Lain moves in, taking a position near the door, with his back to the wall, scanning to area for any trouble.
Lain looks at the other Aiel men, before signing.'Clear.' Making it half question, half statement.
He smiled and moved after the others as they took a table, placing his back against the wall, so that he may scan the room at his leisure. He ordered some food and brandy, before sitting back to listen.
'Light we need to be more careful than this...'
"Please, friends, if we are to speak about our contact, let us not use the A word. We are supposed to be keeping a low profile. Let us call her and those like her..." He paused for a second, thinking furiously. "Servants!" He smiled for a second at that.
'We draw too much attention Brothers. Let us be careful!'
Telvin returned with another round of drinks for the table, doing his best to stay near Jasmine. Anything else you'll be needing you don't hesitate to ask ole' Telvin. He points to a door at the end of the common room, When you feel like retiring, through that door and up the stairs, the first three rooms are all made up and set for you folks.
Telvin retreated back behind the bar, chiding one of the serving girls who seemed to be slacking. The other patrons slowly began filtering out as the night wore on, finishing up their drinks and heading back into the cold to their homes.
Telvin returned with another round of drinks for the table, doing his best to stay near Jasmine. Anything else you'll be needing you don't hesitate to ask ole' Telvin. He points to a door at the end of the common room, When you feel like retiring, through that door and up the stairs, the first three rooms are all made up and set for you folks.
Telvin retreated back behind the bar, chiding one of the serving girls who seemed to be slacking. The other patrons slowly began filtering out as the night wore on, finishing up their drinks and heading back into the cold to their homes.
Thank you sir. You have been most gracious. If it is not too much trouble that bath would do wonders for my spirit. In addition do you happen to have a private dining room where my companions and I might sup? We do not wish to impose but we have some matters to discuss and as they are business related I would prefer to do so in private. She slips another mark into his hand and returns to sipping her hot spiced wine.
Graul gives Lan a quick nod then takes a seat. 'Agreed Brother. We must be watchful.'
Thank you sir. You have been most gracious. If it is not too much trouble that bath would do wonders for my spirit. In addition do you happen to have a private dining room where my companions and I might sup? We do not wish to impose but we have some matters to discuss and as they are business related I would prefer to do so in private. She slips another mark into his hand and returns to sipping her hot spiced wine.
Telvin immediately thanks Jasmine. Of course, of course good mistress. If you'll but follow me.
Telvin leads the group of you through the door he mentioned earlier. A flight of stairs went up into the building and a hallway full of doors could be seen. To the side, Telvin opened a set of double doors that opened into a plain if large room. A fireplace stood empty in one wall. The center of the room was taken up by a large wooden table with a dozen chairs along its length.
Telvin waved in a couple of the girls who brought in steaming plates of food and settings. In minutes he had a large fire burning in the fireplace and had hustled the serving girls out. Should you require anything else, just ask good folks.
Smiling softly, Lain signs a short sentence to Graul, before standing. 'The woman is good!'
He follows the rest of the party in to the room, taking a position in the back, near the door. Smiling, he bows his head to the Innkeeper as he leaves, closing the door behind him. Lain straightens, pushing away from the wall, and pressing his ear to the door, listening intently.
Frowning softly he straightens, before looking towards the other Aiel men. 'Too much noise. Can not tell.'
He opens the door slowly, and peers out, looking to see whether anyone is listening in.
Pandin nods then quickly takes his seat facing the window to the left as to not be surprised on his blindside.
Perception:
Sensing Graul's uneasiness since mention of the Aes Sedai, Pandin quickly signs,'The Aes Sedai shall not lay a finger upon you my spear brother, lest they loose that finger and others.'
Then looking at both Aiel signs, 'I shall take the first watch this night.'
Light I hope this Aes Sedai has some of the answers we all seek lest we run out of water and shade.
Thank you Master Geloss. This room will suit our needs perfectly. I believe I will take that bath in about 1 hour. She drops a very light curtsy as Master Geloss leaves. Ah...That's better. Jasmine smiles and stretches before taking a seat by the fire. The warmth radiating from it makes Jasmine feel better almost instantly. Now...where are we and how to we get to Arturo's Orchard? She begins helping herself to the food as she listens to everyone's response.
