Ryland looks good for someone who has been up for almost 2 days strait. He sits with the others, taking a place with his back to a corner of the room as the others discuse their plans.
At Jasper's outburst, Alathea pales, but then flushes with anger. By the time he is done, her hands are clenched in white-knuckled fists. Her voice low and dangerous, she says, "Your Lord Dragon may have asked you to retrieve this item, but I am here now whether you like it or not. Do you expect me to sit idle while you do all the work? Do you not think I worried about Jak and Ryland when they were out? As I recall, they were not sent by your Lord Dragon, but you had no problem with them going, no? And what if I can channel? Do you really think that these Seanchan would just let you go if they found you looking to take an item of power from their city? Especially if they find that you can channel as well?"
Alathea lets out a long breath, and unclenches her fists. "Whether you like it or not, Jasper, we are in this together. Stop acting like a childish bully. We all know what risks we face in being here; you don't need to act like we're helpless."
Jasper! Settle yourself, else you prove to these...women that you are incapable of controlling yourself. Do you wish to be seen as a mad dog? Pace growls in a low voice. He hesitates and sighes deeply, "Jasper has a point though. Other than Faillian I have no evidence that you other women can handle yourself in a fight without your...abilities. It would be better to separate you, in case there is a problem. You have to assume a sul'dam might sense something and she might have to be put down quickly by blade if she is busy dealing with a female channeler." As he finishes he looks back to Jasper, as if expecting a challenge.
Enough!! Fiallain’s eyes blaze a green fire as she strides up to Jasper and pokes a finger into his chest.
Jaspar Firewyn, you have shown nothing but contempt for those who have been nothing but courteous to you. More so than you have deserved. You behave like a child. Learn to show better courtesy to your companions or I will turn you over my knee like you apparently need!
Spinning on her heels, she rounds on Alathea… the words coming out in a ceaseless tirade.. And you! You should not let him goad you out of your brains as he does! What he says does make sense. We three should not go together, for the simple reason that we cannot afford to be caught in a net like sparrows. I certainly have no wish to have to rely on –his- benevolent ‘rescue’. Besides, a three-pronged attack usually works best. Light! If all wetlanders squabble as this bunch of you do, it is no wonder these Seanchan put you down so easy!
Her eyes sweep the group. It is time to put aside our differences. We are in enemy held ground. If we fight each other here and now then we may as well put nooses around our necks this instant and have it over with!
Once again, Alathea blushes a deep red, but not from anger. This time, she is ashamed. Her mouth works silently for a moment before she can speak. When she finally does, her voice is barely more than a whisper. "You are right, Fiallain. I apologize for my rash words."
Fiallain nods briefly at Alathea's words then turns to Jasper and looks at him expectantly as if to say Well? What's it going to be?
Chastened, Alathea speaks with much more reservation. "So, all of us will go to the palace, yes? How shall we do this?"
Jasmine sits quietly during the outbursts, letting the event play out to it's natural conclusion. Calm and focused. She repeats silently. Despite the way it was said, I agree, Jasper's idea has merit. We can cover more ground in a shorter period of time and we will have backup in the vicinity. We go in three groups as suggested. Jasper and Alathea, if need arises be prepared to link should you find yourself exposed and facing damane. Everyone knows what we are looking for, yes? I have actually an idea of what this item may be based upon it's description but I would not like to speculate now and cloud your views. I have been told that handling ter'angreal in general is dangerous but doubly so if you think you know what you know and are wrong. Should anyone find it do not attempt to take it alone. Wait for the others unless there is no choice.
Jak doesn't remember jumping up when Jasper embraced Saidin, and he doesn't remember that all-too-familiar veil over his connection to Saidin being ripped away by the sudden surge of adrenaline, but the honey-sweet burn of the Power is unforgettable as he stands ready to defend Alathea. It takes him nearly a minute to realize the kid doesn't actually mean to use it, and Jak hesitantly holds onto the source, still unsure what will happen here.
His words come out uncharacteristically quiet, "About the only thing I think the kid was right about was that we should all go in different teams. The primary focus, however, should be on finding the item in question. Since the few people i talked to seemed to think it was more likely in the warehouse, this trip is purely scouting for the item… that's why every team we form should be looking for it. IF it's found there, we can meet back up and begin planning everything else. It'd be a huge waste of our time and danger to everyone to spend time scouting the defenses of a place that holds nothing of value to us. Wouldn't everyone agree?"
