Unfortunately what you two have done is against Tower law and as such you must be held accountable. As Jasmine goes to speak Egwene holds up a calming hand. Easy child, you are not to be separated. But when you visit the Mistress of Novices, you will explain the sitation to her and ask her to administer an additional number of lashes until she is satisfied that you understand the gravity of the situation. Is that understood?
As you arrive before the house, you can already hear Litheene howling in the night air as her penance is under way. The Amyrlin looks you in the eye one last time before departing. Understand that once you receive your extra penance for your bonding, this subject will not be spoken of again she pauses deliberately before continuing, by anyone. If I hear of it from you ... or anyone else ... there will be serious consequences. As she turns to walk away you fully grasp the meaning of her words and realize that finally, once and for all, you no longer have to hide your bonding to Jed.
At one point, Jed gets a faraway look in his eye and then abruptly jumps to his feet. Shaking his head he sits back down and tucks back in to his drink.
After another embrace, Jasmine releases Jed and moves to Litheene. Congratulations sister. I know that cannot have been an easy decision but I believe you made the right one. Do you know which ajah you will choose? Whoever it is will be lucky to have you. Giving her a hug she moves over to wherever Alathea is.
Walking slowly over, Jasmine draws Alathea to her feet and says holding her gently by the shoulders Despite the fact that we disagree, I hope you can still think of me as your sister as you will always be mine, no matter what. It took great courage to stand up for your convictions and to be honest you would make a better leader for the Red than Elaida ever would. I hope you understand our reasoning. The Last Battle approaches and I would have you beside me when we fight.
After a warm embrace, Jasmine lets Alathea go and stops before Ryland, Pace, and Jasper. Whatever happens in the future, I want you all to know that I consider it an honor to have traveled and fought beside you. I hope that we can forge a lasting peace together and it would be an honor to continue to fight beside you.
After that she smiles and let's her hair down. Really relaxing for the first time since you have met, she glides around the room, moving and swaying gracefully. She stops with each of you in turn, talking a few moments, joking and laughing easily. For the first time she seems a true Domani. Her joy and exuberance bubbling over and contagiously affecting those around her.
Fiallain listens with some interest as the men exchange war stories and catch up. glances up, a bit relieved to see Alathea return so soon. She cocks her head to the side, noticing that she is alone. Seeing her return with pack in hand, she stands, spear in hand, then sits back as it seems departure isn't quite imminent just yet. Her eyebrows raise just slightly at her comment about judgement, but decides that now is probably not the time to ask.
It has been some time since I ran out of my Oosquai, I suppose this wetlander milk will have to do for now. Grinning, she gets back up to help Jasper and Alathea gather the drinks.
Alathea smiles at Jasmine's obvious joy, even though she's unsure if she should be happy for her and Litheene. What punishment will this bring down on them when these rebels return to the Tower? My own involvement will likely be bad enough, but they let this false Amyrlin raise them without even the Oath Rod? I do not envy them! But she pushes her doubts away so as not to ruin their moment. "Our disagreements are unimportant, yes? Congratulations, Jasmine Sedai." Turning to Litheene, she adds, "And to you as well...congratulations, Litheene Sedai."
Turning back to include the rest of the table, Alathea smiles. "Tomorrow will likely be a difficult day, but let us celebrate tonight, yes?"
smiling, jasper slaps the table here here! we are in a safe place, amongst the Aes Sedai. We should all be able to indulge ourselves in some fermented beverages and wine! he makes it a point, raising his cup for a cheer.
to everyone here, we have journeyed far, experienced hardships and harrasements. We have all handled ourselves quite well in such events. I count you all friends! Whatever the future holds, wherever the weave takes us, let us remember this night as one of joy and merriment!
Jed stands up quickly as Jasmine comes bounding into the room. As she throws herself into his arms, he can't help but smile broadly, a rare sight for him in recent days. Upon hearing that he is now officially Jasmine's warder, his smile widens even further. He says only one thing, but it is clear by his expression that he proud and excited for his ward. "So does that mean I get one of those fancy cloaks?"
