Jasmine curtsies and takes the letters, secreting them away in a hidden pocket in her dress. The light keep you Mother. Jasmine says simply before heading through the tear.
Once through Jasmine begins looking at the surroundings. When Ryvin speaks up Jasmine turns eyes blazing. You may disagree with what she says or even how she says it but you will be respectful of the position she holds. Do not speak of her in such a manner in my presence again. That woman has the weight of the entire world on her shoulders, a responsibility you know nothing about so before you judge her so, perhaps a little bit of perspective is prudent. Jasmine sighs before continuing almost grudgingly. However, I cannot agree with some of the decisions she seems to be making. That said she is still the Amyrlin Seat and I will do my best to carry out her commands and I expect everyone to do the same. That is the only way we can have any hope of success.
"She's using a'dam," Ryvin says, her voice flat. "Fair enough, I don't know what kind of burden she's carrying, but if your back's about to break, you cry out for your friends to put their shoulders under the weight and help you out before you snap. You don't go the Aridhol route and start collaring people because you don't trust them or because you need them under your control."
The Ebou Dari shakes herself, and a little more emotion creeps into her voice: "I worry that this errand is doomed to failure. Have you ever met a fully-trained damane, Jasmine? I have. They stuck one in the stable with me, to be my 'friend'. It was like a living nightmare. They go crazy with fear if you suggest being free of sul'dam control. The one they burdened me with kept telling me how much happier I'd be, how content, if I stopped fighting."
Ryvin flicks a speck of dust off her sleeve. "It was worth the punishment I got for breaking her nose, just to be rid of her. Fair chilled my blood just to look at her. The quick way to control a damane is with an a'dam. What kind of future will the Aes Sedai of your world have if they become the new sul'dam? And can we afford this kind of delay in saving the Dragon? Every moment we wait is another Elaida has to torture him, to break his mind."
Jasmine looks back and says I was damane for 3 months. I know more than most what horrors that can cause so please don't think that I don't understand the ramifications. I said I disagreed with her on this but at the same time, she is the Amyrlin and I am not. She did not speak so poorly when she said that she will do whatever it takes to win the Last Battle for if we lose it then NOTHING will matter. I think we are not yet at that point however and so I disagreed with her...respectfully. As far as the Dragon, what would you have us do? Attack the White Tower now without the support of the other Aes Sedai? If this mission gets us the support we need to do that then that is what I will do.
"Attack? As in, charge in screaming and waving swords? No, thanks!" Ryvin chortles. "I was thinking more of sneaking in and impersonating servants or somesuch, then raising bloody hell once we got close enough. Enough hell to get the Dragon out."
Riding through the portal and into the gray fog, the feeling of wetness sluices over your body. Your horses shiver from the sudden wetness. Your line of sight is limited to just a hundred yards out, yet patchy at best.
with another flash of light, the gateway closes shut, the sound of an Army moving out shut off, leaving behind only the sound of a flowing river, the chirp of birds, and the rustle of unseen animals in the reeds.
Looking about, you have a hard time deducing where you are. You could be on the other side of the world for all you know at this time...
Litheene nods in response to Egwene's orders, and then moves through the gate. When Ryvin and Jasmine start arguing, she takes a moment before speaking.
As can be seen, I come from Seanchan lands, and as such, was no different than those Damane. All three of us tasted the Adam, and all three of us are a proof that it's power is not absolute, no matter the origin or circumstances. I agree with Ryvin in that usage of Adam by Aes Sedai, in order to control those Damane, is a path that can not be taken. However, Jasmine is right that Egwene is fighting a just war, with poor odds. I believe it is important to win this just war, both by keeping it just, and by winning it. The path to it, is to free those Damane, not only from the Seanchan, but from the Damane way of thinking as well. If we do this, I do not believe Egwene will use Adam on them, and if she does, I will know that she fell like Elaida did. Until then, they can't be left in Seanchan hands, to me at least, that is clear.
