From below, The Duke considers taking a seat on the same bench as the Princess, but reconsiders, perhaps realising this would doubtless set the Princess's guards on edge. He chooses a bench nearby instead. If he notices, or recognizes Tebrya in any fashion, its not allowed to come to roost on hsi features. "Andor is honored to be graced by a member of the Royal family of Kandor." The duke responds quietly, perhaps made more solemn by her delicate mention of the current difficulties.

From below, Tilting her head in the direction of Turail's moved voice, Elyse nods politely, "Kandor is honored to have been granted such hospitality to one of Her Daughters," her tone indicates a bit more formality or ceremony to the sentiment. "How fares your House, Lord Turail?" she asks politely. Another breeze causes her honey-blonde tresses to spill forward from her back to drape across her front, but she does not move, nor seem uncomfortable. If she notices Tebrya's motion either by sense or sound, she doesn't indicate it. Her guards, however, are alert for any sudden moves. Assassinations have come in many forms and men of action would know this and heed the wisdom in it.

From below, Tebrya continues on her winding path - guards or no, she's mostly in a world of her own making at the moment. She makes several passes near Turail and Elyse, never coming close to the pair, not even seeming to notice them after the first time.

Rezna walks onto the balcony from the sitting room.

Rezna has arrived.

Rezna comes walking out with one of the palace guards. The 2 are talking

From below, "Still recovering from the events of the last few months, your Highness. Though spring comes again, and were we not as a country teetering precipitously.. our Business dealings might even be prosperous." The Duke of Roesone seems at ease where he sits, his eyes resting on the Princess attentively, even though likely she cannot tell. He does not make any sudden motions however, aware of the nervousness of the Princess's guards.

From below, In fact, as the duke is himself without any type of guard this evening, were his wife to get wind of it, he'd likely have some explaining to do.

The doors of the balcony open, a few guards step through before the Prince does himself. It seems that he wishes to steal a few light moments to himself, though soon enough he will find the balcon occupied with his friend from Cairhien. A slight smile takes to his features, though hinting at little, as he walks further within. Two more guards follow behind. Theowyn makes his way toward the edge of the balcony. "Ambassador," he greets quietly.

The Andoran guard addresses Rezna. "We have more suitable quarters prepared for you ambassador. You may move into the palace apartments at your leisure." Rezna nods. "I thank you, for now however my present quarters will do nicely" The guard seems unsure as this was not the response he was expecting. "The queen wishes to be certain you are at home here in Andor. We can do better ofr you if you wish." The little ambassador smiles. "That's quite alright guardsman. I am a modest man...who lives by modest means." The guard simply nods. "In that case, if you will excuse me..." Rezna nods politely and the guardsman trapses off

Rezna looks to the First prince. "Good evening to you First prince Theowyn." Rezna moves to the balcony to see who might be festering within the gardens. "I realize you are not the palace mail service Prince Theowyn...but would you by chance happen to know of a package which may or may not have arrived here for me from Cairhien?"

An amused chuckle escapes the prince as those deep blue eyes take in the much smaller Cairhienin man. "I'd almost think you are insuring I know that a package will be arriving for you, Ambassador?" The voice is strangely light in comparison to his usual manner in public, though then again he's learned to deal with the Cairhienin Ambassador in a specific way.

From below, "More's the pity," Elyse responds sincerely, tilting her head slightly at the sound of voices from above, though at this distance, not certain who the owners of the voices are, then resumes her conversation with Lord Turail, "I do hope that matters are resolved in such short order that your House suffers no more, Lord Turail." A hint to her voice indicating that she suspects that war is imminent, and unable to be thwarted, but her sentiment to see properity to the Lord's House is clear, "I have had the pleasure of partaking of your House Wine. Very fine, indeed."

Rezna nods. "It is very important to me." Perhaps he's having his own bed imported. His eyes go to the princess. "Do my eyes and ears deceive me...or have you been spending quite a lot of time with the yonder Kandori princess lately?"

