This is an evolving story of a few brave Tower women and one Gaidin aiding the people of the north. Who knows how it will end, but in time, the end comes for us all.
Participants: Chloro, Celese, Liia, Maddy, Arelis, Rylea.
!!Please do not Grade until “The End” is posted”!!
A winter chill wafted through the small arched window in the room when the wind blew too hard. Such was the price of living as high as one did, in this area of the Tower. Closing the leather-bound folder before her, Chloro stood from her high-backed chair at the large round table and stretched, flexing the muscles in her legs and arms. She had been working late again, would Lara’s still have a kettle on, or a sweet cake to replenish her? Perhaps she might do best, to venture outside the Tower tonight, and get some fresher air. The air seemed staler than usual since the blight had been pouring fourth Trollocs for months now, more than she had seen in decades. Reports of the blight spreading south and west did not help at all. Time, so little time, and yet so much to do.
Moving to the wall near the door she pulled her royal blue cloak trimmed in gold embroidery and black fox fur. A gift from the wisdom near Whitebridge, for settling things after the dispute that nearly caused a rift with Andor. That seemed ages ago now, when it had only been a few years. Fewer girls had come to the Tower since then as well. Chloro’s mind wandered through the endless possibilities as she walked the long corridors onto the third-floor gallery. Which set of double doors would be the first to be sealed shut when the last of that Ajah faded with no one to replace them. It was a path few needed to consider in the past, but now it was rising to the surface in some discussion circles.
Her heels clacked on the stone as she took the three flights down to the hallway off the intersection of the Tower, where people could come to seek aid or air their grievances. It was dimly lit now, nearly quarter past eleven. No Novices bending the knee or Accepted being mistaken for full sisters attempting to listen to those who needed help, all asleep now, save for one who faced her fears below. A smart, though brash girl, Liconda would make a fine sister one day, if she could learn to lean on others when she needed to. That was her road to travel though.
A smile touched Chloro’s lips as she walked south towards the gate and the Tower square. Her sisters had begun the weave to waken the arches, she could feel the strength of saidar as they wove it this way and that. It was a saving grace to not sit for this one, Grays were often thought to be free enough to do it on the regular, they were anything but. Chloro inclined her head in greeting as she passed two Red sisters speaking with a woman near the gates, probably arranging for stronger spirits to be brought. Some Reds could put the Yellows to shame with how much they consumed.
Sweet smells wafted from a stall still open to the left of the fountain, meat pies and savories with a slight hint of mint. Perhaps they had her favorite, it was rare to find them in this city, southerners had such weak tastes. Reaching to her left she pulled up a small coin purse, made of simple deer skin dried and softened, two crowns should do it. Approaching the shop, she nearly let a grin break her mask of calm, they did have them.
“It is rare to find one open so late, and rare still to find these. A ginger tart please and cup of your strongest broth.” Said Chloro, a bit of vigor in her voice."
Chloro sighed in relief after paying the woman and taking her first bite of the tart, they had found candied peal to, that gave a bit of a bite. A good omen for the days ahead she hoped. The broth was beef with the tendon still boiling away in the large pot. Hearty, yet nourishing, in the best possible way. The night air and a good treat lightened her spirits as the soft padding of foot falls approached from the left.
“House Arovni stands strong” came in a deep, yet young voice.
Chloro’s eyes bulged as she nearly choked on the tart, how could someone have known, how could anyone in this city have known, she had painstakingly kept that part hidden. Whirling around she looked at a man, more a boy really of sixteen. His features placed him as a Kandori, but his eyes and voice placed him more Shienarian.
“Boy, where did you come by that information, and who sold it to you?”
The young man put his hands up in surrender to stave off Chloro’s bone chilling stare, her cloak lifting slighting in the breeze.
“I mean no hard Lady Chloro, um Aes Sedai, Um… Well bloody ashes, the Reader sent me. Blame the Reader she said it would get your attention.”
Chloro’s left eyebrow raised ever so slightly as she stared on, taking in every feature of the boy. “What Reader, and why does she seek to poke an Aes Sedai?”
The boy breathed in deep and shivered slightly under Chloro’s hawk eyes. “Reader Nadira, of Dingsta sent me, she said you would have a letter waiting for you. Shall I tell her you will come, that you will bring others?”
Chloro thought back to earlier that day, a pigeon had arrived and her sister Corsvin had said it looked like it was personal. She had brushed it aside for reading later, surely it could not be that important. Sighing, she pulled out a coin balancing the tart and broth in her left hand, she tossed a gold crown to the boy. “Return home, I will reply to her the same way she sent it, and if I catch wind, you have uttered any title of mine, you’ll find out exactly how quick and Aes Sedai can hunt you down. Now off home with you!”
She watched the boy scamper off, a little fear in his stride before she marched towards the Tower. The possibilities of what could be in that letter bombarded her mind as she walked past others offering no greeting or small talk, a mystery needed to be solved.
***********
A half hour later she reached her apartment within the Gray wing, having narrowly escaped a request for a private lesson from a social climbing Novice. The letter lay on her bedside table sealed with red wax and a rearing horse within it. The parchment was stained and looked as if it had aged in a desk drawer that was seldom opened. Lifting it she examined the corners for clues, and found none, with a flick of her thumbnail she broke the seal. Jagged script greeting her eyes in black ink.
“Chloro Sedai,
I hope you are well, and I hope this finds you in good graces. Trollocs raid further south, and the blight is now only a mile away from us. I ask you as a woman of Kandor, a daughter of our people for aid against what we will face this winter. Dingsta needs the Towers help, we may not survive the winter without it. Queen Ethenelle has not replied to us, please, Cloro Sedai, help us."
