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

Elyse frowns thoughtfully, "More's the pity," she whispers thoughtfully.

Rezna stands near the doorway with his wife...speaking to Elyse. One thing Theo would likely very quickly pick up on, is the very large, but currently unloaded crossbow the ambassador is carrying with him

Theowyn's approach is warned in advance by the clatter of armed guards, as they move through the hallway and into the sitting room. The Prince is deadly cold, those brilliant blue eyes quickly settle on Elyse, that short Cairhienin man... and that woman that he just barely witnessed once. Amusement briefly flashes before he makes his approach.

Elyse is standing at the opening of the balcony, her back facing the gardens now as she converses with Rezna and Maricca, and the cool breeze drifts in to cause her honey-blonde hiar to dance lightly, along with the silken skirts. The aroma of the Spring blossoms drift in. Beyond, on the balcony proper, is Elyse's man Sohai, and her standard contingent of two guardsmen remain with her in the room.

Rezna is about to respond to Elyse's words when the clatter of other guards gets his attention. he turns his head and smiles. "Just the Prince I wanted to see." he hefts the crossbow back up and slings it over his shoulder where it belongs.

"Do you require the Queen's Guard to be assigned?" Theowyn asks, attempting at amusement on his voice. Its been a long day for the Prince, no doubt. There's a brief nod offered to Sohai before he steps beside Elyse. "Princess Elyse. Evening..." his voice trails as he claims a moment to see her. And he does. That action alone seems to lighten his mood a little. One could almost see the frown, though quickly replaced by a smile, as his eyes settle to the less beautiful Rezna. "Ambassador. You have something for me?"

Maricca stands beside her husband sipping her brandy, she eyes Theowyn as he enters and speaks to the others seeming to ignore her.

Rezna is a very fine speciman of a Cairhienian man thankyou very much! He watches the Prince for a moment...this is all starting to make him...nousious. First Kellian and RIo...now Theowyn and Elyse...Andor is doomed. "I am afraid I have more trouble for you Prince Theowyn." he shrugs his shoulders as the wieght of the crossbow starts to get annoying. "I hope you will excuse me for being frank with you..."

Elyse smiles delightfully as she find the Princes approach and then he is beside her. She curtseys a bit, though he is so near, and politely lapses into silence as the Ambassador speaks.

Theowyn's arm comes around to Elyse. Well, she is blind, and likely will need an escort after-all. One should give Theo a break, he's got something to be happy out. That smile does fade, as he nods briefly. "Ambassador, frankness is appreciated. After spending a year within Cairhien, I realized that asking for the green tea with a touch of honey was actually a request for..." he stops there, and coughs. "Go ahead, Ambassador."

Elyse arches her brow at that, request for what? Her expression indicates naivety. She does not ask aloud, however, and instead is happy to take Theowyn's offered arm. Her guardsmen, including Sohai, rise from their bows to the Prince as he entered.

Rezna smiles. "You and I are...or have been in the same business. The business of protecting our Queens. This city has been a mad house of late...and I am sure that you of all people can appreciate the necessity of...dealing with problems as they arise in a quick and expediant manner so as not to allow them to become more." He is of course...getting to something.

Maricca's eyes narrow as she has not been recognized, she is not use to this type of behavior from anyone. She makes note to speak to Rezna of this and to get that guard quickly. Maricca sips her brandy, shifting her position slightly as she remains by her husbands side.

Theowyn nods lightly, spying out this woman that Rezna is with. Introductions were always past Rezna, and besides, he's curious on this matter. "Ambassador, my Queen called out five thousand of her Guard the moment the Children stepped out of line. I fear I follow in her trait in that regard."

Rezna has forgotten his wife...Ouch!

Rezna may regret forgetting his wife.

Rezna says "good...then you would do well to call out another 5,000 of your guard once again...for you have a problem and so do I. There are Aiel...here in your palace."

Theowyn is fairly blunt about things. "Savages in here?" he does show surprise. "That does not hold well for the security here." Not likely Theowyn would assume they were invited.

Maricca shudders at the thought of the Aiel around "I am insisting my husband get me a personal guard I will not be around those creatures anymore." she hisses out the words then returns to her silences again, but only after giving her husband a concerned look and considering how much work she has to do to *train* him properly to remember to introduce her.

Elyse's hand tightens a bit on Theowyn's, but its hard to say if its a gesture of comfort, or of concern.

Rezna does remember her now that she has spoken up. "Oh do forgive me dear...Prince theowyn...this is maricca...My wife." He pauses. "They were invited here Prince Theowyn...and it is that invitation on the part of RIo Sedai and her puppet Captain Kellian...that I wish to protest in the strongest possible manner. She brought them up to the sitting room if you can imagine...and there...in our presence, offered them sanctuary under her...roof."

