Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

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

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

Leylia arrives with Rennar.

Rennar glancset o Leylia, offering something of an encouraging smile, "Now, don't be frightened. I'm certain the Queen will explain everything once we get there." She murmurs gently, patting one of Leylia's arms.

Leylia inclines her head just slightly, a soft sigh coming to her lips as she looks about, apparently not so sure herself. "I'm not frightened..." though her voice betrays her. "Just...nervous," she says even as she claps her hands together.

Rennar smiles warmly at Leylia, then does something others might find shocking. She calls the Queen by name, "There's no need to be nervous. Aislynn is very understanding, and not at all like most Aes Sedai." With that she leads her young cousin into the gates leading to the gardens.

You walk along a white stone path and into the Queen's Gardens.

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

This circular expanse of garden curves around the backside of the Royal Palace. Flagstone paths meander off through the lush greenery, through trees and many flowering shrubs. Trellises with flowered vines crawl up the gleaming white walls that surround the palace. A white stone courtyard sits at the center of the gardens, with tall columns circling around it, holding up its golden-tiled roof.

The lazy sounds of birds chirping and the breeze blowing through the trees makes you feel like taking a catnap. The trees and flowering shrubs are all in full bloom, their petals and leaves creating rainbow splashes of color and fragrant scents. A white stone path leads back west to the Courtyard and a white stone staircase curves up near the Palace to a balcony that overlooks the gardens.

Aislynn

Sorenis arrives with Rennar.

Leylia arrives with Rennar.

From above, Nicodemus walks onto the balcony from the sitting room.

Behind Rennar and Leylia, giving them a bit of 'moving' room, is Sorenis, the hired hand by Demonder to watch over the Lady Hune. He seems to bring some touch of displeasure to Rennar, for from time to time she looks over her shoulder and frowns at him - yet says nothing to attempt to dismiss him. He stands by the gate way entrance, remaining mostly unobtrusive, despite this being the Queen's domain, and ever on his guard. Rennar talks quietly with Leylia, looking as though she's trying to reassure the young woman, "And she can give you a better description of the Tower than I can." Aislynn might note that this is the first itme Rennar has been back to the Palace since that whole deal with Magnus and his meeting, nor has she gone to see Calisa.

From above, Magnus is sitting quietly on a bench overlooking the gardens

From above, Nicodemus steps out onto the balcony fastening his ashandarei over a shoulder. He inclines his head to the man there.

From above, Nicodemus leaves the balcony and walks down into the garden.

Nicodemus walks down the winding staircase from the balcony and into the garden.

Leylia nods her head slowly as she walks next to Rennar, she seems to be taking very deep and measured breaths, nodding to this or that. But despite Rennar's words, it would seem a definite nervousness is evident in her very demeanor. "I have only a few accounts to go by," she says softly. Not even the girl's older sister being a resource in this situation. "Are you sure Her Majesty will not mind? The birth of her child so recent...I do not wish to impose myself upon her."

"I sent her a missive and she said to come." Rennar responds, not yet noticing the Queen walking about the gardens. "I do not think she would have told us to come if she minded."

Walking only slightly haltingly, Aislynn gracefully treads the paths of the Gardens, taking in the fresh spring air. Two servants nervously wring their hands as they watch her, and trade alarmed looks with each other from time to time. Strangely enough, though she seems not to notice any others, she turns slightly, looking directly at Nicodemus when he enters.

The Cairhienin reaches the bottom of the stair, and immediatly moves toward the queen. Nicodemus' eyes scan the garden area, looking,first, over the garden itself, then those gathered here, and finaly the shadows.

Aislynn changes her course of direction to make her way over to her Gaidin, and the two servants trail after her, a goodly distance behind. Upon her way, she notices the entrance of Rennar and Leylia, and when she approaches Nicodemus, she waits placidly for the two women.

Leylia nods her head slowly. "Right," she says with a sight. "I just...." She shakes her head, seeming to steel herself somewhat and standing a bit straighter. "Yes, you're right. There's nothing to fear." And somehow she hopes that's true as her eyes gaze across the garden and make note of the Queen herself.

