The shortish man with a shock of reddish-brown hair who was leaning unobtrusively against a tree nearby let out a sigh and reached up to remove his pipe from his mouth. That was the third disapproving look he'd caught leveled at him from the gathering sisters. Seeing his movement, the latest of these gave a self-satisfied nod to herself, which only served to set the man's back up. Instead of putting it away, he simply moved the pipe to the other corner of his mouth and puffed away. Luckily, the woman seemed more interested in what was going on in the tent than to take issue however. The look from her warder however... that gave him pause, and he half raised his hand to the pipe again. Like his charge, the man had moved on however.
Always was a stubborn fool, Joram. the man sighed to himself. One of these days that's going to get you into real trouble.
Not that there wasn't plenty of that anyway. Ever since fleeing Ebou Dar, he'd had his share of it. Well, before then really. Trouble had dogged him ever since those bloody Seanchan had arrived and set him on this path that took him here to Salidar, working with Aes Sedai of all people.
He couldn't hear much of what was going on in the tent from his vantage point. He might be stubborn, but he wasn't stupid enough to try shoving his way through the swarm of sisters. Besides, he could guess it probably had something to do with the approaching army of whitecloaks. That was worrisome. What was more worrisome was that he had not known they were coming before now. Long before now. Knowing things was supposed to be his job after all.
The sound of a woman's shouting startled him from his musings and roused his curiosity. What's this? It must be big to be interrupting a meeting of the Hall and the Amyrlin. Ryvin Altessar? Not a name I recognize... He moved forward, trying to catch a glimpse of the speaker.
A vote for the declaration of War cannot be tabled, set aside, or allowed to expire. It must be acted upon prior to any new business can be accepted an elderly gray haired woman wearing white with a white shawl says in response to Ryvins outburst.
Yes, indeed.A woman, says next to Ryvin. Turning, you all recognize her as the servant with the silver collared necklace, Maigdan.
To interrupt the Amrylin while she asks for a vote on War undermines her infront of her opponents. Even now people mummer about your predicament whilest being healed, and how that reflects upon the young Amrylin is most devestating to her cause. Even now she flaunts the thousand year old tradition of the Oaths, and if she doesnt get the votes, then she may well be stilled for suggesting this. As she finishes, her hand strays to her neck, almost unconscious of the act.
"I have information that is important to the War!" Ryvin protests, still out loud. "Mazrim Taim and the Asha'man are offering an alliance!"
Jasmine looks troubled at the fact that the oaths can be removed so easily. She looks at her other sisters and says Ryvin speaks truly. Mazrim Taim does wish an alliance and it is one that I think we should take. We greatly increase our abilities by allying with Asha'man, much that it terrifies me. This is a turning point in the pattern I think. We stand at a fork in the road and two paths lie before us. Down one, we continue as we always have...safer but we risk becoming marginalized and eroded away into nothing. Down the other, great risk and death surely make their home...but I also believe it is the only path that allows us to have a modicum of influence upon events in the world. I will stand with the Amyrlin and go to war and I also stand for allying with the Asha'man and Mazrim Taim.
"And lest any of you forget," Ryvin says, "an alliance with the Asha'man means you can preserve the Three Oaths. Make the Asha'man the Fist of Battle, and the Aes Sedai can be its Shield."
The Amrylin steps down from her raised dais.
The Black Tower and the White tower, working together? She asks the assembly, in a rhetorical manner.
Before we can even discuss this alliance, we must first act upon the Resolution to bring the tower to War. Going to war, to rescue the Dragon, and to protect the White tower from the traitors is the only way to ensure victory. The tower as a whole must be directed towards the same goal; petty differences, plots, plans, must be discarded and resources utilized for the victory. Now, let's vote.
Turning, she steps up and sits regally in her chair and watches as others begin to discuss the manner. Some discuss the legality of War, others attempt to hedge away from war, instead wanting to call it a resistance. While some others abhor the idea and sue to rejoin with the tower.
All avenues of ideas are discussed, and explored. The sun sets, the moon rises and the stars litter the sky, yet no one leaves the tent area. Hawkers begin to move about, selling food and drink to those enraptured by the process.
