Nobles' Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

You find yourself in a antechamber with a high, vaulted ceiling inset with colorful stained glass. Lush carpets of red and white lie upon the marble stone floor. Couchs and chairs are arranged in conversational groupings within the room.

The strong afternoon sun floods in through the glass wall, reflecting a brilliant spectrum about the room. Vases sitting atop tables of dark, rich wood hold freshly-cut bouquets of spring flowers. To the east is a wing set with doors that house the nobles who reside in the palace. To the northeast are a pair of double doors that lead to the balcony and gardens. A hallway with guests' rooms branches to the west, and the heavily guarded Queen's chambers are south. A great staircase of white stone curves down to the Entry Hall below.

Aislynn
Deveran
Shalayne
Magnus

Deveran nods in reply to Magnus. "I see. Might I inquire as to what business?"

Escorted by a member of House Roesone's guard is Lady Rennar Hune. She murmurs a few words to the man and he backs far enough away from the Lady that he is not in listening distance. She nods approvingly, but still seems quite upset at having needed to take him in the first place. Once upstairs, and seeing the Queen, she half-bows, half-curtseys as is customary for nobles to do, and retains that position until told otherwise.

Magnus sighs. "I bring urgent news for the queen. Sadly urgent news...does not keep well and I have been waiting for her to invite me back for quite some time."

Aislynn clears her throat delicately, upon hearing Magnus' words, and smiles warmly to Rennar as she bows. "I am glad that you could come, Rennar....please...have a seat." She, herself, moves further into the room, her natural grace not hampered very much by her advanced pregnancy. She inclines her head politely to Lord Magnus, and murmurs, "Good day, Lord Magnus, Lord Devarin..."

Deveran rises from upon the sofa where he sits with Shalayne to bow before the Queen. "Your Majesty.."

Shalayne springs up from the couch, and drops into a deep curstey. Her cheeks slightly red from the embarassment of not noticing the Queen's presence sooner.

Magnus turns his head a slight frown upon his face as he endevors to yank his foot out of his mouth. "Please do forgive me your majesty."

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

"It would not bode well at all to ignore the summons of the Queen, your Majesty." The words flow out elegantly and smoothly from the young Andoran Lady as she rises from her position of honor to the Queen. Rennar hesitates a moment, then selects a seat that would be most proper for whatever is about to occur, interest and curiosity held deeply within her eyes.

Aislynn quickly shakes her head at Magnus, offering him a small smile, "Pray do not trouble yourself about it, Lord Magnus. I am pleased to see you, and am sorry that I did not send for you sooner." She sighs faintly, and adds, "There has been business of some import....." She smiles warmly at Shalayne, motioning for her to sit down again, if she wishes.

There are no special places here.

Shalayne gives a little sigh of relief as she sits back on the couch, eyes rapidly moving across the people now gathered in the room.

Aislynn sits down near Rennar, smoothing her skirts as she does so, waiting patiently for Lord Magnus to continue with his matter of business.

Deveran retakes his seat next to Shalayne and turns his attention to the queen and Magnus, curious as to what is about to happen.

Demonder casts a surprised look at the noble sitting room as he takes to the top of the stairs. The young lord's eyes instantly fall on Rennar, however, though he does skirt around the edge of the noble gathering so that he may move more to her side. At the attention of the Queen, he bows deeply, but doesn't plan on interfering with her current conversation.

Finally selecting a seat, Rennar settles herself down. She does not notice Demonder's entrance at first, too busy arranging her skirts and seemingly trying to make herself blend into the workings of the room. She remains quiet, and well mannered, yet ever curious about what this is all about, as the summons did not say. A House Roesone guard stands not far off, no doubt Rennar's escort to the Palace, and one she was not happy about taking.

Magnus moves towards Aislynn. He walks slowly, leaning heavily on that staff of his. He makes no effort to sit down though as he finds he thinks better on his feet. This is evidenced by the slow pacing. He looks to the queen and begins with a question. "Things do not go well on your southern frontiers my Queen. When first we spoke, I felt speaking of it could be delayed, but a courier has recently brought me news of some grave new developements."

