Alathea frowns at Jasper's outburst. "You may recall, Jasper, that our "flaming taskmaster" saved you from this woman and her Shadowspawn." She pokes at the unconscious Serviana, slumped against the saddlehorn in front of her. "You may not agree with her decisions, just as I don't always agree with her decisions. But you owe her some respect."
Jasmine gives a tiny nod of thanks to Alathea before moving over to Serviana and giving her a dose of the tea. She then stands and says My thought is to keep her dosed while we travel and are more vulnerable to attack. She will stay shielded at all times regardless but it will make it easier to manage her. Ryland, if you would be so kind while we are traveling to try and find as much of this plant as you can, it would be most appreciated. I know what the plant looks like now so I should be able to help as well. When we camp we should start warding the camp every night so as to prevent an ambush. Of course you all know this but it is good to sometimes have things stated out loud. I want you all to know how much I appreciate you going along with this, even though some are in disagreement. Jasmine smiles warmly, showing she really means what she says.
To Jasmine, "What does he want to do, sit here and wait for the Fades to come back? Your plan is the most sensible."
"I will look for more of the root and scout ahead of the group. Your plan is sound, as long as the shadow spawn do not track us."
no need for me to recall when i have both of you to remind me every minute. jasper snorts back. looking at alathea he says didnt your mother ever say that if you keep that look on your face itll stay that way? id hate for you to be hung upside down just to see you smile. at the end a smile lights across his face, and a chuckle flows from his mouth.
hearing jasmine speak, jasper just glowers and grumbles. Getting up on his horse, he stops a moment and unties his weaves, letting them disperse. muttering to himself, i bloody set the camp up for protection, i bloody take the time to make sure she and the others can sleep well at night, and then she flaming spouts what i had said not a few hours earlier...bloody flaming arrogant...
Alathea laughs quietly. "If we truly remind you every minute, I would think that you would have learned by now."
Gathering up your things, Jasper removes his weavings while Ryland walks the perimeter of the camp, erasing as much of the group's physical presence as he can. After feeding her the tea, Jasmine helps direct Jed into hoisting the bound sister on to Alathea's horse and then helping Alathea up behind her. Wrapping her arms around the woman to keep her seat, Alathea can't help but feel her skin crawl at the Darkfriend's proximity.
With the rest of the party mounted, you begin to ride out heading south and east. The sun climbs overhead and the heat rises quickly with it. This close to Tanchico you come across a number of scattered farms and it takes some haggling but you are able to secure a wagon and a horse to pull it although you could easily have bought twice that amount for the same price back before the chaos that now grips the land.
After securing the wagon, your first day of travel goes rather smoohtly and blessedly uneventful. There is still no sign of Deloval and you are all resigned now to the attempted journey to Salidar, although Jasper, Pace and even Fiallain are a bit on edge at the thought of being surrounded by so many full sisters.
Jasper will fall back and guard the rear of the party. he will beckon Pace to come join him.
As they are riding along, Pace rides up close to Alathea, Litheene and Jasmine. "I just wanted you to know that since we will be approaching your Aes Sedai encampment that we need to have some arrangements in place first. I will not have any of your sisters trying to take the bracelet from Jasper and myself. I know your view is that all ter'angrel are property of the White Tower, but it is an Asha'man manner and will stay as such. To be honest, I'm not even going to be going into the camp. I cannot trust that some woman will not decide that I need to be shielded and gentled "for my own good". I assume Jasper will feel the same way."
Alathea nods in agreement with Pace's words. Looking up from her task of driving the cart, she replies, "I understand your wariness about entering this camp. If you choose to stay out of it, I cannot blame you. This bracelet of yours, you will keep it with you as well, yes? We are not meeting with these Sisters because of the bracelet, after all."
After speaking with Pace, Alathea looks over to her Sisters. "We must present Serviana for judgement, but I do not assume that it will be an easy matter. We will likely be intensely questioned about how we came to gain custody of her. As he says, I doubt that Pace wants to be brought into this situation, but I do not see a way of leaving his and Jasper's involvement out of any explanation we give, and those we speak with will not be pleased at our associations."