The early night flows into deeper night, and on into the dead hours, where nothing stirs, except the wind and the souls of the dead. From afar, the tent, brilliantly lit with the balls of power from all the surrounding Aes Sedai make this single location a beacon of hope.
People from around the globe, those that are friendly towards aes sedai, those against them, for the faintest of moments, all feel a pull towards this location. It is as if the fate of the world hinges upon this decision.
As the sun breaks the horizon, the vote is cast, first one, then another, then another, until all but 2 women stand in support of going to war.
Collectively, a sigh is heard, the sigh heard round the world. People awaken with this sigh on their lips, those eating sigh, and those still asleep sigh in content.
According to the rule of Law, As one set of hands must guide a sword, so the Amyrlin Seat shall direct and prosecute the war by decree. She shall seek the advice of the Hall of the Tower, but
the Hall shall carry out her decrees with all possible speed, and for the sake of unity, they shall and must approve any decree of the Amyrlin Seat regarding prosecution of the war with the greater consensus. The woman in white intones to the masses.
Ryvin soon seeks a place to sit, favouring her still-broken leg.
She does stick close to the tent, however, eyes and ears straining to keep up with current events.
When the vote to war is made, the Wilder breathes out a small sigh.
"Well, that's done, then," she says to whoever is still listening. "Now. What about that great dirty army of Whitecloaks riding down our throats?"
"The Tower at War" She says as she ponders the implications as she than looks to Keelix and than to Ryvin whom she is near. She tries looking for Litheene but does not see her.
" The Glee Men will definitely have tales to tell, More so than the tales of the Dragon, but Tales of the Tower gone to War' She sighed and looked over at Keelix and than to Ryvin.
"I must find Litheene Sedai, I worry for her, She will need me and my blade. Keelix keep safe and Ryvin make sure he does not fail us' she says as she sighs and concentrates on finding Litheene.
"He's a good man and a fine warrior," Ryvin says. "Have some faith in the man without wishing for someone to cane him if he falters." The Ebou Dari girl smiles - a little.
the last two women, the women set against this war, stand.
excellent. Thank you daughters. I shall conviene a war council by noon. Go, get some sleep. Have the Warders and the army scouts increase the patrols of the northern and southern forests. Also, gather circles of 13, and set them to opening gateways to Emond's field. we will move there and regroup. The Amrylin commands, stepping down from her throne.
Walking forward, a group of women from the hall fall in behind her, once who before hated this upstart of an Amyrlin, this puppet. Seeing that the puppet is truly the master, these women now begin to maneuver for pecking order, already beginning to step ahead of each other to be closest to the new Amyrlin Queen.
Daughter. Follow the Amyrlin intones to Jasmine as she passes through the front of the tent. Pausing at the front, she scans the crowds. Her eyes land upon Ryvin, and the group around her. Those who met her earlier the day before saw the promise of leadership, but now they see one who has embraced it fully, and expects responsiveness to her commands.
You there. You said that the black tower wants an alliance? If that is the case, come with me. We must talk.
Turning, she strides through the crowd down a path that rapidly opens infront of her, a path wide enough to drive 2 wagons abreast through.
Keelix steps close to Ryvin and murmurs very quietly to her, his voice an indistinct bass rumble beyond a few steps away, "Do you want an arm to hobble on, or do you wish to be carried."
Jasmine curtsies slightly before following.
Litheene looks at Vala for a moment, her gaze unreadable.
She then hurries after Jasmine and Ryvin, to follow the Amyrlin. Pardon me rudeness mother, with your permission, I was sent togheter with Jasmine to deliver the message from Taim, and promised him I will talk to you regarding it Litheene curtsies.
Litheene tries to keep her eyes away from the bracelet on the Amyrlin hand as she walks. This world is getting farther away from ours. A declaration of war and removal of the oaths, no less. Should I intervene? Do I have a right to say my part in such a decision on a world that is not mine? One thing is sure, if this place allowed this decision to happen, it might have also allowed the Amyrlin to decide using adams, if that is really what she has. I need to learn more of what is going on, before we are sent to the Tower for the rod Somehow, with the latest evens, Litheene feels as if this is the next trick this strange pattern is about to play on her Why not? we were sent on dangerous missions by both the Amyrlin and Taim, and they didn't even know us before yesterday
"I'll hobble," Ryvin mutters back, a grim look on her face. "Burn me for a cooking-fowl if I'll show weakness before a strong leader. Mind you don't let on that we are linked."
