Jasper snorts at alathea The Pattern brought us here. Let us see where it takes us.
Swallowing hard and grasping Saidan, Jasper urges his horse forward.
In a cold distant voice, Jasper speaks
I am Jasper Firewyn, Dedicated soldier for the Dragon Reborn. I proclaim myself as Ambassador from the Black Tower and seek an audience with the Amrylin to discuss peaceful relations between both parties.
The two warders lead you off into the woods and after more than an hour of travel you reach what can only be called a small town. It's a shock to see as even with the rumors, you only expected a small amount of sisters in some ragged camp. This was easily ten times larger than the most generous rumor led you to believe!
Women bustled everywhere of various ages doing different tasks with a hurried urgency that implied an ordered chaos. That was probably the most shocking thing of all about this village was that it seemed comprised almost entirely of women. Of the few men you did see, most walked with the deadly grace of a Warder, following closely behind an Aes Sedai.
You barely make it out of the edge of the woods into the main road when a woman's voice calls out. HALT! Striding towards you is a small group of sisters, the lead of which was clearly the speaker.
Pace and Jasper, filled to their max with saidin, feel fear crawl across their minds as the women approach yet they are almost summarily ignored as the women plant themselves in front of Jasmine and Alathea. The shock is almost enough to lose their grip on the Power, surrounded by all these Aes Sedai who seemed could care less about two more apparent sell-swords.
Fists on hips the woman stares at the two Accepted with all the power and confidence of an Aes Sedai. She and the sisters around her all hold saidar as they stop. What under the Light are you children doing?! You bind and shield a full Sister and simply walk into town as if on a Sunday stroll?! Flogging will be the least of your punishments. Release your weaves immediately and explain yourselves!
Ryland sits atop his horse and shakes his head.
Litheene becomes increasingly grim realizing the magnitude of the split as the company walks through he camp. Light! this is serious.
When the sisters approach, Litheene holds herself from speaking out. Talking about the black in the open is not wise. Serviana broke tower law by attacking us and using the power as a weapon, by playing on that we can get her to trial, and then ... . Litheene bows her head, but avoids speaking back yet, waiting for Jasmine to lead. She is ready to reinforce her explanation of Serviana's attack, to help Jasmine avoid being over talked by the Aes Sedai.
Steadying himself on his horse from the shock of being ignored, Jasper is about to open up his mouth to dress down the self-righteous woman when he feels a hand grasp firmly at his arm. Snapping his look to his right, he sees Pace shake his head slightly, caution in his eyes. Taking a deep breath to master himself, Jasper nods at Pace, showing him the diffuse of anger.
Taking in the shocked looks coming over Jasmine's and Alathea's faces, Jasper cannot help but laugh out loud. Nudging Pace, he says simply And here we thought this was a boring ride.
Jasmine quails for a moment under the ferocity of the Aes Sedai's fury...before remembering that they are not novice's accused of stealing sweets!
With all the authority she can muster from her years as a Domani noble's daughter and her time in the world she says Aes Sedai there is more going on here than you know. Under the light and by my hope of salvation and rebirth, know that we would not be entering under these circumstances without extreme reason. This is not a matter to be discussed openly. We must speak to the Hall and Amyrlin immediately. This is a matter of extreme importance and may I be stilled and executed if this is not so. We will not release her until we speak with the Amyrlin. Now where can we wait while the Hall is convened? Jasmine looks firmly at the Aes Sedai and awaits her response.
Alathea keeps her face calm as the Sister berates her, even though she feels nothing of the sort. I did not expect a warm welcome, holding a Shield on this woman, no? She waits patiently as Jasmine explains herself, then steps forward.