Alathea sighs and continues. "Even aside from the disapproval likely from working with men...like that, and the questioning about Serviana, I cannot imagine that we will be allowed to go free and do as we please when all is settled. We are all still Accepted, and we will likely be given other tasks that will prevent us from continuing to Caemlyn." She scowls, and twitches the reins dejectedly. "And with the Tower divided, I cannot imagine that these Sisters will wish to let us out of their grasp, lest we return to their rivals."
Jasmine nods at Pace's words as well, Those in the settlement we are going to do not need to know the nature of our mission with you. As in I will not be telling them about the bracelet and I do not think anyone else will be. I won't lie but it will not be brought up. As for who and what you and Jasper are, that is not something I will be telling them either. I will not allow you to be "shielded and gentled"... and she pauses for a second getting a somewhat wicked smile on her face, ...as you are emissaries of the Black Tower and as such are protected from harm as diplomats. This is a backup plan if what you are is found out but should give you protection should it come to that. The sisters would not want to damage their reputation by capturing and holding diplomat's against their will, no matter who they are.
Looking at Alathea I know that we are still only Accepted but I feel I am ready with the experience that we have had to take the test for the shawl, and so are you two. We have more real world experience than a majority of the full sisters now. I know that I cannot test completely until the tower is reunited and we can lay our hands on the oath rod but I am not prepared to stay an Accepted just because of inconvenience. Should this matter not be resolved quickly I am not sure what will happen.
Alathea smiles half-heartedly. "I hope it is as you say, Jasmine. But even if we are given the privileges of being Aes Sedai, we will still face difficult questions, yes? I like your idea that Pace and Jasper are diplomats, but even aside from them, I imagine that our experiences will be scrutinized very closely. We must be prepared for such."
Jed nods at Pace's words. "You have my word that I will not speak of you or Jasper."
Once the group has finished their discussion, Jed pulls Jasmine aside. "Our Bond is likely to be a point of contention as well. I stand by what we've done, but we should be ready to face some anger."
Jasmine looks at Alathea and says I agree, we need to make sure we are able to control the conversations to directions we want. That and we need to make sure we are in agreement of what we will and won't tell.
Allowing herself to be drawn aside by Jed, she listens intently before replying, a fervent and determined look in her eye As do I Jed. Know this, I will not let them take you from me...no matter what the cost. I will leave them behind as an archaic and outdated group if they decide that I must release you or worse, pass the bond to another. Violetta Sedai performed the bond for us because we saved her life. The fact that she died that same day from another Seanchan attack so that we could escape just means that I will not dishonor her by allowing you to be taken from me. They can be as angry as they like, set whatever penance they wish...so long as they do not try to separate us I will endure whatever I must for you. You saved my life and have been a rock upon which I could set my back during these troubled times. She gets a small smile on her face and says Though I still have yet to get you back for trussing me up like a goose for market and carrying me away from that patrol I wished to go after... she puts up a hand to forestall you before saying ...yes I know there was a Damane with them and you were right to hold me back but still...it was...undignified. She goes a bit red remembering the encounter.
Litheene will of course take part of shielding Serviana. She will also readily participate in payments.
Regarding the future encounter with the Aes Sedai, Litheene waits for Jasmine and Alathea to finish planing regarding the Ashaman, before she speaks: I believe we will have a problem keeping secrets for long. We plan on giving them Serviana, which will bring up the subject of the bracelet, and our group, during interogations. Maybe it's best to either not put ourselves in suspicius position when this knowledge is discovered from her rather than us, or to be gone before that happens. I'd also prefer to make our way in the direction of Camelyn and Tar Valon the moment we are rid of Serviana. Not only the Ashaman need to deliver thier bracelet, but I also need to report my findings from the mission I was given, and we need to make the tower aware of the whole situation.
During the travel Litheene will also inquire from her sisters if they know of a way to shield dreams.
In her spare time she will try to study the medalion, checking it's patterns to compare them to the ward against shadow spawn, to look for ways the medalion design is build regarding them, if at all. She will also try to assess the level of danger to a human being from the ray it shots.
Litheene approaches Jasper and pace I believe it's best if you could take the part of warding for protection while we are keeping our stealth. I believe Jasper's actions after the capture of Serviana were the best option, as those weaves will attract much less attention, and be harder to trace, when done by you.
in a dull voice devoid of life, jasper simply says yeah. sure.
riding in the back, jasper watches everyone ride about around the wagon up ahead. the voices in his head all scream at him, demanding some sort of fun to occur; this sedated ride is boring. his thoughts wonder from burning the fade like a roasted duck, to setting tanchico ablaze, to the massive forest fire, to the dream.