When drinks are passed around, Jed willingly partakes. He doesn't drink enough to inebriate himself, but he does enjoy a few tankards, even buying a round for the group.
Throughout the night, Jed will spend some time congratulating Litheene and Jasmine. He spends a good amount of time with Alathea as well, hoping she doesn't feel left out. And he spends some time with Ryland, Pace, and Jasper who he can finally celebrate with, even if it will only be for the day.
If any questions come up about what to do next, Jed will suggest we spend the evening relaxing and having a good time. We can talk about the next step tomorrow after a good night's rest.
When led away by the novice, Litheene finally feels relieved, realizing it all went way better than she expected, even thou she still feels for Alathea that was send away, while tey were raised.
Litheene accepts her panishment by the misstress on novices, knowing she desrves it well, yet feeling the pain cleanse her of some of her guilt and doubt. I remained true to what is good for the tower, and the future of Aes Sedai, I trust this Amyrlin, and even if I don't agree with the method, this is the right path
Reunited with everyone, Litheene siles, happy to see Jasmine's joy. Thank you Jasmine, I'll approach the brown on the morning, the greens will be proud to have you. From our travels I know you will fit there well
Litheene appraches Alathea, I know what you think, and I've shared the feeling. I do not feel right about the split, but this is the best way I see for it to end. Know that I'm proud to be your friend, for your faith and will. I also understand you won't want to be raised without the potocol of the tower, but know that if me and Jasmne are really worthy of the shawl, then for me, so are you, who have traveled with us and faced the same challenges as we. For me you are Alathea, my sister and my friend, and I prefer to be Litheene, and not Litheene Sedai, for you
Litheene takes a cup or spiced wine, raising it to Jasper's toast. Thank you, I can presume the kind of hardship it was for you following us here. And thanks all of you as well for your company Litheene addresses Fiallain, Ryland, Jed and Pace.
Thou after the toasts are done, Litheene still feels the shape of the medallion, hidden in her robe, which she promised to return to her mentor, and the cloud of tomorrow's judgment above her head.
Ryland smiles and raises his mug to Jasper's toast. The woodsman has bearly mumbled a word since entering the tavern, if anything he seems on edge.
Alathea smiles when Litheene asks that she remain "Litheene", and murmurs her agreement before leaving the Aes Sedai to the congratulations of others. While she is happy for Jasmine and Litheene and relieved that, at least for now, all of her companions seem to be out of danger, she cannot shake her conflicted thoughts. Wishing for a quieter place to suit her mood, she looks for an unoccupied corner, but her eyes catch on Ryland. Wrapped up in her own troubles as she's been, she's had barely a chance to pay attention to others, and even under the best of circumstances he's kept himself somewhat aloof. But something's obviously bothering him.
Instead of finding that corner, Alathea sits down next to Ryland. In a voice just loud enough to carry over the din of celebration, she asks, "Is all well, Ryland? You look as if you are troubled, yes?"
Fiallain joins in the merriment, congratulating Jasmine and Litheene, and joking with the others. In typical Aiel fashion, most of her jokes leave you confused and bewildered though she herself a couple times had to clutch her sides to keep from doubling over.
She offers congrats to Jed and Jasmine as well, and not too subtly insinuates that the two "Have come this far together, you may as well go all the way and become husband and first-wife" She grins innocently...or tries to anyway.
Ryland shakes his head at Alathea. "I am sitting here drinking with a living legend in a town cought in a civil war between two powers capable of breaking the world, and all I have is my sword. Top it off with the dreams I am having, it is a wonder that I have not went insane. Oh but forgive me, how did your morning go?"
Alathea brushes off Ryland's question with a distracted "As well as can be expected," and looks at him curiously. "You are having dreams, you say? Dreams which you think might drive you mad? I don't know if I can help you, but I will listen if you wish to speak of them, yes? I have found that simply talking about something difficult can help, even if the person you are talking to has no advice. But I do not mean to pry, yes? If you wish, I will leave your concerns to you."
