Cathryn's Chambers: Roesone Estates, Caemlyn

Cathryn

There is a light knock on the doorway outside. A servant enters and announces that Lady Rennar has arrived at your request.

The comfortably large room is vacant but that of two people. At the far end of the room, Lady Cathryn sits by the bay window, a blanket covering her legs and the bottom half of the fine dress she is wearing. A woman beside her, likely the Lady-in-Waiting, is likely only fifteen years younger then the sixty year old Cathryn. The High Seat of House Roesone has a distant look upon her as she watches the view outside, though apparently her peripheral vision is good. "Lady Hune," she greets before turning to Rennar. "I assume? Forgive me, I'd stand, but the legs are not as good as they used too be." Her look is that of an aged woman, though her eyes have not lost their youth. Or notice.

Entering in just behind the servant who announced her is Lady Rennar herself. She pauses just inside the door, seeming a touch uncomfortable, and perhaps nervous. She swallows, letting that nervousness subside. "It is." She answers Cathryn, stepping further into the room. She manages a faint smile, which holds a touch of warmth. "And there is no need for forgiveness. I understand." And her eyes do hold a touch of understanding. Some months before his death, Lord Tebryn Hune had had a stroke. She waits for the Lady to invite her to sit before doing so, not wanting to be too presumptuous. "You wished to speak with me, Lady Roesone?" Her tone holds a bit of curiousity to the rather redundant question.

The High Seat of House Roesone holds an air of an odd tension. It is that of a woman knowing she is near death, and something some might recognize. "I did, Lady Hune. Please do take a seat," she offers the seat opposit of her. "You are much younger then I had imagined, for a High Seat. Though I suppose you would be Demonder's age," Cathryn smiles faintly at that, her eyes travelling to the window outsie. For a moment, her gaze goes distant, and then again her attentions are returned on Rennar. "I've been eager to meet with you, Lady Hune. You are to take Demonder's hand in marriage. I do not know Demonder well, but I've heard enough on him over the years from his parents to rejoyce this union as a right step for the young Lord."

Today is Oneday, 27 Amadine, 998 NE. It is a Summer afternoon.

The younger noble woman takes the seat as offered. Carefully, she rearranges her skirts about her, then turns her emerald gaze to the High Seat of Roesone. If she notices the woman's failing health, she makes mo mention of it. It is not polite to remind one's host that they are not doing well. "I am nearing my twenty third summer." She comments on the comment about her age. It is not meant in a defensive manner, just an observation. "My father died while I was young yet." That is an explaination of her position. "Demonder has been quite looking forward to the day that we wed, as have I. However, we have postponed until things grow a little more quiet about the city."

"Yes, I've heard his complaints on the postponed marriage," Lady Cathryn says in a quieter tone, eyes turning to the bay windows once again. "It is wise to wait until both Houses are in proper order, before setting forth on marriage. Better not to enter a marriage during strained times. These are not good times." The last is a quiet observation, her expression going to Rennar in an odd sense of aged curiousity. "You have married for love, I hear. Demonder seems to be the charming young man. I hope he does us proud as the husband of the High Seat of House Hune."

"I would marry for no less, Lady Roesone." Rennar's words come out a little more firmly than intended, however this particular topic is one she feels strongly about. "And since I had the power to arrange my own marriage at my own leisure, I saw to it." She gives a small nod of her head, tilting it to the side a bit as she regards Cathryn.

Cathryn nods slowly, her hands going to a drink at her side. "What can I offer you to drink?" Cathryn asks quietly before taking a sip of her own wine glass. "You are fortunate to find love, Lady Hune. I am not one that has married though-out my years. A regret of mine, among many, but my youth had kept me busy." There is clear regret in her eyes, and then she regards Rennar. "I had a young man that wanted my hand, you see. I had turned him down, in preference of responsibility, not realizing a husband would be an asset and a partner in those duties, rather then a distraction." Her eyes gaze into the wine glass. "Lord Demonder is not like his brother Pitor," she comments lightly, her eyes raising to Rennar as she likely ponders the comments this comparison might bring. "He is more like a younger Lord Turail, would you not say?"