There was no signature, the script was rushed. It would have taken the boy a month by ship to reach here, which means the pigeon would have been sent close to a week ago. It was unlike Kandor to allow Trollocs to cross into it, without meeting the army’s steel. Still, a woman had petitioned for help, had it been a village woman she would have paused, but a Reader would only seek help from the Tower if it was desperately needed. It would be foolish to make an official visit, that would make the other Lords in the borderlands question the resolve of Kandor. A small group of Aes Sedai and Accepted paying an unofficial visit would not raise an eyebrow, it was on a well-traveled route many Sedai and their Warders took into the blight.
*********
Morning came with the sounds of hustle and bustle in the Tower, girls seeing to their lessons and chores, Aes Sedai seeing to their daily jobs. One short and plump maid with gray just starting in her mop of blonde walked among the corridors carrying letters. Slipping them under several doors before returning to her post, dressing the next Gray ambassador to Illian.
Chloro sat up in bed, her mind still reeling from the letter last night, and wondered if those she had chosen would respond to the call. A separate massager had been sent to Rylea, she had a choice, though Chloro doubted she would remain behind. Feeling the last of the night’s warmth she pulled the comforter up above her ample chest to rest a few more moments before preparation for travel began. The tang of ginger lingered in the air, from her half-eaten tart on the bedside table.
Flurries of Another Kind
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
Celeste Kel Astrada stared into the flame. Fire, it seemed to her, held some great secret and if she could just fathom it whole worlds would open up to her. Other than the small fire that crackled in the heath her room was ice cold, its window thrown open to admit the chill air. Her breath steamed infront of her face but she didn’t feel the chill. The Aes Sedai trick of ignoring the weather fascinated her, and in her own inimical fashion she had set out to see what would happen if she pushed it as far as she could. Frostbite was a risk of course, and she was careful to monitor herself with the delving weave to ensure she never pushed it over the limit but so far she had found she could extend her body's indifference to the world out to several hours at a time. She wondered if the same thing might be true for extreme heat and began to extend her hand towards the flame. The sound of paper whisking under her door broke her concentration and she pulled her hand back, suddenly shivering from the chill that had settled deep into her bones.
Sighing, she rose and embraced saidar, warming herself and her room with the ease of long practice. Moisture condensed on the windows and the mirror with the sudden warmth, running down the glass in gathering rivulets that ran over the frame and sills. Releasing the source she closed the window and crossed to the door. Stooping she picked up the letter and unfolding it. Her eyes scanned it in a few moments, a slight frown crossing her face. An invitation to Kandor? For a few seconds she considered it might be some kind of trick. There were a few points against it. The penmanship was excellent, the paper heavy and expensive, hardly the sort of thing a Whitecloak would use in some ill conceived attempt to snatch a Tower member. A genuine invitation then? From whom? And why her. She brought her powers of reason to bear, mentally running through those sisters with whom she recently had dealings. There was only one Saldaean on the list. Not that nationality was necessarily determinative, any Aes Sedai might undertake such a task. The list of names began to replay itself in her mind. Celeste ended the mental review. There was a sure and certain way to find out the particulars of the note.
Preparing to travel was simple enough. Like most Accepted her personal possessions were few and easily portable. She swept a few books and a writing case into her pack and closed it up, consigning the numerous books and scrolls to a neat heap on her small battered desk. The sword was where she had left it and she drew it forth, considering its weight for a few moment before belting it around her waist. She penned a quick note to Alison Sedai and slipped it into the normal hiding spot, then headed through the quiet halls of the White Tower.
Alison Sedai had told her that there would be many challenges between the ring and the shawl and Celeste began to grow excited about this one. What would she be called upon to do? The White Tower was a strange place, sometimes the tasks were so mundane as to put you to sleep, other times so momentous as to make you wonder if they were even possible. Her mind spun uselessly, caught in a state of too many possibilities and too little information. She used another of the meditation techniques to clear her mind, bringing herself into the equilibrium that best allowed her to gather and analyze information. Doubtless all would be revealed in due course.
Sighing, she rose and embraced saidar, warming herself and her room with the ease of long practice. Moisture condensed on the windows and the mirror with the sudden warmth, running down the glass in gathering rivulets that ran over the frame and sills. Releasing the source she closed the window and crossed to the door. Stooping she picked up the letter and unfolding it. Her eyes scanned it in a few moments, a slight frown crossing her face. An invitation to Kandor? For a few seconds she considered it might be some kind of trick. There were a few points against it. The penmanship was excellent, the paper heavy and expensive, hardly the sort of thing a Whitecloak would use in some ill conceived attempt to snatch a Tower member. A genuine invitation then? From whom? And why her. She brought her powers of reason to bear, mentally running through those sisters with whom she recently had dealings. There was only one Saldaean on the list. Not that nationality was necessarily determinative, any Aes Sedai might undertake such a task. The list of names began to replay itself in her mind. Celeste ended the mental review. There was a sure and certain way to find out the particulars of the note.
Preparing to travel was simple enough. Like most Accepted her personal possessions were few and easily portable. She swept a few books and a writing case into her pack and closed it up, consigning the numerous books and scrolls to a neat heap on her small battered desk. The sword was where she had left it and she drew it forth, considering its weight for a few moment before belting it around her waist. She penned a quick note to Alison Sedai and slipped it into the normal hiding spot, then headed through the quiet halls of the White Tower.
Alison Sedai had told her that there would be many challenges between the ring and the shawl and Celeste began to grow excited about this one. What would she be called upon to do? The White Tower was a strange place, sometimes the tasks were so mundane as to put you to sleep, other times so momentous as to make you wonder if they were even possible. Her mind spun uselessly, caught in a state of too many possibilities and too little information. She used another of the meditation techniques to clear her mind, bringing herself into the equilibrium that best allowed her to gather and analyze information. Doubtless all would be revealed in due course.
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
A slim figure wrapped tightly in a tawny cloak surveyed the distance in front of her from atop the flat rock on which she was perched. If a traveler walked by they might notice how the falling snow never seemed to land on the woman or the unrolled atlas spread over her crossed legs. Not that any traveler was likely to be climbing these high peaks of the Misty Mountains. There were no trails at this elevation, and the only sign of life was the occasional snow cat or mountain goat.