You speak wisely Litheene. Let us continue on and figure out where we are.
Keelix steps through the gateway, a little awed as usual by the capabilities of the Aes Sedai. He immediately moves out a short distance from the Aes Sedai in order to serve as scout and sentry, as well as to give the three a measure of privacy.
As he attunes his senses to the surrounding environment, he also casts he thoughts out to make contact with any wolves that might be nearby.
A tall man wearing a full suite of plate of armor sitting on a big rock can be seen not to far away. He is currently smoking on a pipe.
A 2 handed sword strapped on his back can be seen, along with a short sword and a whip.
Seeing the party appear out of nowhere doesn't seem to phase him. He takes out his pipe smile and wave to come to the party.
Jasmine strides over to the man and nods. Good day sir. Would you be so kind as to direct us to the nearest town? Jasmine is a stunningly beautiful domani woman with coppery skin and deep brown hair that is accented perfectly by her pale yellow silk dress, it's skirts divided for riding. This coupled with her brilliant emerald green eyes give an effect that is hard to take your eyes off of. She smiles warmly at the man when she speaks and waits for him to respond.
I will do better then that i will escort you. After all i was waiting for you lot to appear out of thin air. he says almost laughing
Vala springs through the gateway and looks about she walks over aways and watches Keelix spring ahead she smiles and than looks back to see Litheene, and nods as she is wearing more form fitting traveling attire.
Litheene regards the man with an unreadable Aes Sedai expression.
As he speaks, Litheene moves closer, to stand a little behind Jasmine, but keeps quite. Litheene is small in size, with black hair, light brown skin and green eyes. She looks pleasant, but not remarkably pretty. Wearing a simple ridding dress that covers her almost completely, her face shows unmistakable Seanchan features.
The fog is thick as your new guide, Stephen, leads you on a course that zigs and zags throughout the land. You pass fields that have fresh crops planted, and some that are fallow. Looking about, the fog just denies you the ability to truly see anything, aside from what is in front of you.
After what seems like an eternity and the briefest of moments, you come across a road, well paved from numerous travel.
THis wayis all stephen says as he turns up the road.
After several more minutes of travel, you are suddenly surprised to see buildings around you, and the dull muted voices of people who are talking on the town streets.
The growing darkness upon the sky is your only indication that it is getting on to evening, and yet, it seems odd that it has taken so long for evening to come. Your stomach rumbles at you, telling you that it is indeed time for food.
Stephen, riding ahead, turn off and guides his horse down a side street, and as you get closer you see a sign with a name upon it. The bardic delight. Stephen turns just past it and you see that he has entered into a stableyard behind the building.
He dismounts, and after securing his gear, leads his horse into the stable, then removes the saddle.
As you all follow suit, a man steps out from the back of the building. In a voice that portrays a certain dullness and boredom for life, he speaks
two copper a day to store the horse, 1 silver to feed and care for the horse. We have rooms for rent at a silver a night, and we have a bathing area as well.
Perfect we will surely need a few room for the night
as the party gather to enter the in:
No one won't say that Stephen Baristan didn't take you to a warm bed for this evening ladies.
Ryvin sighs and pulls a new - and rather plain - pipe from her belt pouch.
"Lovely, this," she says as the fills the pipe with tabac. "I think we should have us a little talk, once we've got rooms."
The Ebou Dari waves her pipe at the fellow who apparently owns the house. "Got any live coals so I can light this bad boy, innkeep? Please say yes, I'm dying for a smoke - nearly literally."
Jasmine presses a gold andoran crown into the mans hand and says Thank you. Such service is hard to come by in the world these days and should be rewarded. Jasmine then beams at the man, you aren't sure how she does it but it seems like for all the world that this man is at the center of it. Jasmine seems to have a knack for that sort of thing, especially with men.