From below, Turail also turns his head at the sound of voices, drifting down through the air lazily like falling leaves. He thinks one may be the First Prince from the glimpse he can get at a distance and below.. the other he has no recognition of, though the accent is familiar to him, if not an exact match. "Thank you your Highness." A hint of pleasure creeps into his lordship's voice at the compliment to the House's liquid treasure. "Perhaps I might.. if it pleases you, send you a gift of some of our finer vintage?" He carefully avoids speaking of the impending war overly much, but then, he is sure the Princess hears plenty fo that, residing in the palace, and doubtless, has her own new delivered from outside Andor. "If I might ask, how long were you planning to remain in Andor, your Highness?"

From below, The guards are now rigid with attention, recognizing additional voices from above. Sohai, it might be noted, give a barely perceptible scowl, but says nothing. "I would be honored to accept such a kind gift, Lord Turail," the Princess intones with that charming smile to grace her features, drawing away, perhaps, from the blank stare of her blue eyes. For the second question she takes a moment to formulate a reasonable answer, smoothing down her silken skirts in the process, "As long as we remain welcome here, Lord Turail, and until the matters of state which brought us here are resolved."

"It is," Theowyn confirms with a slight amusement that all but disappears. "If you feel there is need for added guard on the matter of the package, I will insure a few trusted men see to its delivery once they hear word of its arrival." Theowyn might indicate he'd be trusted in not delving further into the contents of the package, though that amusement holds if only by a hint when his eyes turn to the gardens and the Princess with the Duke. "You've been keeping good tabs on my calendra, Ambassador," he notes in response to the last.

Rezna smiles. "There will be no need to put men on it. Please...just have someone inform me when the crate arrives...I have been...anticipating it." His eyes go to the Princess. He seems fond of her, though he barely knows her. "I like to keep my eyes on things." Is all he says in response.

"A crate?" Theowyn ponders the words lightly, not taking much into this for the time being. "I hope the bed provided of Cairhienin preportions was to satisfaction?" he asks in a more serious tone, knowing the Ambassador had raised the issue in all their meetings before Theowyn was able to actually find a smaller bed for Rezna's guest chambers. His eyes return to the Princess and the Duke, attempting to follow them within the darkness of the night.

Rezna says "Yes Prince. The bed is right as rain."

From below, "Of course. I do not mean to pry, your Highness." Turail answers, nodding his head. He eyes the Princess for another moment in silence, perhaps in the manner an artist would eye a scene, admiring colors and lines, though there is nothing lewd or too familiar about that admiration. The Duke simply has an eye for beauty of all kinds. "I will see to it that some is sent then." He considers taking his leave but another stray thought catches him, and he asks, "Perhaps some in your retinue prefer brandy... the Manor is recently well supplied with Methraine brandy, which has proved to be excellent as well. I will see to it that some of that is sent for your pleasure as well." His Domani wife begins to affect his thoughts somewhat apparently, as he finds himself putting in a word, and a sample from a business partner to the gift.

Rezna watches the Princess as she moves about. "What do you think of her."

From below, Wanderings eventually taking her back to the entrance to the gardens, Tebrya makes her way out.

From below, Tebrya walks along the white stone path, towards the Palace Courtyard.

From below, Elyse nods once, remaining on the bench, her head tilted in the direction of Turail's voice as she listens, then responds in a rich eloquent voice of her own, apparently unaware of any discussion about her in the balcony above, "Thank you, my good Lord. Your generosity warms Kandor as it warms my own heart." Her smile is as genuine as her tone, "And fret not on prying, Lord Turail. I am a guest of Andor's Court, and any resident House would be remiss in at the very least postulating a query as to the length and meaning to my stay." That said, however, she does not continue with a better explanation for her presense here, rather, she leaves it at that. Her slender hands folded neatly in her lap.

A slight smile escapes Theowyn's lips at the question asked. "I'm rather fond of the Princess," he states perhaps a touch too openly, though hiding much still within his words. "And yourself, Ambassador?" Theowyn distracts a thought with the question.

