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.

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

Jaeara enters the gardens with a determined but slightly wary expression, a stark contrast to the lively spirited bay mare that carries her, her coal-black tail swishing animatedly from side to side. It seems to give some confidence to the young lady, who brings her to a gliding stop and slides easily (if a little boyishly) from the sidesaddle.

At the gate, there is a guard bearing House Hune colors. He briefly stops Jaeara to ask her order of business.

Rennar can be found not too far away from the main gates. She appears to be peacefully resting upon one of the many benches within her own gardens, reading a book which is laid out upon her lap. She seems almost relaxed, as she flips through the pages in a casual manner.

Jaeara clears her throat slightly, straightening her shoulders in an attempt to have more presence and dignity than usual, despite the eager whicker of the mare behind her, and the animal's eager nosing along the back of her dress. "I am...er..." she blushes slightly. "I am here to request an audience with Lady Renner if--oooh!" She swats at the mare's muzzle behind her back, blushing further. "If she will agree." The mare stomps her hoof petulantly at the sting, and Jaeara softens, patting the large head that's suddenly thrust against her waist.

The guard regards Jaeara a moment, then speaks, "One moment." With those two words, he moves off to where Rennar sits, another guard replacing his post. It's not that they don't trust Jaeara, it's just that new security measures have started being taken since the Lady's last disappearance on her own property. The first guard holds a few words with Rennar, who looks about him to the guest, and nods her head. He goes back to Jaeara and bows formally, "Lady Rennar will indeed see you."

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

Rennar closes her book, marking her place with a red ribbon, and watches Jaeara as the guard returns and interacts with her. She smiles warmly at the young woman, waiting for her approach.

Jaeara chews absently at her lower lip as the guard moves away, suddenly finding the hem of her dress rather interesting as she waits. The mare, for her part, lazily crunches a bite of neatly-trimmed grass, flicking her ears forward and giving Jaeara a guilty look. The girl seems all but lost in though, however, until the guard reappears. She drops a hasty curtsy in return, smiling shyly. "Thank you," she replies quietly, picking up her skirts out of the dress and moving towards Rennar. The mare blinks, then unhurriedly follows her mistress, trailing behind.

Emos walks out of the doorway and steps into view. Seeing the two present, he slowly moves his right hand behind his back, waving with his left like normal, and moves toward the gate to leave.

Emos pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

Rennar watches Jaeara as she comes closer, nodding her head delicately toward the woman, "Good day." She greets quietly, eyes flickering briefly to the young boy who also walks into the courtyard, and then through it. She frowms at Emos's actions, not knowing exactly what to expect, then turns her attention back to Jaeara, "What can I do for you today, Lady Jaeara?"

The mare whuffs a greeting to Rennar over Jaeara's shoulder, drawing a deep blush to her mistress' cheeks. Sheepishly, Jaeara reaches out to claim the horse's rains, and idly pat the animal's chest. "I was wondering..." she pauses slightly, about to mention something more, but apparently suddenly losing her nerve. "Um...d-do you like to ride?"

Rennar watches the horse with a small bit of amusement, her smile seeming to widen a bit more. She glances back to Jaeara at her question, lifting a brow delicately in a touch of curiosity, "I do enjoy riding at times, though I have given up that particular recreation." There is a vague look of sadness, and stubborness, in her eyes as she mentions this. "In fact, if you know of any who are interested in fine Tarien stock, we've some mares and stallions here we must part with."

Jaeara frowns, tilting her head to the side. "Given up riding?" she repeats, incredulously. The mare seems to catch her mistress' mood, tilting her own shaggy head to the side, and offering a muted nicker. Her diluted blue-blood shows through with the natural follow through to that statement. "Whatever for?" The words might be rude, but they're spoken in the utmost of innocent curiousity.

"Aye..." Rennar lifts a brow at the other young woman's actions, tilting her head to the side a bit, "I no longer have the time to go out upon horse back, and it is far too dangerous, with cut throats and murderers still out there and after me." She shrugs her shoulders lightly, eyes going to the gates briefly. "It is far better to stay where I know I am at least partially safe."

