Tel'aran'rhiod is a world often accessed by dreaming, however the events there are real, and other people can be met. Some people can naturally reach it, but it is a rare skill, Litheene is about to explain more, but then the Ashaman approaches them.
She lets Ryvin take the lead following him, keeping with Vala and Amorial at a slower pace, and watching the man carefully. Can they be trusted? Should we help them or try to look for a way back?
Litheene drinks her tea slowly, as the man introduces himself. Taim, he was the leader of the black tower in our world as well. So much is the same here. If only I knew more about that organization. Sadly we have no Ashaman with us.
At his questions, Litheene puts down her tea, trying to keep regal despite her injuries My name is Litheene Sedai of the brown Ajah. My companions and I were engaged in battle with a black sister. She had 4 fades supporting her. We managed to kill her, however before her death, she unleashed a form of weave unknown to me, targeting a large stone nearby. As a result, we suddenly found ourselves transported to were you found us.
Without lying, yet without revealing anything about the rest of us missing, or the other world theory. Let's see what he knows about the portal stone. If he presses the subject we might reveal more information, at least regarding the nearest stone.
Vala took her ale and drank it down. It has been awhile since she last drank. She had come from Sheinar in hopes to find the dragon and instead found fighting with people who Chad a sigil of a tower and a raven? Than when in one of his nations she meets Aiel, an Ogier, a man with golden eyes, a few Aes Sedai as well as a fellow Shienaran who supposedly one of the Dragons Asha'Man? Now she was here drinking ale with more of these Asha'Man. She would drink and see what would happen these men acted like soldiers she knew soldiers but she also knew never fully reveal everything until absolutely nessacary, to do so could cost you a battle.
"What she said," Ryvin says, gesturing at Litheene with her stein before she takes a long draught from it. She shrugs. "Sorry again for causing that mess. Like I said, I was... jumpy. That bi... woman the others killed was stilling and gentling left and right, I didn't want to let go of the Power." Ryvin drinks again -- and belches. "Scuse it. Haven't had a proper beer in a dog's age."
"as long as its not out your back side"Vala said as she laughed at Ryvin lifting her mug and taking another sip of ale. She was ready if need be.
She hadn't gone out and survived the borderlands and the blight hunting and slaying Shadowspawn at 14 to die here and know, Damn the one power she'll treat them like any other foe, They will die like any other on her blade, or she will get carried away from the field and burned like her fellows, But she'll make sure some one will give her blades to her sisters, one for each, and let her Family be known, She would fight until her last breath...She shook the thoughts away and pulled out the piece of cloth with the tower and the two ravens...
4 shades. You are to be commended. Not many people survive an encounter like that.Taim says, nodding to each of you.
taking a long slow sip, he looks you over.
you all present me with a perfect solution, especially you, Litheene Sedai. I have need to talk to the rebels out in Salidar, yet hesitate to send my own men into the hen house, especially when the hens are armed with cooking pots to trap the wolf in, if you get my analogy. Chuckling, he continues
Give the way you have arrived, i can only surmise that you had traveled through one of these stones, these portal stones. Yes, i know about them, and about their potential uses. But, i have no idea how they work, or how to activate them. So, i pity the rest of your group if they ended up in other worlds, where the receiving group isnt as, learned as me Laughing again, he finishes his drink and continues.
What you are to me, are negotiators. I respectfully request that you go talk to the rebel Amyrlin and request that she join forces with me in our attempt to free the Dragon. Will you accept?
He is willing to work with Aes Sedai, and doesn't seem disturbed by my presence. How different is he from the Taim of our world? I must ask the others what they think of him when I get the chance, maybe they caught something I didn't.
Litheene smiles politely at Taim, nodding. Freeing the Dragon sounds as a noble cause, and a crucial one at that. In addition, I'm originally from the Salidar faction, or so I was where we came from Litheene plays with her ring, as she considers the right move However, as our knowledge of local events is probably worse than a local peddler's, I'll be glad to understand better the situation. From what I could gather so far, the Dragon was captured by Elaida's faction, and an attempt to free him at Domai Wells failed. Do you know who is the Amyrlin in Salidar? What of the Shaido? Did they beat the other clans? Where are the other Aiel? Are there other factions or powers in play? Going to Salidar without a good understanding of the situation will only make us look the fools
In addition, you've mentioned that you are familiar with portal stones. Do you know where we can find more information about them? Or the location of some of the stones?