Rezna smiles. "Yes...this would explain the time you've been spending with her." He stops to think as Theo turns the question back on him must be very diplomatic here... "I admire the way she gets around her disability nothing more." There is something else there though. He doesn't hide emotions the way you warders do

From below, Turail chuckles at the Princess's words on the necessity of speculation on the meaning of her presence in Andor, "Ah, well said, Princess. I do hope you will forgive me, but as the hour becomes late, I am afraid I must beg leave of your delightful company. Perhaps I might claim the pleasure of visiting with you again soon?"

Rezna looks to Theowyn, curiosity finally getting the better of him. "Who is the blade master?"

"That is the Duke of Roesone," Theowyn answers the question, the earlier words coming to his own contemplation of the Ambassador and his interests with the Princess. Certainly her Lady in Waiting had made a most interesting impression on Rezna. "Recently elevated Duke, after the assassination of his aunt."

Rezna says "Ah...the Roesones. I have done a little homework on the various noble houses within Andor...I have not taken the opportunity to get into contact with any of them though."

From below, Elyse rises slowly to her slippered feet, curtseying in the same manner as earlier, and then extending her hand out, palm facing down as proper, toward the Lord's last known location by direction of his raspy voice, "I would be honored if you would call again, Lord Turail, and look forward to it." A small dip of her head, and she offers, "Peace favour your sword, Lord Turail." Sohai turns from gazing at the balcony to eyeing Turail from a few feet away, easy crossing distance.

"Then a matter of introduction would be appropriate," Theowyn concludes, watching the two from the darkened balcony. He lifts from the edge though notices Turail's start in departure. "Though not certain if we will catch him this evening," he notes quietly. "I am certain the Roesone's would entertain you as their guest, if the occassion will not come now. I do not see Duke Turail about the palace often."

Could not page

Rio walks softly onto the balcony from the sitting room.

Rio has arrived.

Rio exits the palace and walks gracefully onto the balcony that overlooks the gardens. A light breeze tugs at her chestnut hair as she makes her way to the rail. Casually, she gives a nod to the First Prince and Ambassador, but doesn't move to intrude upon their conversation.

Rezna smiles and reveals a profound truth about himself. "That's quite alright Prince. I am in no hurry to meet anymore nobles then I have to."

Rezna stands with theo by the balcony

Theowyn had been just parting the edge of the balcony, and so his attentions easily turn toward the entrance with Rio's approach. "Rio Sedai," he greets with a polite nod. There is something found within his eyes, a slight pondering that he holds back in words. "Of course, Ambassador," he completes the words to Rezna, making a note to arrange a matter of invitation to the Roesone's, if one not accompanied with kind warning that will certainly elevate the Ambassador.

From below, "And so I shall, your Highness." The Duke's voice is rising in location slightly as he also stands up, and moving with an open ease, his motions easily followable by the Princess's guards. The hand extended to him is lightly lifted on his fingertips and a perfect light brush of lips bestowed on the back of her hand, neither too long for propriety, not too short for courtesy. "Suravye ninto manshima taishite.. peace favor your sword." A meaningful polite glance is given to her guards, who are evidently who the Duke means to name as the sword(s) of the Princess, as he releases her hand. "Till then, your Highness." The Duke's raspy voice might be loud enough to carry on the slight wind that is kicking up, if intermittently so.

Rio inclines her head toward the First Prince, "Peace be upon you, Theowyn." She also gives Rezna a nod, "Good day to you as well, Ambassador."

Rezna salutes the Aes Sedai...a wierd if not playfull gesture. "Good evening to you as well Rio Sedai." Eyes go back to Theowyn. "That would be...most kind of you Prince Theowyn."

Rezna tries to contain his enthusiasm. Whent he guy was just a blade master..>Rezna kind of liked him.

"You are well Rio?" Theowyn asks quietly, as though having reason for concern even though she has shown none thus far. "The spring air is about us," he adds, attempting his question to sound more casual.