The woodsman chuckles and takes a drink from his mug."I would hate to bother you Aes Sedai, think nothing of my problems. It has been a long trip."
Alathea smiles sadly. "It has been a long trip, and one that we've traveled together. But if you don't wish to speak of it, that is your choice. You are wrong, though: I am not yet Aes Sedai, nor will I be on the morning like Jasmine and Litheene." She smiles again, this time with a hint of mischief. "If you resist because you think I'm Aes Sedai, well, I am still safe to talk to, yes?"
The night wraps up as everyone realizes there is a big day ahead. Litheene and Jasmine return to the Accepted quarters to prepare while the rest of you take rooms in the inn, compliments of the Amyrlin no less.
With dawn rising the group heads out from the inn escorted by 2 different warders. You are led near a large and well repaired house, into which you can just see Jasmine and Litheene walking before the door shuts. They were dressed in fine gowns in deep shades of blue and brown respectively. There is some uncomfortable shuffling around Alathea as by now you are all aware of the general circumstances for her exclusion. Jasper does remind her of the saving of her backside which breaks the tension and from there it is simply a matter of waiting.
The Amyrlin motions for you to follow her into the room. As the door shuts, she weaves a barrier against sound and takes a seat in an ornate chair behind a large, beautifully carved desk. Looking you both in the eye, she steeples her fingers seeming to weigh something in her mind. Finally she lays her hands flat.
I mentioned a task that I required. You two seem to trust your companions explicitly which I admire. Should you wish it, they are welcome to aid you in this task. But before I bring them in there is something I must show you first. Still holding saidar she begins weaving a complicated flow of Spirit, a complex knot that suddenly forms a bright shining line in the middle of the room that rotates open into a Gateway. Although you saw this feat performed by a man, it is still impressive to see again as it closes before you. Looking at your faces, I can see this isn't the first time you've seen a Gateway. Good, perhaps it will help you master this weave in the future.
Suddenly another Gateway opens where the first one was and your eyes widen at the sight before turning to stare at the Amrylin as you realize that you can't see any strands of the power! You both look at this young woman with new respect and no small amount of fear. What you have just seen, or not as it may be, is known as Inverting your weaves. It will hide what you do from other women, at least so far as what weaves you are casting. She then explains the technique involved in performing this.
She meets both your gazes and locks your eyes and you both realize that there are gazes far more frightening than that of a myrddraal. I teach you this for one express purpose. Elaida must NEVER learn the weaves of Traveling or our cause is lost and the Tower will truly be plunged into civil war. I understand you trust your companions with your lives and secrets but as Amyrlin this is not something I can do. I show you this but I also must forbid you from teaching it to others, even your companions. Understand that the punishment for disobeying this will be severe. You both can do nothing but nod mutely, not sure how to proceed with the Amyrlin giving you no time. She drops the shield of silence and has the Aes Sedai outside bring in the rest of your companions.
A lone Aes Sedai walks from the house and moves to the group of you. The Amyrlin would see you. Turning back she leads you into the house and into a back office. Seated behind a large desk is a young woman you can only guess is the Amyrlin although Alathea's eyes do tighten slightly to confirm this. Jasmine and Litheene sit in chairs before her and although just raised to the shawl, they look less happy than you would have expected, more sick to their stomachs.
She looks at each of you before speaking. I am assigning a task to these sisters, one which you may wish to join them in. If you do I am sure they will appreciate the help but regardless I must send them and yourselves away. You may avail yourselves of the resources of our town either way but then I would ask that you meet me where you first entered the town, in 1 hour. From there I will explain what my need is and send you on your respective ways. Clearly a dismissal, the Amrylin rises and looks to exit the room after you.
Litheene watches with full concentration, as the Amyrlin shows them the traveling ability, yet she manages to somehow focus even more when the invert skill is explained. This ability is considered lost and unlike traveling I've never seen it. I need to study it in depth, it may teach me new things about the nature of the one power. Thou being impressed before, Litheene now looks in true awe at the Amyrlin, realizing that this women not only has power, but manged to reacquire long lost talent of the Aes Sedai.
