Grand Hall: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

The Grand Hall is beautifully imposing, taking one's breath away. This is the Throne Room from which Andoran Queens have received ambassadors and pronounced judgement for close to a thousand years. Rows of white columns over twenty paces high march down the sides of the hall. A red carpet runs down the center of the Hall, to a raised marble dais, upon which sits the Lion Throne.

The sounds of crickets chirping comes into the room from the gardens outside. Moonlight streams in through the windows, glinting off of the jewel-inlaid wall behind the throne. The beauty of autumn can be seen through the high, arched windows that overlook the Queen's Gardens. The leaves of trees are turning to red and gold and blanket the green grass. The tall, arched doorway of white stone leads back out to the entry hall.

Grimes, Inarin, Sydelle, Magnus, Aeron, Theowyn, Nicodemus, Aislynn, Turail, Reslaric, Demonder, Durnik, Rhaevan, Engest

Engest's eyes widen at the Queen's pronouncement, but his expression quickly stills as a nearly palpable mental shrug occurs, his eyes and attention appearng to return to the Murandanian Queen.

Durnik stands at Aislynn's side (wherever she might be now) and listens intently to the proceedings but not quite ready yet to comment....even though perhaps he should have a long while back.

Sydelle is waiting, as stately in her silence as in her words, her eyes trained unblinkingly on Inarin, hands composed at the waist of her gown. Although not the faintest note of displeasure touches her features, the prolonged weight of her stare might uncomfortably suggest that the man sit down.

Demonder's surprise is clear as he watches Inarin, and then hears the invitation by Aislynn for him to stay. He doesn't say anything, but he does whisper to the Hune noble sitting beside him.

Slipping into the room, a long black shawl of mourning draped over her shoulders, is Rennar Hune - the High Seat of the House. Rumors might have spread about the absense of the Lady, though not many could have gotten too far fetched in the time of her absense. Carefully, she scans the room wiht her eyes, searching out a single entity in the sea of people. Finding him, Rennar makes her way to where Demonder sits.

Nicodemus lets his gaze fall upon Aislynn. He studies her for several long moments before looking to Inarin. How convenient, he thinks to himself. Convenient. It is a funny word, one that that doesn't seem to fit within the bounds of the Gaidin's thoughts. Convenient it would be if the Lord Captain wanted to stay, but this is something more than that.

Demonder isn't the first to spot his wife, though he does notice her approach the seat. With that, he actually nudges the Hune noble sitting beside him, which promptly causes a seat to be left open beside Demonder. His eyes are briefly pleading with Rennar for something of sorts as she approaches.

Aislynn leans toward her Gaidin, murmuring to him quietly, She mutters to Nicodemus, "What course would... now,... Something...pulls... so..."

Grimes glances at the members of his House and, judging his reaction from theirs, turns a calm face back to the proceedings. He shows no disapproval, but he does watch Inarin, with curiosity.

Inarin stiffens a little, moving away from the entrance to take a spot, or at least what seems to be proper. He looks uncomfortable, though, and utterly unsure of himself, or more likely, why he's here and what's going on. His chainmail clinks, audible to the most-silently room. He's not dressed for this at all.

Magnus stnads from his seat, looking none to happy...The old Lion is gonna say something if you all don't get this sorted out quick...

Before getting fully to Demonder, Rennar half-bows and curtseys to the Queen as is proper, all too formal, before taking her seat. She nods to Demonder, and reaches out to take one of his hands, offering silent support, but says nothing. Her eyes do seem to fall on Inarin, and for a moment her expression seems to hold a bit of careful sympathy.

Turail glances at Reslaric again and then leans to whisper to one of the other nobles of the Roesone on the othe side of him and then slowly stands up. "Your Majesty. I must concur with my advisor. This meeting is a high court, with delegates carefully chosen, and ought to remain a closed proceeding."

Nicodemus leans down to listen to Aislynn Sedai. He pauses for a moment, his eyes moving to the Lord Captain. He mutters to Aislynn, "I would... allow him to... Surely... comfortable in... gathered.... of..."

Demonder's hand goes on Rennar's shoulder, as he leans over to whisper to her ear all too quietly.

Magnus looks between inarin and Queen Sydelle. Yes he is annoyed. We did not come her to gauk at Inarin afterall.

You sense Demonder's voice is clearly concerned. "The Queen just invited Inarin to stay. House Roesone seems to be holding opposition to this, that new Advisor being the first to speak."

Durnik clears his throat...perhaps a bit too loudly and looks down at Aislynn. He nods his approval, but doesn't state any reasons for it.

Durnik looks over to the newly arrived Inarin and nods his head respectfully.

The Queen of Andor simply returns her gaze to the Murandian monarch, oblivious (seemingly) to the upset her...strange...pronouncement has had. She stiffly waves a slender hand, "Please, Your Majesty, pray you continue with your examples..."

Rennar's brow lifts in surprise, and a touch of a frown comes to her lips. While she has nothing against Inarin himself.... that frown deepens. She leans in toward Demonder, She mutters to Demonder, "It is not... a... of... council meeting. I don't care..."

Demonder senses "Rennar's brow lifts in surprise, and a touch of a frown comes to her lips. While she has nothing against Inarin himself.... that frown deepens. She leans in toward Demonder, "It is not right, having a Child of the Light at a /nobles/ council meeting. I don't care if he is Ta'veren or not.""