Rennar gives her cousin another consoling pat upon the arm, then looks about the gardens, "She did say she'd meet us here..." She lets her voice trail off, keeping her face placidly free of any emotion - it's been like that for a long time now, that and her distance from most people - except perhaps Demonder. Rumor has it that those two are renewing their relationship nicely, after all that has occured. Spying Aislynn and Nicodemus, she nods her head toward the Queen, "There's her Majesty now." Using the familiar in private with her cousin, she switches back to the more formal title of the Queen.

Nicodemus halts in front of the queen, and offers a bow. "Good afternoon Aislynn Sedai." Looking her over a moment or two as he straitens, and then moving to her side he speaks, "Are you well Aes Sedai?"

Perhaps prepared to fend off another scolding for being out and on her feet, Aislynn lifts her chin stubbornly at Nicodemus' question, and replies, somewhat snappishly, "I am -quite- well, thank you, -Gaidin-." With that, she turns to offer the approaching Rennar and Leylia a warm smile.

From above, Magnus watches all the people down below from his comfortable perch on the balcony. He looks upon Nic with a new light now...So he's the gaidin Magnus has been hearing so much about lately.

The Gaidin's demeanor might have changed to sadness after Aislynn's reply, but he hasn't much of a demeanor to speak of, and so it remains unchanged. He simply inclines his head, accepting the words as given, and thinks to himself that he'll not give her a hard time for them. She is still recovering after all.

Leylia walks with Rennar to approach the Queen, and as they near, the girl drops into a proper curtsey and bows her head low, not yet speaking as she waits to be awknowledge, though it would seem the Queen is already engaged in conversation, she doesn't exactly seem eager to interrupt.

Rennar halts her steps to the Queen, hearing the snappishness in her voice. However, her pause is not long. She brings Leylia forward, and goes through with the formalities as any noble would, performing a near perfect curtsey and half-bow. "Your Majesty." She greets, "My cousin has come to be tested, as requested prior."

"Rennar..." the young Queen says, a tinge of delight in her tone. "I am so happy to see you." She looks at Leylia appraisingly, her glacial blue eyes seeming to weigh her and measure her, but in the end she offers the girl that same warm smile, and a polite nod of her head. "And this, I presume, is your kinswoman Leylia...of whom you wrote me? I should be happy to test her."

A delicate brow lifts at the Queen's words, however Rennar's placid, emotionless expression does not change. "It is, your Majesty." Rennar answers with quiet words, unlike the Queen's own animated ones.

Leylia seems very quiet and solemn under the Queen's gaze, her own note quite meeting the woman's as she stands next to Rennar, very closely it would seem. But still, she has not yet been directly addressed, and so she seems to be decidedly silent, a slight smile coming to her own lips at the warm one given her, though it seems anxious.

Aislynn nods at this, and turns to Leylia. "And how old are you, Leylia?" She lifts a pale brow questioningly.

Nicodemus takes a step back from Aislynn, and in so doing, takes himself out of the conversation where his words are concerned, but not so far that he could not hear their words.

Leylia looks to the Queen, now daring to meet the woman's gaze. "I have only turned eighteen, Your Majesty," she says calmly, her voice low at first, but then gaining in volume and perhaps even confidence.

Leylia looks to the Queen, now daring to meet the woman's gaze. "I have only turned eighteen, Your Majesty," she says calmly, her voice low at first, but then gaining in volume and perhaps even confidence. (repose)

Nicodemus takes a step back from Aislynn, and in so doing, takes himself out of the conversation where his words are concerned. Of course,not so far that he could not still hear what it is that the women speak of. :)

Nicodemus takes a step back from Aislynn, and in so doing, takes himself out of the conversation where his words are concerned. Of course, not so far that he could not still hear what it is that the women speak of.

