Litheene disregards the shack and it's conditions, anything to hide her from the seanchan is welcome. Observing the arguments among the group, she tries to collect her thoughts.
Under different circumstances, I've had a good number of reasons to be bothered by all that's happened. I was attacked by shadow spawn far from the bortherlands, Alathea and Jasmine's companions are male channelers, and they just torched a city. I always hated the damane training, and relied on less destructive weaves, however, can I really blame them? Now I too learned how to wield fire to use the power as weapon. Can I be sure I won't do so faced with a suldam?
Items! I was supposed to collect items for the tower. They've took one of them for destroying it seems, a small price as I've still got the angreal and the other item, not to mention potential finds from what was taken during the escape.
Despite the male channelers, it's probably best to remain with the group. Alathea, Jasmine and Jed will return to the tower eventually, and I can report back my findings then. The rest of the group just helped save my life and neck. And they still carry potential items I should study.
Against her better judgment, Litheene comes with a plan to test the braclet. Jasper - you claim this item is made for male channelers. If so, it should react to saidin, but not work for females. If me and one of the other accepted link to you, I could probe the braclet with saidin, and try to understand what it is. Because I'll lead the circle, the braclet won't activate on me. I suggest we do this before you go back to your contact, just so we know what we are dealing with
Regarding Alathea's suggestion, Litheene sadly remembers that her horse is indeed still in the city, as she was staying there for a while now. Sadly I won't be able to retrieve my horse she replies. She then describes the inn where she left it [b]I'll be glad if those of you that go back there could bring it back[/i].
Jasper scratches his chin. Seems a fair idea. plus, i am curious to know what it does. ok, who wants to link with me?
Jasmine has been trying to keep her composure during the various outbursts and arguments that have been cropping up. Light! It is like trying to herd my sister's children. All 12 of them! Jasmine looks around at the group and sighs. If we continue as we are we are going to fracture like a sap filled tree in Saldaea.
When Litheene mentions her idea for examining the bracelet Jasmine waits for Jasper to respond before saying I'll do it Jasper.
At that point Alathea mentions the horses and Jasmine berates herself for forgetting Shalea, her black mare warhorse. I am not sure I would be able to find my way back but I definitely wish to retrieve Shalea. She was a gift from my father after all.
Alathea turns her head sharply at the suggestion of probing the bracelet with saidar. To Litheene and Jasper, she says, "If you are mad enough to poke at that bracelet with the Power, I urge you to do it far from here. You do remember what happened the last time, do you not, Jasper?" She finishes in a flat, final tone, "I want nothing to do with this."
Jasmine arches an eyebrow at Alathea's tone. Just because Jasper has no manners does not mean she should emulate him.
I would thank you not to take that tone with me Alathea as I have treated you with nothing but courtesy and respect. I understand your concern though so why don't you and Fiallain retrieve the horses while we tend to this. Though you should remember that Litheene has made a study of ter-angreal and if there is anyone that I would want making such an examination it would be her. Considering the matter finished, Jasmine returns to looking at Jasper and Litheene and preparing the link.
oh i remember very well, alathea. that is why i am letting your sister lead, since the white tower is all knowing when it comes to studying ter'angreals. And way to have faith in Litheene's knowledge of ter'angreal. i bet that makes her feel really good, knowing that you doubt her ability, since she is the chosen representative of the white tower in hunting down angreal's. I dont know alot about the white tower, but if its anything like any other place, i am sure that whoever sent her has the utmost confidence in her abilities in learning and identifying and probing ter'angreal, right? he shoots the question at Litheene.
Alathea, I understand your concern, however, walking around with a potentially dangerous terangreal without knowing what it's capable of, might be just as dangerous. It's better to study it's effects when we are prepared
Litheene turns to Jasmine and Jasper I thank you for your confidence. While no sister today can claim the ability to master terangreal, I did invest a significant amount of time studying them, and had the ability to replicate adam as a damane. However, Alathea, Faillain and Pace, it is a good idea actually for the three of you to be near by but not linked to us, just in case we are still effected. Alathea - take my angreal for now, so the 3 of you will have the strength to break our circle if something is a miss Litheene hands the angreal to Alathea, and prepares to link.