Slow movements carry Sydelle towards Magnus, approaching the aged nobleman from behind and laying a hand on his shoulder -- the first breach of formality she has displayed the evening. She raises her voice, though the tone remains pitched low, and though she ostensibly addresses the Queen, her eyes take in the entire table. "I have come here to speak. It cannot be displeasing, that more choose to listen." A graceful sweep of her head indicates her assent to Aislynn's statement, and she moves away from Magnus once again. She does not wait for silence -- the clear tones of her voice expect to cause it. Sydelle resumes her slow pacing around the enormous table that holds the assembled notables, directing the dark-eyed gaze that almost vibrates with rising intensity directly at each one she passes, pausing before each. As if they were alone within her regard at that single moment. Turail, Demonder and Rennar, Engest, Grimes, and Aeron she pauses before in this turn. "You all know as well as I that in the past, there has been little love lost between our nations. The circumstances, the squabbling details, the record of who coveted first -- all these things are lost to the dusty tomes of history, and the bias of observers. The conflicts have been unfortunate -- border struggles, arguments over what should belong to whom." She pauses in a half-turn, stretching out a slim hand to the grand table. "Help me prevent this war, and you will gain an unshakable ally. While I live, Murandy will be enemy to Andor no longer, and we shall stand with you in matters of import." The silence that follows might indicate to the hasty that she is done, but this is not the case. Her gaze moves to settle on Aislynn once again before she continues. "There is more, and less pleasant."

Reslaric returns to his seat and looks to Turail. Whatever concern there is, it's well enough there for now, though soon begins to settle into a less readable expression.

Inarin's eyes widen. Apparently, he was completely unaware that there was a war brewing in the *first* place. To his credit, though, he manages to keep his jaw from dropping open two times in one night thus far.

Demonder leans to the side and continues his quiet conversation with Rennar between pauses. He mutters to Rennar, "... have... House... the objection, but... not..."

You sense Demonder leans to the side and continues his quiet conversation with Rennar between pauses. "I should have backed House Roesone in the objection, but it would have seemed... it would not have bid well, I do no think."

Thus brushed off, the Roesone Lord who had stood with Reslaric to object sits down. Perhaps he should have suggested that Inarin stay. His relationship with the Queen started off adversarial and has not really shown signs of improving, no matter his efforts have been to prove himself. He seems more interested now in watching his advisor's face.

Durnik weighs Sydelle's words heavily as Captain-General of Andor's army, and the man who will be the first to watch friends, comrades, men that he has trained and trusted with his life die.

Nicodemus steps back from the Queen's side. True he had made a suggestion solely to gather information in a reaction, but whether it was useful or not can only be determined in time. His attention returns to The Murandian Queen then. Unpleasant... Good. He had waited for this part in paricular.

Durnik folds his arms behind his back and lowers his eyes a bit, still listening to the room.

There is no question that the expression of the High Chancellor is taking on a skeptical quality as the foreign Queen continues to speak. The wry twist to Engest's expression lends even further weight to just such a perception.

Rennar pauses a moment before quietly speaking with heri husband, She mutters to Demonder, "You... If she truely... the... be... to pull... my... a... but I... be... Cloaks." It is then that her eyes move away from Inarin and fall to the unfamiliar woman who has started speaking.

Demonder senses "Rennar pauses a moment before quietly speaking with heri husband, "You know my feelings upon the matter. If she truely has sided with the Children of the Light, I will be forced to pull back my support. I will remain a loyal citizen of Andor, but I will not watch the country be overrun by Cloaks." It is then that her eyes move away from Inarin and fall to the unfamiliar woman who has started speaking."

Durnik finally turns his gaze upon Aislynn for her responses. He stands next to her as always, opposite Nicodemus.

The cold eyes of the young Andoran Queen rest intently upon her Southern counterpart. She nods at intervals during the Queen's speech, taking mental notes of this and that. Clearly, she has been apprised of the biggest part of this situation beforehand--as none of this has seemed to be a shock to her as of yet. However, at the mention of 'unpleasantness,' Aislynn seems to draw herself up, as if expecting this unpleasantness to present itself in this very room...at this very moment...and a fierce light shines paradoxically from her wintry blue eyes. She nods her head at the Murandian Queen, coaxing her to continue, and casts a regal glance about the gathering of Andoran nobles, her eyes lingering a bit longer upon the Roesone delegation before continuing on their brief journey...to arrive at Sydelle once more.

Aeron returns his attention to Sydelle, listening to her continued speech. He looks up to meet the woman's gaze during the brief time she looks towards him, then he turns his attention to Durnik, watching the Captain-General studiously.

Durnik has become a very solemn man. The business of war is always a solemn thing to be weighed heavily in the heart and in the mind. He takes a deep inhalation of breath, releasing it slowly as he ponders these events as if it meant the weight of the world was on his shoulders. At Aislynn's small gesture to coax Sydelle on, he turns his dark gaze back to the Murandian Queen once more with narrowed, pensive eyes...and waits.

Demonder's expression darkens as he nods to Rennar's words. His attention returns to the Queen of Murandy in quiet contemplation.

For the first time, emotion surfaces through the steely calm of Sydelle's expression -- such a weight of sadness that it would crush a lesser form to the ground. Regret, regret as piercing and soul-destroying as has ever transfixed a human heart. "Know that if war between Renford's forces and my own comes, I will fight unto the last. If my will can make it so, I shall win. I /expect/ to win. A loss is not for me to consider -- I cannot plan for it, I cannot change it, and if it comes, my own mortal worries will be far past. A loss is for -you- to consider." The tension in her voice climbs as she turns her head to look up and down the table, the need to convince these people shining in her features as conviction. "Consider it well, Finest of Andor. Consider Renford's character, consider his actions. If he will send his men to their deaths to wrest my throne away -- he would send all the armies of Murandy to similar fate to gain -these- sweet fields for his own. His ambitions will not be stemmed by success, only failure. Failure on the battlefield -- against my army, or failure in arbitration because of /your/ intervention." A pause, and then her words are soft, and full of feeling. "I pray that you will allow my people the latter option."

Rennar squeezes Demonder's hand, then continues to murmur quietly within his ear. She mutters to Demonder, "... that I... staying... News... has shaken... thought... would. How are you..." She turns her attetention away from those present. From the looks of her, her mind is obviously not on the meeting really - off somewhere else, someplace distant, showing up only for appearances sake.

