Rezna cnnot help smiling. "Well if you are looking for something completely new and different...Andor is the place to be I am finding." Hard to tell wether that was meant to be a compliment or insult to Andor. He stands with his back to the Queen. Thusly, he has not seen her yet. He does smell her though. Queens have an odd smell all their own. After a moment, he changes the subject. "Do you have any clue as to the identity of the attackers? From what I have heard...they slaughtered the guards she had brought with her. Stout men as I recall." He pauses. "Or have I been misinformed?"

The little silver bowl goes rolling and jingling across the room, passing through the little group of people talking. The alleycat goes streaking after it, dashing through the group of people and chasing the bell across the room, where he pounces it, rolls over with it caught between his forepaws, and kicks it into the air with one hind paw. Before the bell hits the ground again, he's on his feet, and as soon as it's down, he swats it, sending it rolling off in another direction. Mouse watches the cat. A brief glance in Theowyn's direction, but she pays him no more attention than anyone else. Why start now?

Said cat is coming dangerously close to getting the boot...closer each time it passes to within striking distance of the ambassador...

At the sound of the jingling bell hanging from around the cat's neck, the glacial blue eyes of the Queen turn in that direction, and a small smile curves her lips. She then looks at the child curiously, and impassively regards those gathered, inclining her head politely as she sees her brother enter.

Vasimer fades back from the group, heading towards the nearest wall that he can lean against and watch the room without being embroiled in any conversation that happens there. Judging by the straight face he keeps, he doesn't join in conversation too often.

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

Inarin has arrived.

With an even stroke of his hand Dain runs his hand through his hair, offering another nod he appears to be slightly agitated by something most likley the situation a few nights past. The Tairen as well has yet to see the Queen standing to the side of Renza rather than in front of the man, bright azure eyes slide over the room once more although he does allow a small smile to cascade over his lips for a moment as some unknown thought floods his mind...

Theowyn passes through his door, and as he nears the sitting room his eyes set in a curious surprise as he finds as many here as there are. Theowyn is far from warm in expression, however. He nods to his sister, and heads slowly in that direction.

Twitch dashes across the room, directly in front of Inarin, chasing that rolling silver bell. Mouse, watching the cat, glances briefly up at Inarin, giving him a polite nod as greeting. Isn't that interesting? Without waiting to see his response, her impassive grey eyes go back to the cat chasing the bell.

Rezna smiles. "Thankyou for setting the record straight in my mind sir. I do very much hate having only rumor and speculation to go on." That said, he falls silent and moves to the railing overlooking the stairs. Funny how life works. With such a killing...all in the same place, he could easily find whoever killed those men. Ah well. One of the advantages of being here instead of in Cairhien. He is under no obligation to act.

And there's the Lord Captain, yep. Inarin peers down at the cat, then lifts his gaze towards the crowded sitting room. He blinks once.

"Ambassador Rezna, I am glad that you are here," Aislynn addresses the back of the Cairhienin man's head, as he has not as yet turned around. "Please accept my apology that I have had not the time prior to now to speak with you properly...and to greet you." She glances at her brother, offering him a warm, sororal smile. "I trust, however, that Theowyn has taken care of all the formalities? You are comfortable in your quarters? Is there aught that you need right now?" All this spoken impassively, mildly.

Rio remains in the rear of the group, thoughtful and quiet.

Maricca turns as she hears the womans voice, she dips her head to the Queen "Light Shine your Heighness." she grows silent for her husband to answer.

And the wall fixture, Vasimer that is, remains quiet as well from where he watches from his spot leaning against a wall.

Dain turns slowly to allow his eyes to settle on the owner of the voice, The queen... Or at least that is what he gathers from her dress and the mention of the first prince being her brother. For a moment he really wishes he would have spent more time paying attention to forien political structure when his tutors were teaching him. Regardless Dain keeps his Azure eyes on the woman for a moment before steping to the side to allow bot her and this Renza man to speak with one another. Although he does not move far from the other pair his eyes do fall on the approaching Theowyn looking as though he may come forward to speak to the man, although as of yet he has made no motion to do so.

With a few more steps, Theowyn is beside his sister, returning the expression from her, though breaking with concern rather then warmth. He has not been the same since Elyse's rumored disappearance. "The Ambassador has only made a few marginal requests," Theowyn notes, attempting to sound amused. "I trust he is comfortable. The Ambassador also had gone hunting with myself and a few members of House Roesone. He was instrumental in catching a bear." Well, more likely not, but still.

It's a vertiable flood of nobles and important people, and then there's Inarin. He steps out of the way of the door for a few servants, then looks towards the one adressed as the 'ambassador'.

Rezna turns around. Let us see if she looks as good as she smells. The last view he had of her was at such a distance. he smiles, eyes subtly roaming. Much too tall...He bows low to the Queen of Andor. "Yes your majesty. We have been seen to and everything is right as rain. Prince Theowyn has been a most understanding and patient host."

Mouse glances to Maricca, and from there to Aislynn and Theowyn. Not a word does she say, and she doesn't even do so much as dip her head like Maricca did. She just turns those grey eyes back to watch the cat. For a moment, she can't find him, then she here's a soft jingle and looks down. The cat has rolled the bell up to the girl's seat and is now sitting, staring at her. She bends down to retrieve the bell, stuffing it into her coat pocket. Sitting up again on the window seat, she wiggles her fingers at the cat, and he jumps up onto the seat, curling up beside the girl.

Maricca smiles to the Queen "The accomodations are wonderful and everyone here has been quite kind to us." she looks to Theowyn and the others in the room.

Aislynn inclines her head graciously to Rezna's words, offering Maricca, Dain and the others polite and kind smiles. Inarin she apparently does not notice as of yet, as she makes a more formal nod to Rio, though the formality is softened somewhat by a warm smile of friendship. "I am glad to hear it, Ambassador Rezna. And I must also apologize for all that is...in uproar of late, with the Murandy situation being what it is. I hope it does not upset your stay...or your purpose here." She turns to her brother now, a more concerned look upon her face. "Has there been any word yet, Theowyn? Of the Princess?"

Maricca chuckles at the Queens words "The only thing it seems to have upset is my freedom to move around without my guards trapsing after me." she mutters in response.

Mouse mutters something under her breath, her gaze finally going to Theowyn. Something flashes in her eyes, but is quickly repressed, leaving them impassive and her young face expressionless once more. As her voice is so quiet normally, "under her breath" is nearly silent. That's probably a good thing.

Theowyn is not being as observant of the room, another sign of his concern. "There has been none, though a man his captured and is currently under question." The way his fist tightens at his side, it would suggest he would love the opportunity to be there for the questioning. Though considering the flash of anger in those otherwise cool eyes, The First Prince is likely being kept away for a reason.

Rezna cannot help smiling. He does not school his emotions nearly as well as you tower trained people. He finds somethng about this whole situation very amusing. Likely the fact that he can perceive it all around him...while others about go on so blissfully unaware. He does not make any attempt to interrupt the queen now as she converses with her brother. Instead his attention goes to his wife. "The guards are a necessary evil dear. Do stop complaining about them."

Inarin's brow lifts. "The princesses?" He pauses, apparently unaware of what's ocurred. His attention is grabbed, though, and he managed to blurt that right out. Go figure

Vasimer seems oblivious to the fact that his need to be there is questioned by his ward. At least his employer is sticking up for him, which is all that matters when it comes down to it.

