Common Room: Silver Star Inn, Cairhien

The room appears rather serviceable for an inn common room. Tables and chairs are scattered through the area, as smells of food and ale permeate the room. There is a bar near the kitchen, where drinks may be served to those who do not wish to eat a meal. Several paintings and portraits appear to line the walls, as well as some banners and flags, showing off different things to the patrons and to allow for decoration. Almost everything appears clean, or as clean as it can get.

There is a small fire blazing in the hearth, warding away the winter chill that is soon to come. The windows are shut tight, to keep the cold away, and an occasional leaf can be seen sticking to the glass. The room has a single lantern lit, sitting on the table within the middle of the room. It appears to be devoid of life, save for a few cats lounging about, waiting for any mice that may pass their way.

A large oak door appears to lead outside toward the stable yard of the inn. A set of sturdy stairs leads upstairs into the a hallway which houses guest rooms and the common sleeping area. A large archway leads into a nearby tea room.

As is a custom for her, every few nights, Serenia is seated within the confines of the common room, back in the back within a corner table so she cannot be easily spotted. This night, her customary light meal is not present on her table; not yet able to order the tray of food with such a busy crowd. She does, however, hold a cup of tea within her hands, quietly sipping at it from time to time.

Jerlon would have heard about Serenia's little outings to the common room. Well, for that matter, maybe even whispers of what she's been saying. Not that such information would come by easily since few would actually offer Jerlon such information. With yet another dinner prepared in House Hagon and with no Serenia, Jerlon skipped the meal and headed for the common room. Now, as he enters, already his eyes skim across those within in search of his wife. He's not full of smiles, which is an indication of his mood, perhaps.

The crowd appears to be bustling this fine autumn evening, people packed in to enjoy the warmth of the hearth and the food served within the Inn. Through a gaggle of bobbing heads, and passing people, Jerlon might spot Serenia in one of the far corners, just as a young woman takes a seat at her table.

Jerlon does eventually spot the woman, though having asked a few waitresses first. Each responded to him with a shrug, apparently to protect that poor wife of his. When Serenia is spotted, Jerlon fixes his jacket and then heads toward that corner table. Ackwardly, he stands just ahead of the table, and looks to his wife, judging for a reaction before even saying hello.

"Lady Serenia. It's good to see you again." The young woman who seats herself at Serenia's table says, just as Jerlon makes his way to the table. She hands over a small envelope, as might have been mentioned a few evenings ago to Jerlon. Serenia checks it out and takes it, then setties it in her back, taking out another like envelope, later than the one she was given, and hands it to the woman. "A pleasure to meet with you again, Mistress. All is going well?" There is a certain expectation in her voice as she speaks those words.

Jerlon decides to go for the throat clearing. His eyes do certainly take to their target, and that would be that mysterious envelop. "Another dinner away from home?" he muses quietly, lifting his eyes away from the envelop and looking to Serenia.

The young woman, a commoner by the looks of things, jumps when she hears Jerlon's voice. Looking over her shoulder, she looks up at the figure which disturbed their little 'meeting'. Her eyes narrow slightly, almost challenging Jerlon, but relax. "I will be letting you get back to your business now, Lady Serenia." With that she slips out of her chair and moves away from the corner; or attempts to.

If Serenia is surprised at her husband's appearance, she plays it off cooly and calmly, not letting it show upon her features. The envelope which she was given slips away to an indiscriminate place. "Actually, I only came for tea this evening." No meal had been ordered.

"You'll be nice enough to introduce us?" Jerlon interjects, though not getting in the way of the woman that is departing from the table.

The woman does pause a touch, "Unfortunately, I do not have time to stay around for introductions." With that, she continues onward, sniffing slightly as she moves away.

There is a small pause as Serenia watches the interaction between the woman and Jerlon, her lips turning downward just slightly in the faintest hints of a frown. "That was Mistress Hallowell." Not a likely name to ring a bell. "Have you come looking for me then? Is dinner ready already?"

"Dinner was ready," Jerlon corrects, and then slides into the bench in front of Serenia. Pushing ahead a few strands of hair that were allowed to grow far too long, he settles back into the chair to make himself more comfortable. "Well, that's interesting." He turns to see if he can catch sight of the mistress, though quickly returns his gaze on Serenia. "I'd almost think I interrupted something."

