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

Rennar is sitting beside the small garden fountain, reading over one of her various texts. She does not hear, or see, Demonder exiting Tiras Lorn, engrossed within her book as she is.

Demonder wears a heavy jacket and continues to pull it together with his gloved hands as he makes his way out of Tiras Lorn and begins to scan the courtyard for Rennar. He likely heard she was out here from one of the servants. As he heads over her way, the winter chill is viewable on his breath. "Renni?"

Today is Threeday, 25 Jumara, 999 NE. It is a Winter afternoon.

Rennar glances up from her text, her own gloved hands carefully turning one of the pages. It seems just as winter comes around, Rennar can be seen more and more out of doors - no doubt a psychological thing of when she was cooped away with her uncle. "Yes...?" She asks quietly, pulling her cloak up over her shoulders a bit more tightly.

"It's cold," Demonder states with a frown as he approaches the fountain. An arm slips around her shoulder, slowly beginning to massage her muscles as though fearing they need the warmth of circulation such actions would offer. "Genette would likely give you an hour long speach about catching a cold if she realized you were out here reading a book," he notes with a furthering frown. Though he does then kiss Rennar lightly on the cheek.

"Likely, Genette would get an hour long lecture back about needing my space." There is as a faint serious note to Rennar's voice, as there is a touch humor there as well. She accepts the kiss with a warm smile, "But I won't catch cold. I promise."

"Could I tempt you inside with a warm cup of tea and the fireplace?" Demonder ponders quietly as his eyebrow raises. Demonder continues to massage her shoulder from his position to the side of her. There is some concern in his voice, and for the most part, he's cold. "Or are you hiding away from me knowing I'm sensative to the cold?" There's a touch of sarcasm in his tone there.

"I am not hiding from you." Rennar states firmly, a small frown coming to her lips and even touching her voice. She closes her book more firmly, after marking her place with a red ribbon. "And tea sounds perfectly fine. It's not my fault you don't like the cold." The last is said as a bit of a teas.

Demonder chuckles lightly at the tease, bending forward to kiss her once again, though this time a gloved hand guides her lips upwards as he lays a kiss upon her. Apparently he attempts to tempt her to a standing position with those kisses, a hand slipping around her arm to 'aid' her up.

Rennar rises up from her position on the bench, though not entirely beckoned by the kiss. She had already planned on rising. She does manage to kiss Demonder back as she rises, a soft chuckle touching her voice, "That cold?"

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

Rennar is currently rising from the side of the fountain, being led upwards by Demonder's hand. She makes some offhand commment to him about the cold, but does not otherwise see any others entering Hune grounds.

"Yes, cold," he nods, pulling the coat tighter around him with the gloved hand. Offering Rennar his arm, he spies out her cheeks and the rest of her to insure she is dressed warmed enough. Every since she was kidnapped, Demonder has been all too cautious with his then fiancee, now wife.

Dismounting at the gate to Tiras Lorn, Turail leads his current mount in, just one of many horses in the possession of the Roesone stables, and passes the beast off to the Tiras Lorn staff until he is ready to retrieve it. That taken care of, he looks about for Demonder and Rennar. Locating them, he walks that direction.

It might be noticed that House Hune has considerably less horses than it once did, though that does not mean that the grooms and other staff are worse at taking care of them. It is rumored that Rennar sold off most, if not all, of her breeding stock and stallions; all of /very/ fine Tarien blood. "Then I suppose we should get inside, in case you turn into an icicle." Rennar gently teases her husband, touching him lightly on his nose with a finger.

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

"That will likely be best," Demonder agrees, though not finding as much humor of the matter. It is cold, and he needed to dress rather warm just to take the several steps to pick-up his wife from the winter chill. It's then that his eyes spot the activity near the stables. Demonder pauses in his escort with Rennar, and notes the Duke approaching. "Duke Turail," he greets from the nearing distance between the three.

Sadi comes walkin out of the manor house all nicely wrapped up in the fur coat she just bought. havin money for a change is kinda nice...