Dain frowns slightly as he catches the reaction of the first prince his own question for the man no doubt having been answered by his actions perhaps he to would like to take a stab at the man... quite literaly. With a slight frown he moves twords Theowyn, stopping a few feet away as is proper not wishing to interupt but obviously wishing to speak with the man. Regardless of his intent he does look about from time to time taking in a bit of what is going on around him a small frown pulling the edges of his lips down...

A pallace servant comes hurrying up the stairs carrying a letter. For anyone who might bother to make a closer inspection of the envelope they would see it is stamped with the red bull of Murandy...He bows to his queen, delivering the letter and awaiting her instructions

Maricca simply rolls her eyes at her husband, considering how to make it most unpleasant untill she has her full freedom back.

Mouse would definitely love to be there while the man's being questioned. More than that, she wants to help. And then she wants to kill him. Slowly. But she's not about to tell anyone that, or let it show. She only continues to stare at Theowyn, face blank, eyes impassive, one hand gently stroking the cat beside her.

Mouse may not be very good at all about showing emotion...but that does not mean she does not ooz it. Rezna is...well...intrigued.

Aislynn turns to nod at Maricca, a wan smile curving her lips. "Yes...they -are- a necessary evil, I'm afraid. Especially at a time like this..with so much turmoil and adversity." She shakes her head at Theowyn's words, looking saddened for the young man...and perhaps for what yet -another- political disaster might mean for Caemlyn..given the events of late. As the palace messenger hands over the letter, she looks at the seal with an expressionless air. She quickly opens the letter and reads the missive.

Theowyn's eyes travel to Inarin. He nods in response. "Princess Elyse and her sister have disappeared. The carriage she was riding was found empty, all of the men sworn to escort her are dead." Theowyn is almost cold with his tone, as he tries to compensate for the inner turmoil within. He nods to Dain in respect, as he does the others.

Eyes widening, Inarin spares a moment to gape at Theowyn, "Blood and ashes," he murmurs, lowly. That's it. "And one of her abductors is held? Or did I mishear?"

After perusing the note, Aislynn glances up, finally noticing Inarin. "Captain Commander," she greets him, inclining her head slightly. She hands the message to Theowyn, letting him read it also.

Rio remains off to the side, listening to what is being said? Maybe not. She wanders over to the window and looks out at the garden.

Inarin sighs a little. "People always get that wrong," he murmurs. But he doesn'yt take any steps to correct the busy queen, though he is keeping one eye on her.

Another messenger enters and brings a letter to Maricca. She takes the note and nods. The messenger bows to the Queen before leaving as quickly as he came.

A glance from the idle seeming guard is given to Rio as she comes closer to him. When it seems that the Aes Sedai doesn't have anything to say to Vasimer he returns to watching the scene before him, even if he shows as much interest in watching that as if watching the grass grow.

Dain looks to Theowyn and returns the nod, waiting for the prince to compleat reading his letter before raking a hand through his hair. With a small frown he glances over the room although he makes no motion to move his Azure eyes sliding twords Rio Sedai for a moment, he seems to be studing the Aes sedai from a distance.

Rezna yawns and looks to his wife for a moment. Curious about the letter, but not as curious as he is tired. "I believe I shall be retiring for the evening dear."

Maricca looks at her letter and smiles then tucks it quickly away, her eyes shining at the words she read.

Maricca looks to her husband "I think I shall join you darling I am quite tired from my shopping."

"Goodnight, Ambassador Rezna," Aislynn murmurs politely, as her brother reads the letter. "If there is aught I can do for you, please let me know."

Vasimer nods to the ambassador, but otherwise remains quiet and stationary.

Rezna looks to the Queen. AGain he bows humbly. Of course we all know there is a large difference between looking humble...and being humble. "We will be fine your majesty. I have no desire to add any further trouble to your...heap."

"There is one man captured and held," Theowyn confirms, as he takes the time to read over his letter. There is a pause in the reading as he nods to Rezna. "Light Illume, ambassador." Theowyn's eyes somehow lighten in tension as he reads the last words of the letter. It is stuffed into his cloak.

Aislynn inclines her head to Rezna. "I can assure you, you are no trouble. I wish you goodnight, Ambassador."

"There are none more skilled at obtaining the truth than the Children of the Light. Perhaps you might consider handing him over?" The offer is polite, of course, and Inarin seems sincere in this. The Inquisitors are, after all, widely known for getting results.

Rezna heads into his room

Rezna enters the suite of the Cairnhein Ambassador and his wife.

Rezna has left.

Maricca curtseys to the Queen and follows her husband into the suite.

Aislynn nods to Maricca, "Light illumine, Mistress."

Maricca mutters "Light shine, and vanishes into her room"

Maricca enters the suite of the Cairnhein Ambassador and his wife.

Maricca has left.

Vasimer adds a bow of his own, though only of his head for some reason to those in the room and follows behind Maricca and Rezna.

Vasimer enters the suite of the Cairnhein Ambassador and his wife.

Vasimer has left.

With a determined set to his jaw Dain turns agin to Theowyn and the queen. Giving a bend at his waist as would be proper apon rising in his bow he offers, "First prince, I do not belive we have ever been introduced, I am Dain Na'uin... And I wish to offer myself to you and your sister in the Aid of capturing those Responsible for the... attack on the Princesses." he waves his hand through the air out of habbit mostly, "It is very important to me that they are found... And I cannot stand by and wait for others to search..." he states the Tairen accent of his strong as ever...

Rio remains at the window, looking outside. She occasionally glances back at the queen...or the cat, but mainly her attention is outside.

Aislynn inclines her head to Dain, "I am sure your aid would be greatly appreciated." She looks to Theowyn, "Who is in charge of the investigation? Kellian?" To INarin's all too magnanimous offer of questioning by his ilk, she makes no reply, simply raises a pale brow in his direction.

"Dain Na'uin," Theowyn repeats the man's name with a thoughtful gaze, as though perhaps recognize the name. Or nearly such. "Thank-you for your aid the other evening. I understand you knew Princess Kae." The First Prince turns to Aislynn, a simple nod responding to her statement. "Many men are on this own, of all ranks. The search does continue." As he gazes through the sitting room, Theowyn clears his throat. "They will be found." There's a quiet confidence in that. Perhaps hiding the despirate need for the search to be successful.

Dain nods to the queen "Unforunetly this far from home I have no men to offer in the search, and only myself.." he says if a bit humble looking back to the Prince Dain raises a slight eyebrow for a moment at the statment and inclines his head simply, "She was verry... Dear to me. I hesitate to say more under the current circumstances. " he frows agian if only slightly this time. "I do not doubt the ability of your men here, quite to the contrary I will just go mad if I am forced to sit and wait..." he offers with a wry smile if a bit cold.

Inarin looks towards Aislynn, then bows his head, "Your highness," he replies. "I apologize for interrupting your meeting." He bows a little lower. "But I have hoped to speak to you at some point when you're not tied up with so many other matters."

Aislynn moves away from Dain and her brother, and makes her way toward Inarin. "Is this about Durnik, Child Inarin?"

"Among other things, your highness." Inarin replies.

Theowyn is still pondering this request from Inarin, though he concludes with the slight shaking of his head. "At the moment it is being handled. If the prisoner chooses to be difficult," Theowyn looks to Aislynn, actually, though then shakes his head lightly. The Prince nods to Dain. "You have my permission to work with the Queen's Guard. Sitting here while they are out there is indeed madening."

Dain inclines his head once, "I am pleased to hear it." he says simply raking a hand through his hair he asks as perhaps an after thought, "Should anything be... withdrawn from the prisoner could you please have someone contact me?" he asks simply.

