Event: Serenia meets Jerlon for the first time. The chat about various things and the Andoran lord manages to make a few social blunders.
Cast:
Serenia - Cairhinin Noble
Jerlon - Andoran Noble
Relovic - Cairhienin Noble

Location: Courtyard: Sun Palace, Cairhien

Quietly, casually, Serenia appears to be making her way toward the Royal Guardens, a favorite haunt of hers within the Palace walls. She gracefully lifts her hand in a delicate manner, and hides a yawn behind her fingers. Despite the early morning bustle of the crowd around her, she still manages to look a smidge tired. She smiles pleasantly, almost cheerfully, to those nearby, studying them with a set of eyes that betrays not one emotion.

Lord Jerlon takes the attention of a Palace maid, as he speaks to her in a quiet tone. Eyes continue to search the crowd, and soon the maid joins in. It doesn't take long for her to point the young Lady making her way toward the gardens. Jerlon nods in thanks, and skips a few steps forward as he makes his way toward the young Lady. "Lady Serenia?" he asks in question a few steps behind.

Serenia pauses midstep, leg poised lightly in the air. A puzzled expression crosses Serenia's features, almost seeming as if she dreamed hearing her name. Slowly, she lowers her foot and turns herself around, eyes searching for the person who called her - afterall, there is a crowd.

Not everyone stops and turns when their name is called. Sometimes they just keep walking and turn their heads. Well, Jerlon was rushing forward, and not thinking much. The point being, as she stops midstepped, the person that was calling for her pumps right into her stumbling forward. An arm reaches around her waist as he takes a step outward to hold them both in place. There is a moment of hesitation as he repeats her name. "Lady Serenia?" Then he begins to release his arm. "I am Lord Jerlon Demmar?" The question in his tone asks if he recognizes the name.

A little 'oofing' sound is made by the Lady as Jerlon stumbles into her. She, of course, loses her balance and stumbles with him. Once settled, Serenia turns a curious gaze on Jerlon - one that is mixed with a small bit of annoyance that she could not manage to keep back. "Yes, that is my name..." She answers, gently using her hands to remove Jerlon's from her waist. As she does, she seems almost flustered. "I have heard the name, but never met the face that went along with it." An odd thing for Serenia, who usually makes a point of doing such things. Then again, she is Cairhienin, and Jerlon is Andoran.

The Lord actually turns a little red in the cheeks, and this clearly isn't typical for him. Perhaps charming at other times, he's clearly off his key with the bad start,taking a step backwards from her in a safer distance. "Yes, Lord Jerlon," he repeats his name. "A pleasure to meet you. I..." Jerlon stops. There was a reason he had wanted to speak with her. And of course now his train of thought is gone. His tone takes on a more official form as he collects his thoughts in a long breath. "As you may have heard, House Demmar has taken the opportunity to purchase a manor in the estate district. I've made it my job to greet neighbours."

"Indeed, I have heard something of the sort." Serenia returns, her voice a rich Cairhienin accent. Gently, she folds her hands before her, eyes still gazing upon the Lord as she studies him. "I am quite sorry that I had not yet had a chance to come... visit... with you."

Jerlon's eyes settle on her brown eyes, a touch of doubt showing on her words. "Not many have," he notes with a smirk even. "Though perhaps this entire Andoran House taking residence within your walls? Surely not the first," Jerlon shrugs. "Regardless, it is only an attempt to build trade relations between House Demmar and those Houses within Cairhien. It would be a pleasure to have you by the House, Lady Serenia."

The young noble woman dips her head in a polite nod. "And, I am certain it will be a pleasure to stop in," she answers in a soft voice, eyes flickering to those nearby. A small frown touches her features briefly as she notices those who've stopped to 'listen' in on the conversation. "When would be a good time for you, Lord Demmar?" She inquires.

"For lunch in a few hours?" Lord Jerlon suggests. "If it pleases you. Otherwise, in a few days for dinner." His eyes play across the Cairhien for a moment, taking a moment to now actually consider her in fashion. Well, she does not look too dangerous, thouch clearly Cairhien. His inexperience among nobles shows, if only a little, as he takes little consideration in those around them. Even the small group that has slowly been moving their way in a quiet conversation. "I know you are busy, we can make other arrangements, if you wish. Or I may join you now for your walk."