Demonder senses "Rennar squeezes Demonder's hand, then continues to murmur quietly within his ear. "I do not know that I will be staying long. News of my sister has shaken me more than I thought it would. How are you holding up here?" She turns her attetention away from those present. From the looks of her, her mind is obviously not on the meeting really - off somewhere else, someplace distant, showing up only for appearances sake."

Durnik doesn't move but barely an inch as Sydelle trails off and that just to look down at Aislynn, expectantly.

From skepticism to near neutrality, Engest's expression changes in the space of a mere moment. Even the finger that had previously idly stroked his goatee has stilled in the face of whatever revelation made itself known to the High Chancellor. His gaze moves from the Murandanian to the Andoran Queen, a steady gaze which carries a weight perhaps greater than a spoken word.

Demonder's hand interweaves with Rennar's, as he looks to her a comforting gaze. Briefly, and likely rudely so, lost from the goings of the court, he nods. He mutters to Rennar, "... darker... armies,... my... words are... into Murandy."

You sense Demonder's hand interweaves with Rennar's, as he looks to her a comforting gaze. Briefly, and likely rudely so, lost from the goings of the court, he nods. "I fear the darker days are coming, Rennar. They speak of bringing Andoran armies, if my guess in the words are correct, into Murandy."

Inarin bows his head a little, looking down towards the floor, absorbing most of this information for what is likely the first time he's heard of any of this. He folds his gauntleted hands behind his back and then lifts his gaze back up, steeling himself, just a touch.

Aislynn continues to watch Sydelle for a few long moments after she ceases speaking. The young Queen...long known to be almost fanatically opposed to the forces of tyranny..considering how her own mother died...seems to commisserate with Sydelle, her cold eyes glinting indignantly at Renford's affrontery as Sydelle's speech ends. She glances at Magnus, and then back to Sydelle, perhaps judging whether or not the appeal is truly over, and the deliberations can begin.

Durnik waits.

Sydelle's head inclines in an indication to Aislynn, the jewels at her temples swaying with the movement. "I have said what I came here to. All I can present is the truth. If there are questions, I will answer them. If there are concerns, I can attempt to assuage them. But I can say no more in pursuit of your intervention. The facts are Murandy's best advocate." Her voice has returned to its normal clear, low tones.

Let Queen Sydelle's army fight its own battle, Nicodemus thinks to himself. Afterward, when Lord Renford's forces are weakened, then make him consider arbitration. He has no use of it now, he clearly has the upper hand, and a mind that seeks only power. What is Aislynn Sedai to do before that? Raise an army and threaten Renford? Leave her own people ripe for the picking? Or will she use the threat of war as the reason to come to a conference? If the man has eyes for power, he'll not likely be satisfied with what crumbs he's given in arbitration.

Graciously, Aislynn inclines her head to Sydelle, offering her a pleasant smile, though one that denotes that she can empathize with her plight. With that, she turns to the gathering of Andoran nobles, giving each her cold-eyed stare, before addressing them: "Queen Sydelle has spoken her concerns and her desires. It is now in our hands. The purpose of the High Council is to have a body of Nobles who can serve as my advisors in just such matters...Matters of extreme importance to the country and its people. I implore you to think over her words, and present your -best- ideas to me in regard to this matter. I shall now open this up for discussion, but let us keep it in an ordlerly fashion, please."

Durnik looks around and steps forward slightly at Aislynn's opening of the floor.

Magnus speaks up now. Magnus stands once again. "Many of you know me to be a man of little talk and much action. Lord Renford has already proven himself to be no friend of Andor's...so either we help Queen Sydelle by arbitrating, we find some other way to help...or in my mind we pay for it later. That cost could be very high." Magnus sits back down...

It is now that Rennar speaks up, having not been present when the announcement was made that allowed Inarin to stay, "Your Majesty, if this is to be a council of Andoran Nobles, then why do we have a representative from the Children of the Light present?" Gently, Rennar folds her hands within her lap, emerald eyes gently resting on Aislynn. "He is not a member of the nobility, and I had not known that Andor was letting Children in on our decision making process."

Magnus is once again annoyed as it seems people would rather debate the presence of a dolt then the matter we all came here to talk about

Demonder takes a somewhat relieved breath as Rennar says something of this. He bends forward briefly to look to his Roesone associates before settling in his chair.

Inarin sighs a little as the conversation, once again, turns back towards him. Someone isn't very happy with being the center of attention right now. He takes a quick look around, sweeping over the gathered.

Dolt or not, the man is a Child of the Light, and a representative for them as well. Knowledge of what goes on within the Andoran courts given over to the Children could be just as damaging as what is going on in Murandy. Rennar waits patiently for an answer to her question, smoothing over her skirts once more. The looks of her suggests she's not going to say much of anything until it is, eyes carefully running over the Lord Captain, with hidden knowledge laying behind them.

Reslaric turns to Turail and whispers a few words to the Lord of Roesone. There is a brief conversation that occurs before Reslaric sits straight upon his seat once more. There's an obvious support for Rennar's words, though he actually looks to Inarin. There's almost a look of approval for the Child, contradicting his earlier motion to have him removed. Yet when his eyes return to the Queen, he waits expectingly for an answer to a request that went ignored earlier by House Roesone.

If Sydelle shares Magnus' frustration with the turn of events, she cloaks it much better than he, behind iron control over her features that may pass as quiet serenity. Slowly, she paces to retake the seat of honor at Aislynn's right hand, lowering herself into the chair and settling her skirts with a few deft motions of her long-fingered hands. Her dark eyes settle across the table, on Magnus, as she lapses to a composed silence.

Sydelle is looking at you.

Aislynn inclines her head politely to Rennar, and opens her mouth, uttering: "I---I..." haltingly...uncharacteristic for the young Queen. She tries again, finally managing, "I do not know, Rennar. Up until less than an hour ago, I would have heartily agreed with your judgement....but...something...." She trails off, casting a somewhat indignant glance at the Child of the Light who is at the centre of such regal attention.

