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

Upon seeing her brother enter the room, Aislynn tears her gaze away from Durnik, and coolly awaits the approach of the First Prince of the Sword.

Durnik doesn't even dare to breath, but remains bowed at the waist, hand over heart, not even looking up, wearing civilian clothing...strange that, a most recent thing too. Not a muscle twitches as he waits, the weight of his honor a palpable thing right around him.....he still wears his pride.

Methos stands to Durnik's right, not saying a thing. His eyes flicker from face to face.

Maricca remains in awed silence at her husbands side, she has no idea what this is all about since she has newly arrived.

Reslaric stands from his place once acknowledged by the Queen, his eyes moving to Turail with a hint of curiousity. Odd how a man in Reslaric's age still manages to look curious. Reslaric does hope Turail plans to bring them up closer, but does not move away from the Duke's side.

Cronus is standing behind Aislynn now, slightly off to one side. His eyes constantly scanning the room and its inhabitants, he does not expect threat in the Palace. But nothing comes from a lack of vigilance to one's duty. He gives a nod of respect to Theo as the eyes fall there but other than that his body is the embodiment of the way a guard should look and move. Each movement precise and formal when needed.

On the arm of her escorting Honor guard officer, Sohai, Elyse J'equel Sylia Kamikatsu steps slowly out from her apartments, behind them an accompanying duo of Kandori Honor guardsmen follow. Once she steps out, Elyse's head tilts this way and that, trying to determine if she is alone in the Noble's Sitting Room, and quickly determining that she is not. Poised dignified and elegant, Elyse indicates to her escort to be brought further into the room, her cornflower blue eyes falling on some distant and unrecognized point ahead of her.

Deleamar clears his throat loudly, breaking the silence. "Queen Aislynn, it is good to see you in decent health."

The Duke also rises when the Queen's gaze passes away from him, with a soft murmur of 'Your Majesty.' Once The Queen's attention moves to Theowyn, Turail turns his eyes on the First Prince, his features softening into what may be a slightly weathered smile. And with the Princess on his arm. Of course. he should have guessed.

Turning to the first voices that directly address her--those of the Roesones--the young Queen offers a polite smile, nodding her head to both Turail and Deleamar. "The Light shine upon both your Lordships," she murmurs, sounding as cordial as she normally does when in a good temper. However, she seems preoccupied...as she well should, if rumours of the recent 'coup' in her Guard have any truth to them. Again, she turns to look at Theowyn speculatively, also eyeing the young lady whom he escorts into the room.

The First Prince does make his entrance from his room, likely being notified by one of the guards at the door that a scene is being well placed. Theowyn inclines his head to those within the room, his brilliant blue eyes a near copy of his older sister's, though certainly he is not as pretty, the Prince bordering on rugged in appearance. At the sights of his sister, he heads toward her side. Although he does look to Durnik, his eyes find Turail and then Elyse next. A curious feature takes to him.

Durnik doesn't move....he wasn't acknowledged, and therefore he remains bowed. He doesn't seem particularly strained at all, almost as if it is his duty and position in life to remain such. A very strange action from this man, but there is something between Aislynn and him that bypasses normal etiquette. (In Aiel terms it would seem Durni has toh towards Aislynn)

Again, she turns to look at Theowyn speculatively, and then spreads her glance to the young Kandori woman of whom she has heard so much.

Cailet picks up her fork, then sets it down again when she sees the prince. She gets to her feet.. again standing on the chair, and gives him a curtsey too. Quickly she sits back down and digs into her meal before she has to curtsey again.

One of the advantages of being all of five feet tall is that you don't get noticed. Rezna moves he and his wife to a better spot. His eyes sizing this queen up. It's what he was sent to do afterall. If all these freak tall people would just get out of his way...

Still on Sohai's arm, her Lt. Commander and chief officer of the guardsmen she brought with her, Elyse quickly determines from the addresses, that Aislynn is in the room . . . somewhere. Her gaze does not fall elsewhere, and her head remains forward and lifted with self-possession about the Princess' manner. Sohai and the guards behind bow deeply, respectfully to the Queen that they can see, and then a secondary one for the other notables in the room. Sohai then leans to murmur the direction of the Queen to Elyse's person. The Princess of Kandor then alters the direction she faces to curtsey deeply, lifting her free hand to rest over her bosom in the most reverent of courtly curtseys--textbook perfect but lacking some modicum of personal grace, as one would who could not practice her courtly curtseys with the assistance of a looking glass as a child. "Your Majesty," she intones in a rich and trained soprano voice.