Vala moves closure to Litheene and Taim. She smiles as she listens to them but looks about. She was thinking and listening. She listened to the conversation but appeared to be aloof, she looked at the room and her ale and attempted to look bored.
She looked at this Taim, trying to read him. Men where tricky some times, sure some where simple...but Taim seemed seedy? Was he hiding something? was he gonna use for more than what he says??
She looked back down at the cloth and than tucked it back into her breastplate, and sighed.
His hand resting easy, hooked in his belt, Keelix stood like a silent shadow behind Ryvin. His yellow eyes seeing everything, and his nose sensing what his eyes missed.
This Taim was hard to read, but Keelix bent his every sense to the attempt to detect what he was hiding. All men are hiding something. All of them.
Lym takes another long swallow of her beer, remaining silent and paying attention while others speak. In the back of her head, though, there is still that odd sensation of another's feelings. Intentness. Suspicion.
The young Ebou Dari shifts slightly in her chair and focuses on separating her own feelings from those of... the other. 'I need to talk to him about this mess we're in soon,' she thinks. 'That's not going to be fun...'
While the others study Taim, Amorial will look to his companions to determine if their facial expressions give any indication of falsehoods spoken by this M'Hael.
Sense Motive
Listening to Litheene's questions, he nods and speaks
Well, that is a lot. Let me see... The Amyrlin, i do not know, although she was just recently elected to the position. As for the Shaido, It would seem that with their win against our forces at Duamai wells, a large group of Aiel warriors have gone to the SHaido. The only bonus is that over 100 wise ones from the Shaido have gone over to our side. They say that there are only 13 wise ones left, and of those, only 8 can Channel. So the biggest threat is from the sheer numbers. Estimates put their group at around 200,000 fighters. Not sure what their next move will be, but when they move, it'll be painful.
The other Aiel are here in Caemlyn. about 150,000 fighters, and 20,000 maidens. I also have roughly 500 asha'man, and a force of 15,000 fighters that failed the Black Tower. Davrem Bashere has a force of 100,000, mostly calvary. Rumor has that the Salidar group has 50,000, but they have a Great Captain as their leader, and that makes the army more like 100,000.
Another aspect is those cursed Seanchan out west. They have taken Amadica, ebou Dar, Tanchico, and the Almoth plain. I am not sure if they plan to move, but i cannot commit everything to freeing the Dragon and leave my back exposed. Another minor thorn is the Prophet. He has close to 400,000 followers, a ragged mob, but an armed mob. They are somewhere in Ghealdan.
"Seanchan," Ryvin says, her voice full of venom.
"Why'd those... 'Wise Ones' turn their coat, then?" she asks.
Still silent, Keelix places one hand on Ryvin's shoulder.
She looks to Ryvin and her outburst and than to Amar? What had happened..was he the same? Some thing was off here..was it the world they had come too, the whole world seemed funny some how?
"So you are facing four potential enemies...no wait make it five, never forget the Shadow. But I see your problem..there are a few solutions to those...but that's another matter and not one I would do until all Things are in place to strike" Vala glances to Taim than to the others than her mug and than takes another sip.
When Vala looks over at him, Keelix meets her eyes for just a moment, his yellow eyes flashing in the light.
She gives Keelix a flirtatious wink when he looks at her and smiles, as she lifts her glass a bit and than drink from it.
So, this world seems not so different from ours, as far as possibilities go. They have the Seanchan, the split tower, the battle at Domai Wells.
