Courtyard: Sun Palace, Cairhien

The Courtyard is flat and almost vast. In front of the vast, squarish palace a broad pathway gray marble leads to the entrance gates of the main building., its rigid gray walls and towers casting a shadow down on the courtyard most time of the day. The rest of the courtyard is set up of large, smooth and squarish blocks of granite.

The ground is bare, and you get a feeling it's not at all very cold here at this time of the year. The courtyard is bustling with activity. You can see some of the Lords and Ladies leaving for an important trip, guardsmen patrolling, and servants running about their morning tasks. The sun is just on it's way up, casting an almost yellow light upon the squarish yard.

Aside from the palace gates, there is a tall archway, giving you a hint of the beauty from the gardens beyond. Behind you the Bronze Gates lead back to the city, and in front of you the massive palace gates allow you to enter the palace. Next to the Bronze gates you see the barracks building.

Contents:

Lyren

Obvious exits:

It is Oneday, 16 Amadine, 1002 NE - summer afternoon

Gaylwin makes her way into the courtyard of the Sun Palace. The woman seems to just walk as if she thought she belonged there, confident and purposeful. With her as ever are her two house guards who carry several boxes of goods. If Trivan only knew Gaylwin was using the men as simple carriers and not guards he would give her a good tongue lashing.

But then.. that's one of the purposes that the Creator put down for sisters, is it not? To completely and utterly vex their brothers? Light only knows how often.. no, wait. Rarely had a harsh thought concerning his sister ever entered Lyren's brain. As of now.. Lyren strolls outside, examining the clean up work of the servants and craftsmen... seems they have done a fairly good job of cleaning up the mess after all.

Vexation, that is something that Gaylwin is good at doing. To her brother and many others that get in her way. Behind her one of the guards nearly drops the heavy item he is carrying something that catches Gaylwins eyes. "Drop that and the price of it will come out of your pay. meaning you work for free for a year. Now come along we need to find Lord Lyren and his...Wife." Small barely noticable pause as she adds that last.

Lyren kneels down to inspect a portion of the walkway right near the entrance to the palace... the marble had been damaged, so had had to be replaced. He runs his fingers along the point where two slabs meet.. and he nods in satisfaction. Yes, they've done a fine job, this time around. It is then that he hears the unmistakable voice of one certain Rhinorth lady, and the sound of approaching footsteps. Oops. Guess he better rise. So he does, rubbing his hands together to brush away the dust.

Gaylwin's face warms into a delightful smile when the object of her desire appears right before her. Like rising out of the ground, he just appears. (everyone knows that Nobles ignore servants and workers.) "Lord Lyren! what a pleasure to catch you so quickly. Affairs at the palace are once again settling into a regular fashion?" She casually inquires as she moves forward closer to the man and giving him an almost perfect curtsey.

Lyren returns her courtesy with a bow, of course. "Lady Gaylwin.. yes, after a fashion, they have. Thankfully without me having to dabble in them anymore! The regent is falling into his new role nicely... as I knew he would. What brings you by the palace today? You are always welcome, of course.. but a man can be curious."

Gaylwin's eyes seem to sparkle with delight as she is asked the purpose of her visit. "I have brought a few things for you and your wife." She gestures over to the first of her two guards. He comes closer with the box he carries. "I know that your wife is bed ridden and doesn't get out nearly enough. So I thought that she might like something pretty to look at." She reaches into the box and pulls out a piece of blown glass from one of the merchants. It is in the shape of a dome with a ivory bottom. inside are what appears to be three figures, two men and a woman. The two men are fighting and obviously one is protecting the woman. Kind of similar to a dream. inside there are little flakes of something floating in the water giving it a winter look. Shaking it Gaylwin holds it out for lyren to inspect.

Lyren looks at the glass dome rather curiously.. taking it in his hands, he looks inside from what it seems every angle. A frown grows.. not a displeased one, but as though something were tugging at his memory, something just barely elusive enough to escape his grasp. "This is marvelous.." he finally says, handing it back to Gaylwin, though his eyes seem drawn to it again and again. "I am sure she will be delighted."

Gaylwin starts to refuse to take it back but does so and places it once again back in the box with some nice fluffy padding. "I hope she will like it and bring a smile to her face." Gaylwin waves the other guard over closer to them and reaches for his box, "Now this is admittingly something that you can use with your wife." These she doesn't pull out but rather lifts the lid to look inside. inside the box is a basket with all sorts of things, candles, soaps, two cups of tea filled with tea bags marked from each of the regions that they came from outside of Cairhein. "Just a few little things...I would have put some wine in there but I know you try and stay clear of the stuff."