What tone have I taken? Alathea rises smoothly, her face calm and her hands at her sides. She speaks evenly to Litheene, Jasper, and Jasmine, taking care to keep her tone from sounding anything less than civil. "I was unaware that I was speaking to you disrespectfully, Jasmine. Please forgive me if I've insulted you. Jasper, I have never said that I distrust you with this item. I have never implied that I have no faith in Litheene's ability, nor have I claimed that this item belongs to the Tower." She pauses, then looks at Jasmine, Jasper, and Litheene in turn, allowing her eyes to narrow in the slightest. "All I have stated is that I do not wish to partake in this...exercise. You may do as you wish."
Jasmine looks abashed as well, My apologies as well Alathea. We are all very tense after that encounter with the Fade. Litheene's suggestion is a good one. I would feel better if you were here to help if need be. Jasmine smiles at Alathea hoping that she did not offend her sister with her mistake as well.
The corner of Fia's mouth twitch when she notices Ryland's glance at her spear. Oh bloody flaming ashes! He looked at me like I had sprouted two heads back in that in the plaza too. Light! This is why I don't channel... nothing good ever comes from it. And now I'm part of 'you people' from the sound of it, even though I have had no part in creating the mess.
Thin lipped, she darts a quick, half wounded, half angry glance at Ryland before springing to her feet. To Alathea and whomever else was going, she speaks in a flat tone, "Well come on then, let's go get these bloody animals of yours."
Linking with Jasmine feels familiar, Litheene embraces the flow of Saidar from the fellow sister with joy. However, the moment Jasper joins the circle, Litheene shudders at the raging blast of Saiding, fighting for concentration while submitting to saidar and trying to claim saidin at the same time. Light, this is harder than I though. And then the flow fills her, and her head spins for a moment from the blast of intoxicating power and the horrible sensation of the taint. the seanchan said the ability to channel is a curse, feeling the sickness of the taint I can start to understand why for the ashaman it might be true. Still, this shows what they have to stand against each time the open themselves to the power, no wonder they go mad. However Jasmine's present and the dominance of Saidar allows Litheene to keep the lead.
After regaining control, Litheene lifts the bracelet up with arms of air and fastens it with harden air a few feet before them, to avoid it from moving. Then she proceeds to gently probe the terangreal with a trickle of spirit made from saidin.
Checking the item for any sort of reaction Litheene tries to feel it's inner weaving, adding trickles of other powers from time to time, and studying their effect.
Sweat trickling down her neck and spine, more from the forced effort than and continues focus than the heat, Litheene concentrates on Jasper's flow of the power, and on his hand, trying to visualize how the hand can be healed with the power, to understand how the power forms for a hand. She then proceeds to recreate a similiar pattern, weaving a form of a hand and a wrist in the bracelet, filling it with saidin, to try and see how the bracelet should react to the power imprint of a male channeler's wrist
Alathea shakes her head at Jasmine's apology. "Do not trouble yourself, Jasmine, all between us is forgiven."
Alathea politely waves away the angreal that Litheene offers to her. "I hope you do not take this as rude, but I wish no part of what you do. Please keep your angreal, you may need it more than I do.
Turning to Fiallain, Alathea suggests, "Perhaps while the others are occupied, we can go to retrieve our horses, yes?"
Nodding a bit, Fiallain agrees to Alathea's suggestion. "Yes, let's. I could use a good walk. Ready when you are."
Ryland sits quietly on his pack watching the others as he rearanges his gear for the third time since his tirade. Bloody fool! I chastise them for not thinking about the consiquences of their actions then I go and let my mouth get the best of me. Light! They held a Fade in mid air and put fire to his feet as if they were torturing a cat. I need to try and fix this. I don't want to end up like a cat.
He stands and slings his pack, adjusting it one more time for good mesure before looking at the aiel. "If we are waiting for the others to figure out the barclet thing before heading back into the city, I can help you find the horses."
Alathea smiles warmly at Ryland's approach. "We would be happy to have you along, Ryland; thank you for your offer."
Jed nods to Alathea, Fiallain and Ryland as they head out to reclaim the horses. "I'd join you, but I think I better remain here just in case." Though Jed cannot take part in the channeling, he remains close by and watches the faces of those involved, looking for any appearance of straining, discomfort, or worse, pain.
Alathea, Ryland and Fiallain grab their things and head out, heading to the north keeping Tanchico on their left. The trip starts in silence, the three companions mulling over the night's events. Its been almost a full day without sleep for you and its not too clear when sleep will next be available.