Rio stands at the window, looking outside.

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

Ian has arrived.

Rio remains at the window, looking outside. Idly she glances over at the queen and the men that surround her like bees around a hive.

Mouse shakes herself out of her reverie, glancing briefly at the queen before settling her grey eyes once again on Theowyn. -He- knows where that man is. She thinks he should share. She idly strokes the sleeping cat beside her.

Aislynn turns to look at the new arrival.

Inarin waits for a response from the Queen, himself. When she turns, he glances over that way too.

Ian's ascent from the ground floor is made quiet from the luxurious rug, but is accompanied by swish-chiming of spurs that grows slightly more audible as he mounts the staircase. As he rounds the wall his head is held high and he makes a crisp gesture pulling his vest taut and smoothing it with hands unadorned by jewelry.

Furrowing his brow slightly Dain nods to himself as it appears that The first prince is not going to answer him, although he is a bussy man. Turning he makes his way for the exit, his step smooth.

Mouse watches Dain go from her window seat, then turns her impassive grey eyes back to Theowyn, watching him.

Rio finally removes her gaze from the window and ventures a few steps toward the busy crowd of swordsmen that are near the queen. She glances at the new arrival with some puzzlement and mild reconizition. "What was this about Kellian?" she asks Aislynn. "Is he not involved at all in this rescue attempt? He is after all, your Captain-General."

Ian focuses his attention on Dain when he comes his way, eyeing the length of the boy openly and pausing just a -bit- too long to move out of his way to be considered polite. Dain gone, he makes a visual sweep of the room, taking foremost note of Theowyn and the Child of the Light. Between the bold Prince and the surprising presence of a Whitecloak, Aislynn and Rio almost go unnoticed. Mouse who?

Aislynn replies to Rio, though she looks at Ian curiously for a moment: "I should think Kellian would be very much involved in the investigation, Sister." She looks to Theowyn, to confirm that this is, indeed, the case."

"Andor can not let another royal fall victim on its land," Theowyn states, that fist clenching briefly at his side. Ian does take his attention, more so for the sight of his blade at first, though he does not to the Blademaster.

Not recognizing Ian, Inarin doesn't pay the fellow a whole lot of attention. He looks back to Aislynn, though, then over at Theowyn. Really, he's waiting for a response from the Queen, though he's not pushing for one just now.

Ian's head snaps towards the Queen when she speaks. Anyone bothering to be watching him at this moment--and who would when the Queen is speaking--may note the visible effort he makes to change his smug, condescending bearing to one more appropriate in a Queen's presence, an obvious indication that the mercenary does have some measure of ettiquete. He turns to listen to Theowyn when he speaks. At the man's acknowledgment, he bows politely and murmurs an unobtrusive greeting. He makes a short gesture to the Prince.

You sense Ian makes a gesture indicating that he'd wish to speak with you at some time.

"Ah...Master...Ian, is it? What an unexpected pleasure." The Queen's tone is semi-icy, perhaps at having every Tom, Dick and Harry enter the noble's sitting room this night. Despite this, however, she offers Ian a polite nod, though she does cast his sword a suspicious look. She turns back to Theowyn, continuing her previous discussion: "I understand that, Theowyn." She sighs, "No one understands that more than do -I-. But why is Kellian excluded? Or is he excluded from this investigation?"

"I fear I must be greedy, Your Highness." Ian responds with a cordial bow, "For the pleasure on this encounter is entir..." A tiny clench of his jaw at being so summarilly dismissed, but he makes no objection, verbal or otherwise. He smoothes his vest once more to distract himself from the awkward dismissal.

Rio remains silent as she waits to hear from Theowyn's own lips about Kellian Veyrser's position in the search. Her eyes gazing at the First Prince speculatively. She seems to have forgotten the swarthy man with a sword, Inarin or Dain so intent she is upon Theowyn.

"The Captain-General undersees all activities of importance," Theowyn offers next. "I have not spoken to him on this matter, however, as I have taken this investigation to a very personal level in insuring the right men are being placed appropriately. Captain-General Kellian only recently took over, after-all." Theowyn exchanges a brief glance with Ian, providing another nod.

Ian's quirked brow to Theowyn is full of confusion. Is he just being doubly polite, or offering him the chance to interrupt? His eyes swing between Aislynn and Theo.

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

Timuri has arrived.

Mouse finally comes to a decision. If she's going to have to stay at the palace, then she's gonna get what Kellian promised her so long ago. She slides off the window seat, scooping the cat up and cradling him in her arms. She steps silently across the room and insinuates herself into the center of the little group, looking up at Aislynn. At this point, she interrupts with a whispered, "Yer the queen, ain'tcha?"

Aislynn inclines her head to her brother, murmuring, "I have concerns about an event of this magnitude taking place when Kellian is so new to the post." This is all she says in regard to this, before she turns back to Ian. "Forgive my impoliteness, Master Ian. You were saying...?"

Looking at Theowyn, Inarin pauses and then nods to him slightly, "I hope to the Light that the princesses will be safely recovered." Of course, details will be asked for later. Here isn't the most secure location to pry into the details of an investigation as such.

Rio frowns at Theowyn's response, especially the part about Kellian being too new for his position. She remains composed however and merely listens as more of the story unfolds.

Up into the room comes the newest of Ambassadors from Kandor. Timuri walks with one arm tucked behind his back and head held at a slightly cocky angle. He just maanges to hear what Inarin says, speaking from the entrance, "As do I, the Kandori will not be pleased if not."

If Ian showed little to no irritation at being dismissed by the Queen, no such restraint is held at the prospect of having a child step into the spotlight with an interruption. Were that his blue eyes daggers...

He turns his scowl to Aislynn and does his admirable best to quickly remove it. "I was only sharing my own pleasantries at seeing you again on matters less intense as last, Your Majesty." A look between the Queen and her Brother, "I had come in search of the First Prince, about the matter which you currently speak of, but I do not ask to interr..." Irony. It's just then that Timuri speaks. Without looking his way, Ian's lips tighten and he closes his eyes to take a deep, calming breath.

"The Kandori Royals left the Palace in an unmarked carriage with a light escort of Kandori Guard," Theowyn begins to explain. "The attack happened an hour away from Caemlyn. I do not see the fault to the Captain-General in this matter. If the Kandori Royals wished the Queen's escort, they had the offer standing. They also have over forty men of their own Guard, but only selected eight for this voyage outside the walls." Those words hurt, but Theowyn keeps his features straight. "Captain-General Kellian is not at fault." Theowyn nods in thanks to Inarin's words. As he sees Timuri, his back stiffins a hint. "Advisor Timuri of Kandor," he introduces in general.

Aislynn's glacial blue eyes turn to survey the newest arrival. At Theowyn's introduction, she inclines her head politely, "Advisor Timuri, Light illumine you. I am sorry that your visit must come because of such unfortunate circumstances. However, I can assure that everything in the Crown's power is being done to find the missing Princess."

Mouse whirls on Theowyn. This is all just too much. She stomps her foot and glares at him, eye flashing. Rarely has this much emotion been seen on that young face. Her voice is quiet, as always, but she growls, "Kae is -not- no bloody princes you light blasted horse-lover!"

Aislynn blinks at the little girl's vehement words, tearing her eyes away from the Kandori advisor to look at the little tyke.

Rio sighs and closes her eyes at Mouse's outburst. Then she opens her eyes again and looks down at the child. "Mouse...that is enough." She moves to grab the child, rather like a village wisdom might reach out to nab a goose by the neck.

