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.

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

Today is Nineday, 21 Choren, 998 NE. It is a Autumn evening.

Sitting upon one of the many garden benches is Lady Rennar Hune. As is customary, she is holding a book within her lap, which she appears to be reading by the light of a lantern that is hung not too far off from where she sits.

Daric is escorted by Hune guards into the gardens before Tiras Lorn, after he made it clear he wished to see Rennar. He holds a sizable velvet bag before him, containing something rectangular in shape. He and the guards wait before Rennar until addressed.

Closing her book, Rennar looks up as several shadows come into her meager light. "Yes...?" She inquires, then her eyes widen a touch in surprise as she spies Daric. "Lord Daric... what a surprise."

The Roesone noble bows his head in a respectful gesture, his golden strands of hair glinting in the lamplight. "The Light illumine your path, my lady." Straightening up, he looks for a moment at his companions before looking again at Rennar. "I was required to give some explanation as to why I am here. I trust I do not call at an inconvenient time, yes?" he asks, smiling gently.

The young noble women of House Hune carefully closes her book, marking the page with a pink ribbon. She sets it aside and stands, meeting her guest at his own height, "This is not an inconvient time, Lord Daric. Would you like to sit?" She motions quietly to one of the nearby benches.

"You are most kind. Thank you." Daric murmurs. Before he sits down in the indicated spot, he lays the velvet bag beside Rennar. "This is for you, since I observed that you are fond of the written word." he offers in explanation, seating himself gracefully.

There is a touch of surprise upon Rennar's features as Daric settles the bag down at her side, "You did not have to get me anything, Lord Daric." She comments in a quiet manner, retaking her seat and settling her skirts about her. Carefully, she picks up the bag, looking almost uncertain as to whether or not she should take the 'gift'. However, rather than insulting the Lord, and former Child, she opens it to see what exact book is inside; though perhaps having a notion of what it might be already.

Characteristic of Daric, the leather bound gold enscribed tome within is entitled in stylised letters 'The Way of the Light'. The similarity to the mass produced books distributed by the Children ends here however. Each page is finely made vellum, each letter a work of calligraphy. The pages have been illuminated with formal yet surreal painted images to accompany the text. The book is typical of a finely illustrated work from a monastical study.

And indeed, the gift is exactly what Rennar was expecting. Carefully, she pushes the book back into it's fine velveteen bag, "Again, thank you." She comments lightly, "Though, I suspect there is more to your visit than giving me a copy of the Way?"

Eyeing Rennar's hands as she withdraws the book, Daric comments, "I had intended this as a wedding gift for you and cousin Demonder. I illuminated and inscribed the book myself by hand when I was near your age. With circumstances changing... perhaps it was no longer appropriate for a wedding gift." He smiles a little again as he eyes Rennar. "Perhaps you will look beyond the words, and see my devotions and my thanks for your kindness to me some weeks ago."

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

"Demonder and I have yet to have a proper wedding ceremony." Rennar speaks in a soft manner, carefully holding the velveteen bag containing the book within. "It is a lovely gift, and will be cherished." She manages a small smile, attempting to put genuine meaning behind it. It is known that House Hune does not favor the Children, or those who sympathize with it, for the most part. "At least by myself. I'm not certain how Demonder would feel about it."

"It was not intended for Demonder in this case." Daric replies, gesturing with a gloved hand. "I am sure cousin Demonder and I will continue to see each other from time to time. It was intended for you, duchess. From rumors I hear, there will come a time soon when I am no longer welcome within your lands."

Gi'tai gallops through the gates of Tiras Lorn. Lord Demonder rides the steed through in some haste, though more from the enjoyment of riding then him actually having any need to rush. He slows the horse at the stables, and dismounts as a stable-boy approaches. Demonder begins to pat down the horse, removing a few belongings from the saddle of the horse.

A touch of confusion comes to Rennar's features, "My lands? Or do you mean the Queen's?" While she is not a supporter of the Children, she has also never forbidden them transport over Hune lands when needed. "And again, thank you for the gift." Her hand gently caresses the book, "What times might you be speaking about?" Her voice continues inquistively, "I am afraid I am very out of touch with life outside of my manor." And therein lies an almost saddened expression, though it quickly passes. When Gi'tai gallops through the gates, Rennar's attention is diverted away from Daric and toward the noise within the courtyard.

Demonder retrieves a few items from the saddle back and then heads to the front of the horse. Patting it softly on the nose, he waits for the Gi'tai to nuzzle him before smiling a touch. A few whispered words are spoken before he nods to the stable-boy to bring the horse within. Demonder brushes off some dust from his purple cloak, still wearing Roesone colors, and begins to head toward the manor. That pace slows only a touch when he takes notice of Lord Daric speaking with Lady Rennar.

