I Will Always Tell The Truth... ---&RPaward

[Chloro]

Awarded piecemeal for the entire Mayene-Tower conflict.

*********************************************

Oh what webs we weave when Aes Sedai first learn how to not tell a lie... See the Mayene Conflict for further information.

View of Chloro
Participants: Chloro, Rebeka, Azareth, Dennel.

Tower Square
This side of the square is the southern section of the Tower Square.
In the center is the walled off White Tower. To the south a large
boulevard opens up leading to the Southharbor. To the north you see
the southern gate of the Tower grounds. The square continues east
and west.
A large banner rests here, depicting a map of Tar Valon.
[ obvious exits: N E S W ]
Zone: Tar Valon
Door north: TarlomensGate
A flatbed wagon rocks back and forth on spoked wheels.
A marble bench, flecked with gold and bronze, adorns the floor.
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
An elaborately sculpted marble fountain splashes merrily.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
Rebeka Nerida, Aes Sedai is standing here.
A Tower Guard watches for signs of trouble.
A sailor is here.
A gray palfrey prances skittishly nearby.

Rebeka says 'Well, I saw you moving this way Sister.'

Azareth has arrived from the west, riding a gray palfrey.

Azareth flourishes grandly.

Chloro says 'It will be nice having a non-battle sister back in the tower.'

Chloro wink's suggestively at Rebeka.

Rebeka chuckles politely.

Azareth stops riding a gray palfrey.

Rebeka says 'Well, I've seen a fair bit of fighting but I do not seek it out, no.'

Azareth says 'ladies'

Chloro nods in respect to Azareth. "I hope your journey was well Azareth.

Azareth says 'or should i say gray ladies'

Azareth says 'gradies?'

Rebeka inclines her head in greeting to Azareth.

Chloro chuckles politely.

Rebeka says 'Well, let's not go quite that far.'

Rebeka looks at Azareth.

Chloro says 'Azareth please meet my sister Rebeka Sedai, newly returned to us from the field.'

Azareth nods at Rebeka.

Rebeka says 'So long in it, I think weeds were growing on me.'

Azareth says 'A pleasure.'

Rebeka gives a small smile.

Azareth says 'I enjoy meeting with cool heads that are willing to put in the work when needed.'

Chloro says 'Shall we move to a more private location?'

Azareth starts following you.

Rebeka says 'That would probably be best.'

Meeting Room of the Gray Ajah
Large, leaded glass windows surround the room on all sides, save the
southern where a large doorway leads out into a antechamber. The room
itself is dominated by a large wooden table around which sits at least
fifty matching chairs, something close to a record for the White Tower. In
the middle of the table are an assortment of unused parchments, quill pens
and stoppered ink jars. A small stand off to one side of the room holds a
large number of glass cups and a large pitcher of chilled water. An
inscription in fine lettering is etched upon the windows.
[ obvious exits: E ]
Zone: White Tower Upper Floors
Door east: door
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
A large man eyes the surroundings warily, every movement fluid.
A silver-haired Aes Sedai sits here, reading.
A Gray Sister walks here, considering her options.
Annoura Larisen is here, weighing your words.
Azareth has arrived from the east.
Rebeka has arrived from the east.

Chloro gestures at the doors with her hand.

The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.

Azareth looks at a silver-haired Aes Sedai.

Chloro gives a nod of respect to Annoura and moves to her high-backed chair on the south-western bend of the table. "Please be seated Azareth, hopefully we can extinguish this political fire."

Azareth says 'I appreciate your invitation. It seems events since last we met have drawn attention from some who expressed no interest prior.'

Rebeka tells you ‘Though why don't we have actual chairs here?'

Chloro says 'Annoura I believe we need more chairs sister.'

Rebeka moves to a chair nearby to Chloro and settles in, smoothing her skirts.

Annoura Larisen steps out, then returns with an Accepted following close behind.

Annoura Larisen says 'Child, help us move some of these chairs around the table.'

A dutiful Accepted gets a last chair and sets it with the others around a large table.
A dutiful Accepted drops a stout oaken chair.

A dutiful Accepted dips into a final curtsy and leaves with haste.

Azareth dusts off his pants as he stands.

Azareth sits down on a stout oaken chair.
Azareth sheathes a silver-winged basilard into a camouflaged hood.

Rebeka sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Chloro nods and formally takes her seat. "Have there been any developments from Mayene after the statement?"

Azareth says 'The one released by the Hall of Sitters?'

Chloro maintains a mask of serene calm but smiles through her voice. "Yes, that would be the one."