Rezna is hopping mad about it.

Elyse arches both brows, ermaining silent. Now *that* is news to her.

Maricca nods to Theowyn and extends her hand in expection of recognition "I am pleased to meet you Prince Theowyn. It seems that some in this Palace will allow anything in." she is of course refering to the Aiel, or maybe Rezna to after what he had done.

Maricca is a beautiful woman of 35 summers, her stature short, a mere 5 foot, as is common in Cairhien. Black plaited long hair drapes and accents pale skin, enhancing her beauty. Emerald eyes take in all that she sees and then some.

Modestly dressed in the deepest of blue silk, the skirt drifting over and enhancing slender body to the ankles. The blouse, long sleeved with light blue ruffles at the wrist, hug her bosom. She wears a jeweled necklace of sapphire and silver round her throat.

Deep blue cape flowing long to delicate boots. On the ring finger of her left hand wears a simple band of gold and a ring with a modest diamond surrounded by emeralds to enhance her eyes.

"Sanctuary..." Theowyn had initially wanted to blurt out the word, some last safety insured that the word came out with only a slight sense of displeasure. "You have the picking of two Queen's Guards at your disposal, Ambassador. And two more for your lovely wife. Please, do take advantage of my offer, and I assure you the Guardsmen are of your choice." Sure, all are likely to do as Theowyn says, but at least Rezna gets to select which ones will spy on him. That, and he insures to note the rank. Theowyn looks to the crossbow briefly, then his eyes settling to Maricca. A pause, as he searches for her title, failing since he was not provided with ine. "Maricca," he bows, sweeping her hand and placing a light kiss upon it. "A pleasure." The prince releases her hand and straightens.

Elyse gives Theowyn's hand another subtle squeeze, at a loss for words at the moment.

What do you call an ambassador's wife...besides wife...or perhaps woman...or perhaps...well nevermind. Rezna has no desire to be spied upon but he is not about to refuse the offer of the prince, whos favor he seeks to keep. "I thank you Prince Theowyn...however, for your sake...and for mine I hope that you will remove them from this premises immediately. Rio and her puppet dishonored me...and my countrymen by suggesting that those...savages had every bit as much right to stand here before you in these halls as we do. By her words she has defiled the memory of all my brethern who have fought...and died to keep their menace...where it belongs."

Rezna tries to calm himself down. "Forgive me if I seem angry Prince Theowyn, but they are my sworn enemies..."

"House Versyr is not without its own loss at the hands of the savages," Theowyn responds, returning the squeeze of Elyse's hand. He sighs, nodding slightly, though giving no direct response to what he will do. "Rio Sedai will be addressed on this matter. Their culture..." he frowns at naming it as such. "Once they are invited in, they are worst then rats to have removed Ambassador. It will be dealt with." Theowyn offers a reassuring glance. "I share your anger, Ambassador."

Maricca pats her husbands arm after the greeting by Theowyn "there, there darling rembers you health."she tires to sooth him and keep herself from exploding in the same indignat manner as she is very unhappy about this whole affair and will be sending message back home about it. She looks back to Theowyn "Thank you so much for the offer I will leave the decision up to my husband but I am insisting he pick one of our own for my private guard as we will have to be close." she grows silent and finishes the brandy in her glass then setting it down.

Elyse tries, "I'm certain the matter will be resolved to the benefit of everyone's safety and security as soon as possible.

Rezna nods. "In that case I shall consider the matter dealt with prince Theowyn." He pauses. "If you find you have trouble removing them...I have recently learned that a unit of the Ebon Hand has recently arrived in Caemlyn on route further south...I am sure they would be happy to...deal with the difficulty for you."

Crazy Aiel walking about, or the crazy Cairhien hunting them down? Well, that places the Prince in an interesting corner. "A kind offer, Ambassador. With Light's fortune it will not need the attentions of the Ebon Hand."

Rezna smiles a thoroughly...vengeful smile. "I just thought I would make you the offer prince theowyn. There are none better at dealing with the pests."

This whole thing is a powder cage...just waiting to blow up....

Maricca nods in agreement with her husband "yes they would do the job quickly and efficiently ridding this beautiful city of the pestulance that has been allowed in." her eyes shift from Rezna to Theowyn as she speaks.

Sohai frowns and shakes his head, but says nothing. He should have taken Elyse from here long ago.

He still can...Caemlyn is rapidly becoming one of the world's...more dangerous cities.

