Vala easily got over and sat on the floor and looked at the entourage and sighed. The Amyrlin was young and accompanied by a few people. She seems so confident, yet it seemed to be making her tense.
Vala sat anyways as she was too emotion to think right, and being close to the ground always helps her a bit. I'm Pregnant and Keelix is the father, what to do what to do! I'm just out here trying to prove my martial prowess and restore my house and this is what happens...It was good, and I want to know him more and yet...She let the thoughts fall as she sighed and looked at the room and Litheene and than felt her self struggling to fight against some tears.
Jasmine curtsies deeply and says I look forward to it Mother and I have all faith in Nynaeve's abilities. I was able to learn the new way of healing and the weave for healing severing before I left for Caemlyn. It was nothing short of miraculous. Looking at Vala with pursed lips, obviously disapproving the breach in protocol, Jasmine turns back to the Amyrlin and says These two are Litheene and Vala. I believe their story would be best told in their own words as they arrived in curious circumstances. Jasmine then waits to allow Litheene to explain, surmising that Vala is in no condition to speak.
I guess there is no use hiding it here. Litheene curtsies to the Amyrlin, and weaving a dome of silence about the room, begin to speak.
My name is Litheene Sedai, and I was on a mission sent by Egwene, the rightful Amyrlin of the white tower, located in Salidar. However, it wasn't you.
The place I come from, was very similar to this one. Me and my companions went to Cheirien and confronted Seanchan and a black sister while on our assignment. During the confrontation, the black activated a pillar, which by my account was a portal stone. We found ourselves here, in the middle of battle, and retreated with the black tower, only to realize that we have traveled, but apparently not so much in place or time, as to a ... mirror world, it would seem. Ours is very similar, even surprisingly so, as I've expected other worlds to be more different. The only major difference weave encountered so far, was that in our world, the battle of Domai Wells was won by the forces of the dragon.
We are here now, as we've promised Taim to deliver an emissary for you, who was unfortunately lost during an attack minutes ago, north of here. I have a trace object carried by him, and he is still alive. I was actually hoping to rescue him, however, our group as of now, might not be up to task, as two out free of us are unable to embark on a rescue.
Beyond the pain and the horror of what happened to her, she dreams. She dreams of saidar.
The One Power was the great disappointment of her life. When she discovered it there, within reach, she was horrified because it ran counter to all the plans she had ever made for her life.
When she learned how to control it, both through her own fumbling efforts and the lessons she received at the White Tower, she was doubly disappointed because she had always been a fighter, and saidar did not offer her a clean fight.
Mastering saidar required that she surrender from the start. The concept is enough to make tears fall from her eyes -- tears of frustration.
In the dream, she hangs suspended above the tranquil current of saidar, her tears falling into its unplumbed depths, so utterly lost. It calls to her, sings to her, invites her to plunge in and be carried along on its journey from forever to forever, to be guided into infinity and washed clean of... being Ryvin.
Fight that mighty river, and she will generate other currents. Currents that can pull her down and destroy her in the space of an instant.
Saidar, the Power that gives her every tool she might want by denying her what she really wants: a clean fight.
She hangs suspended in the void, the river of infinity before her, pain and battle behind her. Saidar is singing before her -- and behind her, behind the pain. She can hear the song, can see the streams of the Power flowing from the infinite into the temporal.
Blindly, fumblingly, she starts to claw her way towards the temporal and the finite. It is an uphill battle, but it is clean. She is not required to surrender just to get started.
"Here. I. Come."
She recognizes her own voice, her own song. It is not half as beautiful as the song of saidar, but the greater harmony can not drown it out, and has to bear it up; a rough, sharp-edged stone, floating on the river instead of sinking.
"Here. I. Come! Ready! Or! Not!"
Ryvin Altessar strikes out for her pain, for her anger -- for her life.
Bursting through some sort of barrier, you find yourself standing upon an city street, one that you recognize as where you grew up in ebou dar.
It took you long enough. Wallowing around in your self misery and sorrow. Pathetic, just what i would expect from a marath'damane, but not one who was just released. I expected more from you, Suli. And yet you let this little thing stop you from achieving your true potential.