Azareth says 'I penned a response and decided to deliver it privately. You should have received a copy. Since then, I have heard another Sedai was seeking audience with Winged Guards that, for some reason, were not i.'

Azareth nods at a silver-haired Aes Sedai.

Chloro looks to Annoura then Rebeka, before returning focus to the second of Mayene. "Which sister would that be, Mariah?"

Azareth shakes his head.

Azareth says 'One I believe I have never met. Ash-something'

Rebeka raises an eyebrow.

Azareth says 'Ah, Ashlynn Sedai. I believe she released the statement.'

Azareth says 'I was unaware she had any interest in our situation.'

Chloro peers at Azareth already knowing who based on the description. "I see, and what did my sister have to say to the winged guard, and to which winged guard did she speak?

Azareth says 'I was told she spoke with Lord Dennel. I cannot understand why she sought audience as the subject matter seemed to be that she was leading the investigation into Lord Draz.'

Azareth says 'We of Mayene have no interest in what the White Tower does or does not do with Lord Draz. We have issued our terms of pardon to him, and I am told he is working toward that goal.'

Chloro internally rolls her eyes. "Well, the Hall of course will want to look into that matter. However, as the Hall, or Gray Ajah had no knowledge of her meeting with a member of your society. Did it damage our talks in any way?"

Azareth says 'It did not. It seems some have taken interest as there is now some publicity around the issue. I assume there is some favor to be gained by appearing to be involved with its resolution now that eyes are upon it.'

Azareth says 'You and I, and Mariah Sedai, have expended time and effort already. I should like to continue down that path.'

Rebeka says 'And while I understand Lord Dennel is above you in terms of your ranks, is he the one leading these talks for Mayene? Or is it more that opportunity you just mentioned?'

Azareth says 'Lord Dennel has been uninvolved. He, while of notable rank, is not a Second of Mayene.'

Chloro raises an eyebrow at the mention of favor gained. "I am not aware of any favor to be gained, though I could see how some being misguided might think that."

Azareth says 'I should not say uninvolved. He has been residing in Tar Valon to keep an eye on the mood of the city.'

Azareth rolls his eyes...sheesh!..

Azareth says 'speak of the devilish'

Chloro smiles warmly at Rebeka. "Second Azareth has been Leading talks with the help of Lady Naomi when needed."

Rebeka says 'But not charged with its resolution. Oh, hmm.'

Azareth says 'Would Lord Dennel be allowed to join us?'

Azareth says 'He is waiting outside the Tower, somewhat patiently.'

Chloro blinks in slight surprise and nods. "All who fight the shadow are welcome in Tar Valon, and anyone willing to work on a resolution to this matter is welcome here."

Rebeka says 'Should I go and fetch him, Sister?'

Chloro says 'If you would sister, please.'

Rebeka gestures with her hand.

The door smoothly swings open.

Rebeka says 'I'll return shortly with his Lordship.'

Rebeka has arrived from the east.
Dennel has arrived from the east.

Azareth tells you 'i imagine some backup will be nice'

Rebeka gestures at the doors with her hand.

The door silently swings shut and lock with a soft *click*.

Dennel slips and makes a clatter entering the room.

Dennel bows deeply.

Rebeka says 'And here we are.'

Chloro looks up from her seat and gives a nod of respect to Lord Dennel. "Welcome to the White Tower."

Dennel nods at Rebeka.

Azareth nods at Dennel.

Rebeka sits down on a stout oaken chair.

Dennel says 'My thanks'

Azareth says 'So glad you could join us.'

Dennel beams a smile at Azareth.

Rebeka settles back into her chair near Chloro and smooths her skirts back out.

Chloro says 'Second Azareth was just enlightening us to your meeting with Ashlynn Sedai earlier.'

Dennel says 'Oh, it was nothing. '

Dennel says 'nothing'

Azareth says 'I received your summary about the meeting. I cannot divine any purpose to it aside from letting it be known she was important.'

Dennel moves to stand by the Second of Mayene.

Dennel says 'no'

Dennel says 'It was to inform us that the Tower is on the case. '

Dennel says 'nothing more'

Chloro offers the spare chair to lord Dennel. "Please have a seat if you would like, all are equal at this table."

Dennel nods at you.

Azareth says 'I believe the entirety of Tar Valon has heard the terms of the pardon. What the White Tower does with him is no concern of Mayene's.'

Dennel sits at an available chair.

Azareth says 'I look forward to him resolving that issue, but have matters of our own to which we must attend.'

Rebeka says 'So shall we move on to what does concern Mayene?'

Chloro nods and looks to Azareth, "Indeed we do."