Curtsying before the Aes Sedai, she speaks in as cool and calm a tone as she can muster. "What my friend says is true, Aes Sedai. This woman must not be released from her Shield! If you do not trust me to hold the weave, then so be it; you may take it upon yourselves, but she must be Shielded." She holds the eyes of the Sisters unflinchingly, as if daring them to tell her that she is wrong. It is not as if I can make this situation worse, yes? She pauses to steel herself before she continues. "Please, hear us out. You may do as you wish to us afterwards, but please let us speak."
Aes Sedai, What my sisters say is true. This woman violated tower law gravely, and poses an immediate threat. We have traveled a long way to bring her before the council. Please help us plead our cause at trial by tower laws.
Velise Sedai looks the women over one more time before motioning to the warders that escorted you all in. Her demeanor changes addressing the rest of the group and it is easy to see why she chose the Gray, her tone changing quickly from one group to the next. Please escort these people to the inn. You are welcome in Salidar but until this matter is sorted out it is best you not wander. She then turns back to Jasmine, Litheene and Alathea. You three will follow me. These are matters for the Tower to discuss.
With that she turns and walks off with the clear expectation of being followed.
This doesn't have the look of a temporary hold over but rather the beginnings of a permanent settlement. Houses are being restored and hundreds of women scurry about at various tasks. You catch glimpses of lessons to Novices and Accepted that you don't even recognize, probably new girls taken in after the split.
Your focus is brought back as she leads you into the house. Directing you to some chairs against one wall, Velise weaves a dome of silence around the room. She then directs one of the other sisters with her to assume control of Serviana's shield before turning to you.
I will inform the Hall of your arrival and they will hear your story. Afterwards you are to report yourselves to the Mistress of Novices for discipline. You have been long from the Tower and have learned many bad habits, of which you must be stripped. A switching should do well to help you start that. With that she turned and headed back out to the street, leaving you alone with your thoughts.
The warders lead you in the opposite direction of your companions, towards a large building that clearly was once an inn and after some more work, will be one once again. As you approach you are able to see more men present and not just more gaidin. Workers scurry about fixing up various structures, and you can see a number of soldiers in and around the inn, apparently off duty.
Entering the interior it is almost easy to forget that you're in a town of Aes Sedai. This could be an inn in any busy town, with men drinking and talking. The only real difference is there is a distinct lack of rowdiness that one might find, all of the men seeming to just be enjoying a break from whatever job they were doing.
As the warders deposit you at a table they take a seat a few tables over. While they appear to be lounging quietly, it is clear that they're here to make sure you stay put until the issue with the women is resolved.
New to town I imagine, if you've got your own babysitters over there. I'd advise you to do whatever it was you were told by the Sisters, much less headache for everyone all 'round. Plus the food and drink in this place isn't hald bad. The speaker nods to you, an older man with wings of white at his temples. He seems solidly built with the maintained body of soldier. His face his serious but sincere and he seems to be a genuine person.
Jasper will cough in surprise at seeing Gareth Bryne. Standing up, Jasper will bow to the Captain-General. My Lord. It is an honor to meet you. If I may say, I grew up listening to stories of your brilliance in battle and with the sword. Truly remarkable. pausing a moment to calm down, jasper will ask So, my lord, what is good to eat around here? Anything special to ask for?
Alathea falls in obediently behind Velise Sedai and follows in silence. As she walks, she cannot help but notice the permanence of the town...obviously, these Sisters have no intention of returning to their proper places in the Tower any time soon. Don't think like that...you are in no place to say what an Aes Sedai's place is! But still, she cannot help but be...dissapointed...by these rebels.
Once again alone with Jasmine, Litheene, and Serviana, Alathea turns her back on the Darkfriend and sits down beside her Sisters. "Although we are likely in a great deal of trouble, I think that this is going better than I had feared. They will at least hear our words, yes?" Although her words are hopeful, she quickly falls silent and settles into a gloomy sulk.