Liia's emerald green eyes blinked at the most recent blast of cold air from the wind that rose up and then died down. She shivered slightly. Even with the protective weave of air around her the chill still occasionally seeped through, and despite what common folk might think, Aes Sedai were not completely immune to the environment. It was the secluded places like this that Liia enjoyed the most. A pristine wilderness untouched by man, quiet, and peaceful. She glanced down at the map in her lap. Spread out in front of her was a meticulously detailed reproduction of the surrounding land, covered in hand-written notes, lines, measurements, and comments. Despite the clutter of the writing, the text was clean and easily readable, even if the contents were not easily decipherable to the untrained eye. She looked up again, mouth to the side, brow furrowed as she tapped her chin. As she concentrated, a glow sprang up around her, threads of Air, Earth, and Spirit forming a simple design in front of her. As they did so, a few points of light scattered far in the distance lit up at various distances and along the horizon, visible only to her. The lights winked out, and she scrawled a few more notes on the map, denoting the locations she had seen. Satisfied, she packed the writing implements into the pouch on her belt, rolled up the map, and packed it away. Liia stood and looked up at the sky, the sun low on the horizon. It was getting late - it was past time to return to the Tower.
Far away, a low chime sounded in a cluttered office, books, charts, papers, and empty ink bottles crammed in every corner. After a second, a thin line of light appeared, dilating into a rectangular gateway. Liia stepped through the opening into her quiet sanctuary in the White Tower, leaving the frigid and snowy mountain behind. The gateway shut behind her as she removed her cloak and hung it on a hook by the door. It was just then that a small letter caught her eye, apparently slid under her door while she was out. Interesting.
She plucked the envelope from the floor, slid out the letter and read it quickly, frowning slightly. This sounded urgent. 'Well, no rest for the weary, I guess.' She thought. Time to go pay a visit to Chloro Sedai. With that thought, Liia wrapped her cloak around her again, opened the door and strode out. As she exited she turned, getting a good look at her office again with a slight sigh. She was looking forward to a thoughtful cup of Laras' famous tea and a few hours rest reviewing her notes behind her desk. Oh well, maybe this errand would be a quick one. She closed and locked the door behind her, moving purposefully down the Tower and toward the Merchant Square.
Liia's emerald green eyes blinked at the most recent blast of cold air from the wind that rose up and then died down. She shivered slightly. Even with the protective weave of air around her the chill still occasionally seeped through, and despite what common folk might think, Aes Sedai were not completely immune to the environment. It was the secluded places like this that Liia enjoyed the most. A pristine wilderness untouched by man, quiet, and peaceful. She glanced down at the map in her lap. Spread out in front of her was a meticulously detailed reproduction of the surrounding land, covered in hand-written notes, lines, measurements, and comments. Despite the clutter of the writing, the text was clean and easily readable, even if the contents were not easily decipherable to the untrained eye. She looked up again, mouth to the side, brow furrowed as she tapped her chin. As she concentrated, a glow sprang up around her, threads of Air, Earth, and Spirit forming a simple design in front of her. As they did so, a few points of light scattered far in the distance lit up at various distances and along the horizon, visible only to her. The lights winked out, and she scrawled a few more notes on the map, denoting the locations she had seen. Satisfied, she packed the writing implements into the pouch on her belt, rolled up the map, and packed it away. Liia stood and looked up at the sky, the sun low on the horizon. It was getting late - it was past time to return to the Tower.
Far away, a low chime sounded in a cluttered office, books, charts, papers, and empty ink bottles crammed in every corner. After a second, a thin line of light appeared, dilating into a rectangular gateway. Liia stepped through the opening into her quiet sanctuary in the White Tower, leaving the frigid and snowy mountain behind. The gateway shut behind her as she removed her cloak and hung it on a hook by the door. It was just then that a small letter caught her eye, apparently slid under her door while she was out. Interesting.
She plucked the envelope from the floor, slid out the letter and read it quickly, frowning slightly. This sounded urgent. 'Well, no rest for the weary, I guess.' She thought. Time to go pay a visit to Chloro Sedai. With that thought, Liia wrapped her cloak around her again, opened the door and strode out. As she exited she turned, getting a good look at her office again with a slight sigh. She was looking forward to a thoughtful cup of Laras' famous tea and a few hours rest reviewing her notes behind her desk. Oh well, maybe this errand would be a quick one. She closed and locked the door behind her, moving purposefully down the Tower and toward the Merchant Square.
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
Rousing slowly from her deep sleep, Maddy could hear the soft murmurings of the servants beginning their early morning chores. Snuggling deeper under her quilts, she savored a few more moments of the warmth before reluctantly opening her eyes. Instantly her mind began buzzing, planning the activities awaiting her for the day. First on the agenda was to contact Rebeka Sedai to discuss how to approach the task Tolza Sedai had set for her. She looked forward to working with The Gray Ajah, Elder Frey and learning more about the Foresters as the Agreement came to fruition, if she was permitted.
Excited by the thought of more responsibility, she flicked her quilt off, only to be hit by the fierce chill in her room. The fire in the hearth was almost out and as was her custom, she had left the window open. Gently closing the shutters, she stoked the fire before grabbing her cloak from its hook, and pulling it around her night clothes. As she had done most mornings since being at the Tower, she decided to sneak down to the kitchens and bring some Kaf back to her room. Yes, Kaf was definitely required in order to clear her mind and plan her busy day. Opening her door slowly, flinching as it squeaked, she inched out quietly.
Tiptoeing down the stairs, she snuck into the pantry and poured her Kaf. Grasping the warmth of the cup with both hands, she felt the chill slowly leaving her as she inhaled the rich aroma. Peeking around the corner, deciding it was safe, she quickly made her way up the staircase. Luckily, she had escaped unseen by any early rising Aes Sedai, who may have noticed her nightdress and bare feet and commented on decorum and unseemliness.
