The Queen's Suite: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

Contents:
Aislynn
Obvious exits:
Curtained Doorway Out

Aislynn sits upon an opulent red velvet settee, and appears to be waiting. As you enter, she inclines her head, and she says, "Please...have a seat, Lord Demonder. There are issues of which we must speak." She indicates an empty chair near to her with the wave of a slim, pale hand.

Demonder walks in, stopping at the door and offering a deep bow, before making his way further into the sitting room. Although attempting to hide it, there is obviously a sense of nervousness. Especially considering the urgent tone in Durnik's message. Demonder does sit, and nods, waiting for Aislynn to go on.

"I am sorry to have had you summoned in such a disturbing manner, Demonder," Aislynn begins, "However, I have been told that there was a Child of the Light...of your House, staying at the Royal Palace." She smiles tightly, before finishing, "I was not informed. I realize that this person is of your family--and of House Roesone--but I am sure you understand the ramifications that this sort of situation could pose?" She lifts a pale golden brow ever so slightly in question.

At least a smiling Queen doesn't typically behead the person she speaks with. This is a good thing for Demonder so far. So he does return the smile, one that could be considered almost flirtatious, though judging by Demonder's reputation, this likely an unconcious reaction. "Lord Daric," Demonder begins, his words at least somewhat planned. "He is my second cousin, and one that has taken leave of the Hand of Light. Lord Daric answers to House Roesone now, though I admit that after speaking further with him, there may be reason for concern." Demonder takes a deep breath, avoiding your eyes for only a moment. "He has been asked to sleep in an inn, and does so since a few nights before after myself, Master Kael, and Lord Pitor had word with him. Lord Pitor has ordered attentive eyes to his purpose."

Glacial blue eyes gaze speculatively at you for a few long moments...a few long moments in which the smile has somewhat faded as the young Queen digests this information. After the uncomfortable pause, she finally nods, "I am glad to hear this....though I am chagrined to hear that your kinsman was wrapped up in the Hand of the Light." She lifts a speculative brow and inquires, "Does he know aught of this situation with Calisa and Lord Captain Inarin?"

Demonder there is a light pause then, as her smile fades. This is not a good thing. The over-active imagination of Demonder flips between a hanging and a situation that would have him out of here alive. "House Roesone has held alliances with the Children of the Light, as you know. Lord Corwyn has shown much favor in their direction, as there ours. Lord Daric is an extension of that faction of House Roesone, though I'm uncertain of his motives, if any." Demonder takes a long breath, searching for the words. "I do not know what he knows on Calisa or Lord Captain Inarin, Your Majesty. He was there the night of Calisa going missing, though I had not even observed as much as a glance between the two Children." Of course, Demonder isn't always the most observant one.

Aislynn nods at this, seeming to settle more relaxedly into her chair. "I hold no grudges against any from any Noble House of Andor who wish to join the Children of the Light. They are free to do as they wish. However," she clears her throat lightly, and resumes the small smile--perhaps to put you at your ease--"I am often wary of the more zealous elements of that sect--if not the whole sect itself. And the Hand of the Light is one of those zealous elements. I should like to become acquainted with this Lord Daric, if that would be possible. I like to at least have a nodding acquaintance with the High Born of my Realm."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," Demonder speaks formaly, nodding his head as much as possible within his seat. "I shall attempt to arrange such a meeting at your convenience. Though, I must warn you, as you eluded too, he is of the extreme opinion on many issues." Demonder eyes your serpant ring. "I'm not certain of his reaction to such a meeting, but I could only say that House Roesone is keeping a careful eye on the Lord, to insure his opinions do not interfere with his noble duties to the Queen of Andor."

Aislynn nods, smiling faintly, "And what thinks he of an Aes Sedai upon the Throne of his homeland? And you can rest assured that I shan't purposefully prod the man. I simply wish to meet him, as I do not remember having met him thus far."

Demonder looks down to the floor as he responds. "Likely he would be fonder of many other things, Your Majesty," Demonder responds quietly, before turning his eyes back to you. "He has been in the service of the Children of many years. I know I was barely out of diapers when he left for the Children judging by age." Of course, he was going to compare your age originally, but that could be bad. "Lord Pitor and myself will not stand for those that are against the Queen of Andor, though he is free to his opinions, he isn't in his actions." Demonder's chest actually puffs out for that, a sign of pride. There seems to be more, but not on this issue, as his eyes look down once again. "Is everything well between yourself and Renni?" he asks quietly.