Mouse turns and bares her teeth at Rio, hissing. The surprised cat in her arms wakes up, blinks, and belatedly hisses, too. What's his girl getting him into -now-?!

Inarin jerks his head to stare at Mouse at her words. He just stares, apparently quite taken off guard by the outburst.

Rio frowns at the child as she hisses like an unclean rat. "None of that, girl. I've been far to lenent with you and look what it has gotten me." Even more sternly she continues, "You will apologize to both the Queen and to the First Prince. Now." Rio Sedai waits.

Timuri, not entirely used to children being so open mouthed, looks at Mouse with a calm seeming face. When Rio mentions the Queen, the advisor quickly looks over those in the room. Ah, that one must be the Queen. Un-conciously he nods to himself when he lays eyes on Aislynn. Saying, "My visit was hoped to go much better."

Theowyn's eyes come to Mouse and her outburst. It would seem that he does not realize she had just called him the, er, 'blasted horse-lover' or something of the sort. Shaking his head at a slight, he finds Ian. "You had a matter you wished to speak on then, Master Ian?" Theowyn watches Rio try to handle the child.

Aislynn flicks a glance to Mouse once again before turning her attention back to Timuri. "Indeed, I am sure you had planned it so. Again, my condolences. It would seem the very world is in such turmoil right now that no one is safe from its clutches."

Ian bristles with irritation, but smirks at the chastizing the misbehaved child receives. Some of that annoyance is parlayed into curiosity as he looks at Rio, trying to figure out her role in this scene equally as much as the Child. At Rio's last words, he nods in agreement, smiling sardonically.

For a moment, Inarin looks vaguely self-conscious. Only for a moment. He straightens up and then looks over at Ian, for a moment, and then back to Aislynn. Apparently, he's still waiting for something from her.

Mouse glares back at Rio. If she could, she'd shout at her, but she can't, so she growls instead. "Burn 'em both! I want my -sister- back, an' they ain't doin' -shit- about it!" Twitch, clutched in the raging little girl's arms, reacts as he always does when she gets belligerent. By hissing at the object of her anger. She spins around again and aims a kick at Theowyn's shin. She'll get him to pay attention yet.

Rio calms as the child growls at her and as she tries to kick the First Prince in the shin, her right hand goes up at once. The child's foot hits something alright, but not the prince's knee. Instead it thumps against something invisible about two inches from his skin.

Turning her right hand, Rio Sedai then pulls her hand back, all the while watching Mouse with an intent expression. Is that a small smirk on the Aes Sedai's face? Or a touch of sadness? Never the less, she is acting.

"Rio Sedai?" Its a quiet request from Theowyn, as much as a question. The child's language certainly startles Theowyn, if only briefly. Theowyn is left standing with his knee bent, though it straightens once he realizes the child's foot is away. Theowyn turns to Aislynn, arching an eyebrow.

Aislynn shakes her head at this spectacle, but does not move to interfere, attesting to the competency she knows Rio to have. One corner of her lips twitch slightly, but only slightly: although the child's rough language might be humerous, considering its out-of-place use in this setting, the events -behind- the child's feelings are definately not. She glances around quickly at those gathered, saying nothing for the time being.

With the current childish predicament, Ian does not respond to THeowyn's inquiry, but instead waits the results to play out first. As the child kicks hair, the Altaran focuses all of his attention on Rio, curious and surprise, perhaps a little afraid. His eyes visibly go to his hand, searching for the ring that he had not noticed before. His search successful, he takes an unconscious half-step back. Why he'd not have shown the same apprehension for Aislynn as at Rio is not outwardly evident.

Mouse's legs come together. Her arms fall, slowly, to her sides. She doesn't look very happy about it. Neither does the cat, who finds himself still held against the little girl's chest, with no arms supporting him. She turns her grey eyes on Rio, now wide and ... tearful? It's possible, perhaps, but no tears fall. She whispers, "Traitor. Thought you were m'friend. -You- said family's important, an' even you won't help me." And then she closes her eyes and lifts her chin, tightening her jaw.

Inarin turns back to the Queen and, since he's standing rleatively close to her, tries to garner her attention and murmur something to her in a lower tone of voice, as most people seem distracted by the Mouse's antics.

Rio looks over at the First Prince. "I apologise for my...protogee. I see some promise in the child, although on this day, it is certainly hidden from view." She gives Aislynn a sheepish look. "I have no children of my own...and you remember my background. I suppose that the girl reminds me a little of myself at her age." She ignors the cries that Mouse makes as if they do not exist.

Timuri's face starts to become more of a mask, obvouisly a put on demeanor of calm fortitude as the youngster seems to have the full attention of the room. He looks towards Theowyn with a look that is no where /near/ pleased.

Aislynn shakes her head at Rio, dismissing her sheepish look. "You need not apologize, Rio Sedai. The girl is upset over a friend. Her actions are understandable."

Aislynn inclines her head to Inarin's whisper. "Yes, Child Inarin. If you will give me just a moment...." And she looks back to Theowyn, who stands near Ian and the Kandori Advisor.

Rio sighs. "She regards the younger princess as a sister of some kind since they lived on the streets together. In any case, she should not be interrupting the adults." This last is aimed at the girl in question.

Ian smothers a 'humpf' with a cough, showing disagrement with the Queen's words to any watching him. Luckily, most the attention is on the girl that's being held with the One Power. At that thought, the rarely-seen look of uncertainy returns when his eyes slide back to Rio.

"She does?" This manages to rise a hint of a smile on Theowyn's features, though it lasts only briefly under the circumstances. Theowyn spies out the girl in a more curious nature then. "Have you had opportunity to kick a Prince at that age, Rio?" The tone would suggest he is attempting to make light of the matter, though as moments pass his expression turns more serious, and to Ian. Theowyn had, with some success, hoped to avoid the gaze of Timuri.

Inarin nods towards Aislynn, politely, then steps backa way from her to give her space to do whatever it is she has to do. He doesn't respond to the second mistake with his rank, but instead turns his attention back to Rio, Theowyn, and Mouse. He stands there, looking vaguely irritated with something.

Mouse floats up into the air, yet shows no reaction. She refuses to so much as open her eyes. She doesn't even flinch as the frightened cat, with nothing visible supporting him, digs his claws into her coat and shirt. She answers, however, whispering, "-Kae- chose -me- for a sister. Kae, the -gleewoman-. The one who doesn't wanna be no blasted princess." Still without opening her eyes, she adds, "And you, Rio, can ..." she suggests an obscene physical impossibility. This is -not- something someone would expect from a girl who looks no older than six. Her jaw is still tight, as is her whispered voice. The girl is, if anything, -more- angry.

Rio gives Theowyn a sad look. "Perhaps I was able to do more than simply...kick...princes at that age. I would rather Mouse not have those experiences which is why I had her brought here to the palace." She looks at the girl again and lifts her hand once more. This time up a little and over, as if she were directing a musical concert. Rio Sedai takes a step or two back, allowing the Queen and her guests to once more speak upon the matters of the state. Strangely, the floating girl follows after her exactly the same distance away at all times.

Timuri's blue eyes turn a little more intraverted after seeing the child lifted and led about as if on a leash. He clears his throat, turning to look at the Queen whom he has only just met. "My pardon your highness, but what does Andor plan to do if Kandor's Princess and the Lady kae are not found?"

His eyebrows curling together, Ian's head also turns sideways and suspicious at Mouse's words. He watches her closely before turning and searching the faces of every individual present to see how they're reacting to her comment about the gleewoman. Her obscenities go ignored.