Litheene nods when hearing that they can't pass on the techniques, thou she feels a stab of pain, remembering that Alathea and Fiallain shared their techniques with her, helping her learn. It's a pity Aes Sedai now have to hide such important progress. Sharing this knowledge could have moved the tower's research forward considerably.
When sent outside, Litheene asks Ryland if he could please help her with picking a new horse for her You are much more familiar with horses than I am, and I must do something before we leave, leaving him a hefty sac of marks to pay for it.
Then with her remaining time, Litheene goes to acquire a brown dress, to suit her Ajah. She smiles happily when selecting it, realizing she have finally realized her dream from the moment of coming to the tower.
Ryland is speechles during the meeting with the Amyrlin and for a while afterwards.
She dosent look like the one that came to Fal Dara, but she does seem familiar somehow. Maybe she was with the real one when they came to see The Dragon. Not something for me to worry about anyway, this is my chance to cut ties with this group and bedone with this one power stuff. They dont need my sword anyway, they can pluck rabits with invisible fingers and make the fades run in fear. I will just get in the way anyhow.
Ryland returns to the inn and retreives his horse and pack before quickly leaving before he can be cornered by the others. As he leads his horse out of town he stops to watch a group of warders practice their combat skills, passing along pointers just like the soldiers from the Boarderlands. the woodsman leans against his horse.
Not much different than regular men I would say. If the powerful Aes Sedai still have the need to be protected by normal men, maybe they are all not as powerful as I believe. Maybe I can still make a difference here among my companions. If anything maybe I can remind them how to treat the mortals around them.He reaches over and scratches Drake's neck, then climbs into the saddle and pats the geldings neck. "You always could talk sense into to me old friend. Lets go find our friends before they run off on their own and get themselves killed"
The Boarderlander rides back to the inn, meeting Litheene near the stable. He grins as the newly apointed Sisteri hands him to many marks for a simple horse and nods his head as he answers. "Yes Aes Sedai, I will find you one worthy of your saddle."
He ties Drake to the hitching post and makes his way to the livery stable to see a man about a horse.
Jasper stands infront of this woman, looking her in the eye, wanting to sneer at everything she represents. But instead, wrapped in the void, the hatred he would usually feel just glides off. In a cold detached voice he simply asks Not sure what the formalities are for one like myself, but unless told otherwise, I will defer to the title of "mother" when addressing you. Mother, perhaps you could at least give us a basic idea of where we are heading, so that we all may better prepare ourselves. Would be a waste of time and effort if i was to stock pile trail rations and instead we end up on your endevour sitting in taverns gathering information, wouldnt you agree, mother?
Alathea wakes early the next morning. After her dismissal the night before, she's not entirely surprised when the Warder comes to escort her and her companions out of Salidar. I cannot say I am sorry to leave.
With the knowledge that the road once again stretches before her, Alathea retrieves her purse. Among other things, she makes sure that she purchases a horse to replace the one that she was forced to leave behind at Elmora and a sturdy but plain woolen dress. If we need to blend in again, a farmwoman draws much less attention driving a wagon than a noblewoman.
Alathea raises an eyebrow when she sees that Jasmine and Litheene are waiting for them with the false Amyrlin. Her curiousity piqued, she waits impatiently for the girl to send them off. Perhaps our travels together are not over, yes?
Fiallain leaves the meeting with the Amyrlin with something nagging at the back of her mind. I could swear I've seen that woman before somewhere, but that doesn't make any sense...
Her lips pursed into a thoughtful frown, the Aiel steps out into the bustling village with her companions. Ready as always to be on the move at a moment's notice, there isn't much she needs to resupply. She purchases about a week's worth of rations and then waits for the hour to pass.