While speaking, his hand has made its way toward one of his hidden blades, I'll be a light-blinded fool before I let this madman go crazy in this room.
He eyes Jasmine sideways, "And what is this about Alathea linking with Jasper. Won't that do to her what it's clearly done to him?"
Jasmine looks back at Jak and says I do not believe so. The way I understand it Saidin and Saidar are very different. Even with the link I do not believe the taint will transfer. Saidin and Saidar do not pull from the same areas of the One Power. Again it may not be necessary but we should not waste an advantage if we have one. As for the three groups, I agree with you that all should be looking for the item but we must also be ready to back each group up should the need arise. The Panarch's Palace is quite large so we need to coordinate who goes where for maximum effect.
"You don't believe so…" Jak's grimace says it all, "No offense, there Darlin', but that's not a wager I'm comfortable with. Alatheas' sanity on your best guess. No way. There's gotta be a better way of beating one of these leashed Aes Sedai if it comes to it."
His fatigue-filled eyes haven't strayed far from Jasper the whole time, "The kid can come with us, but no way he... links... with her."
Alathea knows that she really shouldn't have let Jasper's suggestion that she and Jak pose as newlyweds set her off. Listening to everyone else agree with his suggestion that they all go to the palace, she realizes how spoiled and childish her insistence that only the women go has made her sound. This isn't a feast day or celebration. We are in a very dangerous place for a specific reason. The more people around her that she can trust, the better.
Alathea's skin crawls at the suggestion that she link with Jasper. Even beyond her intense dislike of him, she can barely bring herself to consider sharing something so personal as her connection to saidar with the madman, or any madman. What if his madness affects me? And she doesn't even know if she can do it, anyway. "I don't know if Jak is right or not about...that, but I still find linking with another woman difficult. What if I can't link with a...man?"
jasper glares at pace rather be a mad dog and be take seriously than be a lap dog and just fed the scraps.
staring down at Fiallain, jasper growls i make no apology for my remarks. their "courtesy" has been haphazard at best. i see their looks they direct at me when they think im not looking. always thinking "is this the time when he snaps? is the madness gripping him already?"
with a glance to the ceiling, Jasper seems to take a long moment in collecting himself. Finally, his head drops level, and shoulders droop.
but, you are right, friend Fiallain. We are deep in enemy territory, and i dont want the blood of you and everyone here on my hands because one of them goaded me into an outburst like that which got us all into trouble.
looking at alathea i am sorry.
looking at jakif you dont like the idea of me linking with Al, then you link with her. whatever taint i have, you have too. so its all equal
Jak doesn't rise to the accusation, "If that's the level of self-control you've got, Kid, then maybe you should sit this one out. Everyone's in danger if you're gonna fly off the handle every time someone questions something you say."
At Jasper's admission and apology to Alathea, Fiallain nods and steps back to stand beside Ryland. She blinks and tilts her head, looking at Jak and Jasper as they exchange words. Oh for crying out.... him too? With all the commotion, she has completely forgotten the earlier talk of dresses.
In a lull in the conversation, she asks,
So when should we go? And what is this talk of 'linking'?
Alathea sits frozen and motionless on the bed. She must have heard Jasper wrong. Yes, that man never speaks very clearly, does he? She shakes her head and turns to Fiallain.
"Linking is where a woman joins her ability to channel with that of another woman, or more than one. By doing so, only one of the women has control over the saidar from all of the women, but she can do things far beyond what any of the women in the link can do alone." She shivers, but continues. "I don't know if it works the same way with men, but Jasper has suggested that I link with him so that we are stronger together than apart." She frowns deeply at him to show her feelings at the idea. "And no, I cannot link with Jak. Jak cannot channel, now can he?" At the last, her voice is flat and certain.
"Not exactly something I would keep from you, now is it, Lath? This kid seems to be willing to say anything to get attention."
"Now if we could get back to planning. The sooner we've finished, the sooner I can catch some sleep."
With a warning glance to Pace, he sits back down, letting go of Saidin.