"I have been informed that a suspect is even now being held for questioning. Perhaps this will yield a valuable lead, Advisor Timuri." Expressionless, Aislynn relates these things, though with an active engagement in her demeanor that illustrates she is not detached from these events, and understands the importance such a loss might have for the relations between the two nations. "The area will be combed. It is unimaginable that this event has gone totally unremarked. I do not doubt someone will come forward with some piece of evidence that will lead us on the right track."

Mouse opens her eyes just long enough to note that she's being dragged away, her back now turned to the crowd in the sitting room. She closes her eyes again and, chin still tilted, floats passively along.

Ian is remarkably astonished by the sight of a floating little girl.

Rio steps further away from the group and then looks at the girl. Some compassion forms on the Aes Sedai's face as she gazes at the girl before it hardens again. "We need to talk." She walks away from the group, toward the windows.

Mouse floats passively along, not responding to the Aes Sedai in any way.

Theowyn's eyes cast downward briefly as Rio relates her story, his eyes once again spying out Mouse. There is a slight shaking of his head, though Theowyn does confirm as much to Ian. "The older Princess of Kandor was identified by marking as of Kamikatsu blood. However, the advisor was to be the authority in the official declaration, as I understand?" Theowyn's voice is of lower tone then usual. Though for now he attempts to ignore the floating girl.

Inarin stares quietly as Mouse floats into the air. He doesn't seem pleased with the use of the Power *right* in front of him. Gee. Go figure on why. Maybe the pretty white cloak has something to do with it, but for the moment... he holds his tongue.

As Mouse, er... moves further away, Ian allows his eyes to resume a more natural width and spins them around the room to Theowyn, Aislynn, and briefly on Inarin and the Kandori Advisor, for once. His purpose for being here still unresolved, with matters understandably on other things, he inspects the cuffs of his shirt to ensure that they are adequately buttoned and that his shirt is properly tucked.

Rio seats herself at one of the window benches, the girl floating a foot or so off of the ground a few feet to her right. She arranges her skirts as if she were at a social tea function before she returns her gaze to the child. She begins to speak to the girl in quiet tones that do not reach the courtiers and the royals on the other side of the room. It is as if she were teaching a student, not lecturing a girl that is bound in air.

Mouse turns her head slightly aside from the sound of Rio's voice, chin still lifted and eyes still closed. She continues to hang there, arms dangling at her sides and the cat still clinging to her chest and whimpering.

Timuri responds to Theowyn's remark about the so called Princess. "Yes, I was to see if the girl truly is our Princess among.. other duties the King has required of me." The last of his sentance accompanied by a look to the Prince. One that holds a good weight of meaning for the man.

Mouse finally, apparently very reluctantly, nods in response to something Rio says to her. A single bob of the head, but still a nod.

Rio accepts the girl's nod and then lifts her hand again. Mouse is gently lowered to the floor until her feet are solidly upon the carpet. "Think well upon what we have spoken about, Mouse." Rio gazes at the girl with her dove gray eyes. There is a gentleness there and a sorrow. Maybe deep down, this has hurt the Aes Sedai more than the Mouse.

Mouse's arms immediately flash up to cradle the cat again, one hand gently loosening his claws. Still cradling the cat, the girl turns and moves to another window seat, one Rio isn't occupying, and climbs awkwardly up. Curling up in one corner of the seat, she cradles the cat, stroking his fur softly to comfort him, her back to the rest of the room.

--- Aislynn has disconnected ---

Turning towards Theowyn, Inarin makes his way to him after the Queen and him exchange a few words quietly about speaking at a later date, or something. Yeah. That's it. Anyhow, he looks at Theowyn, "We'll need to speak soon about the Princesses. I'd like to hear more about what happened, when you have the time."

"Of course. Light Illume Lord captain." Theowyn bows his head briefly to Inarin, seeming to yearn for an escape himself as he watches Aislynn part from the room.

Mention of the Princesses again has Timuri's attention. He looks from Inarin to Theowyn. "I would like to be privvy to that conversation also. With so few of my own countrymen here it seems I must rely on your own Queen's Guard to do the body of the work."

Mouse stays curled up in her window seat, calming her cat. And, incidentally, watching the reflections of the men behind her in the window.

Ian's not put off by Inarin's words with Theowyn, for the Child was obviously here before him. Lips tighten, however, when Timuri comments, and Ian looks expectantly at the Prince to see whom will be addressed next.

"In these times of struggle, Advisor, you have my attention when it is required," Theowyn responds, his voice calm in volume, yet holding some strain. "Which brings me to the next matter of the prisoner. I grow eager on the progress. Master Ian, would you accompany me to the holding cells?"

Rio watches as Mouse settles into one of the window seats before rising herself. She watches as Aislynn departs and returns to her chambers with some regret. She moves quietly toward the group. For a few moment she regards the Kandori Advisor with some trepredation but then with a slight shake of her head, seems to dismiss whatever it was that was bothering her. She says to Theowyn, "It has been a long day and since I'm not involved in the rescue, I will leave you all to your plans. Peace be upon you all." She gives a polite, but restrained nod to Inarin and to Ian as well before moving to depart to her own chambers.

Inarin looks over at Ian, and since he has to pass by him on his way out, he pauses and studies the man . He seems about to speak when Theowyn addresses him.

Timuri just now brings his arm out from behind him, motioning for the Prince to lead the way to the prisoner. THe advisor having been seeing to other matters since coming back from the accident sight knows very little about what happened afterwards. "I am sure we are all ready to see what can be found from this man yes?"

Ian returns the not hesitantly to Rio, nervously. He watches Inarin pass and returns the man's look arrogantly. Until their eyes meet, that is. At that moment, he nods courteously (even submissively!?) "Light be with you, sir." And waits for the man to depart.

That catches Mouse's attention. Her eyes are now riveted on Theowyn's reflection in the window. There's no way she's letting him go without her. Then again, he doesn't need to know she's along. She hold Twitch close, preparing to sit up and ghost out behind him.

"Walk in the Light," Inarin reminds Ian, politely, then turns to head down the stairs. Clunk, clunk, clunk. Those boots have to be hell on his heels after a time. Or something.

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

Inarin has left.

Rio turns and heads down the noble's wing to her suite.

Rio walk softly into your Suite after a doorman in the livery of the Gray Ajah opens the door.

Rio has left.

Theowyn turns to Rio with a slight nod. "I would have thought Captain-General Kellian would have involved you in the matter?" There is a brief moment of hesitation. "An Aes Sedai would be appreciated in the questioning, though I wish to see if the Guardsmen assigned to the duty have accomplished their task." With that, he nods to Timuri. "I am not certain the prisoner is ready for public questioning."

Ian turns around with a sigh. The set of his jaw reveals a displeasure in having to behave so to the Child; the tint in his eyes reveals the intelligence to know to do so. "I'm sorry, your Highness. I know of nothing in the dungeons that requires my attention, and I would still speak to you on the matter I came for."

Timuri gives Theowyn a breif nod, his paitence showing in that single motion. "If your own men can not get out of him what is needed them perhaps we should find someone better for the job." His own words /just/ before Ian's so the other man can be answered instead of the Advisor.

Mouse knows someone better for the job. No one, however, would believe it if she told them. She just keeps her mouth shut and continues to eavesdrop while watching the men's reflections in the window.

"Indeed. If you will walk with me bellow, Master Ian," Theowyn replies, though he turns to Timuri. "The man was not of good health. He was only revived for questioning a few hours before. I suggest we wait for the initial report, which is the reason for my departure. And I do wish time alone with my Guards. You will be informed of the status of the prisoner at my return from the prisons."

