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.

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

You sit down at Northwest Garden Bench.

Sitting in a corner of the Hune gardens is Lady Rennar. She appears to be curled up upon one of the benches, reading a book.

Xavier walks into the courtyard, eyes searching. Upon seeing Lady Rennar, he walks over toward the bench, quietly so as not to disturb, but takes a wide line so he can be seen approaching.

Today is Fourday, 27 Adar, 998 NE. It is a Spring afternoon.

Well, with her nose in a book, it does take a few long moments before Rennar notices Xavier. When she does, she gently closes it and keeps it on her folded lap. A questioning gaze enters her eyes, "Good afteroon, Xavier." Her voice is a soft murmuring as she greets her Bard.

Xavier manages a more flurid than usual gentle bow as he arrives near the bench. "Good afternoon to you, my Lady. I hope I am not overly disturbing you, but may I be so bold as to join you for a moment? There are a few things I would speak with you about, if I may."

Demonder pulls open the gate and comes in from the path.

"Please call me Rennar." The young noble woman insists, "I'll not have formality amongst my staff in the midst of their own home unless I'm entertaining guests." Mistress Genette might have warned about this previously, though the shock of it was probably too crazed to believe. "This is your home as well." With that she pulls her feet closer to her, then with a single motion of her hand, invites Xavier to take a seat, "Now, what is it you wish to speak about?" She murmurs from her position along one of the garden benches.

"Thankyou, my La..., er, Rennar." replies Xavier, as he sits at the opposite end of the bench.

Xavier sits down at Northwest Garden Bench.

Demonder casually makes his way into the courtyard, nodding to a few of the Roesone guards that might be scattered within. It doesn't take him long to spot Rennar and Xavier, though he notices them in a conversation, and decides to take the long scenic route.

Sadi pulls open the gate and comes in from the path.

Sadi comes walkin in from the street carryin a bowl of fresh fruit she just bought.

At your bench, Turning slightly on the bench to face his patron more directly, Xavier speaks. "This won't take long, Rennar. I just wanted to clear something with you, or rather, ask your permission about it, should I say. I've been invited to manage in the construction of Camelyn's newest theatre, and I'd like to accept."

Rennar sits at a bench in the gardens, speaking quietly to Xavier. She does not notice the two new entrants as of yet.

A brow lifts slightly at those words spoken to her. Rather than whispering as Xavier does, Rennar speaks out more fully, "If that is your desire, Xavier, I will not stop you. Your work will always be welcome and admired here, and House Hune will continue to support it until such a time you feel you need to move on."

Xavier smiles, and speaks more loudly also, not realising that he had been whispering, perhaps through nerves at speaking to his patron on a first-name basis. "I hope I never do feel the need to move on. I like it here very much. That is only part of my request, however. I have been working on my epic, that of the story of House Hune."

Demonder continues to take the scenic route around the courtyard until nearing Rennar and Xavier as they speak. He's been in lighter moods, no doubt, but that level of stress is beginning to releave itself from his eyes.

Xavier looks up, realising that others are in the grounds, more important and with more important demands on their time than he, and shifts on the bench, appearing slightly uncomfortable.

Only when Xavier pauses his words and looks away, does Rennar finally realize there's others present. She spies out Demonder first, greeting him with a wan smile and a nod of the head. Meanwhile, she does answer Xavier, "Then, I hope you shall continue to remain here. You had another part to your request....?" She glances sideways toward Xavier before turning her attention toward Sadi next, "Cousin." She greets, calling out over the courtyard.

Sadi waves but isn't one to interact when she doesn't need to. She pops a grape into her mouth and heads to some quiet spot.

It doesn't take long for Demonder to spot Sadi. Whatever casual manner he had before stiffins for a few short moments. Demonder coughs lightly into his hand, clearing his throat, before approaching Rennar with a look that gives no indication to his feelings. "Thank-you for inviting me, Renni," he begins slowly, not really wanting to interrupt any conversation she has been having.

Xavier turns slightly to regard the fruit-bearing lady, and then turns his attention back to the bench. "Yes. With your permission, I'd like to ask the Queen's permission to perform some, if not all of it on the opening night. I shall provide you with a transcript well in advance of the performance, of course, to ensure its suitability, but that is my wish." Hearing the Lord behind clear his throat, Xavier turns once more. "Ah, I'm sorry, my Lord, am I intruding? I can return later." Xavier makes a move to stand.