"As am I, outside the Roesone manor and lands, Lady Rennar." Daric murmurs, leaning back a little as he eyes the approaching Demonder. "Fortunately for us all, there are those than can tell us of what goes on beyond our limits of vision and hearing, no?" He gestures to the guardsmen nearby. "There are people everywhere. Up there in the window, perhaps tending the gardens nearby." He raises an eyebrow as he almost grins. "Surely you would know of these, my lady?"

There is a faint darkening of Rennar's features, "Surely I do, as I know that those now housed within my House are loyal to me and my husband both." Her hackles seem to rise for some reason, as if Daric's mentioning the servants and their being a source of 'information' causes something to stir deeply iwthin her. Afterall, it was men dressed as such which tried to kill her not so long ago.

After several more steps Demonder finally comes into hearing range of Daric and Rennar. Those eyes move between the move, shifting to the book Rennar holds, and then to Daric once again. "Lord Daric," he bows his head a touch to the other Roesone lord, though now more fitting someone of Demonder's rank as husband to a High Seat. Or perhaps there are other matters that make him reserved toward the man? "An interesting surprise. Welcome back." Demonder's eyes shift to Rennar, as though he may get a clue from her by a single gaze, but otherwise his attention turns back to Daric.

Mistaking Rennar's tenseness for something other than her recent attack, Daric nods slowly as Demonder speaks. He then answers Rennar in an even voice. "I have never borne you any ill will, duchess. No hand of mine has been ever raised towards the Hunes. You rule for your people in accordance with the laws, tradition and as etiquette demands. Your fears of the Children and your support for the Aes Sedai are regretable, but beyond my concerns." He looks straight into Rennar's eyes as he asks, "What then have I done to attract your ill will?"

"I was not speaking of yourself, Lord Daric. Because you are a noble of House Roesone, and cousin to my husband, I have set aside my differences toward the Children for you alone." Rennar speaks quietly, watching Daric with a quiet regard. "However, other things have occured within this House to make me choose more carefully who was hired back within my employ, or newly within my employ. Servants can be quite unnoticable to some people, however within this House, they are noticed every day, and watched quite carefully. Otherwise, I may not have my life the next day." Perhaps her words bring to light she means her prior situation as being held captive.

Demonder shifts his body more next to Rennar, though is still at an angle where he can observe them both easily. At Daric's words there is a touch of darkened emotions that stir within him, but they fade quickly. As Rennar seems to take no anger to them, Demonder relaxes a touch. "There a problem, Renni?" he asks finally, though not really wanting to interfere.

Glancing up at her husband, Rennar shakes her head, "There is no problem love." She smiles gently, reaching out a hand to take his own, "Lord Daric simply came to bring me a gift... of thanks for letting him stay here." Though that is not what it might have been initially, that is what it became officially within the end.

"Truly they are unnoticed by some." Daric agrees. "In past troubles in Andor, the commoners ruled by Hune have been quick to place the red cloth on their sword and arms. You notice this and rule in accordance with their wishes." He gestures towards the gates. "The commoners on the Roesone lands however have always donned the white in times of trouble. Always." He eyes Demonder as he speaks. "Yet the nobles of Roesone refuse to listen to their charges, and force them into the ways of the Tower. No one may rule without the consent of the ruled. No one. You know this to be just and right as well as I, duchess."

"Perhaps you presume much about my actions, Lord Daric. I rule benevolently. I may share the same views of those within my House most times, however I do not rule to their whim. I rule as how I see fit, and that is as a strong supporter of the Queen, as Andor is her land to govern." Rennar speaks in quiet tones, squeezing Demonder's hand gently, having never released it. "I see people for who they are, rather than what they are."

Demonder regards his fellow Roesone lord with an aprehensive posture that seems to change to one more agressive. Though Demonder doesn't answer right away, watching Rennar respond with a clearly silence. "And I'd fail to see where House Roesone forces its people to the way of the Tower, Lord Daric. The alliance with Queen Aislynn is a matter of Andoran politics, not one within our House. We ask nothing of Roesone's but to accept the Queen which House Roesone does support. If you'd suggest renagging on the support of the Queen," Demonder shrugs his shoulder. "That would be a troubling matter indeed. Whether Aes Sedai or not, the Queen's of Andor are trained in the Tower. Her rank is a proof of her talents, not an indication she is any more Tower-loyal then the Queen's before her."

Listening for a moment to the couples words, Daric looks up at Demonder. "You rule and live for undying support to the Queen then." Daric says. "Why then do you not simply turn over Hune lands to the House of Versyr? Surely there would be no better way to serve Andor and the Queen as you have suggested, yes?" The blond lord seems quite serious about what he proposes.