Lifting a pale golden brow quizzically, Aislynn inquires, "But I had thought the borders between Murandy and Andor were quite secure, Lord Magnus. My husband has made several journeys there, to survey the situation, and all reports were in the positive. What are these new developments of which you speak?"

Shalayne turns a worried frown to Deveran. She reaches without thinking for his hand, unsure of what is unfolding here, but getting the distinct impression that it is not particularly good.

Deveran takes a comforting hold of Shalayne's hand and keeps his attention upon the Queen and Magnus, wondering what will unfold.

Magnus shakes his head. "For the moment, those reports are correct. Our borders are in no immediate danger. Tell me, what do you know of Queen Sydelle?"

Demonder offers a light smile to Rennar, barely noticing the Roesone guard as he takes a standing position beside Rennar. Demonder's arm touches up Rennar's shoulder as he watches the Queen and Magnus.

As perceptive as she is, Rennar did not completely miss Demonder's coming into the room. She nods to him cordially, offering no smile or any other expression. She seems rather uncomfortable in the enviroment surrounding her, however takes it with grace and ease. A brow lifts at certain intervals of Magnus's words, and a small frown forms on her lips.

Aislynn shrugs lightly at Magnus' question. "She is, historically, much like former Murandian Royalty: not able to unite her country behind her into a unified whole. From what I know, there are very few who swear loyalty to her. Most swear loyalty to this or that Lord...." She regards Magnus speculatively as she finishes.

Magnus nods. "I see you have been keeping up with things. This is good. You are of course correct. I was the one chosen to be Andor's ambassador of good will when she was corronated. As I recall the event seemed more like a funeral then a corronation..." He stops his pacing. "Things are changing in Murandy."

Saying nothing, Aislynn simply listens to this, her head cocked in an attitude of attention, as she nods for Magnus to continue; for, obviously, he has much more to say.

That curious expression is now being replaced by a look that's unreadable. Thus far, this information is public knoweledge, except perhaps for the changes. Rennar gently smoothes over her skirts once more, picking some imaginary hair or lint from them as she continues to listen, then folds her hands in her lap.

Magnus says "Opposition to the queen is nothing new in Murandy. Leaders come and they go. She is not particularly strong, but then again they have not been either...until now. Queen Sydelle is currently fighting for her political life. I think that this is a fight she will lose."

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

Aislynn waves one hand in dismissal at this subject. "As you say, this sort of thing has come and gone throughout Murandian history. If there came one strong enough to unite the whole of the country behind him---or her---I would be much surprised..."

Greydon steps briskly into the room, his travelling cloak billowing behind him.

Rennar sits upon one of the velvet settees within the sitting room. The Queen sits not too far off from her side, and Demonder stands just behind or off to the side of her. She is currently, half-heartedly paying attention to Magnus.

Aislynn rises when she sees her husband, looking somewhat surprised. She moves across the room toward him, and gestures at Lord Magnus, "Greydon, this is Lord Magnus....of House Trigarin. Lord Magnus, this is my husband, Lord Greydon. I was not sure if the two of you had met heretofore."

Magnus nods removing a leather puch from one of his jacket pockets. "I fear you are in for a suprise then for such a leader I believe has risen in the form of one Lord Renford Fiores." He pulls a mass of folded cloth out of the leather pouch and begins unfolding it. From the looks of it it appears to be a flag

Rio walks out of Rio Sedai's Suite.

Greydon smiles brightly as he joins the small group, then puts on a exaggerated pout. "Murandy? Don't tell me I have to go back.. I just finished dealing with them."

Magnus turns as he is introduced and bows to the Prince.

Rio walks down the hallway of the guest quarters until she reaches the noble's sitting room. She pauses at the entryway, looking at the various people who are gathered there as if cataloging who is about. Then, with an easy stride, she moves in close enough to be included in the conversation.

Greydon turns to face the Lord Magnus and inclines his head politely. "A pleasure.. I trust Caemlyn has welcomed you properly?"

Aislynn nods politely to Rio, "Ah, Rio Sedai. I am glad you are here. This converstion may well involve you....."

Magnus smiles and nods, not wishing to upset the prince...that will come in good time. "It has."