Maricca remain silent, her face showing no emotion as she remains closely by her husbands side.

Duke Roesone moves aside smoothly, removing himself as an obstacle from her Majesty's way, which puts him just a bit closer with his political advisor, Reslaric, with whom he shares a glance, and afterward, another is shared with Lord Deleamar.

Theowyn steps forward as the Princess is spotted. "Aislynn, please do meet Princess Elyse J'equel Sylia Kamikatsu of Kandor," he introduces in a formal tone, almost getting the name pronounced corrently. "Princess, I present Queen Aislyn Versyr."

Royalty from another nation demands something more than the blase attentions the fiery haired Queen of Andor has bestowed on most of those gathered. After Elyse rises from her curtsey, Aislynn offers the Kandori Princess a regal nod, and reaches out pale and bejewelled hands to take those of the Princess in a friendly and warm gesture. "Princess Elyse, I presume?" she murmurs, in her warm and musical voice. "Please accept my apologies that I was unable to properly greet you before now. I have been...." Her voice trails off...blue eyes flicker in Durnik's direction, before returning to Elyse. "...ill." She states, a hint of flatness creeping into her voice. Indeed, the Queen does look somewhat pale, but in general no paler than usual. Perhaps something in the way she holds herself, though, denotes a recent recovery from a long convalescence. "Welcome to Caemlyn. If there is aught I can do for you, please let me know." With that, she politely drops the Princess' hands, and now turns her gaze full to her brother.

Deleamar returns the Duke's look with a shrug, and he jostles a few people out of his way to get closer to Turail. Leaning close to the man, he says something softly to him. He mutters to Turail, "All... bloody... and then... interesting.... you... going... to... would like to... my..."

Maricca shakes her head She mutters to Rezna, "... all this about? Who... all these... people..."

Durnik watches the scuffling of feet from his bowed position, not daring to look up. A normal man would at least be trying to keep cramps away from remaining so long in this awkward position, but Durnik has not moved a muscle....either he is used to hours and hours of this, or he is ignoring the cramps and pains creeping up on him.

The Advisor for House Roesone looks between Deleamar and Turail, and then to the Princess and Queen. And the Prince. Then the Captain-General. Reslaric's eyes to find the small Cairhienin man as well, his expression looking somewhat less amused.

Rezna doesn't need to jostle people to get the view he wants. He is nicely nestled between 2 very tall and imposing people and has clear view of the object he was sent to study. his wife is momentarily forgotten and now the little man focuses on every aspect of the queen before him. This is a man who misses nothing...and the report soon to be on its way to Cairhien...will leave out nothing

Offering a charming smile, the Princess of Kandor of barely twenty Naming Days, inclines her head formally both at Theowyn's introduction and Aislynn's welcoming sentiments, "Your Majesty is most gracious, and humbly, I thank Andor for Her generosity, and sanctuary during Kandor's time of need--especially so at such an inconvenient time," her words are perhaps a bit more eloquent than most Bordlerlanders would be thought to be able to manage, even Royalty, but more than her siblings, Elyse mastered etiquette and courty graces to counter-balance her inability to join her siblings in more physical pursuits, "If I can be of any assistance during our stay, Your Majesty, please do not hesitate to ask."

Cailet muches quietly and happily on her meal.

Aislynn inclines her head to the Princess' so-kind words. "You are free to enjoy such hospitality and protection as Andor might offer you right now. And pray do not think of any inconvenience." Her lips curve into a warm smile, as she adds: "Those of us in the Southern climes have not forgotten the 'inconvenience' that the Borderland nations have gone through for countless years in holding back the ravages of Shadowspawn that have crept across the Blight. For that, your Grace, we are all in your debt."

As the focus of the room, and the Queen's attention moves further away from the Roesone guests, and Deleamar leans close to him to speak, Turail frowns just slightly and lifts a finger in a motion of quieting before turning his head to say something soft to Deleamar in return.

