A small carriage, flanked by four male riders, pulls into the courtyard, and draws to a halt. The riders and the driver of the coach dismount, bow to Prince Theowyn, and form an honor guard at the carriage door. All five are dressed in the formal uniform of Shienar's elite Val'Carai.

The carriage door is opened, and another man - tall and severe - steps out. His clothing is similar to the uniforms, but without any markings of house or troop. He turns and helps out a small woman, only in her mid-thirties despite the silver sparkling through her braids. The austere man turns, and bows to the Prince "Your Highness, may I present Tabitha Shenera Ta'in'jar, lately of Shienar." Tabitha, for such is the small woman, places her hand on the man's arm, and simply looks amused, as she speaks "First Prince," by way of greeting.

Brannon enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Brannon has arrived.

A small group of riders skirt through the courtyard quietly heading towards the practice fields.

The First Prince of the Sword stands near the gates as the royal carriage from Shienar pulls into position. With a sweeping gaze he looks across the armed man that have entered, and then to his own small escort insuring they stand down. Theowyn's blue eyes watch as the carriage door opens to reveal first the man and then the former Queen. Theowyn's steps toward the Queen with that well practised royal stride, providing an appropriate bow at the end just within reach of Tabitha. "Your Highness, by the grace of the Queen of Andor, we offer welcome..." Theowyn is really edgie on these official meetings, not having the etiquette of his older sister for such occassions, but he seems more at ease now then in the past.

Tabitha gravely replies "Thank you." She then looks up at Theowyn in some amusement "Oh, please don't be so formal. I'm just here for a quick visit, then will be off again. You would have to grow to be another tall one, wouldn't you?" She looks around, a habit long formed of looking for children, but this time her gaze falls on her guards "Stand down," she orders them, then looks back to Theowyn "May I present Baronet Dayne Liosho," she gives a simple introduction of the tall man at her side, who bows once again.

"Peace favor Baronet Dayne Liosho," Theowyn bows to the man, already taking some comfort in Tabitha's light urgence for a less formal setting. "Your Highness, it is a matter of blood, I'm certain of it. It is good to see you once again. I hope you have found the trip pleasant." There's a light amusement in his own eye now, as he takes a step forward and offers his arm. "And how long will we have the pleasure of your company? I do hope it not as short as the message suggests..."

A warning look is given to Dayne by Tabitha as she accepts the Prince's arm. Her weight is light, but she moves slowly, stiffly. "Oh, well. I am on no particular timetable, although I did tell Lina that I would arrive in Tear before winter was well on its way. I had thought perhaps to only spend a couple of days here. I understand Andor has her own problems right now, and I do not wish to be a burden." Her tone is lightly scolding as she adds "And if you cannot bring yourself to call me Tabitha, at least tone it down to Lady. I chose.. to leave the Highness in Shienar. With so many things."

Tevarra enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Tevarra has arrived.

Rollnic enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Rollnic has arrived.

Entering behind a young Andoran Guardsman is a young girl dressed much like a commoner. She isn't exactly clean, but she's not entirely untidy either. A recognizable feature might be her infamous boots. The hood of her cloak is drawn back, thrown haphazardly around her shoulders. Those that know the young girl will easily recognize her. "But I told you," she speaks out in her defense once more to the guardsman, "I /own/ the horse. I didn't steal it. It was a naming day present. And, no I'm not the Queen of Shienar." Tevarra continues to protest at Rollnic, digging her heels into the ground as he further attempts to drag her along.

Walking behind them is a young lad who wears commoner clothing as well. Behind him is horse of a sleek black coloring, with four white stockings and a blaze which runs down the muzzle almost like a streak of lightning, the namesake of the beast.

Rollnic is beginning to look a bit annoyed with her protests and now the foot dragging as he escorts the young girl into the courtyard, intending to turn towards the Jails where criminals, including young horse thieves, are kept. The guardsman takes a firmer hold on her arm. "That mark on the horse says otherwise young Mistress." He remarks gruffly. "Perhaps you thought you could hide from the owner in Andor, eh?" His annoyance bleeds through into his voice.