The next 9 days of travel are fairly tedious although given the chaos you are leaving that isn't necessarily a bad thing. The miles drift away behind you. Following the main road you can just see the river it parrellels in the distance. Sporadic traffic passes you in each direction but it's few and far between and for the most part you have the road to yourselves. As the miles pile up behind you, some of you are able to handle the long monotiny better than others.
During the trip you are able to find some farms that haven't been abandoned although those that you do find are loathe to part with what little food they have. Still coin speaks loudly and although the prices would be robbery during normal times, you do enjoy a few meals not scavenged from the road as you travel. Even so, the food is far from bountiful and you all have learned to deal with a certain level of hunger at this point.
Serviana has behaved herself for the majority of the trip, no attempts to escape or bargain with any of you. She is silent and unresponsive unless prodded though, never trying to talk to any of you. She could almost be traveling by herself given her demeanour. Between the forkroot and the Shield, she's remained very unobtrusive so far.
Your dreams have thankfully been your own and it's easy to fall asleep in the evenings after being on the road for so long.
As you crest a small rise you see spread before you the city of Elmora. It certainly doesn't hold a candle to Tanchico or any of the other great cities but after more than a week on the road with nothing more than farms and the occasional village, it seems a metropolis. The river passes along its south side, glittering brightly in the early morning light.
Jasper will perk up when someone mentions coinage and paying for food. the coinage should come from our fearless leader, since she is responsible for all things concerning our...passenger.
Jasper will canter up along side the wagon and ask so whats the plan with her? we could either wait outside of town and let a couple people go in and get the passage, thus avoiding the need to have to explain a bound woman, or we could all walk into town as if its a festival and just ask to be arrested. ite been a while since ive burnt anything worthwhile jasper will chuckle at his own statement.
Jasmine will have no problem paying for food for the group.
Jasmine smiles at Jasper's quip I think it would be best if we did not all go in together. We should find a place to camp and then a couple of us can go in. I will go as I can perhaps barter a better price on any ships we find. Anyone else that wishes can go as well with the understanding that we are trying to avoid suspicion and attention. In the meantime, unless you wish to come into town with us of course, Ryland will you scour the area for as much forkroot as you can. While I am in town I will see if there is a wise woman or herbalist that we can procure some more from. Jasmine then waits to see if there are any suggestions or arguments to her ideas.
The woodsman looks towards the town for a moment then shakes his head. "I will look for your herb. If you do find the wise woman, ask her for something to deal with dreams. I will find you tonight." Ryland turns his horse back towards the woods and rides away.
Since the last battle with the shadowspawn, the Boarderlander has distanced himeself more and more. His scouting taking him furter and further from the main group, somedays coming back only after camp has been set, and then just to throw his bed roll and fall asleep. In the mornings he is gone before the first riserscrack open their eyes.
He turns his head as he rides and bairly looks back at the others. "Try not to burn the place down Jasper."
Alathea nods at the plans of the others. "If you are going into this town, Jasmine, I will stay out here, yes? I will make sure that our captive is watched closely."
Despite the pressure of watching Serviana and the fear of other attacks, Alathea has enjoyed the past days of travel. Driving the wagon had come back to her immediately, and the simplicity feels good. I can almost imagine living on the farm again. That life would be so much simpler... She shakes her head, snapping out of her reverie. She has her responsibilities, and she knows the hardships of such a simple life...hardships different from those of an Aes Sedai, but no easier. I cannot afford to be wistful, and I do not think I want that life, anyway.
jasper will accompany jasmine into town
Seeing Jasper wants to come as well Jasmine looks at him and says If you are willing, there is something I would like to try with you first, Jasper. There is a weave that we, and by we I mean Fiallain and my sisters, have found that may help you and Pace. If you are willing to try it. It will not harm you even if it does not work. The weave will allow us to separate the taint from your mind for a while, allowing you greater clarity of thought and focus. Would you consent to let us try?
jasper looks at jasmine, and then at the other female channelers. looking back at her, he says simply let me think on it, please.
Litheene will stay guarding Serviana with Alathea. Before Jasmine leaves, Litheene approaches her, signaling Alathea and Fiallain closer.