A strange, quirking smile touches Serenia's features. "Actually, we had concluded the business we had with one another." She gives a small shrug of her shouldesr, not going into what 'business' that might be exactly.

Alyndara pushes through the door, exiting the stableyard.

Jerlon places both elbows on the table and folds his hands across, reaching closer to Serenia. There's no pleasantness in his manner, however. The two sit in a darkened corner of the common rooms, away from most though certainly visible at the right angles. "And what sort of business was this, might I ask?" There's suspicion in his voice. "My wife."

Alyndara makes her way into the common room quietly, pushing the hood of her cloak back as she steps in from the light rain that falls. ALyn glances around the room once before heading over towards the bar.

Serenia's eyes catch the opening and closing of the door; and the entrance of yet another person into the room. And, while Alyndara might not notice her nod in the midst of the evening crowd, Serenia does nod anyway to the entrant. Her eyes then go back to Jerlon, a hint of amusement edging within them. "Business of the House." She pauses just as deliberately as Jerlon, keeping her own tone light and airy; muchly contrasting Jerlon's darker tone. "My husband." Yes, there is tension there, but Serenia keeps it well masked on her part, simply shrugging off Jerlon's reactions.

"Business that I have no part in, I see..." Jerlon's voice trails, and his eyes too scan across the common rooms with a vague noticing. "You have me at a disadvantage in this matter then, unless you'd care to share insight to the matter," he goes on, though this time not looking at his wife.

"Not all of the business I do for my parents involves you, no." Serenia states, shrugging her shoulders once more as she watches Jerlon. Her own look is something of an even one. "If you wish me to inquire whether my parents want you involved or not, I may ask them." Thats if what she says is true at all, hard to tell at this particular moment.

"Right. Terribly ignorant of me to apply Andoran traditions, where husband and wife share everything with eachother," Jerlon points out with a grumble, and then catches a near by waitress' attention. He orders a glass of wine for himself. Turning to Serenia now, his eyes are obviously distant in thought. "My wife doesn't tend to be understanding of the culture of her husband, so no surprises there for me."

Serenia can't help but roll her eyes at Jerlon's antics, which are garnering more and mores stares at himself than at his 'wife'. Serenia looks about once more, offers a smile to Alyndara if she gets further into the room, then goes back to regarding Jerlon. "Far be it for me to say, however my loyalties are to my parents wishes first. You knew this going into our marriage. There are certain things that I will not, and cannot reveal to you."

"Within my vows I swore myself to House Hagon," Jerlon states flatly, near glaring in manner as he eyes his wife from across the table. "Those were my vows. Those are my intentions. But that is fine, I always knew where I stand."

A look of concern, however brief, does then touch Serenia's features. "Obviously it is not fine." She does still keep her voice light, as she now crosses her arms before her; tea forgotten. "And yes, you knew where you stood. If you can't abide by how things are, you are welcome to seek a way out of this union. You seek never ending happiness, and that's not something I can give you. I have trusted you with important matters, but this is a matter entrusted upon me by my parents. To me only. That you wish for me to break my word of honor to my parents not only insults me, but shows me what kind of husband you really are."

"No, of course not," Jerlon's answer comes in a snap in response to the last of her words. When the glass of wine arrives, Jerlon simply holds it in both hands and begins to watch the liquid move as he spins the glass slowly. "Fine. My apologies. It isn't a matter for me to inquire on. If your parents intrusted only you, then that is a matter I have no place in." But he'll check out the name of that woman, repeating it a few times in memory to insure he doesn't forget. "And my apologies for almost interrupting."

Curiosity does linger upon Serenia's features. Slowly, she sighs. "No apologies are needed." Relenting a little, she allows herself a small sip of her tea now, picking up the mug which contains the warmed liquid and lifting it delicately to her lips. "How have you been finding your day?"

"Rather straineous, as I wondered if my wife would be joining me for dinner this eveing." Jerlon doesn't mean to raise an argument with the comment, but she did ask. His voice almost hints at defeat though. Not taking a drink yet, Jerlon continues to spin the glass of wine.

Silence answers Jerlon's comment. Serenia simply sits and watches him, tilting her head to the side a bit. Her expression doesn't change over much, still looking half amused and curious. "Tell me... what do you want out of life?" An odd question for her to be asking, now of all times.