From below, A mild look of approval graces Sohai's features and he bows to the Duke, the other two as well. Elyse, for her part, lets her hand fall back to her side after Turail releases it, and casts a charming smile in the direction of his voice, "Until then, my esteemed Duke," in turn.

Rezna looks back to the departing duke...having his own opinions on Spring...and Fall to for that matter

Rio leans on the rail and gazes down, one of her feet lifting a little as a counterbalance, as if she were a young girl and not a woman grown. She sees Turail and the princess with her guards and then gives Theowyn a small smile, before she rightens herself once more and simply uses the stone railing as an arm rest. She nods to the prince's question, "Well enough, Theowyn. I am glad that the winter is over, although the spring portends ill tidings for Caemlyn."

Rezna looks over his shoulder at Rio. He does not miss the familiar manner in which she speaks with the Prince. He doesn't mis much.

From below, The blademaster's footsteps recede, though he makes no pains in exiting, as in arriving to be silent, his passage is nevertheless, rather quiet. Now if only he can sneak into the Manor without his wife knowing he was out without a guard contingent. :)

From below, Turail walks along the white stone path, towards the Palace Courtyard.

Theowyn shrugs his shoulder lightly, turning within the balcony to once again face the gardens. "Certain paths are not available," he agrees quietly.

Rio nods. "True. But there is always a choice in how we deal with our journey." She gives Rezna a glance before continuing, "How is the Princess? Is she finding her time here in the palace pleasant?" Is that a mischievous twinkle that plays in the Aes Sedai's gray eyes?

From below, The Princess remains standing, her honey-blonde waves of hair dancing on the light Spring breeze as she listens, or tries to, to Turail's departure. After a moment or two where Turail is no longer even in her guardsmen line of sight, Elyse tilts her head upwards to the voices from the balcony, picking out only a little of what is said but not who is saying it, as the wind carries bits of the sound. Finally, Elyse carefully lowers herself back to the bench, a small shiver runs through her spine as the evening chill of early spring begins to set in, and the Princess without her cloak. Still, she does not protest, nor indicate a desire to leave. Her guardsmen resume theie quiet sentry-like performance.

Theowyn arches an eyebrow at the question, shaking his head in a light amusement. "She might be rather chilled," he notes, those deep blue eyes finding the Princess easily enough through the darkness of the night. "A matter of visit could be appropriate, have you had the pleasure of her company, Rio?"

Rio says "I have met her briefly the other night, but we did not speak long." She shakes her head a little, "I do not feel the chill myself, but perhaps you might offer the lady your cloak?" Again, there is that little smile upon the Aes Sedai's lips. "For it would not be a breach of eittique for a prince to be so gallent to a princess, no?""

Rezna can't help smiling...It's a genuine smile which is rare for him. He remembers Theowyn running and screaming from the...last princess he tried to date

"If I survive passage through her escort," Theowyn adds with a slight amusement, trying to cough away any obvious signs of embarrassement over Rio's comments. "Wise recommendation, advisor," he notes further, attempting to take her suggestion in every way but the obvious leading way. Ah yes, the last Princess, that cold Cairhienin heart... best to run away from those. With the decision, he pushes away from the balcony, looking between Rio and Renza to see if they will follow.

Rio shakes her head lightly and makes a shooing motion at the prince. "Peace be upon you, Theowyn. Enjoy your evening. I should be be back to my reports in anycase." She inclines her head toward Renza as well, "Ambassador."

Rezna says "have a good evening Rio Sedai."

Rio leaves the balcony and walks softly into the palace.

Rio has left.

Theowyn watches Rio's departure before he takes for the stairs. But not before he glances at the Ambassador, pondering with some amusement. It's not that obvious, is it?

Rezna waves a playful hand. "Enjoy your evening Prince Theowyn. I shall watch. It's what I like to do." Now there's a sick statement.