-----------------
Litheene holds the bracelet suspended on weaves of Air as she slowly probes the object with threads of the Power. As she sends a tendril of Spirit into the bracelet, the flow suddenly draws itself tight. It threads throughout the bracelet, closing the loop.
Litheene latches onto the hinges with threads of Air but despite the force, she's unable to pull the bracelet apart, the flows of Spirit locking the band tight. As she, Jasmine, and Jasper watch dozens of thin tendrils of Spirit slowly snake from the bracelet towards the center where one's wrist would be. They writhe and contort but other than that seem to do nothing that you can tell.
Releasing the flows, you are all surprised to see that almost an hour has passed in what felt like only moments. Litheene looks troubled but intrigued. Strange. Few ter'angreal or weaves of any kind use pure flows of Spirit. Its still hard to tell what the effect would be without someone wearing the bracelet. However I am concerned about trying that. The fact that the flow of Spirit locks the bracelet in place, forcing the completion of whatever effect those threads of Spirit have is troubling.
------------------
Jed watches closely at Litheene, Jasper, and Jasmine. Litheene's face is mostly an expression of concentration, culminating in a hint of wonder by the time the hour is passed. Jed is relieved, when they finally stop concentrating on the ter'angreal, no one having shown any signs of serious discomfort or pain. At Litheene's words, Jed nods. "So you are saying that by placing the bracelet on, something happens and there is no way of stopping it. Too bad we don't know what it is..."
Jed then looks to Jasper. "Deloval wants to destroy this, yes? Why would the Shadow be looking for it unless they wished to use it? Or a better question would be, how does the Shadow wish to use it? On themselves or their enemies? I wish we had more information before we sent this off to be destroyed, when it could potentially be of great use in the war to come."
Jed clearly doesn't trust the Black Tower just yet, but he also has no intention of getting in the way of Pace and Jasper's assignment.
while my orders specifically state that this must be destroyed, or buried with no hope of finding it, they dont specify how soon i have to do it.... he pulls his hand away from the link.
Walking up to the thing, Jasper gazes at it, thinking... i wonder...
After a long while of walking through the fields surrounding Tanchico, Alathea can no longer take the awkward silence. But although she feels guilt about Ryland's chastisement, she's not ready to breach that subject just yet. But the silence is like a sore tooth, and she feels the need to poke at it. "Master Ryland, you are from Fal Dara, yes? If you do not mind me asking, what has led you so far away from your home? I do not think I have ever heard you tell of it."
Ryland looks at Alathea then back towards their destination before answering. "Yes I am from Fal Dara, or was. As a boarderlander we hold back the blight, we are the force that protect the lowlanders from the shadow spawn, and in my opinion we failed. How else do you explaine the attack last night? My whole life, I have trained to stalk and kill Trollocs and their like, to protect others from them." He pauses as he readjust his pack before continuing. "They way I see it, I can do more good here, not running through the damned blight. They own that already. No, this is where the real war is. This is where I am needed."
Jasmine, Jasper, thank you it takes Litheene a few moments to readjust after the circle is released.
Litheene curiosly inspect the terangreal, taking note of Jaspers comment.
A few terangreal exist, which effects are permanent, such as the oath rod. It is possible that this functions similiarly for males. Also ... Litheene weights her words for time, considering There are rumors of biding oaths of shadow, it is unclear if they use the same rod aes sedai do.
On the other hand, it may have an effect unknown to aes sedai, but useful to the shadow in an item form. There are legends about the ability of the shadow to convert people using channelers and myradral, this item might be related. Other legends talk about items with similiar purpose to the adam, but a permanent effect
Lastly, the seanchan have a terangreal ring which closes on a subject in a similiar manner, and eanchances his abilities as an assasain, while killing him slowly, some damane were capable of making it, but I never had to chance to study such a ring
Litheene takes a deep breath, and restores her composure after the affort,arranging her cloths. I would guess the item is atleast partially harmful to the wearer, otherwise there would be no reason to lock it on the affected. I doubt the shadow would wish to risk much just to aquere a temporary boost for the price of death, like the seanchan terangreal, so this item is probably some form of binder.
