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 Threeday, 15 Choren, 998 NE. It is a Summer evening.

Off in a corner someone, Rennar is hidden partially by the plants and bushes that are now in full bloom. Unlike the maze at the palace, the one within the Hune Gardens is only three feet tall, and easily managable. It is within that particular section that Rennar hides, almost. She sits upon the ground on a blanket, staring up at the starry night. A light sigh emerges from her as she does so.

Demonder makes his way out from the Hune manor. He stops at the bottom of the steps, his eyes scanning the sky briefly before he moves further into the courtyard. Although Demonder is searching for Rennar, he doesn't make it obvious, taking a light stroll through the courtyard and garden. It would likely take him a while to notice Rennar, though he does approach closer.

"Good evening, Demonder." Rennar speaks in a quiet voice, yet without looking in Demonder's direction. How did she know he was coming? He was not being all that particularly noisy. Even though she is surprised by him most times, it goes to show that she can be observant, when she wants to be. She smoothes over her skirts, but remains seated upon the blanket.

"Er?" Demonder manages the comment in surprise after twisting a touch toward where he had heard Rennar's voice. After a pause, he finally walks in that direction, and does eventually spot Rennar from within the short maze. At least this one he can get around through more easily. "What are you doing out here?" he asks warmly, something getting closer to her through the maze.

"Getting some fresh air." Rennar answers quietly. She had disappeared from the manor house not long after the evening meal. However, there were still enough traces of her to have been within the house so as not to alarm anyone.

Okay, it might take him a little longer then the average person, but Demonder does reach Rennar. "Mind if I join you?" Considering it would likely taking him another five minutes to find his way out...

There is a moment of hesitation before Rennar shakes her head, turning her eyes away from the night sky. "Why would I mind?" she inquires, her emerald eyes gazing at her husband.

"Now that we are married, there's less time to be alone." Demonder comment comes as he makes himself comfortable next to Rennar. His arm moves around Rennar's shoulders, fingers beginning to massage her slowly as he tilts his head and leans forward to kiss her soflty upon the lips. "We don't star-gaze as much as we used too."

Gently, she returns the kiss. A brow quirks lightly at Demonder and his words, "We never really star-gazed all that much to begin with." Rennar's words come quietly as she turns her eyes to regard him. "I did not want to bother you with such trivial matters before." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, turning her eyes back to the sky.

"We'd spend our time in the Ogier grove," Demonder comments quietly, his lips pressing upon her neck as he reaches to nibble on her earlobe. And he does find it, tongue flickering against her earlobe, his breath warm upon her ear. "It was one of the few places I could get to speak with you."

"There are no such places as that here." Rennar comments. Whether she means the Grove, or a place where he could open up to her, or she to him, is uncertain. Her quiet contemplation interrupted by the presense of her husband, she sits up a bit so she can situate herself to better see him, "And, I suppose that is why you came looking for me?"

Demonder continues to nibble contently on Rennar's ear, though he does pull away between words. "I came out here because I missed my beautiful wife. No other reason," he admits quietly, his hand drawing Rennar closer to him before he reluctantly releases her.

The young noble watches Demonder quietly a moment, then turns her attention back to the sky. "We sold two of the tarien studs yesterday." Rennar comments offhandedly. Demonder might have missed two of the younger stallions which were housed within the Hune stables. This is a start of putting her own little plan into motion of never having to leave the grounds, even for a short ride.

Demonder pulls away from Rennar at that announcement, but more so that he could turn and face her. He takes on the grimmer look, but otherwise he manages to nod tightly. "I know this isn't easy for you. But in time we'll restart the business, won't we? I'd rather not have you lose sight of a dream." His voice trails, hand going to Rennar's cheek in comfort.

Rennar gives a small shake of her head, "I will be taking business in another direction." Her voice is firm on the matter, "I've already got buyers for the other two stallions lined up, and a few for the mares."

"Have you decided on the direction?" Demonder does stress the /you/ a touch as he noticed that Rennar has not mentioned anything about a /we/ in those words.

There is an audible sigh that comes from Rennar. She /is/ trying, but the change from 'me' to 'we' is a rather large one she is still trying to cope with. "Not yet. I was hoping to consult you on that first. It will, however, have nothing to do with horses, or anything of that nature."