Thank you Master Geloss. This room will suit our needs perfectly. I believe I will take that bath in about 1 hour. She drops a very light curtsy as Master Geloss leaves. Ah...That's better. Jasmine smiles and stretches before taking a seat by the fire. The warmth radiating from it makes Jasmine feel better almost instantly. Now...where are we and how to we get to Arturo's Orchard? She begins helping herself to the food as she listens to everyone's response.
"Light, I don't know a thing about your Wetlands, except that they are...wet. However you have to be as dull as a Maiden to not know that this Innkeep has taken a fancy to you, perhaps your womanly persuasion can find that information out for us."
Pandin looks around seeking confirmation from the older and wiser people that surround him.
'Good idea. I will see if I can not find out more about where we are and where we are going, while you stand watch. Okay Brother?' Lain nods softly to Pandin as he signs.
"As I was just telling my fellow Society Brother here, I will head to the tavern room after this, and find out where we are and where we need to go, if someone would like to accompany me!" He smiled at the woman, before slowly tucking in to the food.
Lain pauses, stunned, before laughing softly, staring at Pandin, before signing, 'Brave. Much ji'e, if she does not kill you!'
'Good idea. I will see if I can not find out more about where we are and where we are going, while you stand watch. Okay Brother?' Lain nods softly to Pandin as he signs.
"As I was just telling my fellow Society Brother here, I will head to the tavern room after this, and find out where we are and where we need to go, if someone would like to accompany me!" He smiled at the woman, before slowly tucking in to the food.
Jasmine smiles and says I would love to Lain...but not until after my bath. I fear I am not fit for the public at the moment. She continues eating with practiced grace. Now I think it an excellent idea for you to go into the common room and see what you may find out. I will be down shortly after.
'Good idea. I will see if I can not find out more about where we are and where we are going, while you stand watch. Okay Brother?' Lain nods softly to Pandin as he signs.
"As I was just telling my fellow Society Brother here, I will head to the tavern room after this, and find out where we are and where we need to go, if someone would like to accompany me!" He smiled at the woman, before slowly tucking in to the food.
Lain pauses, stunned, before laughing softly, staring at Pandin, before signing, 'Brave. Much ji'e, if she does not kill you!'
Pandin smiles, 'Some women just need a gentle shove, or a club over the head'
"I shall stand on watch while intel is gathered."
Easop stares around the crowded main room in wonder. The scrolls and books told of such things, but it was a wonder to behold. All these people with different skin tones, hair and eye colors, they all dressed in different textures and colors, their languages so varied and fascinating...why they even smelled uniquely. It was almost overwhelming, but as much as he stared at the people they stared back at him. Most he was able to disarm with a genuine innocent smile...some assumed he was grimacing...but said nothing as he was quite large, and the tree trunk that he used as a walking staff set comfortably in his huge hands.
He almost missed the beckon into the other room. "What"? "Back here?". What is wrong with this room the one back there is lonely. There is a nice roaring fire in the main room, and this one is cold and empty". Then giving up his stance he joins the others in the private room, a look of disappointment obvious on his large face.
I suppose there will be enough time to experience these things later". "Forgive me for my over-exuberance". Easop then begins to look for the necessary things to light a fire. "At least let's get it warm and dry in here, as we appease our appetites".
Then turning to lady Jasmine "I am certainly no expert in these kind of things, but is it wise to leave such a trail of gold in our wake"? "We are already marked by our unique make-up without letting word that we have wealth creep out". Then looking at the ever alert Aiel, he half chuckles to himself...Though a man would be a fool indeed to molest this group".
Easop then looks for a sturdy stool, or an armless chair that he thinks might support his mass. Finally seeing nothing like that he turns over an empty bucket and carefully lowers his bulk onto it, finally relaxing as it appears it might support his weight. "They just don't make good sturdy furniture like they used to do they"?
'Good idea. I will see if I can not find out more about where we are and where we are going, while you stand watch. Okay Brother?' Lain nods softly to Pandin as he signs.
"As I was just telling my fellow Society Brother here, I will head to the tavern room after this, and find out where we are and where we need to go, if someone would like to accompany me!" He smiled at the woman, before slowly tucking in to the food.
Lain pauses, stunned, before laughing softly, staring at Pandin, before signing, 'Brave. Much ji'e, if she does not kill you!'
"Ooooh!" Spearmaster Lain...I would join you if you would have me". "I'll do my best not to get in your way...I just...I crave the company of others. Easop then looks at the small furniture with a critical eye. "And I have a sinking feeling that my bed might not be the most comfortable in the Inn, so I might delay attending it as long as possible".