"Indeed, they are well trained men." Theowyn agrees, taking a deep breath as he realizes the complexity of it all. He looks to Elyse, a hand reaching around to touch her cheek, before turning to Sohai. This would be the first time he really addresses the man. "Lt. Commander, you are in charge in protecting the Princess. May I have your thoughts?" Now that the man will be basically hounding the young couple, he might as well admit that he exists.

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

Alianthe has arrived.

Rezna grimaces...There might be one thing he fears worse then Aiel...and that is the dreaded blue eyed bubble head!

Sohai blinks a moment. Not expecting this. But his answer comes quickly enough, "Far Madding is not too distant, Your Highness. And with increasing security risks, it would be my suggestion to escort Princess Elyse there, for her security," then he pauses, "And your own, Your Highness," addressing Theowyn, "After all. There may be some who might plot to abscond Her Highness for leverage in any dealings with Andor." Elyse frowns thoughtfully, but offers no comment to the contrary. Sohai knows his business.

That dreaded blue-eyed bubble head heralds her appearance with a flighty giggle before she herself appears, bouncing up the stairs. Bobbing a curtsy to all and sundry, she chirps brightly, "Good evening! How are you all? I do hope nothing unfortunate has happened again! Oh, good day lady--" this addressed to the only other person she's not encountered before, Maricca. "--where are my manners, I am Alianthe Tanreiuta Basaru." She sweeps another curtsy, one much more elegant. "I do hope I'm not interrupting anything, am I? My, the weather is so pleasant, isn't it? I was just out for a stroll in the gardens, which are -so- delightful at this time! Indeed, any other time, too!" Is that...yes....polysyllables! Amazing! "Oh, dear, I -am- interrupting something, aren't I? Please, don't mind me!" Pausing, she absently checks her hair before seating herself by the Princess, fussing with the way her skirts drape.

Theowyn blinks a moment too. "And the Aiel, Lt. Commander?" Theowyn regrets speaking to the man, getting a first taste of his true beliefs. Well, he know what he thought all along, but now that is confirmed. A few more blinks are spared for Alianthe as he considers the Lady in Waiting. "Lady Alianthe...." he looks to Rezna, hinting at amusement.

Is that pity on the ambassador's face as he watches his wife get sieged with...with...bubble bombs? Nope, he actually enjoying it...Should leave her here to fester for a bit...and see if she does not beg to go back home

Maricca cocks an eybrow as the woman enters she dips her head and mutters something to her husband. She mutters to Rezna, "... I... not... to... her..." Her eyes take in the new woman as she mutters "Pleased I am sure."

Rezna settles that question for Maricca. "I think the ladder is likely the better course of action dear."

Bowing fluidly, the Kandori guardsmen offer the Lady Alianthe. Elyse brightens noticeably as she hears Alianthe enter, her closest companion. "Good evening, Lady Alianthe," her manner warm and pleasantly while on the arm of the Prince. Sohai rises from his bow and politely responds to Theowyn's question, "In matters of political and military tension, Your Highness," he says flatly, "Access to the palace should alway be kept to a strict minimum."

Theowyn inclines his head to the Lt. Commander in a hint of thanks, before those blue eyes land on Elyse. She may feel his breath on her cheek as he nears. "I trust your man received specific instructions from the King?" he asks, a hint at something else. He does return to the topic at hand, however. "I will admit to being surprised that the Advisor to the Queen would invite the Aiel within. The matter will be of priority, until it is resolved. Thank you Ambassador, for keeping me informed."

Aiel?! Alianthe's eyes widen until whites show all around her irises. "Aiel?!" she squeaks breathlessly. "Where?! How?! When? Will this mean I can't go out any more?"

Her eyes narrow as Maricca speaks "Thank you I would appreciate this. I simply cannot belive I came here and was having such a wonderful tea with Rio Sedi and they came in and spoiled it all." she shakes her head in disgust.

Rezna nods and decides to beat a hasty retreat now before the bubble head turns her attentions on him. "I thankyou for your time Prince Theowyn, and tryst you will handel the situation." he looks to his wife...She going to reach escape velocity...or get pulled back into the black bubble?

Maricca nods to those in the room and prepares to leave with her husband, she has had a long exhausting day and does not need to deal with anyone else right now.

Rezna bows politely to those present, wishes all a good night...and goes into his apartments...which should be linked. :P

Rezna has left.

Maricca leaves with Rezna.

Maricca has left.

Elyse smiles, distracted a bit by Theowyn's murmured question and shakes her head uncertainly to it, "Not that I'm aware of, my Prince," to Alianthe she shakes her head, her voice an effort tobe comforting, "I'm sure the Lt. Commander, here, Lady Alianthe intends to try and keep our daily routine as intact as possible." Sohai neither agrees nor disagrees to that commitment.