Litheene chuckles friendly at Ryland's comment. You know I didn't mean it that way, I'm grateful for your help. I just have to tie one loose end, and I trust your judgment with picking a mount make better than mine. Litheene's face seems friendly, yet she is obviously distracted by something, and quickly hurries off.
I'm doing it wrong, I could have requested a novice to arrange a mount and supplies. Never mind, I trust Ryland more in picking a mount suitable of a journey than a novice who might have never traveled in her life.
The Amrylin looks Jasper over and then speaks. Yes, Mother is appropriate. As for where you are headed, I do not know. I know where the Sisters are headed. If you mean to travel with them, then you will find out where you are going in an hour when they do. If you are truly concerned then a piece of advice. If you are prepared for everything then you will be surprised by nothing. With that she leaves you and the rest of the group.
Litheene thanks the sisters for the help, mourning for a second the loss of access to the tower library. I will have to investigate further, possibly test, the moment I have a chance
She then hurries back to the meeting place, collecting her supplies and mount on the way.
Jasper laughs at the comment. As you say, Mother
Jasper goes out and gathers his supplies, taking a moment to see Lord Bryne.
Loading up his horse with the provisions, Jasper mounts his horse, and guides him to the entry point, pausing along the way by a water trough to ensure that the horse drinks some water.
Seeing the others approach, he waves at them.
Jasmine gives a nod to her companions as they approach. Having spent the morning with her new sisters, and making sure Jed got acclimated with the Gaidin, Jasmine is happy to see her friends again. Despite all that has happened, or perhaps because of, Jasmine is a woman of action. She could not deal with sitting in one place for too long without purpose.
Jasmine is finally dressed in what she feels is proper attire for her, a fine dress in the Domani fashion of green silk. She has a confidence and sway to her walk that was not as pronounced as before. She is eager to see what tasks the true Amyrlin will put forward for her and her companions.
Jed doesn't have much to prep, before heading out. He goes through his usual routine of polishing his armor and tending to his weapons. He makes sure his horse is well-fed and brushed and spends a little time giving her some attention. Then he bids goodbye to Gareth Bryne and tells the man he hopes to cross paths with him again sometime. Finally, Jed approaches the Gaidin one last time.
Unsure how to broach the subject of obtaining a Warder's cloak, Jed does the best he can to make himself seem less eager. "Might I ask if there are any spare Warder's cloaks around? Or all they all at the Tower?" Light... I hope that wasn't too forward.
Watching Jasmine walk around with a noticeable sway to her hips, Jasper cannot help but say Wow, Jed is one lucky guy. Who knew you were hiding that under the dress this whole time. Jasmine, you look gorgeous.
The look on Jasper's face tells informs everyone that he is sincere with his compliment.
Ryland returns to the others leading a fine mare behind him, fully equiped with bridle saddle and bags. he ties the horse next to Drake and looks around at the others.
Fiallain grins as Ryland approaches with mare in tow, her look promising yet another good-natured ribbing for the poor borderlander. "You will never be able to keep up with me if you have yet another of those beasts to sit upon. Why, your legs will waste away to sticks, with as little as you'll be using them, and when you do climb down, you'll teeter about until the wind blows you over. Let that thing loose and I will show you how men and women are supposed to get about....on their own two feet!!"
One of the Warders laughs good-naturedly at Jed's question. Sorry son, without the loom in the Tower there won't be anymore cloaks for a while. With a nod, Jed hurries on to prepare for their departure.
As you all gather at the appointed time and spot, you can see the Amyrlin already waiting for you. To the women she seems surrounded by a nimbus of light as she holds saidar. You are all able to feel how much she holds and it is staggering.
As you approach she nods to all of you. The task I set before these sisters is of great importance to me. Those of you who aid them will have my gratitude but of course if your path lies elsewhere I will not hold it against any of you. The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.
She turns to address Jasmine and Litheene although she makes no effort to keep her words from the rest of you. I need you to travel to Cairhien, Daughters. There you are to seek out Merriane Celldon of the Blue. There has been no sight of her in the last week and I am curious to know why. If something has happened to her then I need to be aware of this. Your best place to start once you reach the city is the shop of a seamstress name Daria. She was said to be one of Merriane Sedai's Eyes and Ears.