Jerlon briefly looks up to her eyes at the comment. Not liking that curiousity hint in her eyes, he returns to the focus on the wine-glass. "Children. Respect. A wife that learns to love. Accomplishment."

"And that is all?" Serenia inquires, lifting a finger to tap at her bottom lip. That curiosity remains. "You have no ambitions?" Tilting her head to the side a bit, she calmly regards Jerlon.

"Accomplishment, respect, love, and raising children... is that not ambitious enough for you, my wife?" Jerlon asks. Though his eyes briefly go beyond the border of his preferred sight (wine glass) to her eyes, he turns his sights back downward and shakes his head.

There is a pause, Serenia not answering Jerlon's question. Instead, she asks one of her own, "What sort of accomplishment?" She is, at least, attempting to have a civil conversation with him.

"To survive Cairhien, of course." Jerlon manages a smile then, one that would be a surprising shock considering his hard and weakened emotional state just moments ago. As he pushes himself from the table to lean back against the bench, he sweeps the wine glass toward his lips. "I'm beginning to understand the way of life here, as disturbing as that is to me. Grasping for power seems to be the way of life here. If one is not surging forward to take the next greedy leap, then one is typically left to drown."

"That is the way we are. You could no more change that than you could change the stars and the moon." Serenia points out in a light manner. She takes another sip of her tea, then glances about the room in a calm and careful manner.

"Since I've given up hope on my wife," Jerlon goes on, the mood-shifting further. His tone is now casual, unconcerned. "I can only accept what I have, and learn to play by the roles of the House that I am married into." Finally, he takes a long sip of the wine, actually enjoying the taste even when faced with this topic. "This evening you will perform your wifely duties, of course," he states just as casually. "The House is not in despirate need of an heir, but I've grown fond of the physical pleasures. And considering the trouble we've had, stopping now only puts us in danger. If there is a chance, we must not pass it by." Clearing his throat, he sips at his wine.

"Of course." Serenia's voice turns a touch dry. While Jerlon gets physical pleasure out of the event, Serenia distances herself completely. "I would not breach a duty set upon me through our marriage." Of course, she'd keep herself from getting pregnant. She'll have an heir. It just does not have to be right away.

"Then, perhaps this evening we will bathe together as well," Jerlon suggests, at first extracting the bits of power that he does have. And for once, its the man that uses sex for power, though it is more to flex the terms of their marriage rather then to appreciate any gains beyond the physical. "Then perhaps you could be of help to me. You see, I am looking for long-term goals of a political nature. And I would think you would be the best person to suggest those."

A brow lifts at Jerlon's suggestion, for that's all that Serenia takes it for. "Is there anything wrong with the bed?" She asks, taking another sip of her tea, "If not, then I shall not be joining you in a bath." Baths are not part of the bargain, never were.

Alyndara walks through the oak door, exiting the inn.

Jerlon waves his hand pushing the thought away, though with a frown. "Fine, the bed. The matter discussed will be the same." Jerlon seems to be waiting for something, a reaction, or a suggestion. Its hard to say.

"The matter to be discussed can be discussed at a more convienient time than that." Serenia has no intention of holding 'pillow' talk during something she must put her attention into keeping off her mind. A smirk forms on her features.

"I didn't mean in the middle of..." Jerlon mutters, then goes quiet some more. His attention easily shifts back to the wine glass. "You'd likely not wish to discuss the topic right at this moment regardless."

There is a moment of pause, but Jerlon has already erected her curiosity. "It depends on the matter to be discussed, whether or not I wish to discuss it." Serenia states out right as she regards Jerlon.

"The matter of my place politically speaking in House Hagon, and ways I could go about improving my position in Cairhien," Jerlon responds dryly. "Whom better to offer advise to me then my wife?"

The young lady of Hagon's brow knits together at Jerlon's comment. "What goals do you wish to set for yourself politically?" She tries again, using different terminology this time. Again, she keeps her quesitons curious and cordial, not at all biting like Jerlon.

"I'm afraid I need guidance in that area. Though I suppose I could continue to poke around blindly. You need a husband that will show his strength at your side and for the House." Jerlon frowns. "The trouble is, of course, that I have not a clue as to what that entitles. I thought I did, but I truly do not."