Litheene sets down her cup of tea, turning to face Taim openly. Ah, the Seanchan threat is one we know well. As if to explain Ryvin comment. It sounds like the alliance with Salidari Aes Sedai is indeed the best option, and it might be a feasible one. Unfortunately, I had the displeasure of facing the four fades we fought from very up close. Litheene throws a glance at her turn up gown, hacked and slashed by sword marks, some of her not-fully-healed wounds still showing through. It might be unsightly to appear before the Amyrlin like that. I'll be grateful for a day or two to recover and be healed. In the meantime, my companions and I will consider our plan of action. As mentioned, we also have other companions, and we are yet to discover what happened to them. By will of the pattern, we might have a chance to help this world and find a way to get back to ours[/b]
Litheene projects positive predisposition about Taims request, however without wording any direct promise, before she has a chance to consult with the others.
Vala looks at Litheene and nods and than looks to Taim.
" Before we do much we will need to reprovision, as you can see our travels and battles have left us weary and disheveled. if some one could gladly accommodate us with some goods and food, and a place to rest, or healing while we discuss as a group your situation and ours. besides we need time to prepare what we will say to the Aes Sedai and what we can do about the Shaido" Vala says as she steps forward standing right behind litheene and than looks to the others.
Amorial does a double take as he sees what he thought to be A'mar placing ahand on Ryvin's shoulder. Knowing the situation is delicate he says nothing further. He knows though that with the Asha'man and Tesliin Sedai gone only he and A'mar are left to carry on the will of the Dragon. His research must be complete so by any means necessary he must survive and find a way back to his own place and time.
"Yes, Master Taim. What my human friend says is true. We do need healing and I should prefer to have a hearty breakfast before heading off".
Smiling, Taim agrees and bows, saying Of course! How silly of me, to not offer you comfort and a place to rest before this meeting. I apologize if i offended you.
The door to the back opens, and a servant walks in. Take these people to the guest quarters, and give them anything they want. I am sure that some of the ladies would enjoy a hot bath, and the men would enjoy a hot steam.
Please, go now, get food, get refreshed. We can meet tomorrow morning for breakfast Taim bows to all of you.
Thank you Master Taim Litheene bows in return No offense taken, our arrival was indeed a surprise, to us as well, and it's natural to investigate it on first oportunity. We appreciate your hospitality. A bath will be most welcome.
Litheene looks at Vala, Ryvina, Amorial and ... Is that Amar or am I exhausted enough to not see straight?. Unless there are other urgent issues, I think we'll retire now. I'll be looking forward to breakfast tomorrow
We are protected against eavesdropping now She addresses the others. What do you think? About Taim, about his mission, and about what we should do?
"What do you mean, we're warded?" Ryvin asks, her eyebrows rising. "I didn't notice you channelling."
"Well, anyway... I'm a bit dubious about this. I mean, sure, I don't mind helping to free the Dragon, but... This isn't our world. Unless the Dark One breaks free back home if he gets out here and we need to get this world's Dragon back his freedom, is it wise to interfere? Shouldn't we be looking for a way home, instead?"
Ryvin seems to be struggling with something. "It's hard to put this into words, but... do we have the right to interfere in the way this world runs? Me, I'm all for some meddling, but we don't know what the consequences will be, do we?"
Vala starts to take off her swords and rests them next to her and than begins to take off her breastplate.
" If the Dragon here is captured we should try for it, I mean is there a portal stone in Tar Valon? If so we can use it there? I doubt now that Taim knows we are from another world that he'll give up an assest like us up quickly. Here Ryvin might be a full fledged sister, I could be a wife, Litheene Sedai could be with the tower. Amorial could still be in a stedding? I mean look at A'Mar!" she points to Keelix as she rests her breast plate on to a table with its helmet beside it. Her long braided top not falling free as she looks at the rest of you.
" personally trying to free the dragon gets us to the tower and to its resources, there we can find some knowledge of portal stones and how they work, It could hold the key to getting home....or it could be a death trap, but my guess is it holds the key home" Vala begins pulling off her knives and than her boots.