Jasmine - if there are no objections, I suggest you take the newly found angreal with you to the town. We will stay here with mine. Also, we need address the issue of it in general. It was carried by Serviana, who probably stole it from the tower. I lay no personal claim to it, as I already have one, but we need to consider our stance regarding this item. The sisters might request it back, once they learn about it from Serviana.
I also still don't know the true nature of the medallion, and both it and my angreal were recovered during my mission to retrieve items back to Tar Valon. Thus I'll prefer if the existance of this items was concealed during our visit to the ... other Aes Sedai camp
"I agree," Alathea replies. "While I would hope that you have no need of an angreal in this town, we have learned to expect trouble, yes? You should have every advantage that we can impart, Jasmine."
Alathea pauses for some time before continuing to address Litheene's other topic. "I will not claim that I do not wish to have an angreal for my own, but you are right, Litheene. This item likely belongs to the Tower. If that woman did not steal it, then the Tower likely entrusted it to her for one reason or another...but only until she had no more need of it. As she is a Darkfriend, she certainly has no need of it now. If the Aes Sedai demand it back, it is only right that we return it."
Pace is friendly, though not overly talkative during the trip to Elmora, but he is often caught giving Serviana long, thoughtful looks. When the idea of splitting up outside of Elmora is mentioned he quips, "Splitting up has worked for us so well in the past." As the women's conversation moves to how to deal with the angreal he glances away from the group. Belongs to "the Tower". The Tower has not seemed to make particularly good use of the items they have. The pride of those women is bigger than all the borderlands put together.
swinging up on his horse, jasper gripes well, we are burning daylight. you ladies can discuss property on the boat. He kicks his heels and canters off.
With camp set up and plans discussed Jasmine, Jed, and Jasper turn their horses and head into Elmora. The late afternoon sun is shining over the city and for a moment it's a bit disorrienting being back among the bustle of a city. Men and women move with purpose as they move around you, hawkers extoll the virtues their wares.
As with every other city, signs of the recent chaos are evident everywhere you look. Folks with distant gazes who don't seem to be headed anywhere move aimlessly through the streets. Children with too large eyes clutch to parents' legs with little excitement.
The most striking sight of Elmora are the white cloaked figures you can see occasionaly marching down the street. Much as they had done with the Seanchan in Tanchico, the citizens of Elmora simply move themselves out of the way, deferring to the Whitecloaks as to avoid confrontation. The Children simply accepted this as their due, walking with confidence through the streets although with no real vision for the suffering around them. The downtrodden of Elmora weren't enough of an immediate concern for the Children.
This close to Amador it is no surprise to see the Children of the Light yet even so, Jasmine still stiffened slighty as a patrol of them passed. They clearly had no interest in a small group of travelers though and were soon swallowed by the crowd.
Moving further into the city, you are able to spot a number of inns most of which are down near the river's edge. The city is a large hub for river trade and it's inns bear this out with names like the Eel's Rest, Jordain's Ship and other similar titles. Sun-baked men and a few women wander about, killing time while they could.
Picking an inn at random, The Laughing Fish, the 3 companions head inside. The crowd is thin and quiet, the evening crowds not yet arrived after the work. A few serving girls mill about tending the few customers while the apparent innkeeper, a portly fellow polishing a mug that was clearly clean well before this stand at the counter to the bar. As you enter he comes from around back and wipes his hands on his apron.
Welcome to the Laughing Fish. Looking for meals? Or maybe a room for the evening?
Jasmine inclines her head in thanks for the angreal to take in. Jasper is right we can discuss that on the boat. Keep a sharp eye sisters and the Creator shelter you.
With that Jasmine mounts her horse and joins the group heading into town. Once we are in the town, Pace if you and Ryland would see about finding a wise woman to get more forkroot? Jasper, Jed, and I will go and visit the docks to see about booking passage on a ship downriver. Is that acceptable to everyone?
jasper stares intently at the white cloaks, his lips curling as he watches them pass, acting like they know whats best for everyone. the urge to pull a prank on them, to sullen their white cloaks is almost to great for him to pass...almost. Snorting at them, he turns and rides on.
jasper wanders up to the bar, and throws a couple silver pieces on the bar. ill take some ale to wash the road dust from my throat. and a meal will come later i thinks. the happy couple im sure will share some water. Tell me friend, what news in these parts? I have a fair distance to go, and id hate to run headlong into trouble.