Jaeara frowns again, glancing about the courtyard. "What if you were at a safe place, with lots of guards? Would you ride then?" She sighs. "Maybe if you wore armor and had a fast horse, you would be partially safe anywhere..." It might be an attempt at humor, but the emerald eyes are genuine and solemn.

There is a light sigh that seems to escape the Lady Hune. She regards Jaeara, tilting her head to the side slightly as she contemplates the other Lady, "I am afraid I am not likely to leave the grounds, even were there guards. There is always a possibility of danger, or someone lurking around every corner. I would that the Queen could find someone else with as close ties to the throne as myself, but I am not one to dictate her actions."

Jaeara looks thoughtful. "Would the Versyr estate be safe enough?" Her eyes glance down at the ground. "I'm afraid Aeron feels it would be best if he sent me away there, for a time...but I know that Lord Versyr has many horses, and there's plenty of room for riding." She glances up again. "The City is quite wearying to me, and I know that it has been an ordeal for you of late as well, Lady. It was my thought to see if you would care to come with me or visit." The slightest of a smile perks up her lips. "And if people didn't -know- it was you...wouldn't you be safe, still?"

There is a touch of sadness, and perhaps longing within Renanr's eyes, but it is quickly replaced with a sullen stubborness. "My own fiance seems to believe that I would be safer in one place, or with many guards. Either way, there is not freedom or room enough to stretch and move around. Were I to leave the grounds, not as myself, I'm afraid that may yet put another strain on matters at hand." She sighs deeply, settling back upon her bench. With a delicate motion of the hand, she indicates that Jaeara is welcome to sit as well, if desired.

Jaeara sighs as well, conspiritorially, as if the two of them were grounded children searching for a way to escape. "What if you told people you were leaving, but then went as someone else with a decoy?" She inquires, perhaps a little too used to ironing out sneaky details. Her chin lifts slightly. "Your fiance might think that, but do you want to listen to him? Do you think he's right?"

"I have already resigned myself to that fate, Lady Jaeara." Renanr responds, her voice hinting once again at that touch of sadness it displayed before. At one time, Rennar used to conspire and sneak out the Queen of Andor! There is an almost wistful expression to her features, though she does not hold it too long.

Jaeara chews at her lower lip, folding her hands in her lap. "Well...if there ever comes a time where you really do need to escape, Lady Rennar," the girl lowers her voice to a whisper, "then you have only to call for me, and I'll come to you. Kiokha is getting a little too fat from all the treats she gets, but she can support two stablehands just fine." She holds out her hands, palms up, showing the callouses of swordwork. "Aeron is still a bit ashamed of these, I think," she murmurs. "But he taught me well, and I may defend to gain you a little extra time." Her voice raises slightly. "I'm sorry to hear you must lose many of your horses...I will ask Lord Versyr if he is interested, when I meet him." A glimpse of agony shows through on her face briefly. "At least it will give us...something...to talk about..."

There is a touch of surprise at Jaeara's words, "He is ashamed of you?" Then confusion sets within Rennar's own eyes, again she offers the young lady a seat to rest herself upon with a slight wave of her hand, "Does he not accept you for who you are, rather than what you were?" She remembers some of which has happened, just not entirely everything, those times coinciding with her own ordeal. "And I'd rather a friend, be they male or female, defend my back any day, than someone I hardly know. I will take your words to heart, and if hte situation changes, though likely it will not, I will call on you first thing, and perhaps..." She grins conspiritorilly, though her eyes saddened, "even invite the Queen were she up for such an adventure."

Jaeara shakes her head. "It is not me he is ashamed of, Lady...but that he thinks others mock him for not seeing through my disguise." She hums softly. "Though it seems that no one else did either. Sometimes I think I even fooled myself." Her expression darkens in thought. "Someone has been teaching you to defend yourself, have they not?"

Rennar looks almost scandalized at the thought, "Defend myself...? That is what the guards are hired to do." That seems to answer Jaeara's qusetion, "And likely, were I taught, i'd not be much use with a weapon. I am much more suited to being around horses and the like than some chunck of steel." She wrinkles her nose, shaking her head.