Aislynn nods to your comments regarding House Roesone, and then lifts a brow at the mention of Rennar. "Why, as far as I know, Demonder. Why do you ask?"

At this, Demonder even looks more uncomfortable. "Well, Renni has been avoiding the palace. A problem, you could imagine, as I have taken up quarters here until such time that the new Roesone estate is renovated."

Aislynn nods, and looks slightly grim. "I have noticed that. But as far as I know, there is nothing wrong between us. At least...she has not said anything." A small frown creases Aislynn's smooth brow, and she admits, "She does seem a bit...more formal than usual when addressing me, though."

Demonder nods slowly, as he avoids your eyes for a moment before once again looking directly toward you with minimal breakage on eye contact. "Since her return, I have noticed her not addressing Your Majesty by first name as often, but with more formality. Though I think once she revealed Sadi's true identity to us all..." Demonder shrugs. "I'd almost think it were guilt that pushes her to formality, though Renni strongly believes in her decisions, so I do not think it that."

"I know that the situation with Calisa is weighing heavily upon her, and I wish that I could help in some way." She heaves a little sigh, and smoothes her skirts briskly. "However, I have a duty to incarcerate and deal with Darkfriends. Calisa admitted to swearing to the Dark, no matter what her Oaths are now. My Sisters will offer advice upon this matter. If it were any other than Rennar's sister, I would perhaps make a different decision. But I do not feel I can do so on my own in this case."

"I do not think she would disagree with any decision reached so long as it was no less then for any other," Demonder speaks almost frankly, though his tone turns more formal in the next. "There is little sympathy for the Dark between us, whether they be family or foe." It's a wonder if Demonder even realizes he used /us/ in that. "Renni has been through too much."

Aislynn nods in agreement, "Yes...she has. I wonder that it has not changed her in some fundamental way. I know not what to do. Perhaps I should visit her..."

"I hope it has not," Demonder states quietly, eyes now casted down again. "She doesn't always open up with her problems. I visit may help. She needs all our support."

Aislynn nods, smiling faintly, "And how are the renovations of Tiras Lorn going?"

"I believe they are complete," Demonder responds. "Renni has had residence there for some time now. At least matters are quiter, this we can be greatful for."

Smiling faintly, Aislynn nods, "Yes...I am glad of that, too. And I hope that Lord Jeffrin has been dealt with so that he will not cause any more trouble."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Demonder responds with a light nod. "At least within Andor. He'd be a fool to return."

Aislynn chuckles mirthlessly and inclines her head, "Yes...in that you are right. But I could not risk that he would cause similar trouble in the future. Rennar does not need it, and handled the situation beautifully. It was just unfortunate that she had to go through so much."

Demonder smiles at the Queen's laughter, and then turns more serious at the last. "Yes, that she has. We would have been married by now," he notes the last a little more selfishly, though it an indication of Rennar's state after the kidnapping.

Aislynn tilts her head to one side curiously, "Have you worked out an exact date as of yet?"

"Not more then vagueness," Demonder admits slowly. "It was thought best to wait and not make it so soon after her ordeal." The tone indicates that this was more Rennar's decision then his.

Aislynn smiles grimly at this and nods, sighing faintly. "Have there been any plans made as of yet? Regardless of the date, I am sure there are matters that can be taken care of..."

There's a further uncomfortable look from Demonder. "Some yes." That's not an enthuised 'some.' "We will likely be married within a few months, though I do agree it is best to wait until Renni has some time to heal. But there are benefits to a marriage as well," Demonder shrugs.

Aislynn colours slightly and nods at this, pointedly not pursuing this line of questioning.

Demonder meant more complete companionship, of course, though as he looks at a blushing Queen, he nearly does burst into laughter. He wouldn't though, fearing a beheading, if only in sarcastic thought, Demonder nods lightly. "Er, yes."

Aislynn chuckles at this, and shakes her head. "And how are the others of your family, Demonder?"

"Well," Demonder responds with a shrug. "Though I do believe Lady Cathryn is becoming ill with her age, and Lord Corwyn has not been taking to his duties as next heir. My brother," Demonder shrugs. "House Roesone may have a few hills yet to climb."