Event: Serenia meets Jerlon for the proposed luncheon. They discuss many various issues, though somehow Jerlon keeps attempting to steer the topic toward marriage while Serenia steers it toward more seemingly important matters, such as distribution of power.

Date: June 16, 1999
Logger: Serenia

Cast:
Serenia - Cairhinin Noble
Jerlon - Andoran Noble

Entrance Hall: Demmar Manor, Cairhien
An entrance hall of grand preparations, the ceiling is high and climaxed with the long spiraling stairs leading to the second floor. Paintings make their way around this hall, which largely is circular in shape, and several hallways lead in a variety of different directions. A statue at center is that of a warrior, obvious by the sword and style of his uniform. Upon closer inspection, the sword of his hilt has the heron marks of a Blademaster. A caption bellow, if read, names the first High Seat of House Demmar.
Although hallways lead off into minor rooms, the main areas of interest appear to be the spiral stairs up, and the large doors, big enough for an Ogier even, leading off into the Entertainment Hall. Doors lead out, as well, into the courtyard.

The door opens to reveal a male server, his eyes cast downward as he bows formaly. "Lady Serenia," his voice is calming. "Please, this way," he motions toward the next Hall over as he holds the door open for her.

Entertainment Hall: Demmar Manor, Cairhien

The Entertainment Hall is much too large to the purposes of a simple lunch. The server leads you through the length of the hall to the opposit end of the entrance. That is where large screen doors lead to the garden outside. As the server opens them, the setting is simple. Lord Jerlon sits upon a table largely made of glass, a fruite salad is portioned of into two plates. The shade of the building does well to shield from the sun. Jerlon stands from the seat, bowing to Lady Serenia with a hint of a smile. "Lady Serenia, welcome," he takes a few steps over the interlocking stones that make the deck, pulling out a seat for her. "Thank-you for coming. Please," he motions to the chair.

Elegantly, Serenia glides into the gardens, eyes carefully taking note of everything - from the way the grass is cut to how the food is arranged on the table. A small, polite smile graces her lips, "It is I who should be thanking you for the invitation, Lord Demmar."

The garden is neatly arranged, almost as though straight out of a text book. No surprise, really, with the manor just being put up recently. The arrangement at the table is simple enough as well, the fruite salads across from one another, a pitcher of water and two classes on either side. Jerlon pushes the seat forward as Serenia sits, and then takes to his own. "Andor is different from here," he comments lightly. "Well, not by much. Though sometimes I have the feeling that the way the roses point in comparison to the toleloops in the garden show meaning."

"Those in Cairhien would make it to mean something, even if there were no meaning in it." Serenia murmurs quietly, settling herself in the chair more fully once upon it. Ever so carefully she arranges her skirts about her.

The small glass table has them sitting near. Jerlon leans back on the chair and shrugs a shoulder. "It is interesting, though I'm not one to take part much in matters of Nobility. It was really a surprise to me, when Lord Demmar had assigned me to Cairhien." It might or might not be known of Jerlon being a minor Noble, after-all.

"I think I would be surprised as well, if I were sent from my home or my country." Serenia murmurs quietly, eyes carefully regarding Jerlon. "Though you will find that Daes Dae'mar is played here whether or not you want it to be, and you will fast become a pawn in the plans that others make. You would do well to take care what you say, and watch what you do. Those here would put meaning into your words that would no tbe there."

Perhaps Jerlon senses discomfort. As he takes a drink of the cool water, he nods with understanding. "Andor isn't without its Daes Dae'mar." Somehow his tone makes it clear that it isn't as bad as here. "Do you play cards or the dice, Serenia? Cards are a good example. Those that do not know how to play typically have this beginner's luck. It takes time for others to adjust to the unusual stratagies, and so there is the luck of the beginner." Yup, Jerlon has this all thought out. "I'm only here to make trade ties with a few Houses. It can't be that bad?"

"And once you have those ties, will you be remaining in Cairhien, or moving back home to Andor." The young woman delicately lifts a brow, curiosity thriving deeply within her eyes.