Safely back in her room, she almost stumbled on a letter that had been slipped under her door. Grabbing it, she flicked the wax with her fingernail, swiftly reading its contents. With a frown, she thought, ’The message was urgent and clear. She recognized the penmanship and trusted the author.’ Knowing there would be more details when she arrived, she took a moment to gather her thoughts, then with a sense of purpose, bolted into action.
Sitting at her desk she tapped the pen on her chin as she mused, ‘How best to word this without giving away too much?’ With a decisive nod, she hastily jotted the note to Rebeka Sedai, vaguely outlining the details, knowing the experienced Aes Sedai could read between the lines. She assured her she was in good company and promised to keep her up to date, and would send regular letters….if possible. Warmly dressed, she grabbed her hastily packed bag and headed up the stairs to the Gray Ajah Rooms to deliver her note and then report for duty.
Excited by the thought of more responsibility, she flicked her quilt off, only to be hit by the fierce chill in her room. The fire in the hearth was almost out and as was her custom, she had left the window open. Gently closing the shutters, she stoked the fire before grabbing her cloak from its hook, and pulling it around her night clothes. As she had done most mornings since being at the Tower, she decided to sneak down to the kitchens and bring some Kaf back to her room. Yes, Kaf was definitely required in order to clear her mind and plan her busy day. Opening her door slowly, flinching as it squeaked, she inched out quietly.
Tiptoeing down the stairs, she snuck into the pantry and poured her Kaf. Grasping the warmth of the cup with both hands, she felt the chill slowly leaving her as she inhaled the rich aroma. Peeking around the corner, deciding it was safe, she quickly made her way up the staircase. Luckily, she had escaped unseen by any early rising Aes Sedai, who may have noticed her nightdress and bare feet and commented on decorum and unseemliness.
Safely back in her room, she almost stumbled on a letter that had been slipped under her door. Grabbing it, she flicked the wax with her fingernail, swiftly reading its contents. With a frown, she thought, ’The message was urgent and clear. She recognized the penmanship and trusted the author.’ Knowing there would be more details when she arrived, she took a moment to gather her thoughts, then with a sense of purpose, bolted into action.
Sitting at her desk she tapped the pen on her chin as she mused, ‘How best to word this without giving away too much?’ With a decisive nod, she hastily jotted the note to Rebeka Sedai, vaguely outlining the details, knowing the experienced Aes Sedai could read between the lines. She assured her she was in good company and promised to keep her up to date, and would send regular letters….if possible. Warmly dressed, she grabbed her hastily packed bag and headed up the stairs to the Gray Ajah Rooms to deliver her note and then report for duty.
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
The beautiful sounds of birds chirping causes Arelis to open one of her eyes: "Morning eh...sigh...these fur covers feel sooooo good." Suddenly, the sounds of the men shouting can be heard coming from the Gaidin's practice yard: "Arrrggg!!!".
*Arelis weaves a thread of air slamming her window shut.*
She mutters: "savages!!"
"Sigh....Well, I guess is time to get up. What to do today? I guess I can always take a stroll around the wretched Blight and see if some trolls needs to be castigated. *Arelis nods to herself* In route, I can always visit the Wisdom in Fal Dara. She is such a sweetheart and I am sure she will be saving me those fruit cakes I love she gets from Caemlyn. That reminds me that I promise her some herbs from Gudha's Herbs."
*Arelis calls upon a single thread of Fire as she lights her candles in her room*
As Arelis gets up from her comfy pile of furs, something catches her eyes. "Hhmmmm, a letter!?...I recognize that seal." She opens the letter and notices is a missive and to meet up at Merchant Square.
"Well, and just like that, my plans are changed. My shoulder bag should have all that I will need for this expedition. However, I do need to pick up my shield at Cyril's on the way there."
*Arelis now dressed, fixes her dress and taps her serpent ring on her staff. *tap* *tap**
"Am I missing anything? Ahhh, this tapping reminds me that I need to mend this staff at some point. But other than that, I seem to have everything checked off. Well, off I go since I definitely don't want to be late and face the wrath of Chloro Sedai."
Passing by Coulin's practice yards, you can see Arelis give a mean, icy glare at the men there. She mutters again: "savages!!"
As she continues to head to Merchant Square, she notices newly minted Streetguard, Douro: "Good, I'm glad to see Tower Guards about the city. I am sure he will be a fine Tower Guard."
Arelis continues to walk while analyzing the situation at hand: "This must be serious for Chloro Sedai to gather all of us and accompany her. I need to make sure to be on my wheres and help protect everyone if things were to go awry."
Excited at taking this adventure with everyone in the group, Arelis puts some pep behind her steps. She also remembered the stop she had to make which reminded her: "I should take some tea for everyone there. Is early in the morning and I'm sure they will appreciated."
*Arelis weaves a thread of air slamming her window shut.*
She mutters: "savages!!"
"Sigh....Well, I guess is time to get up. What to do today? I guess I can always take a stroll around the wretched Blight and see if some trolls needs to be castigated. *Arelis nods to herself* In route, I can always visit the Wisdom in Fal Dara. She is such a sweetheart and I am sure she will be saving me those fruit cakes I love she gets from Caemlyn. That reminds me that I promise her some herbs from Gudha's Herbs."
*Arelis calls upon a single thread of Fire as she lights her candles in her room*
As Arelis gets up from her comfy pile of furs, something catches her eyes. "Hhmmmm, a letter!?...I recognize that seal." She opens the letter and notices is a missive and to meet up at Merchant Square.
"Well, and just like that, my plans are changed. My shoulder bag should have all that I will need for this expedition. However, I do need to pick up my shield at Cyril's on the way there."
*Arelis now dressed, fixes her dress and taps her serpent ring on her staff. *tap* *tap**
"Am I missing anything? Ahhh, this tapping reminds me that I need to mend this staff at some point. But other than that, I seem to have everything checked off. Well, off I go since I definitely don't want to be late and face the wrath of Chloro Sedai."