Lyren nearly took a step back.. the /last/ time someone had given a gift meant for both him and his wife, he'd been somewhat.. ah.. surprised. Yes, that's a word for it. A very polite word for it. But Gaylwin wouldn't do something like that, would she... ? Lyren convinces himself that she wouldn't, and so takes the offered peek into the box. And, is pleasantly relieved. "Ah.. either you are very, very good at knowing what a person likes, my Lady, or someone in your family told you all about Sydnia. She /loves/ candles.. and soaps.. and our tea times together." He doesn't comment on the bit of the wine.. though he does smile once more to indicate his thanks for her thoughtfulness.

Gaylwin smiles herself at his reaction, her hawk like eyes watching his every movement. "I do hope you will enjoy them. I know that with all the recent termoil and trouble that a little quite time relaxing would be nice for the both of you. Perhaps even give her the strength to get well." Die die die already! Why wont her cousin just die and free up Lyren?! Not that Gaylwin is going to poison her. No nothing to make Lyren upset with her. That would ruin all her plans. Better to be the nice gentle trusted friend.

Oh, if only a man could hear a certain woman's thoughts... but then, life wouldn't be near as interesting, would it. "She will welcome that time, I am sure.. as will I. I couldn't begin to tell you how much this support from your family is helping her morale."

Gaylwin bobs her head still smiling. "Rhinorth does what we can. If there was one thing our father instilled in us was support for the throne. Nessa, is she doing alright after her own ordeal? I realize that she is the queen but she is still just a little child. Perhaps you would know something she would like? A stuffed animal? some treats?" Gaylwin reaches up and scratches her cheek with her long painted nail that matches the face paint she uses. "that is if you think it would be proper to give her such as a welcome to her safe return?"

See.. now there's a tough question. Ask Lyren about the battle.. and he'll talk your ear off. Ask him about politics and, while certainly not his foret, he'll at least have an opinion to share. Ask him what will make Nessa happy.. well, the question is, what does one give a child who happens to be a queen? "Ummm.. well. I suppose she would be happy with whatever you wished to giver her, my lady, so long as it was from the heart. Children seem to be able to sense that at times, you know?"

Gaylwin gestures to the palace, "Where should I have my two men deliver these packages? I'm sure they would like to finish their task in this sweltering summer heat." she fans herself with a small hand fan retrieved from a pocket. "As to Nessa perhaps I will think back to my own childhood. I was once a little girl as well." There is a pause as she smiles to the Lord, "Not any more though wouldn't you agree?" Did her back just straighten? Her hips shift subtly giving more of a pronouncement to her womanly figure? Perhaps it was just the imagination.

If there exists a man who has seen Gaylwin, they would have to be, in Lyren's opinion, quite mad to think that she is anything but a woman full grown. "Oh.. just ah.. have them put them in the tea room.. the servants can lock it up behind them. I'll take the gifts up to Sydnia myself, later. I'd invite you to see her now.. but she is sleeping, thank the Light. Perhaps.. ah.. you would care to join me for a walk in the gardens, Lady? It is a little cooler there.. " He can't figure out how to answer Gaylwin's last question without sounding.. lecherous.. so.. he avoids it. If he can.

Gaylwin gives a couple quick instructions to the guards and releases them to head home when done, her reasoning? She is with the prince and he can see to her protection as well as any. She extends her hand and arm to Lyren to take, "Please guide me where you will. Perhaps we can find a nice quiet place in the shade to cool off?"

Lyren takes Gaylwin's hand with his, then hooks her arm around his, all courtesy. "I am sure there is shade in the gardens.. they were relatively untouched by the battle, and the plants are so ever agreeable on growing on their own."

Lyren enters the Royal Gardens.

Royal Gardens: Sun Palace, Cairhien(#453RJM$)

The gardens are beautiful, made from broad pathways, lined with small oaks and larch-trees. Circles of flowers in beautiful shades of blue and violet rounds the foot of each tree. The pathways are long and straight, and when they meet in a crossing in the middle of the garden, they create a small 'plaza' with a sparkling marble fountain in the middle. Aside from the pathways are green areas in soft, well-trimmed grass, with several small benches in shady corners.