Alathea sighs in relief. She hadn't even realized that she was holding her breath! Of course Jak couldn't channel, and she feels foolish for even entertaining the thought. Jak would never lie to me about that!
"Yes, we should finish our plan. But we are more or less agreed: we all go to the palace, we split up to cover the most area, but we search in small groups so that we are not vulnerable and alone, yes? If we can, I think we should go to the palace as soon as we can. The less time we spend around these Seanchan, the better, yes? Does this sound correct to everybody?"
I know that linking between a man and woman can happen. That is how some of the greatest works of the age of legends were accomplished or so the histories say. As for how it works with men I do not know but I would imagine it is similar to link the same way. Essentially your link to the one power is joined and you are stronger than either separately. There should be no reason why the taint should cross as the powers are still separate but heightened. As for the why I do not know you would have to ask a brown sister to theorize on that part. I am willing to try if it means keeping a seanchan A'dam off of my neck and I would recommend you do the same Alathea if the need arises. As for when to go, we should find out when there are viewings being done and go then. A party at the palace would be an opportune time as well if one is happening anytime soon.
I agree with Alathea in that the sooner we go the better. But Jasmine has a point too. If there are certain times when other people will be going as well, that would make getting in easier, or at least less remarkable to the Seanchan.
Turning to Jak and Ryland, Did you notice or hear when such a time would be?
Pace stares at Jasper for a moment longer, but settles back when Fiallain chastises him since the boy seems to accept it better. He notes with a wry smilethat Aletha's admission that she should apologize doesn't lead to an actual apology at all. Already twisting her words like a full sister. When Jasper mentions Jak channeling he keeps his face stone still, although his eyes do dart to Jak for a moment. He keeps his mouth closed as the conversation continues since it seems that the room is settling and coming to the decisions that he wanted in any case. It's a poor cook who seasons a good soup. Bloody unruly group though.
Turning to Jak and Ryland, Did you notice or hear when such a time would be?
Turning to Jak and Ryland, Did you notice or hear when such a time would be?
Jasper picks up on the way Jak, Pace, and Alathea all reacted to his statement concerning Jaks ability to channel, and quirks an eyebrow when jak just shrugs off the statement. Giving a delightful chuckle oh thats just precious. turning around and walking to the window, jasper stares out it, saying and people say I have issues. MUWAHAHA!
Listening to jasmine talk about linking, Jasper says too bad we couldnt test it out, this linking. would be better knowing that we can do it before hand, and not at a moment of crisis
Jasper then tunes out the prattle about viewing times, watching people walk past on the street below.
light burn them... he growls to himself, feeling an urge...
Ryland stands from his position in the corner of the room and hooks his thumbs in his weapons belt. "Now I do not know anything about channeling, but I do know about weapons and fighting. If you channelers can some how become stronger or whatever by linking, then we would be fools for not knowing how to use it. I agree with Jasper. It would be the same as carrying your bow into battle and never practicing putting arrows into a target with it."
Alathea pales at the further talk of linking. It seems that Jasper's idea won't go away so easily, and Ryland's words do make sense. Still, she cannot bring herself to try. But instead of making the same protests as before, she tries a different objection.
Keeping her voice as calm and reasonable-sounding as possible, Alathea says, "If Jasmine or I do attempt such a link, what of the Seanchan? I have not touched saidar since coming through that...doorway...from Andor, for fear that one of those leashed women will feel me do so and come for me. What if by trying, we lead them right to us? If we are to try it, we should do it in a place far away from these people, and not here, yes?"
Jasper turns around at Rylands words. Giving him a nod, jasper steps forward. Obviously with a glance at Alatheawe cannot do this testing here. would bring these seanchan down on us. But, it wouldnt be that hard for some of us to go out to where we were when we first got here. that was far enough from here that those pesky sul'dams are underfoot.
and i know the perfect way for us to test this out, and who should do the attempt at linking he ends with a look at Pace.
The look on Pace's face make it clear that Jasper has put him in an uncomfortable position. He glances around the room making eye contact with the others and sighes. "Linking could be very important to our defense, and is probably the only way I can currently make a gate like the one the Asha'man did earlier. I want to make one thing clear though, I will not allow myself to be in a link where a woman is in control. No disrespect to Alathea or Jasmine, but it is fairly clear that you both have conflicted feelings about male channelers. I will not put myself in such a vulnerable, defenseless position with any Aes Sedai, period. "
Alathea sighs. "It's settled, then? One way or another, we would have to risk alerting these Seanchan if we were to practice this link, yes? I would rather risk a possibility that not being able to link with Pace or Jasper later than risk a near-certainty of attracting a damane now."