Greydon shoots a sidelong glance at his wife, trying to hide his disappointment at this welcome.

Demonder eyes skim across as this room slowly becomes to get crowded in. Even then, he manages a light wink in Rio's direction, but then decides to settle upon the seat beside Rennar before it is taken. There's a measure of surprised quieteness about him, not being so well in the perception, he makes it a little more obvious that he's paying attention.

Magnus unfolds the cloth. It is indeed a banner. He lays it on the floor for you all to see. It is black cloth with the image of a burning red shield set in the center, upon that shield is a black lance.

Shalayne remains sitting silently on the small couch, seeming almost frozen in place gripping Deveran's hand and watching the situation with a worried frown.

Rio inclines her head politely to Aislynn, she doesn't curtsey of course, no Aes Sedai would do so, but there is a friendiness about the way that Rio regards the young Queen. When Aislynn speaks, she lifts a single eyebrow and then nods in understanding. "Of course," she murmers quietly.

The young Queen takes Greydon's hand, and leads him quickly over to where she was formerly sitting. She gestures for him to sit down next to her. "Now. Greydon, it would seem that Lord Magnus is here to bear news of something toward in Murandy." She glances over curiously as Magnus unfurls the standard.

Greydon takes his place next to the young Queen, his attention focused on Magnus.

At seeing the sigil upon the floor, Rennar's face pales three times the normal whiteness, "Oh light..." She exclaims, starting to shiver where she sits. Fear, true fear, enters her eyes. It is obvious she's seen that particular thing somewhere before.

As the queen and her prince take a seat, Rio Sedai also finds a place of her own where she can observe the shield without obstruction. Gray eyes flicker toward Demonder, but otherwise take little notice of the man that is seated beside the Lady Rennar. Instead, she seems content to merely observe what is going on with the participatants of the room.

Aislynn glances quickly at Rennar, "What is it, Rennar?" she says, quietly, though she has noticeably tensed at her friend's reaction.

Deveran seems merely to calmly absorb the conversation of the room. His eyes go to the standard and seem to try to decypher its meaning.

Magnus says "This is the sigil of House Fiores of Murandy. I do not know for sure how or why, but in what I can only call pure anarchy, the people of Murandy are rallying to it, defying established law and convention. It is war really. Supporters of thequeen are being hauled out into the streets and hung..."

Greydon frowns, his eyes narrowing.

Aislynn swallows hard at this news, and clasps her husband's hand a bit more tightly. "Go on...." she admonishes Magnus. She does not look particularly fearful...though she does show concern in the depths of her glacial blue eyes.

If Rennar could run from the room, she would. However, grace and decorum remain in check. She takes a few long moments to regain her wits, though that fear remains with her. "The man who came to see my uncle," Rennar does not give Jeffrin a name, "he was wearing that particular symbol. I'd not forget it, anywhere, and he was obviously foreign, I just couldn't place a country to him."

Rennar swallows tightly, "He is the one who... who wanted me killed."

Magnus cocks a brow at Rennar's words. "That rabbit hole goes much deeper then even that I am afraid Lady Rennar."

Shalayne gasps at the news, not fully understanding its implications, but guessing that something is seriously amiss. She holds Deveran's hand in an almost vicelike grip as she continues to watch and listen.

Rio glances at the Lady Hune as she announces her suspisions, "Another one?" Rio's words are quiet however, and more than likely don't carry far. The young Aes Sedai continues to listen.

Aislynn bites her underlip as she hears this, perhaps putting two and two together--with what she knows of the background of the Rennar disappearance. Still--not fearful--she begins to look more and more concerned.

Deveran almost seems to whince at Shalayne before again looking to the room. He does his best to keep his emotions schooled, yet signs of worry peek out.

Greydon interjects, "The border has been quiet.. not even so much a stolen sheep for weeks."

Magnus says "A week before I came here, a number of Queen Sydelle's relatives fled across the border and requested assylum with me. Being a friend of the Queen's I agreed and said they could stay until things blew over. I did not know that Sydelle's sister was the heir apparent...sadly someone else did."