Litheene follows the others, still not sure where she is, barely keeping herself from embracing the source. It might not be safe. As Jasmine talks to the man to arrange for rooms, Litheene moves next to Stephen, asking in a quite voice Thank you for guiding us. Would you be so kind to tell what land are we in, and how are people ... like us ... usually treated here?. Litheene's voice is low, and in a tone of a casual conversation.
they are treated with respected and fear, so don't mention anything yet. he replied
That doesn't sound like Seanchan lands.
You mentioned that our arrival was foretold to you, so you already know about us. I for one am curious to learn more about you, as it seems we are to travel together for now
well i did tell you that i was expecting you. its the reason why i was standing here. But once inside and in private room you can do your stuff so that we have our own private talk.
"Let's not make it too special a bit of 'stuff'," Ryvin cautions Litheene and Jasmine at a whisper. "We need to get used to not standing out from the crowd, hmm?"
the man suddenly stands taller, his mouth breaks into a wide grin, like a toddler looking at a sweet meat just out of reach.
Just doing my job, my lady. Please follow me in, and i will set you within our private dining room for my lady and her guests.
The man turns and walks straight into the building, shooing people out of his way, and barking at some to get food and drink ready for the private room.
Shortly, you are all ushered into a quaint room that is just large enough to hold all of you. Maids and cooks flow in and out, bringing food items and beverages of a variety of sorts.
Now, if my lady needs anything, just let me know. I am Barstow, and at your beck and call the man says, finally bowing to Jasmine and then stepping out from room, closing the door behind him.
Once the staff leaves the private room, Keelix moves to the door and presses his ear to the wood.
[ooc]Perception: .
Assuming he hears nothing on the other side he will nod to Ryvin and position himself with his back to the door, his head cocked towards it slightly.
Ryvin winces slightly, then shrugs.
"He never did get me those coals," she mutters, and then shrugs.
Turning to the two Aes Sedai, the Ebou Dari speaks at a whisper: "Considering where we're headed, I'd like to suggest we channel as little as we can. It won't dull the sense the damane will have of us, but at least not channelling actively should make it harder for them to detect us coming from a distance, yes?"
Jasmine reaches into her pocket and scans the contents of the letter she was given. Looking up at the rest of the group, she embraces the source and then weaves a ward against eavesdropping before inverting it. We are not on Almoth Plain. The Amyrlin's mission was a ruse to throw off any spies in Salidar. We are currently in one of the villages surrounding Tar Valon, are we not Master Baristan? Our true mission, is to infiltrate the White Tower and secure the Oath Rod. Once we do that, we must return to the Amyrlin. The only caveat is this, we are, under no circumstances, to allow our sisters in the Tower to learn to Travel. We enter and leave in the normal fashion and only when we are completely outside the Tower and in a position where we cannot be located, can we then Travel back. Firstly, Master Baristan, besides being here to meet us, what is your function in this mission? I am sure that the Amyrlin did not just send you here to be our guide to an Inn.
Well now that we are nice an cosy i believe you have something for me he says with a smile.
First, answer my question. If what I have is truly from whom i have been told...then it can wait. However if I was misled, which I suspect since the Amyrlin is not prone to flights of fancy regarding the love lives of the women in her camp, then all the more reason for you to answer my question first. What is your purpose here? Jasmine is coolly impassive and the whole time her voice is calm and easy but brooks no nonsense.
Ryvin quietly embraces the Source, filling herself with the power of saidar while she looks at Baristan.
"That changes a few things," is all she says. She crosses over to the hearth, uses the poker to lever up a coal and uses it to light her pipe. A few quick puffs, and the Ebou Dari breathes out a cloud of smoke with a contented sigh.
easy. I know of a certain someone and we exchange services for the time being. Today was rather simple. Wait at a predetermined location for a party coming from Salidar. Escort them for the day and hand over a letter with a seal that can get me killed if the wrong person found it.
he says pulling out a letter from inside his left boot.
Who want's it?
Jasmine reaches out her hand to take the letter, offering the other letter at the same time. I do not mean to be suspicious but these are incredibly dangerous times we are living in.