Theowyn's arm easily slips through Tabitha's as he takes escort of the former Queen. A light smile broadens, as he nods with agreement. "Tabitha, I would not argue with your wishes..." his voice trails, as the carriage and escort of armed men are somewhat near the gates.

Tabitha turns her head to the commotion at the gate, lightly curious as to what could possibly be going on. Her eyes widen as they spot the horse and recognize it, then narrow as she looks at the girl. Stopping, she turns slightly away from Theowyn and calls out sternly, in her very best "mad mother" voice "Tevarra Kirana Shenara Ta'in'jar, you get over here Right Now!" She is very obviously addressing the girl being carried off by the guard.

There is a look of pure shock and horror which registers over the young girl's features. No, she's not the Queen of Shienar, but she's likely almost as important. Wincing visibly, she keeps her attention on the guardsman, "If I am to go to my mother, the Queen-Mother of Shienar, you need to let go of my arm." This, she speaks as calmly as possible to the guardsman, yet that look of horror at being 'found out' remains in her eyes.

Aberto enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Aberto has arrived.

Rollnic looks. And looks again. First at the Queen of Shienar, and then at the girl, and then at the Queen, and back to Tevarra before releasing her arm, and straightening his uniform, his expression one of pure chagrin. He swallows and bows to the girl he hand been so recently apprehending.

Aberto comes dashing through the courtyard with a widespread grin upon his lips. The young man in the guard uniform pauses at the crown gathered and his eyes widen.

There is a look of nervousness on the young girl's features. Minding her manners, Tevarra mumbles a quiet, "Thank you," before making her way, post haste, to her mother. She keeps her eyes on the ground, likely upon those well worn boots of hers as she presents herself to Tabitha. She swallows, haphazardly attempting to pat her clothing into place and straighten it out, some dust coming off her cloak in a puffy cloud as she does so.

Tabitha stands by Theowyn, an honor guard of both Queen's forces and Shienar elite between a carriage and the Palace. A young, scruffy girl was being dragged off by a young guardsman, followed by a boy with a horse, but she is being released even now. Tabitha stands with her hands on her hips and a distinct Right Now look on her face.

Tabitha says "You are filthy." Yes, Tabitha is definately the girl's mother, no other tone in the world reproduces the one of a mother annoyed with her offspring. "You have worried your family, Shatayan Esther, and any number of Val'carai sick with running off the way you did. You haven't even written to say you're all right. And now I find you being arrested in Caemlyn! What have you to say for yourself, young lady?""

Aberto comes to the gathered group and smiles, sweat beading his forehead. He watches the young girl being dragged away and blinks, "What's going on?" he asks of no one in particular. The young guard spots the young girl near his age and flashes her a smile as she is bitten by her mother's toungue. He then promptly wipes his expression off his face. Looking for the nearest ranking officer.

Theowyn's attention briefly goes to the guard that brought Tevarra. As he steps away from Tabitha's escort, to give the former Queen room for dispalining the child if she wishes it, Theowyn's stands more formal with his arms folded at his back. Whether this is business for him or not is not that issue, but he certainly will not pry.

Gu'drun enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Gu'drun has arrived.

Gu'drun walks along the flagstone path towards the practice yard to the northwest.

Gu'drun has left.

Wincing visibly at the tongue lashing, it takes Tevarra several moments to regain her composure to something respectable. "I hadn't had a chance to bathe mother, as you can see, I was detained." Her voice trembles a bit as she speaks, showing her nervousness. That nevousness only seems to grow as she chances a look upward and spies Dayne, Tabitha's personal guard. Her eyes widen a touch, bestowing a quiet curiosity at his manner of dress. Swallowing once more, after another pause of silence, she looks back to her Mother. "I am sorry." She manages at first, "I just couldn't go there and be with Lina and the others. With so many reminders... I couldn't." Visibly, she attempts to keep any of her emotions from her features, but there's clearly a strain upon her from attempting to do so.

Aberto blinks as his eyes finally register who is who here. Perhaps not the quickest witted of individuals he looks to both the guard of two different types of people. His own and some he is not familiar with. He does the smart thing and makes his way away from the event. Seeing that no young girl was being arrested, instead returned.