The voice, sharp, intense, commanding, is familiar to you. It drives at the edges of your memory, at something that you drove out of your head and refused to be a part of, many years ago, and through recent times. A name floats to your head, Suli, and multiple memories come back. A nickname from your time at the tower, only to be forgotten about. A teacher, angry, viscious, same demanding tone challenging and beating a Novice with potential. A Sul'dam, tall, angry looking, viscous; the best sul'dam for the most malcontent damane. A face, a singular face, forgotten about during time in the WHite tower, but easy to remember from being a damane, two different points in your life, yet the same voice...
Cringing, you turn, and see your first instructor at the White Tower, and your first sul'dam when captured, Madame Tsoung.
The Amyrlin focuses her full attention upon Litheene, her eyes, kindly before, are now harder than diamonds as Litheene speaks. When Litheene finishes, the Amyrlin extends lifts her arm, a silver bracelet wrapped upon her wrist, her hand making a cupping motion. Litheene suddenly feels a tightness around her throat, cutting off her air supply. Greater pressure is exerted upon the grip, and rises ever so slightly, forcing Litheene upon her tip toes.
You DARE to channel in my presence, WITHOUT my permission?! The Amyrlin's voice is commanding as she asks the question.
Focusing upon Jasmine, she asks I take it that you failed to properly educate this... this Sedai about channeling in the presence of the Amrylin. Breathing deeply, she drops her hand, and the pressure is removed from Litheene's throat.
Of course not. You have been away. You wouldnt know. Not two days ago, an assassination attempt was done upon me, by a member of the Black Ajah. She just strolled in, sought an audience with me, and then attacked me. Luckily I was holding the source, so i easily defeated her, yet only to have her flee through a gateway. So i implimented this rule. No channeling within my presence without my permission, otherwise I will kill you.
Turning, the Amrylin sits. so you are from a mirror world, one where Rand's forces are victorious. Interesting. very interesting. And you have delivered an emmisary from the M'Hael, only to be seperated from him as you travelled here. Well, in that case, i shall postpone our meeting to tomorrow evening, i am sure that will be enough time for you to go get this emmisary back.
Amorial watches in amazement as the circle of women heal Ryvin, the images hovering above Ryvin showing the slow process of her bones being knit together.
A woman steps silently into the room and approaches Amorial. She wears a black dress with the blackest of hair. the only thing that is colorful is the silver choker upon her neck.
kneeling besides the Ogier, she introduces herself Hello there. I am Maigdan. Do you need anything? She asks in a clipped tone, as if unused to serving others.
Vala sprang to her feet at the sight and feel Litheenes' worry. Her hand itched to draw her blade. She hesitated not only do to the fact this was the Amyrlin, but a channel, and Litheenes superior. Vala did how ever keep her self ready to strike enough to grab Litheene and run if need be.
Ryvin cringes -- and then, painfully, forcefully straightens her back.
"I am Dreaming, then," she says, words rising up her throat and falling from her lips as if they have barbs.
Disappointment or no disappointment, Ryvin surrenders to the Source and lets saidar fill her.
Of course you are Dreaming, ingrate. That much is obvious. Even the most blind, the most deaf person couldve figured that one out immediately. Foolish girl, i should strip you naked and tan your hide
Suiting action to words, Ryvin finds herself nude and suddenly feels an unseen hand smack her backside, once, twice, thrice, and on. The butt, the back, the thighs, the calfs, the blows, while not hard, they multiply and intensify the previous hit.
Why must you resist your training? You were bull headed in the tower, and worse as a damane. You see it as a strength, but in dealing with Saidar, it is a weakness. Even now, no matter how hard you try, you cannot overcome your stubbornness. Pathetic
The slapping stops, leaving Ryvins skin burning from the impacts.
Looking upon Ryvin, the woman snorts Suli, such a pathetic waste of potential. You could be an incredible channeler, one to rival a Chosen. But no, you choose poorly... Yet choices can be changed.
The woman starts walking away, and the pain begins again, this time every other hit has a flash of heat, as if being struck by a branding iron.
No.
"This is me, Dreaming," Ryvin growls, and she somehow twists the dream.
Naked yet unashamed, Ryvin stands tall, her back straight.
Saidar thunders through her as she weaves an Aeriform Shield around herself.