Now that is an interesting question, Jerlon's eyebrow raising at it as well. "Lord Maizran told me that once I am of a few years in service here, I may go to the Tower to be Gaidin," he states with a touch of boyish enthusiasm. "Though truth be told, I do not thikn he has any intentions of letting me go that far. I think he'll insure I am here long enough until my age will prove me unfavorable to the Tower."

Interest catches hold of Serenia's eyes briefly, "Study at the Tower...? That is quite an ambition there." Perhaps that impresses her, a small bit. "It is said, by some, that the Tower invented the Great Game - though others vehemently believe Cairhienin members were the creators of its origins. I have yet to decide myself." She chuckles softly, "In any case, I have high respects for the Tower. The Amyrlin herself used to live here in Cairhien, when she was a child, from what I am told."

That boyish enthusiasm doesn't exactly leave Jerlon, and less so as Serenia shows interest in this. "I hope the Tower keeps my cousin occupied," he notes with a gleam of interest in the concept. "Yes, if I were to choose, I would study in the Tower for the position of Warder." Clearly Jerlon doesn't understand everything about the concept. "But I will finish my business here first. Better to have me here then some of my cousins. They are not a very social bunch, though likely better at Deas Sae'mar then me. Truth be told, for the interest of keeping trade relations, I was likely better then anyone else. Not like House Demmar is making moves for power."

Serenia starts to take a sip of water from the glass she just retreived. She nearly chokes on it, "Your house does not wish to rise in Power....?" Her eyes seem to narrow, and suspicion underlines them.

"Not with Cairhien," Jerlon corrects quietly, hiding that grin of amusement behind the glass. Another time he might have laughed outright. "In Andor," he shrugs. "I believe House Demmar is well positioned." Lowering the glass, his features are of a smile more then anything.

Serenia gives a slow nod of her head, sipping at her water finally before placing it upon the table once more, "Then if you do not seek to gain power within Cairhien, why do you seek to gain ties amongst its Houses?" She pauses a brief moment, allowing the question to sink in to Jerlon, "Would that not indicate that you truly do seek some position amongst our society? Some form of respect, which in turn grants you even the tiniest bit of power amongst us?"

"Purely for trade," Jerlon responds without thinking, and then does take moments of thought. "Well, forming ties is a part of that, though people would not think that an Andoran House has desires to have influence over who leads Cairhien?" There is no time to answer the question, as Jerlon skips in thought. "I mean, House Demmar might form alliances to aid its own purposes within Andor, but I do think matters will end there. Houses in Cairhien seem to have very little respect between themselves, yet they show respect in appropriate preportions and no more. I do not even have that luxury."

"You may /think/ that people would not think that, however..." Serenia smiles in a beguiling manner, "... this /is/ afterall Cairhien. People tend to believe exactly the opposite of what you tell them. The game is complicated, I know, to those unused to it. It takes time, and practice. I was bred to it myself." She gives Jerlon and odd look - one of pity and sympathy, "Perhaps in time you will come to learn it yourself."

Jerlon thinks on those words. "I had not thought the Game would aid me within the Tower. It is as you say, about Aes Sedai and the games they play." This casts slight shadows on his dreams of being a Gaidin that might be visible, very little is hidden in his eyes and expressions. "I did not do well with Lord Relovic then?" he asks with an amused tone, clearly showing no care either way, yet wanting to her an honest opinion.

"You perhaps insulted the Crown Prince himself." Serenia murmurs, picking up her fork in a casual manner to start munching at the salad placed before her. She lets the words sink into Jerlon's mind as she takes her first bite and begins to chew, "The Queen's husband himself."

At Serenia's picking of the food, Jerlon does as well. "And who will that win me favor with?" Jerlon asks quietly in consideratoin. "Though I had not thought there was much insult in my words beyond the insult that he offered me." Jerlon ignores the factor of stature, of course.

"It is usually not good to insult the man who could ordered your head to be severed from your shoulders, if the whim caught him." Serenia murmurs quietly, "Not that I have ever heard of Prince Relovic ever doing such a thing." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, "As for gaining favor, perhaps youhave earned yourself some respect with all the enemies of House Tiigril and House Voraneth." She smirks slightly, "I should think that some would even be petitioning you to be able to join in on whatever engagement you are having that the Queen herself is attending."