Passing by Coulin's practice yards, you can see Arelis give a mean, icy glare at the men there. She mutters again: "savages!!"
As she continues to head to Merchant Square, she notices newly minted Streetguard, Douro: "Good, I'm glad to see Tower Guards about the city. I am sure he will be a fine Tower Guard."
Arelis continues to walk while analyzing the situation at hand: "This must be serious for Chloro Sedai to gather all of us and accompany her. I need to make sure to be on my wheres and help protect everyone if things were to go awry."
Excited at taking this adventure with everyone in the group, Arelis puts some pep behind her steps. She also remembered the stop she had to make which reminded her: "I should take some tea for everyone there. Is early in the morning and I'm sure they will appreciated."
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
The battered and scarred face of Rylea watched the latest batch of younglings training as she put them through their paces in practicing with various weapons in the looming twilight for the last practice of the day. The chill snap to the air countered by working of limbs and moving about, as always reminding her she wasn’t in the Three-Fold Land anymore. Her thoughts wandered, even as she absently corrected stances and forms of the young men, to her own time in this yard, towards her own former hopes and dreams as she practiced here long ago. Feeling her bonded, Chloro Sedai, finally beginning to relax after a long day, she called a halt and directed the cleanup of the practice field. Maybe there’d be a call to action or at least dinner to try to get to know the often prickly and private woman. They did need to learn one another’s habits foibles and reactions better to work effectively.
Following her senses and the feeling of where Chloro was, she hurried her steps at the feeling of alarm from her Sedai. Stepping into the shadows of the square, she could observe nothing more than a stripling boy talking to Chloro. She observed the end of the exchange, her cloak helping to hide her presence, and the intense curiosity in the bond toward the letter she carried. She watched the boy and Aes Sedai leave in opposite directions, choosing to follow the boy, just to be sure. Watching him leave through a city gate, she pondered and went back to her room. Not sure what exactly was going on, though that wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling, she started gathering her things for travel. “Well, so much for quiet time, at least it feels like time for action.”
The next morning, when the message came, as expected, she took the paper, reading quickly and nodding. As if she wasn’t ready to stand to duty for whatever came. Her time was spent always in preparation and training for just that. Already garbed in her work clothes of heavy armor, she grabbed her pack and sword, swinging them to her back and exiting her quarters in the gray and dim light of morning. The light dusting of falling flakes began to collect on her head and shoulders as she walked with purpose to the market square, a small smile on her lips, glad to be off and of use again.
On arrival, she moves next to her Aes Sedai, nodding to Chloro, as the various women arrive at the Market Square. She gives a bow, hand over heart to the Gray Sister. "Honor to serve."
Following her senses and the feeling of where Chloro was, she hurried her steps at the feeling of alarm from her Sedai. Stepping into the shadows of the square, she could observe nothing more than a stripling boy talking to Chloro. She observed the end of the exchange, her cloak helping to hide her presence, and the intense curiosity in the bond toward the letter she carried. She watched the boy and Aes Sedai leave in opposite directions, choosing to follow the boy, just to be sure. Watching him leave through a city gate, she pondered and went back to her room. Not sure what exactly was going on, though that wasn’t an unfamiliar feeling, she started gathering her things for travel. “Well, so much for quiet time, at least it feels like time for action.”
The next morning, when the message came, as expected, she took the paper, reading quickly and nodding. As if she wasn’t ready to stand to duty for whatever came. Her time was spent always in preparation and training for just that. Already garbed in her work clothes of heavy armor, she grabbed her pack and sword, swinging them to her back and exiting her quarters in the gray and dim light of morning. The light dusting of falling flakes began to collect on her head and shoulders as she walked with purpose to the market square, a small smile on her lips, glad to be off and of use again.
On arrival, she moves next to her Aes Sedai, nodding to Chloro, as the various women arrive at the Market Square. She gives a bow, hand over heart to the Gray Sister. "Honor to serve."
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
The mid-day sun peaking through pillow clouds moving in overcast the city of shining walls found Chloro, not in her usual place. Instead of walking among the Accepted’s gallery making mental notes of those she thought ready and those she thought still needed apron strings, she walked the avenues of the city, stopping at the herbalist. Pungent spices and plant smells filled her nostrils as Chloro watched a young girl scurry into the back room to fetch her order. Yet another one she might soon see in white, but it was not her time to take the girl, she belonged to another until Chloro returned. Perhaps her sisters were not looking in plain sight for the spark, or the ability. How many girls were spread out in small towns and villages that could be the next Cadsuane, or even Meilyn.
Chloro shook her head, taking the beaten and threadbare knapsack from the girl and pushed out into the street, her walking stick, only there for decoration and protection lightly tapping on the cobblestones. There were two more stops she would need to make before she went to the square. Her path ventured south towards the smithy and Cyril’s billowing forge. She was interested to see what the girls would bring as far as supplies, none of them had been to a war zone quite like this, and few Sedai taught on it anymore. Where was the wisdom of her Green and Yellow sisters, for the new Aes Sedai to come?
Half an hour later Chloro arrived at the forge, after a well spent stop for a cream cake and tea, she had not taken breakfast this morning, instead meeting with Rebeka and Annoura on her undertaking. That was another lesson the girls these days needed to learn. Aes Sedai are not immortal, they must eat, sleep, rest, and dress as needed for the world. Mental tricks meant little to nothing in a blizzard, the blight, the spine, or the sea of storms. The few she had sent messages to, she viewed as on the way towards being ready, they had book knowledge, but little practical knowledge for traveling the roads that lead from Tar Valon.