"Good evening, Duchess Rennar, Lord Demonder." The Duke of Roesone greets in his gravel braced voice as he nears. He's wearing a thigh length coat, but otherwise, not bundled up too much. Winters don't bother him, to the point that his new wife has threatened him with consequences if he does not keep their shared chamber a bit warmer.

It is when Demonder first addresses the other Lord that Rennar spies his entrance. A touch of curiosity comes to her eyes. For a moment, she seems uncertain how to address the man, with all the formalities flying about her courtyard. This brings a frown to her lips, most knowing her home being anything but formal. "Duke Roesone." She greets formality with even more so, to make up for her uncertainty. "What brings you to House Hune?" Usually, there is a reason. She spies more movement from the corner of her eyes, and nods to Sadi.

Demonder seems eager at actually going inside, though at the entrance of the half Shienaran Demonder decides to bite his tongue and to be brave against the onslaught of the weather. So he stands straight and bows formally to Turail once addressed and then settles to standing beside Rennar.

Sadi makes an end run around the assemblage of fops and wanders out into the blustery street

Sadi pushes open the heavy gate and leaves the courtyard.

Turail inclines his head as the other lady who has just emerged from the manor rushes past, an amused expression of recognition lighting his cold blue eyes as she passes, before turning his attention back to his cousin and Rennar. "Ah, the purpose of my visit. How to the point I can count on you to be Lady Rennar." He glances at Demonder, pausing for a moment and then gestures, "Do not let me prevent you from taking shelter in the manor. I suppose it is rather cold. I was simply thinking it might be wise to touch base with yourself and Demonder."

"Touch base?" Rennar inquires, her brow crinkling a bit. "On what?" There may be a touch of confusion in her voice. She does, however, allow Demonder to lead her to the House if he is so inclined. Meanwhile, her mind starts rambling over what matters she might have needed to discuss with Roesone. From the look on her features, none come to mind.

Demonder stands away from the political discussions, at least for now. He does begin to lead Rennar toward the building. "Cousin, perhaps inside would be better," he encourages with a light smile. "I'm certain there are many matters to discuss considering."

Turail strolls after the pair towards the manor, his hands clasped behind his back in that familiar pose. "A few items, yes. I was interested to hear your feelings on certain actions of the Commander of the Queen's army, among other things. Inside. Of course. Lead on."

Grand Hall: Tiras Lorn, Caemlyn

This is indeed a Grand Hall. Like the rest of the house, the walls are of white stone and the floor is marble. In the south wall is the fireplace whose companion hearth is in the foyer. A long wooden table stretches almost the length of the hall, with chairs set all around it. At the most eastern end of the hall is a dais with a stone table upon it. This is where the lady of the manor, her family, and honoured guests would sit for meals. The hall itself is two stories tall, and windows in the north wall are at the second story level. A long pole with a hook at its end rests in the corner until it is needed to open or close a window. Large tapestries hang from the walls, to add some colour and feeling to the room. The odor of good food is coming through the door in the southwest corner which leads to the kitchen.

Turail walks through the carved stone archway and joins you in the Grand Hall.

Demonder walks through the carved stone archway and joins you in the Grand Hall.

Once inside, Rennar continues further into the grand hall, "This should be more comfortable for tea, and possibly a light snack. Genette makes the most wonderful apple pie." With that, she moves to the table by the heart, it being, perhaps, the most preferred by some within the room. There, she takes a seat. "I'm certain, however, that by now my opinions on /that/ man are quite known by now." That is how she refers to Durnik, not acknowledging name, title or rank.

Demonder nods lightly in confirmationof Rennar's words. "The recent news from Murandy have been rather disturbing. Have you heard Duke Turail? Lord Renford, which I hear is rather disturbed, is using the movement of Andoran troops as a way to rally Murandy houses to follow his rule." Demonder frowns at that. "I hear the man is insane."