"He'd behead me no sooner then he'd take to living on the streets." A strange confidence is heard in Jerlon's voice, whether its the first sign of arrogance or something else is not clear. Leaning back, his humor seems to be light on the matter even with Serenia's murmers. "But I have nothing against House Tiigril or House Voraneth beyond the single meeting with Lord Relovic. And even then, I could not accuse him of being anything but swayed by your beauty. How could I blame him for a fault that many men likely share in common." Although his words are light, Jerlon's eyes watch for the reaction with intrigue.

"I would not be so certain of yourself, Lord Demmar. Prince Relovic..." Serenia speaks in a consiratorial tone, ".. is not normal. Have you ever noticed his eyes? Why, they're golden!" She sits back in her chair, taking a bite of her salad in the most delicate of manners as she observes the Lord's reactin to her words. She blinks slightly at something else, then just shakes her head, chuckling, "My beauty is hardly anything to sway a man's interest from his true desire. More, it's my dowery or what House Hagon has to offer."

There is a faint nod to the mention of golden eyes. "My cousin shows little trust to men or women with eyes like his. I know he met at least one." Shrugging his shoulder, Jerlon knows little else of the story. His forehead creases only for a moment before his eyes sparkle with life once again at Serenia's response to his complement. "A shame that you measure yourself in gold and alliances, Lady Serenia. I have little desire for either." The reply is simple, a smile hinting at something remote as he picks at a few strawberries.

"My family is my life, Lord Demmar, and I would do nothing to bring shame upon my House." Serenia speaks in an oddly softened voice, "I am all the hope that the ruling line of my family has. I intend to do my parents proud." There is a sort of conviction in her words - so much so that it may not seem possible that she's making any of it up. There are some in Cairhien who would even go so far as to confirm her statement.

"So if I wish you have you in marriage," Jerlon starts in a musing tone, and although his eyes look to yours, not even he can be bold enough to look at her with this more playful tone, "I need only to have it arranged with the right Nobility and the right alliance?" His voice does touch on a softer tone, matching hers. "Lord Maizran does threaten to have me married before I make it to the Tower, and sometimes I do believe that is the only reason he has sent me to Cairhien. I am the cute one of his cousins, you see," and of the last he looks with a grin.

Serenia narrows her eyes slightly at Jerlon, "The first and last man that was arranged to be my husband died on the end of a sword." She lets the young noble take in that information, "Although, technically, yes - that is all that is needed, the proper lineage, coinage and..." She shrugs, adding, "... forms of power within our nation."

Jerlon leans back on his chair, fingers brushing against his chin as he looks to Serenia with the oddest eyes. Ones that consider her words for a moment. There is a touch of withdraw at the mention of death of the two others, however, though one would need to watch him closely on that. "Sounds like the one you are to marry is already chosen, just not known? Why else the deaths?" A touch of amusement is clear on his voice, as he now leans forward on the table. "Too bad alliances with a powerful Andoran House hold little sway in Cairhien." The statement carries an undertone of the opposit possibly being true. For one as open with his emotions, Jerlon simply watches Serenia.

"Not to my knowledge. Had my parents arranged another marriage, I would have known. They have not. If another intends to marry me, it has been nearly four years since Hendrik died..." Serenia's trails off as she gives a small shrug of her shoulders, taking another delicate bit of her luncheon meal. "If any one had intended to ask for my hand, it would have been before now."

This time Jerlon's laughter is more toward himself. "I had not realized the abundance of beautiful Nobility within Cairhien that would have Houses not making arrangements with yours for the /dowery/," he notes quietly, then ears turning a touch red. "And then the ones with the dieing husbands seem to have more coming." Chuckling further at his own amusement, Jerlon arches his eyebrow. The Lord's tone turning more somber. "If you loved him, my apologies."