Demonder shakes his head. "Not at all, just saying my greetings to Renni," he insists quickly at Xavier's words. There is a faint bit of something in the lord's eyes as he looks to Rennar with a slight tilt of his head.

Rennar regards Sadi a few brief moments, then turns back to Demonder as he speaks, "You are always welcome here, Demonder. Afterall, you are to be my husband." Somehow, her words were not as warm as they could have been. Could it be she's still upset by the Guardsman Sorenis? Emerald eyes flicker to Xavier as he starts to speak. "Before I can give permission, I would have to see the transcript of your Epic, Xavier. And you are not intruding at all."

Sadi pops another grape into her mouth as she flops herself down in the little spot of the garden she has claimed for herself.

Xavier nods quickly. "I understand completely. I am working on another piece also, of a more personal nature, so with your permission I will ask the Queen if I may play, but not specify the title of the piece until a later date. That should leave all avenues open, so to speak." He blushes slightly, as if realising how candidly he is speaking in front of high ranking nobility about trifling issues.

Demonder spends a few long moments watching Rennar carefully, before finally nodding faintly. Yes, that guard Sorenis which isn't anywhere around, Demonder would soon notice as he slowly begins to walk a few steps away to allow the other conversation to continue without his interference. Demonder's eyes scan the courtyard.

Sadi lays on the grass eating fruit which she likes very much. Pretty simple this one. So long as she's comfortable, she's happy and judging by the way she has laid herself out on the grass...she's pretty comfortable.

"Xavier, you do not need permission to play any piece you create, unless you mean to debase House Hune in some manner. I support your talents, but I do not restrict you from using them." A slightly exasperated tone takes to Rennar's voice, though she does offer a soft smile.

Xavier grimaces slightly. "Of course, I meant no offence... Ah, my La..., I mean, Rennar, I apologise for my fumbling about. I am finding it slightly difficult to adjust to the candidness and openess of persons such as yourself - things are very different in Cairhien! From now on I shall only bother you with things that are more important. I am sorry if I have caused offence, it was not my intention. I was only trying to be as I thought a subject should, and, quite obviously, I am mistaken. Not, " he smiles, "that I am sorry I am mistaken. I find it even more difficult to avoid speaking my mind. Anyway, I ramble, as I usually do when not shivering with fright. I will leave you to your book, Rennar, and I thankyou for the conversation. I'll leave a transcript with you when I finish it."

Demonder paces away with a slight amusement as Xavier's words trail off from his hearing. Well, at least he's getting a kind tempered Rennar, something that Demonder has been lacking off late. The lord heads for one of the guards within the courtyard, and begins a quiet conversation with him. But now, he's more faced toward Rennar as he speaks to the guard.

Rennar chuckles faintly, her amused expression showing no offence at all, "I am not offended. I merely wished to let you know Lord Xavier, that I am not some hardened task mistress. I would not want the others to get that impression. I would very much enjoy the transcript, and if you've other things to do, I'll not bother you more."

Although slightly more relaxed, the mention of "Lord" Xavier turns the young bard into near apoplexy. "You are not bothering me, at all," he manages to get out, somewhat red-faced.

Demonder continues on his little conversation with the guard until finally satisfied he knows nothing more now then he did before. The lord looks to Sadi once more, and although another time it would have been polite to discuss issues with her, he avoids it for the longest of time. Until finally, he nods to the guard and steps away.

Sadi does not seem like she is in any hurry to discuss issues with anbody. She is well aware that people don't care for her very much around here, this is why her little corner of the garden is nicely removed from everyone else.

Xavier smiles. "You are not bothering me at all, Rennar, and I very much doubt, as powerful a Lady as you are, that you will ever be able to do so. Even so, it would be better if I were on my way - I have been stuck on a single bar for two days now, but I believe I have thought of just the harmony... I must write it down before I forget."

Rennar nods her head and smiles warmly at Xavier, "Very well then..." With that, she turns her attention to Demonder, observing him quietly for a few moments.

Xavier stands and leaves Northwest Garden Bench.