Rennar smirks at Demonder, "Do you blame him? First, it appears as if we've killed Queen Sydelle, and then that /idiot/ sends troops near the Murandian border." She sniffs indignantly. "If this Lord Renford did not have reason to mount an attack against Andor before, he most certainly does by now. To me, it would seem as though Andor were out to get the Murandian borders, or even all of Murandy, while it is weak."

Turail sinks into a seat, his eyes switching between the two, listening to their remarks. "I agree most, if not all of his recent actions do seem reason for concern." He adds to the conversation. "Some seem to think the man may fancy himself the first King of Andor...with Queen Aislynn rumored ill.. it is indeed troubling."

Demonder sighs lightly as he settles into a seat. "There are obvious concerns here that Queen Aislynn has yet to address. We can only assume her condition is worse then rumored." Demonder looks to Rennar with his next words. "She'd not honestly support these moves of the Captain-General?"

"What I want to know is why Prince Theowyn is sitting on the sidelines and letting this all happen." There's a touch of annoyance on Rennar's voice. "He /is/, afterall, the First Prince of the Sword. He is charged with Aislynn's protection, and I would think some of that protection would include that of her image, which is very dangerously falling down hill quick."

The blademaster occupies his fingers by steepling them together idly, "I would like to speak to him, but I have not yet been able to attract his attention. It is rather difficult to send messages into the Palace currently." Letting his fingers part and lay flat on the arms of the chair he adds in a tone that is somewhat too casual, "I wonder.. has House Hune received any.. interesting visitors from the palace recently?"

Demonder arches his eyebrow at Turail's words, though shows no other signs of proving or disproving Turail's question. He turns to Rennar.

"A newly raised Lieutenant who seems to think he was the cat's meow." A strange ananlogy, but one that seems to fit considering the man's attitude, "He interrupted our dinner." Rennar sniffs at that. "And told us, under no uncertain terms, were we to approach any of the Houses on his cute little list. Though how they think we're to manage that with business and court sessions, I've no idea. And I have seriuos doubts about the Queen investigating House Trigaran. Lord Magnus was one of her most trusted and longest standing advisors."

"So you know of this man then? That he is who he says he is?" Turail quirks an eyebrow, and leans forward in his chair a little, indicating a heightened interest. "He seemed reluctant to give his name when I spoke with him."

Demonder had not heard the full details of the message Rennar received. "It is clear that we need to address the Queen, or the First Prince if that is the next person of authority in Andor," Demonder concludes. "It's suspecious that the very man the Queen holds so near to her is being investigated, and this is being brought up less then a month after Lord Magnus' death."

"In truth, I had not asked his name, nor had I intended to. Nor do I intend to act on the information given without first checking with the Queen, or the Prince, whether or not it is true. He would not say whether or not such an investigation was ordered by the Queen herself." Rennar responds, pressing her lips together in thought.

Turail's own lips have thinned a bit. "I asked him specifically if the Prince knew of this investigation. The impression I got was that he very much did not wish me to bring it up with the Prince. Accordingly, when I can gain access to him, I shall do just that." Turail smiles, if a bit sardonically.

"When a guard does not wish you to share information with the royalty that commands him, then clearly there is a problem," Demonder agrees.

Rennar nods her head in agreement with Demonder, pressing her lips together tightly. "Which is why I intend to fully speak with someone in higher authority over this matter."

Turail seems to muse almost to himself, as he strokes his chin, his eyes a bit distant. "Seems a bit curious for all three houses in that region to be accused of treason. Surely not all could be guilty."

A House Hune servant enters the Hall. "Lady Rennar, I hear word that Prince Theowyn is requesting the attentions of yourself and Lord Turail," he informs in a quiet tone. "The prince is just outside dismounting."

"I could not claim to know the reasoning behind everything." Rennar comments, sighing deeply to herself. She glances up at the servant making the announcement, a frown coming to her lips. "I wonder what he could want." It is more a question to herself than anything, as she, herself, had not had contact with the Prince yet - avoiding the palace in almost all cases. "Please show him in." She nods to the servant, "And see that hot tea and pie are readily available as well."