The flowers and the tree-blossoms are in full bloom, making the gardens a deep spectacle of natural colors. Birds and insects add their sounds to the environment, both night and day. The descending sun makes the trees and the palace cast long shadows over the Palace Gardens, almost making patterns of their own in the squarish design of the gardens.

There are four pathways, all leading from the center and the fountain. One of them leads towards the archway, taking you to the courtyard. The others lead inside the palace through different small gates.

Contents:

Lyren

Obvious exits:

Entrance Hall Path to the Courtyard

As they walk Gaylwin works hard at keeping the topic on things that will keep the conversation moving rather than about what she would /really/ like to speak about. Lyren isn't ready for that just yet. "Tell me Lyren, have the Aes Sedai already departed for Tar Valon with the 'usurper'?" Back to talk of politics and battles, the former she knows at least something about.

"Oh.. they left the night they took him, I believe.. if not the day after." And good riddance. Despite his revealed secret, there were still many peasants who were willing to believe it was an Aes Sedai trick, and they still supported Aravin. Lyren shakes his head. "With any luck.. he's... a... gentled.." Yep, Lyren knows the term, and even though he's no channeler, he shivers a bit when he says it.. ".. already. Never to bother us again. Tell me.. do you think we did the right thing? I mean.. I would not have done anything differently.. my loyalty is to my neice and that could.. and would.. never change.. but perhaps Cairhien would have been better for it."

Gaylwin chuckles and pats the arm that she walks so closely on. "Of course we did the right theng. As soon as Trivan and I heard he was a male channeler we sent word to our contacts at the tower. I'm surprised that my brother keeps in such close contact with them there. It is good to no longer have that bloody fool Duke Tamikan running things. he was thinking of removing the Aes Sedai presense in Cairhien and replacing them with the Children of light. All we would see is one witch hunt after another if that happened."

Lyren shakes his head only a little. "I wouldn't say we're rid of Duke Tamikan just yet.. his appointment as Royal Chancellor was to last until the Queen was found.. be she and the Regent may decide to keep him in that position. There may be certain things that he and the regent disagree on, but he wasn't bad at the job. And he /is/ a marshall of the armies.."

Temperature: 75(23.8) Clouds: Light sparse clouds.

High: 81(27.2) Winds: No wind.

Low: 62(16.6) Rain: Light sprinkling.

Gaylwin pauses in the garden and stops to look at a particularly fetching flower. "Do you know much about flowers?" She asks out of the blue as their conversation has been stuck on politics. what was a warm afternoon has turned grey and the feeling of a light mist of rain fills the air. probably wont be long till it's a downpour.

Lyren pauses as well.. to blink, then slowly turn and look towards said flower. "Me? No. I'm afraid my childhood was not.. ah.. spent learning much beyond what my father believed necessary.. and I've never taken it upon myself to learn." He looks up, then, at the gathered clouds and frowns.

Gaylwin reaches out and plucks the stem of the beautiful flower and holds it out to Lyren. "Would you put this in my hair? Do so love to have flowers there to make me look pretty." She adds with a surprisingly sheepish smile, no doubt staged. Who could imagine Gaylwin sheepish?

Would you believe Lyren has never done something like this before? He tries not to let on as he nods and takes the flower, all the while wondering if it's appropriate.. but too late now. The flower's in his hand. It takes a moment or three, but finally Lyren has the flower somewhat arranged nicely, though he looks rather unsure. "Ah.. my apologies, Lady, if it's not quite right."

Gaylwin leans forward somewhat and closes her eyes while Lyren puts the little orchid into her hair. Even with her eyes closed she can sense his closeness and the very touch of his hands. the unique odor of his body, not bad odor, just unique. "My thanks Lyren. I'm certain that the flower is just perfect." She takes his arm again so taht they can continue their walk. "What did you study when you were a child?"

Lyren looks a little skeptical at what is in his opinion undue faith.. but, hey, who's he to tell Gaylwin what she should and should not believe, right? "Oh.. well.." They walk again, and to avoid getting legs tangled, necessity puts a little space between Lyren and his guest. "Mostly.. mostly I was brought up to be a politicsl presence, of course. Not that I showed much talent. We had a tutor.. thanks to her, I suppose I could compose a half decent poem or story.. and speaking. We learned how to speak. Besides that.. I did what most boys want to do.. horses, swordplay.. and pranks whenever I could get away with them."