Magnus scratches his head...this meeting is taking a turn for the surreal.

Sydelle's dark eyes remain directed at Magnus, but now, perhaps in response to Aislynn's halting language, they grow faintly inquiring.

Aeron speaks up, obviously unhappy to do it but his voice is clear and even, if a bit curt, "The Queen of Andor told him to remain. That is enough for me." He gives a heavy shrug of his shoulders and sits back again, looking at Aislynn. It would seem Aeron isn't going to win any awards for tact tonight.

"Your Majesty, with all respect," Reslaric begins once again, his tone well set for public speaking. "We can not allow the Lord Captain of another army that sits within our borders to be present as we discuss military issues. It sets a bad protocol, as the Children are not involved in this conflict, and have no reason for representation here. If they wish to consult Andoran's decision, then that may be discussed at a later date."

A single brow lifts in a delicate manner as she awaits the Queen to finish her response. "I am not comfortable discussing my views of the current situation with his presense. If you later command it, I will speak to you more privately of how I feel about the situation. Others amongst House Hune are free to express their opinions." These are Rennar's words, her own eyes moving knowingly over Inarin once more, and a distinct frown coming to her features. "Unless, of course, the Children of the Light are taking a stronger hand in matters, then I think House Hune should withdraw entirely." She's made her case plain. And it is well known Hune's likes and dislikes toward the Children.

Grimes raises both eyebrows, still otherwise silent.

Inarin gazes at Aislynn intently for a moment, then takes a look around him. He stands up, as if he wishes to speak. He waits for leave to be given to him, though, before saying much of anything.

A small frown draws the young Queen's brows together, as she surveys this seeming insurrection amongst her nobles. She shoots another dark glance toward Inarin, as if he is the cause of all of her discomfort.

Magnus gets up and moves to speak privately with Queeen Sydelle.

Durnik clears his throat very lightly at Aislynn, as if asking permission to speak.

Nicodemus lets his gaze fall upon Queen Sydelle. He studies her for a moment, and begins to let the fact he knows form into logical thoughts, but there are many holes in the puzzle. He inclines his head in what is a generous bow for him. "Queen Sydelle... It is your suspicion that Lord Renford would move on Andor next. He is ambitious, and seeks power. In such a man, how would arbitration provide him with anything that he would take as gain, and not a loss?"

Magnus gets up and moves to speak privately with Queeen Sydelle.

Durnik clears his throat very lightly at Aislynn, as if asking permission to speak.

Nicodemus lets his gaze fall upon Queen Sydelle. He studies her for a moment, and begins to let the fact he knows form into logical thoughts, but there are many holes in the puzzle. He inclines his head in what is a generous bow for him. "Queen Sydelle... It is your suspicion that Lord Renford would move on Andor next. He is ambitious, and seeks power. In such a man, how would arbitration provide him with anything that he would take as gain, and not a loss?"'.

Durnik clears his throat very lightly at Aislynn....after Nicodemus speaks and gets his answer....as if asking permission to speak.

Sydelle turns slightly in her chair, gently patting Magnus' arm, as if reassuring the old man in response to some quiet communication, before turning her composed gaze upon Nicodemus. "As I said," she begins, her voice customarily low, "Renford ambitions overrun him. He cannot be bought with gain; it will only whet his appetite for more. What an arbitration will accomplish is to deal him /loss/, and convince the Lord that what he seeks is not possible."

Rhaevan listens in silence for now while his player wrestles with an evil connection

At a reasonable pause the High Chancellor rises to his feet, casting a solemn gaze out across the gathered assembly as he prepares to speak. "My Queen, Your Highness, Lords and Ladies, and even our esteemed Child" a vaguely wry smile taking hold ion his expression at this last title, "The news that this day has brought carries a heavy weight indeed, but so also does it carry a great opportunity. We have, simply, two choices. We can extend a hand in fellowship to our soverign neighbor, or we can chose to wall ourselves in with blocks of distrust bound by the mortar of fear. The Wheel has woven us all here to make this decision together, in fellowship, as is right. Whether in the presences of this rebel Murandanian Lord, the Amyrlin Seat, or the Lord Captain Commander himself we still must needs suspend our own petty grievances or mistrusts for the sake of not only our people, but of those who will surely suffer under this Renford's rule. My council, then, is this: As people of the Light, blessed with the means to avert what will surely be a tragedy, we must act in whatever means we can devise to prevent this rebel Lord from overturning the stability of the region." He pauses here, gathering breath to continue, "What specific actions we can take might be better discussed at a later time, after we each have an opportunity to ponder what is certainly news of a most weighty and solemn nature.

Another pause and then Engest resumes his seat, gaze both introspective and distant.

The bodice of Sydelle's gown gives a small heave as she releases a breath, leaning back in her chair. There is no measure of victory, or even relief in her eyes, not year, but by the look of her features, the Murandian Queen is not displeased. Her eyes remain on the Chancellor as he settles back into his seat, and the set of her lips is one of appreciation.

year=yet

To be sure, having the High Chancellor of Andor on one's side is not an inconsiderable feat. However, one must needs also pass muster with the Queen, which Sydelle does seem to be doing, taking into account the sympathy given from one Queen to another. The golden haired Queen nods thoughtfully at her uncle's words, but does not choose to reply in the proceedings as of yet.

Rennar's jaw sets stubbornly, caused by Engest's words. "I am sorry, Lord Versyr, but I refuse to speak Andoran politics or military plans in front of a Child of the Light to be given to his superior at a later date. It is bad enough he is appraised of matters concerning Murandy as it is, matters which affect House Hune directly." With that she glances to the Queen squarely, as this information was revealed in the last meeting of nobles which was held. She speaks none of the previous information aloud however.