Chloro motions for Azareth to start.

Azareth says 'I will be blunt. Every effort of the White Tower so far seems to be toward lifting the banishment.'

Azareth says 'A treaty will inherently do that. Yet, there seems to be a drive to have the banishment lifted prior to the treaty.'

Dennel frowns.

Azareth says 'The fact that other members of your Hall of Sitters are now so interested only highlights the fact that they appeared uninterested before.'

Dennel says 'eating cake before its baked. '

Chloro listens to Azareth passing a piece of parchment to her sister Rebeka.

Azareth says 'Another example of disregarding Mayene. What reason have I to believe that, once the banishment is lifted, these other members of your Hall will not simply forget about the issue again?'

Chloro raises her hand for a moment before speaking.

Rebeka looks over the parchment, perusing it quickly as she listens to the others.

Chloro says 'We received word from Lord Bertain Galenne, Lord Captain of the Winged Guard. Those treaty talks were stalemated until a public statement was made and found sufficient by Mayene. Has this been done?"'

Azareth says 'Not quite. The statement lacked the apology he required.'

Dennel says 'and acknowledgement'

Chloro nods, "Then by your own Lord Captain, until it is done treaty negotiations are off the table, a pity for me."

Dennel says 'seems a simple fix'

Dennel says 'is the tower sorry for what has occurred?'

Chloro lifts her hands weighing the odds on the scales before looking to each of the Winged Guards. "I will explain to you the issue with it, and we shall see if you have any insight."

Azareth says 'Well, Lord Dennel. Did Ashlynn Sedai apologize on behalf of the White Tower when you met with her earlier?'

Dennel says 'no'

Chloro says 'This began by a over zealous member of the winged guard shouting that sitters had defamed Lady Berelain. No proof has been found and now the Winged Guard wish to hold the Tower liable for stalling a negotiation they began in the first place. This is what the hall is debating.'

Azareth nudges Dennel suggestively with his elbow.

Chloro says 'I can see both sides of this argument, some of my sisters cannot. '

Azareth says 'She means 'Tino, by the way.'

Azareth says 'I mean, who else would she mean?'

Dennel says 'the Tower keeps circling back to make a case. That horse has bolted. '

Chloro raises her left eyebrow ever so slightly. "The Winged Guard are pressing for a treaty and an Apology for the same, are they not?"

Dennel says 'I believe Mayenes expectations are reasonable and clear. '

Dennel says 'we are not beating around the bush'

Dennel says 'no clever words '

Chloro says 'Clear yes, reasonable, that is up to the person hearing them.'

Azareth says 'An apology is required, as we all know. A treaty here is like a scar, strengthening the skin over a wound.'

Rebeka says 'Whatever did happen to this ah, 'Tino?'

Chloro sits back and lets her sister take over for a bit.

Dennel says 'is it so hard for the Sisters of the Tower to say sorry? truly? if so we are lost'

Azareth says 'Happen to? What would need happen to him? He is off on some mission or another.'

Dennel nods at Azareth.

Dennel says 'circling back again'

Rebeka says 'Ah, I see. I'm just trying to catch up actually. I've been away from current events for a while. But do you dispute he did slander or just want to brush it under the rug or did nobody hear it?'

Azareth says 'Ah. I think you may have misheard.'

Rebeka says 'So enlighten me, please.'

Azareth says 'The slander was in the form of derogatory statements about the environment of Mayene and unseemly statements about Lady Berelain. The personal feelings of Tower members is not my concern. My concern lies in the fact those personal opinions were made public enough that there is no clear way for me to determine if they were said by ones acting in representation of the White Tower.'

Azareth says 'Now, however...'

Azareth says 'The Sitters are debating whether this slander ever occurred. Let us assume for a moment the Sitters decide that lack of evidence means no apology is needed.'

Azareth says 'If that comes to pass, do they expect the banishment to simply disappear?'

Rebeka says 'I'd hope they wouldn't expect that, no. Though I can't answer to the thoughts of all the Sitters. But who do you expect to issue this apology? The Amyrlin? The hall? The one that violated the banishment?'

Azareth says 'Rebekah Sedai, I would accept the apology from you here, now, if you were invested with the power to issue said apology on behalf of Tar Valon.'

Dennel nods in agreement.

Rebeka tells you 'So who slandered who here? Sounded like one of theirs did so too? Or am I wrong in what I saw written about this?'

Chloro leans close to her sister and whispers in her ear.

Dennel stops using tenderizer, kitchen mallet of house Du Lis.

Dennel holds his hands behind his back.