Theowyn nearly misses the first step at Rezna's words. "You are certain you'd rather not join us?" he asks hopefully now, for fear of the alternative.

Rezna smiles and leans against the railing. "You think she's into that sort of thing?" Ok now he's being playful

Rezna smiles and leans against the railing. "You think she's into that sort of thing?" Ok now he's being playful'.

From below, Elyse folds her arms under her bosom. But it is the only indication that she is beginning to suffer from the chill. Her countenance seems contemplative, deeply, else Sohai would likely pick yet another argument with her Highness and usher her back inside. The news from Mayene has been troubling her, he knows, and so he gives in to her desire to remain in the chilling evening, as she pleases.

Theowyn might as well role down the steps with the next missing footing. "Certainly you plot horrid deeds for me with such talk," Theowyn notes, attempting to hold back a chuckle. He's stayed in the company of the man too long in Cairhien, perhaps with others of his kind. Those prim and proper Andoran standards would not allow for any humor in those words. Theowyn heads down the stairs rather briskly then, hoping to miss any last words the Ambassador might offer. Unless he follows that is.

Rezna smiles and spares the Prince those words. But yes...he is Cairhienian...and therfor he must be plotting something. :P

You walk down the winding staircase of white stone.

The Queen's Gardens: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

This circular expanse of garden curves around the backside of the Royal Palace. Flagstone paths meander off through the lush greenery, through trees and many flowering shrubs. Trellises with flowered vines crawl up the gleaming white walls that surround the palace. A white stone courtyard sits at the center of the gardens, with tall columns circling around it, holding up its golden-tiled roof.

Starlight and pale moonlight glint upon the pale stone of the walls surrounding the gardens, and shines off of the golden domes of the palace. The trees and flowering shrubs are all in full bloom, their petals and leaves creating rainbow splashes of color and fragrant scents. A white stone path leads back west to the Courtyard and a white stone staircase curves up near the Palace to a balcony that overlooks the gardens.

Contents:

Sohai

Elyse

Obvious Exits:

Studio Palace Courtyard Up to Balcony

Sohai peers through the encroaching darkness, hearing and seeing movement, "Ho there!" he calls, causing Elyse to straighten, coming out of her thoughts, "Who goes there?" Sohai continues.

The Prince manages to complete the difficult journey by the steps, made more difficult by the comments still spinning in his head. One could just imagine Theowyn's culture shock when he first arrived to that blasted nation, the poor Prince lucky he would have been partly exposed to it within the Tower. His approach toward the Princess and her guard is rather confident, though his eyes seem to go to Sohai as much as they would Elyse. "The First Prince of the Sword," Theowyn announces, not stopping in his steps until he'd know to be in good sight.

A triple movement of bows greet Theowyn when he comes more clearly in their sight. Sohai, himself, forcing an unreadable and stony look on his features. Elyse brightens noticeably, and stands to offer a curtsey, "Prince Theowyn," her voice warm and rich with affection for the Prince as she fixes her sightless gaze in the last known direction of the Prince, which is probably a few feet behind where he came to stand.

The approach continues once he is recognized, Theowyn showing no displeasure for the men or that Sohai. He stops next only when he is only a few paces away, offering an appropriate bow. "Princess, a pleasure to see you out this evening." He tests the temperature within the gardens, it likely getting a better feel of the cool breeze then the balcony. "Any news from Mayane?"

From above, Rezna leans against the railing watching the whole affair. he is not sure which amuses him more, the obvious affection shown by all parties concerned, or the fact that the guards were about to shoot the first prince. Caemlyn is a very nice change from Cairhien. Very nice indeed.

The warm smile fades at the mention of Mayene, but the smile does not leave entirely. "None more than what was sent previously, My Good Prince." Elyse's demeanour seems to be at war with delight at being in the company of the Prince and melancholy with thoughts of Mayene. She tries to straighten a bit, though and fashion a confident look, "Though, I am told that my sister recovers well, Prince Theowyn, in some undisclosed location. That eases my mind considerably."