Rhaevan clears his throat briefly befors speaking 'The question I ask is how much of this arbitration will involve the men of the Queens guard shedding blood for the security of soil not ours?'

Inarin is still standing, waiting for a chance to speak, if one's to be given to him. His gauntleted hands are still folded behind his back, though, and his gaze held straight in front of him, despite the comments lfying about the Hall about his presence here. He has, after all, not been given leave to speak, go, or told to sit back down. At least he's being respectful.

Rennar's jaw sets stubbornly, caused by Engest's words. "I am sorry, Lord Versyr, but I refuse to speak Andoran politics or military plans in front of a Child of the Light to be given to his superior at a later date. It is bad enough he is appraised of matters concerning Murandy as it is, matters which affect House Hune directly." With that she glances to the Queen squarely, as this information was revealed in the last meeting of nobles which was held. She speaks none of the previous information aloud however.

Rhaevan clears his throat briefly befors speaking 'The question I ask is how much of this arbitration will involve the men of the Queens guard shedding blood for the security of soil not ours?'

Inarin is still standing, waiting for a chance to speak, if one's to be given to him. His gauntleted hands are still folded behind his back, though, and his gaze held straight in front of him, despite the comments lfying about the Hall about his presence here. He has, after all, not been given leave to speak, go, or told to sit back down. At least he's being respectful.'.

Rennar's jaw sets stubbornly, caused by Engest's words. "I am sorry, Lord Versyr, but I refuse to speak Andoran politics or military plans in front of a Child of the Light to be given to his superior at a later date. It is bad enough he is appraised of matters concerning Murandy as it is, matters which affect House Hune directly." With that she glances to the Queen squarely, as this information was revealed in the last meeting of nobles which was held. She speaks none of the previous information aloud however.

Rhaevan clears his throat briefly befors speaking 'The question I ask is how much of this arbitration will involve the men of the Queens guard shedding blood for the security of soil not ours?'

Inarin is still standing, waiting for a chance to speak, if one's to be given to him. His gauntleted hands are still folded behind his back, though, and his gaze held straight in front of him, despite the comments lfying about the Hall about his presence here. He has, after all, not been given leave to speak, go, or told to sit back down. At least he's being respectful.'.

Reslaric leans over to Lord Turail. A few brief whispers are exchanged before he nods his head. "House Roesone concurs with Duchess Rennar," he states with a simple and flat tone. "A representative of the Children has no reason being here. He commands an army of a few thousand within the borders of Caemlyn. To speak of military issues with the respected Lord Captain here is..." Reslaric slows his words there, leaving the rest unspoken.

within the borders of Andor

Rhaevan nods in agreement with REslaric and sits back falling silent again

Magnus has finally had about enough of this. he gets up and walks over to Inarin, intent on a few quiet words.

Aislynn arches a brow at this. After a few long moments, glancing between the delegates from House Roesone and those from House Hune--two of the largest and most influential Houses in Andor--the Queen finally gives a nod. "I agree: It is not politic to discuss matters in front of....." She trails off, giving a wave of a pale hand to indicate Inarin.

Inarin has reconnected.

Sydelle's has turned towards Rhaevan, and seems to be composing a reply to his question regarding Andoran blood spilt, when Reslaric stands and mounts his protest, which Rhaevan evidently joins. A minute expulsion of breath might, just might indicate frustration. After all, it is the lives of her people that are in danger here. However, she controls any further evidence of sentiment well, training her dark eyes on Magnus as he moves to intercept Inarin.

Magnus has a few quiet words with the cloack...

Engest's expression lightens at the Lady of Hune's words, the Chancellor turning in his seat to address Rennar, "And what secrets would we divulge, Lady Hune? That there is a struggle for the Murandanian throne centered around this Renford? That the Queen of Murandy has come here to ask for aid? Whatever they may be, Lady" he notes, a respectful nod to Inarin, "The Children are not dolts. There can be little doubt that both of these facts are already eminently known to the Children. What then, is the danger? As I said, now would not seem to be the most opportune time to discuss the number of troops, or whether troops are sent at all, or whatever form of aid we as a Council decide to extend to Murandy. This time is simply a time to ponder the propriety of aid at all."

Rennar bows her head politely to the Queen, "Thank you, your Majesty." She comments, then turns her eyes to Engest, "It is not only Murandy at stake... or have we all forgotten the threats against our own Queen not so long after my Uncle's trial?"

Nicodemus inclines his head at Rhaevan's apt question posed moments ago. "In the end, anything short of battle resulting in the destruction and subsequent scattering of Lord Renford's forces does little more than delay his plans. He has taken a firm grasp of Murandy if only in part. I somehow think that smacking his hand won't garner a positive result... A lasting result." He looks to the Murandian Queen once more. "What does arbitration gain you, your highness? You toss meat to a wild dog, and he'll come back for more. If you stop then, he'll take down your sheep. In the end you will have to take down the dog lest you give over everything you have to him."

Rhaevan glances to his father but doesn't contradict him in public, for the moment, watching reactions around the table

Mounting frustration is evident on the Lord Captain's features. After all, he stood there and waited, politely, for an opportunity to speak after having been dragged in here and told to stay by the Queen. *Now*, it seems, his presence is being removed from the place. Magnus recieves a much politer nod than the fellow's tone. He casts a glance towards the Queen, then a glance towards Rennar before he steps back. "It seems many," he murmurs, "would rather debate the merits of my presence than the issues at hand. That being the case, it seems best that I do remove myself before I disrupt these proceedings any further than I already have." His gaze rests oN Magnus again, "Walk in the Light."

Rhaevan nods politely enough to Inarin, although his jaw is set he is not openly rude to a whitecloak

Engest chuckles softly, "Indeed, Lady Hune. But what threat seems more potent, words hurled in heat or the festering malignancy of a despot who's thirst for power will most likely not be quenched by the ascention to Murandy's seat? This is the question which bares most careful thought."