Xavier takes the opportunity to quietly slip out of the gardens, back to his work.

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

Demonder slowly makes his way over toward Rennar as he spots Xavier leaving. The lord takes a deep breath, releasing it slowly, as he approaches his intended. He'd almost ask if everything was well, but the question clearly not appropriate. "What are the plans for this evening?" he simply asks.

Rennar gives a small shrug of her shoulder, responding quietly, "Sitting right here and reading my book."

Demonder mutters something under his breath before taking a seat next to Rennar. His body turns to her, broad shoulders nearly brushing against hers as he does. "Renni. You're not too angry with me, right?" he asks in a slightly hopeful tone. Even now the hint of playfulness comes across. But only the barest hint.

The young Lady shrugs her shoulders in response to Demonder's words. "You meant well. I will get over it eventually." Rennar keeps her feet pulled up to her, and re-opens her book to read just as she had stated she'd be doing for the evening, perhaps figuring Demonder is simply there to watch and guard her as others are.

Demonder's do darken a touch as Rennar simply does indeed go to read her book. "Would eventually be sometime tonight?" he finally asks with a simple tilt of his head. Demonder continues in a lighter tone.

"I doubt it Lord Demonder. When you get angry, do you always let it go so easily?" Rennar counters Demonder's words, flipping the page within her book. She's not ignoring him, in fact she's well aware of his position, and perhaps even his expression - a keen awareness she has of her surroundings.

"I do with you," Demonder answers honestly, not seeing Rennar's awarness of him, but rather her lack of obvious attention for him. "It would seem unfortunate that at a time where we need each other most, we'd be arguing over points of why you require a personal guard." That's when Demonder lifts his head enough to look around. "A personal guard that isn't even here."

"I told him to go spend some time with his family. I had no intention of leaving the manor this day." Rennar shrugs her shoulders a bit. "I never argued the points of why I require a guard. However, I'd prefer /House/ guards to watch over my entire family, to someone singly devoted to myself. I'd /also/ have prefered to help pick out the person in charge of my /personal/ safety."

Sadi is now asleep in her little nook of the garden. :)

"Of course," Demonder responds rather promptly to the last of Rennar's words. "As I said, it was only in the matter of haste that a guard was assigned to you without your consolation. We are free to discuss changing the roles of the guard while Sorenis is your current protector." There's a bit of a pause, Demonder turning his body even further toward Rennar. "There are guards being assigned to protect your House, yes. But I'd prefer a guard that is assigned to protecting you, so there are no mistakes in the roles they serve within House Hune. I think this an appropriate move, insuring your security as best we can."

"It's already been proven that no matter how well security is about the House, things can still occur to place one in danger, Demonder, personal guard or no." There is a hint of stubborness within Rennar's voice as she speaks. "Things will happen, whether we wish for them to occur or not."

"Clearly I'm not going to throw my hands in the air and loosen security on that logic," Demonder's response comes quickly after Rennar's. "Holes in your safety will be attacked, Renni. I'd keep as much guard as possible, in hopes of preventing things we do not wish to happen, even if we can't prevent everything."

"Or, you could simply lock me in the same closet as my uncle, and set the guard outside the door." Irritation seems to settle upon Rennar now, perhaps showing just how much she's possibly being stiffled.

"But..." Demonder responds first without thinking, and then he decides to go toward other means. Lifting from his seat, he kneels before Rennar in attempts to gain her attention. Demonder's hand also moves unto her arm. "Renni, you can do as you please, just with a guard that follows you. Unless you make it a habit to run around the more dangerous areas of Caemlyn, I can't see how this inconveniences you?"

Rennar does not look in Demonder's direction, eyes fixed on the book who's page she turns again. "I do not fancy having someone watch every move that I make, always looking over my shoulder. It is not a warm nor kind feeling to have to be watched as if I were a child."

"He's not here to watch you," Demonder nearly pleads. "He's there to watch what goes on around you. Renni, I already lost you once, and granted having a guard assigned to you would have mattered little.. but why make it easy for someone that wants to repeat your uncle's crime?" Demonder's head drops for a moment.