Still, there is a considering look upon Serenia's features. "And what do you think that entitles?" Again, she's still holding to casual converastion; and perhaps attempting to get to know her husband a little bit in the process, even if it may be veiled.

Jerlon growls lightly, though more out of frustration. "I am at a lost, and so I am asking you." Beginning to feel silly by the questioning, Jerlon starts to sink into his chair.

Sighing lightly, Serenia starts again. "I suppise I should have asked what you /thought/ that entitled." She pauses, regarding Jerlon quietly. "Do you think I'm the best person to be asking such questions of? We can't seem to even hold a civil conversation for several minutes, much less one where you consult me for help."

Jerlon disappears further into that stubborn block, not really sure how to answer the question. "Must there be a question in response to my own? I do not know what I thought. I suppose I figured I'd be involved in the financial end, perhaps aided with House Hagon's operations. Things of the sort. But that is only a beginning. And yes, you are my wife. That is all that needs to be said about me asking you."

Keagan comes out of Eftgan's Room.

Keagan walks through the oak door, exiting the inn.

"You wished me to advise you, yes?" Serenia does not become irritated or upset at Jerlon's demeanor. Instead she continues as cordially as before, at least making an effort, or a showing of an effort, to help. "The only way I can do so is if I glean a bit of information from you, yes? How else can I give a sound judgement? If you'd prefer I not ask questions, then I suggest someone else who's not me."

"Fine, forget the topic was raised," Jerlon waves his hand with a lack of concern now, so far sunken in his seat that he is forced to sit up straighter. He does finish with his wine. "It seems I will not get your insight as to how I can be a better husband."

"You are the one upset because I'm actually /trying/." Serenia points out, now rising from her chair. She does raise her voice a little bit at that, though keeps any biting remarks or comments from escaping her. "Have a good evening, Lord Demmar." She addresses him formally, a sure sign of upset on her part, but one that's polite all the same.

"Good day..." Jerlon grumbles, his attention fully focused on the glass of wine. "My wife." He still takes some satisfaction in stating the obvious, though it is less now then earlier.

"If you wish to join me, I'll be at the Palace." That, in itself, is an offering of peace. Whether Jerlon picks up on that hint or not is another thing, Serenia usually not apt to give out her the information on her next locale. If she's lucky, he won't remember he's deigned tonight as one of their 'closer' nights with one another.

Jerlon pushes away the empty glass of wine. Standing up, he nods in agreement. "The palace it is then..."

Serenia casts a curious glance over her shoulder, then shrugs, leading the way.

Change of scenery...

Royal Gardens: Sun Palace, Cairhien

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 cold autumn-wind carries itself across the Palace Gardens, blowing rusty-colored leaves and flowers along with it, giving the place a somehow melancholic expression. 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.

The walk over is quiet. Unless Jerlon interjects and says anyting, Serenia keeps her thoughts to herself. She had tried what he wanted, to at least attempt to be understanding of him and his needs, to attempt to help him and give aid. Her brow remains creased in thought as she walks along, absently making her way through the streets. When exiting the Inn, Jerlon would note they were joined by two of the House Hagon guards; men who did not enter the building with Serenia, but remained outside to see to her safety and wellfare.

"Let me ask the question differently," Jerlon picks up on the subject once again after being rather silent in their walk through the streets. "If you had married a Cairhienin male, would he not be taking advantage of his position in some manner that I should also be doing? A marriage to House Hagon sits well politically, yet I feel I'm falling short of my responsibilities to /you/."

"He'd likely have his own agenda that he'd like to see accomplished, either through ousting his wife's position and gaining control over the House." From Serenia's features, she's not recommending that to Jerlon at all, "Or through other means which interest him." She seems to stress the 'interest him' part. "You expresseed you wanted to get involved in things financially, so I suppose we can approach my parents on that topic and see what they'd like for you to do."

"From your description of a traditional Cairhien husband, it sounds like your marriage with this Andoran one has a few advantages..." Jerlon murmers just within range intending Serenia to hear. He does lead them, in a way, further into the gardens. "Is that how it would be, to be married to a man that would eventually wish you dead? To sleep in his bed..." Jerlon begins to visibly pale at the thought. "Horrible..."