Lain bows a little to the Domani woman, before speaking. "Thank you Jasmine Raleen. We shall keep you a seat at our table then!"
'Keep watch outside her door while she bathes Brother. It would not do for one of our party to be hurt here.' Lain signs to Pandin with a nod.
Smiling, he turns to the Ogier. "I would be honored by your presence Treebrother!"
Graul sets his pack down in a corner and sits on it. He watches the exchange between his fellow Aiel and the others, visibly cringing at Pandin's blunt assertion about Jasmine Raleen’s womanly persuasion.
’Light! Be careful brother, she is to be Aes Sedai!’
"As I was just telling my fellow Society Brother here, I will head to the tavern room after this, and find out where we are and where we need to go, if someone would like to accompany me!" He smiled at the woman, before slowly tucking in to the food.
Graul’s mouth opens for a second then he shuts it clacking his teeth together before shaking his head. I should have stayed in the blight.
”I will go with you Lain. These wetlander buildings are uncomfortable to me, they do not feel right.”He stands and walks over to the table taking a small piece of food from the plate. ”Jasmine Raleen, do you know of this Nadira Sedai? Why would she send for us? “
He stands and walks over to the table taking a small piece of food from the plate. ”Jasmine Raleen, do you know of this Nadira Sedai? Why would she send for us? “
I do not know Graul. Aes Sedai do things for their own reasons but you can be sure there is something important going on. It would not do for me to speculate for that is all it would be. For now let us relax for a moment and enjoy the food and each others company. The wheel weaves as the wheel wills and all will be revealed in its proper time. So Graul tell me about where you are from in the three fold land. She looks on warmly, genuinely interested in the Aiel and their culture.
Jed remains behind with Jasmine and Graul, interested in the conversation about to take place. "I too would like to know more. Your people and your ways fascinate me. And now that I am traveling with three Aiel, it only makes sense to learn more about you and your culture."
Graul smiles but it does not quite reach his eyes. "Thank you Jasmine Raleen, I would be honored to tell you and Jed al'Raes. I am from Spine Ridge sept of the Miagoma Aiel. We lived near the edge of the blight and faced the shadow daily. With them I was Far Aldazar Din, a Brother of the Eagle. A warrior society such as Lain's and Pandin's Stone Dogs.
To us, "Till shade is gone, till water is gone, into the Shadow with teeth bared, screaming defiance with the last breath, to spit in Sightblinder’s eye on the last Day.” is not empty words, we live it every day and accept it. Doing so can free you in ways you cannot imagine.” After the last statement Graul smiles again and it seems as if a weight he had been carrying has been removed.
”Each day we live is a blessing to be enjoyed. Far worse than anything is squandering what time you have left with small things that do not matter in the end. We move forward, understanding our purpose and meeting it with Ji.”
Upon hearing Graul's statement Pandin nods, then will all the eagerness of youth speaks up, "I just wish the Shadow would come out and attack, I prefer to dance spears openly rather than waiting around for the Shadow to spring a trap on us."
Then looking at the other two Aiel,"I shall stand guard at the door while she takes a Wetlander "bath", why she must waste water instead of the sweat tent I do not understand.'
The two Aielmen and the Ogier enjoy a bit more of the food spread before them and then head back into the common room. While hesitant at the sight of the Aiel "savages", the patrons are only too eager to speak with Easop once they realize that they're speaking to an honest to goodness Ogier. Soon, with drinks and tales flowing, even the Aiel are soon welcomed into the conversation, simply another exotic creature to be marveled at.
Jed and Jasmine spend time with Graul, learning new and interesting things about the mysterious Aiel waste from their companion. More food is brought in and Master Telvin informs Jasmine that her bath will be ready whenever she desires. The night continues and the warmth of the inn is appreciated.
"I just wish the Shadow would come out and attack, I prefer to dance spears openly rather than waiting around for the Shadow to spring a trap on us."
”Look at it tactically brother. Let us not waste this time waiting for the attack, let us use our time to strengthen our defenses and spring an ambush on them when they think they have caught us sleeping!”
"I just wish the Shadow would come out and attack, I prefer to dance spears openly rather than waiting around for the Shadow to spring a trap on us."”Look at it tactically brother. Let us not waste this time waiting for the attack, let us use our time to strengthen our defenses and spring an ambush on them when they think they have caught us sleeping!”