"My uncle did not want to have me killed, or to kill me." Those words are odd coming from Rennar's lips, and even more odd is the tone of voice she uses. "We are dealing with a very different type of person than he. One I've yet to figure out fully."

"And isn't that enough? The idea that someone did want you dead?" Demonder pleads quietly, though his words barely a whisper now as he looks up at Rennar. "I don't want to lose you. And I know that we walk the streets each day being vulnerable to anyone that wishes harm upon us. But every bit helps, Renni. And I don't know what to make of those that work in the undergrounds against Andor. I have not the slightest."

"The idea that someone wants me dead frightens me, however it is a fact of life that I must deal with in my own way. I'd rather not have the decisions made for me, that I have to complacently sit by and accept." Rennar responds to Demonder's words, closing her book with an obvious thud and turning her emerald gaze to the man who is to be her husband.

"I don't want to lose you," Demonder repeats in faint words as his eyes meet Rennar's. "I'll call off Sorenis." Demonder turns away at his own words, and stands up. "I've felt helpless since you were taken away, helpless when you've returned. And I've seen you in such pain through all this, but you don't reach out to me for comfort, for help." Demonder's hand goes to Rennar's shoulder. His words are not the ones of a man that's angry, but of one that wants to help. "You're right. We're to do this together, not apart."

Finally, after a few moments, Rennar responds, "I have been through a rather large ordeal. And, I understand you have as well. I am unused to sharing such feelings with other people, being thrust in variuos situations after another. I do not seek comfort, just to get past the situation so that my life may continue in some semblance of order." She lays some emphasis on that last statement, "However it has to be order that I have aid in chosing, not something someone else chooses for me." Her eyes carefully regard Demonder, her tone light and never once raising, perhaps a means of her trying to stress her own views and situation. "I have not stopped feeling helpless, but I choose to not let that stop me from doing what I would normally do in any given situation. I cannot hide from what challenges life has to offer, I can only live life as it is offered to me." She sighs softly, turning her eyes away from Demonder, "I am trying to include you more in the things that I do, but things take time to adjust."

"I know, love." Demonder returns to his seat next to Rennar, his arm slipping around her waist as he encourages her closer to him. "I do not wish you to hide, or to lock you up. Only to help you find happiness." The word is so foreign on his tongue now, unlike months ago when they were discussing their wedding plans before any of this happened.

And she does move closer to Demonder, if only to make him happier in the end. She's not missed his growing distress, yet at the same time needs her own space. "And I will find it. /We/ will find it." She does not exclude Demonder from this fate, "I just need time to heal."

Demonder holds Rennar closer, though it would not feel the same if she truly ached for his touch like he would hers. For the longest time Demonder simply nods and enjoys the warmth of Rennar near him. "There are those that know too much. At times I'd rather have us escape from here, even when I know it not possible. What will we make of Lord Magnus?"

"You wish to escape from here?" Rennar seems to perk up slightly at the words spoken, an idea perhaps forming. Her eyes turn to meet Demonder's to earnestly regard his seriousness.

"It was easier in Tar Valon," Demonder's voice is quiet as he thinks. "The Ogier Grove, where we'd watch the stars at night. Where I proposed to you. It would be a welcoming sight, to be back there once again."

"You did not answer my question." Rennar points out, her eyes still studying Demonder's features in a quiet manner.

Demonder nods slowly, eyes looking to the ground for the most part. "We can't escape from Caemlyn, I know it. But yes, if we could, I'd take the first chance we could to leave."

At Demonder's words, Rennar rises from her seat, just leaving him there. She moves off toward the House and disappears inside. Odd, her actions. One of the servants watches curiously, though a knowing gaze passes over their features.

Sadi sits up and beckons Demonder with her hand. Ok so maybe she wasn't quite as sleepy as she was letting on. She looks like she has something to say though...

Demonder stands as Rennar does, and watches her leave with a mixed expression. That he hadn't expected. Demonder does make a motion to follow her, and will, but Sadi does catch his attention on the way. "Yes?" The words are short, as his mind seems elsewhere. He stops for a moment where she lays.

Sadi sits up and talks quiet like to Demonder

For whatever reason Rennar went into the House, it does not take long for her to return. In her hands is a picnic basket, with a blanket sitting on the top. She pauses just outside the door to take stock of the situation, seeing that Demonder is not where he was when she left.