"It is a risk we take, but one of our own choosing usually." There is that, again, but Serenia puts no emphasis on the words this time. She simply shrugs her shoulders. "I will ask my parents on the morrow about duties and responsibilities that you'd like to look into taking up." She makes no mention of actually handing them out, or getting her parents to do so. Jerlon will need to do some of the footwork for himself; and show the initiative he took in literally taking her as his bride is not being wasted. "As far as being married to someone wishing I were dead, who's to say that won't happen over the years, even with you, hmm?"

"Who's to say you wouldn't be happier in such an environment," Jerlon states in response. "The consistant threat to personal safety, the insecurity of what your husband intends, or unknowing of what he will be up to next. The gossip of mistresses. The spread of false rumors against you, with your husband being the source. I'd almost think you'd be happier if I did get this way over time." Jerlon sighs, shaking his head at his own words. "Foolish words, I know, with no truth to them. But, it seems as though that is what you wanted."

Serenia merely shrugs her shoulders at that, letting Jerlon believe what he will. In truth, she never got to decide what sort of husband she wanted, never having had the opportunity to do so for herself. Instead, it was chosen for her, and much differently than she might have chosen. "Perhaps I would be happier, but that is neither here nor now. You are not Cairhienin, nor do I think you have it in you to act and be like one. You are too set in your ways, and its too late to really start learning our own."

"I don't want to act like now," Jerlon states a bit too firmly. "I wish to adapt to this way of life. That is all. Its becoming rather tiring of being the poor end of jokes. It especially hurts when they come from my wife."

Serenia stops walking just then, refusing to go any further into the gardens. She turns to regard Jerlon, eyes carefulling taking over his form. "If you wish to be the latter, here I am. No need to wait until I am asleep." She opens her arms wide, closing her eyes as though to wait for a striking blow. A bit dramatic, perhaps.

Jerlon mutters a few choice words under his breath and then takes a step closer to his wife. "You fall far too easily. Perhaps it is you that would not last long married to a Cairhienin male?" he asks. Of course, he had mispoken and come off wrong on the subject, but there's almost a gleam in his eye at the thought. "Though I'd not think you are that vulnerable."

Serenia does not move from her position at all, actually /inviting/ trouble to herself, either it be from Jerlon or another who'd like to make an attempt upon her life. This, so close after the last attempt. Keeping her eyes closed, she merely murmurs, "I'm waiting. Haven't I offered you enough torture over the last year or so? Are you not tired of my incessant banter? I can't even seem to produce a child for you." She knows the reason to the last, though in her mind Jerlon is unaware of why that is. "What use am I to yourself, or any other for that matter?"

Jerlon's finger light taps the area just above Serenia's breast, where her heart would be gauged though a bit high for the sake of decency. "I have use for you yet. Besides, there's no heir, is there?" Jerlon tisks a touch, fully expecting to be slapped across the face. Heck, he'd slap himself across the face for that comment. The next is said quickly, and with amusement. "Perhaps it would be easier to hide my feelings beneath a cold mask. Eventually I wouldn't know they're even there."

Smirking, Serenia opens her eyes and folds her arms across her chest. She doesn't slap Jerlon. "Or, perhaps you can't take the fact that I actually tried to help you, and failed miserably." She shrugs her shoulders, then abruptly turns away. She has no use for love or matters of the heart, or so she keeps attempting to make so clear.

"How have you tried to help me?" Is the first thought that Jerlon is able to gab unto, as he follows Serenia with a few quick steps when she turns away. "Helped me how?" The tone is almost pleading as he repeats the question. Almost. Its not exactly the whining sort of pleading that one expects from Jerlon.

There is a sort of frustrated sigh which now escapes Serenia. "Nevermind. This only proves to show that we're consistantly on different pages, and will never be on the same page with on another."

Jerlon is just a step beside Serenia, though facing her. "If that's what you truly believe. Though I would think after years of growing old together, that to will change." The two are obviously not in a 'happy' conversation, though their arguments in the gardens would be a side-bar amusement for some Cairhienin nobles.

"I don't think so." The last is said in a touch of defeat. That alone should be odd coming from the strong willed Cairhienin lady. With that said, however, she turns away from Jerlon and hastens her pace toward the exit.

This time its Jerlon's turn to sigh in frustration. His head slumps down, though after a few moments, he does follow behind Serenia and then quickens to her side. He says nothing more.

You walk long the path until you come out to the Courtyard.