Still regarding Leylia appraisingly, though not unkindly, Aislynn reaches out and takes her hand, leading her over to a nearby bench, where she sits down, dragging Leylia with her. "You are sure you wish to be tested?"

Nicodemus turns to follow Aislynn Sedai, but remains at a distance so he'll not be a distraction. In this moment, he takes a moment to incline his head to the Lady Rennar.

Leylia seems a bit surprised when the Queen takes her hand, but then her unease quickly passes. She follows to be seated on the nearby bench and clears her throat a little, then nods, definitively. "Yes, Your Majesty." She glances over to Rennar. "I am sure."

Rennar takes a step back, and out of the way once Aislynn takes Leylia and starts the things necessary to test the girl. In fact, she goes so much as to give them more privacy by moving further into the gardens, allowing the two to talk privately. But she does not leave before giving Leylia an encouraging smile, and then nodding to Nicodemus first.

The young Queen smiles encouragingly at Leylia, and raises one pale hand in front of her, opening it up as if something is hidden therein. "Look into the palm of my hand, Leylia." In a few seconds' time, a dancing flame appears there, balanced upon the smooth whiteness of the Queen's palm. She glances from her handiwork to Leylia, lifting a brow curiously. "Tell me....what do you feel?"

Leylia inclines her head and turns her gaze as instructed. She sighs softly and then blinks a moment as the flame appears. She tilts her head slightly and a slight smile touches her lips. "Its like...its almost as if it touches onto some sort of cords...it resonates somehow...though I could not say to what ends..." She shakes her head a little now.

Nicodemus takes his eyes away from Aislynn Sedai, and the girl being tested. This is really none of his business. Only Aislynn's saftey is his concern, and so his eyes search the garden for any hint of danger.

Aislynn smiles warmly at Leylia, and the flame disappears. "You have it in you to learn to channel, Leylia. You are not like myself: I would have channeled whether I learned or not....which can often be a dangerous way." She tilts her head to one side, regarding the girl speculatively. "Would you like to go to the Tower, to learn?"

Nicodemus lets his thoughts stray for a moment to channeling, and the tower, and from there they move to... He shakes his head ever so slightly to dislodge the thought, immediately returning to his duty.

Leylia seems to relax a bit and let's out a barely held breath after the flame disappears. She listens to the Queen's words attentively and nods, but then there is a look of both some trepidation and relief before nodding once more. "I think..." She smiles slightly. "I think I would very much like to."

"Good," the young Queen intones, as she pats Leylia's hand comfortingly. "I will send letters with you.....or, better yet, perhaps you can return with Neri Sedai's party when they make their way back to Tar Valon."

Leylia blinks once and then smiles as the Queen's mannerisms seem to be very reassuring. "However you might think it best to proceed, Your Majesty. I admit...I am somewhat ignorant of such matter." A flush comes up to her cheeks as if she is not proud of the fact.

Aislynn shakes her head at the girl, perhaps to brush off these concerns. "It is nothing to be ashamed of. You are not expected to know such: therefore, it is no fault of yours. Be easy." She flashes another reassuring smile, and adds, "That will be for yourself and Rennar to decide. I am sure, however, that you would be able to return with Neri Sedai and the others. She is, after all, Mistress of Novices."

The Gaidin's eyes look upward every so often, towards the balcony that overlooks the garden. His eyes do not linger upon the man that sets up there long before travelling on.

Another smile comes to Leylia's lips and she nods her head again. "Thank you, Your Majesty." She glances about to see where Rennar might have wandered off to, but her attention is still commanded by the woman who has conducted her testing. "The Mistress of Novices?" She swallows a bit and nods. "I would be most honored to return with her...granted I have my cousin's permission to do so."

Aislynn inclines her head, and rises, taking Leylia's hand again. "Of course...It shall be as the two of you decide. I am sure you will find Neri Sedai not unpleasant...that is, if you stay out of trouble." She drops the girl a conspiritorial wink, and moves back over to join the general crowd.