Ah that's better been armored for too long. And I would love a long hot bath to soothe the aches of battle. Litheene and Ryvin could use it to nothing like a good bath to relax and unwind. She stands and stretches as she grips her swords and looks at the others
"I for one would love to partake in a bath,I really need one, I ache and well have worn that armor on the road for several days with out one.I say we enjoy a nice soak and than come back with a clear head? If not I have said my piece, and will sharpen my blades while you finish discussing I won't let either of you ladies alone here, if you get attacked like..Tes..Teslin? Who will defend you then?" She says with a feral look as she holds the two blades scabbard in one hand.
"Access to Tar Valon is something that I have wanted for some time, I could use the opprotunity to peruse the library for information I am seeking. Is access back to our world something that we find only the way we came in? If so we will need to go back eventually to where we started".
Amorial turns to A'mar, "My friend is this still you? You are very different in appearance, how can this be? We have lost much since we started our journey, all of our companions have been scattered, have you lost your own identity as well?"
Knowledge Age of Legends
We'll need a portal stone. Maybe using the same one can help, I'm not sure, but it should be possible with any of them, as it's possible to get from one to another.
Aside from helping the "local" dragon, aiding Taim will allow us to ask for transportation from the Ashaman, who control traveling. This might be crucial for reaching the stones, as we don't know exactly which one we'll need and where it is located. On the other hand, as Ryvin stated, affecting this world might have unexpected consequences
Litheene sights so many questions, so little time
What do you think of Taim himself? Can he be trusted?
Also, if any of you require healing, I'll be glad to help
Seeing Vala prepare for bath remind Litheene of her own wish to rest A bath will definitely be nice!. However, she still needs to finish a few things.
Well, there are two more issues I should address openly
Unfortunately, whether we help Taim or not, our situation is very grim. In our world, for all we know, a plot is on going to sever the dragon, possessing extensive resources of legendary knowledge and possessions. We probably killed the black sister, but we don't know how many more enemies remained in the mansion, and what is the real scope, or who is the real head, of their operation. In this world, the dragon was captured and held by the city which is probably the hardest for storming there is. Facing such odds, I feel that I should use and share all means at my disposal to make us as strong as possible
Litheene turns to Ryvin, keeping quiet for a few moment, while deep in thought. I did channel before She says finally. Not only that, I’ve used an ability, lost and forgotten until recently, and rarely available even now. It’s called “inverting” and it allows one to make weaves unseen. Litheene studies Ryvin as she goes on This ability was given to me by Egwene al'Vere, the rightful Amyrlin seat, residing in Saldia, of our world. I am telling you now this Her eyes pass on all those present As I’m alive now thanks to you, can pursue the mission given to me, thanks to you, and came to trust that all of you fight justly against both shadow and Seanchan. I must ask that you keep this knowledge, both the existence of it, and how to use it, secret. I was told to keep it even from my companions, however that was due to me traveling with supporters of Elaida's fraction, which is no longer the case. However still, please don't pass on this knowledge, or the existence of it, to anyone, whether he's traveling with us or not. I trust you yourself are not likely to support Elaida, especially after paying a visit to this world She adds with a forced light laugh. Addressing Ryvin If I have your word on this, I'll be glad to teach you the secret of inverting weaves
Litheene then turns to Vala You have helped me and watched over me greatly after I was wounded. This is the purpose for which warders are usually recruited by Aes Sedai. I myself never dwell on the prospect especially, expecting to live my live as a scholar. However, since being sent to Tachico, I've found myself in such battles, that regular sword cuts to the gut looked "normal" to me compared to the fade's shadow blade. The last encounter especially proved to me the importance of being prepared for our battles to come. In addition, the warder connection helps communication and finding each other. By custom, warders are male. However, you are strong. Really strong. And it's custom, not a law. With us being in another world, and everything else going out of order, I feel that custom must give way for survival and success of our goals. I know the warder weave, and if you are willing, will be honored to lay it on you.
"You got a deal, sister," Ryvin says. The next moment, she smirks in a self-deprecating way. "Then again, seeing as I don't have a snake-ring on my hand, better make that 'cousin', yes?"