"That is of comfort," Theowyn responds quietly, taking the few more steps to close the distance. He reaches for her hand, his fingers touching against her lower arm and then her wrist before he does take Elyse's hand within his. "A surprise you still are able to enjoy the gardens," he comments with concern. This was the very place where one royal member of another nation was killed. He'd not be the one to suggest she do otherwise.

Thinking Theowyn is referring to the chilliness, Elyse responds simply, "I did not wish to return to my apartments just yet," Her voice soft. She does not protest, nor withdraw from his touch. Her hand tenderly grasped within his sends her heart swiftly beating, a thrill felt by all of her sensitivity. Goosebumps begin to appear across her fair skin as her long hair dances in the breeze.

It is then that the Prince uses his free hand to unstrap the ties of his cloak. She would hear the noise of the fabric and then feel the released hand, only to have a flutter of noise about as the cloak settles to her own shoulders. He does not ask, simply does, but that may be taken in many ways. The material flows against her well, as he draws the collar of the cloak across her shoulders.

Oddly enough the Princess does not flinch from the feel of the cloak, perhaps hearing the clasp and understanding the intention. She smiles softly, settling into the warmth of the cloak, "You are not cold, my Prince?"

Theowyn's hands rest where they hold the cloak, about her shoulders. "I have a tolerence for the cold," he notes with a smirk as this is not nearly the truth, not when it was Elyse that would walk the balcony in the middle of winter. "I am comfortable," he proclaims before the cool of the night has time to settle.

"Thank you," Elyse replies with a charming smile, her vacant gaze falling on a point past Theowyn's shoulder. She pauses a moment, and says, "I encountered Duke Turail this evening."

"Turail?" Theowyn asks, hinting at surprise though he chuckles lightly next. "I had noted that from a balcony perched some distance away," he adds further. The intensity of his blue eyes settle on Elyse more completely then, and he begins to guide her within the bench she had sat on before. "It has been a while since I last spoke to him. A true man of honor, he has my respects."

Elyse smiles gently, easily guided to said bench, "He is indeed, or seems to be. I confess the interview was brief and unexpected. Quite--" suddenly she stops, turning her lithe body more to face Theowyn, or try to, "You were spying on me, then?" The smile evolves into a smirk.

Sohai and the other pair simple resume their sentry-duty, though Sohai occasionally lets his gaze fall on the couple while watching the surrounding darkness.

"Spying?" Theowyn gasps at the suggestion a touch too dramatically. He still holds her near, of course, insuring the cloak is well maintained on her shoulders. "I had been in the company of the Ambassador from Cairhien and then with Rio Sedai later," he explains with a level of slight amusement.

Elyse nods, "Ah, are they well?" Then the smile fades from a smirk to one of cordiality, tilting her head this way and that as if to catch some sound or movement, "They did not wish to share their company?"

"It seems they have other matters to attend too," Theowyn states, and then his eyes shift to the balcony in hopes that at least one of them would have something better to do then to watch them. "Perhaps I shall escort you back to the apartment?" He is nervous with her just the same, so vulnerable in a place with many windows from which a cross-bolt can be aimed.

After a moment's pondering, Elyse nods, "Yes. Thank you." Sohai lets out an audible breath he had been holding, and for the first time ever offers Theowyn a grateful look. Elyse, though situating herself for your escort, continues the conversation, "How is Her Majesty?"

Theowyn shows no signs of taking notice of Sohai, but he does look relieved, showing now how tense he was moments before. His tone shows little hint of change as he continues, escorting her to stand and then beginning their path toward the palace. "Better yet. I had the pleasure of a few words with her earlier," he tells quietly.

Her guardsmen falling into quiet steps behind the pair, they do not readily account for where they are headed, focusing their attention more on the dark surroundings which offer more threat, in their minds at any rate. Elyse moves at a slightly slower pace than a stroll, it seems natural for her. Her hand on Theowyn's offered arm, the Princess smiles, "Indeed?" allowing the Prince to dictate their path.