There is a slight smirk that comes to Rennar's features at Daric's suggestion. "Would the Queen wish for me to forfeit my lands, I would." She, too, is seriously speaking. "Afterall, they are hers, not mine. She rules all of Andor, and the lands are granted to our Houses respectively by her hand. She can give and take as she sees fit, as all Queen's have done in past and present. I support the Queen because I believe she rule's with a fair hand, and I would do poorly on the throne myself, even if I am the heir-apparent."

"The Queen needs her people to rule the lands she has given." Demonder's words are surprisingly distant, though perhaps because this is a subject he has been able to distance himself from, not speaking for House Roesone nor House Hune. Merely making observations. "As Renni says, it would be foolish ot renag on land that was already given to our blood line. But it is land easily taken away."

Daric makes a waggling gesture with his finger as he smiles. "She does need people to rule the lands she has given. Why then must they be nobles? Why not a commoner? Why not then an Aes Sedai to rule?" he asks. "Anyone at all may support the Queen and make patriotic gestures. No noble blood is needed for that, no?"

"I do not support her for patriotic games or because of what she is, Lord Daric. My support is given to her because I believe her to be the best person for the job, as I did before she discovered her ability and became Aes Sedai. She had no choice in the matter of channeling, she would have done so whether she willed it or not. It is as part of nature as the Creator's touch is upon the world." Rennar is more versed in the manners of the Tower than some might like, but she uses her knowledge to prove a point. "Being Aes Sedai does not change the fact that she was Queen prior." She pauses, "As for the need of nobility," she shrugs her sholders, "in all honesty, I would be happier of there were no titles to distinguish us, however it is the people themselves that distinguish position and place, not the Queen."

"And it is as you have said, Lord Daric. Without her people's support, the Queen could not rule." Demonder manages another shrug of his shoulder, his voice continues to be casual. "Dictating support by the bribery of land is an issue in such a structure of politics, yet if enough noblility had a strong disfavour in her ways, the Queen's position could be threatened."

"And we return to my original point." Daric says, resting his hands on his thighs as he leans back. "It is the people who wish for nobles to look after them. They look to the nobility for /leadership/. Leadership is not simply echoing everything the Queen says and pledging undying support as some of the Roesone lords have done. They think they serve Andor doing this, but in fact they serve only their own egos. And thus, they ensure their own redundancy." He smiles and shrugs his shoulders. "If that is their wish, then let them do this. But I believe the House of Roesone is more than empty leadership and a vacant mouthpiece for a monarch."

Confusion lightly comes to Rennar's features as she further listens to Daric's words. "But who am I to quesiton how House Roesone is run?" She comments, furrowing her brow a bit. "It may be divided yes, however I would not think tha is because of lack of leadership. People are bound to have their own opinions on matters, regardless of whatever who leads thinks and believes."

The words could lead Demonder conclude he means Cathryn and the other main nobles of House Roesone. Demonder's features do darkeen then, his eyes flashing almost in anger before he cools down. The lord actually manages a slight smile. "Now, Lord Daric, I'd not be modest with your own talents. For while the Duchess supports the Queen, there are men such as yourself speaking against the action.

"Did you not take unusual interest in my movements whilst I fled from the Roesone estate, duchess? Your servants were there at all times to ensure I was not beyond your sight." the Roesone lord says evenly. "Even when I was beyond Tiras Lorn, there were those who followed me from here to the Children's encampment when I sought advice." He looks at Demonder for a moment, then again at Rennar. "I am coming to my own talents in a moment, Demonder. But I now hear cousin Turail regularly visits with merchants with proposals. It does not take much imagination to figure out why. He has even been seen here discussing business and trade. I think, duchess, you do take a healthy interest in what goes on in Roesone. This is why I am here, to explain my position."

"In all actuality, I did not, Lord Daric. Whatever my servants did, they did of their own accord." Rennar shrugs her shoulders lightly, watching the man before her. Her gaze is intent, eyes narrowed slightly. "My servants, after my recent occurances, are rather protective of me." She smirks slightly, "Some might say more so than my own husband. "As far as my interests, I am married to a member of House Roesone, and perhaps consider Lady Cathryn one of the few nobles that I admire and respect. She has a strength and passion for life that few ever have or endure. However, I do not tell her how to rule her own House and home, nor do I need explainations of matters going on over there."

At those words, Demonder simply stands beside Rennar and watches Daric's expression for the reaction.

"Your servants are closely watched at all times, and yet are given such freedom." Daric states, clasping his hands before him at the contradiction. "Very well. If you will not have any explanations from me, then I respect that and will not repeat them again. Should cousin Turail come to you with such propositions, I trust that he will be received in the same way as I have this night." He eyes Demonder and Rennar again, his gaze settling on Demonder. "I wish you well, Lord Hune, in your endeavours here. I hope also then that you will respect my rights to rule in Roesone as I respect yours in Hune."