Magnus smiles as he watches the child go. "I always do...thankyou for your cooperation."

Aislynn watches the Child rise with an expressionless face. She turns back to the proceedings on the dais, looking first at her Gaidin, and then to the High Chancellor, her Uncle.

Rennar's gaze settles more firmly upon Engest, "It was Lord Renford's men who posed the threat to /our/ Queen." She lets that sink in a bit, then turns her eyes away from the Versyr Lord. "So, I do believe there is a quite a bit more to discuss than simply Murandy's well being. He has already turned his eyes to Andor. And I do not believe he will stop."

Reslaric looks at Engest in near disgust. Those that know Reslaric would know that expression is all but intended in its placement. Though at Inarin's words, he turns to the Lord Captain. "I thank-you, Lord Captain Inarin." And as Engest continues to the discussion, Reslaric turns to him all too suddenly, those intent grey eyes watching this man.

Sydelle may have fallen silent in respect to the debate raging as to wether or not discussion should continue in the presence of the Child, but she does not ignore a question posed directly to her. Her head tilts slightly to the side, as she rests her hands on her lap. "I have said that Lord Renford's ambition seldom takes the welfare of others into account, but it is the nature of a self-centered man to look after his own interests. Even a wolf will flee from a pack of watchdogs. It is only the mad animal, or man, that fights superior numbers. At this point, without Andor's intervention, Lord Renford does proceed -- because he thinks he can win. I wish to relieve him of this notion, through an arbitration."

"The Lady Hune speaks the truth. It may not be well known...but flags and other sigils of this House of Renford's were found on those who aided the Lady Rennar's uncle in his terrible plans."

Inarin starts to turn towards the door, shaking his head at Magnus once. Quietly, the Lord Captain moves to depart without the fanfare that his entrance seemed to create.

Sydelle's dark eyes widen a little in response to Rennar's statement, but her grave features do not appear surprised. "As I said," she adds softly, "Lord Renford is an ambitious man."

Durnik finally reacts, he steps forward unbidden and interrupting everyone Queen and Noble alike......."STOP!!" His voice echoes over the room....deep and angry.

Rhaevan arches an eyebrow mildly as he glances to durnik

Aislynn turns to Durnik and his sudden outburst, arching a golden brow quizzically.

Theowyn peers over at Durnik, coughing briefly. Indeed, a touch of surprise is there. Then he looks to Aislynn, nearly mimicing here arched eyebrow.

Inarin starts at Durnik's cry, turning back around. He openly stares at the man, clearly not having expected such an outburst from him. Well, he's stopped, that's for sure.

This is, afterall a room full of Nobles, and nobles bicker best. Rennar turns a calm set of eyes upon Durnik, but as she finally rests them upon the man, nad realizes who he is, they turn dark and start to smoulder. He is a person who is the bane of most of her current problems, and the person she now blames for her sister's death. The hand upon Demonder's own squeezes harder, and Rennar's lips seem to set into a firm line.

Aeron had settled back to watch the debate, looking like he'd much rather be somewhere else. But he starts at Durnik's cry and looks up towards the Captain-General with a narrowed gaze.

Magnus is watching Inarin of course...figuring the man would turn around. Finally things start to get going. he is not about to let the man's presence stop it again. He points to the door indicating Inarin should go through it...simple consept...even for a dult.

Sydelle's regard shifts to take in Durnik, a minute furrow appearing between her dark brows.

Durnik points directly to the departing Whitecloak. "The Lord Captain stays!" He says it emphatically looking at each and every face in turn within the room. You can tell there is more.

Rhaevan eyes narrow slightly as Durnik appears to give orders to her majesty as his father, but he keeps his silence for now

Magnus GRUMBLES

"Then I leave." With that, Rennar Hune rises from her own seat. She lets go of Demonder's hand, clear that nothing more of her own knowledge and involvement will be spoken, "I will not cater Andoran plans to the Children of the Light." She curtseys to the Queen, then starts for the doors herself.

Durnik finally turns his gaze down upon Aislynn looking imploringly at her, as if needing her trust. "Your majesty with your permission?" He is asking permission for Inarin, but also asking permission to speak more...on what he is doing and why.

Demonder takes the offered hand of his wife, about to whisper something into her ear before hearing Durnik's words. His face clouds over, and he shakes his head slowly.

Reslaric stands at Durnik's words, shock clearly written on his expression. He looks to Turail, obviously outraged. Taking a deep breath, he takes his seat, the discussion between them is brief. Reslaric shifts his seat, as does Turail, in a motion that could be all too hinting as he watches the Queen.

A quiet exhale comes from the Child. He's obviously quite vexed with the whole proceedings thus far and the 'can he stay or should he go' game that's been played thus far. Rennar recieves an apologetic look from him and he shakes his head at her, a sort of 'please, don't' gesture. He's stopped, though, to see what Durnik has to say.

Now, it seems the fiery Andoran Queen has had more than she can stand. She rises briskly to her feet in an indignant rustle of expensive silks, and slams -her- hand upon the table. "You will -ALL- case this infernal bickering at once! I shan't have my nobles acting like this in the presence of foreign dignitaries!" She turns to Durnik, her golden brows drawn into a furrow. "The Lord Captain Inarin is dismissed. I do not know what possessed me to accept his presence, but I can still feel it...tugging at me. It is politic that he leave. This is a council to decide what might very well be the fate of two nations. If the Children must needs learn of this, they will learn of it -after- the closed door meeting of Andoran nobles is -over-!" She turns, making sure Inarin is still making his way to the door, and then turns back to those at the table. "You will -all- take your seats once again." In tones that expect nothing less than immediate obedience.

Rhaevan stays silent and seated at her majesty's outburst ((waves night night to daddy dearest))

That annoying quirk of the Cairhienin culture shows. As Aislynn makes her ruling, Reslaric simply nods in approval. Nodding in approval to Turail, that is.