"You enjoy looking at naked girls, sul'dam?" she asks with honeyed contempt. "Then come have a good look."
"Greetings Maigdan I am Amorial. Thank you for your gracious offer of aid but at the moment I am well".
Litheene's eyes widen in shock Did she channel at me? In our world this would have been a grave violation of tower rules. As she struggles for breath, her eyes focus on the bracelet I felt no weaves, and this thing Litheene shudders, a powerful memory overwhelming her Like the bracelet of an Adam! As the Amyrlin allows her to drop, she keeps quite for a while, string up straight. It can't be. I must be jumping to conclusions. Shari is no more, Adams require a collar. They do, don't they? Even here? clearing her throuth before speaking, Litheene courtsies Yes mother, I was not aware of the assassination attempt, I humbly apologize for my mistake If this terangreal does something like this, that tyrant is something our Egwene would've never become. I mustn't jump to conclusions before I can understand the situation here We will fetch the emissary, and meet with you on the morrow
Leaving the little tower, Litheene pulls Jasmine aside for a moment, maintaining as calm of an expression as she can The bracelet the Amyrlin was wearing. Was it a terangreal?
The woman, her face pinches tightly for a moment before releasing itself. nodding to Amorial, she stands and walks out.
Jasmine looks at Litheene and says She definitely seemed on edge but what about the bracelet? She has always had it that I have seen.
Vala stands and walks over to Litheene, and stands. She looks at you and than at her feet.
"I will come with you the White Cloaks are still out there,and I gave my oath to you.Together we will figure out the babe, but for now my sword may be needed"
Jasmine looks over and says With the Mother's permission, I will accompany you as well. I do not wish to see any more harm come to you or yours. In addition, it is important to keep good relations with the Black Tower and I do not believe Mazrim will be pleased if his Asha'man are killed.
the woman turns, staring at Ryvin, at her open defiance. Impressive. You managed to make the pain stop, yet not your clothes. Interesting choice.
the woman disappears from Ryvins sight, as if she vanished between eye blinks.
If only you knew your story, your history. The womans voice says in a whisper, coming directly behind ryvin. As ryvin whips around, the woman is gone again, this time leaning against a door frame.
Ryvin cannot help but gasp, recognizing her old family house, where she was born and raised.
How would you react, how would you feel, if i told you that you are not who you think you are? what if your entire life was a lie? What if your parents are not really your parents? What if you were older than you think you are? So many what ifs... and yet, you will question, you will wonder, unless you have proof once you awaken.
At first, a dull pain grows within her right thigh. Ryvin looks down, and sees her leg begin to slowly bend upon itself. Her right knee rises up to touch her stomach. Flexing her hip, she alieviates some of the pain, but then it returns a thousand fold as the lower part of her thigh is brought together with her hip, forcing the strongest bone in the human body to shatter, shredding muscles and tendon from the force of the break.
Watching the women channel, and committing everything to memory, Amorial notes a sudden tension within the air, as if something is awry.
How? Who? Nynaeve speaks through a clenched jaw. The women at the table appear to be staring at something.
Amorial shifts, and sees the oddest thing. Ryvins right leg rising up of its own accord. Glancing back at the head of the table, he sees that ryvin is still unconscious. Snapping his gaze back upon the leg, he sees it bend, bend in a way that no leg is meant to be bent. With a silence splitting quickly followed by the sound of wet fabric being torn, the leg bone shatters, the bones shredding the muscles and tendons within her leg ribbons. A moment later the sound of something hard hits the far wall. Amorial, knowing full well what it is, cannot help but look at it, the blood draining from his face as he sees a segment of Ryvin's femur laying on the floor.
as you pace back and forth, you suddenly feel an intense level of pain flash through your bond with ryvin. Unable to ignore the command of an aes sedai, you push through the door, walking in on a horrific scene. 7 Aes Sedai, hands clasped, stare at ryvins body as if it had turned into a trolloc. the only oddity apparent is the odd looking appendage upon ryvins stomach. A moment later, you realize that it is her leg, bent in an unnatural way, laying upon it.
Jasmine
Litheene
As the three of you walk out from the Amrylin's house, you nearly bump into a servant woman. the woman, carrying a tray with some food upon it, stares each of you in the eye, as if you both were annoying insects.