When Alathea speaks, Litheene smiles weakly, overwhelmed by concern both for their trial against Serviana, the size of the rebel camp and the fear of the tower property she liberated being discovered by the rebels
Jasmine looks at the others, knowing that it was her idea to come to Salidar, she felt responsible for the well being of the group. Looking at her, hopefully still, future sisters, she says It was my idea to come here and as such I will take responsibility for anything that comes of this. The Wheel weaves as the wheel wills. Serviana will of course claim that we are crazed, blinded by our hatred of her, or duped and misguided young girls who shouldn't be off of apron strings. I am sure she will claim that she was trying to help us or some other lie. No matter what happens we tell the truth. I would rather die with a clear conscience than lie and sink to her level. If it comes to the men, and it is obvious which men she is speaking of, let me do the talking if you don't mind. I have an idea on what to do regarding them should it come to it.
With that she stands and tries to keep a serene and calm demeanor.
Hearing Jed's questions, jasper chuckles at the boldness of Jed, and watches Lord Bryne for an answer.
Bryne's eyes go distant and hard when Jed speaks. It takes a moment before he answers his voice low and pained. I hadn’t been welcome in Morgase’s court in some time. Although it’s all but confirmed that the Dragon Reborn now rules in Camelyn. There are plenty of rumors about what happened to Morgase after that. Some say she’s dead. He gives a dry laugh, a small tone of affection entering his voice. I won’t believe that till I see the body though, not with that woman.
Shaking his head, he gave Jed a smile as he seemed to return to the present. But that's in the past, isn't it? Al'Raes you said? I do remember you, or at least your name. Used to know all my guardsmens’ names for a time, at least before I started to fall out of favor. I remember you were one of the men who volunteered for that Falme business. Glad to see you survived those bloody Seanchan although how you ended up here, and in such varied company, is an interesting tale I bet.
When it finally seems like you will be left to wait all day, the main door opens and in stride a number of Aes Sedai, most wearing their shawls and all exuding an air of authority. You are easily able to recognize Lelaine Akashi an Aes Sedai of the Blues followed by 2 of her fellow Ajah members close behind. Striding in next to her with her own entourage, as if eager to enter equally is Romanda Cassin of the Yellows. Serviana’s face does blanche a little at seeing her but then quickly resumes its serenity.
A black sister from among the Yellows? This doesn’t speak well. Lelaine’s voice drips with barely concealed pleasure as she speaks to Romanda. Eyeing Serviana, she sniffs her nose. She will need to be questioned to see if what these children say is true.
Romanda’s face goes red although her voice maintains an icy coolness. Much as a possible spy in the Blues would be equally awful. And this assumes that these children aren’t spinning lies and deceit. I find it hard to believe that they could overpower a Sister without resorting to some kind of trick. But we will find out. And any questioning will be handled by the Yellow. She then looks to the three of you sitting off to the side. After you finish with the Mistress of Novices, I will make sure you three are being fully honest with us. The two women are almost a physical presence moving through the room and it's impossible to get a word in edgewise as they speak.
That will not be necessary Romanda. I will deal with these three directly. The words come from a young girl that had until that time remained quiet and off to the side watching the interchange. Yet when she spoke, it cut through the other conversation immediately. Romanda seemed to splutter for a moment before finally giving a quick nod. As you say Mother. With a shock at the words you truly see for the first time the seven striped stole hanging from the woman’s shoulders, a woman not much older than any of you! She nods back in approval. You should collect your charge and be about the task at hand. There is much we must learn from her if what these girls say is true.
At the clear dismissal, Romanda bristles silently before turning and leaving with Serviana in tow. Lelaine manages to hide a small smile which quickly disappears as she realizes she too is being dismissed. As the rest of the sisters file out and the four of you are left alone, the woman embraces saidar and weaves a new dome of silence that wraps around the room. Then, taking a seat that somehow seemed to feel like a throne when she sat in it, she looked at the three of you. There was an air of confidence and power that seemed to radiate off of her, despite her seeming lack of years. Now why don’t you three tell me how exactly you came to be here with that woman in tow.