Leaning on Keelix' arm, Ryvin follows the Amyrlin and her gaggle of hangers-on...
Keelix walks beside Ryvin, matching his pace to hers, "What would happen if they find out we are linked?"
It depends if she is aes sedai or not. Maighdan, all but forgotten about, chimes in, walking along side keelix. For tower law holds that only a full fledged aes sedai can have a warder. Anyone else, well...its best not to think of such things
Ryvin slowly turns her head at Maighdan -- and then just grins at her.
"Aren't we lucky that the issue won't come up?" she asks in a deceptively sweet tone of voice. "My fine, sharp-eared lass."
perhaps
stepping into the Amyrlin's house, you see a buffet of breakfast items arranged upon her desk. The Amyrlin herself is picking through the foods while the Aes Sedai lackeys stand along the wall, eleven total, awaiting to do her commands. And yet, they all look like they have a shocked look upon their face, as if something happened to them that they are slowly processing upon their minds. One of them, a short redhead with bright freckles, holds her hand near her neck. Your gaze is drawn her neck, and then to the aes sedai to her right, and the next, and on, to all eleven. Each one of them has a similar silver choker similar to that which Maighdan wears.
Please help yourselfthe amrylin says as she sits down behind her desk.
so, ryvin, you have rudely interrupted my session by proclaiming that the black tower wishes to ally with the white in order to rescue the Dragon from the WHite tower. Or do they offer more? she asks in her commanding tone of authority.
turning her gaze upon Jasmine, she also asks And you, jasmine, i sent you there to assist them with healing and to be another set of eyes and ears to within the organization. Dont you think that this bit of news should have come from you instead of this upstart?
Looking at litheene, she continues and you, i suppose you are going to tell me that the man that has been healed last night is one of those Asha'man?
Unless invited inside, Keelix will stop outside the house to wait for the Aes Sedai to finish their conference.
Jasmine looks back at the Amyrlin, her mind agitated. What do the collars signify? I must tread carefully.
I would have given you the information, Mother, but at the time I was supporting your motion for declaration of war. I had planned on bringing said proposal up as soon as that motion was passed. Especially since with your new powers granted by war, you could decree this alliance in place without the sitters bickering over allying with men as it would fall within your ability to prosecute the war to determine allies.
"No, that's about the size and shape of it," Ryvin replies, curtly. Her gaze goes to the Aes Sedai in their shiny, silver collars, and her eyes narrow dangerously.
Perhaps. Or perhaps you were witholding this information until such a time that it suited you for personal gain? Perhaps a means to secure a higher foothold within your own ajah? Perhaps head of ajah? The Amrylin quirks an eyebrow, letting the question hang before waving her hand.
All that is within the past. What I have now is one of the most powerful armies in the world, one lead by one of the Great Captains. With him leading the army, me directing the Aes Sedai towards battle, we have a chance at winning. BUT, i need to assure victory. I need to swell my ranks of accepted and novices, along with Wilders who are willing to swear loyalty to our ideals. As I have said before, if the woman wants to be part of the White tower, she just need to ask to be accepted. Come
She stands up, and goes to the rear of her office. As you cross past her desk, an icy chill envelops you, making you shiver.
Nice? Its a silence ward that allows you to choose when to allow your voice to pass out of it, and when to allow other voices in. Developed it after i almost got knocked unconscious from an explosion.
Sliding a mass of papers to the side, you see a large map of the continent, with a large circle around Tanchico and several others upon the amoth plain.