She pauses and shakes her head. Sadly we do not have much of a presence in Cairhien right now and I am told that Elaida has sent a large number of sisters into the city recently, so there will be few resources that you will be able to count on. You must keep your presence there quiet if you can, better to avoid Elaida's machinations if possible. Also due to their presence, I am unable to send you directly there.
A sudden line of light appears, rotating open before you all. On the other side you can see brown, heat baked grass on a hill overlooking a large city some of you easily recognize as Caemlyn. Fiallain and Alathea both inhale sharply as they see no weaves opening this Gateway. Jasmine and Litheene remain quietly composed, every inch Aes Sedai although their eyes seem to tighten briefly.
While I have hidden the nature of the weaving, I still can not take the risk of one of Elaida's people discovering its secret. Alathea feels as if the Amyrlin is looking at her as she says this but as she looks to confirm it the woman seems as if she's talking only to the group. You'll be about an hour's ride east of Caemlyn. If you need anything else you could not find here, then that city will surely have it. It will be a long ride to Cairhien but this way is safest.
She looks you all over before finishing. To those of you accompanying the Sisters, I thank you and wish you and them a safe journey. To those of you headed to points unknown, I wish you good travels.
As you begin to shuffle towards the Gateway, the Amyrlin quietly pulls Fiallain to the side.
Jasmine winks back at Jasper with a laugh when he makes the comment and says warmly Thank you Jasper.
Once at the departure she maintains her cool serenity and looks around at the others. She is gladdened that despite their many differences they have come together towards a common goal. Once the gateway is formed and the Amyrlin bids fair well Jasmine moves through the gateway studying it despite the fact that the weaves are inverted. Pulling her beautiful stallion through she looks around at Caemlyn and waits for the others.
Ryland shakes his head and pats his horse Drake on the neck as he turns to the Aiel. "I tried to keep up with you remember, or has all of that time out in the sun turned your brain to mush? I think I will stick with my horse for the time being thankyou."
After the portal opens, Ryland gives Drake a light kick and trots towards the gate. He ducks his head instinctivly before he rides through, "Here we go boy, lets try not to get killed."
Recognizing the country side around Caemlyn, Jasper cannot help but smile. home. he mummers. Caemlyn, the only place that he has felt as home. Grimacing to himself he just shakes his head.
Stepping through the portal to the hillside, Jasper pauses, taking in the scenery. His shoulders relax, and a sense of calm over comes him. So good to be home. But now its time for business
Stopping a short way through the portal, he gets down and easily pulls out a black jacket, a bit of metal glittering at the collar. Keeping the horse between himself and the gateway, he quickly shrugs it on. Buttoning it up, top button on his neck, his calm is replaced by something else; confidence. Embracing Saidan again, he smiles. oh the joy.
Fiallain chuckles at Ryland's comment and steps aside as the man urges his horse past her. She blinks in surprise though as the Amyrlin approaches her and pulls her to the side. uhoh, this can't be good...
"I thank you for the... message. May you always find water and shade, Aes... Mother." She inclines her head instinctively with respect as the other woman moves off. She speaks as one who knows them well. I thought there was something different about her. Pity on those who cross this one.
Fiallain's look is a bit grim after stepping away from the Amyrlin, her eyes search the group, looking for Alathea. "These go to Cairhien, but it does not seem any such charge was laid on you. Where do you go my friend, for I follow you, for the sake of friendship and for the toh I hold."
Alathea stands in the back of her gathered friends as the false Amyrlin speaks and listens closely even though the girl seems to be speaking only to the Aes Sedai. To Cairhein, yes? To where this all began for me...it is as good as any. I am not welcome here, and if there are Sisters still loyal to the Tower there, it may be the next best thing to returning to the Tower.