Jaeara turns away just in time to hide her blush, smoothing her skirts. "You can't always rely on guards," she points out quietly. "And even horses have hooves and teeth." She sighs softly. "I must go...and prepare for my journey. Kiokha and I--" she gazes towards the bay mare just begining to eye some nearby flowers with interest, "--could come to see you again, if you like."

Rennar regards Jaeara quietly for a few moments, then allows a smile to form on her features, "Do not be ashamed of who you are." Her words are suprisingly soft and gentle, "And, seeing as how I do not expect to leave here any time soon, I would like that very much. Very few people come to see me."

Jaeara smiles back, a bit strengthened. "Thank you, Lady. There are many things I have felt lacking in this past year, so many things that I wanted but could not name nor hope for. But I would like to think I have at last found one, and you would call me friend." She rises to her feet, smoothing her skirts, and her plump mare idles over. "Then I will come to see you again as soon as I can, even if Aeron has to chase me back all the way from the estate." She curtsies surprisingly gracefully, taking up her horse's reins once more.

There is a small touch of amusement which graces Rennar's eyes at Jaeara's words, "Were he to try that, I'd have my own guard chase him away from here." She smiles warmly at Jaeara, "And I would welcome another friend, since I believe my own friendship with the Queen is strained." She does not go into details of course, "It will be good to have another lady to speak with, as my fiance is all that comes to visit me most times...." She thinks on that, "And Mistress Aeliss, who is an excellent composer."

Kiohka whuffs softly as Jaeara draws nearer, nudging at the girl's hands with a silken muzzle. Jaera manages to loft herself into the saddle without too much trouble, straightening her skirts. "Then we shall come often," she promises. "Good day, Lady Rennar..."

Rennar nods her head faintly, her expression warm, "I will look foward to your visiits.'

Jaeara pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

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

Rennar can be found not too far away from the main gates. She appears to be peacefully resting upon one of the many benches within her own gardens, reading a book which is laid out upon her lap. She seems almost relaxed, as she flips through the pages in a casual manner.

A stablehand approaches Rennar from the entrance to the courtyard, removing his cap. "Er, milady?" he asks. "There be a blond Roesone lord outside. Says he wants to talk with milady bout something?" He wrings his cap in his hands as he looks at the stone underfoot.

Rennar glances up from her book, a look of interest entering her eyes, "Show him in..." She comments quietly, curiosity starting to touch the rest of her features as well.

Ushered in by Rennar's servants, Daric straightens his coat as he enters the courtyard, approaching Rennar. The Roesone lord looks somewhat pale but otherwise unhurt as he stops before the Hune lady. "My lady of Hune." he murmurs, bowing his head.

There is more than a touch of surprise on Rennar's features as it is Daric and not Tural or Demonder who enters the grounds. She quickly closes her book and rises, nodding her head as she pushes that surprise from her features, "Lord Daric..." Her words are softly spoken,a nd while there is recognition there, it is clear it is just a bare touch of such, having only met the Lord once or twice.

"Lady Hune..." Daric begins, raising his head and then spreading his hands out palm upwards in a gesture of helplessness. "You have me at a disadvantage. I must ask of you humbly for assistance." he continues, looking at Rennar with his blue eyes.

Again, a touch of surprise enters Rennar's eyes, then they narrow slightly, "How would I have you at a disadvantage, Lord Daric? And what sort of assistance are you seeking?" It is not often others come to her for aid, particularly not ones who are from the Children of the Light, no matter how deeply involved they are, or not.

The lordling's aura shimmers about his head, a tangled web of pulsating red. Curiously enough, in the midst of the swirling colours, three cresent moons appear resplendent above a sunburst set in both white... and black.

There is a pressing of the lips as Rennar regards Daric, waiting for the answer to her questions - yet at the same time she seems to see beyond him, almost, looking at something else entirely.