Chloro smiled to the forge master as Cyril reached up to pat a chestnut mare’s forehead, the horse had been provided from her estate, another secret she did not want to get out. If the wisdom had sunk to seeking help from Aes Sedai, then perhaps the village needed them as much as the wisdom did. Chloro moved to the medium sized wagon hitched to the mare, her fair skinned hand tossed back the leather covering to unveil its contents. Two large cook pots, a dozen kettles, five frying pans, shining steel blades for wound treatment, and small sickles for harvesting herbs. Rotating her shoulder, she tossed the knapsack next to the sickles and nodded, Cyril had added two small casks of nails and a few hammers to help make barricades. Though the smith was not from the north, living near the Tower, he had heard the stories of villages disappearing in the night.
Offering her thanks she placed a letter for rights into Cyril’s hands for six-hundred gold crowns, the price of the supplies and the wagon. She tipped generously, as even though Cyril was on top, anyone could fall at any point, he did not have the safety of an apartment to retire to, surrounded by sisters. That was a lesson few women learned until they returned to the Tower for the first time, the fact, that even though time marched on, within the walls of the Tower, life had a different path it walked on.
Her eyes moved to a large sack heavily weighted towards the front of the wagon, her mind wandered to Rylea as she did, hoping the woman would give her brownie points for preparing for that contingency. It had been harder than she expected, bonding a woman, in a rather good way. She understood Rylea’s choices, could follow her thought patterns, and seldom found her wolfing down half a full-grown cow when there was a lull in their work. She remembered those she had held a bond for before, Kali was right, they would eat you out of the Tower if let them. With a nod and toss of her stick into the foot well of the wagon she placed the sole of her boot on the step hoisting herself onto the driver seat. The reins slacked as they waited for direction. It had been a while since she had attempted to drive one of these.
Lifting the reins she loosened the right while putting tension on the left. A click of her tongue and the mare pulled out to the right, into the paved street, heading at a snail’s pace towards the Merchant square. Chloro had seen one or two of the girls in her morning errands but had taken measures to avoid them seeing her. At least one or two of them would be at the square when she arrived. Perhaps all, perhaps none, that was the trick of life, you never know what the wheel would weave for you, even Gitara had not seen her death, when it finally came.
Chloro shook her head, taking the beaten and threadbare knapsack from the girl and pushed out into the street, her walking stick, only there for decoration and protection lightly tapping on the cobblestones. There were two more stops she would need to make before she went to the square. Her path ventured south towards the smithy and Cyril’s billowing forge. She was interested to see what the girls would bring as far as supplies, none of them had been to a war zone quite like this, and few Sedai taught on it anymore. Where was the wisdom of her Green and Yellow sisters, for the new Aes Sedai to come?
Half an hour later Chloro arrived at the forge, after a well spent stop for a cream cake and tea, she had not taken breakfast this morning, instead meeting with Rebeka and Annoura on her undertaking. That was another lesson the girls these days needed to learn. Aes Sedai are not immortal, they must eat, sleep, rest, and dress as needed for the world. Mental tricks meant little to nothing in a blizzard, the blight, the spine, or the sea of storms. The few she had sent messages to, she viewed as on the way towards being ready, they had book knowledge, but little practical knowledge for traveling the roads that lead from Tar Valon.
Chloro smiled to the forge master as Cyril reached up to pat a chestnut mare’s forehead, the horse had been provided from her estate, another secret she did not want to get out. If the wisdom had sunk to seeking help from Aes Sedai, then perhaps the village needed them as much as the wisdom did. Chloro moved to the medium sized wagon hitched to the mare, her fair skinned hand tossed back the leather covering to unveil its contents. Two large cook pots, a dozen kettles, five frying pans, shining steel blades for wound treatment, and small sickles for harvesting herbs. Rotating her shoulder, she tossed the knapsack next to the sickles and nodded, Cyril had added two small casks of nails and a few hammers to help make barricades. Though the smith was not from the north, living near the Tower, he had heard the stories of villages disappearing in the night.
Offering her thanks she placed a letter for rights into Cyril’s hands for six-hundred gold crowns, the price of the supplies and the wagon. She tipped generously, as even though Cyril was on top, anyone could fall at any point, he did not have the safety of an apartment to retire to, surrounded by sisters. That was a lesson few women learned until they returned to the Tower for the first time, the fact, that even though time marched on, within the walls of the Tower, life had a different path it walked on.
Her eyes moved to a large sack heavily weighted towards the front of the wagon, her mind wandered to Rylea as she did, hoping the woman would give her brownie points for preparing for that contingency. It had been harder than she expected, bonding a woman, in a rather good way. She understood Rylea’s choices, could follow her thought patterns, and seldom found her wolfing down half a full-grown cow when there was a lull in their work. She remembered those she had held a bond for before, Kali was right, they would eat you out of the Tower if let them. With a nod and toss of her stick into the foot well of the wagon she placed the sole of her boot on the step hoisting herself onto the driver seat. The reins slacked as they waited for direction. It had been a while since she had attempted to drive one of these.
Lifting the reins she loosened the right while putting tension on the left. A click of her tongue and the mare pulled out to the right, into the paved street, heading at a snail’s pace towards the Merchant square. Chloro had seen one or two of the girls in her morning errands but had taken measures to avoid them seeing her. At least one or two of them would be at the square when she arrived. Perhaps all, perhaps none, that was the trick of life, you never know what the wheel would weave for you, even Gitara had not seen her death, when it finally came.
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
Celeste had learned many things since she had run to Tar Valon to avoid being married off. She had learned to wield Saidar, to speak the Old Tongue, to deceive without telling a lie. There was more prosaic learning as well, fencing, riding, avoiding Sheriam Sedai when she was in a mood but the single most important thing she had learned was that it never paid to keep an Aes Sedai waiting.