For some reason, a very faint, very minute smile curves Sydelle's lips in response to Aislynn's outburst. It is neither pleased, nor amused, nor approving, but something else entirely. It's as if Aislynn's display of spleen has stirred some recognition in Sydelle, and the observant might garner the impression that whatever the outcome of these proceedings, the Murandian Queen does like what she has witnessed in the Andoran.

With all the touches of formality that go along with this type of situation, and being the only noble that started to leave, Rennar nods her head, "As you will, your Majesty." Whether or not she will speak further on matters is another thing entirely, as she goes to sit next to her husband and proxy once more.

Durnik hesitates a moment torn between what he knows and what he can say, with gritted teeth and barely restrained judgement of Aislynn's decision. Apparently his standing has been lost in this court...events have moved past him, in his absences abroad. He forces his breathing to slow and knuckles his forehead directly next to Aislynn. "Yes your majesty" he intones. And again takes up position near her....though there is now quite a distance between himself and the Queen and himself and table of nobles. If the Captain-General is needed, the Captain-General will be asked for. Apparently that has become the extent of his influence in this court.

Rhaevan watches in silence not daring to say a word

Demonder hand been standing with Rennar just moments before, and had taken a seat when Rennar did. His hand once again moving to hers, he takes a deep breath. Yup, this is noble life at it's finest. Mix a Ta'veren into the scene, it only gets more interesting.

Inarin winces underneath the Queen's outburst. He nods to her, bowing in the proper etiquette and removing his helmet to do so. "Your majesty. I apologize for the disruption my presence has caused your Court. May I say something else before I depart, however?" He's at the doorway, ready to take his leave if his request is denied.

Aislynn inclines her head to Inarin. "You may speak before you leave," she says, perempetorily.

Inarin takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "On the charge that I would leak the secrets of my home to the Children of the Light, I can only say that that will not be done unless it comes into conflict with my Oaths as a Child. I am here to protect this country from the Shadow, nothing else or more. The internal affairs of it are, ultimately, not my concern in so far as they affect my mission, as a *Child*. However, Andor is my home. I will help defend my home however I can, and that I swear as a man. May the Light shine on all of you." And with that, Inarin bows to the assembelage at large, properly, and turns once again to depart.

Aeron listens to Inarin's parting remarks with ill-concealed impatient, then sinks back into his chair as the white cloak turns to go. Aeron runs a hand over his short-cropped hair, exhaling a long breath as he glances down and lapses into thought.

Magnus starts coughing...and coughing...and coughing...and coughing. This is not some foppish reaction to Inarin's words. This is a man who is in poor health who is in the procees of getting sicker. It pains him to do it, but as he is unable to bring this fit under control on his own, he finds it necessary to leave and seek help where it may be found.

"There was no doubt of that," Reslaric speaks up after Inarin's words. "The matter here is specific to the High Court of Andor and the Queen of Murandy." With those words spoke, his eyes follow Inarin out with a level of concern. "A true man of our blood..." he states quietly, clearly believing Inarin's words. And again, by /our/ he might mean Andoran but for that damn Cairhienin accent.

Aislynn inclines her head to Inarin, her lips curving slightly at his profession of loyalty. She does not, however, answer his profession. Instead, she turns back to the business at hand.

Magnus is frustrated...all this going on and his body now fails him when he needs it most...take a piece of adice...die young...this withering stuff is for the birds. He leaves

Magnus heads down the few crimson-carpeted steps that lead out of the Grand Hall.

Rennar watches quietly as both Magnus and Inarin move out of the room, yet still seems to wait for others to continue discussing, and listen to those about her.

Rhaevan has reconnected.

Inarin leaves right with Magnus, quietly offering him aid in getting to whoever he needs before he leaves, pausing to ask a servant at the door the way to whereever the man needs to go. After that, he's gone.

Inarin heads down the few crimson-carpeted steps that lead out of the Grand Hall.

As soon as Inarin leaves the room, Rennar turns emerald eyes upon the Queen, "That pull you felt.... it is because he is Ta'veren." Yes, she just blurted that out for what's left of the Council to hear. Better to be forwarned than not warned at all. With that, she shifts herself a bit more in her seat, then looks about the room. "In any case, as I was saying..." She goes back to business as if she hadn't just said there was a pink elephant with purple polka dots walking through the area, "... this Lord Renford is already posing ot be a dangerous problem within Andor itself."

Demonder looks to Rennar with a great deal of surprise. He's not been training on his noble masked expressions very well, it seems.

Rhaevan blinks slightly and looks to rennar, more than a little surprised

Aislynn blinks at Rennar's announcement, looking quite flabbergasted. "The Lord Captain Inarin a -Ta'Veren-?" She questions, in wonder. Now, it seems that the 'pull' she earlier felt is falling into place...into some area that she can classify in her mind. "It is to the better, then, that he not be here for this. With that kind of influence...." She trails off, supposing that those gathered will know what she means by her unspoken words.

Rennar leans in to her husband, murmuring soft words to him, She mutters to Demonder, "It... lesser... two... - to tell... or... not... know... interests in heart." With her words finished she gently squeezes Demonder's hand, then nods her head sagely to Aislynn's words, and almost sympathetically states, "He is." She does not state how or why she knows, just that she knows. "And I agree. There is no telling what could have been decided, or fate dealt, with his presense in your Court.'

Demonder senses "Rennar leans in to her husband, murmuring soft words to him, "It was the lesser of the two evils - to tell them or not. I will not always be predictable, but please know I always have our best interests in heart." With her words finished she gently squeezes Demonder's hand, then nods her head sagely to Aislynn's words, and almost sympathetically states, "He is." She does not state how or why she knows, just that she knows. "And I agree. There is no telling what could have been decided, or fate dealt, with his presense in your Court.'"