Jasper, do you know anything from you contact regarding which shadow friends exactly wished to acruire it? It might give us a clue to thier intentions. For example, based on us being attacked by a fade far from the blight, I would guess we are not dealing with a minor shadow friend. Which also supports the notion of the item being harmfull, as it were targeted beyong the effort to secure an angreal or something of the like, that would have enchanced the abilities of it's persuir
not that i can remember. but i shall ask. Jasper says in a distracted manner.
Jasper bends down and picks up the ter'angreal. Its is an enigma. we know not what it does, our probing only creating more questions than answers. And with specific orders to... not.. put... this... Jasper trails off, bouncing it in his hand, and slowly looking to his wrist.
When Ryland offers to accompany her to find and retrieve the horses, Fiallain folds his gaze for a long moment before finally nodding. "I see you, Ryland. Your company would be welcome, if you do not mind mine. Beside, I have no idea how to get those beasts to follow me and there are too many for Alathea alone".
Picking up her pack and slinging it over her shoulder, her long legs start eating up the ground, forcing the other two to hustle to keep up. She walks in silence at least until Alathea questions the man. Despite her mood, she is curious and slow her pace until she walks along side the other two.
You did well today, had you faced a half-man before, when you were guarding against the blight? Despite her usual stoic tendencies, she can't help but shudder a bit, remembering the feel of that dead, eyeless gaze on her.
Alathea nods at Fiallain's words and adds her own. "Yes, we are fortunate that the war has brought you to fight alongside us, and I am happy for not just your sword, but for your company. I cannot imagine that it is an easy thing to leave the lands of your birth to fight for another land, regardless of the necessity."
Alathea finds that it is easier to continue a conversation than it is to start it in the first place, even if continuing it means speaking of uncomfortable things. He is speaking to me, which is a rare occurrence. I may not get a better chance than now. With a deep breath, she continues. "You are right, you know. My actions back in the city were wrong; in my fear I thought only of my own safety. I hope that you realize, though, that I am trying to fight the same war as you are."
Pace stands nearby as the group examines the bracelet. When he sees Jasper eyeing it curiously he calmly walks forward and says quietly, "Deloval said specifically that it is dangerous and we should not put it on. Perhaps I should hold it, you know, so you don't go against his orders."
shaking his head, jasper says in a clear voice no. i got this. lets see if we can destroy this thing. i think we should all link together, pooling our power, and attempt to destroy this thing. If the shadow wants it so bad, then we should deny it to them.
Jasper walks back and takes Litheene and Jasmine's hands. Pace, will you join us?
"No I will not, and you will not attempt any such thing. You have no idea what will happen and it could very well explode and kill all of you. I did not like the idea of you channeling at it at all without studying it further. I'm sure both of the ladies agree with me on this one." Pace looks at the Jasmine and Litheene calmly.
"Pace speaks wisely... Perhaps we should take this ter'angreal back to the Dark Tower first. At the very least, you will have more support in destroying it. And if you were to fail here and the ter'angreal does kill us all, there's no guarantee it will be destroyed as well. Who knows whose hands it'll fall into after that."
Arent you also forgetting the other part of our orders, Pace? Deloval specifically stated "destroy it if we can, hold on to it at the very least." . Jasper shoots back in retort.Besides, we did study it. It uses spirit to bind the user
Feeling Pace embrace the source, Jasper's eyes narrow and embraces Saidan.
at hearing Jed's comment, Jasper takes on a sheepish look. Jed, you definitly have a way of pointing things out. I will admit, i hadnt thought of the concequences of us dying and not able to maintain control of the angreal. Fine. we shall wait till we are in our own lands to attempt at destroying this thing. Since it is nearing dawn, i think i will head into town, since Ryland has decided to go off and get the horses and gear with Alathea and Fiallain. Litheene, I know we pulled some random stuff from the warehouse, think you could be a dear and look these things over for potential angreal status?
Jasper dumps the items that he grabbed onto the ground, and prepares to leave.
Well, im off.
with that said, he turns and heads out the door, Heading back to town.
Wearing the bracelet ... or attacking it for that matter is indeed dangerous. As much as I would like to know what it does, we have a safer way of finding out - finding your contact, Deloval, isn't it?
When the items are from the warehouse are offered for her inspection, Litheene smiles I'll gladly study those. Angreal shouldn't be hard to identify. I do hope you get the chance to take my horse from the tavern.
Litheene then arranges all the items people took from the warehouse on the ground, takes out a parchment from her case, and lists them in order, taking note of unusual features. She first tries to define which items might be power imbued and which might be dangerous .
