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.

Demonder

Today is Oneday, 3 Choren, 998 NE. It is a Summer morning.

This lovely summer morning brings about an odd surprise of sorts. Lady Rennar is down on all fours working in the gardens of the manor, seemingly content to get her 'hands' dirty as if she were one of the staff. Beside her sit several potted plants that look almost like rose bushes.

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

Surprise? Its not that Lord Demonder has never gotten his hands dirty, he has spent much of his youth in the barracks, but he clealry doesn't recognize his wife working in the gardens until much later in his stroll through the gardens (likely looking for her). "Renni?" would be the first matter of inquisition. Sure, Renni on all fours in the gardens, working with pots and plans. Demonder's eyes widen as his head tilts a touch in confusion. It looks as though he's about to call a servant.

Rennar glances up from her work within the garden, a brow lifting at Demonder as he calls her name, "Yes....?" She murmurs quietly, having forgotten about her scheduled appointment with Turail. She seems almost relaxed and at peace, enjoying herself as she works with the places and placing them about the gardens. Confusion enters her eyes as she spies Demonder's expression, then alarm, "Is something wrong?"

"Er, no." Demonder wouldn't even begin to imagine where he could start in answering that question, so 'no' would be the easier response. "Lord Turail?" he peers quietly, raised eyebrow as well. There is that brief pause, as his eyes go to the gates of the estates and then back to Rennar.

Beyond the gardens, the sound of the gates being opened, and a quiet exchange of greetings between Demonder's cousin, heralds the forgotten appointment's arrival into Tiras Lorn. Unsuspecting that the Lady Rennar may be on her hands and knees in the garden, instead of awaiting within to meet with him, Turail heads for the manor.

"Lord Turail....?" Rennar quietly asks, then her eyes widen. "Oh Light!" The exclaimation is hard to miss. Quickly she jumps to her feet, stains of dirt and grass seen upon her dress - though it is a garmet which was made for the out of doors . A blush does manage to come to her cheeks, "Good morning, Lord Turail." She takes the moment to brush her hands off on her already dirty garmet. The potted rose bushes around her remain unattended now, though it is quite clear she was the one who was planting them.

Demonder tries not to look too amused at all this, not noticing Turail until he Rennar does greet him from a distance. Turning toward his cousin, he inclines his head a touch. "Lord Turail! We were expecting you." There is a well noted sarcasm in his voice on that note, though he quickly gives Rennar a look-over before turning a touch more serious.

Turail halts in his progress towards the Manor proper, and blinks at the woman he had previously, in his internal thoughts on this morning, assumed to be a gardener. A hint of a grin lifts the corner of of his mouth, though the rest of his expression might be considered solemn... except... was that a quickly masked laugh in his blue eyes? He bows slightly, his fingers travelling as is his custom between heart and brow. "Good morning Lady Rennar, Cousin. I did not realise we were to be meeting in the garden." His internal mirth is in what he does not say. Curious, this man seems to have become less cold, and continuing to become less so on each meeting.

The redness in her cheeks serves only to speak the volumns of embarrassment Rennar must be feeling at this particular moment. Clearing her throat, she steps forward a touch, speaking in an audible voice, "We were not. In truth, I had honestly forgotten about the meeting once my new bushes had come. Rarely do I get a chance at such a leisure as to work within my own gardens. I find it... relaxing."

For whatever reason, Demonder's smile beams a touch further as though he were somehow responsible for Rennar forgetting. That nudge-nudge-wink-wink between men is at work here, though in truth Demonder has nothing to be smug about. Regardless, he coughs any of those thoughts away. So many comments Demonder could have made, each flipping through his mind, and each time his eyes seem to sparkle a little further in humor. Demonder needs to caugh a second time before they get washed away. "No reason not to have a meeting outside, as I'd imagine it would take you some time to clean up?" he notes. Again, Demonder seems to be restrain himself from several other comments that come to mind over the humor of the situation. "Do you wish anything to drink or eat?" Demonder's eyes scan hopefully across the gardens and courtyard for someone that could offer Turail refreshments.

