like that guy?"

A brow quirks at the merchant's words, and her frown seems to only deepen as Rennar listens. Where did Jeffrin come up with all that cash? She pulls her cloak more tightly about her. Well, no worries about that now, not without his title.

Morden shakes his head. "Count your blessings friend. That guy was more trouble then he was worth. Not to mention the fact that I have found people round here these days do not much appreciate me getting Jeffrin off the hook on some of those charges. Not exactly fun getting wapped over the head by every old lady you pass on the street."

Oh that Rennar had a cane to join in that whapping! Surely she would, would she not? A smirk touches her lips, and a faint sniff erupts from her, though it could be because of what's being discussed with Ealam.

The merchant cackles as he stuffs the papers back into his travel bag. "Since when was this a popularity contest Jules? What was it you told me when you bought out that tannery for the merchant guild? If the cash is there...we do not care."

Morden says "That reminds me, I need to talk to the old man about getting an office up on a higher floor."

The merchant scratches his head. "Why is that? the one you got not big enough?"

In the shade, Rennar says "Remind me to travel the city sometime mad find out which woman assaulted Jules Morden. I wish to reward them."

Morden says "Oh the office itself is fine, I just don't much care for the people who've been throwing eggs at my windows."

"Jules don't be a baby. While we're on the subject of the old man...What's the deal with the reconstruction project? After all that money from the queen came into the guild, I thought we would begin work right away but instead the crews are sitting on their asses."

One of the two hiding in the shadow of the trees is hard pressed not to snort at Rennar's comment, though he is much more interested in what snatches of conversation he can catch from the two near the fountain.

Briefly, Rennar's eyes pull away from the men to peer at the boy, making certain he's fine. She blinks faintly, almost looking 'around' him to something else. A frown touches her lips, then a touch of confusion. Shaking her head, she slowly turns her attention back to the men, though from time to time she does glance at Emos a bit worriedly.

Morden smiles and leans back. "Why spend it? It's not like the queen is paying any attention. I could use the money to build myself a castle and she wouldn't be the wiser."

"The old man building himself a castle?"

Morden shakes his head

Then where is all the money going?"

In the shade, A distinct frown comes from Rennar's lips, and a low growl as she observes Morden, "They are squandering Andoran money."

Morden says "If you must know, the money is indeed going where it is supposed to go. The guild isn't quite that unscrupulus. Getting started on this project isn't as easy as you are giving it credit. You just crunch the numbers, the actual logistics of the whole thing are a bit more daunting."

"Daunting or no we're showing a budget surplus of over 1000 marks. You all have started paying people haven't you?"

As the conversation continues, Rennar's frown seems to set itself upon her features almost permanently. From time to time she makes a murmured remark to Ealam.

Morden says "Oh yes, contracts signed and orders for the materials made. Work should begin soon. The whole thing has already been paid for Chuck. All we have to do is get the worker's asses in gear."

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

Rudra arrives with Cronus.

Rennar is sitting in the shadows of the trees with Ealam, not exactly entirely visible. She holds a quiet conversation with him.

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

Rennar is sitting in the shadows of the trees with Ealam, not exactly entirely visible. She holds a quiet conversation with him.

Chuck seems confused. "Well if the materials have all already been bought and paid for, and the workers have all already been hired, then how are we still showing that huge budget surplus? The queen didn't donate /that/ much money did she?"

Ealam is perhaps less noticeable, with his back against a tree, which he is peering out from behind slightly trying to listen to the two men seated at the fountain.

Cronus enters the area on what looks to be his patrol route, nodding to some and waving to others. Possibly how their position deams it. Two guards flank him about a pace behind.. with Rudra walking right beside Cronus.

Looking round the pleasant surroundings, Devin picks a well-traveled spot and sets up shop. Out of nowhere (almost, the sharp-sighted among you easily see him slip them out his sleeves) he summons 3 coloured balls and begins to juggle them deftly.

Devin leaves the main path to find a seat somewhere On the Grass.