"I do not expect you could love someone from an arranged marriage, though my parents ensure me that you could come to respect the person you are wed to." THe young woman speaks, before fininshing off her luncheon meal. "In all honestly, I think most are afraid to approach, now that I am a mmeber of the Council of Lords. Most men do not relish having a woman in power, and I am heir to the House Hagon legacy." She gives a minor shrug of her shoulders, "Though I do believe my father has some prospects in mind. He wishes to ensure the continuation of the family line."

Jerlon tries not to smile and look amused too often. It a little rude with Serenia's seriousness on the subject, even if Jerlon looks on it with fascination. "It is a matter of my breading that has the woman in power of Andor," he notes quietly, letting his words sit as they may. "Council of Lords..." he repeats the name to himself, considering. "Yes, that is of honor within Cairhien. And Power." His eyes play with Serenia's in a most interesting fashion, as he leans further on the chair. "Tell me, do you show much disfavor in the eyes of Cairhien politics by being here? Or if you were to be with me further for lunches?"

The young noble woman grows quiet for a moment as she considers the question, "That depends. My little visit could very well have made your stay in Cairhien a bit more pleasurable than it would have been. House Hagon is one of the few houses that actually had to work its way up from minor nobility status to that of one of the Greater houses. Respect is a title that we earned, and it is given its due. I would not be surprised if you received similar invitations to theone you gave me, for luncheon. It is a definite possibility that most of Cairhien will now be wondering who, exactly, you are that you've warranted the extra trouble." Of course, some of this is obvious, to any who've been in the nation, or warned about it strongly, before. She continues to consider, "As for my own status, I do not think it is in jeopardy. More so, I'll be pestered to give every last detail of who and what you are so they can determine for themselves whether or not you area dignitary of any great importance." The last question, she does not answer.

Again, Jerlon tries not to make light of the subject Serenia speaks with a serious tone. Nodding politely, he considers her words with a slight tilt of his head. Only then does his smile show. "You may tell them that I have the more handsom of Lord Maizran's cousins, and therefore the best suited for marriage within Cairhien. Clearly better to be arranged with one that is handsome," he notes in no arrogance, and just a hint of playfullness. "Oh, and that I have dreams of being a Gaidin one day. To serve the Tower. That would bring in interesting conflicts." Jerlon thinks of what other information /he/ would find interesting about himself in their conversation. "Oh right. And I consider myself a person of great importance. Who better to live my life then myself?" Either Jerlon is toying, or clearly a fool. Leaning forward on the table he simply shrugs. "But you will tell them as you wish, of course, Lady Serenia. I expect nothing more then what you feel is appropriate, even if it will be damaging to the quality of the wine I will taste at social events."

No emotion flickers over Serenia's features at Jerlon, a smooth expression regarding him in a careful manner. She pushes her finished plate of fruit salad away, a thoughtful look passing over her eyes. "Indeed, I shall tell them whatever I fancy at the time. Though, I do try not to marr the outlook of any House, knowing that could come back to haunt House Hagon later." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, "As far as the rest, I would not presume to say that I have anyone, or anything is arranged. My father will see to it that proper match is made."

"To give yourself so willingly to the will of your father," Jerlon states quietly in thought as he takes a long sip of his water. Now, perhaps he does say too much, though his words take on a jestful tone as he presses forward on the table. "And if Lord Maizran Demmar does indeed seek to have me married within Cairhien, you will take no troubles with an Andoran man?" For all the jest in his words, Jerlon leans back on the seat once again and watches for the response. "I'd simply have trouble to give myself to another so freely," he states absently at the last. "Not unless I had hopes of love, at the very least."

The young noble woman gently folds her hands in her lap, "I will do whatever brings power to the House. I do not seek to marry for love, nor do I have any hopes of falling in love with the man selected for me." Serenia tilts her head to the side a bit as she regards Jerlon, "As for whatever match is made, I will go along with it willingly so long as it will strengthen House Hagon, be the person Andoran, Saldaean, Tarien or whomever. However, I do not think my father seeks to strengthen ties outside of ourown nation."