As you both make an attempt to speak to her, your lips halt as you notice an interesting necklace upon the womans neck. A dull silver, very narrow in thickness, it encircles her neck like a choker.
Many pardons Aes Sedai The woman says, curtsying to you three before walking around you and into the house.
Thank you, both of you are most welcome, as we know not the peril Jasper has found his way into. I suggest we travel into the master ward left by Jasmine, it should still be up.. Litheen turns as she speaks, and her eyes freeze upon the collar on the servant's neck. This has to be a coincidence. It has to, she is just a servant with a choker, not a damane But fear overcomes her, and Litheene focuses her gaze on the women, attempting to decide if she can channel, and her strength.
Feeling the fear and loathing rise in Litheene she looks at her and than lays her hand on her shoulder.
"Its okay, I will not let it happen not again" she says as she fients a smile.
Amorial looks on dismayed by what is taking place. "Aes Sedai is there anything I can do!"
With the horror of what has happened rising into his throat Amorial wails to release the feelings.
Ryvin's full-throated shriek of pain as she falls to the ground makes the sky shake -- or so it seems.
Choking, gasping, the Ebou Dari nevertheless fixes a glare of pure rage at madame Tsoung. "Then... I will... adapt and... overcome," she snarls.
The walls of Ryvin's family home... turn to magma. Liquid, fiery stone rains down on the other woman, to burn and consume.
"If what I remember is false, then I will rebuild on the ruins and debris. My core is always the same, and nothing else matters."
The dust around Ryvin rises up, dark wings buzzing; a cloud of stony wasps attacks Madame Tsoung if she somehow managed to ward off the magma.
Meanwhile, Ryvin forces her power on herself, and tries to push herself back into the waking world.
Keelix freezes, stunned by the sight in front of him. The blood smell and the scent of the shock of every other person in the room hits him like a hammer blow. His hands begin clenching and opening as he wracks his brain desperately for something to do.
His utter incomprehension bubbles over quietly, though he is completely unaware that he is speaking, "What...How...What?"
PAIN FEAR RAGE KILL KILL KILLKILLKILLKILLKILL!
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Shut UP! Nynaeve barks at Amorial. Taking a deep breath, she continues. No, friend Ogier. there is nothing you can do. I fear that this is a battle that only she can fight. I have only witnessed something like this once before, and that is not something i would care to inflict upon anyone. She is on her own. But, we can do something... she trails off. Sisters, all of you, join the circle.
The 6 other aes sedai, ones who took notes, all drop their pads of parchment and quills and step forward. They grasp hands, increasing the circle to 13.
As you watch the woman walk away, you suddenly feel a huge surge in the use of Saidar, and its coming from the location where ryvin was taken. Looking about, you do not see Keelix anywhere.
Standing atop of your lava, the woman laughs, a laugh that is cold, sinister, reminding you of a snake.
Pathetic, still pathetic. Shoo fly, shoo the woman says in an offhanded way, and the lava, the flies, the dust, all of it disappears.
An icy feeling, of hands grasping her spine hold Ryvin in place. Oh no, dear one. No, you do not get to leave. Not until you know everything. You think your name is Ryvin... it's not. Not quite. That is what your parents named you when they adopted you. I will give this kernal of truth to you, knowing that you will seek me out for more information, and perhaps, you will accept your fate and pursue greater training.
Stepping close to Ryvin, who feels herself suddenly cut off from the source, she whispers a statement, one that etches itself into her mind.
Your true name is Suli sur'aman'e'lanfe-
The woman cuts off, and vanishes, everything vanishes, tel'aran'rhoid, included, and Ryvin is floating within a black sphere, contained, listless. A single speck of light flickers inside with her, her own self.
For a time, Ryvin just hangs in the void, coiled around her pain like a snake. She tries to put herself back to rights.
Regardless whether it works, she starts to stoke the flame of her self, that single, precious spark.
'I don't care whether it's all truth or all lies,' she mutters to herself, holding onto that spark. 'All you really taught me, is there's someone stronger than me in the Dream. All that means, is there's someone worth overcoming in the Dream, no matter what you think. 'Suli', my hairless rump. I am Ryvin. I am Morilan.'