Alathea is shocked as the Gateway opens unexpectedly, without even a weave visible. She cannot help but to look sharply at Jasper. Is he really such a fool to weave here, in front of dozens of these Aes Sedai? Has he truly become this powerful? But the man does not appear to be weaving, at least not as far as she can tell. The false Amyrlin's explanation clarifies the situation, but raises as many questions as it answers. And I am not to be trusted, am I? I suppose I would do no different in her shoes, though.
Although she cannot approve of the girl's actions, the false Amyrlin has still been generous towards her. Before passing through the strange Gateway, Alathea pauses before her. "Thank you for your generosity...Mother, and for your understanding. They are both unexpected, but much appreciated."
After the Gateway closes behind her, Alathea takes a moment to change her Accepted's dress for the green Domani dress from Jasper. It would not do to attract undue attention.
Alathea smiles at Fiallain's question. "You have protected me well, and saved my life on more than one occasion, Fiallain. I will be happy to have your company as a friend, but you should not feel any debt towards me. But your question is fair. I am not welcome here, and I cannot return to the White Tower by traveling alone. Cairhien is as good a destination as any, and it is a fair bit closer to the Tower than here." She smiles again. "And traveling with friends is a good reason itself, yes?"
Fiallain smiles at Alathea's talk of traveling with friends." It is just so. Though my toh is not yet ended."Her smile slips however, as she turns from Alathea and towards the gate. While it had been the answer expected, it wasn't the one she had really wanted to hear. Mouth twisted, she dons her veil and steps through the gateway as if stepping into the blight itself. Well, here I come, Inoreal.
Jed's spirits are high as he steps through the gate into familiar land. He sees Jasper smiling and walks over to him. "It is good to be home, in familiar territory, is it not? It is too bad we can't stay for long."
While the rest of the party makes their way through the gateway and gains their bearings, Jed chats with Jasmine. He tells her of the times he patrolled this very area. She is familiar with Jed's stories of his companionship with his fellow guardsmen, and it is clear to any other listening in that he remembers these times fondly. Jed is very happy to be home, however brief that will be.
Before moving on, Jed brings up a discussion of what to do next. "I have every intention of accompanying Jasmine and Litheene to Cairhien, and I hope that the rest of you wish to join us as well. But I don't want us to forget that we must deliver the," he pauses, considering his words carefully in case there is someone undiscovered nearby, "object to the A'sha'man. They are not far from here, and it only makes sense to take a quick detour and finish the job we started."
Alathea's mouth twists in distaste. "Yes, we must deliver the object. We have traveled too far with too many sacrifices to forget about it, yes? The sooner we are rid of it, the better."
Looking at jed, Jasper smirks. Oh do you, now? Pray tell, where it is, since I do not know where to find it.he finishes with a wave at the country side.
But, i do know how to make contact, once we get to Caemlyn. So yes, we must make haste if we are to be rid of this thing.
Getting up into his saddle, he turns the horse and heads to Caemlyn.
"I did not say I know where the Tower is. I know that the Tower is near Caemlyn, and we are near Caemlyn and so it stands to reason that we are not far from the Tower, as I said. I assumed you knew where it was, since you've been there before. It is a shame that the Asha'man cannot even confide in their students where they train at. Do they not trust you?" Jed asks this last question matter-of-factly, not trying to push Jasper's buttons. But as soon as he says it, he realizes it may come out wrong. He doesn't say anything further for fear of making things worse. I really am no good with my words...
from a militaristic point of view, you should appreciate this, since keeping the location secret, no one can attack it. he finishes with a chuckle.
Ryland dosent bother looking back as he adds to the conversation. "And when the members go crazy the can't find the place to burn it down."
Perhaps. But it also isolates them from receiving any aid. Jed keeps his thoughts to himself. Ryland may be closer to the truth than we'd all like to think.
"If you know who to speak to in Caemlyn, then that should be our first priority. You can deliver the item and then we'll head out. In fact, if this place is such a secret, I expect they wouldn't be happy to have visitors. Especially Aes Sedai."