Pausing briefly at the bar to get a pint of hearty ale, Jasper goes up to his room and scrubs himself down, washing the past couple months of grit and grim from him. better to be safe than sorry jasper says to himself as he resists the urge to channel to help him clean his travel clothes. Instead, he leaves them in a pile at the door, with the intention of getting a maid to help him clean up his clothes, among other things.
grinning from the interesting images he conjures in his mind about a potential dalliance with a maid, Jasper comes down the stairs and plops into a seat across from Alathea and Fiallain.
Ladies. Pretty nice inn that we have here, eh? From the smell eminating from the kitchen, it smells good too. Fiallain, if it would please you, allow me to purchase your meal for tonight. I really would enjoy a chance to have a good conversation with you about you and your homeland.
Flashing a warm friendly smile at both women, Jasper cannot help but think that aught to suprise the hell out of them
Deciding that Ebou Dar is a safer example, she continues. "I am from Ebou Dar, a great city to the South.
Alathea raises an eyebrow at Jasper's newly-discovered courtesy, but says nothing. It may be a start, but he will have to do better than that.
Someone 'like'me? A flicker of amusement crosses her features at Alathea's question. I find that hard to imagine, though I suppose anything is possible... Of late I have found that many things are not as they seem. Her smile slips as. Jasper plops down with them and one eyebrow rises in mirror of Alathea's at his sudden change in demeanor. I.....suppose that would've be fine... What is it you wish to know of the three-fold-land? This one bears watching... He changes his hew far too easily.
i guess my biggest question is, how does one raise a child in the wastes? or should i say, the three-fold-land? Seems like an incredibly difficult undertaking, even if you have abundant water. But out there, with it being so dry, I find it truely amazing to see a culture thrive and flourish out in such a desolate landscape. Jasper states while putting his entire focus onto Fillain. Seeing a serving maid, Jasper flags her over.
excuse me a moment Fiallain. Mistress, when will the evenings meal be served. i, and my companions, have been traveling for some time and we are famished.
Alathea shakes her head to dispel any possible misunderstanding. I hope I haven't tripped over a taboo or said something unintentionally offensive... Although she still ignores Jasper, she chooses a point in the conversation where she will not interrupt him in continuing. "Perhaps 'like you' is the wrong choice of words. I don't mean to imply that you are so different. I merely mean that if I can imagine a girl out there like me, perhaps you can imagine someone you can relate to living here. What did you do before you came to Cairhein? You know, back when life was normal?"
After his talk with the innkeep Pace approaches Jak in a place where no one outside of the group could hear, "We're going to need to know if the Seanchan have a particular interest in Power wrought objects, and what they would do with them. You seem to have a way of finding things out. Would you be interested in asking around?"
Jak nods, "Sure would. In fact, I was thinking the same thing." He follows Pace back to the group, turning a chair backwards and straddling it, his chin resting on his arms which are folded across the now-reversed back of the seat. He waits for a lull in the conversation before speaking up, "Pace here had a wonderful idea. He thinks I should go check into what this town's new rulers do with... lost items of high value. If they'd gotten their hands on what we're looking for, then we'd need to know where to begin asking for it. First thing I plan on doing is seeing who knows what in this town. Well, actually, the first thing I'll do is find a drink and change of clothes. But right after that I'll see who knows what around here. Then I'll begin asking around about the jewelry we were hired to find. Anyone have any other questions they'd like me to look into when i'm out?"
taking his eyes off of Fiallian, Jasper looks at Jak, and speaks in a low voice yeah, the big one. We need to know what, if any, kind of patterns these Seanchan use for patrolling the city. Their regular troopers, and most importantly, those damanae. We need to know if they come by here, and how exactly they react to a female channeling. And look into if they have a means of detecting...glancing about the room...us
Alathea rolls her eyes and makes it obvious so that Jak is sure to notice. "How fortunate that you have the opportunity to cause trouble, Jak! I suppose that your 'seeing who knows what' might lead you to seek the advice of comely young women, yes? Or to join a game of cards?" She laughs, mostly to make sure that the others know that she is teasing Jak, because she knows that Jak understands. "Perhaps I should come along to keep you out of the most trouble, yes? And perhaps to share in some of it?"
Alathea is surprised at and sobered by Jasper's suggestion. Grudgingly, in a quiet voice that carries no further than the table, she admits, "Jasper has a very good idea, I think. But I know that I can feel it when another woman...does that, and I don't intend for these Seanchan to feel me do so. I have no idea if they can feel Jasper and Pace, too, but I wouldn't give them a chance to prove me wrong."
Jasmine goes to the room that she will share with Jed, their normal guise being a low ranking noble lady and her bodyguard. Once in the room she washes herself and takes time to put herself back in order. She allows herself a moment of contentment at getting back into "real" clothes. She chooses from among her 4 dresses a form hugging dress of Ebou Dari cut in green silk. After putting on her paints and powders and fixing her hair she heads down stairs feeling much better. She still has the under current of fear but beyond that is a determination to get this item out from under the Seanchan's nose.
Entering the common room she glides over to the table with the others and sits. When a serving girl comes by she presses a silver mark into her hand and smiling she murmurs quietly There will be another should we be attended well. Looking at the rest of the group she says in a break in the conversation I hope everyone is getting settled well. Alathea you look lovely.
Alathea rolls her eyes and makes it obvious so that Jak is sure to notice. "How fortunate that you have the opportunity to cause trouble, Jak! I suppose that your 'seeing who knows what' might lead you seek the advice of comely young women, yes? Or to join a game of cards?" She laughs, mostly to make sure that the others know that she is teasing Jak, because she knows that Jak understands. "Perhaps I should come along to keep you out of the most trouble, yes? And perhaps to share in some of it?"
Jak shrugs, "Hey, you want fish, you go to a fishing hole. I'll go where the information is... it's not my fault that so often information can be found in the lips of beautiful women or at a gaming table. And of course you're welcome to come with me.. only way I can keep you out of trouble."
Not to mention saving you from some of our boy-lover here's not-so-subtle come-ons.
He gives Jasmine and Jed a smile as they enter.
Alathea looks up as Jasmine and Jed approach, and blushes ever-so-slightly at Jasmine's compliment. "Thank you, Jasmine. You look very nice as well. I did not know that you appreciated the fashion of my home, no?" She can see why Jasmine does, though; a person would have to be blind to not see how well the low-cut dress suits her beauty. If Jasper knows what's best for him, he will keep silent on this matter.
Feeling somewhat plain next to Jasmine, she changes the subject. "Jak has suggested that he go and find out what he can about the city's situation and perhaps about the item we seek. Do you have any suggestions to help him?"
typical arogant snot, barging in like she owns the place. hmmm...apparently dresses up very well...hmmm Jasper thinks to himself as he glances at Jasmine.
My lady Jasmine, as always you are most welcome at my table. please, have a seat. Jasper says as he gets up, pulling out the open chair next to him. Please, allow me to hold your chair. I must say, You do look gorgeous in such a fine dress, but, i do believe that Alathea wears hers with a bit more, luxury. Jasper finishes with a knowing wink directed at Alathea, knowing full well what it feels like to be unappreciated in the presence of something new and sparkly.
"Perhaps 'like you' is the wrong choice of words. I don't mean to imply that you are so different. I merely mean that if I can imagine a girl out there like me, perhaps you can imagine someone you can relate to living here. What did you do before you came to Cairhein? You know, back when life was normal?"
Faillain grins at the other woman. When I was eight, I picked up my first spear and learned to dance. I was twelve when I earned my first kill. Fifteen when I became a maiden and I have danced since. I grew up hunting, tracking, and scouting in a land that kills most. I mean no offense, Alathea, but from the admittedly little I have seen of these green lands, I would doubt very much that there are many in these.... cities that could run with me. Still... I would not mind being proved wrong in that.
i guess my biggest question is, how does one raise a child in the wastes? or should i say, the three-fold-land? Seems like an incredibly difficult undertaking, even if you have abundant water. But out there, with it being so dry, I find it truely amazing to see a culture thrive and flourish out in such a desolate landscape.
She shrugs slightly. We have done so for longer than the tales have told. It is our home and all that I have known. Do you know why it is called the three-fold-land? Because it has given its three gifts to we Aiel: a shaping stone to test and to sharpen us, a testing ground to prove our worth, and ...here she pales slightly, her mouth twisting in distaste.. ..and as a punishment.
Glancing up with some relief as Jak enters and changes the subject before she'd have to explain: The only suggestion I would have other than what Jasper mentioned would be to be very discrete. If this 'jewelry' is so precious, then it is likely to be guarded jealously and any inquiries taken notice of. It may be good to take a companion... or two. She glances over at Alathea.
Jasmine smiles back at Jasper, completely ignoring the sarcasm, and accepts his offer of holding her chair. Very gracious of you Master Firewyn, thank you. When Jasper mentions Alathea's dress she smiles at her warmly and says Of course she does. But then again, Alathea looks beautiful in anything. She says honestly. You clean up well yourself Master Firewyn.
Taken aback by Fiallain's description of her childhood, Alathea shakes her head. "I see now why you might find our cities strange... Are all of your people like you? If they are, we must seem very strange as a people, too!"
Upon hearing Jasmine's latest compliment, Alathea blushes again, but smiles in spite of herself.
"Jak, please be careful out there." Jed speaks quietly to Alathea and Jasmine. "I think it would be wise for you two to remain here until we are sure there are no damane in the immediate area. And I think any further talk about our mission should wait until we have more privacy."
Jak gives Jed a thankful look, "Good point. Alathea, it looks like you'll be staying here. It'd be a boring trip, anyway." Jak double-checks his pockets and his blades, then nods with a smile, "I'm actually ready to head out whenever. Wanna grab a room and chat a bit to make sure we're all on the same page before i head out?"
Alathea nods at Jed's advice. She knows that she has no business putting herself at risk. Although she hasn't seen any damane yet, and only has Jasmine's words to go on, she can feel the palpable horror from her when she speaks of her capture. She shivers: anything that causes a woman as serene and collected as Jasmine to react in such a way must be terrible.
Besides, she really has no intention in following Jak. She knows that he will have more success if he doesn't have his less-worldly niece tagging along, and that if he does have a chance at a comely young woman, he certainly would do better without her. Still, it would be fun to get into trouble with him again.
"I have no problem with staying here. I think that Jak needs somebody with him, though. If he gets into trouble, another person to watch his back will be a good thing, and if things really go bad, another person might be able come back to tell us if something happens to him." She looks around at her gathered companions. "To whose room shall we adjourn? And where are Ryland and Pace? They need to be there, too."
"I have no problem with staying here. I think that Jak needs somebody with him, though. If he gets into trouble, another person to watch his back will be a good thing, and if things really go bad, another person might be able come back to tell us if something happens to him." She looks around at her gathered companions. "To whose room shall we adjourn? And where are Ryland and Pace? They need to be there, too."
I saw Ryland outside a moment ago. He would likely be a good choice as someone to watching your back, though if you wish me to, I will as well. I may attract unwanted attention though... Much as the other women here.. She steals a brief, nervous glance at the two Aes Sedai
Secondly, one of Jak's tricks he's going to use here is to use his Disguise weave if necessary to present himself as the right person for any given information-gathering situation. Thats why he wants Pace along. If he can teach the weave to Pace, Pace can put it on him… Jak still asn't overcome his block, so getting the Disguise in place may be difficult. :)
Once they find themselves to a private room to talk, Jak opens the conversation, "Okay, so I'm going to take whatever time is necessary to find the information we've talked about. But it will take time… and gold. I'd like to take Pace and one other with me. Pace will remain with me, the other person will be a second pair of eyes and ears as well as someone to run information back and forth between my group and the rest of you. I'd prefer that to be Rylan, but I'm open to other suggestions. No offense, Fiallain, but you do tend to stick out. I think it's your eyes." His smile is more playful and disarming than flirty before he continues. "I don't intend to stay in one place for two nights running, and that's why I need the information runner. I'll make this information gathering as quick as possible, but if I get careless, the wrong ears could hear our questions, and that could get uncomfortable quick. Also, like i said before, this will take some coin. Information is never free, even for one as charming as myself. If everyone could throw in what they have, that'd be very helpful."
Alathea rolls her eyes and laughs, "Always the same, Jak. You've gambled away your money, and now you need to borrow from me again?" With another laugh, she continues. "I'll stop by my room before meeting and bring what I have. I may not be able to go with you, but I'll help in whatever way I can.."
"I will go, you may need my steel if things get tight."
Jasper just sits back and listens, drinking his ale and sliding some coin to the serving maiden. hmmm information from loose lips huh? hmmmmm...
jasper gets up and joins Pace at the bar. in a whisper, jasper says we need to talk
Leaning against the bar and sipping a drink, Pace glances at Jasper as he comes up to the bar. Fortifying himself with a large swallow, "We do? Well, I suppose I need to check on my horse." He finishes his ale and puts two marks on the bar, "For the drink and the help." Pace holds out his hand towards the exit, "After you, Jasper."
Alathea returns to her room and digs her lockbox out from under the bed. As she works the lock, she notices that she is still wearing her Great Serpent ring. Careless, careless! These Seanchan may be many things, but they are likely not stupid. With regret, she twists the ring until it slips off of her finger, and places it in her lockbox. I feel naked without it. How proud I was when it was given to me! I never imagined that I'd take it off again. But some things are more important than her pride at being Accepted, especially when such a thing puts her at risk of not becoming a full Aes Sedai.
After retrieving a sum of money from her lockbox, Alathea looks longingly at her Great Serpent ring before closing the lid and resecuring the lock, then pushes the lockbox back under the bed. Heavy purse in hand, she leaves her room to find Jak again.
leading pace into the stable, Jasper leads him into the stall where jaspers horse, The Dark One, stands, eating oats. picking up a couple of brushes, Jasper tosses one to Pace to help give the pretense of just a couple guys taking care of their horses.
in a low voice Pace, you said earlier that you had a means to be able to get us out of here in a hurry correct? what exactly did you mean by that? i hate being out here in enemy territory without a rapid means of escape...jasper glances around, looking for any stable workers.
Pace begins to rub down the horse. "Well, I managed to pick up that trick Deloval used to get us here, but as I think on it, I believe it would be very difficult for me to use it as is. You might have more luck as you are a little more advanced than I am." "Apparently, creating the opening is somewhat easy, it is making it open into a....location that makes it harder. Anyway, I can show you the trick later...when we have plenty of time and privacy."
Jak and Ryland spend the rest of the evening and most of the next day out slogging through the streets of Tanchico. It’s early afternoon when the two stumble back in, their clothes rumpled and both men smelling of drink.
Talking with the innkeep: The Panarch’s Palace? Not much goes on up that way what with the Seanchan ruling. They still allow folks to view the artifacts they have during the week but ever since the commotions there a while back, many of the items have been removed while they fix the place up. And as far as the laws around here, pretty much same as before. ‘Cept all I know is that those Seanchan are a right bit more diligent in their enforcement. You ain’t bribing no city watchman to get out of trouble anymore here.
When word of Jak and Ryland's return reach Alathea, she rushes down to the common room. Alathea doesn't know if Ryland has a penchant for drink, but she is unsurprised that Jak smells of alcohol, and frowns at him disapprovingly. Even so, she puts her arms around him and pushes herself against his chest. "I was worried about you," she murmurs.
Alathea steps away from Jak and looks at both him and Ryland. "I hope you've had a productive night. Come up to my room, and I'll tell the others to come, too, and you can tell us all what you've learned."
After seeing Jak and Ryland safely to her room, Alathea knocks on the doors of each of her companions. Assuming that they answer, she invites each of them to her room. (If she knows that someone is elsewhere besides their room, she'll find them there.)
opening the door to alathea's knocking, and not knowing who it is, jasper answers the door in only a towel. Looking back behind Jasper, the unmistakable lump of someone hiding below the covers and some blonde hair spilled out from under the sheet lets Alathea know that he is not alone.
sure. ill be right there. the maid should really get back to work. i wouldn't anything bad happening to her...well, worse than me, that is.
Alathea is unfazed at Jasper's guest, and only raises an eyebrow when he comes to the door. The only thing surprising here is that Jasper has found a girl gullible enough to follow him to bed. Before he closes the door, she peers around him to look at the hiding girl. "I trust that you've treated her well, yes?"
Entering Alathea's room, Fiallain grins at the two men. You two look like you had fun. She leans back against the wall and folds her arms across her chest as she waits with them for the others to arrive.
not as well as i would treat you Jasper replys, giving a wink and closing the door. within moments, Jasper is back outside, pants on, socks, boots, belt and shirt in hand. stepping into the tight room, jasper sits down on the bed, looks around, and while putting on the rest of his clothes, says now i know what the forsaken felt like
Jed enters Alathea's room alongside Jasmine and takes position by the door, guarding it, just in case. "I hope you have good news..."
Entering with Jed, Jasmine looks around the room and sits next to Alathea. Jasmine spent her time listening to the general chatter of the common room, trying to assess the lay of the city and any pertinent topics on the townsfolk minds.
Jak looks like he didn't sleep a wink since he left, Alathea can hear him yawn as she hugs him. As he steps away, his eyes twinkle through the fatigue, "Now what kind of trouble could I have gotten into?" Without letting her answer, he steps into her room, leaning against the northern wall while he waits for the group to assemble.
"I don't know if it's good news, but I did find some things out. And yes, we had fun… well… I had fun. I can't speak for Rylan." Jak walks everyone through his night and all that he found out , and when he's done, he gives what he thinks is the best plan for getting what they came for and getting out of town… which he seems to think is the most important thing. "So it's probably a good idea to have someone go check out the Palace, but my money's going to be on the item being at the warehouse. We should start there."
Leaning in the back corner, Pace rubs his chin while Jak tells his tale. "I agree that the item is probably in the warehouse, but the problem is that we are likely to arouse suspicion entering the warehouse. The palace seems to be a popular tourist attraction on the other hand. We could probably look there first without increasing the guard at the other, but not the other way around."
Alathea listens intently to Jak's description of his and Ryland's activities, and nods in agreement with Pace's observation. "I agree with Pace. It does us no harm to first look at the palace. I doubt that what we seek is there, too, and even if it is, it will be difficult to take away from there. But we should look there first."
Alathea stands up from her bed and stretches. "I would like to go and see the palace for myself. Perhaps we can all go, but a large group of all of us might be suspicious". She frowns at Jak. "Since Jak obviously needs to rest, perhaps I could take Fiallain or Jasmine along with me, and we can report our findings when we return."
Perhaps the three of us should go. Three lesser noble women going to view the wonders of the Panarch's palace. Looking at Fiallain she continues Although we will have to find you a dress but I am sure that won't be a problem.
stomping his boot into place, jasper looks up.
i think it is too much of a risk for both alathea and Jasmine to go together at the same time. i think it would be better if we go in special groups. Jed, jasmine, and Ryland. Jak, Alathea, and myself. Pace and Fiallain can be the last.
i think also that we should each also study one particular portion of detail, that way we dont miss anything. one group studies the layout, another group studies guard locations, and the third studies the artifacts on hand and locations of each item.
I think that the study of artifacts should fall onto Jasmine, since she seems to have the critical eye towards those things. Alathea's group should study the layout. And Pace and Fiallian study the guards. I have heard of Aiel's ability to spot strange variations on an otherwise barren land, so i hope your critical eye to us wetlanders and how we hold ourselves will give you tons of info.
The Facade that Jasmine is acting like a noble lady works well. Jed can still be body guard and Ryland can act as a retainer.
Jak and Alathea can act like newly weds, and i can act like alathea's younger brother.
Pace and Fiallain, you both, i think, could pull off a couple that is courting. Sorry Fiallain, i think you stand out too much in the trousers. I am sure Jasmine or Alathea has a dress you can borrow, or we can head to a local shop and purchase one for you.
Questions?
Alathea smiles at Jasmine's words. "Yes, I think that you and Fiallain and I could visit together. I have a few extra dresses, and Fiallain is certainly welcome to wear one." She looks the Aiel woman up and down and considers. "I don't know how well they might fit you, but they shouldn't be too uncomfortable."
As much as she doesn't want to, Alathea has to admit that Jasper's idea has some merit...up until he suggests that she and Jak pose as newlyweds. "Absolutely not! Do you have a sister, Jasper? How would you like to pose as a married couple with your sister?" Disagreeing with this portion of Jasper's plan makes it easier to disagree with the rest of it. "In fact, do you really think that Jasmine and Fiallain and I will be at risk? We are capable of taking care of ourselves without a chaperone, yes? If you wish to come along, I will not stop you, but you can be in charge of studying the layout or the guards." With visible effort, she calms herself and sits back down beside Jasmine.
Jasper jumps upright, anger blazing in his eyes, embracing Saidan.
listen here, you little tart. i couldnt give a rats back side if you can handle yourself. Or if the rest of you can handle your selves.
I was proposing a plan that'll give us the best chance of success with the least amount of failure, or losses.
what would happen if all of you ladies go waltzing through the palace, and suddenly one of those sul'dam happens, by, and the damane suddenly tells her that you can channel? then what? your up s~@& creek. think a rescue party is coming? sorry. no its not. The Lord Dragon has specifically identified myself and my friends here to get this...item. i am not gonna let some wool-headed woman get in the way of the mission.
If you all go in together, my fear is just that; you all get caught. If you all are spaced out, looking like love struck fools, then itll put the guards off guard
oh, and i do have a sibling...a half brother, if the stories are true.