Keelix bares his teeth in a silent snarl, then retreats into a corner of the room and sits on the floor. There is nothing wrong here, but she is asleep. Perhaps there is something wrong there. I am coming Ryvin! He attempts to still his mind so that he can rest enough to enter the wolf dream.
Amorial looks at Nynaeve and calmly states, "Aes Sedai, I am by far older than you, I do NOT appreciate being treated rudely especially in a circumstance where a friend is in obvious distress. I will accet there is nothing I can do but I have treated you with great respect and I expect it to be reciprocated". Amorial let's the rumble of his displeasure roll through his enormous lungs.
You and i will have words after this, Ogier. Until then, be quiet, lest you want to take full responsibility for your friends demise?Nynaeve arches her eyebrow at Amorial, her eyes becoming daggers, her stare driving Amorial to shift uncomfortably under her penetrating gaze.
Focusing upon her charge, she says Ok, so she is a dreamer. Interesting. Whatever or whoever she encountered will be cut off from our dream shield. She should be fine now; we just need to repair the damage.
Beginning again, the image of the body and bones appears, showing now the severly damaged leg.
We will first finish her spine before fixing her leg. Given the amount of strength left in her body, we wont be able to do a complete heal, she will have to be left with a partially fixed leg, and let the body do the rest. agreed? She asks, and is answered with nods.
An hour passes, Keelix, his anxiety for ryvin to much for him to successfully fall asleep, can only sit, wait, and watch. Amorial watches again in wonder at what he witnesses.
Jasmine, Litheene, and vala wait outside the building, talking about random tidbits, distracting themselves from the worry of Ryvin.
There, she is healed Nynaeve says with finality. Dropping her hands from the link, she arches her back, stretching, her spine cracking loudly within the room. We definitly need to do this with chairs next time. She says with a weary chuckle.
You two, she says to amorial and keelix You may sit, but she must come out of it on her own. And when she does, let her know that her leg is still broken. It is mostly healed, but she shouldnt walk for a week on it. DONT LET HER WALK ON IT! Got it? she states, her fist clasping around her braid and jerking hard while her other hand points at each of you.
"I got it already," Ryvin croaks, her eyes still closed, but a small frown appearing on her brow. "Light Above, little chance of me not hearing you properly."
Slowly, painfully, Ryvin opens her eyes and forces them to focus on Nynaeve and the gathered Aes Sedai; she sighs. "Thank you. For the healing."
Her dark eyes drift over to Amorial and Keelix, and Ryvin forces a weak grin. "Hey there, boys. Looks like we're all through it alive. What about the others? Did you find Jasper?"
While Ryvin is being healed, Keelix senses her weakness as the resources of her body are depleted. He readily lends strength to her through the bond, heedless of his own reserves.
When it is done he is left so tired only his will keeps him moving. He stands, a curt nod with a grateful look is his only acknowledgement of Nynaeve's instructions. He moves to Ryvin's side and a look of relief he is too tired to mask blooms on his face when she opens her eyes and speaks.
"I know not what has happened with the others, I have been here since you were brought here."
Amorial nods his head to Nynaeve, "Thank you for your hard work in saving my friends life. I shall make sure until she is ready, she need not walk anywhere".
Be sure to let her rest, gentlemen. Sisters, lets leave them alone now Nynaeve says, ushering the other Aes Sedai out of the room.
You hear the mummer of voices, and a few minutes later 13 sisters walk out. Your friend is awake, yet isnt fully healed. Her back is, but she suffered an injury to her leg, the reason isnt fully known. Nynaeve says to the group.
One of the sisters steps forward, her mouth screwed up looking as if she smelled something rancid.
Does this, wilder, have the ability to dream walk? She asks in a demanding tone.
"Let me check something," Ryvin croaks.
"You need to find Jasper," Ryvin whispers. "I think... I think the other Asha'man may be dead. Call it a hunch. If he's still alive... The Dragon must be saved. I'm grateful that you saved me, but we have to keep our eyes on the prize, too."
Vala looked at the woman and the others and felt a little on edge. They all seemed a bit on edge. She was eager to be gone from here and back to there world.
"Are we to leave you here unguarded in this strange land?"
Ryvin smiles lugubriously.
"I wouldn't like that much, I'll admit. But I could settle for one guard, hey?"