Theowyn does lead Elyse on a path that would bring them closer to the fountain, his eyes nearly as alert as the guards that serve to protect Elyse. Trained as a Warder, his insticts are well toned, though as a Prince he has developed a certain trust for those serving to protect. "With her blessing, we seek that of your father's next," he concludes with a light smile.

Brightening considerably, the Princess gives a squeeze of Theowyn's arm, drawing in a deep breath she seems to positively glow with such good news, "Truly!? Oh, I--" the smile fades nearly as quickly as it arrived and her body tenses, her head tilted in the direction of the sound of the fountain. Realizing the situation too late, Sohai strides up to the Princess, from behind, gently moving to place a comforting hand on her arm even as she asks in a rather alarmed and demanding tone, "Is that a fountain??" Her breathing becomes erratic to the point that if she continues, she could hyperventilate. "Princess," Sohai starts in a tone meant to be soothing, while trying to draw her away from the offending sound.

Theowyn blinks a few times in the panic about over the fountain, or what later becomes obvious to be the fountain. Theowyn does follow the directions of the other, trying not to let the confusion show on his features as they are guided away. He remains silent, hoping that will hide his uncertainty. His arm does squeeze on hers in offer of support, though the demanding tone still has him surprised.

Jerking her hands and arms away suddenly, Elyse presses her hands against her ears, as if trying to block out that sound, Theowyn's cloak slips from her shoulders to the ground, which seems to increase her confusion and fear, thinking mayhaps that she is being abandoned--though it was she that jerked away. Squinting her eyes closed and panic crosses her features, a moan escapes her lips at the horrid memory of the trauma suffered as a child, her breathing mimicking the gasping of a drowning victim. "Your Highness," Sohai's concerned voice seems to echo in the darkness, as the other guards reach the trio.

Theowyn does about the only thing that comes to his mind, and that is the snag the Princess within his arms in a hasty sweep, one that would be valient enough had an army of Trollocs been near that required her rescuing. He doesn't yet entirely understand the cause of her sudden loss in senses, but he does realize it has something to do with the fountain. And from that he leaps away at some great strides regardless of the guards that are approaching. When they are a fair distance away, and those few moments he did manage to cover a great distance, he settles Elyse in his arms. "Elyse...?" he asks quietly.

Flailing about, initially, as Theowyn took her in his arms and carried her off she soon settled down, though almost too quiet before slipping into a soft fit of weeping, curled against the Prince in as nearly a fetal position as possible, "I . . . couldn't . . . breathe," she manages in a tiny and frightened voice between sobs. Her guardsmen's long legs do well to follow after, but not having anything to do when they arrive, they simply avert their gaze. Concern evident in their features, of course, yet it is Sohai who finally speaks, offering explanation, softly, and barely heard over the Princess' weeping, "She nearly drowned as a child, Your Highness."

Sohail adds with a glance in the direction of the fountain, "In one of the basins of the fountains in Chachin."

Theowyn doesn't take his eyes of Elyse, though he does nod in hearing Sohail's words. Holding her well within his arms, he nestles her against his chest while whispering her name repeatedly. A part of him nearly wants to kick the guards for not being more alert of their path, but he ignores that voice within him. "Elyse, it is better now, we are safe..." he insists quietly.

Jareth walks into the Queen's Gardens from the west.

Jareth has arrived.

Elyse continues to weep, although it is little by little starting to subside, "Please," she whispers chokingly, "Please, just take me away from here, Theowyn." Clinging to him tightly, still curled in his arms. At this it is Sohai's initiative to lead the way back into the Palace for the couple, and the other two guardsmen falling into step behind.

Jareth walks slowly along a stone path winding its way lazily through the garden. His gaze wanders silently over the various sights.

Theowyn does do just that, with the Princess well wrapped in his arms, he follows her guarded escort toward the Palace and away from the dangers of the Garden.