There are within Roesone certain nobles who might find the mere idea that a noblewoman might work with her hands and find it pleasurable to be most demeaning, but Lord Turail is not one of those. An eye to his past might reveal much about WHY his attitude is so relaxed on this front, but as of yet, he has not opened the shutters on this window. Turail smiles, no mockery tainting his faintly amused expression. "I am agreeable to meeting where ever you so choose." His eyes move to the bushes briefly, and then he shakes his head in response to Demonder's question. "No cousin, I have no present needs for refreshement, but thank you."

"Perhaps some redberry could be brought out, just in case there is a later need." Rennar suggests, eyes finding more quickly a servant that Demonder might have missed. The said servant having caught the tailend of the Rennar's words nods in acknowledgement of her glance in their direction, then starts into the House to retreive the requested item and enough glasses to go around. WIth that done, Rennar clears her throat once more, then motions to any one of the benches within the gardens, "Please, make yourself comfortable." Being a little more civilized now that there is a guest present, she takes her own seat upon a bench, rather than retaking her seat upon the ground. "There are some matters of concern that I think should be brought to your attention - though I was not certain if you would come at all."

Demonder does have a love for keeping himself amused with humor, though the strains of this possible topic do soon settle into him. And for that reason, whatever appearance of near laughter he had before is soon replaced with a more serious expression. This alone could be a telling sign for Turail. Demonder himself takes a seat beside Rennar, body bent forward as his elbows rest on his knees and hands fold in front of him.

Nodding amicably, Turail finds himself a seat on one of the closer benches, and once settled with lanky ease upon it's surface, turns his blue eyes on the Lady Rennar, with a momentary side glance at his cousin. "I do appreciate your concientiousness to bring whatever matters these may be to my attention, Lady Rennar, but I am curious, as to the origin of these doubts on my willingness to attend?"

With a glance at first to Demonder, Rennar turns her attention more fully upon Turail, carefully arranging her skirts about her in a more assuring fashion; for herself. "Well, I would have assumed that you had heard that Lord Daric was staying within House Hune during his exile - though it was not because of any alliances that he and I had with one another. With more than one snake housed within my own home, I know the importance of keeping an eye on rather dangerous figures. Being of the Children, he seemed as such, so when he approached me to stay here, I agreed. However, my intentions were to watch his actions and keep an eye on him; ones which I did not excell in very well myself, though a member of my staff did."

Demonder listens quietly as Rennar speaks, his full attentions now on Turail in observation of a reaction. With a deeper breath, he sits back more on this bench though his hands still are folded within his lap. "There was a clearly dislike of Lord Daric staying here, as you could imagine, since I was there to see his outburst. But it likely better here then within a house that is an enemy of House Roesone. Renni's plan was not without success, as information was gathered."

Turail's reaction is minimal, though not without small signs, a half flick of an eyelash, and a ripple of the scar on his face as one of his jaw muscles moves slightly. He puts his hands together, the tips of his fingers just touching and flexes his fingers and answers carefully, "I admit I initially found it troubling that an apparent ally of Roesone should be so swift to take a disgraced Roesone in, but on further consideration, I determined that my cousin," He gesturs to Demonder briefly, "Would be unlikely to take to his bosom as his intended wife one hostile to our house." He raises his eyes and looks at Rennar directly, "Therefore I determined to withhold opinion on this matter and see what the outcome might be." /no matter what disagreements we may have had in the past/ he thinks as an unspoken addendum.

Slowly, Rennar nods her head in response to Turail's words, digesting them in a slow manner. She takes her time in formulating her thoughts before speaking, "I will not always see eye to eye with everyone in thier thoughts an views, nor would I expect others to do the same. All I would ask is a chance to explain my actions, and even then it is not expected. I take a great many risks for the better part that information might be gleaned. As I said, and Demonder, in this case information was. With that said, I will not beat around the bush any longer. I fear for Lady Cathryn's life."

Demonder slowly follows Rennar's words, as they spiral toward the target of their intended discussion. Though he visibly twitches at the directness of her words. This time Demonder manages a more uncomfortable position on the seat, until finally his leg crosses the other with the knee pointing nearly horizontal. "Information came to us that Lord Daric may have ill intentions toward House Roesone's High Seat." Looking to Rennar, he'll allow her to explain the specific details, but his eyes quickly focus back on Turail.

Turail parts his fingertips from one another and lays one of his hands on the bench beside him. "Indeed?" His brow wrinkles slightly, "I had not thought even Daric capable of conspiring to directly commit murder." His glance travels to Demonder and then back to Rennar as Demonder's own gaze goes back to her expectantly. "I suppose this has somewhat to do with Daric's disagreement with the guest list for the Opening Ball? Or is there even more to this?"