Then, my Lord, please allow me to have the honor of buying you a drink. Jasper asks with a slight bow.
Turning to the Gaidan, he smiles and asks Can i buy a drink for you gents as well?
Alathea starts at the young girl's words, and is shocked that the Aes Sedai treat her with respect. Seeing the stole on her shoulders, she raises an eyebrow. This is the false Amyrlin? This is who these rebels have chosen to lead them? But despite her skepticism, she curtsies to the girl, much more gracefully than to Romanda. This girl holds our fate in her hands. And she seems less skeptical of our claims than the others.
Finding her voice, Alathea responds to the girl's demand. "Thank you for seeing us...Mother." The pause before the honorific is unmistakable, but she shakes her head and continues. "My companions and I have traveled far to bring that woman here for justice. We have risked a dangerous journey to bring her here, with the full knowledge that we would be seen by many as wrongly imprisoning an Aes Sedai, and that our actions could see us thrown out of the Tower at the very least. We know the consequences of our actions, but we know that a Darkfriend claiming the title of Aes Sedai must be judged by Tower law, yes? I know that I am only Accepted, but I know my duty to the White Tower. If I am expelled from the White Tower or worse for seeing my duty through, then so be it." Having finished, she blushes and bows her head, as if waiting for her sentence.
Getting her wits back about her Jasmine curtsies deeply and waits for Alathea to finish before adding What my sister says, it is true, Mother. Serviana attacked us east of Tanchico after taking one of our party captive. She was in the company of Myrdraal and Trollocs at the time and they attacked us as well at her order. The Trollocs we killed and we would have killed the Fades as well had it not been for their trick of travelling through shadow. We overwhelmed Serviana and took her captive. I was the first to act after Serviana showed herself and as such if punishment should be dealt out it should be to me and me alone. My sister's should be spared. Know that Serviana did attack us first though. Which I am sure you know should not be possible. The three oaths prevent it. It would seem that she has somehow gotten around them though I have no idea how.
What do you children know of the split in the Tower? Her question is unexpected and direct especially given your recount of the tale of myrddraal and trollocs and darkfriends. Your thoughts spin, unprepared for the change in pace.
Alathea looks up cautiously at the false Amyrlin's question. Choosing her words carefully, she begins. "Truthfully, I don't know as much about this split as I would like. I was not in the Tower when it happened; it was only when I returned to find a large portion of the Aes Sedai fled and a new Amyrlin raised." She sighs, smoothing her skirts. "I have heard many rumors and stories about the reasons, but it is not for an Accepted to question. But neither is it for an Accepted to judge, yes?"
Litheene sits quietly during the story, nodding in support when her sisters describe Serviana's attack, while considering the situation A new Amyrlin? She seems very young, but has a power of command.
At the Amyrlin's startling question, Litheene decides to answer truly. Despite the fear of angering her, she decides that with all the details they have to conceal, it's best to show honesty where possible, to avoid appearing as if "correcting" the truth.
It is not my place as an accepted to speak on this matter, but in the face of danger I perceive, truth is important enough to pay the price for saying it.
Litheene remembers her mission to Tachico, the fights, the Seanchan patrols, gathering courage before she speaks. I know that some of the Sisters fled the tower after Alaida was raised, and formed a camp opposing her rule. I agree with my sister about the importance of working with the dragon, however I'm much more worried about the split in the Aes Sedai forces, in face of the danger that awaits. I'm just an accepted, but I've tasted from one of those dangers while facing trollocs and fades, and the from the other thanks to my heritage Litheene's hand absently rises to her neck.
I know not the reason for the split, and have little understanding of the matter. By I fear that a split tower might not be able to hold off the shadow, or the Seanchan threat. We saw them in Tachico. They are organized, increasing in numbers, and they won't care about which camp or tradition a channeler follows. I've felt on my neck the future they hold in store for us if they succeed.