I have a job for you, Jasmine. And your friends too. I have heard that the Seanchan have brought over 7 great ships filled with damane. Rough estimates put the numbers over 1,000 female channelers. If i have that under my control, the white tower would fall within days. The problem is finding out where they are holding all these women. They arrived at the port of Tanchico, but there are other reports of women arriving upon the plains of Amon. I need you to go there and bring them to me in emonds field. I dont care how you do it, just do it. Speed is of the essence, Jasmine. Dont let me down
Without realizing that he is doing it, a low growl starts in Keelix's throat; it takes a concerted effort to keep his hand off the hilt of his greatsword.
Jasmine looks at the Amyrlin and says How do you plan on controlling these women Mother? With A'dam? The damane will not break easily to your side, at least not in the timeframe you would need for them to make a difference in the war. She looks harder at her and says If we were to use damane in battle we would be no better than the Seanchan. We would lose all credibility with every nation from the Aryth Ocean to the Spine of the World. Not only that, but you and I both know what it was like to be in one of those cursed collars. Mother, I implore you, if that is your plan to think again. I will do as you command but I hope when I return you will have found a better solution. Jasmine curtsies deeply to show her respect and hopes the Mother understands that she only has the good of the Aes Sedai at heart.
The Amrylin stares off, as if seeing beyond the thick wooden wall and into the ethers of space and time. Her hand clenches, shaking, blood vessels standing out.
Speaking in a voice colder than the coldest Saldean winter I will use whatever i need to to ensure that the Dragon is freed. I will grind this entire tower into dust to ensure that the Dragon is victorious at Tarmon Gai'don.
Turning, her gaze lands upon Jasmine, causing jasmine to feel like an ant next to a person with a large boot. I do this, not to destroy the tower nor the Aes Sedai, but to secure its place in the new world after the Last Battle. This last year has shown that countries no longer fear us, they no longer take our advice and follow it. Even now, the Whitecloaks, who would never have attacked an encampent of this size without thinking that the Aes Sedai are weak. The borderland kings and queens will nod thoughtfully at us, but then choose their own direction without heeding our input. Tear has closed its borders to all channelers, with a bounty upon those of us who can channel whereas they would just put up with us and not acknowledge our power. Times are changing, and i do what i do to ensure our survival, even if it means dragging the whole tower to the end result.
Holding her hand up, she rubs at her wrist, bound by not one, but 12 individual bracelets. She shifts her focus to the wrist, and then brings it down. How do the Shienar's say it? Duty is lighter than a feather, yet heavier than a mountain. Free the Damane, and bring them to me.
Jasmine nods and curtsies again. I will do exactly as she has commanded and I will free the damane and bring them to her.
As you command Mother, so shall it be done. She eyes the bracelets before thinking back to the women with the collars. She is keeping Damane! Not sure what to make of this information, Jasmine wisely keeps her mouth shut.
"You bound these" -- Ryvin jerks her thumb at the Aes Sedai standing against the wall -- "because they won't jump when you say toad, then? Because you worry they're going to ruin everything for the Tower?"
Litheene's eyes go wide at the sight of the bracelets. Unable to speak for a few moments from horror she suspected but still couldn't expect, she tries to find the right way to react. Do I fear to speak my mind? If this is the case, if she has become this kind of tyrant, then I better know it right now.
Litheene looks at Egwene, and begins by casually answering her question. The man healed Yesterday, the emissary from the black tower, is indeed an Ashaman. After a short pause, she curtsies and continues Mother? If I may, I do share your passion for defeating the Seanchan and securing the world and the Aes Sedai, however, a tale keeps coming to my mind, that of nation called Aridhol. I assume you are familiar with it?
Do not meddle in things beyond your control, daughter. the amyrlin says to ryvin.
Of course i am daughter. Became evil itself to fight the darkness. ended up consuming itself. what about it? she asks litheene
Vala stood out side and rested on a simple stool of solid wood. She took out her blade and sharpened it. She made sure it was pristine. She felt what litheene felt, but she kept it boiled down as she focused on her blade. her life had been about the blade for so long the dance, the motion, she was more than a mere welder but an artist.
She looked at keelix and smiled a sly smile."You okay Keelix, or does something trouble you"she asked as she let her stone slip back into her pocket and smiles a reassuring smile.