Turning her attention to Pace, Alathea hesitates. How do I make a man like that trust me? Making her voice as gentle as she can, she asks, "Are you not putting yourself into a vulnerable position with me just by being here? Am I not doing the same with you?" She looks around at the rest of the room, making sure to make eye contact with all present. "We are all here for our own reasons. We each may not like being here with certain other people, but we stand a better chance of leaving here if we can trust each other, at least until we're done with what we've come to do."
jasper just chuckles alathea's statement, but otherwise is mute.
Jak can barely keep his eyes open, "hey, if you all go to practice linking or whatever, will you wake me when you get back?"
Jasper gets a very evil smile on his face. no problem, jak. i will personally make sure that you are awoken when we get back.
Once again Jak refuses to rise to the bait, getting up and heading for the door. "So the plan is for you all to practice... whatever it is you're practicing, and then tomorrow we'll all head over to the Palace to look for the necklace thing?"
Alathea graces Jasper with a flat stare, but otherwise keeps her temper in check. Instead, she smiles at Jak. "Worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes. You need to sleep."
Jasmine looks at Pace for a moment and says Our feelings are irrelevant at the moment Pace. We are here and we are working together towards the same goal which is to see the Dragon Reborn reach Tarmon Gaidon and defeat the Dark One. I intend to be there beside him as you do. I will link with you and allow you to guide the flows if you wish to learn. We must put aside our mistrust if we are to survive so I shall take the first step if no one else will and put myself in your hands. Jasmine stands and looks at each member of their party. We must learn to work together in harmony because I guarantee, the spies and agents of the Dark One will use every tool they possess in their prodigious arsenal to see that we do not unite. I do not intend on giving them their wish.
Alathea bites her lip. If Jasmine is willing to do so, how can I not? To Jasmine, she asks, "Are you sure that this will not draw the Seanchan to us?"
Pace nods his head and glances at Jasper. It looks as if he agrees with Jasmine and Alathea, but then he opens his mouth, "I trust you both as much as I do anyone who carries one of those rings you have in your pockets. I do not seek to antagonize you, as Jasper does, but you must know that staying out of your control IS my best bet to be at The Dragon's side at Tarmon Gaimon. I will work with you. I will protect you. I may even come to care for you, but I will NEVER be controlled by either of you." He nearly growls the word "never". "Now, when would you like to do this practice? Now?"
Jasmine looks back at Pace and says Fair enough Pace but know that I have no intention of controlling you. Nor do I intend on being controlled in return. Now that that is out of the way and we understand each other we should be as far away from Seanchan damane as we can when we do this linking. As long as we keep the link small and work quickly we should be fine. We should be ready to move though if the need arises.
I should go with them, perhaps learn what is needed if I can.
She breaks into a lull in the conversation. You may need someone to watch your backs while 'practicing' I will grab my spears and be ready.
so, who is all going then? Fiallain, jasmine, pace, myself, and alathea? Well then, lets head out.
Since Fiallain is goin to provide steel I will stay."
Fiallain flashes Ryland a grin. I will keep them out of trouble so you may rest, whether they like it or no.
She runs to her room and retrieves all her spears, returning a moment later and stands ready to depart.
Alathea looks at the door to the hallway. Jak had left for his own room to go sleep, but she desperately wanted him with her if she was going to do this. Jak is always there when I need him! He should be with me for this! But she takes a deep breath and steels herself. What could he do, anyway? He needs his sleep more than I need my hand held.
With a rueful shake of her head, Alathea stands. Although her words are confident, her voice is soft and fearful. "I will go. If we are to trust each other, I must trust as well."
seeing the look alathea directs towards the hall, and hearing the tone in her voice, jasper walks up to alathea, and in a serious voice says We may have our differences, you and I, but while Jak is asleep, i will make sure no harm comes to you. Looking into Jaspers eyes, one can see that he is definitly not joking.
turning on his heel, Jasper heads to the stable and saddles his horse.