Mouse sits slowly up, cradling her cat in her arms and apparently looking out the window. SHe is, of course, actually still watching the reflections.

Ian looks at his eyebrows and sighs, "Of course, your Highness." He steps back to allow the two men to finish their business, his eyes roaming around the sitting room as he waits.

The Queen's Guards that typically flank Theowyn do so now as he heads toward the stairs. "Now you wished moments to speak with me, Master Ian. What may I help you with?" the first prince asks as he heads down the stairs.

You descend the white stairs to the lower levels of the Palace.

Entry Hall: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

A wide, circular entry hall with a high, vaulted ceiling greets you as you enter the Royal Palace of Andor.

The Palace is deathly quiet at this late hour. Every so often, a guard or a servant crosses the entry hall, off on some errand or checking the perimeter for safety. A few of the tall windows are opened up, to allow the fresh summer breeze to flow through the great entry hall. A grand circular staircase curves up to the higher levels of the Palace. A long, straight corridor runs to the southwest, and a winding corridor tiled in white leads off to the east. Atop a couple large steps, A great, arched doorway of gleaming white stone faces the high main doors and leads further into the palace.

Obvious Exits:

Palace Courtyard Grand Hall Common Sitting Room

Servants' Wing Dining Hall Up to Nobles Sitting Room

Ian descends the white spiral staircase and walks into the Entry Hall.

Ian has arrived.

Mouse descends the white spiral staircase and walks into the Entry Hall.

Mouse has arrived.

Twitch arrives with Mouse.

As soon as she sees both men go down the stairs, Mouse jumps up and ghosts across the room, draping her cat over her shoulders as she follows silently down the stairs.

Ian follows a half step behind Theowyn and answers his inquiry, "At last. My employer has asked that I aid the Queen's Guard in this matter regarding the abducted dignitaries in whatever ways my skills possess. I confess I know little or nothing about it, save what I learned above; I'm not the type to listen to women's gossip."

"Indeed?" Theowyn turns to Ian, showing a manner of surprise, though he straightens the silks of his shirt and continues down the steps. "I would have thought your employer would insure you are kept busy with your tasks. The offer is appreciated, a man of your sword is certainly welcomed." There is a pause, as he eyes the Queen's Guard that's on Theowyn's side. "What skills do you bring beyond the use of your sword, master?"

Haulig walks up the white steps into the foyer of the Palace.

Haulig has arrived.

Mouse continues to follow, silently. She's been known to go for a walk in the courtyard at night, and she always walks silently. Those two actions: coming down the steps at night and doing so silently, are nothing most of the guards haven't seen before. It's the whole fact that Theowyn is ahead of her on the stairs that makes it different, so she stays far enough back to, hopefully, make it look as though she isn't trying to follow.

"He is a Queen's man, Your Highness." Ian informs the Prince as they walk, "I expect he felt this matter was worth his coin towards me, as it could so dearly hurt the throne." An eyebrow raises at Theowyn's inquiry, "The use of my sword is no small ante, your Highness."

Haulig walks through the tall double doors that lead back to the courtyard and exits the Royal Palace.

Haulig has left.

"I meant no insult, master." Theowyn is strained, its beginning to show. "I have this prisoner that needs questioning, nad I'm afraid initial reports show that they have not gone well. I was nearly tempted to accept the Children of the Light's offer of questioning the man." At this admission, Theowyn shakes his head. "There is no need for you to ride in the field. We have men well trained in tracking. But if the time comes to ride, then you shall ride with me."

Mouse walks slowly along behind the two men, head down. She wouldn't want to walk in front of the Prince after all. That's against the rules, right? It would be rude. She certainly doesn't want that, sweet little thing.

"I'm as proficient in a saddle as I am with the blade, your Highness." Ian doesn't let his etiquette falter, "With the blade from the saddle I wager there are none better alive. I've captained men twice in... civil war in Altara. Twice has my employer gained lands. However... are you asking if I have ever tortured a man, Your Highness?"

"I only think of the safety of your employer, Master Ian." Theowyn does not even look back, knowing the guards are keeping them well protected. As they reach the bottom of the stairs, Theowyn turns for the courtyard. "I have no doubt that you may ride, I do share some doubt whether you are needed on the field when you may be continuing your duties to your employeer. If something is found, we will be called first." The last warrants a lengthy pause, before he searches for an answer. "I did not ask that, no."

Ian says "Would you explain the situation to me, your Highness? I know only that two Kandori princesses are missing.""

Theowyn nods. "Certainly." Theowyn's voice dries by the minute. "Princess Elyse had taken an unmarked carriage with Princess Kae. They took an escort of eight Kandori Guard. About an hour's ride out of Caemlyn they were attacked. All the Kandori were sleighed. Lt. Commander Sohai communicated that the Princesses were taken, and seemed to know where, but died before he could offer more, Light Bless his Soul. The second Kandori Guard that died on the scene took blame for the incident, and renounced his oaths," the next is said in a near whisper, "to the Shadows. There is only one man on the scene that was not Kandori, and that is our prisoner. We suspect him to be a fallen attacker." Theowyn pauses. "The scene was well disturbed, the attackers having set several false trials in their escape."

"And that's is where you are taking me now?" Ian asks as they cross the courtyard, his spurs doing their best to accompany his steps.

Ian walks through the tall double doors that lead back to the courtyard and exits the Royal Palace.

Ian has left.

You walk north through the tall double doors, toward the Palace Courtyard.

Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

A large, wide-open courtyard surrounds the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Palace of Andor. The pale beauty of the famed Ogier stonework, its high terraces and balconies and golden domes making your eye travel higher and higher to see more. The courtyard is very austere, with well-tended patches of lawn offsetting the stark white of the paving stones.

All is quiet in the Palace proper. Starlight glints off the white stone of the courtyard and walls of the Palace. The warm breeze brings the scent of roses on the air. Their heavy scent completely permeates the air here, creating an exotic feel. The massive, double doors to the Palace are guarded by a small group of Queen's Guards. A small path paved in white stone leads off to the east towards the Queen's Gardens and flagstones lead northwest towards the guard's practice yard. A hoof-beaten path angles towards the stables to the west and the great gates lead back north out to the Queen's Plaza.

Contents:

Ian

Obvious Exits:

The Queen's Plaza Royal Palace The Queen's Gardens

Practice Fields Stables

Mouse enters the courtyard from the Palace.

Mouse has arrived.

Twitch arrives with Mouse.

"You are a man of experience," Theowyn states the obvious, knowing the man's reputation. "Perhaps I mispoke in suggesting that you should follow me the full way to the cell, though certainly if you feel this is a matter you can aid in..." Theowyn's voice trails. Better a man not of the Queen's Guard to do the dirty work then one under his command.

As she follows the men out into the courtyard, the little girl is turned away by the guardsmen. For a moment, she looks for a way around them, but when she realizes there isn't one, she accepts defeat and turns toward the gardens. Might as well walk. She won't be getting to sleep anytime soon. She considers volunteering to help Theowyn out. After all, she's seen someone who was very good work ... and remembers it all too well. But she knows she'd never be accepted, so she only waits, watching as the men walk away, before making her own slow way to the gardens.