"Worry not for Ryvin, the Sisters are safe, if not we would know. it is there time to discuss matters of the Aes'Sedai which does not need to come to our ears until they are ready to tell us. Remember we are there protectors, but they protect us as well." She says standing and sheathing her sword in one graceful fluid movement and walks over to you to lean in close and run her hand along your arm. She than kisses you on the cheek and looks at the camp.
" We will wait here and hopefully catch some food to eat" Vala says as she smiles a faint smile and than looks about the camp.
If we use Adam to fight the Seanchan, what protects us from becoming like them? We oppose them because of it, yet accept it ourselves? This was what Aridhol did - used the means of the shadow. The need was great then. Nations fell all around it as trollocs ravaged the land. Yet it's fate ended up even worse than Manetheren, and the two rivers sure are better than Shadar Logoth.
Litheene keeps her face honest, not argumentative or defiant. I support the motion of war Mother, but surely there are other ways to win than force those damane on our own. I was a Seanchan damane, among one of the first groups to arrive to this side of the ocean. And yet I fight for you, because our side is right. If we don't use the evils we fight against, we can teach those damane as well to understand that.
Keelix gives a start at the sound of Vala's voice. With an effort he pushes the emotions back down, trying to clear his mind. When he speaks, his thoughts are clear though his voice is still a bit rougher than usual as though he still wants to snarl at something, and he speaks very quietly, "Right you are, Vala. It is difficult, though, to remain calm when I feel what I do from her. I have a feeling we are not going to like what we learn of this discussion." He leans against Vala slightly for just a moment, then turns his attention back to watching the camp.
You read to much into my actions, daughter. I never said i would use adams on the damane, only i need the damane.
An Aes Sedai answer, neither did you say that you wouldn't. It is best not to press the subject, I must have more time to think and learn of this Egwene of this world. Litheene nods in acknowledgment. Thank you mother. I will gladly embark on freeing those damane from the Seanchan.
Seanchan lands? Am I mad? I will be able to escape with a gateway if needed, would I?
After a though, Litheene asks Mother, if we are to operate in Seanchan lands, we might needs means for quick retreat. I know the weave of traveling, however it requires too much time in an unknown place. Might there be another way?
The Amyrlin looks at Litheene, well, the only thing i know of is that for traveling, if you can see where you want to go you dont need to study the area. So i advise being aware of your surroundings and going that route.
"What about a way to hide a gateway, then?" Ryvin asks, bluntly. "Not just from eyes, but from women who can channel. That way, we could tie one off. And yes, I know about tying off weaves. Learned it at the White Tower -- in our world."
The Amrylin, who barely looked at Ryvin during this entire exchange, aside from answering her question in a brief manner, now turns and stares fully at Ryvin. Her face is calm, as if enjoying a peaceful moment alone, or watching the waves crash upon the seashore. And yet, ryvin feels compelled to look into her eyes. The sight that Ryvin sees is startling, one that chills Ryvin to the bone. The next words that the Amyrlin speaks lay heavily upon Ryvins mind for the rest of her days.
I have had enough disrespect from you. From now on, and until the end of your days, or you become my equal, you shall address me as Mother, all of your sisters as Sister, all accepted as accepted, Novices shall be called novice. If i hear that you do not apply proper courtesy to those who have earned it, I shall make you regret it. Do you understand me, Daughter?
Without waiting for a reply from Ryvin, The amrylin steps away from the desk and into the main area. Come, let us gather up your friends, and i shall send you on to your next location
[ooc]If you need supplies, now is the time to speak up and post your requests.
The man stood on a balcony, overlooking a shoreline where the waves hurls themselves upon the rocks far below. The thunder of the waves vibrates the stone balcony and standing mansion. The room he stands in is ornate for this time period, wall screens from beyond the ayrth ocean depicting old wars and deeds of heroics, spears from cairhein with tassels denoting house colors, along with swords and paintings from Tear. A wine rack, standing waist high, runs the length of room, every slot holding dark bottles, some wrapped in layers of gauze.
The man himself turns, and the two others standing within the room are startled by his appearance; commanding, charismatic, and yet something else shocks them. Black flecks float across his eyes at a rapid speed, the sheer amount almost turning his blue eyes black, yet they do not hinder his sight. His broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long powerful legs are wrapped in black clothing, tinged with a slight red color at the seams.