"I believe there is more to this." Rennar pulls out a small piece of paper, and hands it to Turail to read. The handwriting would not be recognizable. "I found this lying upon my pillow.

'A small piece of creamy parchment, no greeting or salutation. Scrawled in an elegant hand is simply the following:

Reference from the Lord Daric to certain 'supporters' of a possible 'leader with affiliations with the Children' at the rural Roesone estates. His tone seemed to intimate that this meant more than simple conversational material. Discretion is the key, however. You did not hear this from my lips.'

Rennar carefully watches Turail's expression as he reads the small letter. Demonder would have likely been shown this ages ago.

Demonder continue to watch Turail now, but there are moments when he looks to Rennar as well. "I think it is the action of a fool, but perhaps there is more to it then what Daric would let on," Demonder begins slowly once Turail has clearly read the letter. "It is unlikely the Queen would support such a direct struggle within a House, but I also do not believe Daric to be a fool. So, there could be more to it then what is suggested."

There is an unexplained flash of a humor as Turail unfolds and begins to read, though the contents of the letter erases the laughter from his mouth with a blotting of solemnity. He raises eyes reinvested with harsh coldness to look on Rennar and Demonder. "I agree there may be more to this. Lady Cathryn is not without awareness that the position of Roesone towards the Children may not be as firmly established along the same lines that the leadership follow in the vinyards." He remarks. "And there have been other.. actions.. Daric has undertaken recently which have concerned her greatly. Perhaps you have further speculation as to what Daric may be about?"

There is a long moment of silence as Rennar collects her thoughts, nodding her head vaguely at Turail's words, "There were implications from my source of information that Lord Daric referred to a group of supporters within the rural estates, and that he and they may design a forceable insurrection to gain the High Seat of House Roesone. However, this person was note entirely certain, they felt as if he were up to no good. They feared for her life, even more so when they were informed that Lady Cathryn has less than a year of life to her." The last Rennar speaks with some certainty, "The last bit of information I gained from the Lady Roesone herself."

"Yet an uprising of the sorts," Demonder's tone is low in volume as he watches the ground bellow now. "How would one justify it before the Queen?" There is a matter of concern in his voice still, as though he expects Daric to find a way to do just that. "Keep in mind, cousin, none of this was said word-for-word from the lips of Daric. And whatever was said, it might not have been said to anyone else, so we need to be concerned for our source of information. That source may gain more in the coming months, though if Daric becomes suspecious, the life might be in danger, and no more information could be gained."

Turail takes one last hard look at the parchment, as if memorizing its contents and then hands it back, perhaps knowing there is evidence of the person's identity in it somehow. He nods in agreement. "I would not endanger the person who's courage has brought this forth, and there is as of yet, no evidence" /that can be shared beyond Lady Cathryn and myself/ he mentally qualifies, "Which could be seen as sufficient to justify legal reprisals against Daric."

"The vineyards could be investigated," Demonder speaks while nodding in agreement with Turail. Gaining more comfort in his position, Demonder attempts to have his voice sound more casual then his feelings within. "If Cathryn does live the year that she had claimed to have left, then we can treat this with some patience. If, Light forbid, matters of her health got worse..." Demonder's voice trails, as he does not find the ground the only thing he can set his eyes on. "A next heir needs to be named soon. It would be a defense against Daric's rise, if only the hint of one."

"Whether or not there is evidence, I wished you to be aware of actions that might be pending. It is better to be prepared for the worst case scenario than not at all." Rennar's voice comes out a little more firmly than needed. Past experience has lead her to those particular beliefs. "You were selected over Lord Pitor to gain the knowledge I possessed because I believe you the better of the two who are being considered for the High Seat." How she could have possibly known that outside of Roesone walls is her own information to disclose - though it is information that Demonder himself is aware of. She narrows her eyes slightly, as if judging the man sitting not so far away from her who might be Roesone's next High Seat.