Emos leaves the main path to find a seat somewhere On the Grass.

Morden shakes his head. "Of course not. The queen could care less about the whole thing. I think she only made the donation to keep up appearances with the people. What the old man didn't tell her is that there is a noble house who offered to match mark for mark any donation the queen made. So when she donated the money we needed to do this thing, she unwittingly donated twice that amount. Kind of nice aye?"

With a smile and a quick wink to the boy, Devin conjurs up another ball. It quickly gets tossed into the mix.

Emos watches Devin with interest.

That frown upon Rennar's features grows distinctly more noticable to Ealam, even with the hood of her cloak concealing her features. What noble has that kind of cash to match that of the Queen's treasure?

Chuck seems impressed. "Who in Shayol did you have to sell your soul to to arrange something like that Jules?"

In the shade, Rennar's low growl seems to deepen - not feral, but one that sounds like a seething woman. "I am not liking this more and more."

Morden smiles and admonishes Chuck with his cane. "The doner asked to remain anonymous for the time being. Pity, the old man wanted to name a street after the guy."

Uh oh, the juggling balls begin to wobble a little in their circuit. One seems to get further and further out of Devin's reach. A red one arcs just a little too high... *thump* *thump* *thump* *thump*

In the shade, Ealam nods, slightly, not looking at Rennar at all. Morden is indeed a pivot point of interesting activity.

Emos steps forward, reaching out to catch one of the balls in his hand.

Devin colours slightly. He hurriedly kneels down to fetch his projectiles.

Morden suddenly notices the large crowd that has gathered in his peaceful garden. He sighs. "Perhaps it's time to take business elsewhere Chuck?"

In the shade, "I'd be of mind to follow them, had I not need to get home this evening." Rennar's growl eases up, though she seems quite thoroughly aggitated.

Emos extends his hand to give back one of the colored balls he caught.

Chuck shakes his head. "I should be going anyway. One quick question before I do though. What's the deal with those merchants who came in from Murandy yelling at the old man yesterday?"

Rennar rises from her own seat, brushing off her skirts. The shadows and the cloak still pretty much conceal who she is, "If you will excuse me, Master Ealam, it is time for me to be getting home." Her words are spoken quietly, though loud enough to be vaguely made out by those paying attention.

Smiling his thanks Devin takes the ball from the child. "Not bad kid."

Ealam nods to Rennar, slightly, with a faint sigh. "Too many people. I doubt they will talk much more." He keeps his voice very low as well.

Morden says "Oh that? Well I'm not quite sure actually. I think the guild took out a loan from them and defaulted on it. Not for sure though.""

Emos nods smiling.

"We defaulted on a loan!?"

Cronus grins in amusement at the practicing young gleeman, and pauses stopping at a tree to scan the area from that spot and converse with his patrol... as he chuckles at the two lads fighting with the juggling balls. He seems rather relaxed and out of ear shot of most gathered... especially those at the fountain, or at least he seems to be.

Morden nods. "Yes it was strange...I think the old man had no intention of paying them back when he borrowed the money...very strange for him. Ah well, I'm sure there will be hell to pay for it, but that is neither your problem nor mine."

Rennar nods her head cordially to Ealam, "I will perhaps get a chance to speak with you another time." With that, she starts to break away from the trees, and head to the exit alone.

Giving the child a quick rub of his scruffy hair (how irritating...) Devin pockets the ball. "So what's your name?"

Ealam remains where he is, still seated, more or less shadowed by the tree at his back, letting Rennar go. She'll never learn, but obviously, she doesnt want his company.

The merchant shudders and does not seem to want to hear anymore. Defaulting is not something he does afterall. "Pleasure chatting with you Jules. I'll have these papers finished and on your desc in the morning." that said the merchant turns and leaves quickly

Emos smiles, reaching to pull something out, but realizes he doesn't have it. He looks at Devin and shrugs.

Morden salutes Chuck with his cane as the guy heads out and proceeds to get his own things in order, picking up an odd paper or 2 and of course his cane.