Aberto walks along the flagstone path towards the practice yard to the northwest.

Aberto has left.

Sighing softly, Tabitha simply reaches to her daughter and takes the girl, dirt and all, into a gentle hug. The small woman then looks up to the Prince. "Your Highness, I hate to impose, but.. could we find out what the arrest was about? Please? I'd like to get it cleared up if at all possible. And if she has done something she shouldn't, then she'll serve the Queen's justice, but I'd like to know."

With some uncertainty, Tevarra's own arms go about Tabitha in an equally gentle hug. It's almost as if she's afraid to crush her mother. At the spoken words, her eyes widen brightly. "I didn't do anything wrong!" That protest comes once more, likely worn out on her way to the Palace. An exasperated sound escapse her lips, then she narrows her eyes and looks accusingly at the guardsman first, then her horse.

"Of course, Your Highness," Theowyn's words flow easily, his attention shifting across to the guard once more. This time the use of Tabitha's title was likely a meek attempt at insuring the guard take everything in stride. "Guardsman, can you review the matter of what appeared to be the arrest?" For the moment he spares Tevarra a glance with regard to the outburst, handing this matter of to one of his men.

Gunnar enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Gunnar has arrived.

Ramon enters the courtyard through the sally-port in the great gates.

Ramon has arrived.

Ramon walks along the flagstone path towards the practice yard to the northwest.

Ramon has left.

Gunnar quickly eyes his surroundings with a trained scan and proceeds directly to the Queen.

Tabitha stands near Theowyn, with former Lt.Captain Dayne standing behind her, and an extremely looking scruffy Tevarra in front of her. Honor guards from both Andor and Shienar stand in the courtyard, and a young Guard is about to explain why he was arresting Tevarra.

Thus embarrassed, Rollnic waits until the attention is off him, and turns to the boy who had been following with the horse and sends the horse to the stables. Finding the prince himself addressing him when he turns back he snaps to formal attention. "Yes, Your Highness. The young woman... was reported as having in her possession a horse that was thought to be stolen. A citizen reported it my Prince."

Raising an eyebrow, Tabitha points after the departing horse "That one, I presume?"

Tevarra starts to say something further, but quickly closes her mouth when her mother starts to take control of the situation. She lets go of the hug then steps back and to the side a bit, keeping her eyes on the ground for now.

Lieutenant Commander Gunnar of the Blight Scouts stops about ten paces from the Queen, and snaps to attention, and patiently awaits her audience in silence.

Theowyn takes a deep breath as the guard reports his findings, looking to the girl and the horse, and finally the former Queen that seems content at addressing the issue for the moment. At the approach of Gunnar the Queen's Guards stand to the side once realizing his rank and heritage.

Rollnic bows himself before the Queen formally, "Yes your Majesty. That is the horse." He looks nervous.

"You're one incredbly lucky kid, Tev." Tabitha acknowledges Gunnar so that he can relax, then looks up to the Prince once again "That's her horse. I bred it from mine and her father's, it was given to her on her name day. I'm not sure of your laws, but that should take care of the possibility of horse theft? I can sign a statement, if it's needed. It will have a brand, on its left flank. My Lihana," she nods to the horse tied to the back of the wagon "bears the same one."

Gunnar salutes the Queen with a closed fist to his chest and stands at ease.

"I said I didn't do anything." There's an indignant tone to Tevarra's words, and a touch of hurt. Crossing her arms before her, she kicks at the stoned pavement with her boots, scuffing them further than they are.

Theowyn takes a pause as his eyes sweep between the horse in question and the young girl. "Guardsman, the markings on the horse should varify the horse was not stolen. Perhaps the citizen that reported the crime should be insured that it was investigated and no fault was found to the young girl in question."

Rollnic nods, still remaining nervous and formal, "Yes your Majesty, Your highness, the mark is there. Very good my Prince. I will see it done."

Tabitha reaches out to grab Tevarra's ear, speaking softly as she does. She mutters to Tevarra, "... the... owe... apology. And... a..."