Litheene falls silent, surprised by her own boldness of outburst. Forgive me for my rudeness mother, I'm ready to take penance for my behavior, she bows before the young Amyrlin.
She looks to the three of you, her gaze stopping on Alathea the longest before addressing you all. Make no mistake, Daughters. I AM the Amyrlin Seat and I will bring Elaida to trial for her actions. There was a certain emphasis in her speech that was unmistakable. This is not some simple spat amongst the Sisters. I will see the Tower made whole again, no matter the cost. It must be if we are to ensure victory at the Last Battle. This healing will not be without loss and I can promise you, Elaida will not be Amyrlin. Her shattering of the Tower simply won't allow it.
The question I ask you now is, where does your heart lie? You are no longer simply Accepted of the Tower. You've seen the dangers present in the world and you know that the Last Battle is closer than any would like to admit. There are still those who would like to believe that the Black is but a rumor that shouldn't be uttered but you've seen the truth of their existence. She looks at each of you in turn, her gaze strong and determined. So what is it to be? I can not force your decision in this matter, this is a deeply personal choice, but unfortunately I do require one.
Litheene listens carefully to the Amyrlin, torn by internal conflict.
She works for the right cause, that is clear, she sees the danger. Yet she leads rebellion. If what she says about Elaida is truth, then Elaida should be replaced. However, war between Aes Sedai is not the way
Litheene also considers their current ordeal, being in the rebel camp, at the mercy of those Aes Sedai. My mission is from the tower, and I can't betray it here, but she is the first one to believe us. We can't gamble another plea
And in the meanwhile, Litheene also begins to admire the power and faith of this young Amyrlin.
Eventually Litheene composes herself to answer.
My hearth lies with reuniting the tower, mother. The Amyrlin responsible for splitting the tower, does not deserve her seat. However, how will you replace Elaida? By raising an army? I cannot raise myself to support sisters warring against sisters, and armies of the tower clashing at this hour of need. I'm ready to oppose the shadow and Seanchan. I'm ready to work for the cause of unifying the tower. But warring against sisters, either in this camp, or in the tower, is not something I can do
Taking Lord Bryne's cup, he walks up to the barkeep and asks for spiced wine for the lord, and a mug of ale for himself. Tossing a couple mark, he simply instructs and whatever our two friends over there wish to have.
Bringing the Lord his cup, Jasper asks if he join the Lord at the table. With a simple nod of acceptance, Jasper sits across from him and starts to ask him for the real truth behind some of Gareth's fabled stories.
Alathea shifts uncomfortably when the false Amyrlin demands to know of their loyalties, and is only too happy to let her Sisters speak first. When her turn comes, however, she hesitates only slightly before speaking. "I cannot support your division from the Tower...Mother, as I can think of nothing more important than the unity of the Aes Sedai. I realize that if...the Amyrlin has truly disbanded the Blue Ajah, as you say, that your rebels have great and worthwhile cause to be outraged. But to divide the Aes Sedai? Such a thing only weakens the Aes Sedai further, yes?" She pauses, unsure if she's already condemned herself, but continues after a quick glance to her companions. "I am sorry, but even though I can sympathize with your decision, I cannot give you my loyalty. My loyalty lies with the White Tower. Even if the Amyrlin has done such horrible things, I cannot believe that breaking away will make things better." Returning her eyes to her feet, she falls silent to await her judgement.
At Jasper's prompting, Bryne talks about some of his earlier campaigns and some of the various events that happened during his career. It becomes quickly evident that the man is as humble as you might have first heard or suspected. Many of his tales seem to paint his involvement as minor or perfunctory. They seem to really heavily describe the courageous actions of the men under him, and that his own leadership was at best secondary to their resolve and valor.