"Tea please." Rennar answers the first question, then listens to the rest of what Cathryn has to say. She remains quiet until she hears the full of it, then seems to consider the words carefully. "I have had many suitors, and people whom I thought I loved, but not once would I accept a hand until I was certain that was a person I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. And, at the time I was still figuring out how to run House Hune. I was not ready for that sort of responsibility. I figure, if I'm going to share my life with anyone, it's going to be with someone I love, and enjoy being around, enough to last a lifetime." She smiles a little at the last, "Fortunately, Demonder is that person... and I hope he'll remain that person." She shifts slightly, looking at her hands, "I do not believe Demonder and Pitor are anything alike." She manages, somehow, to keep the contempt she holds toward the elder brother from her voice. Her views on him are not ones she wishes to express from her few brief run-ins with the other Lord. "I'm not certain I could really say that Demonder is like Lord Turail either." She speaks more formally when addressing Turail. "I have only known of him a short time."

The lady-in-waiting heads out of the room to get the requested tea. Lady Cathryn watches Rennar while she responds, considering the words and manners closely. Yes, back in her days, she likely did well in politics, though that is a matter she had retired from for at least five to eight years. "From one High Seat to another, Lady Hune," and here Cathryn places them both clearly on the same level by tone and words. "There is a difficult descission for me to bare, one that has placed some straing upon me. You see, some years back I decided to retire to the Vinyards where I could relax as High Seat, and the reigns of the House were handed to Lord Corwyn." Cathryn takes a deep breath, her lip quivering a touch before she goes on. "I have drafted the letter that will remove the title of heir for Lord Corwyn, who has lost interest in running the House. I've yet to name my replacement, and there is maybe only a year till my certain death." Cathryn places down the glass of wine, and folds her hands within her lap. "Lord Pitor may be the next High Seat of Roesone," she states, as though noting the touch of dislike in Rennar's voice. "He is the one that has been within Caemlyn, and seems eager and agreable."

There is a long pause before Rennar answers, as if she can't find the exact words that may be to the Lady's liking. Finally giving up, Rennar simply states, "I think placing Lord Pitor as heir to the House would be a rather large mistake, Lady Roesone. But, perhaps that is because I am of different minds than himself. He sees people as things and animals to be used at his whim, rather than who they are; seeing and feeling beings who cuold be of help and of service. I fear, should he be placed at the reigns of House Roesone, you may have more turmoil and destruction than with Lord Corwyn simply abandoning his post." Her words are spoken from the heart, not meant to hurt or cause trouble. There's that touch of honesty that seems radiate from her. "And, I mean no disrespect when I say this, but he puts me in the mind of my Uncle Jeffrin." There is a light shiver when she speaks this, eyes moving away from the Lady.

This is an interesting answer, one that Lady Cathryn raises her eyebrow to in almost astonishment. The reaction is quickly hidden within her aged expression. The silence of Lady Cathryn may be uncomfortably quiet, though she herself had lead Rennar to this response, certainly giving Rennar little choice by the statement on Pitor. "Lord Pitor is not without his faults, certainly." Cathryn states that much, hiding away into thought once again that stretches out a silence, though her hand raises as though indicating there is more. "Since we are to discuss House Roesone matters, I may speak frankly with you. This is an appropriate discussion, since House Roesone's next High Seat may affect your own House, Lady Hune." There's a definitive statement in that, as Cathryn leans back more comfortably. "At least in minor ways. I expect at least light ties that would bind our Houses in your marriage. Lord Turail has claimed he is to be heir under the traditions of being the eldest in direct line to Lord Dane, my father, and Lord Dane, the Younger, my brother. He is correct in that, of course. But tradition is tool used for convenience and default, but not one I use to name my successor. I fear my choices are few. We are not of much political asperations, many within Roesone have no care to take the lime-light of High Seat. I am left to choose between a Lord that you compare to a man casted away from Andor in shame, and a Lord that returned recently after I had thought him dead."

"I have said that I do not know Turail all that well, and this is true. However, Lady Cathryn..." Rennar begins, letting her voice trail as she goe sto find the right words. She drops her hands into her lap, folding them within her skirts delicately. "I believe Lord Turail is a bit more experienced with life, and more down to earth than Lord Pitor. He takes a great care and interest in the House in a different way. He would seek to lead, rather than force actions. He is a man with a kind heart, who would... in my opinion, bring the House to what it needs." She pauses briefly, looking at Cathryn, "You would do right by chosing him over Lord Pitor." There's something about her gaze and the way that she speaks that seems almost odd. A stark certainty that Turail /would/ indeed do better somehow.