Leylia grins and nods her head. "Of course," she smiles, a soft laughing issuing forth as she is sure the Mistress of Novices is not one to trifle with or agitate. "Thank you again, Your Majesty. I will do my best in my studies, I assure you." And again, she bows and curtseys.

Nicodemus falls in behind Aislynn Sedai as she makes her way to the small gathering of people.

"You are much welcome, Leylia. And I trust you will do quite well," Aislynn smiles at the girl.

Leylia smiles once more and then bows again, glancing at the daparting queen though she seems occupied with her own thoughts and she seems like an almost nervous ball of energy.

Caenna walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Siobhan walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Brannon walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Aislynn stands near Leylia, Rennar and Nicodemus.

Caenna comes in with Siobhan and Brannon, sinks into a very deep curtsey. Well-practiced.

Leylia smiles once more, standing near to the Queen and giving her cousin a few glances, a smile on her face even as she seems to be a barely contained bundle of energy. The expression on the young woman's face is that of excitement and anticipation.

Siobhan curtseys deeply to the Queen and others present.

Brannon follows Caenna and Siobhan into the gardens. Upon seeing Aislynn, his mouth works silently and he drops to one knee, bowing his head slightly.

Ice blue eyes dart to the movement of newcomers entering the garden. Nicodemus eyes regard them for a moment, assessing each for one thing or another, and then continue to scan the rest of the garden.

Aislynn tilts her head to one side, regarding the new arrivals curiously. A flicker of recognition seems to pass through her blue eyes upon seeing Caenna, which seems to be confirmed as she looks to Siobhan, her eyes moving to the woman's hand, perhaps noting a certain ring there. She smiles pleasantly and welcomingly, and inclines her head, "Good day, Sister," she addresses Siobhan first.

Caenna is almost stammering. "I.. we did not mean to intrude."

Aislynn shakes her head, "Not at all....." she reassures Caenna, before turning to Siobhan, "Sister, am I correct to assume you arrived with Neri?"

Brannon is still kneeling. Poor guy isn't sure how long he's supposed to stay down there.

Leylia listens silently at the Queen's side, her attention turning to Caenna at the mention of Neri Sedai.

After Aislynn Sedai adresses her sister, Nicodemus returns his eyes to the one she addressed, and bows his head respectfully. He remains silent, constant on his guard.

Siobhan curtseys still to the Queen.

Aislynn waits patiently for Caenna's response.

Caenna nods, straightening. "Yes, your majesty. we all three did."

Coming out of her place of hiding, Rennar makes her way toward her cousin. Out of spite, she flashes Sorenis a particularly nasty look - though not one that seems ill tempered. More so, for her own being no, from the looks of things. She pauses, not going completely over to the Queen as she spies the others entering the gardens. She presses her lips together faintly, and remains just far enough away to remain out of ear shot and give them privacy still.

Aislynn inclines her head to Caenna, "I remember you from the White Tower...but I am ashamed to say that I have forgotten your name...."

Caenna replies, "Caenna Antar, your Highness." She half turns, glancing at the two others as she names each. "Brannon and Siobhan are also of the Tower."

Aislynn nods and smiles warmly to both of those introduced, making a small gesture with one slim pale hand for Brannon to rise from his bow. "It is pleasant to meet you, Brannon and Siobhan." She smiles at each in turn, glancing back to Caenna. "And what might I do for you this day, Student?"

Caenna looks somewhat unceratin. "I'd just thought to admire the gardens, in truth."

Brannon remains kneeling before his Queen. He nods when Aislynn addresses him, "An honor, Your Majesty."

Hearing that Brannon has come from the tower as well, Nicodemus' gaze settles the young man for a moment.

Leylia remains quiet near to the Queen still, though she gives her cousin a warm smile as she re-emerges and her pleased expression is nearly unmistakable. She smiles brightly and then turns her attention back to the matter at hand,though she remains unobtrusive.

Siobhan continues to hold her curtsey, then murmurs, "You honor us, Aeth Thedai."