"Are you good with a blade Lyren? perhaps you would find it in your heart to teach me a thing or two?" Gaylwin says with a flicker in her eyes. "Trivan always wants guards following me but they make for trouble at times when their lack of a presense would be appreciated....like now."

Lyren gives a short shrug.. "I suppose you could say I am not too bad... I wouldn't make a fool of myself, anyways." He did well enough in the battle, at least, coming out relatively uninjured. Then he smiles, rather humoured, kind of amused. "Well.. I can't say I am a good teacher.. but if Trivan weren't to mind.. wouldn't knives be a more suitable defence for a lady?" Whoops, he does almost a 180 on this topic. "I suppose that is what you were referring to.. I'm afraid I am not very good with a knife." Even if he's been meaning to learn.

Gaylwin shakes her head slightly and the flower starts to slip out not to her notice however. "No, I ment with a sword. I wasn't totally raised in the countryside. I know how to use a dagger and keep one right here." She reaches up to her bosom and dips her fingers down below the line of her cleavage to retract a small dagger from her corset. "call me a foolish little girl if you will, but I still have a thirst for knowledge of all kinds." She waggles the dagger about in her hand a moment making sure Lyren saw it before slipping it back into its hidden location.

Lyren likes to think of himself as cut from a different cloth than the rest of the folks around here, he truly does. But, unfortunately, even he falls victim to common prejudices from occasion to occasion.. such as now. The concept of a woman using a sword is really hard to grasp, despite having once had a captain of the House guard being none other than a woman. Yet.. he dares not refuse outright.. "There is little worth to knowing a sword, my Lady.. all it is good for is killing.. and I would hate for you to ever have to stain your hands with such nasty business. Besides, there are terribly few dresses made.. " Like.. none.. " which could accomodate a sword..."

Gaylwin hrms to herself as he seems to stammer. But she does get the jist of his opinon out of that hodge podge. "Very well, I will just have to rely on strong men then to see to my needs." She tightens her grip on his arm reflexivly for a moment Then continues in with her grilling of the man in casual conversation, "Why have you not had any children yet? has it been your wifes health preventing you? do you wish children?"

Lyren is both relieved and disappointed... relieved because he doesn't actually have to teach anyone anything, disappointed because he somehow gets the feeling that he's let Gaylwin down. But why should that bother him? Hrm. "My.." he starts, with a bit of a chuckle. "We are full of personal questions today, aren't we. Ah.. let me see... Sydnia and I decided to wait for a time. When Adelina had her child, we felt that it would be better to wait.. we could give more attention to our neice that way. And then Sydnia fell ill.. as for wanting children? You have seen me around Nessa, yes? I adore her.. and would adore any child of my own.. but there is no pressing need for me to have an heir. The House will fall back to Nessa with my death.. and I suppose were Nessa to die the blood would be traced back to me.. and I would need an heir then, but I do not see that as being likely. Now let me ask you something... why haven't you married yet? It couldn't be for lack of suitors.." That is a compliment, really.

Gaylwin looks down to the ground as they walk, "I have not entertained suitors in the past. I had no time for them. You could say I had a disposition that didn't bode well for men in general." She reaches up to the flower in her hair and taps it with her finger tips as if to reassure herself that it is still there, put there by Lyrens hands. "But house Rhinorth is dying. No matter what Trivan will say. Our old house has lost too many members leaving behind a precious few. We have put out a call to all relatives local and remote to gather at the estate to help bring the family back to power but few are answering the call. It just may be time that I put asside my hesitation and beliefs and take a husband and rear a child or two."

Lyren hms... and nods. "Ah.. so it is more a duty to you then, yes?" Lyren doesn't sound disappointed.. he knows that most nobles marry out of duty first. "Whoever you marry, though.. they would have to promise your children to your House, and not theirs, correct?"

Gaylwin shakes her head, "I had thought of making my husband take the Rhinorth name...but I dont think that is possible any longer. If Trivan wishes the house to go forward it should be through his progeny. No, my children will be for the house I join my soul to. And that house will have the full unyealding support of one of the oldest, if small, houses in Cairhien." This is almost depressing isn't it? She sighs heavily as they walk growing silent for a while while they wind their way through the paths. She was trained from a young girl to play the game of houses. To know politics and how to manipulate people in them. She was secretly trained in her gift and how to use it to aid herself. All to make her a good one to marry off at her fathers whim. Something she managed to avoid for a long long time.