Before answering, the young woman looks about to see who might be listening in on the conversation. To the untrained in the Game, it may simply be appearing as if she is considering the question and nothing more. "I think lunch might be the better option." She turns her attention back to Jerlon, "But we can walk together anyway, to discuss that option. I was just on my way to enjoy a morning walk in the gardens."

Well, finally Jerlon takes on in his usual form. A well maintained smile soon takes over, charming even, as he nods. "As you wish, m'lady," he notes with a polite bow, shifting his body forward and towards the garden. There is a moment of hesitation before he offers his arm though. "I'm not certain of your customs here in Cairhien?" he asks quietly, eyes looking to the arm. "You take this walk each morning?"

Serenia glances at the arm herself, a bemused smile touching her eyes. "Most customs are the same where ever you go, Lord Demmar." Her voice holds an ever formal note. A quick glance to see who is looking, she reaches out to delicately take the arm offered. For some reason, this ensures a few glares in Jerlon's direction, and Serenia's smile to increase just a bit more. "Indeed, nearly every morning. It depends on the weather."

Is Jerlon really absent of all the glares? You'd think he might be, with that broad smile that looks to the direction of those that pay special attention to the pair. It is a smile that hints at more. Either he is very foolish, or he notices the increase of her smile as the glares come in their direction. Regardless, Jerlon escorts Serenia within the gardens. "With the exception of everyone being a little smaller, I rather like Cairhien," he notes as they pass a particularly shorter group of nobles. enters the Royal Gardens.

Palace Gardens: Sun Palace, Cairhien

A soft chuckle lingers in the air at Jerlon's words, "Indeed... you've something against short people?" Amused eyes regard Jerlon at his words, as Serenia moves into the gardens with the young andoran nobleman.

Jerlon smiles in response. "Not at all. I rather enjoy being a touch taller then most. And I've always preferred shorter women," he notes with a wink. How well those comments come out just as they pass a few more members of Cairhien Houses. It could not be all coincidence. Somehow though, as though living among sisters, he prepares for a wack back for that comment.

Some of Serenia's amusement leaves her eyes at Jerlon's comment about women. Instead, the young woman raises a brow slightly, and allows for her hands to fall at her sides. Careful notation might be seen amongst those same watching, and a few smug expressions touch the eyes of those following Jerlon's movements since he started moving with the young Cairhienin noblewoman. "Do you enjoy morning walks, Lord Jerlon...?" She changes the subject.

Pushing his luck, Jerlon chuckles a touch before nodding. "Yes, very much so. Though not often within the Palace. Not always I feel welcomed, and even less invited," he notes. "Though there will be a ball within the Demmar Manor in a few short weeks. The Queen herself has accepted the invitation. With that in mind, I will be sending out others as well. Clearly a good way to draw out the Nobles into an Andoran House?" Jerlon asks with a smile.

"The Queen herself...?" Serenia returns, a small note of interest in her eyes. "That is quite a claim."

Jerlon chuckles at the thought. "As I've said, I waited for her acceptance of my invitation before sending out invites to others." Now clearly, with the Queen being there, there must be something amist. "Tell me, do you hear much during these walks?" he asks in a more quiet tone. "Is that why you take them, to get a feel of those about? Or is it for enjoyment?" "Enjoyment."

"Enjoyment.... purely." Serenia lies of course, though the smile on her features, and her other expressions, do not show it. "I love to come out first thing in the morning and smell the roses, particularly during the spring.

"The spring," Jerlon repeats her last words as they make their way through. He does lead her in a path away from the prying ears. Or at least far enough away, though surely some follow them without actually following them. "Tell me, what am I to expect from the Queen?" he asks in a quieter tone. Direct, these Andorans.

Relovic wanders idly into the gardens, pausing down the path as he notices others are talking within. One of the few times he does not mind the acute hearing that has come over him as he pauses and listens, catching the mention of his wife.

Serenia gives a small shrug of her shoulders, answering Jerlon, "I cannot say, exactly. I have never been close to her Majesty."