"Or anything of nature?" That additional clause seems to confuse Demonder. "Or anything that you enjoy, would be a more accurate description?" he asks quietly, eyes moving across her briefly as he tries to understand his wife.

"Of that nature, not of nature." Rennar corrects, "Otherwise, we'd have to give up the grains industry, would we not?" She shrugs her shoulders at Demonder's words, "Whether or not I enjoy what direction the business of the House takes is of no real concern, so long as we profit."

"Profit." Demonder repeats those words quietly, his eyes moving toward the night sky again though they soon return to take in the sights of his wife. Moving his arms behind him, Demonder lays back a touch while facing Rennar. There's a look of curiousity about him. "It seems that House Roesone and House Hune continue to show they have things in common. I'm certain if we share distribution routes with House Roesone, there will be additional profit for House Hune. Though likely not remotely enough." Demonder stops there, wishing he had some brilliant idea. "I've always wished there was a tavern within Caemlyn that would be a better setting for nobles and merchants. Not because I dislike the common room at the inn we frequent, but because it might prove to attract more nobles into conversations. Something we need around here."

Rennar gives a small shrug of her shoulders at that, not seeming particularly interested in other nobles really. "Perhaps it is, but I prefer, personally, a quieter setting where people are not attempting to manipulate you into some deal or another. Home and the common room are the only settings that provide that atmosphere for me." And she no longer travels to the other.

Demonder nods faintly, his eyes lowering to the ground with a hint of guilt. "Had I ever lost you from my life, if you had ever decided you didn't want to love me any longer, I don't know what I would have done," he states quietly. This matter of the tavern bringing up certain feelings. "When I lost you the first time, I thought I was losing it with grief. And I was selfish in wanting to have you locked away in your manor. I didn't exactly say that's what I wanted, but I suppose you could see through me. I'm sorry."

"That matter is settled." Rennar speaks quietly, her words coming out almost too faint to be heard. "There is no need to dwell on it any longer."

Demonder nods faintly satisfied. "It is, and it isn't. If it were not for my insistance..." Demonder shrugs. "It's dropped." He agrees after a brief and patient pause. Demonder shifts positions, moving more behind Rennar, so that his legs part around her, and so that he can hug her from behind. "I hope our hugging honeymoon period is not going to end too soon?" he asks quietly with a grin.

"Hugging honeymoon?" Rennar seems to stiffen at that, knowing full well she's not yet performed the duties a wife should with her husband... particularly a High Seat.

Demonder's hand moves Rennar's hair away from her neck, his lips seeking out the soft flesh of her there. The kisses are light, and he ony speaks after a few more moments. "Where we would be most affectionate to each other. It's said to only last a few weeks, though..." his voice trails in thoughts, as his tongue circles across her earlobe before he continues light kisses on her neck.

"Oh..." Clearly, she's never heard of that particulart term before. Gently, Rennar settles more comfortably within Demonder's arms, crossing her arms before her. "What word is there from your family, and the city?" She inquires lightly. Cut off from the rest of the world, she relies on Demonder and others within the House to let her know what's going on.

Demonder streches upon the top of her dress to let the kisses flow over her shoulder more, but he does manage to lift his head to answer her question. "There is rumor that a Domani by the name of Janeva has managed to snag Lord Turail into love. Or lust? Well, one of the two. She met with Cathryn, though I think that was a matter of alliances, as Janeva is heir to a somewhat powerful merchant house that might bring aid to House Roesone."

"I see..." Rennar murmurs quietly, "Should I take that to mean she is not interested in furthering alliances with House Hune?" There are simple and subtle reactions to the kisses, however, she seems to be ignoring them, favoring the conversation over intimate contact.

Demonder is likely going to burst sometime soon, of course. If Cathryn were to give Rennar a speach about the situation, she'd likely compare Demonder to the stallion again. Though in different contents. Instead, however, Demonder slows in the kisses. "I do not know. I believe within her house alliances are done through marriage. So it is assumed she will either marry Turail, or bring upon another marriage between her cousin and Turail or another noble of House Roesone. What sort of alliances were you discussing with her?" Demonder asks with curiousity.