"Assuredly, I did not mean to infer I dispute wether this information is of value, as it certainly is, Lady Rennar." Turail replies quietly, "Only that I did not feel it necessary to bring this information to wide knowledge and thus endanger the source." One eyebrow rises slightly at her mention of the pending decision of who the Heir to the seat will be, an item he has avoided speaking of overly much until the decision is made by Cathryn. "I appreciate your confidence, Lady Rennar. I was not aware that it was common knowledge which members of the family were being considered?" There's a slight question in the last word.

"Lady Cathryn herself sought my advice on the matter." Rennar's words are again blunt, and now her narrowed eyes lighten a bit, yet there's still a sense that she is studying Turail in a curious manner. "And I gave my whole hearted opinion."

If there was any thought that Demonder might have known this little bit of detail, the fact that his eye go wider in surprise is a good indication that he indeed didn't. Unfolding his legs, Demonder shifts toward Rennar for a moment in his gaze, before once again finding some spot between the ground and Turail. This, he won't comment on, Pitor being his brother.

Lord Turail leans forward slightly, perhaps surprised to find Lady Rennar so frankly admitting to having lent some support to his personal bid for the seat. As he does, invisible to all but Rennar, a flickering aura materialises around his head, like unto the first viewing she had of him, but not quite the same. As before, a hawk rides the winds beneath the Roesone sunburst, but here a shadow, like unto the image of the hawk, but different somehow, falls partially over the sunburst, and as the hawk again rises over the sun, the shadow reaches out to grapple with the hawk. The vision alternates rapidly between the hawk breaking the hold of the shadow to complete its rise and transformation to Ram, and the hawk being vanquished, falling as the feathers stream out of its wings, not seeming to settle in either path definitively. Unaware of this Turail considers Rannar's words and refrains from commenting on his own feelings of Pitor's suitability for the position. "I had not known you were among my supporters, Lady Renner. Thank you.. for your confidence." Something in his gaze softens again slightly. "There are quite a few who do not put their trust in me in this matter, including, I confess, her Majesty, the Queen."

"Were the Queen to know my thougs, likely she would change her mind. However, we do not seem to be on speaking terms of late." At least not to Rennar's own sensibilities. In her mind, had the Queen wished to speak with her as a friend, she would have called for her long ago. She gives a small shrug of her own shoulders at that, "I strongly supported your case.... Lady Cathryn put me in a position where I had little more to do than to give her my full opinion of you both." The wry expression at the end of her words might lead one ot believe that Pitor did not receive an astounding ovation. "A difficult position to be in, but one I answered truthfully."

Demonder decides not to make a comment of Rennar's disillusions of the Queen and their lack of friendship. Instead, he watches Turail with a slight smile hinting upon his lips. "Regardless, there might not be support for House Roesone in either case. I've witnessed the sight of Emrich's sword within our own mantel as though it was of prized value to the family." The lord shrugs his shoulder briefly.

A hint of a frown crosses onto Turail's mouth at the mention of the sword, and his forward leaning position is shifted back from the edge of the bench as he ponders what explanation to offer to Demonder, and Rennar. How much of this is it wise to tell? He taps the pommel of his sword with his thumb, a frequent gesture of thought composition with him. "Hmm, yes. That is an interesting story, and one that seems to have had something to do with Daric as well." He remarks, in a gravely thoughtful voice.

"Indeed," Demonder responds with some spectical thought of a story of the kind being interesting. Well, perhaps so, but not amusing. "The implications of such a matter could be troubling, though perhaps less so considering recent politics in Andor." Not that Demonder would know too much of recent politics, though he does seem to be growing toward the Lord that is married to a High Seat of a powerful Andoran House. He's trying to sound the part, at least.

The lady can't hide the frown that comes to her features at he mentioning of the Lord Captain Commander's sword upon the mantle within House Roesone; no matter how much she might try, if she tries. "Indeed...." That word seems to be repetitive this very day. "I only hope that it is not in an attempt to dissuade House Roesone's support from the Queen." Rennar's family is not a supporter of the Children, for various reasons, despite the fact Daric was housed there not so long ago. She is also a very stalwart supporter of the Queen.

Turail almost sighs, as if deciding revealing the matter may be of more benefit than possible harm, but it was not an easy decision. ""House Roesone's support of the Queen is firm, regardless. This is a matter that I would reveal, if I could have your word that it would travel no farther." Turail offers quietly.

Demonder nods slowly at that, not feeling he should make a too heavy of an oath, he simply states: "You have my word, Lord Turail." Well, he is a family member, after-all.