Elyse walks leaves the garden and walks up the stairs onto the balcony.

Elyse has left.

From above, Elyse walks up the winding staircase from the garden and onto the balcony.

You aren't carrying anything.

You walk up the winding staircase of white stone.

Balcony: Royal Palace of Andor, Caemlyn

You are standing upon a long, curving balcony of white stone that looks down over the golden dome of the Grand Hall and onto the Queen's Gardens. Marble benches sit along the eastern wall and between the huge columns, providing views of the lush gardens and redstone fountain below.

A Queen's Guard on patrol stops in the middle of the flagstone path in the garden below, and tips you a friendly nod. The air carries a fresh scent of rain on the way. Half the sky is covered in large, fluffy clouds, the other half blue as can be. A pair of arching double-doors made of glass lead back to the east, into the palace. A winding staircase leads down to the gardens.

Contents:

Elyse

Obvious Exits:

Down to Queen's Gardens Nobles' Sitting Room

From below, Sohai walks leaves the garden and walks up the stairs onto the balcony.

Sohai walks up the winding staircase from the garden and onto the balcony.

Sohai has arrived.

Elyse leaves the balcony and walks into the palace.

Elyse has left.

Sohai leaves the balcony and walks into the palace.

Sohai has left.

You walk through the crystal-clear glass doors, and into the Palace.

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

You find yourself in a antechamber with a high, vaulted ceiling inset with colorful stained glass. Lush carpets of red and white lie upon the marble stone floor. Couchs and chairs are arranged in conversational groupings within the room.

Through the glass wall you can see the night sky, looking like gleaming jewels scattered across black silk. Beams of moonlight shine down into the hallway. Vases sitting atop tables of dark, rich wood hold freshly-cut bouquets of spring flowers. To the east is a wing set with doors that house the nobles who reside in the palace. To the northeast are a pair of double doors that lead to the balcony and gardens. A hallway with guests' rooms branches to the west, and the heavily guarded Queen's chambers are south. A great staircase of white stone curves down to the Entry Hall below.

Contents:

Sohai

Elyse

Obvious Exits:

Kamikatsu Royal Apartments Down to Entry Hall Queen's Chambers

Nobles' Quarters Guest Quarters Balcony

Sohai has left.

Elyse has left.

Kamikatsu Royal Sitting Room(#3631RJL)

Not waiting for invitation, Sohai directs the servant who had been in the room, waiting up, to fetch items of comfort for the Princess, then moves in long strides to open the door to Elyse's bedchamber for Theowyn to carry her in.

The Prince does carry her within the bed-chambers, barely scanning the room more then to insure he finds the location of the bed. With concern still on his features, having never parted, he settles his Princess within the soft sheets of the bed. One hand still holds her about the shoulders while the other touches at her cheek. "Princess?"

Her weeping subsiding to mere sniffles, Elyse continues to cling to Theowyn tuntil she finds herself safe in her own bed. Even here, she still grips at him with one free hand while the other draws the sheet up around her, her mind trapped in reliving the incident which caused her phobia of deep water, while the rest of her attempts some level of normalcy, and coherency. "Theowyn," Elyse's reply back, in a whisper.

Sohai is followed in by the concerned servant, who suggests that the Princess be left in her care for now. If for nothing else than to disrobe the Princess and help her into her nightshift for greater comfort to sleep away the terror.

Theowyn's eyes are set on hers, as he moves to place a kiss upon her cheek. It is then that he takes the opportunity to whisper his love within her ear, away from the prying of others. "Time for me to go, Princess..." he calmly says, offering another kiss on her cheek before slowly parting their way.

Reluctantly, the Princess lets her grasp slip away and she nods, closing her sightless eyes from the burning tears, and swallowing hard. Sohai waits for Theowyn, and then follows him out.

Oh, he's really liking these escorts and suggestions to be gone when she needs to be held. Theowyn doesn't part before placing a kiss upon her hand, and then does take the escort out from the apartments where he may have a sleepless night.