Turail mutters to Deleamar, "... wish for cousin,... indeed... Let... not forget... ta'veren... last... I..."

Elyse smiles proudly, dips her head in the last known direction of the Queen's words. Her guardsmen, as well, seem to stand a little taller (and for Kandori that's saying much) and more proudly since the Queen's most complimentary and gracious words.

Deleamar nods at Turail's words, and watches the unfolding situation, now quiet.

Theowyn's hardened features, ones that up to a few years ago were still rather boyish, do take on a hinting smile. He had told Elyse about as much in their meeting. "I had explained to Princess Elyse that you were the eloquent one within the family, dear sister. My welcoming of the Princess to Andor was less then flattering to my skills." Theowyn tries to break the ice with that comment, in more ways then one.

Cronus continues to watch and listen to the antics of all in the room. And those who thought him sharp when he walked the streets... well he is even sharper in movement now. After all he is a direct representation of what the queen stands for. And being in front of her, all his training comes to the forefront and works fluidly.

Sev climbs up the spiraling staircase, from the lower levels of the Palace.

Sev has arrived.

Sev finds his way back in, seeming to have hurried back.

Sev spots the Queen, seeming surprised, and bows deeply.

Aislynn smiles humourlessly at her brothers comment, when she would normally be wont to chuckle pleasantly. She turns to eye the new arrival, lifting a pale brow curiously.

Sev sees the Queen surveying the room, and does, actually, drop to one knee, knuckling the floor when her gaze crosses him.

That charming Kandori smile of Elyse's turns somewhat coyly, and is directed toward the sound of Theowyn's comment, her cheeks flushing slightly as poise alters to appear more demure and bashful. She remains quiet for now, however.

Durnik continues watching the ground, hand over heart.

Reslaric's hand goes about Turail's arm as he leans forward to the Duke. He mutters to Turail, "... you should introduce... Princess to... charming Lord Deleamar... realize... be married, but... to visit the... returned..."

Finally, Aislynn's voice turns cold and crisp as she speaks: "Captain-General Durnik," she begins, perhaps the faintest bit of hesitation in her voice as she speaks his title. "I had not expected to see you back so soon. There is much we have to discuss, but..." she trails off, taking a careful glance about at all of those gathered before continuing, "...I do not believe here---in this so-crowded room---would be the most appropriate for those things of which we must speak." Her eyes slip to her brother for a moment, and then return to their quarry. "You shall attend upon me tomorrow evening, after I have had a chance to do some...reading. As you know, I have been ill and there are occurences of which I must appraise myself."

The Queen's voice dripping with sarcasm as she speaks the words "Captain-General."

Durnik looks up to Aislynn, but does not move from his bowed position. His eyes tighten as he hears the title of Captain-General in her words, but he nods graciously. "Of course your majesty, I am ever humbly yours to command." There is so much behind that one sentence of Durnik's and not all of it directed at Aislynn. There is also steel in his voice, not insult, and not sarcasm.

Rezna notes said sarcasm and immediately comes to a conclusion. Yup...the Andoran guard is going to hell in a hand bag...he can smell it

Turail's mouth hooks upwards slightly as Advisor Reslaric murmurs to him and his blue eyes dart to Deleamar, though he is still listening to the other conversations nearby, particularly the Queen's words. Some amusement lingers on the Duke's face. His rasping voice is low, but perhaps enough can just be picked out... He mutters to Reslaric, "... scheming... I... you... have..."

Aislynn inclines her head briefly to Durnik, giving him a searching glance. Before turning away to stride purposefully down the stairs--already giving imperious commands to a small group of high Palace officials that appear to coalesce about her from out of thin air--a fleeting look of...regret?...pity?...disappointment?...paints the Queen's pale features as her gaze rests upon Durnik. A polite nod that takes in all of those gathered and a small cough stifled with one small hand...a hand that conspicuously sports the golden Great Serpent Ring of the Aes Sedai...are the only good-byes she makes as she leaves the group and once again takes brisk and perfunctory command of her Palace after her long illness.

Deleamar glances at the Duke as he catches him looking at him, and he raises an eyebrow. Staying silent, though, he wonders what the Advisor and Turail could be talking about.

Sev straightens as she goes. He brushes off what would be a serious insult with a shrug.