"Of course. You are free to come and go as you wish, Caenna. As are your companions." She gestures to the wide expanse of gardens, and then glances back at those gathered. At his words, she offers Brannon a quick smile, and an appraising look. To Siobhan, she replies, "You are welcome....if there is aught I can have brought to you, you need only ask."

Siobhan says "Thank you, Aeth Thedai."

"Leylia..." Rennar speaks up, noticing this visit might be long, "You may stay here if you wish, and learn a little more about Tower life." She pauses a moment, eyes going over all the new Tower figures. If she holds any discomfort in their presence, she is masking it well, "I have some errands I must run." She pauses, then turns to Aislynn, eyes studying the Queen in her placidly emotionless expression, "That is, your Majesty..." she speaks with a formal voice, "... if you have no further need of me?"

"You are most welcome," Aislynn replies to Siobhan, and then retreats a few steps, to stand nearer Nicodemus, her Warder.

Aislynn shakes her head to Rennar, "Of course not, Rennar. I shan't hinder you. But please return soon, so that you might see the little Prince."

Delicately, Rennar's brow lifts at the Queen's request. Likely, it will end up requiring another summons or issue to bring Rennar to the Palace again. Odd, the way she's been acting of late. "I will need to discuss it with Demonder first, your Majesty. We are starting to discuss our wedding arrangements in a bit more detail."

The Gaidin's eyes look to Aislynn Sedai as she moves to stand nearer him. As she mentions the prince, they move once more... This time to the Lady Rennar.

Nodding stiffly to Rennar, the Queen lifts her chin and turns away from everyone, walking briskly toward the stairs leading toward the balcony, with nothing said in regard to her departure.

Siobhan holds her deep curtsey.

Aislynn sweeps coldly leaves the garden and sweeps up the stairs onto the balcony.

From above, Aislynn sweeps regally up the winding staircase from the garden and onto the balcony.

From above, Aislynn leaves the balcony and glides gracefully into the palace.

Nicodemus inclines his head to the others, and follows after Aislynn without so much as a word. He moves like a snake through this garden, moving from side to side to dodge plant and person alike.

Nicodemus walks leaves the garden and walks up the stairs onto the balcony.

From above, Nicodemus walks up the winding staircase from the garden and onto the balcony.

From above, Nicodemus leaves the balcony and walks into the palace.

After watching the Queen leave, Rennar makes her own exit toward the courtyard. She does not look over her shoulder either. Strange indeed, for two who are supposed to be the closest of friends.

Brannon notes the Queen's departure and stands.

You walk along the white stone path back to the Palace Courtyard. Rennar continues walking down the street until she gets to....

Caembarin Boulevard: Inner City, Caemlyn

The Inner City of Caemlyn is built upon the highest peaking hills, surrounded by a fortified wall built of polished granite with gleaming white marble inlays. One can look down over the gentle slopes of the rest of the city from the many vantage points along the wall. The streets have been crafted to follow the natural contours of the hills, and are paved in silver-streaked gray. A large park-like area lies to the western edge of the walled Inner City.

The streets of the Inner City are quiet now, with only a few citizens enjoying the lush landscape of the park. Bees buzz around the sweetly-scented flowers that bloom in small gardens and flower beds of the Inner City. A white stone-paved road leads to the south, winding uphill, and its twin leads off to the east. To the north lies Origan Gate, which leads into the New City.

Anluan
Exedor

Sorenis arrives with Rennar.

Exedor has not been approved to play a restricted character. Please contact a wizard or staff member if he is claiming restricted character abilities in his roleplay.

Walking down the street is a young noble woman of Andor. Behind her follows a guardsman bearing the colors and insignia of House Hune, much to the displeasure of the Lady. Rennar glances over her shoulder from time to time to frown at Sorenis, however does not voice complaint.

The streets are quiet and there are very few about at this time in the evening. You find yourself standing just outside the entrance to the arboretum. There are 2 guards laying dead on the ground. The first is almost at your feet. There is a knife sunk into the back of his head and fresh blood runs out onto the street implying that this might have just happened...The other guard lays a ways off with a knife in his chest. The way his body is twitching suggests he might still be alive but no sound comes from him and the blood leaking from him says otherwise. It's all so quiet now...