"You have my word that I will tell no other, with the exception of the Queen if she asks of such matters; though I do not foresee such happening." Rennar calmly folds her hands within her lap as she regards Turail.

"Agreed." Turail seems satisfied with these assurances, though his tone remains grave. "The matter came about after the confrontation at the Ball between Daric and Cathryn... and myself." He adds himself to the list of involved rather reluctantly. "It seems Daric went in secret not long after to The Lord Commander and had some hand in causing an order to be sent for the children to apprehend 4 women from Roesone controlled villages, under the supposed premise of these women being Darkfriends." A hint of anger is in his tone.

A brow raises gently in response to Turail's words, no expression finding its way upon Rennar's features just yet, "Please, go on..." She prompts with a soft voice.

Demonder leans forward now, his own anger flaring, though perhaps more obviously so.

Turail nods to Rennar, and continues, though a sprinkling of disgust is added to the undercurrent of anger in his voice on recounting these events. "Lady Cathryn found it necessary to visit the Lord Commander to secure their release. Clearly, there was no real belief that these women were indeed darkfriends, as he did order their release..."

The frown on Rennar's features seems to deepen as she listens, though she nods. For now, she remains quiet, waiting for the rest of the story to continue.

Demonder manages to lean back against the bench, though now his hands are more tightly clenched together as they begin to examine some area behind Turail. "The Captain Commander takes many liberties, it seems." There is a further angered edge around him.

The expression if displeasure, the same that rested on his disguised features in the carriage with Cathryn, returning from that meeting floods Turail's face in agreement with Demonder's comment, and his voice becomes a bit more grating with the increased anger. "Yes Cousin. I also have concerns for the rumored oath it seems he has made with the Queen. The man is subtle as a serpent, and twice as deadly. I hope the Queen is not lulled by whatever passed between them." A glance at Rennar is almost a pleading that if the occasion arises, Rennar should warn the Queen against Emrich's deceptions. He pauses and then draws his attention back to relating the rest of the story surrounding the sword. "The sword was made as a gift at the time the release orders were given Cathryn.. though he required no oath of Cathryn, I believe he intends it as a means to remind Roesone of his power over our financial independance."

"Could not House Roesone gain supporters from other factions than the Children of the Light?" Rennar asks in an inquisitive voice, "Surely they are not the only group that purchases the wines made from your vineyards?"

Demonder looks to Turail for a moment. "They have reaches to almost all nations. Their distribution of the wine during their regularly travelled channels is what gives us the greatest aid." But then he falls silent briefly. "Then again, many would not buy anything from the Children. That in itself could be a liability more then a benefit."

Tap tap, tap. Turail's thumb comes to a rest on the pommel of his sword again after a moment of restless movement. "Roesone does not rely on the Children for purchase of the wines, so much as for distribution, Lady Rennar... Exactly, Cousin.

Turail frowns slightly. "Though it is recognised that the closeness of this relationship may need to be distanced slightly.. especially in view of recent turmoils in Andor."

Rennar nods her head lightly as she listens to the two speculating, "Is there not anyway way that you could combine efforts with a caravan train? Learn their trade routes? There are some that I use with House Hune that may benefit your own House for distribution. A majority of our own trades has to deal with grains and foodstuffs... perhaps... we could make an arrangement of our own so that you could use the same routes and not rely as heavily upon the Children?"

Demonder looks between Rennar and Turail on this one. Certain things take a while to occur for Demonder, though fact that House Hune has trade-routes already established is among those few things.

Turail reforms the triangular shape with his fingertips, tapping his forefingers together, paying close attention to Rennar's words, and then nods, "Such an agreement, I believe Cathryn would approve, though it must be done in a profound silence, and slowly. The Children must not suspect that we slip from their grasp until it is too late to recapture the lost influence. That I believe, is the main reason you will continue to see the Sword of the Lord Commander displayed over the mantle for some time to come, as much as the means by which it was put there scrapes against certain of us." Clearly he means himself as one of the most displeased.

"Then by all means make the suggestion to Lady Cathryn." Rennar glances to Demonder slightly, almost as if seeking her own husband's approval; or perhaps more so to include him further into the conversation, "And we shall set up a meeting to discuss such an arrangement at her discretion, should she be amiable." She pauses a moment, her emerald gaze moving back to Turail, "And I understand the better part of keeping things silent, even as blunt as I can be. It would not be of benefit to announce to the entire world your plans for taking it over, or slipping away from it's grasp; both dangerous feats."