"You are a man of experience," Theowyn states the obvious, knowing the man's reputation. "Perhaps I mispoke in suggesting that you should follow me the full way to the cell, though certainly if you feel this is a matter you can aid in..." Theowyn's voice trails. Better a man not of the Queen's Guard to do the dirty work then one under his command.;

As she follows the men out into the courtyard, the little girl is turned away by the guardsmen. For a moment, she looks for a way around them, but when she realizes there isn't one, she accepts defeat and turns toward the gardens. Might as well walk. She won't be getting to sleep anytime soon. She considers volunteering to help Theowyn out. After all, she's seen someone who was very good work ... and remembers it all too well. But she knows she'd never be accepted, so she only waits, watching as the men walk away, before making her own slow way to the gardens.

"I've little knowledge in the manner of brute intiidation or delicate inquisition to lend in this matter, but let me explain further once our words can reach the prisoners ears where we'll think he can not hear." A raised eyebrow to see if the Prince gets his meaning.

"A good suggestion," Theowyn agrees. "Let us be over with this matter, I wish to prosecute and hang the man appropriately for his crime, if he is indeed guilty of one."

Palace Courtyard: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

A large, wide-open courtyard surrounds the breathtaking beauty of the Royal Palace of Andor. The pale beauty of the famed Ogier stonework, its high terraces and balconies and golden domes making your eye travel higher and higher to see more. The courtyard is very austere, with well-tended patches of lawn offsetting the stark white of the paving stones.

All is quiet in the Palace proper. Starlight glints off the white stone of the courtyard and walls of the Palace. The warm breeze brings the scent of roses on the air. Their heavy scent completely permeates the air here, creating an exotic feel. The massive, double doors to the Palace are guarded by a small group of Queen's Guards. A small path paved in white stone leads off to the east towards the Queen's Gardens and flagstones lead northwest towards the guard's practice yard. A hoof-beaten path angles towards the stables to the west and the great gates lead back north out to the Queen's Plaza.

Contents:

Twitch

Mouse

Ian

Obvious Exits:

The Queen's Plaza Royal Palace The Queen's Gardens

Practice Fields Stables

You walk along the flagstone path towards the northwest.

Practice Fields: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

This is a large expanse of bare field, encircled with a low, wooden fence. During the day, masters-at-arms instruct new recruits of the Andoran militia in swordsmanship and archery. Stuffed mannequins on posts and targets are situated around the field, and practice weapons are held in a rack near the barracks.

The fields are quiet, mannequins, targets and practice weapons lined up in an orderly fashion. The hot, humid air seems stifling, and is interrupted by a few cooler breezes. A flagstone path winds off to the southeast. The Royal Stables and the barracks of the Andoran militia are located nearby.

Obvious Exits:

Palace Courtyard Barracks Stables

Down to Jails

Ian arrives from the southeast, following a path of stout flagstones.

Ian has arrived.

You walk through the guarded entrance, and down the winding stone steps.

Dungeons: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn(#722RA$)

This is a long corridor of stout gray stone. The air down here, below ground level, is cold and damp, and the walls glisten with condensation. Heavy doors of strong steel open up onto cells leading from the corridor on both sides, down the whole length of the stone hallway. Large fireplaces are set into the walls at intervals, to protect the prisoners, when there is any, from the cold. Queen's Guards dressed in plate-and-mail and red coats with long white collars, patrol the area thickly.

The dungeons are almost devoid of sound at this late hour, save the sound of snoring and soft whispers. The air is heavy and humid. Sweat begins to bead up on your skin in the oppressive underground heat. A stairway of gray stone leads up to the practice fields, and out of the dismal dungeons.

Contents:

Eavan

Hidden Body

Obvious exits:

Stairs Up

Ian enters the dungeons, walking down the winding stone steps.

Ian has arrived.

Eavan is lying on a bunk in his cell, apparently asleep.

Ian enters the jails, but is far enough away from the corridor of cells that the prisoners can't see his presence, only hear the arrival of spurred boots.

Theowyn follows in, the Queen's Guards waiting outside, though already a few roam the jails.

Eavan snores.

Ian looks around and wrinkles his nose, "Truly I am glad the Queen's justice was true so as I am not wrongly housed in these walls."

"Not of the best conditions," Theowyn agrees with a slight shrug. "It is the least that we try to accomplish, considering the men that stay here."

Eavan snores again.

Ian makes a gesture for Theowyn to proceed, his eyebrows raised to indicate he has no idea where to start.

Well, at least the Queen's Guards realize what man that they are looking for. A brief report is given, which includes the fact that little is still known. They are lead to the doors of the cell occupied by the man. Two guards are guarding Eavan, and so as they see the approach of Theowyn and Ian, they first bow, and then they start banging on the door.

Methos enters the dungeons, walking down the winding stone steps.

Methos has arrived.

Eavan grumbles from his bunk, rolling over and covering his ears with his arms. "Go away," he calls out, "Can'tcha let an injured man get a little sleep. Stop yer damn bangin' already!"

Methos steps down the stairs, his hands clasped behind his back. He starts slightly at seeing occupants other that the prisoners, and the first prince at that! He bows slightly as he reaches the ground level.

Ian frowns at the racket the men make with their echoes and looks around the cell, his lips drawn tight together. As it subsides, he informs the Prince, "I'm not entirely sure you have selected the right man for this. I've little patience for defiant criminals, and I'd as soon run my blade through their chest as listen to snivelling lies." Realizing he may be speaking too loudly, he lowers his voice slightly. However, stealth is not a forte of his, "Your willingness to spare his life should he talk is noble, your Highness, but if he is as hard to crack as rumor says, I would again suggest giving more weight to the Lord Captain's suggestion. Surely the Children of the Light could make him speak." A frown, "Though I doubt they would be as forgiving as the Rose Crown."

Eavan shouts back, "I ain't no bloody Darkfriend an' I already told yer other toady that about a dozen times tonight. Go away! I'm tryin' t'sleep! And that's hard enough as it is without you flappin' your gums out there!"

"Indeed," Theowyn agrees. As they walk toward the cell off in the distance, he'd be unaware of Methos' entrance. "But master, with the herons on your sword, I am certain you can rip at the man in places perfectly painful without causing death. If he hand him to the Children, I would prefer it to be in poor condition." Theowyn leans over, also unable to keep his voice low. "I mean seriously, we can not have the Children believe the Queen is easy on its convincts. It is a sign of weakness, I will need an example made of the man. Though pray to the Light, he will avoid the matter with a few answers."

Eavan shouts out, "Keep that up an' you'll gimme nightmares. Go away!"

Methos raises an eyebrow, both at the Prince's words, and at the screaming man. He makes a slight bit of noise, as not to jump on the men and startle them. He shuffles his feet on purpose, even though he usually moves in stealth.

"This is a matter I'm neither skilled nor comfortable with. The blades of which you speak are not earned by slicing an unarmed man." He glances at Methos only long enough to note the guard uniform and continues, "The Aes Sedai.. surely she is able to force the man to speak true."

There is a moment of silence, then, "So gimme a sword an' I'll fight you! Herons! Bah! I doubt it!"

"I suppose the matter is up," Theowyn speaks with a slight frown, and turns at the sight of Methos. "Master Methos," he nods briefly. At the man's yelling, he shakes his head. "The man is certainly crazy."

Ian ignores the shouts from inside the cell, though his smile is positively wolfish at the man's denial, "I've heard it said that a crazy man is one who's had the Light forsake him. I don't mean to be brazen, your Highness, but surely the Children..."

"Prince Theowyn." Methos replies with a bow. He peers into a few cells, obviously on your typical guard duty. He shakes his head at the man's screaming, peering into his cell as well. He does not seem to be following the conversation, but you never know..