Demonder nods slowly to Sadi's words, his eyes coming across Rennar as she returns. There's a bit of surprise in his eyes as he sees her carying the blanket.

Demonder whispers to Sadi a few simple words, though clearly there is a level of dislike for the woman that forms with each moment that he stands beside her.

Spying Demonder near Sadi, Rennar gives pause, almost seemingly to second guess her actions. She regards the two in what almost seems to be suspicion, though keeps her face as neutral as possible.

Sadi leans back on her elbows still talkin all quiet like but obviously tryin to wrap up

Demonder nods with a little impatience. "Something to consider. Thank you, Lady Sadi." The term 'lady' is stressed only in the slightest, before he nods his head to Sadi and begins to head toward Rennar.

Sadi sighs. That's what she gets for trying to help...see if she ever does it again.

Rennar shifts the picnic basket to another hand, eyes still moving between Sadi and Demonder, even though he now moves toward herself. "Having a pleasant conversation with my cousin?" She inquires of Demonder, keeping her voice neutral.

Demonder turns to look toward Sadi for a moment, before returning his attention on Rennar. "Attempting to." Those are his simple words on the subject, eyes looking to her as though indicating there might be more to tell later when they are alone. "Are we going somewhere?" he asks quietly, eyes moving between basket and blanket.

Confusion besets Rennar's eyes, "You did say you wished to get away, yes?" Her hands balance the basket with no problem, almost seeming to be quite familiar with the weight inside.

"I did." There is a hint of a smile that can't help but press on Demonder's lips. He young lord offers his arm to Rennar. "Where shall we go?"

"Follow me." Is all Rennar states before moving to the exit of the manor.

Demonder nods simply, doing just that as Rennar heads out.

Weaving through the various warrens and alleys within the city, Rennar finally makes her way to the city gates. There, she pauses and glances at Demonder. "You are still certain you wish to do this?" She inquires one last time, eyes seriously observing him.

Dust clouds rises in the air, as horse and it's rider passes by in a hurry, much to the annoyance of the visitors to the Farmer's Market.

Demonder head turns quickly to Rennar as they are near the gates. "On foot? Just like this?" he asks without really realizing that Rennar could have been serious on this issue.

"Aye, on foot, just like this." Rennar nods her head, her expression well hidden. Before Demonder has a chance to respond, or think much else about it, Rennar goes through the open gates and heads out into the open road, to where the edge of a forest appears nearby.

There is way too much to think about before simply disappearing into the night, and yet Demonder doesn't hesitate as he walks through the gates to follow behind Rennar. This footsteps are heavier at first as he catches up, and then begin to slow. For the longest time he's not certain what to say, until finally he looks to the basket and the blanket. "You've had this planned for some time? I thought we were only going on a picnic."

"We are." Rennar waits on the road for Demonder, simply regarding him. She's not about to give things away, keeping all expressions neutral. "Unless you'd rather just eat in the Aboretum, or in the House yard?"

"Thank the light," Demonder responds all too quickly, clearly believing this was more then just a picnic trip. "Here is good," he encourages, following Rennar wherever she leads through this road. "Are we camping over the night?" he teases with a questioning look.

Travelers with dust stained cloaks enter through the gate.

"That will depend." There is a note of seriousness to Rennar's own voice as she responds. She starts moving down the road once more, until a little ways away from the city gates she stops and a stares at the trees a moment before pressing forward and into the woods. The path is not clearly marked, and would be easily missed were one not to know where to look.

Demonder follows through the path without hesitation, his eyes still peering through brush and tree in case danger were to emerge. But for the most part, he seems to be enjoying this little trip into nowhere. "You've been here before."

"Mmmm." Is all the response that Demonder can seem to get out of Rennar on this particular topic - well, that and a set of shrugging shoulders. The path seems to open up into something more well used and traveled, much like that of a hunters area, then soon breaks itself into a nicely maintained clearing.

You walk into the secluded clearing.

Demonder walks into the secluded clearing.

Dark Forest, Secluded Clearing

Many trees surround you as you walk down the path. Every now and again several paths branch out from the main. You can see spurts of green here in the cold winter white and there and several clearings set up as camp sites from time to time.