Snow drifted lazily from the leaden sky as she left the White Tower, her palfrey prancing with enthusiasm despite the chill. She guided the beast as Harryl had taught her, using pressure from her knees rather than the reins, keeping her hands free for weapons or weaving. There was no prospect of needing either but Celeste made rather of fetish of performing any task as efficiently and effectively as possible. If she practiced even when she didn’t need it, the instinct would be there when she did. Two saddle bags hung from the rear of the saddle containing what supplies she thought she would need. This amounted to little beyond several pounds of dried biltong, an expensive spyglass and compass for scouting and surveying, and several bags of finely ground sulfur, quicklime and other ingredients that might prove difficult to acquire in a remote village.
The great city bustled with activity as Celeste approached the square. Carts rattled across the cobblestones hauling the produce of the southern kingdoms and beyond to the shops and warehouses of Tar Valon. Idly Celeste wondered if her parents shipped linen to Tar Valon but she quickly dismissed the thought as irrelevant. Reaching into a pouch she fingered the invitation. Fingers numbed with ignored cold brushed the heavy paper. She wondered if she should pick up any further supplies but dismissed the idea. Defending a village was not a task she was expert in but the logic of defense was simple enough. It seemed unlikely that an Accepted would be required to build a palisade or dig a ditch. The Aes Sedai, whoever she was, doubtlessly could call on more experienced soldiers for such minutiae. That left the question of what an Accepted would be required to do. For a moment her eyes blazed with pleasant fantasies of liquid fire dripping from the blazing corpse of a trolloc body fat erupting in a pall of greasy smoke.
The rattle of a cart interrupted her and she snapped back to her immediate surroundings. Chloro Sedai was approaching in a wagon that looked to be loaded with supplies. Celeste’s arm suddenly itched but she avoided touching it. She had acquired the burn when, as a newly enrolled novice, she had tried to pull the heat out of a candle. Chloro had been on hand to heal her when she had been unable to disperse the heat. How ignorant she had been of fire back then. Celeste slid from the saddle, keeping a hand on the side of her horses neck to signal the beast to remain still. She sank into a graceful curtsey, careful to keep the hem of her dress off the stones of the square.
“Hello Aes Sedai,” she called. That explained the gray circle on the note she supposed. Now why would a senior Sitter be concerned with the fate of a single village? Some deep diplomatic ploy perhaps. She would find out.
Snow drifted lazily from the leaden sky as she left the White Tower, her palfrey prancing with enthusiasm despite the chill. She guided the beast as Harryl had taught her, using pressure from her knees rather than the reins, keeping her hands free for weapons or weaving. There was no prospect of needing either but Celeste made rather of fetish of performing any task as efficiently and effectively as possible. If she practiced even when she didn’t need it, the instinct would be there when she did. Two saddle bags hung from the rear of the saddle containing what supplies she thought she would need. This amounted to little beyond several pounds of dried biltong, an expensive spyglass and compass for scouting and surveying, and several bags of finely ground sulfur, quicklime and other ingredients that might prove difficult to acquire in a remote village.
The great city bustled with activity as Celeste approached the square. Carts rattled across the cobblestones hauling the produce of the southern kingdoms and beyond to the shops and warehouses of Tar Valon. Idly Celeste wondered if her parents shipped linen to Tar Valon but she quickly dismissed the thought as irrelevant. Reaching into a pouch she fingered the invitation. Fingers numbed with ignored cold brushed the heavy paper. She wondered if she should pick up any further supplies but dismissed the idea. Defending a village was not a task she was expert in but the logic of defense was simple enough. It seemed unlikely that an Accepted would be required to build a palisade or dig a ditch. The Aes Sedai, whoever she was, doubtlessly could call on more experienced soldiers for such minutiae. That left the question of what an Accepted would be required to do. For a moment her eyes blazed with pleasant fantasies of liquid fire dripping from the blazing corpse of a trolloc body fat erupting in a pall of greasy smoke.
The rattle of a cart interrupted her and she snapped back to her immediate surroundings. Chloro Sedai was approaching in a wagon that looked to be loaded with supplies. Celeste’s arm suddenly itched but she avoided touching it. She had acquired the burn when, as a newly enrolled novice, she had tried to pull the heat out of a candle. Chloro had been on hand to heal her when she had been unable to disperse the heat. How ignorant she had been of fire back then. Celeste slid from the saddle, keeping a hand on the side of her horses neck to signal the beast to remain still. She sank into a graceful curtsey, careful to keep the hem of her dress off the stones of the square.
“Hello Aes Sedai,” she called. That explained the gray circle on the note she supposed. Now why would a senior Sitter be concerned with the fate of a single village? Some deep diplomatic ploy perhaps. She would find out.
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
While she mostly had the supplies required for a long time away from the Tower, there were a couple of loose ends Liia needed to tie off before heading out. As she passed the Accepted's quarters, she dropped off a note to her apprentice, the name 'Amarea' scrawled plainly across the front of the envelope. It was likely she would be able to check back in occasionally, but until they knew more about the situation up north, it was wise to prepare for the worst and expect return trips wouldn't be possible.
Liia continued to make her way down the Tower, stopping by the kitchens to pack up a few extra rations and a couple flasks filled with the ingredients of her favorite tea.
Her last stop was at the Equine Emporium, collecting her long-time favorite bloodstock. They just don't breed them anywhere else like they do in Tear. Preferring to handle 'Swift' herself, she pulled a fresh apple from her sack and held it for him, the horse devouring it quickly. He neighed happily once finished. Liia circled her horse, brushing him down as she went. It was unnecessary - the stables here took excellent care of the horses - but it was a routine that was now habit for her, before a long journey. Once Swift was saddled up, saddlebags fastened securely, and provisions stored away, she effortlessly swung up into the seat and headed out for the Merchant square.
As she wound her way through the streets and drew closer to her destination she spotted a few others that appeared to make their way at that same time. It looks like others got the message slipped under their doors as well. A woman in a gray shawl was already there when Liia rode into the square, a wagon loaded with what looked to be provisions and construction materials beside her. She sure looked prepared. Liia smiled, her eyes meeting with Chloro's, and rode over to join her.