Litheene's eyes meet with those of the Amyrlin, once again admiring her strenght. I believe you, and I believe you are the worthy Amyrlin between the two. As said before, I won't fight fellow sisters, but I acknowledge you as the true ruler of the tower, and the rightful Amyrlin. Litheene lowers her gaze humbly And thank you mother for treating us fairly, and giving us the chance to present our cause to you, even thou we are mere accepted, who's word stands against that of an Aes Sedai
Opening the door back to the street, Alathea does indeed find a young girl in white waiting to show her the way. It is a quiet walk, with the Novice not asking any questions and Alathea too preoccupied to care.
It's hard to conceal your shock but the Amyrlin cuts through it quickly. Were it possible I would put the Oath Rod in your hands but as it stands this is not the case. Understand that even without this, you will be full sisters and expected to act as such. You must live as if already bound by the Three Oaths for without those, we lose what makes us Aes Sedai.
Tonight you will visit the Mistress of Novices and then you will spend the evening in preparation in the Accepted quarters. There is a small smile at the look on your faces. Simply being raised to the shawl doesn't remove oneself from your obligations. Plus I can't well send full sisters to be paddled, can I? There is a hint of laughter in her voice as she speaks. She rises from her chair and walks you both out into the early evening air where a Novice in white waits. She gathers Litheene to her and begins to walk away. As Jasmine goes to follow, the Amyrlin puts a hand on her shoulder. I'll walk you myself daughter. There is another matter to be discussed.
Taking her place at the table with her companions, Alathea lays a hand on Jed's shoulder. "Jasmine is well and in no danger," she murmurs, before slouching low into her chair and idly toying with her Great Serpent ring.
Jed's eyes go distant, much like Gareth Bryne's had. "Yes, I did volunteer to investigate the happenings at Falme. Unfortunately I was the only one to make it out alive... But as you said, that is in the past. What matters is what is happening right now, and what is to come." Jed doesn't speak the words aloud, but it would be pretty easily assumed he means the Last Battle.
Jed nods in thanks when Alathea reassures him of Jasmine's safety. He can still feel Jasmine through the bond of course, so he knows that nothing terrible is happening, but it is still nice to know for sure. Still, he feels an occasional spike of surprise and sometimes wonder, which peaks his curiosity about what is going on. Without saying a word, not wanting to interrupt her thoughts, Jed gets up to retrieve a glass of water for Alathea. He returns and sets it in front of her, giving her an encouraging smile and hoping she takes it as a sign of sincere friendship, despite whatever may have happened.
She gets a wry grin on her face when Falme is mentioned and says I suppose it was too much to hope that you would have forgotten, Mother. Though I am glad to see you again and so well. I hope you will not attempt to make me give him up. He and I have been through too much for me to allow him to go to another. Her demeanor is calm but an undercurrent of fear shoots through her as she contemplates having to give up Jed. I would rather be a renegade from both groups rather than give him up. Light dont let her ask it of me!
Looking at Alathea when she steps out wearing the white dress, Jasper purses his lips in thought. hmmmmm...she looks good in white. Shaking his head, he concentrates on the exchange between Jed and Alathea. Nodding his head in agreement, he just lifts up his mug of half finished ale. I'll take some ale. Lord Gareth Bryne will have some spiced wine, and the gaiden over there won't refuse another drink. Here, I'll help. Jasper says, standing up and walking with Alathea to the bar.
After the orders are taken, and while the bartender is busy, Jasper will look at Alathea. Shifting slightly, he gently, hesitantly, puts his left arm over her shoulders, giving her a sideways hug for comfort. In a low mummer, Jasper says If you need to talk, I am always willing to lend an ear.
With her arms full of drinks, Alathea returns to the table with Jasper. Setting down a mug of strong cider for herself, she begins to distribute the rest. "Thank you, Jasper, for your kind offer. But things have gone as well as can be expected, and I don't think that Jasmine and Litheene are in much trouble. Our claims, at least, seem to have been taken seriously. I seem to have been dismissed, however...my judgement seems to still be before me, yes?"