The jestful nature of the Lord take no hint of Serenia's properness. Jerlon simply nods, that smile still clearly there as he seems to almost be toying with the conversation now. "So we will likely not be married," he states with amusement. "That is a shame. I fear that Lord Maizran will go against my wishes, and all but force me to a marriage of a woman that is twice my age. If not three times. That way her death is quicker, I'm sure he'd see it as a favor to me." It's difficult to say whether Jerlon is being serious. "My cousin does have a cruel side to him, it seems. I'm sure you show more trust to your parents wishes for your happiness then I would for my cousin."

A soft chuckle emits from the back of the lady's throat, an airy, almost musical sound. "I would surely think that you would have some hand in your marriage arrangements. Normally it is the wife who has no say in such matters, not the husband." Her eyes dance with her own inner amusement, "I am certain, though, that my father would find the best match possible for me. I am an only child, you see, and there for the last of our particular immediate family line. If I do not produce heirs, the ruling portion reverts back to my aunt - something father does not want to have happen. She would bring House Hagon to ruin."

Jerlon winces at some thought from the past, even at her chuckle it is he who turns a little cold for a moment. "House Demmar is ruled differently," he states more quietly then before. "I'd not select a wife for myself without his permissions. And even then he might suggest otherwise." It is apparant that for whatever reason, Jerlon would follow with Maizran's wishes. His mood does flicker off from the bad to the good quickly enough. "If I grow too old for the Tower within the walls of Cairhien, I may choose a wife. Or attempt at the choice, though my survival within this city would likely be comprised at such a decision," he notes with faint amusement at the thought, eyes playing with Serenia's as they look to her. "Though I could only ask once, by pride would not allow me to go from House to House in commands for a wife. Just ones, so I think I should choose wisely. If I am to make the choice at all."

This seems to spark some interest from Serenia, her eyes taking in the young man before her rather carefully. Suspicion enters her eyes briefly, then disappears, "I would not think I'd want to be a part of a House where all important decisions are dictated by one person alone." Her comment is quiet, and oddly soft, "If you do marry, pray it is for the right reasons."

"I will not just fall for a pretty face," Jerlon notes with a clear smile again as his eyes move from Serenia to the garden for a moment. "At least try not too. But yes, if by my choice, then it will be for the right reasons." Of course, Jerlon may speak of love, and Serenia of duty and power. "Lord Maizran has raised House Demmar to a greater state of power within Andor then it was only a decade before. Few question his wisdome, not when much is creditted to him." There is the hint of a shrug, that darkness over-taking his eyes for a moment. "Though at times I'd gladly separated from the richess and power offered and take to a simpler life." Leaning forward on the table, his eyes move across Serenia with intensity. "I think my cousins plans to reward me well on the success of this trip. It is mine for the taking, or avoiding."

"I hope for your sake that he does reward you." For a brief moment, Serenia's expression softens, though only briefly. "Or, if not, that he finds a suitable match for you that does not take too much away from your... cheerful personality." For there is no other way for Serenia to describe Jerlon's amused words and actions.

Jerlon leans his head back in laughter at that, tears almost coming to his eyes as looks to Serenia again. Indeed his hand rubs at his eyes, laughter fading only a touch as he speaks in dramatic tone. "With at touch more sense of humor then some Andoran Ladies, I see," he notes with a grin that hints of nothing else but hertelling a joke. "Lord Maizran does not favor my older brother, I may take rank over him if this goes well. Though truth me known, my brother is far more satisfied from directing the trade then actually holding his position." Finally, a touch of hope that Jerlon isn't that minor within the house.

Serenia nods her head slowly as she listens to the words, "Humor has its place, from time to time." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, eyes ever considering the lord. "Then perhaps your work here will be well rewarded should all go well."

Jerlon sighs a touch disappointed, the Lady not sharing his lightness over the matter. Though perhaps Jerlon has yet to feel the weight of what responsabilities have been given to him. "Well, I find humor helps me well on most days. Cairhien will know little of what to expect at the sight of me, I expect," he shrugs with little caring on that issue. And then his tone takes on a much more serious note. "Lady Serenia, I have something of importance to ask you. Perhaps I should be asking your parents, though you may relay my question to them if the offer pleases you."