Rezna watches as the Queen walks by him. There is something amusing about it to him. He looks to his wife...preparing to give her the prognosis once the queen has left...

Aislynn has left.

Rezna speaks quietly to hs wife.

Theowyn's eyes settle on the Princess, taking a few steps toward her as he sees the Queen depart. "And that was my sister," he states in a tone that borders casual.

Durnik considers himself acknowledged and raises himself back up to standing...a bit stiffly....the cramps from standing in such a position for so long, or because Theowyn, his Prince remains in the room....who knows.

Sensing the movement of so many, Elyse assumes from personal experience that Aislynn departs, even without Sohai's murmur in her ear--though he offers it just the same. She curtseys in what she thinks is the right direction, actually off considerably as the Queen continues to move away. She then rises, smiling warmly to Theowyn as he speaks to her, and nods, "A most impressive woman," she compliments gently, not meaning to be overheard, but probably is.

Sev straightens his coat as he stands, glancing at the door as it slams. "Not as I expected, I'll own, but an honour nonetheless... "

Maricca nods at her husbands whispered words and leans close to whisper to him.

Cailet finishes off her meal. She pushes awaw from the table and hops down from the chair.

Sev gives Cailet a smile, and glances about the room.

Cronus relaxes at Aislynn's exit although his eyes are still about the area, looking about then he decides now is a good time to leave. He moves to Sev, "You may want to help Cailete... I need to get going."

"That was interesting," Reslaric states with a brief quirk of his eyebrow. "Captain-General..." he is surprised, though for whatever reason he nods lightly to Turail.

Sev nods to Cronus. "Aye, I shall, then, Lieutenant."

Once the queen has departed, Turail glances around the room and then remarks softly to Reslaric and Deleamar. "Remain if you wish. Janeva will be expecting me. I do not wish her to fret, or I shall be buying her things for the next week."

Cailet skips happily over to Sev, and gives him a curtsey, and a smile.

Durnik looks around the room...trying to take in the reactions of those around him.

Cronus with that said, Cronus departs the area paying proper respects to each in turn.

"Indeed," Theowyn agrees with a slight smile. Those blue eyes are simmering, though vaguely, and over other matters. "It is unfortunate you did not have the pleasure to see her for longer. Now that she has returned, we will have the opportunity for a more private meeting, yes?"

Cronus descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

Cronus has left.

Rudra leaves with Cronus.

Rudra has left.

Sev smiles. "I see you've made the QQueen's acquaintance, then, Misstress Cailet.

Rezna simply nods to his wife. Amazing how everyone leaces when the queen leaves...sheep following the shephard...

Cailet scratches her ear. "I guesso."

Turail gives Deleamar a pitying, but humorous look as he departs, making his way out of the room slowly, passing farewells to those with whom he is acquainted. Finally, he steps out, using the garden's as his escape route.

Maricca watches the room empty with much the same thoughts as her husband then turns to Durnik "Well do I now call you Captain-General Durnik?"

Elyse inclines her head formally, "I would be honored and delighted, Prince Theowyn," a pause and then, "I am very glad to see she has recovered well, but I'm certain matters of state must have her much occupied. I shall await a private interview with Your Highness, and Her Majesty, at convenient time determined by Her majesty's discretion."

Sev bows to Turail as he goes, at this point not expecting to be noticed, but he pays more attention to the girl, anyway.

Turail walks leaves the sitting room and walks out onto the balcony.

Turail has left.

It's clear Durnik wishes to speak with a few of those in this room, though he seems hesitant about doing anything while Theowyn is there.

Durnik chooses Maricca since Turail has left, and Maricca is the one who has spoken to him.

Durnik moves over to the ambassadors from Cairhien and speaks quietly.

Reslaric watches Duke Turail depart before addressing Deleamar. "Well, certainly the wife keeps him busy. We are fortunate he still stands." The tall advisor's Cairhienin accent is as much as a contradiction as his darkened features with the grey eyes.

Sev looks to the girl, "Are you sleepy, then, Cailet?"

Cailet looks down at her shoes and nods.

Durnik shakes his head, He mutters to Maricca, "... you... to... would... honor." He smiles at the pair from Cairhien.

Sev says "All right, " bringing the girl towards one of the servants. "You'll be staying here for a while, but I will be by to visit tomorrow.. YOu'll be good, I hope?""