Eyeing Jasper's appearance and words, the inn keep gives him a solid look over. Shrugging he quickly slides the coins into his palm and then sets a full mug down on the counter.
Name's Lorn Hildreg. Strange times men asking after trouble first thing they walk in without a proper introduction but with the Dragon alive, no surprise there. He grabs another mug and begins rubbing it clean, more to keep his hands busy than anything. But trouble? There's all sorts if of different types, take your pick. Living this close to the border you always see the Children swaggering around like they own the place. Course up north ways you have the bloody Dragonsworn, nothing more than bandits and thieves really. What direction you headed in stranger?
Taking a long pull from the ale, Jasper sighs, feeling the thrist being quenched. My apologizes on my abruptness. I have been too long on the road, and i fear farther to go as of yet. Name's Jasper. My friends and I have just left Tanchico, after securing a small inheritance from her late uncle, bloody tight-fist. Alls that was left was a note of kindness from the aged man, and a small pittance, barely able to cover expenses. But she thinks fondly of the man...but i digress. As to our path, well, right now our path is to Ebou Dar. After that, wherever the wind blows my friend.
Tanchico huh. And on to Ebou Dar? I'd have imagined taking a ship would have been easier and faster for it. Well either way you've brought yourself around Elmora it seems. You folks be needing a room? Lorn sets down two mugs filled with water in front of Jasmine and Jed.
chuckling out loud, jasper leans in close, but speaks in a voice loud enough for jasmine and jed to hear the Lady, she has a fear of the sea. Something about the great depth below the waves, i know not. But, alas, i travel with her, so i ammuse her fancies. As for the room, if you have one with a nice bed available, im sure the love birds will enjoy it. Jasper winks at the man. Finishing the ale, Jasper continues So, friend Lorn, would you happen to know decent skippers around here with a boat for hire? the ride to this fair establishment has done a number on the Lady's backside, if you know what i mean, and although she fears the sea, the slowness of the river she finds acceptable. If you know of someone heading up river, i greatly appreciate the introduction. jasper finishes, flipping Lorn another silver.
Lorn chuckles and smiles at Jasper. Aye women often proven to be more of a hassle than they sometimes are worth. Hah, but it's the Light's truth. Jed's knuckles pop as he grips the hilt of the sword at his waist. Lorn's face pales as he catches the look on Jed's face and Jasmine isn't making any move to curtail him.
Stammering Lorn bows his head towards the Warder. Beggin' pardon, mi'lord. You let your man here speak so it makes me forget my place. Of course I mean no disrespect and would never question the honor or integrity of such a beautiful lady as yours. Not to say that you own her... What I mean is... His voice trails off to nothing as he eyes the two of you until Jasmine finally puts a hand on Jed's wrist and he releases his sword, his eyes still hard.
Jasper's teeth grind as the man turns back to him, done adressing "his lord". Looking down at the state of his own clothes, Jasper simply shrugs and puts his smile back on as the innkeeper talks. As far as a ship for your lord and lady's use, there might be a few that could take you in that general direction. You would need to head down to the docks and ask yourself for that. Most travel heads up north back Tanchico way. Not too many travel south from here, there ain't much business to be had in that direction. Glancing back towards Jed he lowers his voice. Could you please make sure your lord knows I meant no offense? I would never.
Pay it no more attention, and let it not keep you up at night. Once you get to know the man, he is a nice guy who lets things go quickly. jasper finishes, turning to Jed and directing the statement at him.
Ill tell you what Lorin, once our business is completed on the docks, and the Lord and Lady are safely in their honeymoon bed, what say you and i share some pints of this fine ale? he finishes with a nudge of the pint.
Jasmine looks on with a trace of amusement as Jasper talks to the man. Putting a dazzling smile on her face Jasmine says to the innkeeper Master Hildreg? Do you know of any particular people we should speak to down at the docks? As you can see we are not from here and would prefer meeting with someone reputable. I am sure a man of your standing can understand that. She pauses a moment and smiles again before continuing I must say I did not expect so fine an establishment in a small town like Elmora. You certainly do it honor by keeping it so well. You mentioned that you have had some issues with the Children of the Light? Nothing serious I hope.