"I did receive word from your father," Theowyn offers that information, deciding that a public place is better then any considering what the letter hinted at. "Shall we all sit down then?" He returns to ignoring that annoying Lt. Commander.

Alianthe leans in to whisper to Elyse.

Elyse nods to Theowyn, grinning and tilting her head in the direction of Ali's whisper, "Yes, let us be seated," waiting for Theowyn to escort her. At the announcement that the Prince has received word from King Mahal, Sohai's interest is noticed, and he moves more within than without, where he was more on the balcony than in the sitting room.

Theowyn does lead Elyse to the sofa, insuring he is seated next the Princess, of course. "Your father shows his interesting character within the letter, he wrote it himself, and insured I know that is a rarity." Theowyn tries to ignore the guard, something he'll have to get better at, as he turns more to Elyse. Those eyes don't miss earlier whispers, and Alianthe does have his attention as well, as he goes on. "He has approved our courting, Princess. And insures that there is an opportunity to speak with him in person if it is to go further then that."

Alianthe claps her hands in glee and exclaims, "Oh, how wonderful!" After that single outburst, she looks a bit abashed and quiets, though her eyes still sparkle with mischief.

Elyse brightens all the more, her head tilted to allow her ear to better receive Theowyn's voice, seated now beside her, as he delivers such good news. Sohai doesn't seem impressed. But then, he rarely does. Elyse's tone is warm with affection that she cannot disguise, "That . . . I'm speechless. I'm so happy!" her volume remains low, but the emphasis is apparent. She gives Theowyn's hand a gentle squeeze, "We no longer have to disguise our feelings, my Prince."

Theowyn's hand takes a hold of Elyse's cheek, guiding her closer to him as he reaches forward. First he smiles, "As am I." There first public kiss happens then, though it is just a slight brushing of their lips and nothing more. As he pulls her away, the tone is different. "Still, Princess, as your Lt. Commander will remind, you are in danger, and there will be those that will seek out ways to get to me. I suggest we not make it public, and let the rumor lead to conslusions, as it most certainly has already."

Alianthe gets the distinct feeling of being a third leg. But then, she's found it tends to be so around couples. Trying not to distract them, she pipes down. There's a thought...if someone wants her to shut up, just act lovey-dovey with someone else.

Sohail nods once, in agreement, not volunteering the information that he too received a note from the King. Elyse returns the chaste kiss with a warm smile, then responds to the statement with a nod, "A wise course, my Prince, as loathe as I am to admit it," she gives Theowyn's hand another squeeze, then tilts her head in the direction of Alianthe's voice, "Lady Alianthe, was everything well on your outing?" A vague question perhaps, but the mention of Elyse being in danger brought it to mind.

Alianthe nods in reflex, a habit she's not gotten rid of, despite the fact that Elyse couldn't see such a thing. "Oh, quite, quite, albeit a bit dull occasionally."

Elyse smirks a bit knowingly, but asks nothing more, for now.

Theowyn looks a touch amused as he takes to the Lady in Waiting. He plays for a comment that will set her off, clearly. "I do hope M'lady has found the fashions in Andor acceptable. I realize they are a touch conservative in nature, but truly of great quality." Not anything he'd want Elyse to wear, the Andorans do now how to have a bad time sometimes.

Elyse chuckles lightly, "Oh, Lady Alianthe enjoys learning and experiencing other culture's wares, I'm sure. She has quite refined taste, my Prince." Sohai moves a bit, twisting to regard the balcony doors.

"Well, it's quite interesting to see the difference, actually. It was rather odd at first; I can't imagine how it would feel...I'd feel so...er...." She coughs a bit, blushing, before rushing on. "Ah, that is, I'm afraid I'd have to agree with your view...does -everyone- have to wear such thick garments? Although I was thinking of hiring a seamstress or two to make up a few Andoran-style gowns, I don't suppose you could recommend a few? After all, I -am- a guest, and I'd also like to see what such gowns feel like. The embroidery I've seen is truly delightful. I've noticed that the hemlines are lower than Kandori ones, why is that? I would think it would hinder movement far more than normal..."

Theowyn blinks repeatedly, trying to figure out which question to answer first. He does look to Elyse briefly for help, but decides that it's hopeless. "I am certain I can provide you with a list of recommended seamstresses, names that are used by House Versyr and others." There's a pause, trying to answer the next. "Andoran styles are rather conservative, I will admit. I do have a strong appreciation for for dresses from our visitting Kandorans, however," he is amused.