Eavan shouts, "I'll give -you- Children! Pull 'em right out through your nose with your own sword! Just let me get my hands on you!" A brief pause, then, "Or you could always go away and let me sleep!"

"The Children will certainly make a mess of him. It was convenient for the Lord Captain to offer." Theowyn watches Methos' activities, though only a little more so then he would the other guards here.

"Shut your mouth, prisoner." Methos states bluntly as he peers into the cell. He soon moves past it, looking into each as he walks along. He glances briefly at the man conversing with the Prince in a casual manner and offers an inclination of his head.

"Bah!" Eavan's reply doesn't even qualify as a shout. Merely a slightly raised voice so that someone at a slight distance can hear it. This time, anyway. He totally ignores Methos. "Only people got anything t'fear from Children is Darkfriends, which means I ain't got nothin' t'fear! Some people, you just gotta spell it out for. Several times."

Ian looks past Theowyn's shoulder and notes the guard who nods, but doesn't return the greeting. He looks once more at Theowyn with a questioning glance at the cell door.

"Open the cell door," Theowyn orders the Guardsman, having about enough of this. The guardsman does so, though with a hint of hesitation. The First Prince enters the cell, his hand on his sword hilt. "I am The First Prince of the Sword. I wish you to know the name of the man that will take your life if you do not speak." With that, the blade unsheaths. Yes, he's had enough of this.

Eavan groans. "So, I'm not gonna get any sleep then, right?" he mutters. He rolls over to face whomever has come into his cell and pauses, blinking. Hey, this guy's actually got his sword out. He wasn't joking, was he?

Ian moves to stand in the cell doorway and is blocked by the guard who had unlocked it. Ian's jaw clenches and he simply glares at the man and raises an eyebrow, waiting.

It is often said that it is best not to anger a man of power that is in fear of losing the love of his life. Theowyn's arm loosens, the sword swinging through the air with the simple motions of his wrist before the first swing cuts the rags of the man's clothing. Theowyn then insures the point is well pressed into Eavan's stomach. "You do realize that Princess Elyse and I were courting?" he asks with a quiet and cool tone. "Do you think in the name of the Light that I would offer you a quick and painless death for the crimes against hte woman I love?" Its a simple question really, one that is accentuated by the point of his sword going deeper into the man's skin.

The guard at the entrance wants no sight of this, he actually takes a step away and then looks to Ian. He seems eager to close the door and ingore the entire occurence.

Eavan blinks, backing against the wall as the point sinks deeper, until he can't back away anymore. What the man says confuses him, however. THey weren't told names. "Who's the Princess Elyse?" he squeaks. He sounds a lot different, now. Far less brave.

"The carriage you helped ambush," Theowyn continues, his voice holding that careful angered undertone. "Within were to women. Both were Princesses from Kandor." Theowyn's laughter is near mad, and a strack contrast from that earlier calmer tone. "You likely did the job for a few silvers, thinking it was about some merchant's daughter?" That sword pokes again. "I want answers!" Another contrast, this time he's yelling.

Ian steps inside the cell, his sword not drawn. He leans against the cell wall, his right side closest to the man in the event he'd like to look for those herons. He crosses his arms across his chest and places a boot against the wall behind him, allowing his silence to intimidate the man further.

The guard at the gates whispers. "The Prince has lost it..." his voice trails, another guardsman clanks toward the cell. "What if...?" The question is largely unanswered. "I don't know..." finally one man responds.

Eavan isn't thinking about herons at the moment. And he isn't thinking about the man who just came in, either. In fact, the man could be turning cartwheels across the ceiling while singing an ode to plaid smallclothes, and the man on the bunk wouldn't notice. He's too busy noticing that his back's against the wall, and this well-dressed man is offering to reopen his slit stomach for him over a couple of chits. "Th'th'girls?" he asks, and swallows. "They wasn't nothin'. Th'man said no killing, no permanent marks. They'll come back just as pretty as they ever were! Well ... th'blind one, anyway." Not that he knows how pretty either of them were. By the time they got them out of the carriage, he was out cold.

This sword parts from the stomach of the man, though not for very long. Theowyn guides hte tip of the sword toward Eavan's chest. "More. Tell me more..." Not giving Eaven enough time to answer, the tip of the sword stabs at his heart. Not enough to even break skin, but certainly enough to put tension on one of his ribs.

Eavan squeaks, and tries to push his way back through the wall. Dying wasn't supposed to be part of this job, they were only taking a couple of wenches, and one of them blind! "They took 'em to the farm!" he reveals, eyes going to the point of the swordblade, far closer to his heart than any other he's ever seen.

Ian inspects his manicure and allows Theowyn to do what he can without interruption.

"There's more, yes?" Theowyn asks, letting the sword point release some of the tension from his chest. Well, maybe it would have broken skin, anyway.

Only a little ... but it's enough. Mortality has never been closer, even if the man -is- a bad mercenary. "T-t-twin Oaks," he stutters, "A little farming village, they took 'em there. There's an abandoned farm just the other side of the village. That's where they are!"

"How many?" Ian asks simply, never taking his eyes off his fingernails. In fact, he tilts his head slightly hand holds them closer to the hallway for better light. He frowns at some dirt.

"Why is one to die and the other to live?" Theowyn asks the second question, being the eratic Prince with the big sword that starts swinging again.

Eavan whimpers again, staring at the sword. He's definitely answering -his- questions first. Forget the voice from the door. He shakes his head quickly. "Neither of 'em's meant to! The man said we can't kill the blind one. The other one, she'll live if she cooperates!" At least, that's the plan. Or was.

Ian looks at the prisoner for the first time, his head snapping around with irritation. He glares, actually. "And How. Many?"

Theowyn steps the to side, enough so that Ian would be in clear view. The sword finds a comfy place against the man's stomach, threatening to poke through.

Ian may be in line of sight, but Theowyn's the one with the sword poking into Eavan's gut. That defines his whole world right now. Theowyn and sword. He never believed it possible that the First Prince would be coming down here. All those 'Your Highness'es as the two were coming down the hall, well, he thought they were a bluff. But there he is, big as life. Bigger, maybe. Holding onto the sword that's currently threatening to relieve the merc of a mile or two of small intestine. He has eyes and ears only for the Prince and his sword.

"How many?" Theowyn asks, grabbing for patience with a deep breath. The sword trails up from his stomach toward his chest.

Eavan whimpers again, watching the sword. "Four! Four others!"

"Four..." Theowyn looks to Ian. "Eight Kandori guard were killed..." It doesn't add up, though the others might have sprung away. With the sword still on the man, Theowyn speaks very slowly and clearly. "Master Ian here is far less kind then I. When he unsheaths his sword, the tip of the sword will break through your chest and come out the other side. I suggest you co-operate." Theowyn steps away, sheathing his sword in a smooth motion. "The prisoner is yours. I'll insure the Queen's Guards are kept quiet on this matter."

Eavan turns to look at Ian, something flickering in his eyes. But this time, he sees the herons. He whimpers again. "There was only the five of us," he repeats, "I swear! We hid in the trees an' shot 'em outta their saddles with our crossbows! There was only the five of us!"

Ian nods without taking his foot off the wall behind him, "I shall try my best not to allow my impatience to put a magistrate out of his job, your Highness."

Theowyn nods to Ian. "If the man answers your questions to your satisfaction, he may live." With that, Theowyn tilts his head in respect to Ian, before parting through the door. Whispers are heard outside, and this time the door to the cell is simply closed.

Eavan whimpers again.