Theowyn walks through the carved stone archway and joins you in the Grand Hall.

Turail smiles slightly, glancing at Rennar as she verbalises his own thoughts on the prince's arrival. "Seems an opportune moment to speak with him on these matters has indeed arrived, m'lady. How fortunate." He leans back in his seat and spins his signet around his finger loosely, waiting for the Prince's arrival.

Sadi walks through the carved stone archway and joins you in the Grand Hall.

Sadi comes wanderin back in from the cold which seems to have hit her pretty hard. She goes straight to the fireside and sits herself down on the floor in front of it. Cold making her very single minded atm

"I suppose it took enough time for someone to hear your request, Lord Turail. I had nothing to do with this meeting." Rennar responds, shrugging her shoulders. "I have very little, if any, contact with the palace these days, and it shall remain to continue to be so."

The prince does not seem delighted with the escort of four Queen's guard that enter the Hall along side the First Prince. Theowyn is wearing a long cloak which he uses to conveniently cover the wine stains that were produced when Lady Kyleigh dropped a bottle of wine at his feet. He stops at the entrance briefly before moving forward. "Duchess Hune, Duke Turail." He pauses then, looking to Demonder. "Lord Demonder." There's a hint of question in his voice. "I hope I am not interupting."

Sadi rubs her hands together by the fire. Coat still on. She's blue, but then again that's her own fault for overestimating the warmth of her new fur coat and going on a longer treck then she should have

There is an audible sigh which escapes Rennar at more formality. There's a slight rolling of her eyes which is just barely noticeable, but noticeable all the same. "Prince Versyr." She comments in the politest of voices, again adding a touch too much formality than needed. Perhaps it is her way of retaliating against such displays within her household, which is as laid back as they can come; a factor which she enjoys immensely. "To what do we owe this pleasure." She does not comment on the question of interruptions.

Demonder follows the lead of his wife, in which case would be a slight incline of his head. He seems rather thrilled that Theowyn would actually remember his name, though otherwise he settles into the chair. Again, he begins to look a touch uncomfortable among all this, but he is dealing with it better now then before.

Sadi has the advantage of not having a clue who Theowyn is or Turail. Yo all start to look alike after a while...so no need for her to be nervous now that she is finally warming up.

Turail gets up, even if the other two do not. He reaches out to shake the Prince's hand. "Old friend. Good to see you again. I was beginning to think you were as much locked in the Palace as I am locked out currently." The comment is possibly meant to be amusing, but it carries with it a very real edge of truth to it.

If he is being formal, it is from a need to be under some rules of conduct. Theowyn is not the care-free warder that had returned from Cairhienin after the courting of a princess lead to both parting ways. The strains of holding rule of Andor are showing. "I have been," Theowyn states with a faint smiles. "Thirty guards offered escort as though a well aimed arrow would be prevented by their watch-ful gaze." The prince shrugs as he further enters the room, taking a place so that he may face them all, but not making a motion to sit. "I had been in the Roesone manor to offer my regards in respect to your gained title of Duke and High Seat of House Roesone," he tells Turail. There is more, of course. "Though seeing that Duke and the Duchess were holding a meeting, and that both houses have addressed concerns to Aislynn, I thought this an opportune time to invite myself in." At least at the last there is a brief note of humor.

"I would hardly call this a meeting, Prince Versyr." Rennar keeps up the formalties, now that they have been established, along with the titles. "Lord Turail decided to drop by and discuss a few things concerning our Houses." She shrugs her shoulders a bit, seeming diffident on the matter. However, her eyes do narrow slightly as she regards the other man.

Sadi hears the word Prince and peeks her head up over one of the arm chairs by the fire that just so happens to be partially concealing her. Eyes focus on the guy. So that's what a prince looks like aye? Maybe they not all fops afterall

Turail smiles again slightly and retakes his seat. "Your timing is good, your Highness. We were at this very moment discussing the possibility of speaking with you about a visitor to our houses. One carrying a message which may interest you.. assuming.. you have not already heard it."