The lady gives a small shake of her head, "I am afraid Cairhien will make it's own expectations and views upon you. They do not presume to expect anything else, but the unexpected. That is the way of things here." Serenia gently smoothes over the folds of her dress after shifting position a bit. A brow quirks delicately at Jerlon, "And what, pray tell, would that be, Lord Demmar?" She keeps a rather formal note to her own tone of voice.

"Well, it no big deal," Jerlon seems to contradict the previous serious tone of his question. The man seems very intent on amusing himself more then anything. "It just, I had not received an exact reply of weather or not you will be joining me for the ball that will open House Demmar to Cairhien." There is a pause, his eyes taking to Serenia's in search of any hint of her reaction she might give beyond words. "I'd ask you to accompany me at the head of the table, clearly if there is a woman more beautiful within Cairhien I have yet to see, but I'd not want to impose myself on any matter that might cause you discomfort."

"Perhaps, Lord Demmar, that is because I have not exactly received an invitation to your little event." Serenia replies, her tone soft and smooth though her eyes flickering slightly as she regards the Andoran lord. "You had told me of it, and mentioned that the Queen herself would be attending, but that is all that I have heard of it myself."

Jerlon's eyes shift as though he straining to remember. "Ah yes, right. Before I had the chance to ask the charming Lord Relovic entered unto our scene," he notes faintly with amusement. "All houses will receive written invitations, though I ask you now, if you'll be attending the ball here. And if so, whether or not you wish to sit at the head of the table with me." It's unclear if Jerlon understands all the implications of the last, though clearly the stirring of trouble is in his eyes as he looks to Serenia. "If you decline the last I'll be disappointed, but I'd understanding, of course."

It seems the young Cairhienin lady takes her time in responding to the Andoran lord's question - or request. "I am not entirely certain if I will be attending the ball or not. It all depends on whether or not father wishes to accept the invitation." It seems she relies much on her family, perhaps too much. "But were I to attend, and you still wished for me to 'attend' with you, it is something I will consider. As far as sitting at the head of the table, are you certain that would be appropriate? I am not a member of your family, nor am I your wife."

"It would not be appropriate," Jerlon states, as his hands work in a flash to support him as he leans forward on the table again. Always some motion about him, it seems. "It be horribly inappropriate in fact." Okay, now he's exaddurating. "But I have no wife nor family here, and clearly I can not sit at the head on my own. Sure, I can leave the place for the Queen and her husband. That would show signs of respect, though perhaps even beyond that of what I'm capable of. But in either case, I am favored to having a date at this event." Jerlon's lips close just as that, his eyes regard for a moment as though waiting for a response, but just as quickly he continues. "Though I will not make mention of if further, and wait for a reply to my written invitation."

Slowly, Serenia gives a small nod of her head. "Then allow me to personally accept your invitation. I may attend, whether or not my parents do. It has been long since they have left the comfort of their homes for one of the parties they so enjoy. Business within the House has been keeping them busy." She pauses briefly, carefully eyeing Jerlon, "Just so long as we both understand that nothing will come of this 'date' as you put it, I shall even consider dining with you at your table."

How different they must seem in this conversation. Serenia, small nods and careful looks, while Jerlon moves around in a dramatic nature, tones changing between amusement to jest, and rarely moments of serious conversation. Bowing his head forward on the personal acceptance, you'd almost think he were a gleeman, with the way his cloak shifts against his arm even as he sits. "I will neither hold your hand, nor kiss your lips. Nor whispers words of passion in your ear. I simply ask you for your company at my table, and for the pleasures of a dance." How quickly he slips the dance in there, even before she really says yes. "Then we have an agreement?"

Serenia quirks a brow at the forward lord, or forward seeming lord, "We have an agreement that I shall dine with you at your table, and serve as your... date... for the evening." A slight curving of the lips indicates some small amusement on her part, "And if the mood serves me, I shall even entertain your notion that I should reserve a dance for you."

One would almost get the impression that Serenia was getting frisky with Jerlon, the Lord pushing back on the table so he may lean on the back of the seat. A calming smile forms across his lips among all that chaotic nature that he seems to possesses. "Then I may actually look forward to the events of the evening, Lady Serenia. Better to have you nearby for your delightful conversation to distract me, then dozens of eyes watching to see which side of the bread I bite on first."