Elyse smiles obsequiously, "I'm delighted you find our manner of clothing aesthetically pleasing, my Prince," then lapses into silence. The other two guardsmen remain quiet and attentive. Sohai, as well, though the officer does roll his shoulders a bit, still looking out on the balcony.

Alianthe seems slightly distracted as she responds gushingly, "Oh, thank you! I do appreciate it! As it so happens, I -had- come across some simply scrumptious fabrics which I was hoping to use soon, I find it very appropriate that the first new dress I have since coming to Andor would be Andoran, don't you?" Giving vent to a giggle, she adds, "I should certainly hope you do find Kandori clothing nice!" Deciding to switch the subject--she -can- go on about clothing for hours, if need be, but it tends to secretly bore her--she asks brightly, "So, how did your day go? I hope everything was all right, unpleasantnesses are so...well...unpleasant!" Giggle.

Alianthe seems slightly distracted as she responds gushingly, "Oh, thank you! I do appreciate it! As it so happens, I -had- come across some simply scrumptious fabrics which I was hoping to use soon, I find it very appropriate that the first new dress I have since coming to Andor would be Andoran, don't you?" Giving vent to a giggle, she adds, "I should certainly hope you do find Kandori clothing nice!" Deciding to switch the subject--she -can- go on about clothing for hours, if need be, but it tends to secretly bore her--she asks brightly, "So, how did your day go? I hope everything was all right, unpleasantnesses are so...well...unpleasant!" Giggle. (repose)

"As do I, Princess," Theowyn returns back, his thankful note showing. The worst would have her converted into Andoran styles! "The news from the King was reassuring, at least that much of the day went well." His brilliant blue eyes settle on Elyse, offering her a comforting squeeze of his hand.

Elyse smiles, "Comforting indeed." returing the squeezed hand, "It is the best news I've heard all day between talks with . . . " she pauses, "Well, between everyone I've had the honour of meeting with today."

Alianthe stifles a raised eyebrow at the last moment, instead turning her ever-present smile into a slightly more quizzical smile.

"You had a talk that was uncomfortable, Princess?" Theowyn is forward enough to inqurie. There is a hint of concern on his voice, eyes taking her in completely.

Elyse shakes her head, "Well, perhaps a bit, My Prince, but only in content, not in company." Sohai looks to Elyse at that, then returns his gaze to the balcony.

Theowyn nods his head quietly, setting back into the sofa as he considers that. "So long as it is better now, Princess?' he asks quietly, not wishing to further inquire.

"Only time will say for certain, my Prince. Completely better would be no tensions with Aiel or Murandy or . . . anyone else, at all. But the news you bring of my father's approval is delightful enough to make matters easier to contend with, yes." She gives another squeeze of his hand, and changes the subject, "Is everything settled for the reception tomorrow night, Lady Alianthe?"

Alianthe seems to pop out of a reverie, blinking for a moment in confusion before her brain catches up with her ears. "Hmmm? Oh, yes, yes, I think so." Stifling a yawn, she adds apologetically, "Excuse me, but I think I shall retire...I should rise early tomorrow."

Elyse smiles and nods in the direction of Alianthe's voice, "Of course, Lady Alianthe. Sleep well."

"Light Illume, Lady Alianthe," Theowyn responds quietly to Alianthe's departure, and then guides Elyse further within the hidden embrace.

Alianthe rises, curstying lightly to the Prince. "Good night, Milady, Milord. Light be with you." With that, she wanders off to her rooms.

Alianthe has left.

Elyse curls her lithe form a little more against Theowyn, and asks Sohai, "Lt. Commander, did you happen to find a bouquet of purple flowers delivered to me today?" her voice casual, but there is an impish smirk upon her lips.

Theowyn chuckles lightly at that, one hand releasing her in favor of placing his arm about her shoulders to pull her nearer into the embrace. "Purple flowers?" Theoywn questions, and then pulls the question away with his next words. "Your father will be interesting to meet."

Sohai looks back to the Pricness to answer briefly, "Yes, I believe so, Your Highness," then back to the balcony. Elyse grins, her head tilted toward Theowyn as she answers, "Indeed. His Majesty probably feels the same of you, My Prince." then clears her throat to announce, "I think I am ready to retire for the evening." Moving to get to her feet.

Theowyn nods contently, aiding Elyse from their position on the sofa. Regardless of his earlier words, he still steals a quick kiss upon her lips. It is late, and there is none about both those sworn to protect them. "Pleasant dreams, Princess..."

Elyse smiles, returning the light kiss, "Pleasant dreams, my Prince." As she is escorted back to her apartments, and before Sohai closes the door, his rumbling voice carries a bit as he follows Elyse in, asking of her, "Your Highness, a word before you retire, if you will?"