Liia continued to make her way down the Tower, stopping by the kitchens to pack up a few extra rations and a couple flasks filled with the ingredients of her favorite tea.
Her last stop was at the Equine Emporium, collecting her long-time favorite bloodstock. They just don't breed them anywhere else like they do in Tear. Preferring to handle 'Swift' herself, she pulled a fresh apple from her sack and held it for him, the horse devouring it quickly. He neighed happily once finished. Liia circled her horse, brushing him down as she went. It was unnecessary - the stables here took excellent care of the horses - but it was a routine that was now habit for her, before a long journey. Once Swift was saddled up, saddlebags fastened securely, and provisions stored away, she effortlessly swung up into the seat and headed out for the Merchant square.
As she wound her way through the streets and drew closer to her destination she spotted a few others that appeared to make their way at that same time. It looks like others got the message slipped under their doors as well. A woman in a gray shawl was already there when Liia rode into the square, a wagon loaded with what looked to be provisions and construction materials beside her. She sure looked prepared. Liia smiled, her eyes meeting with Chloro's, and rode over to join her.
Re: Flurries of Another Kind
Skipping down the stairs, as she made her way to the City, she began a mental to-do list. Deep in thought, she embarrassed herself by bumping into the very handsome Gaidin Apprentice, Garrick Azereos. Blushing as she apologized, she ensured he was alright, assured him she was, then gave him an apologetic grin as she went on her way. ‘He is the talk of the Novice Quarters with his chiseled features, charming demeanor and easy manner.’ As she departed, she looked back once to admire his retreating figure before reclaiming her focus and darting out the gate.
First stop was the bank where she withdrew a large amount, enough to cover food and lodging for a few months. Discreetly tucking it in her pack she slipped out the door and headed to the grocers. There she bought dried fruit, nuts, rations, lanterns, blankets, paper, pens and ink, before moving on to her next stop.
At Erol’s she longingly eyed some tailored riding pants, she really hated riding in a dress. Her eyes were drawn to a small table at the back, where she noticed some compact belt packs. She grabbed three, and advised the clerk to add them to her bill. In the dressing room, having used the pretense of trying on the pants, she quietly divided the coin into the packs. Swiftly sliding one on under her slip, she adjusted the bulky pack under her clothes, evenly spreading the coin.
Exiting the room she flashed a friendly smile at Erol, announcing brightly, ’Please put three packs, three pants, that fur coat in the window and four pairs of woolen socks on my bill. I will take them all today.’ Grabbing the package, as she shot a warm glance at the staff, she stepped out to the cold crisp air.
The mid morning sun was peeking through the clouds trying to brighten the skies. This welcome respite from the snow only enhanced her excitement for this adventure. Any time she could be on a horse made her happy. Scurrying through the immaculate cobblestone streets she turned into a secluded alley, checking the hidden money pack to ensure it was unnoticeable. Satisfied, she patted her smooth waist, then moved to the stables.
As the stable hand brought out her beloved bloodstock, Nabir, she looked the horse up and down approvingly. Turning to thank the man, she gave him a handful of coins in appreciation. Slowly riding the horse out of the stables, her brows furrowed unintentionally as her thoughts turned to the note from Chloro Sedai. Pensively she made her way to the Square.
Curtsying to the Aes Sedai, she greeted her fellow Accepted with a light kiss and eager smile as she joined the conversation. Brushing the dark locks from her face, her eyes darted back and forth between the speakers, paying close attention to the discussion. Her mind buzzed with thoughts, ‘Kandor, she had been there, but did not have a great knowledge of the area. I wonder what the wagon has stocked? Did she bring enough money and if not, could she get more there?’ Nodding politely, she continued to listen, watching the Aes Sedai faces to see if she could determine what they were thinking or feeling, but as usual, there was no deciphering to be had.
First stop was the bank where she withdrew a large amount, enough to cover food and lodging for a few months. Discreetly tucking it in her pack she slipped out the door and headed to the grocers. There she bought dried fruit, nuts, rations, lanterns, blankets, paper, pens and ink, before moving on to her next stop.
At Erol’s she longingly eyed some tailored riding pants, she really hated riding in a dress. Her eyes were drawn to a small table at the back, where she noticed some compact belt packs. She grabbed three, and advised the clerk to add them to her bill. In the dressing room, having used the pretense of trying on the pants, she quietly divided the coin into the packs. Swiftly sliding one on under her slip, she adjusted the bulky pack under her clothes, evenly spreading the coin.
Exiting the room she flashed a friendly smile at Erol, announcing brightly, ’Please put three packs, three pants, that fur coat in the window and four pairs of woolen socks on my bill. I will take them all today.’ Grabbing the package, as she shot a warm glance at the staff, she stepped out to the cold crisp air.
The mid morning sun was peeking through the clouds trying to brighten the skies. This welcome respite from the snow only enhanced her excitement for this adventure. Any time she could be on a horse made her happy. Scurrying through the immaculate cobblestone streets she turned into a secluded alley, checking the hidden money pack to ensure it was unnoticeable. Satisfied, she patted her smooth waist, then moved to the stables.
As the stable hand brought out her beloved bloodstock, Nabir, she looked the horse up and down approvingly. Turning to thank the man, she gave him a handful of coins in appreciation. Slowly riding the horse out of the stables, her brows furrowed unintentionally as her thoughts turned to the note from Chloro Sedai. Pensively she made her way to the Square.
Curtsying to the Aes Sedai, she greeted her fellow Accepted with a light kiss and eager smile as she joined the conversation. Brushing the dark locks from her face, her eyes darted back and forth between the speakers, paying close attention to the discussion. Her mind buzzed with thoughts, ‘Kandor, she had been there, but did not have a great knowledge of the area. I wonder what the wagon has stocked? Did she bring enough money and if not, could she get more there?’ Nodding politely, she continued to listen, watching the Aes Sedai faces to see if she could determine what they were thinking or feeling, but as usual, there was no deciphering to be had.