"You were at the meeting Demonder. Do you not remember my offer to allow House Roesone to travel with our own trade routes?" There is surprise, and even a touch of dismay within Rennar's voice. Almost so much so that she pulls away from him to turn around and gaze at him eye to eye.

"I thought you meant you had an arrangement with Janeva," Demonder corrects himself. There's a brief look to the sky then, though his eyes focus in on Rennar quickly. "I think that will still stand. I doubt any house, merchant or noble, will have exclusive alliances. There will be certain paths House Hune will provide, others that Janeva will provide. There is an alliance in Tar Valon as well. Clearly, House Roesone is not descriminating just yet."

"Has Turail even discussed the matter with your Aunt?" Rennar inquires, watching Demonder in a quiet manner.

Demonder shakes his head. "I do not know. Cathryn has not been accepting many visitors. The last time I was there, her doors were not opened to house members as they usually are." There's a grim look on his features.

"She must be becoming more ill." Rennar speaks in a quieted voice, lowering her eyes to her hands. "I regret not having a more proper ceremony for us that she could attend. She was actually looking forward to the event I think."

Demonder nods quietly, his hand reaching for Rennar's. "She would have liked that, I'm sure. But I don't think her maid-in-waiting is to eager when she ventures out. I heard she had an appointment with the Queen, and that she barely managed all the steps to the quarters." Demonder shrugs. "Though I suppose that's poor justification for us not having a ceremony."

The mentioning of the Queen brings a strange reaction from Rennar. She shrugs it off, as if pushing it all off to the side. "I'm sure she'll understand." She speaks softly, though not quite believing it.

There is a slight pause, his fingers moving across Rennar's cheek as he attempts to move her closer into his embrace as he moves forward to her. "Renni, I wish I could draw you out more. I wish I could bring you to me." Knowing those words likely don't make any sense, Demonder tries again. "You're so reserved sometimes, around subjects you might want to avoid."

"Draw me out more? Demonder, I am more open with you than I am with anyone else." And likely that is true. She used to have a more open relationship with the Queen, but no longer - and that is more of her own doing than anything, not that she realizes it. "As far as being reserved," a sigh escapes her, "I can't change how and who I am."

"Love," Demonder isn't sure what to say next, as he attempts to get some of her attention with his eyes and hold. There is almost a despiration in his eyes to reach for her, but that soon disappears. "I love you, and would not ask you to change. Nor do I suggest it." Demonder is likely as confused as anything. "But I think it would be wise to meet with the Queen when you are comfortable enough to venture out." Oh great, he likely gives her more reason not too.

There is a small frown that comes to Rennar's lips. "I will not be venturing out. I thought that was clear." There is a brief pause, "As for the Queen, she is far too busy to need or want to see me. Otherwise, she would have called for me earlier."

"Renni, you've distanced yourself from the Queen." Demonder tries to take those words back quickly, but its a touch too late os he tries another angle. "Queen Aislynn is busy, yes. You are right, she hasn't visitted. Perhaps I will meet with her then, as a sign of accepted my post on the High Court. And from there I'll see what she says?"

"You do not need to talk to her on my behalf." For some reason, Rennar's words seem to be firm. "Unless there is official business within the palace, I will still be remaining here." With that, she rises to her feet, withdrawing herself further from Demonder's side. She did not forbid Demonder to talk to the Queen, however her point on the matter is made clear.

Demonder stands up as Rennar withdraws. "I do not speak on your behalf. As I've said, I think it will do well that I speak to her with my new appointment." Demonder hesitates briefly, and then his hand simply reaches for her shoulder in a slight comforting gesture. "I will leave you alone to gather your thoughts if needed. I'll be in our chambers when you're ready for bed." Demonder doesn't want to leave, but for whatever reason, he doesn't want to chase Rennar each time she pulls away. Perhaps its that advice Cathryn gave him.

Carefully, Rennar nods her head, "It would do well for you to speak with her on that matter, to at least let her know that one of the positions is filled." When he announces he will be leaving, Rennar remains quiet. She seems almost uncertain of herself, and of him. After a few moments of hesitation, she nods, "I will be up when my thoughts have cleared." Likely, that will be a long way off, knowing her.