There is now a definitely feeling coming from Rennar that she'd rather be anywhere 'but' here. Seeing that symbol again just brings up too many bad memories. Rio she does not answer, and in fact grows quite quiet. Her fear is not feigned, for any who could tell such things by reading expressions.

"You are telling me that you sheltered the heir-apparent to the Throne of Murandy underneath your roof...and she or he was harmed in some way?" Aislynn's tone is sharp, but the sharpness is not directed toward Magnus, but at the situation that has taken her by surprise.

Magnus nods to Greydon. "So far there has been nothing in the way of military activity on the border. Lord Renford has martialed an army but he is maching it on the palace which is far enough away from us not to be noticed." He pauses. "One evening about 3 weeks ago, my house was...attacked by what I can only assume were assassins. They made no secret of their intent or who they were serving as the flag you see before you was left at the scene by them. They killed all 6 of my guests including the heir apparent...and my grandson." Now there he does pause to catch his breath.

Jhafir jingles out of his room.

Rio glances between Aislynn and Magnus and shakes her head, as if the words that the queen speaks doesn't bode well. The Gray sister glances back at the quarters wing just as her warder enters the room. She gives him a slight nod of acknowledgement. Then, she continues to pay attention as more of the matter is spoken of.

A look of sincere compassion rises in Aislynn's countenance, and she sighs upon hearing this news. As Magnus pauses, she says--softly--"I am sorry to hear that, Lord Magnus. If there is aught that the Throne can do to ease your burden in your time of grief, please ask. You were only doing what any good-hearted Andoran citizen--and member of the Nobility would do. And you weren't repaid too kindly for it, I am afraid...."

Greydon offers his silent condolences as well.

Magnus says "Yes well this is not a time for apologies Queen Aislynn. From the sound of it my family is not the only one these people have harmed. If I were younger and more eager I might suggest that these people had committed an act of war against Andor....but these are different times. There is something you can do though. Without help, I fear Sydelle will not last long against these people...and whoever they are, should they come to power, I think it is safe to say that they are no friends of yours...""

Aislynn nods at this, noncommittally, but acknowledging what Magnus has said. "And what would you have me do, Lord Magnus? Grant Sydelle asylum and perhaps place my own people in the greatest of peril?" She arches a dark brow ever so slightly.

Rennar quirks a brow slightly at Magnus's words, "Those of Murandy would not be very fond of Andoran influence in their affairs. To interfere would be to start a war within our own borders."

Aislynn nods at Rennar's words, her friend having picked up upon her concerns precisely.

Magnus seems now to be speaking more as a man who has lost a loved one then a wise old man. He looks to Rennar, perhaps finding her more easy to confront. "Tell me Lady Rennar..." he looks to Demonder also. "Is there not already one raging within our own borders? Or have I misjudged your reaction?"

Greydon clears his throat, "I sympathize with your loss, Lord Magnus, but it would behoove you to remember where you stand."

Magnus returns his attention to the Queen and the Prince. "Forgive me."

"Murandian blood has been shed within our borders, but not at our fault." Rennar murmurs, "As for any other type of war?" She shakes her head, "No."

Jhafir's appraoch down the hall is heralded by the concert of bells tied in his braids and coat. As he steps into the room from the hall, his eyes instantly lock on Rio as if he'd known where she was sitting before he entered. An eyebrow raises at something unspoken between them, and his posture straightens somewhat defensively as he reacts by looking around at the occupants of the room.

The smooth, pale brow of the young Queen is momentarily disturbed by a frown as she hears Magnus' question. "Not to my knowledge, Sir," she says, a bit indignantly. "A war within the borders? I am not saying we have not had any troubles...but -war- is a fairly strong word...."

Some time ago when Magnus had first produced the sigil, Demonder had obvious recognition of it. But it is not a matter he was going to say a word on, not with so many around. Instead, he simply massages at Rennar's shoulder, watching her carefully.

Greydon's eyebrows rise in surprise.

Although Aislynn is not looking at Greydon to see his expression of surprise, she reaches out a pale hand to comfortingly pat him familiarly on the leg, as if knowing--somehow--what his expression shows. "Be easy, Greydon," she says, quietly. "There is much we need to speak of...." Those words seem to hold fathoms of undercurrents.

Magnus smiles for some reason. It seems oddly out of place given what he has just been saying. "You do with this news what you will. Just do it knowing that I do not believe Queen Sydelle will be in her station much longer and that her replacement has thus far shown no scruples in harming Andoran citizens."

"You cannot be certain that it was this Lord Renford himself who ordered my execution." Rennar speaks out, sitting up and becoming more herself, "Uniforms and sigils can be stolen and remade. For all way know, it could have been Queen Sydelle's doing ot make certain Andor got involved in their happenings, and turned the country in another direction."

Aislynn regards Magnus blankly, expressionlessly, for a few moments as this sinks in. Although a brow rises sharply at his seeming change of mannerism, it is well known that shock at the death of relatives can make people behave in very strange ways. As Rennar speaks, her glacial eyes are dragged to her friend, and she continues her speculative expression, still not speaking.

Magnus nods "Perhaps, perhaps not. If there is anything more the crown wishes me to do concerning this matter, I shall be in Caemlyn for one week longer. After that I must return to see to the safety of my house. You all respond as you see fit but I will warn once again that this is a matter that deserves prompt action...whatever that action may be." He reaches again into his jacket pocket and produces a letter sealed with the wax sigil of house Trigaran.

Rio nods slightly as Magnus announces his intentions to stay, as if the Aes Sedai were making a mental note of it. Her attention remains mainly focused upon Aislynn and Greydon, gauging their reactions.

Aislynn rises, as she recognizes that Lord Magnus is about to depart. "This is interesting and strange news that you have brought us, Lord Magnus. I shall speak it over with several persons, and get back to you as soon as possible." She offers him a faint smile, "You are well respected in Caemlyn, and were one of my Mother's advisors. If you wish, you are free and welcome to join in the deliberations. We could, perhaps, use the perpective of one who is part of these events...in whatever capacity."

Magnus nods in response to Aislynn's words. "I am at your desposal for one more week." He hands the queen the letter. "This is for your eyes only Queen Aislynn. It is of a highly personal nature and I feel it is something you should be aware of. Again, the time you waste in arming me to deal with it...is your own."

Magnus speaks in such a manner that suggests this is not the time for dilly dallying.

Aislynn nods to Lord Magnus, and takes the letter in one slender, pale hand, tucking it behind her belt. "There shall be no time wasted, Lord Magnus," Aislynn says, in clipped tones. "I will send for you anon...."

Greydon bristles at Magnus' departing words, but holds his tongue.

Magnus bows with what grace he can muster to the queen and the Prince. "I thank you both for your time and consideration in this matter." That said, he turns to leave.

Rennar remains seated where she is, her eyes narrowing slightly at Magnus's words to the Queen. She remains quiet, watching as he turns to leave.

Aislynn watches the old Noble go, and then turns back to cast an eye upon everyone gathered here, in turn.

Magnus walks leaves the sitting room and walks out onto the balcony.

Deveran glances over to Shalayne as everyone starts to make their way out.

Shalayne still looks frozen in place, worry written all over her face.

Unconsciously, Aislynn idly fingers the letter that is secreted behind her belt, though she does not draw it out yet, in order to read it. She glances at everyone speculatively, especially Jhafir and Rio, and inquires, "Now. What shall we make of this? Should I assume that there is some deliberate misdirection there.....or should I take it for face value? Either way could prove a dangerous trap...." she muses.

Deveran squeezes Shalayne's hand and then starts to rise. "If you would excuse us, Your Majesty.."

"There is no way to assume which is truth and which is false, your Majesty," Rennar starts off, speaking with her growing formality. "Not unless you send someone you can trust to spy upon those within Murandy, someone they are not aware of who works with you."

Aislynn nods to Shalayne and Devaran. "Of course. And thank you for staying....If you have any ideas upon this matter, pleae do not hesitate to tell me." Her eyes flash somewhat as she says, "And please: this is not to go beyond these doors..."