We have a problem. He says simply. the two cringe in fear.
There is an unexpected development in my plans. These outsiders, may alter the pattern in an unexpected way, and i despise surprises. Walking past the two figures, he passes through an otherwise solid wall, dismissing the illusion of a solid wall.
Heading into the hidden room, the man flicks his gaze upon the torches hanging on the wall; moments later they spark into flame, providing illumination within the smelly, dank room.
The two people, no strangers to torture, blanch at the sight of the figure upon the table. Held down by leather straps, arms and legs held wide denote dislocation upon the major joints. Various cuts and lacerations cover the body, causing it to be colored a bright red sheen.
The person, a woman, who is strapped to the table moans, from the sudden light, and the movement of air upon her body, firing pain through nerve endings. She moans again.
What we have here is someone who broke one of the tennants of the Dark Lord. One who thought she was above our Lords rules. But, as she experiences now, she is not, and this is a costly mistake. For not only did she travel here, but she brought along others. Ones who may be a threat to my plans. In their attempt to return to their own realm, they may upset what i have wrought to date.
The man pulls a knife, a vile sort of darkness surrounds the blade, a taint upon the metal itself. The man walks up and lays it upon her naked flesh; she writhes silently in pain as the blade seems to do more than damage her, instead it corrupts and then decays her flesh upon her calf. Dried drops of flesh fall to the table below, causing the two women, hardened by the vileness of being Forsaken can be, blanch at this sight.
Lanfear, Moghedien, you both displease me. Find these outsiders and return them to their own land. But! do not kill them. I do not know what sort of affect that will have upon the pattern. Do not fail me, lest you suffer this fate as this oustide Aes Sedai brought upon herself.
Leading the way to a secluded glen behind the Amyrlins quaters, the amyrlin and her 11 companions stop at the edge of the tree line.
Looking at each of you, she appears to weigh and measure each of you, before stepping forward and presenting two sealed letters to Jasmine.
Where you are going is frought with danger, the likes of which you have never experienced before. Do not trust anyone, and at times, dont trust your own self. When you walk through, you will truly be on your own, with no ability to get aide from us. Be stalwart on this quest, and in the end, i pray that you succeed. Please, open this letter at night fall tonight. Second, a man by the name of Stephen Baristan will be joining you. He has intimate knowledge of the surrounding area, and will be an asset in the days ahead. When you see him, give him this second letter. It is set up so that only he will be able to read it's contents, as one of the ladies in camp is in love with the man and begged me to pass this on should i ever send a messenger to him.
Stepping forward, she extends a hand, twists it to the side, and reality matches the motion, twisting and warping to tear open a slit. On the other side you see nothing but fog.
Go, now the Amrylin commands.
Ryvin seeks out Nynaeve Sedai. She makes no effort to hide the fact that she is doing so, and finds the Aes Sedai by the simple expedient of grabbing random Novices by the shoulder - or by the ear, if they're too uncooperative - and asking where the great healer may be.
When she finally finds her, she keeps things to the point: "Wanted to thank you for saving my life, Aes Sedai. So thank you. I also wanted to congratulate you on this amazing healing weave; I'm glad to know it, and I sincerely admire your work. Now. You know there's an Asha'man here. He's badly hurt, but he is a good man. His name is Jasper. You are a great healer, and I won't be able to take care of Jasper where I'm going. So please; I am asking you to do it for me. Mend his body, and keep his mind in one piece for as long as you can. You know the weave to Heal the Mind, I'm sure of it; please use it on him. He needs you, great healer."
Ryvin says nothing to the Amyrlin. She has not said a word in the woman's presence since Egwene al'Vere intimidated her in her office.
She narrows her eyes at the sight of fog beyond the gateway, but is one of the first to walk through anyway, her shortspear already in hand.
As soon as the whole group is through and the gateway has closed behind them, Ryvin speaks up, her voice flat and unfriendly: "She's insane. The woman is so far off her rocker she can't see it over the horizon anymore."