The area where are you now, is one such clearing. In the center of the clearing there is a small ring of stones, used to contain the fire. Just a few paces from the stones is a small pile of wood, covered over protectively to ensure dryness for fires. There are several logs about the fire ring and a space to lay down outting gear to sleep close by the fire.

When Demonder follows Rennar into the clearing, he immediately begins to scan the grounds with quiet contemplation. One would almost think he's nervous being outside the city walls, but there's also a great deal of trust as he looks to Rennar. His future wife would not lead him into danger, knowingly, after-all. Demonder begins to gather a few sticks from around the clearing to prepare for a fire, though he doesn't exactly stop watching Rennar.

Glancing over her shoulder, Rennar lifts a brow slightly, then a small smile comes to her lips. She sets down the basket, then moves over to an area that seemsd to be camoflagued. She reaches down and pulls back a dusty type of tarping. Underneath the tarp is a stack of dry wood, kept that way by the tarp from theelements. "These might be of use as well."

Today is Fourday, 27 Adar, 998 NE. It is a Spring evening.

Demonder stops in his small gathering of sticks to peer across at Rennar as she removes the covers. "Where in the Light did you learn about this place?" he all he says with a wonder that is matched in his eyes. The fact that Rennar offers a smile, no matter how small, seems reason enough for Demonder's expression to ease. Already making himself more comfortable, Demonder begins to loosen the axe from his hip as he starts collecting the wood from the stack, and arrange them for the fire.

"When my father hunted, he used to use it as a camp. Other hunters use it as well, when the season is right. I used to come out here all the time, to watch the stars and think things over, but when my father died..." Rennar shrugs her shoulders, needing no indication that she no longer had the time to enjoy this particular spot, "At this time of year, no one comes out here." With that, she moves to where she laid the basket, and starts to work on getting the blanket put into place upon the ground.

It's likely been a few years sincce Demonder has gone camping, but he isn't without some skill. As the wood is set in place, he strings two sticks and begins to cause friction against the dry wood by rubbing a stick in his hands. It takes time, but a light spark triggers the beginnings of a small fire. Demonder's eyes rarely leave Rennar, however. "You must have liked it here," he observes quietly. As the fire does take to some life, Demonder moves toward Rennar near the blanket. "We'll be okay," he states with certainty.

By the time Demonder gets the fire set and burning, Rennar has already started laying out a few glasses, plates, untensils and all the food, varying from some type of chicken, vegetables, and Gennette's apple pie for dessert.

Rennar could have likely taken a nap by the time Demonder finished with the fire. But anyway, he does eventually finish, and settle in beside Rennar. Instantly his hand moves unto her shoulder, and then slips down the curve of her back for a brief moment before Demonder looks to the food. "Gennette's cooking in a mobile container? Now this I can get used too. Is that her pie?" Demonder, of course, reaches for that first.

Actual laughter comes from Rennar as Demonder reaches for the pie. She slaps at his hand, "Not before you eat something else first, and yes, it is."

Demonder looks a little disappointed, as his eyes move between the pie, something else, and Rennar. "But..." his voice trails, and then he decides to not argue. Instead, Demonder holds his recently slapped hand with humor. Demonder reaches for the chicken, and sets asside a larger chunk of the pie for himself for after. "You do realize Genette is going to spoil me once I move in?"

"You've obviously never seen her in the kitchen then." Rennar comments, that amusement clearly spoken within her voice.

"Sorenis can stay." Rennar speaks quietly, after starting in on her own food. She carefully watches Demonder's reaction to her words, tilting her head to the side a bit. She seems comfortable, and at home here. More relaxed than any might have seen her before, and that includes before her kidnapping.

"He ca-? I mean, he can." Demonder's eyes are filled with surprise, whether at Rennar's decision or at her state of relaxation.

"He can." Rennar affirms the words created through Demonder's surprise. She reaches out to portion off bits of chicken and vegetables upon her own plate, only looking up to glance at Demonder brieftly. A brow does raise at his words, lifting in a bit of question, "As I said, it is something I will eventually get over."

That would mean she's still not over it, of course. Demonder nods, cleaning his hands on a napkin before his hand touches upon Rennar's shoulder. He kneels over her a touch, moving behind, and beginning to massage at her shoulders. "You're happier here. I'm surprised you haven't come by here more often?"