Greydon takes his seat once again and perches his head upon on hand, his finger extended to tap his lips thoughtfully. "I spoke truth when I said the border has been quiet... unusually so. I took it to be a good omen, but I may have been putting too bright a face on things." He sits up straight once more, "Apparently, Lord Magnus' accounting was not... the first sign of trouble in Andor." He gives Rennar a meaningful look.

Shalayne stands up, giving the Queen a deep curtsey before she leaves the room. "Of course, your Majesty," she replies to her words.

Rio shrugs slightly. "Misdirection is often the way of noble houses, Queen Aislynn," she murmers in agreement. Rio's gaze takes in the letter that is tucked into the Queen's belt briefly, "Is there a reason that you bring this up to me?" She glances up at her warder, standing nearby.

Aislynn ponders Rennar's words for a moment, and nods to her, "I shall have to take that under consideration, Rennar," she says. Looking toward Rio, she nods, "Perhaps. If this situation escalates, as Lord Magnus fears, there may be some cause to have the Gray step in to smoothe things over...."

Deveran bows deeply to Aislynn. "Of course your Majesty." He then starts to lead Shalayne towards her room.

Shalayne walks through a pair of white doors, leading into a private chamber.

Deveran walks through a pair of white doors, leading into a private chamber.

Rio inclines her head a bit more deeply than normal. "It would be an honor to serve in this purpose, Sister."

Aislynn inclines her head to Rio, "And I also ask you because you are, perhaps, far more experienced in such matters than I." She gestures to Jhafir, "Perhaps Prince Jhafir is, as well. While I have had considerable experience with internal turmoil, things between the nations have been quiet since before my Mother's time..."

Demonder watches the Queen, Prince, High Seat of House Hune, and Queen's advising Aes Sedai, discuss matters that are likely beyond his comprehension. Or at least beyond his position in doing anything more then nodding slowly. He is to be Rennar's husband, but he is not yet.

Rio shakes her head. "I would not discredit your skills, Aislynn. You have done well since you have returned to your throne here in Caemlyn. Still, this is what I had trained for in the tower and I shall certainly do what I can to aid you..." she looks again at Jhafir, "As my warder will do as well." she finishes, although there is a slight hesitation in her words as she does so.

Aislynn nods to Rio, smiling faintly, perhaps relieved. "I must work carefully, though...."

Aislynn continues, "If this does develop into a major situation involving Andor, I must handle it myself."

Rio smiles at the young queen, "Care is always taken in all that you do. And do not feel that you must do it all alone. You have many friends here that will be on hand to do what we must." Rio pauses, "Do you have a plan to determine if what this man says today is true?"

Aislynn shakes her head, "Not yet." She gestures at Rennar, "Perhaps it is as she says: we should send someone to spy out the situation....But then again, Lord Magnus spoke of haste, and that would take some time."

Jhafir looks over at Aislynn, "I am ignorant of the matter discussed, Your Majesty, and do not propose to teach geese to fly."

Rennar starts to rise from her own seat, smoothing over the skirts of her dress. She glances between all those present, pressing her lips together into a fine line. "I do not know that I can give council on these matters, your Majesty, on Lord Trigaran's word alone. Perhaps there is another nearby that you know who could tell you of the current situation within the country? Surely, if there is war, there are refugees?"

Aislynn nods to Rennar, "Of course there are. I shall have someone ride to the border, perhaps going into Murandy, and spy out the situation. He may have to kill several horses, but we need the information...." She rises, smoothing her skirts and taking the letter from behind her belt. "I thank you all fo reamining. I shall see what this letter holds, and perhaps we can meet again soon."

Demonder walks through a pair of gilded doors, into the Queen's Chambers.

Greydon rises alongside his Queen and proffers an arm.

Demonder walks from the Queen's Chambers, entering the Sitting Room.

Rio nods to Aislynn as she prepares to depart. "Peace be upon you, Queen Aislynn," she says respectfully.

Aislynn smiles warmly to Rio and Rennar, "The Light illumine you....all...."

Demonder stands as Rennar does, his eyes moving across those within the sitting room. He bows once again to the Queen once again, as apparantly this meeting is over.

Rennar nods after Aislynn before her eyes come to rest briefly on the Prince. She offers a faint smile, nods to him, then starts to walk toward the stairs herself. The smile upon her face is wan and worn, however, bespeaking of a girl who's turmoil has been turned upside down once more.