** spoiler omitted **
"You are right my brother my brashness has once again shamed me...I have much toh. I shall walk the perimeter of the building to make sure it is secure before taking my spot on watch."
"Aye the water they use for their 'baths' could sustain my clan for a month."
Why is it that you have left the wastes. Was there some issue that brings you over the spine of the world.
Why is it that you have left the wastes. Was there some issue that brings you over the spine of the world.
"Tis been entrusted to me to seek out the source and the reason for the increase in Shadowspawn activity in the Three Fold Lands and if possible bring an end to it. So until my mission is completed, I must call the Wetlands home."
"Pandin, it appears you and I have much more in common than I thought. I heard many stories of Trollocs as far south as Andor. Most people don't believe them, but for some reason I have a feeling these stories may be based on truth. The fact that you are here is proof enough to me that something is going on. I hope to get to the bottom of it. The safety of my Queen and her people is important to me." You may notice a piece of red cloth tied around Jed's sword arm.
A look of relief passes across Graul's face for a moment as Pandin answers Jasmine. "Trollocs have been moving in large numbers in my sept's region and attacking less. This is not a good sign. Trollocs are usually very perdictable. They move to attack then leave. Their tactics have been confusing at the least."
Diplomacy
Easop finds an old sailor, and spends his time till the early morning hours learning all he can about the sea, and boats, before finally drifting off to bed after the old man Ooral Vinderan dozes off.
"The Blight seethes. Or at least it did when I was there..." Lain frowns before nodding softly. "I will head to the Tavern Room now. We will meet in the morning I am sure."
Turning to Pandin, Lain nods softly before signing.
When finished, he turns to Graul.
Turning to two Wetlanders, he bows his head a little. "Jasmine Raleen, Jed al'Raes, if I do not see you later, sleep well and wake. We shall speak in the morning!"
With a final smile at the room, he excuses himself, before heading for the main area of the Inn.
Pandin nods to the two Aiel as they leave. Then sets himself up to take the first watch.
Graul nods to the two wetlanders and follows Lain downstairs.
As the Aiel leave Jasmine turns to Jed and says This is dark news. Trollocs and shadowspawn moving this far south? Nadira Sedai should know of these things when we see her. I think I will have that bath now and I will join you all in the common room when I am fit for company. I feel as if I have been dragged backward through a pigs wallow.
Jasmine will stand and give Jed a pat on his hand as she heads out to find the innkeep. As soon as her bath is drawn she will gratefully sink into the hot water and soak the chill out of her bones. She washes thoroughly before starting to brush out her hair with a turtle shell brush. Her long dark tresses shine silkily along her olive skin. When she is finished and dried off she dresses in one of her finer gowns and heads to the common room.
Jasmine looks very different now to the woman who has been traveling with you. She seems much more polished and comfortable. The sheer gown she is wearing hints at much but reveals nothing. She makes her way to the table with her companions and sits gracefully, waiting to pick up the thread of the conversation.
Jed will keep watch with Pandin and chat a little bit about the differences between the Aiel and Andoran. He'll tell Pandin about the forests near his home Baerlon and a little bit about the Castle in Caemlyn. When everyone returns to sleep, Jed will head in as well.
The rest of the night went fairly smoothly for Lain, once the locals were sufficiently lubricated with their Wetlander alcohol, and all differences were set aside. He spent a lot of time talking to the few men who would meet his eyes, and gambling with a few that wouldn't. All in all, it was with a light heart that the Stone Dog trotted up the stairwell, to relieve Pandin on watch, allowing the man to enjoy some time in the common room, before bedding down himself.
Lain sat near the top of the stairs, crouched in shadow, slowly whittling a length of branch. He had started this piece a couple of days back. The wood was fine oak, straight grained, about the length of his forearm. Though his skill with this sort of thing was not immense, Light it was barely passable, he had it in his mind, that he wanted this piece to look somewhat like the Dragons that circled the Chiefs forearm.
'It would be nice to have a Chief here now, to take charge. Light I am only a Stone Dog!'
Sighing softly he frowned, before staring around the hallway, making sure no one had approached the rooms, unbeknownst to him.
Settling back on his heels, he surreptitiously touched the heavy bladed beltknife, where it hung at his waist, before moving back to the length of wood, the smaller knife moving steadily in his hand.