Nodding at the Advisor's words, Deleamar looks about those still assembled in the room. "That wife of his will probably be the death of him." Turning to once again look at the advisor, he shrugs. "But his death won't be of anything else other then his wife. That I can be sure of."

Cailet gives Sev another nod. "Yap.. I be a bery good gurl." She takes the servant's hand, and waves as she is lead to her room.

Maricca smiles for the first time since the Queen made her entrance She mutters to Durnik, "... am... later I have... feeling... be able to..." she glances back round the room.

Sev smiles a bit, saying "Good night, then, Cailet."

Yes...wives can be lethal...

Cailet walks through the heavy wooden doors and into the Guest Quarters of the Palace.

Cailet has left.

Durnik looks between the ambassador and his wife, appraisingly.

Sev straightens, and glances around for a polite entry to the conversation.

Rezna seems lost in his own appraisal of the woman who so recently left. he does not catch his wife's words

Durnik finally decides to speak.

Durnik mutters to Maricca, "... is... a... city.... been... long... I... visited there."

Theowyn looks to the Lt. Commander escorting Elyse only briefly, taking another step closer to the Princess. "In time. These other matters require resolution. At least she has returned and is well." Theowyn takes no obvious notice of the room, though certainly the trained warder misses little. The Prince manages a reassuring smile, that shows more in his voice then his eyes. "I hope matters are holding up well. I will notify your father that current events within Andor are not compromising your security, Princess. I personaly see to that now."

Maricca nods and smiles, her emerald eyes shine at his muttered words She mutters to Durnik, "I... chat... about home... return... can help me... this..." she squeezes her husbands hand and whispers to him.

Durnik nods politely to Maricca, once again giving a glance to the ambassador.

Reslaric nods to the Roesone Lord at his sign. "Though I do wonder, Queen Aislynn used the title of Captain-General. Sarcasm? Certainly the reports of his departure are not false, though..." his voice trails in their half private conversation.

Rezna gives his wife a side long glance. Not so sure if that is a good idea. "If you do...do so with the -upmost- discretion please dear."

Durnik mutters to Maricca, "I... to at... Lady... Cairhien... most welcome."

Durnik looks over to Reslaric, his eyes lowering, but shakes his head to himself and looks back to his conversation with Rezna and Maricca.

Maricca nods again She mutters to Durnik, "I... and... am sure you can... me... on... all... need..."

Deleamar continues to frown. "Hopefully the Queen will make the right decision. However, her illness coupled with stress may addle such a choice. But better it come from her then anyone else." He doesn't add what that 'right decision' should be.

Maricca pats her husbands arm She mutters to Rezna, "yes dear... going... points of... Durnik will tell... things of Andor."

Elyse 's charming smile brightens all the more at the last sentiment of the Prince, though her gaze does not meet his, and instead falls on some distant point past his shoulder as she responds, "Then I daresay, Prince Theowyn, that you will have His Majesty's eternal gratitude and favour," there is more to that statement than is truly said. She dips her head cordially toward Theowyn's voice, her tone warm but formal, "You are so kind, Prince Theowyn, and your generosity is not unnoticed, I assure you." Sohai leans to the Princess' ear at this point and murmurs something, to which a sad frown briefly flashes across Elyse's features and she nods, "Yes, of course, Lt. Commander." Clearing her throat she addresses Theowyn once more, "I fear I must return to my apartments, Your Highness," though the title is used, there is a hint of familiarity with it, "And tend to some matters before retiring for the evening." She curtseys.

Sev bows deeply to the company, finding no introduction, and departs, soundlessly.

Reslaric shakes his head lightly to that, though showing little concern. "I do hope it is the right one. For shame should any worse be done to Andor by its leaders," he admits. "That 'niende sorda car val' is in need of 'ayende'."

Sev descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

Sev has left.

Rezna looks to his wife. "I believe my bed is calling me dear. Youa re welcome to stay and hob nob if you like of course."

Durnik smiles between the ambassador and his wife, allowing them their discussion.

"As do I, Princess," Theowyn admits with eyes that grow briefly distance. "I fear that matters of attentions has doubled in recent days." Though Elyse would know that, and his tone is strangely comforting. A hand briefly reaches to touch upon hers before it is retrieved. "Light Illume Princess Elyse."