Daric's lips compress as he glances sideways at the gardens. "I am come from the Roesone estates and a terrible scene. I have been banished from my home by Lady Cathryn. I have nowhere reputable to go." His gaze returns to Rennar as he asks, "I would beg you for sanctuary here at Tiras Lord, Lady Rennar?"

Having two surprises, no three really, already Rennar maintains a calm expression this time, though her brow quirking does hint at some sort of reaction to his words. "May I ask why your Lady has banished you, Lord Daric?"

"I did offend Lady Cathryn by insisting that she remember the history of the Roesones, my lady." Daric says quietly, regarding Rennar with an even look. "I am treated as a commoner with no rights to title nor rank and taken from my home. I am, however, aware that my convictions you share not. Can you fault me for standing for what I honestly believe and not living a lie, my lady?" he asks, tilting his head slightly as he wrings his hands before him now.

Some have warned her that the Roesone men could be smooth talkers - though those warnings she needed not, having been taken in by one herself. Rennar calmly regards Daric, folding her arms before her. "And you wish for me to harbor you here until you reach safer waters so to speak...." She comments. There is no amusement within her eyes. "I cannot fault you for the life you've decided to choose for yourself, though I am a bit confused as to why you chose my house to be your sactuary, considering who I will be marrying into your own."

"Hune is one of the Great houses, as is Roesone." Daric observes, pacing slowly to one side. "I am aware that you dislike my associations with the Children, Lady Rennar." He stops and looks back at the noblewoman. "I would hope however that you among others could see past the cloak white, and know that I truly care what does happen to Andor, ye..." He barely bites the Amadician 'yes' from his sentence.

Rennar does not delve deeper into the arguement, pressing her lips together, "You must understand, Lord Daric, were I to take you in after Lady Cathryn had thrown you out, it may look as if I were going against House Roesone. I admire and respect the Lady Roesone." She shifts her weight slightly, looking to the streets, "Were you so depraved by her that you had not enough coin to take a room at the Inn?"

Smiling a little, Daric looks to the ground for a moment. "That sentiment is no doubt being circulated already, caused by your absence from the Roesone's Open House event. Taking in a wandering lordling would pale in comparison I should think." He gestures with a gloved hand as he paces the other way. "I could indeed stay at an inn, if they were not full to the brim already with Tower folk. I would not last one night without having my throat slit, Lady Rennar." He turns his head to eye Rennar. "And I would rather avoid commoner inns. That does breed rebellious talk when one of the ruling classes lives among the masses. I was pressed to it when the Queen tossed me from the palace, I would not gladly suffer it again if you would understand?"

"I might tell you, Lord Daric, that for a time one of my own cousins was Keeper of the Chronicles, and yet another was a Gaidin. Our opinions do vastly differ indeed. As long as you respect the rules of my house and remain respectful of the guests, you may be allowed passage to one of the guest rooms. However, the moment you disrespect anyone here, including one of the lowliest servants, you will be asked to leave." Rennar narrows her eyes at Daric, unfolding her arms and carefully arranging her skirts about her. "My servants and staff live free of fear that they will be ostracized for any accidents they may have, and in turn treat those of my family and household with the same respect given to them."

"I agree to your terms, and recognise that you run a... democratic household, my lady." Daric agrees, offering an outstretched hand. "If you would agree to hold my words in confidence, perhaps we might have a calm, frank and fair exchange of ideas at some stage?" he asks, searching Rennar's features with his blue eyes for some response.

The young lady regards Daric with a quiet calm, eyes searching his for signs of deception or otherwise. After a moment, Rennar nods her head and extends her head, to shake up the matter. "Then we are agreed. Though, to clear a matter, Demonder knows full well my not coming to the Roesone event this night has nothing to do with my views of the House, but my views of my own personal safety, and my beliefs upon what is necessary and best."

The blond lordling shakes Rennar's hand gently, releasing it after a long moment. "Unfortunately, appearances are what is often far more important. I judge you not for whatever reasons you chose not to attend. My father was a lord of the realm, his mother was a lady, her father a lord and so on. But all choose only to see the 'whitecloak'." He smiles gently as he straightens his posture. "Though I might say you were wise not to attend."