Were Lyren to know the full story, aye, he'd no doubt agree that it was indeed very depressing. As it is.. he was fortunate, love factored into his own marriage. From his perspective, anyways. "Well.. I would think then that you would be working at trying to find Trivan a suitable wife, yes? Preferably a young one who can bear him many, many children?" He chuckles.. it doesn't hurt to try and add a touch of humour to a depressing situation. "It would be a shame for Rhinorth to be absorbed into a larger, yet less respected house.."

Gaylwin nods slightly, "that is what I believe as well. I will marry out of need if I have to, but would prefer it be for other reasons such as love if I could." One can tell this weighs heavy on the woman, who is obviously letting her weaknesses shine through her thick armor for once. "It is my intent to find a proper suitor of a more established family, one that would find a strong alliance with Rhinorth benificial....But enough about this somber topic, you are married and I am trapped. Tell me what you think of Lord Hargraves, or should I call him regent hargraves now?"

Lyren chuckles... if the Lady wishes to change topics, who is he to argue? He would not wish to presh such a sensitive issue anyways. "I am sure he will always prefer to be simply called Thad.. though I suppose Regent is the appropriate title. I believe he is a good man.. and will do good for this country. After all.. I trust him enough to be the regent for my neice.. What about you? I know that the Delaseurs detest him and his house for some reason I'm not aware of.."

Gaylwin reaches up and points a finger to Lyrens coming close to touching the skin below it. "It's his Golden eyes. They fear him, and his in born abilities. they feel he a monster." She smiles slightly, "He is no more a monster than I am. and I dont think I look like a carnivorus ugly beast? They fear anything that is not like themselves. I wonder how they would react to one such as myself in their house?" the last sentence said softer as if almost to herself in thoughts not ment to be verbalized.

Lyren arches an eyebrow. "I hardly think you a beast at all, my Lady.. and a pox on any who would. Why would the Delaseurs have any reason to be afraid of you? "

Gaylwin smiles coyly and doesn't respond to the question he asks. Instead she mearly winks and actually moves away from him to get a closer look at another rare flower. Summertime is always good for the gardeners to cultivate the most beautiful plants.

Lyren may not be the ripest banana in the bunch, but... even he can tell something's up. He stays where he is for a moment, putting up no resistance as Gaylwin walks away.. he does follow a moment later, though, clasping his hands behind his back. "You think.. you think that there is a reason they would fear you, don't you.."

Gaylwin turns around with a snap her eyes seeking out Lyrens, "Yes of course. But it is not something I'm exactly ready to tell you just yet...not here....Not now." There is a pleading look in her eyes that says she really just wants him to accept this and move on. It obviously moves her enough to warent a shift in her normal behavior.

Ah... secrets. Well, this is the city of secrets after all.. you'd think Lyren were used to it by now. He nods, smiles slightly, and says, "Of course, my lady. My apologies. We've all secrets of our own, yes? I'll think no further about it."

Gaylwin shakes her head firmly and reaches up a hand to rest on lyrens cheek, "I want to tell you Lyren I do...but it must be done in a proper fashion at the right time. I am not a beast, nor should you ever fear me." She takes a step closer as her volume drops with each inch of distance closed. "You already know my secret dear, you ust dont remember." there her lips are sooo close almost begging to be kissed. There isn't anyone around this deep in the garden is there? would anyone notice? would anyone care?

There's a little voice in Lyren's head telling him he really ought to step back.. Politeness, after all, should only extend so far. Perhaps he doesn't step back right away because Gaylwin's words confuse him somewhat.. why would he know? And surely he wouldn't have forgotten such a thing, would he have? And then there's the fact that it's been so long that he's been so close to a woman... and for a moment, his thoughts echo those same sentiments.. Would anyone notice? Or care? *blink* Then, as sudden as the moment came upon him, it's gone, and that little tiny voice in his head is suddenly a bellow. Of course someone would care! He would! Lyren takes an immediate step back, clearning his throat.. "Ah.. my apologies, Lady.. I don't know what came over me. It must be the season.."

Gaylwin manages to settle herself as if nothing even came close to happening going on with their conversation without pause. "The weather has been hot of late this light sprinkle of rain feels rather refreshing." She holds out her hand to catch the miniscule droplets that have been coming down around them in soft smatterings along their walk. Funny how after a somewhat tense situation people always revert back to talking about the weather. "Have you heard about the costume ball that is going to be held?"