Then Litheene carefully probes with spirit each item, taking special care with the dangerous ones. Items which look like having a better chance of being power items, are examined first. If an item amplifies the flows, or reacts to the power without adding weaves of its own, Litheene assumes it is probably an angreal and tries channeling while holding it to see if it is attuned to Saidar (if otherwise, probably it's for Saiding and should be chacked by one of the ashaman). Any item containing a weave pattern or changing the flows is labels as terangreal, as for now put aside for further examination.
The terangreal found Litheene already had on her in the warehouse is also added to the list.
"And I see you, Fiallain Bo'airr. I welcome your company also. Don't worry, I have a way with horses."
Ryland nervously loosens his sword in it's scabard before answering her question. " I have seen three before last night, but this is the first one I have crossed swords with, thank The Maker."
"Thankyou for your kind words Alathea Sedai. It has been...difficult getting used to the ways of the lowlanders. In the boarderlands we are born into war, our houses are made for siege, not looks. And we face death each day knowing the darkspawn my arrive."
At the mention of last nights actions he frowns and shrugs his shoulders. "I understand you use the tools you have during combat to survive, I would do no less. But you must understand, I have trained since I was a boy for combat. Not just how to swing a sword, anyone can do that and kill someone, but how to use my sword properly. It is ingrained into me after all of those years how to mind my swings in close combat so as not to wound of kill my companions.
Even with that training, I would expect to die in single combat with a fade. That is the plain truth. Your powers allow you to do things to make a fade a non-issue. How can a normal person understand this and not feel fear? You have tramendouse power, but some of you do not know how to mind it. No one in their right mind would allow a child to have a catapult as a toy, but that is what happens to some with your power. And those of us with out it are left to pick up the pieces."
Jasmine will sit quietly with Litheene, attempting to discern the nature of the items that she is studying. Jasmine, though she is not as learned in items of the power as Litheene does have some understandings of the nature of such things and helps where she can.
As Jasper leaves, he starts whistling "she waits for me at home".
After a few hours Ryland, Alathea and Fiallain return to the tanning shack, horses in tow. Alathea is briefed on the what they discovered about the nature of the bracelet ter'angreal. Everyone is brought up to speed on the thoughts of what to do with the item.
Concerned about dealing with the same situation with the mounts again, Jasper and Ryland () set out for Tanchico on foot. If all goes well they plan to return that evening with news of success. The rest of the goup settles in to wait to hear about what will happen next.
Pace will accompany Jasper and Ryland to town, asking around about the location of the Salty Spray.
Riding into town, Jasper feels confident that this exchange will be easy. Unfornately for him, he has no idea where the Salty Spray is, although the name inclines him to think it is a sea side shanty.
Due to the stressors of earlier this evening, Jasper is unable to properly compose himself when trying to interact with the locals, often confusing a persons name, or sticking his foot into his mouth when attempting to compliment a comely wench.
whilest talking to Pace and Ryland, Jasper confides i dont know guys, i think that past half day took alot out of me. i think im going to have a pint and try to collect myself.
Upon returning with the horses, Alathea listens dully to Jasmine and Litheene's description of testing the bracelet, struggling to stay awake. After wishing Ryland, Jasper, and Pace luck in returning to the city, she curls into a corner of the shack. Tannery stench or no, she has no trouble falling into a much-needed sleep.
After the men leave for the city, Fiallain approaches Alathea. I would ask your help with something. I was thinking that if would be useful to know how to knit wounds with the power as the three of you do. Would you be willing to teach me? Sometime that is, you look ready to fall over right now...
Diplomacy
Alathea's eyes flutter open at Fiallain's words, and she smiles. "I was wondering when you'd acknowledge your ability, Fiallain. I can certainly try to teach you, but for the best instruction, I would recommend you come to the White Tower." She smiles again, more widely, and holds up a forestalling hand. "No, do not protest. While I would be very happy to have you as a Sister in the Tower, I know it is not for everybody. So yes, I will teach you...but I do not think I can do so now: I am barely able to hold a conversation, much less grasp saidar."
Wandering the inns and streets of Tanchico you are as yet unable to find the Salty Spray although it is a large city.
Getting his head on straight, Jasper actually manages to figure out how to talk to people to get them to relay some information.
Diplomacy:
Hey you cork soaker, where is the fargin Salt Spray!