Aislynn nods once again to Rennar, and then casts a somber glance about those gathered. "I would like to now hear from the rest of you on this matter. Shall we agree to offer arbitration in this matter, or shall we remain aloof? Keep in mind the Lady Rennar's evidence, as well as the words of the Murandian Queen."

Demonder senses "Rennar lowers her voice further, to speak quietly upon the matter first, "What do you believe the best course of action would be? You've studied weaponry, and I would assume some warfare... in this, I know little about.""

Durnik has reconnected.

The few servants who are left, scattered throughout the grand hall, whisper fearfully to one another about the Whitecloak Ta'veren.

Aeron scowls at Rennar's announcememt, but whatever comment he had is kept to a mutter. Probably for the best, judging by his expression of displeasure. He doesn't speak up again, though, waiting to see what the others have to say.

Reslaric takes another deep breath. Only recently arriving in Caemlyn, it is clear that he carries his reach into politics here with confidence. "There will be consiquences of such aid, there is no doubt. Some will believe we have no reason to be involved. But we already have evidence of Lord Renford's influence here. If we do not offer aid now to have him removed, waiting will insight an obvious war with Murandy in time. At least with our decision here, we will be acting in the support of the Queen of Murandy, avoiding a conflict with a new ruler of Murandy later, if Lord Renford is successful in his quest."

The young Queen of Andor acknowledges Reslaric's word with a simple nod of her head. She looks to Rennar now, as she still has not heard this illustrious lady's views on the situation. "And what think you, Lady Hune? Shall we extend aid...in the form of arbitration, or shall we reamin outside of this conflict? Or have you some other suggestion?"

Demonder squeezes Rennar's hand in clear support of her, taking another deep breath before leaning to her. He mutters to Rennar, "... with wisdome,... Even... not... obvious... you..." Demonder actually manages a brief smile.

You sense Demonder squeezes Rennar's hand in clear support of her, taking another deep breath before leaning to her. "You act with wisdome, my love. Even when that wisdom is not always obvious to me until you act upon in." Demonder actually manages a brief smile.

There is a long pause before Rennar speaks her words, eyes held only for the Queen at this present moment in type, though after a few small moments of watching Queen Sydelle first, "I believe, your Majesty, that no matter what we do, the Red Bull will charge upon the White Lion. If we can arbite to stay the hand a bit, then all the better. But, that charge will come." So certain is she as she speaks to the Queen, as if imparting some knowledge or wisdom only she holds. "Queen Sydelle would do better to know that she had allies at her side."

The young Queen looks at Rennar thoughtfully. And with the highest degree of confidence and trust. She does not question how the Lady Hune knows these things, but simply accepts it. "I see, Lady Hune," she murmurs, turning to her Captain-General. "Durnik," she addresses him. "-If- it came to war....-IF-...how many troops could we muster in the shortest amount of time possible?"

Durnik tilts his head slightly as if surprised at being addressed, but he is quick to answer......

Durnik says "50,000 your majesty....."

Durnik says "We could march tomorrow with 10, but by the time we reached Muranday the outlying troops could have mustered in to swell the ranks to approximately 50,000."

Durnik folds his hands behind his back standing at attention as he looks his queen in the eyes. His tone is formal, and succinct.

Aislynn nods at this, looking pleased. "Thank you, Durnik. As a matter of course, until this matter is entirely taken care of to the satisfaction of all parties involved, please relegate the military forces of Andor to a high state of readiness." She nods again at his elaboration, looking satisfied. She turns back to those gathered, casting another glance about. "The rest of you? Have you any input to offer?"

Theowyn realizes this might indeed be the largest army known among the nations, he considers that number with a slight nod. For whatever reason, he looks to Durnik. "We are though, I assume, not offering all of our troops," he notes to clerify. "Marching tomorrow in ten will do well, but I'd rather not march with ten until at least half that were within the borders and readied."

Grimes dips his head. Formal to the point of stilted, he speaks quietly, "I regret that I can offer no opinion, Your Majesty. Lord Nevin was unable to reach Caemlyn in time for this council. He will, no doubt, wish to express his views when I have given him the news."

Aislynn quickly shakes her head, "Brother, we march not at all." She conspicously places emphasis upon the -we- in that sentence, in her stubborness clearly denoting that if any marching takes place, she--indeed--will be right there amongst her soldiers. "I am simply speaking of eventualities." She turns to listen to the delegate from House Barydar with rapt attention.

Durnik says "Begging your pardon sire" He actually asks to speak with Theowyn. "I don't recommend we march at all." He looks back to the room."

There seems more behind Durnik's statement, but he doesn't seem ready to reveal it in this company.

"Thank you, Lord Grimes. I shall have the necessary letters and such conveyed to the Lord Nevin as soon as possible," Aislynn replies.

Theowyn nods in agreement, clearly not meaning that by his expression. "I only met, if we decide to do so, ten thousand would not be the number we could march with tomorrow."

Grimes looks briefly embarassed, at such attention from Her Majesty. He bows his head, still apologetic.

Aeron looks up from his brooding at the discussion of troops and marching, though he seems relieved to hear both Queen and Captain uninterested in the idea.

"If I might be excused, your Majesty, I have some final preparations to make concerning my sister." Rennar does not speak which sister, her eyes going automatically to Durnik and starting to smoulder once more. Blame is heavily laced in those eyes. Still she remains ever formal and waits to be excused. "I have given all the opionion I can, and Demonder can act in my stead, as needed."

Aislynn inclines her head to Rennar. "If you have anything further to impart in this matter, Lady Hune, please convey it to me with all haste. The Light illumine you...."

Demonder looks to Rennar and nods quietly. Taking her hand, he squeezes it lightly. "Thank-you for coming," he whispers, meaning those words more for himself then anything.

Rennar smiles fondly at Demonder, then nods to the Queen, "Of course, your Majesty." With that she starts to move toward the doors.