"Then you intend to ask to become Lady Cathryn's heir?" Rennar inquires lightly, only with a small bit of interest as she regards Daric. "She had not mentioned that you were a contender for the Seat."

Demonder's eyes widen a touch, but he maintains a rather quiet stance.

Laughing softly, Daric rises to his feet. "Me... high seat of the Roesones? I am precluded from that since I trace my line from Kaemma, and not Dane the Elder." He again shrugs his narrow shoulders as he adds, "But as you said earlier, duchess, what need have we of titles and bloodlines to distinguish us? Is it not a person that elevates themself by their actions?"

A small smirk comes to Rennar's features, "Lady Cathryn does not follow the tradition of tracing heritage to choose her heir." She shrugs her shoulders a bit, "It could be possible for her to bestow the title on someone of a lower standing than yourself, if she so desired. Still living, she has the power to determine who inherits, even if the family is against that move."

Stroking his chin for a moment thoughtfully at Rennar's words, Daric seems quite intrigued with the idea from the expression in his blue eyes. He smiles gently at last, shaking his head. "The Duchess Roesone should not be so quick to dispense with tradition. If not for tradition and laws to guide our actions, all that is left is the might of the sword to guide. I am sure none of us would wish that day on Andor, no?"

"Somehow I doubt, Lord Daric, there your bias would make you affective as High Seat." Demonder's words are spoken honestly. "You'd sooner begin an uprising against the Queen herself with such a position, my guess would be. And even though this might meet in favor with some of the Roesone's within the vineyards, would it really be in the best interest of House Roesone and Andor? Or the propaganda fed to those closely linked with the Children? I wish not to give you insult on this matter, I have the greatest respect for the Children of the Light. But I think with the current politics in Andor, these conflicts between Children and the Tower could only lead to an uglier path that would be according to the ways of the Children, but not necessarily Andor."

"Then, in the terms of tradition, your heir is already selected. Lord Turail is the next in line for the Seat. Perhaps it is he who you should be convincing of your actions and deeds, yes?" Rennar inquires lightly, folding her hands upon the velvety bag which holds Daric's gifted book.

"One person's propaganda is anothers gospel truth, Demonder." Daric says quietly. "The Tower is no purer when it comes to its own 'truths'. In such cases, the truth in a sense no longer matters. It is who will prevail in the contest of wills. You believe that the Tower is the saviour of all, for reasons none of you can explain." Daric gives a decidedly unlordlike snort at Rennar's comment about Turail. "His ties to Shienar and his foriegners alliegiances preclude him from the High Seat in any case. I have nothing to fear there."

"Do they? His family is of the ruling branch. I would think that his ties are much stronger than you think or believe." Rennar has done her home work on some of the varying houses. As Head, she would have been hard pressed not to. She shrugs her shoulders a bit, "As far as 'truths' and gospel, everyone has their faults. I preach nothing in regards to the Tower, except that they are not creatures of the Dark as some might suppose." She smirks lightly, Daric included in that 'some'. "Having family who've worked within the TOwer, and family who've worked within the Children, I know both have their faults and neither are willing to admit them. However that is not a discussion I wish to get into. My only concern is for my House and those that dwell within it."

Demonder's eyes once again note a touch of something within, but the lord otherwise maintains his composure to a neutral expression. "I have a belief that both the Tower and the Children of the Light battle the Dark One. And that both will stand together when the shadows rise. The Tower has its secrets and its own propaganda on these matters, and the Children have also not always proved right in their struggle." Demonder's words nearly mirror Rennar in philosophy. "However, I'd not be foolish to believe your views are not of value, for to have true compromise within a House, it takes extremes to find the balance." Clearly Demonder sees Daric in the extremes.

Holding up his hands, Daric protests his innocence in response to Rennar. "As I did say earlier, I have no quarrel with you or your House, Lady Rennar. I desire peace between us. Should conflict occur, you have my oath that I will not have taken the first blow. If Turail and the others are determined to pursue their dream-like goals and betray House Roesone, that is their choice also. It is not for them to dictate Shienaran or Tower culture. If you see me as extreme, it is because I have been pushed there, Demonder."

"I wouldn't disagree with that." Demonder agrees with Daric's last point, and does seem to honestly believe so. Not that he'd agree with the reasons my Daric has been pushd, but that was not at issue.

"An Oath that will not be taken lightly, Lord Daric, and one that is gratefully accepted. As you have no quarrel with us, I have no quarrel with you. Should there be one, trust me when I say you will be the first to know. I am a rather blunt woman, preferring to be frank and up front rather than hiding behind manipulations." This would be in tune with the rumors that others might have said about her. "I play the game only when I must, never before and only forced into such actions and occurances." Rennar watches Daric quietly, tilting her head to the side a bit.