"Oh, you'll still have dozens of eyes watching which side of the bread that you eat." Serenia's eyes twinkle slightly as she regards Jerlon, "Perhaps more so with me at your side."

"I only hope a few will be distracted by you," Jerlon notes with a more modest smile, his eyes reflect her expression. "As I am." That a flat statement of fact. "And if not, at least you will have me distracted, and that is all I can ask for in some shielding protection so that I do not get self concious."

Serenia chuckles lightly, "I would hate to think that I serve as a shield for anyone, for I am not much of one. Though if you wish to have eyes turn in your direction, they will certainly do so, more, with me at your side."

Once again Jerlon leans forward on the table, this time his eyes looking downward through the glass surface and up to your eyes. He's closer now, as he shifts in his chair. "And what will have you think I will notice anything else but your own brown eyes?" That look of intimacy on him is clear, with the depth of his eyes. And just as quick, he leans back again on his chair. "It is too bad an alliance between our Houses would not serve any proper purpose," he notes with an oddly quiet tone. "I think I'd much enjoy to have you as my wife." It's difficult to tell how serious he is being.

The young woman narrows her eyes just slightly at Jerlon. Serenia purses her lips just a bit, "There will be many other women at the ball you are holding - do not think that I alone can hold or grab your attention. If they think you important enough, they will find ways to do so." A small look of amusement crosses the young Lady's eyes. "I do not think we would make a good match Lord Demmar, and not because we are of different countries, but because we are of different minds."

Jerlon's eyes move between your s in thick amusement, and then lift from your eyes as he takes a moment of consideration. "If you insist, Lady Serenia, that we'd not be happy together. My mother had said that it is the woman that knows best for matters like these." A pause as he thinks back. "Something about men being to destracted by beauty."

"As I said before, Lord Demmar, I do not seek happiness in a marriage. I seek power and position amongst my peers - a way to bring House Hagon to the forefront of society." Serenia murmurs in a quiet voice, raising her hand delicately to smooth away several tendrils of her hair.

"Even if you insist we will not share a bed," Jerlon simply get bolder with each of his statements, "I find that your company will teach me much about Cairhien." His eyes flicker a touch, his earlier comments that of jest. "But at least I am more educated on the ways of the noble Cairhien Lady. Foolish of me to compliment her on her beauty, or the delicious nature of her curves," Jerlon states these absently, as though they do not matter. "Or the warmth of her eyes, that allow a peak into her beauty within. No, no," Jerlon shakes his head. "I will speak of House Demmar, and the power it holds within Andor. Of how close it may be within reach of the crown, or at least in control of it, and think on the benefits of such a union would offer a Cairhien House."

Serenia appears to frown slightly at Jerlon, "Do not jest about something so serious. You, nor any man, could gain hold or control of the Crown of Andor. That is a woman's right by 3000 years tradition. Why seek a Cairhienin wife, when you could be out courting the Daughter-heir of Andor?"

"We all have our place," Jerlon responds a little more sumberly, perhaps the comments hitting a little closer to home. Or maybe he realizes he went a little too far. "There are those that will marry within Andor. Most will, in fact. Though I do believe Lord Maizran felt I was the better Lord for the mission here." Again, there is a hint of doubt whether he is to marry anyone. Or maybe he simply doesn't want too. "I hold no ambitions for the Queen's place, nor the daughter-heir."

"Yet you make claims that your House is within reach of the Crown of Andor. Those are bold statements, and ones that could land you into heaps of trouble, both here and there, if you are not careful." Again, Serenia turns the topic away from beauty and herself, to other more serious things.

"I assure you, Lady Serenia, it is only in jest," Jerlon reponds with a slight tone of irritation. "Clearly House Demmar can not take the Crown of Andor." And with that he takes a sip of his water, and lowering with a thud. "My words were hypothetical, it as simple as that. You may read more into them if you wish, though I'm certain it would do no good to spread rumors that an Andoran House has thoughts of starting wars within its own country for the crown." And just as quickly his choatic nature turns, leg twitching a little in impatience.