Rebeka says 'Sadly, I'm afraid not many of the sisters here even remember me. Let alone have charged me with such power, I'm not certain as to who all even knows I am back.'

Dennel looks at you.

Dennel says 'surely you Chloro Sedai could appologies?'

Rebeka says 'But I get what you mean. So, if one were so charged though, just saying it right here and now would be all you want?'

Rebeka says 'In way of apology I mean.'

Chloro looks to both Azareth and Dannel, her exotic grays seeming to pierce their souls. "You are asking me to do something that could have me dragged before the hall, and birched."

Dennel says 'thats the first part'

Azareth says 'I would record your words, release them publicly in Mayene, which, along with the Hall's decree, would be sufficient.'

Azareth says 'I do not expect that apology at this moment. I understand there is a level of bureaucracy involved.'

Dennel stares at the sky.

Chloro says 'You were not trained in the tower Lady Berelain was. Would you risk having your back raked apart by a birch branch in order to state something you have no proof to be apologizing for? Would Mayene offer me a safe harbor if I did this?"'

Dennel says 'saying sorry is easy'

Dennel says 'for example'

Dennel says 'I am sorry i am here right now'

Dennel says 'see'

Azareth snickers softly.

Dennel says 'we should leave there is no movement here today '

Azareth says 'Lady Chloro, I wish no ill upon you. Were it in my power, I would have you visit Mayene today.'

Dennel bites his tongue.

Rebeka says 'Oh yes, that sort of sorry always is easy. I'm sorry for you being here as well.'

Azareth grins at Dennel.

Azareth says 'She got you there.'

Dennel beams a smile at Rebeka.

Dennel says 'Thank you Rebeka Sedai'

Azareth says 'I believed we were making headway but it seems your Hall is balking at something.'

Dennel says 'there is hope'

Rebeka says 'As you said, bureaucracy. I would like to visit Mayene, it’s one of the places I have not gone in my travels. So, I do want this to end, yes.'

Chloro looks to Dennel seeing Azareth from the corner of her eye. "I am sorry the four of us are in this room discussing this matter of someone supposedly slandering Lady Berelain for which no proof has been given yet Mayene wishes to use as a bargaining chip to exert its influences. I am sorry if your people may have felt any delay from the Tower, as we have attempted to bring this to a peaceful resolution over now.. Four months on both sides of this table.."

Azareth says 'So are we hung up on requiring proof that Mayene has been insulted?'

Dennel says 'Bertains requirement is clear. what is there to discuss'

Chloro says 'If Lady Berelain questions the sovereignty that she has given air to since the age of sixteen, i doubt the hall could fix that. She does claim to descend from Artur Hawkwing does she not? He did rule over a mostly united Continent did he not?'

Dennel says 'stop poking form different angles'

Dennel says 'The Tower is in the wrong and action is required. '

Chloro looks to her sister then to Dennel "An Aes Sedai will always speak the truth, but the truth that you hear may not always be what is said."

Dennel says 'Then speak as clearly as possible so not to confuse a man like me'

Chloro says 'This began with an accusation, and if the Second of Mayene picked up on key words in what I just said, another could possibly be made. '

Azareth says 'Lady Berelain sits comfortably in leadership of her sovereign terrority. We find it strange that we must constantly endure the constant threat of an enemy in Tear, while the rest of the world entertains Tairen claims that we are part of their nation.'

Azareth says 'We asked for no allies in that conflict. Nothing changes for anyone outside of Mayene.'

Chloro says 'Indeed, I was fascinated with her political maneuvering, had she the ability to channel perhaps she would have one day gone Gray.'

Rebeka says 'Though Tar Valon and the White Tower wish to treaty with Lady Berlain, with Mayene, with the Winged Guard and made that publicly known. No treaty could be had with a sub-domain, it would go through Tear if that was truly the case.'

Azareth says 'If I may slow this down.'

Chloro speaks very clearly and with perfect pitch. "As you have stated Lady Berelain protects the perceived sovereignty of her territory as she sees fit."

Azareth says 'I may need to work backwards here.'

Rebeka nods to Azareth.

Azareth says 'Rebeka Sedai, I acknowledge that a public statement has been made in which the Hall of Sitters has proclaimed the White Tower is in negotiations with Mayene. I understand that implication that Mayene is therefore self-governing.'

Azareth says 'Lady Chloro...'

Azareth says 'I, representing Mayene, accept your apology.'

Dennel looks at Azareth.

Chloro looks to Dennel. "Think of the phrase I said to you, and rethink of the words I have said. I sincerely meant that apology, as said."