Rio remains upon the couch she had first settled upon and gives a nod to the departing nobles as they move on. She appears to be thoughtful.

Demonder walks a few steps beside Rennar, the House Roesone guard following five metres behind. Although Rennar has barely taken notice of Demonder, he does continue to be insistant in his attentions. "That's the same sigil," he whispers quietly to Rennar as they walk toward the steps. "Of the man that threatened me for information." The words barely a whisper, but those near by could hear.

Slowly, Rennar nods, though still remains quiet on the matter, perhaps just not wanting to deal with it at all - or not wanting to discuss it publically. She makes her way to the steps and starts to descend.

You descend the white stairs to the lower levels of the Palace.

Entry Hall: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

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

You can hear the sounds of the evening meal being prepared from somewhere further in the Palace, the smells of freshly baked bread and roasting meat filling the air. Vases of fine Sea Folk porcelain sit upon rich wooden tables around the hall, holding arrangements of freshly cut flowers. A grand circular staircase curves up to the higher levels of the Palace. A long, straight corridor runs to the southwest, and a winding corridor tiled in white leads off to the east. Atop a couple large steps, A great, arched doorway of gleaming white stone faces the high main doors and leads further into the palace.

Demonder descends the white spiral staircase and walks into the Entry Hall.

Demonder follows down the stairs, his eyes growing edged with an emotion that is anything but joyful. Quietly, he considers everything that had gone on upstairs. "Where do you wish to go?" he questions quietly.

Rennar reaches out beside her to take Demonder's hand, sensing his edginess. "Home." She states simply, not wanting to tarry about the palace any longer than necessary, "Or to the Aboretum." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders at the last.

Demonder squeezes the hand that takes his, urging Rennar out from the palace almost with as my eagerness as she has the need to leave. The single guard is joined by another as they pass through the entry hall and into the courtyard. "You did not see anything around Lord Magnus?" he asks in a casual tone, one that could mean a number of things, but to Rennar it would be clear.

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

You walk north through the tall double doors, toward the Palace Courtyard.

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.

Small groups of Queen's Guards patrol the area, keeping it safe from any intrusion. The smell of delicious foods cooking fills the air. 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.

"Why would I?" Rennar speaks quietly, a frown forming on her features at Demonder's casualness about things, and perhaps his particular wording.

Demonder shrugs a shoulder slowly. "I just thought you might have views something," he speaks quietly, leading them on their way out of the palace fast enough. "Do you give credit to Lord Magnus' words?"

"I do not personally know Lord Magnus to give his words credit. Aislynn may know him, and trust him, but it would have been my father who dealt with him, or my brother." Rennar gives a shrug of her shoulders, not speaking of viewings - with nothing to be spoken about upon them. She already yelled out once about them, she's not about to speak in public over anything she may have seen.

"The sigil." Demonder begins, shaking his head, before squeezing Rennar's hand softly. "The times grow dangerous with time, Renni. If that is the same sigil that I witnessed from the man that persisted on wanting information... then we know where the threat to the Queen comes from. But still, not who."

"Were I attempting a grab for power, I would not so foolishly flaunt my own symbol in front of all to show others exactly where to exact revenge. If this person, this Lord Renford, is behind these things, then he is a fool." Rennar states quietly, shaking her head from side to side as she moves out of the palace grounds. "Since I do not think most nobles fools, I'd like to believe someone else is behind matters, and causing a ruse for us to believe it is he - however there are people such as my uncle running about, so..." She sighs deeply, "It is hard to see things clearly."

Demonder nods his head with reasonable agreement. "Let's speak about it more within your estates. I fear there are too many unknowns while something troubling is occuring within the dark streets of Caemlyn."

Demonder walks through the guarded gates, to the Queen's Plaza.

"Honestly, I would rather not dwell on the topic. I feel for Aislynn's plight but there is nothing I can do to give aid. I am still recovering from my own losses." Rennar speaks, her voice a touch curt on the matter. She wants nothing to do with anything that has to do with that particular symbol, and it shows.