And you have no idea how more dangerous they will become he reply with a smirk while opening his letter
I have the utmost respect for the man who bore this letter. He has certain skills that will allow you to accomplish your job, and is a trusted eye and ear of the Amyrlin. Please heed his advice as you journey on with your quest.
a large wax seal with the aes sedai flame is pressed into onto the paper.
signed by The Amyrlin, Egwene al'vere.
Crap that woman is going to be the death of me... he lets out with a sigh as he reads the letter.
"Looks like you'll have company, at least," Ryvin says with a quick grin.
The Amyrlin says we can trust him...and I trust the Amyrlin so therefore I will trust you. So what were her instructions? Jasmine relaxes a bit now that the initial tension was removed.
Tonight you rest tomorrow we move as i am supposed to take you to your destination
we should be there shortly tomorrow.
The oath rod, a long time dream. Just to hold it, and in this case, have a chance to study it, and learn of a new use for it ... On the other hand, I will be assisting to do something in this world which will change the Aes Sedai here forever.
Litheene also battles between much safer for not meeting Seanchan and disappointment for the chance of freeing so many Damane.
Well, Sthephen, for you to gain such confidence from the Amyrlin, you have my trust as well. How did we get enough confidence from her? Jasmine probably stands even better with the Amyrlin in this world
Jasmine, does the letter contain any suggestions for gaining access to the rod? This would be easy if we could just travel out of there, then I could hold it to take an oath. However, in this case things become more difficult
Jasmine hands the letter over to Litheene and says No suggestions. Only that the war hinges on our success or failure. Jasmine sighs and says I believe we have several options. The first, an assault, is right out. It would be suicide and I will entertain no ideas to that effect. The second, which is the most obvious, is to attempt to sneak into the tower, and steal it. This presents its own challenges but is a plan that could work. The third, subterfuge. Ryvin has not been initiated to the tower and as such could present herself as an initiate or a runaway from the Salidar Aes Sedai. Doing so she could gain access to the interior of the Tower and would not be looked at as strongly as we are. Another option, is to put myself forward as an emissary from the Hall seeking to negotiate. I am not sure if that one would work though.
There is another option I believe, one more complicated but possibly more rewarding. The tower can only learn traveling from a women performing it, not a man. The Ashaman were willing to cooperate with us in infiltrating the tower to rescue the dragon. Why not combine objectives? If we free the dragon, he can travel out of there. If he can't, we can still enlist the aid of the black tower to travel. Gaining one time access to the rod should be possible if no one expects us to pop out with it a second later.
Hold your horses there. Access to Tar Valon is strictly limited these days, especially with the Dragon being held within the Tower walls. There are an impressive 100 soldiers standing at each entrance, along with 4 aes sedai. Packs of twenty patrol the walls, each with their own aes sedai.
Soldiers patrol the inner city as well, and sometimes a group of aes sedai wander about as well, looking. The harbor is practically sealed off. Supply ships enter the harbors, but are immediately boarded by the harbormasters and an aes sedai. Tar valon is locked down.
But i have a way inside the city. Once inside you can pass for a group of aes sedai and head toward where needed to go. If you act the part at sunrise there will be less people about in the white tower.
don't think for one second that you can force your way in. Now the real question once we are safely back outside the wall can you travel?
Jasmine gives Stephen a wry look and says Hence the suicide part of my statement. As far as if we can travel once we are safely outside the wall, that depends on if we are in a position that no one will find the site in a few days. Certain sisters can read the residue of a weave and learn it even after it has dissipated. Even more than securing the Oath Rod we must not allow our sisters in the Tower to learn travelling so if there is even a chance of detection we must leave in the normal fashion. If you can get us inside, Master Baristan, we can go from there. There are complications however. My face is known to the sisters of the tower and it is known that I am with the Salidar Aes Sedai.
What about my face? Litheene asks, her face showing true curiosity, as she heard none regarding the existence of another Litheene in this world as of yet.