Jerlon nods to that, almost a boyish look hinting at his appearance. "Well, I do look forward to meeting her," he notes in a moment before eyes turn to the others about. Always a Cairhien somewhere listening to them, it seems. He attempts his best smile at Relovic, as to the few others that are nearby.

Serenia seems to catch Jerlon's glance, and follows it. Upon seeing Relovic, she half-bows, half-curtsies to the lord, "Your Highness..." Her voice speaks with a touch of noted respect.

Relovic nods, still not quite use to the extra bowing from those who were his equals only months before. "Greetings Lady and Lord. How do you fare this day?" He says, striding closer since it seems he is found out.

Jerlon bows to Relovic with a slight smile. "Your Higness," he greets with an open hand. "It is a surprise to see you here." Odd, considering they're in the palace. "The day fares well."

Serenia rises slowly, allowing the proper time to pass after giving respect to one of her betters. "Well, your Highness..." Serenia answers, eyes curiously taking in the scene before her, most notably, how Jerlon handles himself.

Relovic ignores Jerlon for the moment, whether because he is male or because he is an Andoran noble is unclear. Instead he turns towards Serenia and bows slightly. "I do not believe I have had the pleasure to meet you yet, Lady..." he waits for the name to be provided as his golden eyes, which seem somehow less notable because of the afternoon sun, take her in.

There is a clear look of expectancy on Jerlon at Relovic's first point of interest, his arms folding behind his back as he watches. A touch of amusement shows on his expression, just enough to hint at his thoughts on this.

"Serenia..." This is a turn of surprise for the lady. She tilts her head to the side a bit and adds, "of the Council of Lords." Delicately she lifts a hand and pushes a wisp of brown hair from her eyes.

Relovic nods, "Of course. Excuse me for not recognizing you Lady Serenia, I have not often had the pleasure of dealing with the Council." Still he ignores Jerlon, though now it seems more as if it is because of his foreign nature.

"My words exactly," Jerlon states as he turns to Serenia with a grin. One that could soon fade, of course, though somehow no matter what the reaction of this, it would be doubtful. "No wonder few address me within the Courtyard, as I have yet to have an invitation from the Highness himself to stand within these walls," he notes in a tone that can be taken in many ways. Turning to Relovic, he tilts his head a touch, an odd smile overcoming Jerlon. "Forgive me, Your Highness. I will simply stand off with the commoners, where my blood is more worthy. A tragedy really, I do hope your plants to not wilt at my sight." Well, his words can be taken in jest, or otherwise.

"It is not often that the Council meets, now that we have a Queen upon the throne." The young noble woman returns, a hint of pride in her voice, "But there are still small nuances that we attend to." She pauses her words as Jerlon speaks, eyeing him thoughtfully, then paling. She glances between Relovic and the andoran lord, taking notice of those other glances about the gardens.

Relovic glances at Jerlon at last. "Ah, pardon me, I had not noticed you Lord... Jerlon is it not. The Andoran?" Pausing he takes a moment to think, or at least appear to. "Were you not throwing a party? Yes, hmm. Perhaps I shall attend in the place of the Queen, for she is ever so busy you know." A slight grin as he turns towards Serenia, dismissing Jerlon for the moment. "Yes, it is good to have one who knows what she is about upon the throne. Yet still the Council is useful."

Relovic smiles politely while he says all of this.

"Useful as long as we are put to use, your Highness..." Serenia chimes, seemingly looking at a bed of roses not to disassociate herself from Jerlon. "Which we ar from time to time..." She adds.

Relovic nods to Serenia. "And the Queen values the advice you give when you are put to use." Pausing he glances at the same bed of roses the she looks at, "Lovely, are they not." Not waiting for an answer he nods again to Serenia, "It was a pleasure to meet you. But duty calls." He nods to Jerlon.

Matters being discussed not for his meager ears, Jerlon smiles on. "Andoran indeed." Leaning forward to Relovic, as though sharing a secret with him on his area of birth. Bowing most formaly again. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness," he notes, and even pulls over his cloak with the bow. "Until next time..." his voice trails with a touch of a smile.

Serenia turns once more and bows to Relovic, "Good evening, your Highness." She murmurs gently.

Relovic smiles and walks by, passing down a different path that leads back to the palace.