Perhaps the lady reads into something else entirely. Serenia dabs her lips with her cloth napkin, then settles it on the table, "I can see, perhaps, that I am wearing out my welcome with my little pointers here and there. Perhaps it is time for the luncheon to end...?" There is a hint of question to her voice, but before Jerlon can answer, Serenia already starts preparing to rise from her seat.

Another Lord would have handled the matter more smoothly, of course. Not Jerlon. "We are finished with lunch, after all," he notes her empty plate, though he seemed to barely touch at his. Standing with her, there is a slight sigh of regret, or losening tension, difficult to tell which. "The only pointers I see, were me feeling too at ease with you. It is by my accident, I apologize."

Serenia makes a show of allowing her skirts to fall into place and smoothing the wrinkles out of them. "No apology is needed. I just figured that all Andorans as blunt and straight forward as yourself, leaving nothing to question or to consider."She pauses briefly, raising her eyes boldly to regard Jerlon, "The meal was pleasant enough. I thank you for your hospitality and inviting me into your home."

Those words Jerlon will have to think over and over again before he gets any meaning in them, as there is a clear look of pondering on him. "And I thank you for your hospitality," the words come out a little strained as he walks to the glass doors that take you back into the entertainment hall. "It was pleasant up to the end," he notes, and perhaps proving her point.

With nothing more to really say, Serenia calmly follows Jerlon to the entry hall. Her eyes carefully scan the gardens once more, taking note of the various floura and fauna present there. Once inside the entrance hall, it can be noted that she does the same, only fussing occassionally with her dress.

"I am certain you will receive flowers in the morning," Jerlon notes with a tone of dislike in his words. "It will be in apology for making your afternoon unpleasant, as I'm surely will realise my fault by then." His arms fold behind his back as they walk.

A carefully composed mask of smoothness slips upon Serenia's features. Her voice rings out in her ever formal manner, "You need not send flowers. I have already said that there was no apology needed, Lord Demmar. Again, I thank you for the pleasant afternoon. I am sorry that I have worn out my welcome. It is I who should be apologizing." She continues to insist.

"Then I expect flowers in the morning," Jerlon notes as they head into the entrance hall. Difficult to read much more in his words then that. "If that is what you believe.

Entrance Hall: Demmar Manor, Cairhien

Serenia merely regards Jerlon's back with an odd expression - perhaps a little thankful that it cannot be seen. Again, she grows quiet as she walks along, merely letting the lord lead her to the door - whether to throw her out of the house, or show her nicely.

With the flair of his cloak, Jerlon opens the door for the yound Lady. "My invitation on both accounts still stand." There is a pause. "Which you had accepted," he notes more to himself then anything. "If matters are different, do let me know, otherwise I look forward to our dance." Yes, his tone shifts again, the once impatient Lord switching his tone.

Serenia gives Jerlon a curious look, her eyes holding the oddest expression. One might say she is confounded by the lord, "If you still wish me at your side at your ball, I will be there, Lord Demmar. I would not presume to think that you did, however, after I've made you uncomfortable." She pauses her steps right before the door, clasping her hands before her.

Jerlon's hands unfold from behind him, and actually go as far as to reach about her for a hug! Even with her arms clasped in front like that, and with the door open. Can't be good either way. With his breath warm on her ear, "And here I thought I was making you uncomfortable," he states quietly before retracting back. "It is at my fault, Lady Serenia. Please, think nothing more of it."

Surprise flitters across Serenia's features, but quickly gets pushed behind her mask. She seems almost flustered, unable to hide her cheeks from burning for a short period of time. With her hands clased in front of her, she thankfully cannot reciprocate the 'hug' given to her. "Until the ball then, Lord Demmar?" She asks, her tone never changing from its formal manner - despite the obvious difficulties she may be having.

Jerlon has difficulty holding back his pleased smile at the notice of her difficulties. Or maybe her flustered cheeks. With a respectiful bow, he nods. "Until the ball, Lady Serenia," he notes with only a hint of amusement.

Without saying anything else, and before Jerlon can do something else where the public can view it, Serenia makes her retreat from the Demmar Manor.