Maricca shakes her head "I am quite tired dear I would like to go myself." she turns to Durnik and extends her hand "I do look forward to our chat."

Rezna looks to the Captain General. he is cautious...but there is opportunity here. "Feel free to call upon us at any time Durnik." Uh oh...he forgot the title...

Deleamar's mouth twists into a rare smile. "You and I are more alike then I would have thought, Advisor." He looks to all the departing people, and the smile quickly dissapears. "It seems all of our 'company' is leaving us. Perhaps it would be best if we retired to the Manor ourselves?"

Durnik doesn't seem to notice the lapse of title, or at least doesn't take any offense at it.....instead he turns and once again kisses the hand of Maricca and lowering it turns to both of them with a small nod. "I appreciate your generosity and hope that we will have the opportunity to learn more of each other in the days to follow."

Rezna sniffs the air as he looks Durnik over...yes. Best to do it quickly. Rezna knows a political target when he sees one. And poor Durnik, does not strik him as being long for this world.

Rezna places his hands in his pockets and ambles off towards the stairs the queen had descended not so long ago.

Reslaric's features approach a near smile at that. "It seems the entertainment for the evening is over. Another time, I'm sure. And I doubt the brandy here would be of the same fine tasting as in the manor, yes, m'lord?" Reslaric does turn away, and to the stairs.

Maricca appears quite pleased with Durniks response, he will be easy to twist round her finger and get what she needs for herself and her husband. She turns and catches up with her husband "Shall we my love, I am tired it has been a very productive evening."

Elyse smiles, "Peace favour your sword, Prince Theowyn," inclining her head respectfully, having already curtsied, and slowly moving with the aid of Lt. Commander Sohai, toward her apartments, where she slips in quietly.

Rezna is just making his way past Relaric. his ears pick out the accent now and the little man does a double take. There is no recognition there...but such an accent on one so tall...is not something one encounters every day. Eyes measure the man who uttered them

"The brandy in the palace is bloody aweful, Reslaric. If the Queen was to make another important decision, it would to change the supplier or that slop." Deleamar follows the Advisor, tonights events having left a sour taste in his mouth.

or=of :)

"Light Illume," is repeated by Theowyn as he steps away from Elyse in a brief motion back, before taking to his quarters. The others within this room are not noticed. Rezna leaving. Reslaric he is not fond for, and Durnik much less. It seems the Prince has been as friendly as he will be this evening.

Elyse has left.

Durnik watches all of these departures, and slowly realizes he is being left alone with Theowyn.

Rezna clasps his arm around his wife's and heads downstairs

Maricca descends the white spiral, headed for the lower levels of the Palace.

Maricca has left.

Reslaric's eyes follow Rezna as he passes through, though in this case he is nearly twice as high as the Cairhienin (exaggerating). With that, he leads Deleamar down the stairs behind the two short people. "Brandy goes well after a good performance. I fear we will settle for the brandy."

Rezna has left.

Deleamar has left.

Reslaric has left.

Durnik looks over to the lone man standing in the room. He has no adverse reaction at all, as if nothing had passed between them previously. He stands as if spot-lighted....as if he were being weighed, though he shows no regret, and no remorse...only a sadness in his eyes as he watches the young man across the room in silence. Finally he bends himself at the waist with hand over heart, and says quietly, "The Light Illumine You this evening, Your Highness." Just as any other noble would....and that is all he says, as he looks towards the ground.

Unlike his sister's earlier words of sarcasm, Theowyn makes no mistakes in the titles, though even Aislynn's words linger on his mind. "Peace Favor your sword Lord Durnik Kasagara." Much like he had used a traditional Andoran saying, he uses the traditional Andoran one. An interesting matter indeed, though Theowyn's crystal blue eyes seem reserving of something. He has matters to attent to, that much is clear, with thoughts tugging at him in every direction. Theowyn does not betray emotion otherwise, not this evening, not when he is too tired to feel them. Theowyn turns and heads toward the chambers.

Durnik raises himself up as you leave and watches your back with a great sigh, that may or may not reach your ears.

Then he himself turns away and moves down the stairs, his boots echoing upon the stairwell as he walks away the opposite direction.