Rollnic brings his fist to his heart and bows again. Hoo boy. Just his night. He casts a discreetly annoyed look at Tevarra in the depth of the bow, as if the embarrassment he's suffered in his job were her fault. When he rises his features are smoothed, however.

Spying Tabitha's hand moving in her direction from the corner of her eye, Tevarra dodges away with a few short steps. A frown touches her lips as she stands to her full height, which is still considerably short as she's still got some growing to do. She mumbles to the Prince while she watches her mother with a wary expressin, "I am sorry, your Highness, for causing such a disturbance. And I appreciate your help." She continues to scuff her boots against the ground, driving the toe into the dirt as she does so. "I am a Hunter, now Mother." The last she manages with a soft whispering, though it still seems loud enough for those around her to hear. There's a touch of pride which enters her eyes at those words.

"Thank you Guardsman, duty well performed," Theowyn insures a little quickly before Taverra manages to twist that apology out. A rather amused smile comes to his features, the first prince moving down to one knee as he looks to the girl. "A hunter for the horn?" he questions, eye going to Tabitha as though teasing her a touch. "Welcome, Your Highness, to Caemlyn." This to Taverra, of course.

A resigned look comes over Tabitha's features at her daughter's announcement. "Of course you are. You're still filthy." She smiles to Theowyn "Thank you, Prince Theowyn, for your understanding and assistance, and please accept my apologies for the disturbance. If it is not terribly imposing of me.. would you mind if I abruptly added one more to my party for the time being?"

The former Val'Carai Dayne moves over to Gunnar and stands speaking to the Scout quietly.

Rollnic bows again crisply and thus dismissed, and turns on his heel, marching off to continue his duties. He scrubs his finger through his hair as he exits the Palace grounds.

That small frown grows a touch more. Tevarra watches the interaction between the Prince and her mother. Tilting her head to the side a bit she murmurs quietly. "I've my own room at the Rose and the Lion. They've a bath there." Obstinate, to say the least. She allows her arms to uncross and drop to her sides once more. "Honestly, I can take care of myself. I've been as far as Illian and back now as it is, on my own." That's said a touch defensively.

Gunnar greets Dayne with the Shienaran warrior salute. They converse as old friends might, yet the scout keeps a watchful eye and ear on Tabitha, should his services be requested.

Rollnic walks through the guarded gates, to the Queen's Plaza.

Rollnic has left.

Tabitha replies firmly to Tevarra "You're grounded. You're not going anywhere."

"Princess..." Theowyn attempts to interject, pondering if the girl has any weakness for brilliant blue eyes or tall Prince-type figures. "As a policy, royal guests of Andor stay within the Queen's Palace," he offers softly after Tabitha's words. With that, he does move to stand, while his hand moves across his lips to attempt to hide that amused smile.

Tevarra's jaw drops open at Tabitha's words. "Grounded?!" The words squeal out of her lips. Those blue-gray eyes attempt to meet her Mother's, a challenging look within them. She pays no attention to the Prince, guys really not holding her interest just yet. She's a Hunter afterall, with more important things to do! "You can't do that! I'm a Hunter of the Horn now, sworn to do so. Am I now being told I can't fulfill my Oath?" She tries that angle, eyes carefully taking in her Mother's reaction.

Tabitha replies calmly "You'll be able to hunt all you like, from the confines of your room. However, until I have decided what to do with you, you are not leaving the Palace grounds. You will not leave your room without an escort." She motions two of the Val'Carai forward, and sends one to acquire the Princess' things from the Rose and Lion and settle the account. The other is told that he shall be responsible for babysitting Tevarra "Since you are apparently incapable of behaving in a responsible manner, I must assume that you did not take the Oath responsibily. Therefore, until I have had a chance to consider this and your actions and decide what I intend to do with you, you had really better reconsider any thoughts of pushing your luck, or of running away again."

Theowyn coughs away that chuckle that wants to sound, returning to the stance with his arms folded behind his back. He quietly watches the exchange, that rich amusement almost hidden.