Azareth says 'I will send word to Lord Bertain and he will notify Lady Berelain that negotiations may continue.'

Dennel says 'sorry if...'

Chloro says 'I will send a transcript of this conversation to the hall.'

Dennel nods in agreement.

Rebeka says 'As I am sure you will to your people.'

Azareth says 'My last message to you about the treaty still applies. I hope Rebeka Sedai gets a chance to review it.'

Rebeka says 'I have been catching up on paperwork. Its rather stacked high for me, but I think I'll move to the bottom and work my way up.'

Chloro maintains a mask of serene calm, eyes smiling in self-satisfaction. "Rebeka Sedai will be brought up to speed as soon as she is able. Let’s not scare her away just yet.."

Azareth smacks his palms on his knees and says 'Welp...'

Azareth clambers to his feet.

Rebeka clambers to her feet.

Dennel stands.

Azareth says 'Thank you both for your time. And thank you, Lord Dennel, for making yourself available.'

Dennel nods at Azareth.

Azareth says 'I will retire in the city and, if there are revisions to review, I will be available.'

Rebeka says 'My thanks as well, and I do hope to talk to you all in the future. And to see your home.'

Chloro gracefully stands letting her shawl slip down to the crooks of her shoulders laying low against her waist "We thank you for traveling to see us."

Azareth says 'I would see myself out, but I have no idea where I am.'

Rebeka says 'I'll be happy to show you both the way out.'

Azareth beams a smile at Rebeka.

[Dennel]

The search for a hidden meaning.

A Small Room
The room is dimly lit and the brick walls are covered with plain linens to
block out sounds from both in and outside. A large table dominates the
room's northern end, surrounded by several chairs that have been used
regularly and for a long time by the worn looks of them. Despite the shabby
looks of the room, it is clean and there is even an expensive-looking
carpet covering the cold stone floor.
[ obvious exits: S ]
Zone: Mayene
Door south: [redacted]
A large round table built from black oak dominates the center of the room.
A tall and slim woman stands in the shadows, watching her surroundings.

Dennel takes his regular place at the large round table and rubs his hands across the black oak surface.

Dennel thinks back on the recent meeting in Tar Valon and on the exotic grey eyes of Lady Chloro Arovni. Sitter of the Gray Ajah. Aes Sedai.

Dennel lowers his head closes his eyes as he tries to recall Lady Chloro’s words exactly.

Chloro looks to her sister then to Dennel ‘An Aes Sedai will always speak the truth, but the truth that you hear may not always be what is said.’

Dennel frowns and keeps rubbing his hands over the cool, soothing surface of the table.

Dennel mutters to himself ‘There was more to it than that, think man.’

Dennel in his minds eye recollects Chloro looking at him with those strange gray eyes and saying ‘Think of the phrase I said to you, and rethink of the words I have said. I sincerely meant that apology, as said.’

Dennel sits back in his chair as his eyes snap open. Standing quickly, he begins his advance across the room to a small foldable desk.

Dennel nods graciously at [redacted] and looks at the corkboard on the wall above the desk.

[redacted] says ‘I did my best at short notice Lord Dennel. You have paper, your silver nibbed quill, red ink and the transcript from the meeting with the Tower. I could not, well, would not procure you the keg of ale though.’

Dennel nods absently, already lost in his own thoughts, looks at the hastily sketched likeness of Lady Chloro, the charcoal skilfully capturing her essence.

Dennel plucks a pin from the corkboard and pins it to a map of Tar Valon.

Dennel takes a length of yellow twine and attaches it, in a straight line, between two pins, one in Tar Valon and the other in the sketch of Lady Chloro.

Dennel stands back and admires his work. A board full of images, maps, names and sketches all linked by an extensive crisscrossing of yellow twine, absorbs his attention.

Dennel points to the corkboard and looks wild eyed at [redacted] tearing his hair out as he seek affirmation.

Dennel nods to himself and slumps into his chair at the desk.

Dennel pulls the transcript across the desk and grabs the silver nibbed quill, dipping it in the ink well.

Dennel relaxes and allows his eyes to wander without focusing on the details of the transcript and begins generally scanning for key words and patterns.

Dennel slowly circles word after word in red ink until his task is complete, then copies the marked words to a clean white sheet of paper.

Dennel looks perplexed at the words scrawled before him on the paper “Four Lady bargaining to delay a resolution….”

Dennel muses ‘What could this mean?’

Dennel angrily screws up the sheet of paper into a tight ball and throws it from his sight with a resounding ‘NYEHHH!’

Dennel regains his composure and reaches for a fresh sheet of white paper to begin the process again.