Demonder does nod in agreement with the beginning of these plans. "Perhaps House Roesone will seek further alliances with House Hune after-all," he notes quietly, but then eyes do move to Turail. "If not an alliance, at least a sharing of resources, if that would be more accurate?" He doesn't say much more then that, furthering stiffining his back against the bench before his arm moves behind it, resting comfortably ontop of the edge.

Turail's personal approval of all three suggestions is noted in a slight lightening of the frown that has been hovering over his features and his words, "These suggestions are pleasing, to me, and I have no doubt they will be to Cathryn." He looks up from his hands, a comfortable smile suddenly driving off the demons of duty and burden, "Thank you, not only for the information, but for the assistance towards a possible solution." He muses, almost to himself, though not quite, "It occurs to me that it will be easy to keep the increasing interaction of Roesone and Hune from being too obvious as a shift of policy, given the newly forged link between us in your recent wedding."

"Even if I have married for love, I would not forsake any aid that I could give to the House of the man I married, should they be in need and within my favor; which House Roesone currently meets those standards." Rennar smiles gently, reaching out to squeeze one of Demonder's arms. "I do not travel often from House Hune, if at all, and it would not be all that too obvious that we were making arrangements of sorts were Demonder to go visit with his family often. Afterall, I know he misses some members of the family, and is concerned over others..." Rennar pauses, then glances to Demonder, "That is if he is agreed to be a proxy in that manner and respect." This time, she gives him a more functional role - rather than that of wall flower. :)

Wall flower? Why he outta... Demonder looks a touch out of place for the briefest of moments, eyeing Rennar in a speculating nature. "That would be the obvious route to progress with this, I agree." Yes, the wall flower will speak sometimes in rather quick agreement to his wife's suggestions. Demonder does manage a faint smile, though all this talk of love and him in front of Turail brings on the usual paused expressions that aren't very telling.

The elder of the Roesone Lords nods, "Excellent news then. I admit to being more comfortable with an alliance between Hune and Roesone than other sources just yet." HIs eyes are direct as his words, "I believe Hune's loyalties lie where mine lie, with the Queen, no matter what her thoughts on me personally may be," His comment turns wry a moment, "so long as you are High Seat, Lady Rennar. If we have nothing further to discuss today, perhaps you will excuse me to carry our conversations before Cathryn as soon as possible?"

"There is nothing else that I can think of, Lord Turail." Rennar glances to Demonder, "Can you think of anything Demonder?" She asks of his own opinion, and also seeks to see if there are other questions he might have.

"Not at the moment. Thank you for your time cousin," Demonder stands from his seated position. "This is good news for House Roesone. Now just a matter of executing the plan."

Rising to his feet as well, Turail steps forward to clasp Demonder by the forearm in the handshake as the Borderlanders do, and clap him on the back. "Cousin," He turns to Rennar next and bows slightly, "Thank you both for your considerations. We shall continue in this shortly I am sure, with Cathryn;'s blessing."

Being familiar with Shienaran customs, Demonder returns the greeting with ease when offered from Turail.

Turail pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

Rennar watches quietly as Turail leaves, then rises from her seat to go back to where she was planting the various bushes. "It would do well for us to have extended relations, I think." She comments offhandedly.

"I agree." Demonder watches his wife make her way toward the garden that she was working on before. "I didn't know you gardened." That said with a warry tone, he follows her back to the garden.

"From time to time. Mother taught me." Rennar speaks, missing the tone of worry. In her eyes, there's nothing to worry about when it comes to planting things. She gets back down on the ground and takes up a small shovel and trowel, one in each hand. She then starts diging a new hole not too far away from the last bush planted.

Demonder stops when he reaches the garden and begins to watch with a slight silence. He's not really certain what to do while his wife is gardening, whether she wishes to speak or not. And so he stands for a bit before taking a deep breath. "Turail might have recognized Aeliss' writing. That smile, just before he started reading the letter. I was trying to find reason for it, but maybe that is why. Not that I am concerned over this, just a possibility we should consider."