"I see." It is the answer that gives no real hint to an opinion of what Rennar is saying, beyond that the issues she has brought up will be under consideration. "Lord Turail had taken to one knee and asked for the House," Cathryn states flatly. "At first I homoured him, really, and then set off a few to investigate him further. Indeed, it is as you say. Lord Pitor has never had a good following with a staff. Some have called him a snug noble tyrant. But it is not the advice of the staff that I seek, yet their words do not go without notice. Neither will yours, Lady Hune, as they are held at great value within my thoughts." Cathryn takes a pause to lift the slightly shaking glass of wine to her lips for a sip. "It would be easy to name Lord Turail as heir by right of his line of blood, but I will not be making this decision on that tradition. He will need to prove himself to me. Certainly your words of praise are weighing well upon Turail, as is Lord Turail's own manner. A Wisdome that I've trusted dearly for over forty years has given me another year of life. She's very good in her estimations. There is still time," Cathryn reassures, placing the glass of wine back down as the Lady-in-Waiting brings in the cup of tea for Rennar.

"I merely give my opinions Lady Roesone. It is not my place to tell you who to place or not place as your heir." Rennar speaks in a quiet manner, smoothing out absent/invisible lines of her dress. She takes the tea from the Lady-In-Waiting and takes a sip from it, no matter how hot. More so, it's to quiet that tongue of hers lest she speaks out of turn again more than she should.

Cathryn smiles lightly at Rennar's words, in reassurance more then anything. "Since you have agreed to be Demonder's wife for reasons of love, am I to assume there will be little for us to negotiate in turms of an agreement between Houses?" Cathryn asks simply.

"You are to assume correctly. I ask nothing of House Roesone, except for the hand of Lord Demonder. Whether there is anything you wish to negotiate for with House Hune, is another matter entirely." Rennar responds, "I find Lord Demonder quite a capable person, who's intelligence and worth was valued less than it truely is. During my time of trial, he has not only shown himself loyal, but very much worthy of my love and of a position as a ruling member of House Hune." Demonder does not likely know that Rennar thinks that highly of him, what with her keeping most of her thoughts to herself of late.

Perhaps not even Cathryn herself had thought that highly of Demonder, as there is a light note of surprise at the praise offered by Rennar. The High Seat of Roesone nods, setting forth the Lady-in-Waiting for second glass of wine as the first is nearly done. "I'm afraid if we were to beginning bargaining, it would be to House Roesone's disadvantage," Cathryn notes with a touch of humor. "Our House under my leadership is only concerned with supporting the Queen of Andor, and insuring the vinyards produce the finest wine in Andor. Once the marriage is complete, I will insure that Master Kael has cases of wine sent to your estates, Lady Hune. It an appropriate gesture from me, and besides wish, I hear Lord Demonder fancies some of our more rare labels."

Rennar nods her head lightly at Cathryn's words. "That seems suitable enough for me, Lady Roesone." Her words are softly spoken as she regards the other woman. She takes another sip of her tea, eyes watching after Cathryn's 'maiden' as she gets another glass of wine.

The next glass of wine is placed on the side of Cathryn's table. The Lady-in-Waiting reaches for a small package of a herbal substance that disolves within the wine as it is stirred. "Perhaps it would be appropriate if House Roesone took the burden of the wedding expense. That's not of tradition, I understand, but as I've said, I'm not as traditional as I may seem in age." Cathryn nods in thanks to the lady-in-waiting, before taking a slow sip of the wine.

This seems to cause Rennar to raise a brow. "Lady Roesone, I do not know if that would be appropriate. Lord Demonder and I have not even discussed wedding arrangements, and really I can afford such an expense from my own coffers."