Grounded. Horrible words for the young Princses. Tevarra opens her mouth to protest further, but then simply closes it, starting at Tabitha for a few long moments. Unexpectly, she bows toward Tabitha. "As you say, Mother." She looks sideways at the guard ordered to stay with her, for now, as though sizing up his ability to 'keep up' with her. Yet, even that is a half-hearted attempt. "But until this instance, I caused no trouble, nor ran into it." She wrinkles her nose, "Except for the savages within the city attempting to steal my horse..."

Taking a deep breath, Tabitha looks at Tevarra. Before she can say anything, Dayne breaks in. "Caused no trouble? Your mother cried for hours when she got the notice that you had run away. A Hunter for the Horn indeed! As if we didn't know that's exactly what you'd do, but by the Light, you're a Princess of Shienar and a Lady of Tear. You are not exactly expendable. Your brother pulled troops off the border to look for you, and Shatayan Esther is trying to approach the Amyrlin for an audience even now." He subsides as Tabitha puts her hand on his arm.

Theowyn's arches an eyebrow at the mention of savages and stealing of a horse, though does not interfere with the exchange being offered by the Shienaran visitors. He does the good princely thing, and stays quiet.

An indignant look takes shape on Tevarra's features at Dayne's words, then her eyes widen as he mentions Esther and the Amyrlin. She starts to say something in reaction to Dayne, but stops herself and sighs deeply. "Blood and bloody ashes..." She mumbles the curse audibly, but more to herself than anything else. Looking back to her mother, her expression softens somewhat. "I didn't mean to hurt you...." There is a strain in her voice as she attempts to keep her emotions back, and her last word catches in her throat. She maintains the distance of a few steps she put between herself and her mother during the grab for her ear.

Gunnar watches the deep conviction of the eyes of each of the people present, reading that which remains unspoken as best he can.

Tabitha simply shakes her head, and says softly "I know you didn't mean to. You didn't think. That is why you are grounded, not because of the incident now. Misunderstandings happen." She nods for Gunnar to follow the contingent inside when they go, that she will speak to him within, then turns back to the Prince. "Again, I apologise. I hope that when you have children, you will look back on this with understanding." A slight smile comes out, briefly lighting up a face that shows a fair number of years of care. "Now. You were agreeing to call me Tabitha, I believe, and about to show me inside?"

Now that the matter seems to have been resolved, Theowyn unfolds his arms. "Of course Tabitha, right this way," he stretches out his arm to indicate the building that's obviously the Queen's Palace. "We had apartments prepared for your stay. I'm sure there will be room enough for the young Princess."

Allowing the others to press forward, Tevarra takes her good old time about following. Her eyes take in the sights of the area she was so adament about avoiding while within Caemlyn. A sigh escapes her, eyes avoiding Dayne and Tabitha both.

As he follows Tabitha, Gunnar keeps and eye on the Princess and manages to check out the surroundings while he quietly stolls along.

Cronus walks into the courtyard from the flagstone path to the northwest.

Nobles' Sitting Room: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn(#746RLM$)

Theowyn leads the group to the top of the stairs. "This is the main sitting and gathering area for nobles within the palace. Your apartment will, of course, have its own sitting room and bedrooms," Theowyn explains as he takes several steps into the room before stopping and turning to the group. A servant that passes through gets passed along the instructions, and soon a few other servants approach ready to be escorted for Tabitha's belongings.

Tabitha smiles to Theowyn "Thank you. I'm sure you have a number of things you wish to get back to, so we shan't keep you, if you need to be going."

Clearing her throat, Tevarra keeps her eyes lowered as she speaks to her mother, "Might I be excused to our apartments so I might get a bath and ready for bed?"

Tabitha nods to Tevarra "Yes, that would be good." She eyes her youngest child "Abigail will bring you something to sleep in, you should fit my clothes now."

Tevarra nods her head slowly, "Good evening." Without saying anything else, she turns to follow whatever servant which is closest, after speaking a few words of inquiry to them about the Ta'in'jar apartments.

"I will leave you to settling in, Tabitha," Theowyn counters a bit, as the servants wait to show them to their room. "I am sure we will have opportunity to catch-up on times." He makes it sound like they met eachother more times then the one. "Peace favor..."

Tabitha smiles "Peace favor, your Highness.

Gunnar nods respectfully to the Prince.