You say "I had not known she spoke often with Turail." Rennar comments quietly, having dug half a hole by now. She continues in her work, and seems amiable to conversation. "Do you think he will compromise her position?""

"No," Demonder responds with a fair bit of certainty. "But I do know that they have spoken at least a few times. Aeliss does seem to favor her charms on him." Demonder is still grumpy about the time Aeliss dropped him to give her full attention to Turail, not realizing of her little Shienaran flaw.

Likely, Rennar would know nothing about Demonder's grumpiness, or jealousy over the matter. Were she.... problems might arise. Rennar nods thoughtfully, pressing her lips together, "I might begin to wonder if a romance buds between the two, though Aeliss does seem friendly with quite a few people. Perhaps it is because she is a bard. I might worry that she will chance her mind and move to House Roesone and become a patisan under their patronage."

It's also a good thing Rennar doesn't see that amused grin on Demonder's feature at the mention of Aeliss being friendly. "I'd not take Aeliss' charms toward Turail or other men with a serious note. I think it is, in part, a method of gaining information." Demonder does chuckl lightly then, finding a spot on the grass near where Rennar is working but not so close to the dirt. "Or because she is a bard. Regardless, I'd not put too much into the matter of her gaining Turail's hand in marriage."

"I was more concerned about her seeking a position of employment within House Roesone, not marriage. Lord Turail does not strike me as a man who seeks to marry anyone." Rennar murmurs in a quiet manner, glancing up only briefly at Demonder.

"She said she was loyal to you." Demonder seems fairly confident in that. Resting his head back, his eyes begin to scan the sky. "It comforts me to know that if we were all going to find death soon from the passing star, you'd like be the first person to know. And since you haven't said anything, I can rest assured that whatever flies by will not take our lives."

"I would assume if it had not hit us yet, then it had will not hit us at all." Rennar comments quietly, "Though, it wasn't supposed to hit here..." At this, she turns her eyes away from Demonder. She's had visions again. One might be able to tell from the reaction to her own words; and they were not ones she shared with anyone. She shrugs her shoulders briefly, placing the potted bush into the ground now.

Demonder raises his head and turns to Rennar. "It wasn't?" he asks quietly. "And you know this becuase..." his voice trails for a moment. "Where did it hit?"

"That I can't quite tell. I just know that it would not hit here... we got the fires though." THere is a touch of sadness within Rennar's voice as she makes a note of this.

"What did you see?" Demonder asks more directly as he watches his wife, the gardner, from a few steps away while resting comfortably on the ground. There's a slight level of relief within his voice, perhaps for the fact that she did see something and knew it would not kill them.

"Mostly visions from farmers and the like, before our arguement." Meaning before Rennar started to confine herself to House Hune grounds. "One was that of the Herald that I already spoke of.... calling the Hunt, or at least that's what I think it meant." She pauses a moment, "The others were of families dying, or having to deal with fires."

Demonder reaches for whatever body-part he can, which would likely be Rennar's hip. "I'm sorry," he whispers to her quietly before retracting. "So you knew something would be coming, but not when or how." There is a grave tone to his voice.

A confused expression comes over Rennar's features. "Why are you sorry?" She does not seem overly upset that he touched her upon her hip, likely a place he's touched her before while holding her in his arms. "And to answer your question, yes. I knew something, just not when or how."

"Well, you seem to deal with the images better now then before," Demonder does nod slowly though not exactly certain if this is really true. "I know you do not enjoy seeing such matters about people, especially death." He roles a little more toward her on the grass, fingers moving between her ankle and the fabric of her dress to see if he might have found a ticklish spot.

Demonder meets with little success in that particular path, though he does cause Rennar to lift a brow, "What are you doing?" She inquires, her voice soft. She begins packing down the dirt about the rose bush, "You know, I might very well have to teach you to plant something, now that you are sitting here with me..." She gets a devilishly impish look within her eyes, though her words carry threat.

Demonder mutters something unheard under his breath as he pulls his hand away. "You would have to promise interesting rewards this night to get me to pluck through that dirt," he notes with an implish look of his own, even if their impish looks are for entirely different reasons.

"Oh..." And suddenly, that teasing interest in teaching her husband something new dies away. Rennar turns her attention back to packing the dirt, "Well, we each have our own hobbies and can't be expected to enjoy what the other does..." She speaks half-heartedly.