Litheene keeps a neutral face at the Aes Sedai's remark Perhaps, I haven't witness her demonstrate it as of yet Does she? If so we can contact our companion.
Moving into the room Litheene is relieved to see Ryvin in a somewhat better condition than before.
Ryvin, I'm sorry for the rush, but I believe that each passing minute lowers our chances of retrieving Jasper alive. Once we are back, we will decide how to best care for your leg, and I'll be glad to discuss another issue with you, regarding what happened and the remainder of our team. For now, I think that Jasmine, Amorial, Vala and I need to rescue Jasper. Keelix will naturally guard you in the meanwhile.
Motioning Keelix aside for the moment before leaving, Litheene whispers to his ears only, keeping especially low voice while relying on his senses Be careful. We don't know much about this world yet. The women with the choker, and the Amyrlin, surface on her mind. Don't let anyone do anything to her, that doesn't seem strictly necessary.
Asking for the Angreal from Jasmine, Litheene then motions for her to watch, as flows of air seem to expand from her arm, as if by themselves, growing like a living bush to form a shield. Litheene throws a smile at Ryvin, for the weave she learned from her just the night before. Interesting how her weaving style developed, different from those of the white tower or Seanchan. She must have develop this one on her own. The shield then detaches, and continues to float about Litheene.
I suggest you use one when we are out of the Master Ward. But first, I'll be grateful for a link. Aside from me wanting to try it, and I won't deny that I do Litheene can't keep the eagerness of her face You should preserve your strength. I'm not among the best suited for attacking with the power.
Litheene studies the room well, noticing every detail with the power increased awareness. After ten minutes, she turn to her companions Is everyone ready? She waits for Vala and Amorial to draw weapons, and for all to be ready for a quick dash, and the, mixing a complex combination of many inverted flows and elements, Litheene forms a weave that bends the pattern, as a thin bar of light rotates in place to reveal the inside of the tied off Master Ward that they left behind.
"Good luck," Ryvin whispers, eyeing the weavings with considerable interest. "Yeah, let's talk more when you get back with Jasper in tow."
Keelix nods to Litheene, his position and posture obvious only to someone with eyes as very protective of the injured woman. As Litheene goes the the necessary steps to open a gateway, his gaze turns a bit worried for the rest of them as well, "Please be very careful. All of you." His eyes linger on Vala for a moment, and almost seem to flick down towards the area of her belly, but perhaps that was just him blinking.
Amorial waits until Litheene's weaving is complete before drawing his axe, he is not sure exactly how the weapon protects him from the One Power but he does not want to find out with friends weaving nearby.
Before they step through the portal Amorial turns to Litheene, "When we return we must speak in private Litheene Sedai there is something you do not know which I think you perhaps should be told".
"Keelix," Ryvin croaks once the others have left through their gateway. "Talk to me. Help me stay awake. Tell me... tell me about bladeforms. Vala was teaching you."
Litheene listens to Amorial, noting the emotions through he bond. Not much hope for good news, but it'll have to wait after Jasper is back I guess
After bidding Ryvin and Keelix farewell, Litheene leaves the building, and goes out of the camp, finding a place outside, without people. She then studies the location for ten minutes, before weaving folded light in front of the group, ward against people, and tying off both. Be ready to dash through quickly, but make no move before I give the sign Litheene says, weaving a wall of harden air directly in front of them and holding it, and then opens the gateway right in front of the hardened air.
Keelix looks down at Ryvin, and rests a hand on her shoulder, "Learning blade forms is like having a whole new aspect of using a sword opened up for you. It feels as though I have been simply flailing around and being lucky enough to sometimes hit what I am flailing at, but now I am learning what the thing is actually for, and how to use it properly. By comparison, I am like someone who taught himself how to be a blacksmith by trial and error, and has now encountered a trained smith to show him what that funny hammer thing is really for."
"Show me," Ryvin rasps. "Show me your forms, Keelix Andren. Please. My Papa used to practice them every morning, but he forbade me from trying. I want to know. I need to know."
Without Rhoekk to take the point, Amorial steps forward as the first one through, humans were after all rather squishy and it would be best if he would receive the brunt of any attacks directed at them when they arrived.
Once Amorial steps through he glances around - Perception