Demonder's fingers work a little harder at the muscles of her back. "I'd hope knowing that I am upstairs and waiting for you will rush those thoughts along." There's almost a teasing nature to him.

Silence answers the 'almost' teasing nature. Rennar does not pull away from him, but is not particularly enthused about the notion either. "I will be there, as soon as I can." She comments quietly, her voice trying to reassure him - and yet at the same time does not sound all too reassuring. One might almost believe that the trials of her kidnapping, and the further trials surrounding her sister have not completely disappeared, coupled with her being cooped up within the House itself.

Demonder squeezes her shoulder once more in reassurance, really not knowing what to do. The lord is not as experienced in these matters, and does what he can. So he pulls away a touch. "I love you." With those words, he turns and begins to seek out the exit to the maze.

"I love you..." Rennar echoes quietly. She does not turn to watch him leave. In fact, she turns away from him, and heads further into the gardens. A deep sigh escapse her, as she crosses her arms before her. She, too, is not used to such situations, nor the close intimacy that Demonder wishes to share with her. And, it is taking more than enough time for her to get acclimated to her new sitaution. Her eyes quietly trail to the barn, and after a moment or two, that is where she heads.

It is some time later that Demonder heads down into the courtyard once again. On this summer evening, he hardly wears anything but shorts and a shirt that is mostly undone. Well, Demonder was never one to be modest. It would take him another good half hour to realize that she is not hiding within the maze. And another five minutes to realize where she would possibly hide herself next: The place she had stayed during the last termoil. Demonder opens the doors to the barn and walks in. "Renni?" he calls out.

There is no answer. Silence seems to resound within the barn. However, a single lantern burns brightly within the building.

Demonder makes his way through the barn and toward the source of light. His white clothing nearly see-thru against the light, at least his shirt, as he peers around the corner. Demonder could only add to her uncomfortableness, perhaps, appearing somewhat naked though not as unclothed as he would be within their bed.

As he nears the lantern, he'll notice it is placed between the two stalls of the horses which were 'sold'. Within one of the stalls is Rennar - fast asleep; or so it might appear.

Demonder sighs quietly to himself. A High Seat of House Hune sleeping where the horses she loved once were. Demonder isn't certain how to react, though he does what comes natural to him. And that is to walk up to where she lays and to lower himself to his knees and then to his side. One hand moves to her shoulder, while he watches her. "Renni?"

She is a person, like any other, yes? Her reaction is no more different, or puzzling, than another who loved and cared for the animals as she. Yet, she is particularly stubborn about selling them off, no matter how much heartache it might cause her. "Hmm...?" comes a rumbling sound, as she tries to swat away Demonder's hand.

Demonder takes what-ever abuse Rennar offers with her swatting. Though there's a slight sigh that escapes his lips as he attempts to make himself more comfortable. "If this is where you've decided we will sleep tonight..." his voice trails, not caring if she's concious enough to hear him or not.

She is more awake when she hears Demonder's words finally, having realized that the hand was not part of whatever dream she might have been having. "No." Rennar's voice is almost sheepish when she forms that one small word, "We will sleep in our bed. I was here far longer than I thought I would be." With that, she starts for her feet.

Demonder doesn't exactly cooperate with her attempting to depart the stall. Instead, his hand still basically holds her near him to where he is next to her. "Are you certain?" he asks quietly. "I should not make a habit of disturbing you. Yet," Demonder shurgs slowly. "You weren't coming to bed."

"I fell asleep." Rennar states the obvious, "I am sorry. It was not my intention not to go back." There is a note of honesty to her words, though she looks down, almost as if shamed, or waiting for some big arguement to occur. "I am certain. I prefer my own bed, to that of one made of straw."

"I'm certain a kiss will make up for my waiting," Demonder suggests, releasing her shoulder, though now his fingers trace across her chin and lift her lips more to his.

Perhaps really too tired to think about anything else, Rennar manages a soft kiss. After a few moments, she pulls away, "Now might we go to bed?"

Demonder accepts the soft kiss, then ponders. "Well..." he peers in a moment of hesitation. "I suppose so. Though I'd expect more enthusiasm in a kiss that's to make things up to me next time," he points out, hoping to crack a smile even when within he doubts it.