Cathryn nods simply. "Then I will not interfere with payment." Cathryn looks into the wine, the medication she had taken obviously changing the flavor of it, but then she sips at it some more. "Family is that way, you know. We will agree quickly, and find other ways to insure matters are settled." No further explination is made on this, but tradition would likely hold that the gift to the newly married couple for Cathryn would be a large sum in gold. The stubborn look upon Cathryn is as clear now as it would be on Demonder, a slight Roesone trait, but it is a part of her aged expression. "The young man likely grows impatient for marriage." There's a faint gleam in her eye as she says this to Rennar. "But he will wait until it is time."

"He is rather impatient, though I think it is more to see that I am protected than anything else. When I disappeared, it nearly destroyed him." There is a touch of sadness within her eyes as she speaks the last, Rennar's hands clasping together and seemingly unconciously wringing.

"He thought he lost the woman of his life," Cathryn nods slowly, eyes growing distant in memories of the past that she holds. "Demonder would serve you better as a husband then he does your intended." This, mirrowing Cathryn's earlier words on her own life, and the man she passed up because she felt he might interfere with duty. "I look forward to the announcement of the wedding date."

"Only time will tell me that, Lady Roesone." Rennar responds to the first set of words, then grows quite once more. "The announcement may take some time. There is a great amount of turmoil within Andor, and being so closely associated with the Queen..." Her voice falls quietly, eyes lowering.

Cathryn pauses before responding, her eyes looking to Rennar with a careful concentration. "You fear for your life then? And that of those close to you, Lady Hune?"

Rennar quirks a brow at Cathryn, "There is much to fear within my life, Lady Roesone." She responds in a cryptic manner, "However, as heir-apparent, and someone who has had one assassination attempt against her once..." She lets her voice trail briefly, then nods her head firmly, "Yes, I fear for my life, and for Demonder's, and those of my family. However, Demonder is quite stubborn upon the matter. At times, I am glad for it, but other times I would rather he not risk himself for me."

A fond smile appears on the aged face of Cathryn. She even tilts her head to the side for a moment. "I've heard a saying once, Lady Hune. 'A would eagerly die for the woman he loves, and hope he could avoid her complaints after he is in his grave about that death.' Demonder will do as he feels is his duty."

Rennar quirks a brow faintly at those words, her head tilting to the other side, "Perhaps...." She comments, seeming at a loss for words. "However, Demonder and I are working through out differences upon the subject. Slowly, however, but we are working on them."

"A different?" Cathryn peers at Rennar with a curiousity. That curiousity is almost unnatural upon a woman her age.

"Differences?" Cathryn peers at Rennar with a curiousity, seeming to want a better explination of them. That curiousity is almost unnatural upon a woman her age. (reposed)

Rennar shrugs her shoulders, regarding Cathryn carefully, "Just in the way he wishes to handle things after my incident with my uncle. He wishes to keep me safe, and for me to open up to him, yet at the same time, in keeping me safe he almost wants to cage me."

Cathryn takes a sip of her wine as she consider's the words. "Over-protective, is he? I suppose it natural, after, as you said, your disappearance nearly destroyd him. I'm glad you are working it out with him, as I know he may be stubborn once his mind is made up." Cathryn nods in satisfaction of her own words, before placing down the glass of wine. "Forgive me, Lady Hune. The medication that I take twice insures I live, but also takes me of my strength until I sleep. But do not hesitate in coming to me if there is something you need."

Rennar rises from the chair, smoothing over her skirts as they fall into place. "Again, there is no need to forgive. You must take care of yourself Lady Roesone, and I would not think of impeding what must be necessary to retain your health." She smiles warmly at the woman, "It was a pleasure meeting with you." She nods her head almost regally to the woman, giving her the due respect she is deserved.

"And a pleasure to meet iwth you, young Lady Hune." Cathryn smiles her aged fond smile, the wrinkled skin folding around the curves of her face. "You will bring Lord Demonder as much delight as you will challenge, I think. Do be good to eachother."

"I will try to be the best that I can. There's nothing more that I could do, even if I wanted." Rennar responds, a touch of sadness oddly coming to her voice. "I will let you rest now. Do take care of yourself." Her words are heartfelt and sincere as she turns toward the door to exit.

Cathryn doesn't entirely take in the last of Rennar's words, but simply nods. "Enjoy your eveing, Lady Hune," Lady Roesone says quietly, her eyes going further into distance as she looks through the bay windows.