"A message?" Theowyn asks, walking the opposite end of the table much like a commander would in front of those he leads. In truth he is being impatient, and not with them, but about other matters.

Rennar glances to Turail at Theowyn's question. For now, despite the fact that this is her home, she remains quiet. The other 'duke' had set up the meeting with Theowyn, not herself.

Turail has kept the piece of paper he was given on his person since he recieved it. Now he pulls it out of his pocket, somewhat crumpled and stands up, handing it to the Prince. "A man claiming to be from her Majesty's calvary visited Roesone, and apparently Hune. I have no idea how many others. That scrap of paper was delivered to me."

Theowyn takes the peice of paper, nodding lightly in thanks before taking a few steps away to read the paper. The training of the tower shows, for he does not hint at any surprise or confusion. "This is a list of southern Houses," he concludes, looking to Turail showing some note of question.

"Yes. Houses the guardsman claimed were being investigated on a charge of a most serious nature." Turail sits back down. "It was suggested that Roesone was to have no dealings with these houses, nor the individuals noted."

"I believe high treason was the charge listed to myself," Rennar responds out of turn, shrugging her shoulders and delicately pointing to the list with a small motion of her hand.

Theowyn is by no means eager to return the letter. And in fact he doesn't, at least not yet. Theowyn looks to Rennar as the next words are spoken. He obviously does not know about this matter, that was clear from his first question. And it also becomes obvious that any investigation of treason would need to pass by his desk, or at least that of the Queen. "I am afraid that you have been mislead." Theowyn does state the apparent obvious, still with very little surprise in his tone. It is the apparent obvious, though there is a hint of doubt that briefly flickers on his expression. Theowyn looks to Rennar briefly again. "Is there a name for this guardsman?" Oh, there's a brief note of anger in those eyes as he considers the possibility of this being done without his approval.

Turail observes the Prince's expression with interest. He surmised as much. "The name given to myself was Lieutenant Gracelynn, of the Calvary, I was told." His tone is doubtful however. The man was far too reluctant to leave his name, and it is likely a false one.

Rennar starts to say something, but then stops as Turail speaks the name. She nods her head a bit, pressing her lips together, "Indeed, that does seem familiar, come to think of it." She glances to Demonder for comfirmation of that one small matter, but looks back to Theowyn, "Though, in truth, I had not asked for his name, and he was a bit flustered over Darayn's antics." She smirks wryly, "Though, my cousin does seem to have that effect on quite a few people."

"I do not recall an identity being asked," Demonder agrees, and actually chuckles at the mention of the cousin. "I thoght he was rather amusing."

"Indeed," Theowyn agrees with the nod of his head, making a mental note of the name. He looks to the guards that have followed him within the Hall. All are rather firm in their expressions, though Theowyn obviously holds trust for them. There's a light quirk to his lip as Rennar manages a troublesome cousin. "We all have one within the family, Rennar," he notes, seeming to dispense with formalities. "I will look into this matter. If a guard is instructing how Houses of Andor are to create policy on their relations with ohter noble houses..." Theowyn's voice trails, shaking his head. "Such a request would only be given from myself or the royal couple," he states. "Perhaps Aislynn's Gaidin," he adds further.

"There is just a bit more, your Highness." Turail remarks. "When I asked who knew of this investigation, mentioning you by name as one I wished to speak with on the matter, there was extreme reluctance on the part of this Lieutenant for me to speak to you on the matter. He did press for silence very specifically."

Rennar remains quiet, all the same, and a touch distant even if Theowyn dispensed of the formalities. She simply shrugs her shoulders in response, glancing to Turail to see if he has more to add.

"Very well. Obviously there is a matter of influence claiming to be within the guard." Theowyn doubts that this man is. "Please, take this as you wish in regards to the Houses, just know it does not come from myself or the Queen. For that matter, as you rightfully suspected, it likely is not from a Queen's guardsman." Settling into a frown, Theowyn takes the motions to part ways. "You should hear from me through message within a few weeks with more on this."