Jed will keep watch with Pandin and chat a little bit about the differences between the Aiel and Andoran. He'll tell Pandin about the forests near his home Baerlon and a little bit about the Castle in Caemlyn. When everyone returns to sleep, Jed will head in as well.
Pandin will share the story about how he became a Stone Dog and tell about the Threefold Land. Once Pandin's watch is over he will take his rest on the pallet on the floor.
Light these 'beds' I think they call them are so soft. I don't know how someone can sleep in them.
Graul does not stay down stairs long, the noise and the movement working on his nerves get to be to much and he bids his friends good nightand sleeps on the floor away from the others.He takes his watch when required practicing his deep breathing techniques to center himself.
The night progresses peacefully, nothing disturbs your rest and the dawn comes. Master Telvin greets you in the main room and has the serving girls set tables of food out for you. As you eat, he thanks you again for your patronage and tells you you’re always welcome at the Tipsy Traveler.
Opening the front door, you step out into a slow drizzle under a grey sky. The Aiel are momentarily stunned by the sight of yet again more water falling miraculously from the sky. To the others, it just bodes for a slightly more miserable journey. Easop points you all in the general direction out of town and you begin your journey north towards Arturo’s Orchard.
Two days of travel sees nothing but open fields and a few scattered farmsteads off in the distance. The days are spent putting ground beneath you and the nights are spent clustered around the campfire telling tales and generally keeping warm in the cold. All in all, the journey is rather uneventful and except for the weather, even pleasant.
The morning of the third day of travel, thunder rumbles across the sky as, once more, rain begins to fall in a weak sprinkle. The wind begins to blow a little harder, carrying with it an intense chill. With luck, you should reach the village of Arturo’s Orchard by nightfall.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning crackles ahead of you, brightening the slate-gray sky. Its flash reveals a twisting trail of dark smoke, curling up from behind the trees.
You aren’t able to see the cause of the smoke although you would guess it would need to be from a sizable fire. It’s still about a quarter mile ahead of you but probably not more than a couple hundred feet from the road, you would guess.
Jed, suddenly tense at what he just saw, speaks to the others. "Smoke ahead. Looks to be a rather large fire, which means someone may be hurt. Of course, it could be dangerous as well." Stunning even himself, Jed starts to give some orders, hoping the others will follow them. "Lain, Graul, and Pandin. You three should try to stay out of sight in case there is trouble ahead. Maybe you can scout ahead of the rest of us, but try not to be seen. Easop, Jasmine and I will hurry ahead to help anyone who may be hurt. I'm counting on you to be ready to aid the three of us should there be trouble."
Jed hopes the group understands his goals. Three Aielmen would be suspicious around a large fire, and so they would be better off remaining unseen until everyone understands what is going on. Plus, if there is trouble ahead, they can mount a surprise attack from the shadows.
Assuming the others go along with his plan, Jed begins to hurry forward, pulling out his sword and shield.
Graul nods at Jed then turns to the other Aiel.
Graul pulls his short bow and notches an arrow. Excitment for the possible battle creeping into his mind.
Light! Not now, I must remain calm.
He slowly takes a deep breath and raises his veil.
Lain nods softly, before responding.
Signaling for Pandin to follow, Lain affixes his veil, before signing to him.
Tightening his buckler in place and grabbing one of his spears, from where it was strapped to his back, he lopes off in to the trees, keeping to the right.
Pandin nods and veils his face. Taking a spear and fixing his buckler to his left arm Pandin veers off into the trees with Lain.
Light help keep my wits about me. How is it that a Wetlander orders three Aiels around.
Stealth:
Perception:
What is happening? Lain? Graul? Jed? Jasmine will attempt to open herself up and embrace the source as she was taught. At first she feels nothing as her block stymies her.
But after a moment she is able to summon up feelings of sadness as the source floods into her. She will follow whomever seems to stay nearest to her.
Before disappearing off in to the trees, Lain replies. "Danger, Jasmine Raleen. Stay close to Jed al'Raes and the Treebrother. We will scout ahead!"
Hanging around an extra second to make sure Jasmine understands the gravity of the situation. Then Pandin nods to Jed with an intention of saying, keep her and the treebrother safe.
Making his final preparations Pandin heads into the forest after Lain staying 30 feet to his left.
Graul steps back away from the others attempting to vanish into the darkness.
Stealth:
Perception: