At the mention of gold Marlo's eyes take on a sparkle as he smiles. Gold, eh? Well gold crowns will certainly be more to my advantage than the mangey goods I could have collected in Tanchico. My vessel is yours, such as it is. When will you be looking to leave?
Fiallain's Light flares up into the early evening air, blinding some of the Whitecloaks while Alathea wraps one in weaves of Air and Litheene cuts the another off completely from the world. No one died although a few more blows are landed but shortly all of the Children are bound in flows of Air and the night is again quiet except for an occasional curse from one of the men.
One of them spits in the group's general direction. Go on then Darkfriends. Kill us and be done with it.
Litheene wraps cloth around her cuts, and weaves a circle of silence around the area to avoid any intrusions.
Then she turns to the whitecloaks, containing her annoyance We are not darkfriends, and we are not going to kill you. As I said, we will be on our way out of here, and harming you is none of our interest. However, since you've decided to make a fight, we will have to make sure you don't cause trouble. She finishes and sights.
Litheene turns to the others I think it would be best to leave them inside a tied off circle of silence, and surround them with a wall of air which will hold for a few days. We can leave them water and some food, but nothing to allow for escape or communication, such as arrows. This way, they will be safe, but harmless until we are far away.
Jasmine smiles at the man and says Excellent! How soon can you be ready to depart?
As soon as he answers and they agree on a time, Jasmine will bid him farewell and let him know the group will be there at the appointed time. Walking away, Jasmine will ask Jasper Would you go back to the group and let them know to be ready to depart at the appointed time? I am going to try to see if I can buy any more forkroot for the journey.
Jasmine will then attempt to gather information on any local herbalists, attempting to do so unobtrusively.
We can be on our way in the morning, if it suits you.
As you explore Elmora, you find a number of herbalists although none seem to be able to provide you with the forkroot you're looking for. A few have offered to inquire for you but it would takes a few days for anything to turn up. The night is fully upon you when you finally give it up for naught and head back towards camp.
awww... i was to have drinks with Lorn.
climbing up on his horse, Jasper nods at Jed and then canters off.
riding up to camp, jasper sees that there are a few more horses than last time. And the others look like they got into a tussel.
riding up on fia, Jasper looks at the horses and ask So when did we start horse breeding?
Alathea grits her teeth against her pain, but she keeps her voice calm. "You Whitecloaks are fools, but we will not harm you, yes? We are not murderers, who kill without provocation. But we cannot allow you to follow us. If you are smart, you will forget us." Tying off the weaves holding the Whitecloak, she nods in satisfaction.
Turning to her companions, Alathea sighs. "It seems that we have no choice but to go into Elmora and find our friends. If we are lucky, they have already booked passage for us. As soon as Ryland returns, we will leave, yes?"
Alathea packs the few things she's used since making camp and readies her horse. Frowning at the slash in her dress, she shrugs out of it. After binding her wounds with a spare pair of hose, she puts on a clean dress and packs the bloodstained one she was wearing deep into her bags. I shall have to repair that one. If all goes well, we will have plenty of time to do so on the boat.
Seeing Alathea's pain, Litheene moves over to her, and weaves a healing pattern on her wounds.
She also heals Fiallain
Regarding the plan to leave, Litheene thinks for a second before replying I doubt we should leave before they've got back. We are not sure we can easily find them in town, and walking around with Serviana will be a problem. Preferably we should try to get on the boat they hire outside the city, when they are on the move
Litheene is happy to see Jasper get back quickly, feeling secure about the approaching depart. Smiling at Jasper's joke she adds Yes, we even managed to make them give birth to a few of those she waves at the whitecloaks. Then remembering herself Litheene regains composure and a regal look Behave yourself girl! It is not a proper way for you to show anger at their attack and insults. Litheene is suddenly aware of the stress of the power on mind, after overchanneling, fighting and holding the shield at the same time I shouldn't be channeling so much for so long, this makes my head spin
Fiallain reluctantly lowers her veil. Well I suppose it wouldn't be much of a dance with them trussed up like that anyway. She smiles pleasantly at the man who had attacked her. " It seems to be your lucky day. Not many can claim to have attacked a maiden and lived to tell of it." Leaning close, she whispers in his ear.
Still smiling pleasantly, she musses the whitecloak's hair and steps away as Jaspar approaches. "I see you Jaspar. Do we have this....boat?
Alathea smiles her thanks at Litheene's Healing and, seeing her Sister wounded, returns the favor. Looking about, she notices Fiallain's wounds as well. "One of these Whitecloaks managed to catch you unawares, yes? Do you wish me to Heal you, Fiallain?"
As Jasper rides into camp, Alathea straightens. "What news, Jasper? Do we have passage?"
Once combat ends and the White cloaks are surrounded by a circle of silence Pace approaches the others, "I did not channel in front of the Whitecloaks and hopefully neither will Jasper. Hopefully they will assume that we are just a party of Aes Sedai and not choose to pursue us. I'm sure if they saw a male channeler, then they would pursue us, even out of the country."
Once Jasper and the others arrive Pace pulls him aside, "These Whitecloaks do not know there are male channelers among us, and for simplicity's sake, I think we should keep it that way."
Alathea is silent for a few moments before speaking again. Speaking softly and making sure to keep out of the earshot of the bound Whitecloaks, she says, "As for Serviana, Litheene is right. It will draw much unwanted attention to keep her bound with ropes. Still, I do not wish to free her hands." She looks at Pace and Jasper. "I think, instead, we could bind her with the One Power. Although I do not think we will encounter women who can channel in these lands, perhaps we will be even less likely to encounter men who can do so. Were one of you to bind her hands, perhaps we can both keep her secure and avoid notice, yes?"
Quirking an eyebrow at both fia's and alathea's identical questions, jasper replies yes, and yes. Jed and Jasmine will be joining us soon, they went to find some forkroot.
getting down from his horse, his gaze lands upon the whitecloaks. Shaking his head, he turns to Pace and listens to what he has to say. Oh now why would we want to do that? i think it would be funny watching them have a fit and try to chew their own tongue off in their hysteria.Laughing he begins to unsaddle his horse.
Hearing Alathea, He grunts. I say we let her hands free. It'll look weird seeing a woman walking through town with her arms held to her sides. Here's an idea. How bout we blindfold her. We take a large scarf and wrap it around her head, making it look like she cracked her head, and out of neccessity we had to cover her eyes due to the location of the injury. We can then block her ears with the power, making it seem like she is deaf as well. One of us can stay next to her, to ensure she doesnt trip, and give the pretense that we are helping an injured woman. It'll be easier to have her move about in town if she is deaf, blind, and injured, than if she is a prisoner. Pausing a moment to look at Serviana, he shrugs, and if she tries to run, we just burn her.
Jasmine and Jed return a few hours after Jasper and are quickly brought up to speed on what has transpired in the camp. The sun is down and you are all sitting around the campfire, discussing your next move.
Ryland picks another flower?
Jasmine looks at the group and says My suggestion would to be for Jasper, Jed and myself go to the boat and begin to take it downstream where we will pick up the rest of the group. That way we should avoid any awkward question by going through town.
Ryland aproaches, resheathing his sword as he walks around the gaggle of children. He shakes his head at them as he turns to the others. Poor buggers had no idea what they walked in too did they?" He passes Fia as he moves to recover his pack. Making friends I see, I can not wait to see you on a boat."
jasper coughs upstream.
Fia blinks and then puts on an innocent smile. "Why, I am a very friendly and sociable person, Ryland. I just love making new acquantinces. You wetlanders are so eager to get up close and personal. Why that young man had never laid eyes on me before, yet he came right up and asked me to dance! How could I refuse?? As to the boat, I have never seen one. Only have heard of them in fables and children's tales from pedlers.
well, i guess thats the plan. jed, jasmine, and myself will go into town in the morning and get on the boat and travel upstream. we will meet you 5 miles upstream and get you all loaded.
You spend a long and restless night waiting for the trip the next day. It is made all the more sleepless as the Whitecloaks enjoy every opportunity to wake you that they can with curses, threats, and other proclamations of the darkness of your souls. As dawn rises, you are only to glad to leave them bound and tied as you head out.
Jasmine, Jed and Jasper make their way into Elmora, the city just starting to wake and people already beginning their daily tasks. The rest of the group begins the long task of circumventing the city in an attempt to reach the far side and then parrallel the river a distance.
Reaching Marlo's boat, the three companions can see he has already begun preparations for the voyage. Men scurry to finish loading supplies and at your approach he gives you all a nod. Morning folks. As you can see we're just about ready to go. He eyes your mounts and then whistles for a few men. Give us a moment to rig something up for the horses and we'll be ready to go.
Coughing lightly into his hand he steps away from the bustle to address Jasmine and the men. Figure we should go ahead and settle up on payment, if'n you don't mind. Taking you as far as I can to river's end, then turning around and heading back to Elmora is gonna cost me about 8 or 9 days before I'm back to trading. Given what I could normally make and your generous offer to better it, I figure 24 crowns will cover everything.
That sounds fair Captain. We will pick up the rest of our party 5 miles down...I mean up...river. she says throwing a look at Jasper. Here is half now, she says counting out 12 gold crowns with the downward pointed sword of Arad Doman stamped on it, ...and half when we pick up the rest of my group. Is that satisfactory?
Marlo's eyes light up at the gold in Jasmine's hand but just as quickly they harden as he looks at her. Rest of your party? Any reason you failed to mention that there'd be more of you on this trip? Exactly how many of you am I expected to be transporting? This isn't exactly a passenger cruiser.
He crosses his arms and eyes the three of you coldly. And is there some particular reason why I should be picking these other friends up outside of the city? I wouldn't risk grounding my boat on a reasonable request, much less to pick up an unknown group of people who for some reason don't want their departure to be seen by folk.
Jasmine raises her arms and say Peace Captain Marlo! It is nothing so nefarious. They went upriver days ago searching for rare herbs and hunting that I use. You have my sincere apology for forgetting to mention them. It is nothing more than a slip of my mind. I am well disposed to change the price to show I mean no harm good sir. Would 35 crowns suffice?
As Alathea goes about her tasks of breaking camp and preparing to meet the riverboat, she takes time to wander over to the leader of the Whitecloak band. After inspecting the weaves holding him in place, she nods in satisfaction and leans in close to whisper in his ear. "You will remain bound for a long time after we leave, yes? Perhaps you will be found before my weaving unravels, but even so, you can be assured that we will be well gone before you can follow us." She pauses, and examines the man intently. "The light knows that I would have been well justified to kill you in defense after you attacked me without provocation. Count yourself lucky that I can show more mercy than you, one who claims to speak for the Light, can do." She smirks, leans in and plants a dry kiss on the man's forehead, and backs away. As she returns to her work, she calls back at him, "May the Light shine upon you!"
able to sleep through the heckles, Jasper awakes feeling refreshed. Smiling to the whitecloaks, he proceeds to make a breakfast with lots of flavor foods; ham, eggs, some potatoes. He makes sure that the whitecloaks can see him do this, and even goes so far as to heap his plate with the food and slowly eat it in front of them. Then, knowing that they are probably hungry and thirsty, he will take a small cup of water and look at them, pondering. After a moment, he will drink it. i doubt you folks would take anything i offer you. Aught to burn the whole lot of you. Be easy too....his gaze turns and looks at the campfire for a moment, then swings back. Laughing loudly, he turns and walks away, prepping his horse.
Jasper grumbles under his breath, not much can be understood.
Fiallain doesn't give the whitecloaks a second glance, save that as they prepare to leave, she blows a kiss to the one that had attacked her.
Later, as they are making their way to the rendezvous, Fia sidles up next to Ryland and asks quietly. "Your dreams, do they still trouble you?"
Marlo takes a long moment to ponder. Finally he nods his head. 35 crowns it is but I expect it all now. Not that I don't trust you to be good to your word good lady, but all the same I would like to see the coin up front if you don't mind.
Loading everything on to the ship, Marlo is all business as he gets his men to cast off lines and prepare to make way. As you get away from the docks proper, the wind catches in the ship's sails and you begin making your way against the current upriver. After only a short while, and with some grumbling by Marlo, the boat sets anchor near the shoreline. You can make out a little ways downriver the rest of your group as they head towards the ship.
As they pull alongside the riverbannk, Marlo raises his voice. Light blast it, you didn't tell me you were bringing along a whole bloody Tinker's caravan. Grumbling he motions his men down the gang plank before addressing the group. There's barely gonna be enough room as it is. Listen, we can get 2 more horses on the boat and the rest of the people but that's it. And the horses are going to be hard enough as it is. You folks decide how you want to proceed but we're eating into the day.
Alathea frowns at the riverboat anchored in the water doubtfully. While she realizes that a boat traveling upstream is unlikely to be as large as the riverboats and seafaring ships she's seen in Ebou Dar, she's still surprised at the relatively small size of this particular riverboat. But she smooths her face and hitches up her skirt, ready to embark. Getting my feet wet to sneak on board is worth a quick passage, yes?
Alathea examines the Shield on Serviana, more out of habit than fear that the Darkfriend will break free. Finding it secure, she takes the woman's arm gently but firmly to help her aboard.
When told of the situation with the horses, Alathea sighs. "Although I don't like it, there is little to be done but release some of the horses, yes? I will leave mine; hopefully she will be found by someone who will take good care of her." Returning to the shore, she unpacks her belongings from her horse. She stacks the saddle and other tack neatly upon the riverbank, then removes the bridle and bit from the animal and sadly leaves her by the abandoned wagon.
"Your dreams, do they still trouble you?"
Ryland looks at the Aeil woman for a moment then nods his head. "The wolf is always there in my dreams. I do not understand it. Why is it there?" He shakes his head and looks away. "I am sounding as bad as Jasper."
" The wolf? The same one every dream? There are dreams that are not dreams, I think. Or so the Wise Ones insinuate. If anyone would know what to make of it, they would. Perhaps you might seek one out. In the meanwhile, I can shield your dreams if you wish... or at least teach the others to." She glances sidelong over at the man beside her. "The choice is yours."
Jasper heads to the bow and sits upon a coil of rope, watching the crewmen struggle to lift the horses onto the boat. Grunting, he seizes control of saidan for a moment, thinking to pick up a horse and put it on the deck. Then, thinking on it, releases the source.
let them sweat
The trip upriver was long and uneventful given everything that had happened recently. There was some discussion and arguments when it came to the horses and wagon but after a time it was resolved and those left behind were freed. Serviana was surprisingly docile through the whole process and she kept to herself throughout the ride. There was actually more difficulty getting Fiallain on the ship than Serviana, the Aiel woman’s eyes going wide when they first looked upon the vessel.
At the river’s head, it was a quick process of unloading the mounts and the passengers. Marlo was especially happy to see the group’s backs and some of his crew cast wary glances as they helped unload the horses. Jasper’s mutterings had gotten worse as the trip progressed and many of the crew started avoiding him when possible, always hearing him talking to himself of strange things and dark impulses. At the same time it was hard to ignore Pace’s equally disturbing silences. The crew soon gave up on trying to talk to the silent man who spent many hours simply staring at nothing, not really watching the shore or anything on the ship either. It was with a light heart that they watched the two men disembarking with the rest of the travelers.
After that the journey became fairly routine, traveling for most of the day doubled up on the horses, resting at night. Even the fear and concern of guarding a known Black Sister had become something of a mundane task. At times the forkroot was hard to find and there were a few restless nights maintaining her Shield but it had become a simple task that you did each day.
It was difficult finding another ship to take you the rest of the way on your journey. It was even harder convincing the captain to drop you off in the middle of nowhere but he finally relented at some convincing from the ladies and a stern look from Jed. As the second ship left, you finally felt your first real doubt as you faced the endless expanse of forest before you. This Salidar was even less than a rumor, a passing fancy barely mentioned at a handful of inns. Did it even exist and if so, were you even close to its location? Would you find a sympathetic welcome when you arrived? All these thoughts and more plagued your journey as you traveled deeper into the trees each day.
It was after more than a week of travel, with everyone’s tempers running short at the lack of success, when out of the trees ahead of you stepped two men. Fiallain almost had her veil raised and Jed’s sword was half out of its sheathe at the sudden movement. They couldn’t have been more than 15 feet in front of you yet not a one of you had even noticed their presence! Yet even more disconcerting was the way their heads seemed to float in midair, their bodies hidden behind cloaks of shifting colors and patterns, looking like they were wearing piece’s of the forest around them. One of the men bore the distinctive topknot of a Shienaran while the other man seemed of Andoran nationality.
Who are you and what business do you have in these woods? And please don’t lie to us.
Jasmine's eyes widen at the sudden appearance of the men but upon seeing their fancloth cloaks she stifles a sigh. We made it! Stepping forward she says Greetings Gaidin. I am Jasmine Raleen, Accepted of the tower and my companions and I need to speak with the Aes Sedai in Salidar on a matter of grave importance. Who is currently in charge of the Aes Sedai in Salidar?
In the Present:
Jed walks up next to Jasmine, replacing the sword back into its sheath and nods at the Warders who startled them. He finds it difficult to keep his eyes from the cloaks they wear, yearning for one himself. In time. You are not a Warder to an Aes Sedai just yet... But soon. Jed tries to appear nonthreatening while still remaining close to Jasmine should things go horribly wrong.
Ryland removes his hood and holds his hands palms out towards the figures.
Fiallain silently chides herself for getting complacent. Light, almost walked right into them, and me none the wiser. This will not do. Slowly, she lets her veil fall from her fingers as Jasmine walks up to the two men, but she remains wary and watchful with her spears within easy reach.
When the Salidar wardens approach, Litheene considers the situation, staying a back, and waiting to see what the Ashaman will do. If they decide to stay outside of camp, I can try to remain with them, and avoid the danger of revealing our possetions to the rebel camp. This is the best way to avoid arguing with them, while keeping true to my mission. Jasmine is known among them, and is a better diplomat, best to leave negotiations to her
Ltheene also quitely embraces the source, watching Serviana in the meanwhile. This is her last chance to escape, if she was planing to make a brek for it. unless she has friends inside te camp and tinks she can escape. We might have a hard time proving she is black if her ties here are strong. Litheene suddenly feels more worried about the whole plan, fearing teh tables might turn on them. Even more reasons to be extra vigilant
The two men stared silently as Jasmine spoke. After she was done, the Andoran turned to Serviana and bowed his head. What business brings you our way Aes Sedai?
Jasmine could feel the breath catch in her throat and everyone tensed. It was easy to forget given their time but they still traveled with a full sister whose ageless face gave her more authority than they would ever be able to contend with. Yet Serviana simply smiled and nodded her head towards Jasmine, her tone rich with hidden laughter. The child speaks well enough for me Gaidin.
The Andoran nodded to her and turned back to Jasmine. Well child we will see if the Hall and the Amrylin agree with the severity of your claims. You and your companions will follow us. You men may keep your weapons but know that trouble will not be tolerated.
Jasmine nods and says No trouble will be given from us, Gaidin. Jasmine turns her head and briefly weaves a thread of air around Serviana's mouth. Keeping Serviana bound and gagged, Jasmine follows the gaidin towards the town.
Light let this work! she thinks desperately. Let them hear us out before making judgement!
Holding the shield on Serviana, Alathea does her best to keep from flinching as the Warders address the woman as Aes Sedai. Although she has long known what their plan to bring the Darkfriend to justice might lead to, she has accepted the risk with the confidence that the truth would come to light. But now that they are here, on the very threshold of their goal, she is not so sure. After all, they are merely Accepted, and to everyone here, Serviana is still a Sister...and the only thing to say differently is their word against hers. Light, I had thought that the journey here was difficult, but I may soon wish that we were still on it!
Pushing down her fears, Alathea holds herself up high. As the Warders turn to lead them onwards, she nods to Pace and Jasper, as if in thanks. "You have accompanied us to our goal, as you have promised, and you are now welcome to go your own way if you choose." She smiles to offset her serious tone, and continues. "You have our utmost thanks for bringing us here. I know that you have gone far out of your way on business that is not your own, and that you are likely eager to return to your own affairs, yes? But if you like, you are welcome with us at any time." And not a word untrue. Light keep the both of you safe!