Lyren sure wishes he could shake it off so easily. Oh Well. At the very least, he can pretend. "Hm? Oh yes.. ah.. the ball. I have indeed heard.. it is, after all, to celebrate the engagement of a cousin of mine.." Well, very distant cousin, anyways. "I do hope to attend.. and I couldn't think of any reason I wouldn't be able to, right now. I hope you and your brother will be there?"

Gaylwin smiles and nods her head, "I most certainly will be there. I just cannot decide which costume I should wear, I have my two old ones worn before. A velvet Panther outfit with a tail, claws and ears. I also have a Domani dress and mask which I wore before, though I think Trivan may have burned it after the last time. I have a new one that I am considering wearing...it's an Angel with wide feathery soft wings."

You say "which do you think you would prefer me to wear?"

Oh, poor Lyren.. why do people insist on playing with his mind so? "The angel." he says, without hardly having to think about it.. then he frowns slightly, and studies Gaylwin a little bit close.. now why did he say the Angel of all things?

Perhaps Lyren is starting to catch on to her little game. Best to lead him along slowly so that he can get used to the idea after all. "It's settled than I will wear the angle costume. You should see it, it's beautiful. A lovely white dress with silver sparkling flecks throughout it. There is a small harness that holds the wings to my back and little levers with hooks to hold it to my arm so the wings can move alittle." Gaylwin winks, "When you see the Angel you will know it's me."

Lyren Scratches his head, something definately nagging at the furthests recesses of his memory.. yet, stubbornly, remaining there. "It sounds quite remarkable, Lady.. and should I figure out what I am to wear before I arrive, I will try and let you know, to return the favour.."

Gaylwin partially curtsies with a smile, "I would love that Lyren and count it a special honor to not have to figure out your surely witty disguise. Perhaps you could come as my opposite?"

Let alone the fact that so many enemies would likely take that the wrong way... Lyren just smiles, and shrugs. "I really couldn't say at this point, Lady.. for all I know, one of my cousins or servants or even Nessa may already have something for me to wear.. but I shall see."

"I will wait as patiently as I possibly can Lyren. I do thank you for taking the time to spend on a walk with me I have enjoyed it greatly. I do hope that this will become a habit that we can share together for a long time to come." Gaylwin says while glancing to the long path to which they have come. She reaches up to the flower in her hair and takes it out before taking a long sniff of it's fragerance.

"Well.. do permit me, at the very least, my Lady, of escorting you back to the gates.." Lyren offers his arm once more.. "And some of my men to take you back home.. only to keep your brother from getting upset with you, of course."

Gaylwin takes the mans arm willingly and does just that allowing him to take her back to the enterence. "We dont wish to upset Trivan. I fear I have pushed him to the limits one too many times. Your offer is quite generous thank you My Lord." Her tone of voice puts a possessive nature to his title. She certainly seems to be in his corner of support of that one can hardly miss, unless they have mush for brains.

Well, Lyren surely isn't the ripest.. wait, that analogy's been used already. Oh well, you get the picture. "No thanks necessary, my Lady. Family must watch after it's own, after all."

It would seem that Gaylwin has just been in a rather personable and inquisitive mood of late. One can only wonder what has brought this on. "Are you happy?" There it's said. No taking it back now. For better or worse the question lays out there like a beached whale.

Such a simple question.. yet such a loaded one if looked at from a certain perspective. "Happy? My lady.. I cannot recall a time that I have been so happy. Nessa is back and where she belongs and I don't have to worry about the throne anymore.. yes, I would say I am happy."

He dances around things well. Gaylwin's shoes tap out with every step they take along the path. "I am glad to hear that Lyren. Please believe me when I say I wish you to be as happy as you possibly can, in all your endevors." Which hopefully will include me as an endevor sooner than later. "I could see your radiance when you were reunited with Queen Nessa. You virtually beamed with delight."

Lyren just smiles.. genuine or not (and Lyren tends to believe things are genuine unless he has good reason not to) the good wishes are always welcome. And then they are at the gates.. "Thank you, my Lady, for everything. If you.. do not have the chance to visit again soon, then at the very least I hope I shall see you at the ball. Light shine." He does have to wave one of his men over, of course.. it's not like they knew ahead of time that he would decide to send one of them with the Rhinorth lady.. "Give my wife and I's best wishes to your family, will you?"

With that the Lady of Rhinorth is escorted back to the manor.