Rennar, being the perceptive one that she is, happens to notice the bodies and simply stops and stares. Sorenis, her guard, ends up bumping into her, "Lady Rennar..?" He questions, not as perceptive as she, or alert. "Something troubles you?"

"Oh light...." Rennar's voice somehow manages to find sound. She backs away from the scene, eyes wildly looking about. Afterall, she, herself, was the subject of an assassination attempt not too long ago. And, the assassin is still loose.

Anluan rises form his inspection of the two guards. His face is set in a hard scowl. Fresh meat, wohmever did this is running scared and not far off. He places his hand inside his cloak to the dagger that hangs at his belt. fingers grip the hilt tightly. Yes, very recent. Dark eyes scan about carefully for other signs of the mans departure. having left the blades there wouldn't particularly be any blood drippings and the guards appear to have been caught unaware. "burn him, when I get my hands on that..." The words trial off as he talks to himself. His eyes find two people nearby, the faces seemfamiiliar but not whom he is looking for.

Exedor has not been approved to play a restricted character. Please contact a wizard or staff member if he is claiming restricted character abilities in his roleplay.

Jenna enters from the south, following The Queen's Way.

"Lady Rennar..." Sorenis's voice is rather stern as he speaks, which might surprise some that he's talking to a noble as such, "I do believe it is time for you to go home."

Not really paying any attention to what Sorenis speaks, Rennar stands there, fixiated on the dead bodies. Memories of the past spring forward upon her features, a pained expression touching her eyes. Her hands grip the sides of her skirts, unable to think or move. Dumbfounded, some may call it.

Jenna walks along the street, enjoying the evening and not in a hurry, it seems.

Jenna is looking at you.

JENNA'S VIEWING" If you look at Jenna - not very likely with the current 'attractions' in ther street :) - you'd probably catch images of books. Not that it matters much.:)

Anluan moves over to the signs of a struggle near the enterance of the alley. He picks over bits of the rubble that remain taking care to step well over the guard witht the knife in his chest. He looks up suddenly seeming to most to just stare off into nothingness. "I told you to leave me alone. There is nothing I can do to help you now." the man is having a conversation with the air apparently.

Jenna stares at the bodies, shrinks back with a hand over her mouth. "What is going on..."

Looking from the bodies, to the man standing over then, fright seems to take to Rennar's eyes. She has never seen Anluan before. "Oh Light..." She manages once more, swallowing. She backs into Sorenis, who she's forgotten all about.

However, Sorenis has not forgotten about her, "M'lady, if I have to carry you home, I will." His voice turns more stern by the moment, eyes moving warily to the man who seems more than a bit crazed. "Particularly since we've got the murderer just standing over the bodies...." He reaches out to take Rennar by the arm, with intent of dragging her away from teh scene. Whether or not Anluan is the murderer or not is not really an issue, but his leaning over the dead bodies previously, and his talking to thin air, are not matters that one easily wishes to stick around to observe.

Jenna clutches her books tighter, and moves on. Hers not to get involved.

Jenna follows the curving white stone road up the hill to the south.

The man moving about the bodies carries himself with a smooth and ease about himself despite the gruesome scene he presides over. His body hardly threatening in size or shape, yet there is something about him that says there is more to his appearance than meets the eye. If the others watching him are noticed he doesn't seem to care he has a mission to complete. He sinks deeper into the darkness of the alley perhpas getting away perhaps still searching for something. His dark eyes constantly shifting about. . o O (what is this?) there is a disheaveled crate and something that looks like a cloak slipping form underneath it.

Erigone is looking at you.

Erigone follows Crown of Roses Avenue to the east, following the gently-sloping hill.

Without further ado, Sorenis pulls Rennar unceremoniously away from the scene of the two dead bodies and the crazed man. She gives little resistance, looking as though she'd rather be away from such a mess.