Silence lingers briefly. Rennar seems to unconciously lean into Demonder's arms, perhaps wanting of his closeness far more than he could imagine. and the safety that his arms bring to her. "I haven't come more often because I've been inundated with the responsibilities and duties of the House. Even prior to my uncle firing all my servants, I had not had a Steward to help in day to day affairs, and I never had time to find and hire one."

Demonder forgets about the food, massaging her shoulders in deep stroking motions as she leans against him. "We have a bright future to look forward too. One that will have us be together. Where we can enjoy eachother's company, and comfort." With those words, Demonder leans forward to kiss the side of her cheek softly.

The kiss, and the words, brings a small smile to Rennar's lips. "Despite how I've been acting lately, I am looking forward to our pending marriage, assuming we live through this all." Her shoulders are tightly knotted, from all the stress and worry she's been through.

Strong fingers move against the knotted shoulders, caressing them free with hard motions. Demonder takes the palm of his hand, and circles against Rennar's shoulder. "You have? I was beginning to wonder," Demonder almost teases in those words. "With all that's gone wrong, there has to be some Light to shine upon us, Renni." The fingers begin to move down her back, massaging at the knotted muscles.

There is a deep sigh that escapes Rennar, whether by the fingers making motions against her back and shoulders, or by Demonder's words, it is hard to tell. "I do not think that all of our problems are solved, but they are things we can work through."

Demonder moves lower on the blanket, and simply wraps his arms around Rennar to draw her closer to him. As his chest presses upon her chest, Demonder leans forward over her shoulder. His breath can be felt warm on her ear, as he whispers his words of 'I love you' while simply holding her in comfort. "I sometimes fear I will disappoint you as a husband, Renni. I guess that is my insecurity, and a reason why I am the way I sometimes am. It is something I will deal with." His words are quiet, soft.

Gently, ever so gently, Rennar pulls from Demonder's embrace, not wanting to think or believe she doesn't want to be close. She looks up at him, her emerald gaze boldly searching for his own eyes. "I love you." She states with a firmness that leaves little doubt. "And there is no reason to be insecure about that, or about being my husband. My love for you is strong, so strong that it got me through my ordeal. The thought and hope that I would be with you again was what made things bearable."

Demonder twists their bodies around enough so that his lips may reach for his. The kiss is light upon her lips, not meaning to intrude or hint at more then to share the closeness that Demonder feels for Rennar. Moments later, the kiss is released. "You will give me time before expecting any greatness from me when you casually speak with the Queen, Prince, and a few House Heads?" Demonder asks with a light smile.

"I only expect that which you can conceivably give, Demonder." Rennar speaks after the kiss is released and the words spoken. "I expect nothing more, nor anything less."

Demonder smiles lightly at Rennar's words, though not exactly letting his own expectation fall as that. He wants to learn more about her position, and about what being a husband to a High Seat will involve. Demonder releases Rennar for a moment, pushing the fire alive with a few strokes of a nearby stick, before returning his attentions to her. The fire sets a nice glow across them, the crackling of the wood faint and somehow comforting. "Just don't fear opening up to me, Renni," he encourages softly.

As Demonder stokes the fire, Rennar starts to eat pieces of her vegetables and her chicken. She pauses mid-chew to say something, but then thinks better of it, swallowing first before speaking. "I am not afraid of opening up. It's just /hard/ for me to do so. Genette is the only confident I've ever really had and...it's just easier with her. I've known her my entire life."

As Demonder stokes the fire, Rennar starts to eat pieces of her vegetables and her chicken. She pauses mid-chew to say something, but then thinks better of it, swallowing first before speaking. "I am not afraid of opening up. It's just /hard/ for me to do so. Genette is the only confident I've ever really had and...it's just easier with her. I've known her my entire life."

"I understand," Demonder responds honestly, shifting to poke at the fire a few more times. The lord turns to a different subject, one that's been on his mind. "You've been reacting better when seeing viewings," he notes simply.

A simple shrug responds to Demonder's words. "I'm not so certain about that. I just repress my emotions more." Rennar speaks out quietly, continuing to eat her food.