The Ebou Dari slowly spreads her arms. "I promise not to reveal this 'Inverting' to anyone I suspect of serving the Shadow, the Seanchan, or anyone else, barring unforeseen circumstances or extreme need. If I'm tortured, I'll do my best to hold out. If anything else happens, like someone I think is an ally desperately needing it - kind of like our situation here - I shall use the best of my discretion. Will that be acceptable?"
After Litheene gives her answer, Ryvin steeples her fingers. "As for Tar Valon... As memory serves, most Aes Sedai do not know all others. If one sister shows up with a 'runaway novice', especially a reasonably strong one, wouldn't they throw open the doors and welcome her in?"
Keelix nods to Taim and follows Ryvin to the guest quarters.
I mean look at A'Mar!" she points to Keelix as she rests her breast plate on to a table with its helmet beside it.
Amorial turns to A'mar, "My friend is this still you? You are very different in appearance, how can this be? We have lost much since we started our journey, all of our companions have been scattered, have you lost your own identity as well?"
Keelix flinches slightly as his friends level these comments toward him.
"If one sister shows up with a 'runaway novice', especially a reasonably strong one, wouldn't they throw open the doors and welcome her in?"
As you finishes this sentence, a chill of worry slides across the bond along with a sense of apprehension.
Ryvin frowns and fidgets, then grimaces briefly.
"That is not going to be easy to get used to," she mutters, rubbing her forehead. "Look, I've had the rough side of Aes Sedai before. No matter what they think, the worst they ever did was a lukewarm slap on the wrist compared to what I got for not finishing my plate when I was with the Seanchan."
She eyes Keelix more closely, frowning a little. "You've... changed? I'm sorry; I didn't look at you too closely before, I must admit. You feel alright, though. You know. In here." Ryvin briefly raps her own skull with a knuckle.
She hears Litheene Sedai's words and ponders them she rests in her drab and dirty clothes of yellow and dun. She rests her blades against her belly and her hand in her chin.
A Warder...never thought of it. Never heard of a female warder, and since most men find my skills unnerving, who better to work with than an Aei Sedai.I have no quarrel with Litheene Sedai and she seems to have a good head on her shoulders granted she has no real arm for battle but her mind seems sharp.
"Seems the Wheel has spun us all in ways we didn't think we would be spun.But who are we to know what the Light weaves!"Vala walks around and kneels before Litheene and rests her swords in the lap of the smaller woman and smiles a proud smile, a determined smile." I Vala Cherise will beyiur blade against the Shadow. I will gladly protect you with all the skill and all the life I can, I aware by the light and by my slain parents that I will be your Warder, and protect you until I draw my last breath." she says so all in the room may hear and so Litherne Sedai can truly know her devotion.
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Litheene gigles at Ryvin suggestion of sneaking her back to the tower. Well, given what I've seen at the Salidari camp, I believe it won't be a problem at all. taking on a more serious look It is acceptable. I wouldn't ask more than what was asked of me, and I myself encountered the circumstances in which sharing this knowledge is crucial. Teaching it might take some time and practice to master.
Hearing Amar's words, she concentrates on him enough to finally see that he is no longer the same man. Or is he? Are you ... do you remember anything of THIS world? Before we all came here?
As Vala kneels before her, matching her almost at eye level, Litheene rests her hand upon the forehead of the blademaster, feeling trough her battle hardened body with trends of spirit She really is like a forged sword I'm honored by your vow Vala Cherise, let us stand united against the forces of the shadow, in any world where the wheel weaves us to Litheene's other hand touches to the angreal hidden in her pocket, and the trends of spirit intensify, engulfing Vala in the one power, as she spuns the weave. For a moment it feels similar to the connection of the link, until the surge of power settles in inside Vala, reflecting itself in Litheene herself. And when she lowers her hand, and releases the source, the feeling of Vala, on one knee yet readied for battle, one with her sword in body and spirit, remains inside her head.
"No time like the present," Ryvin says after the bonding has been completed. "Show me."
Keelix looks around the room, meeting the eyes of each of the people in the room. "I do not know if my memories are of this version of the world. I have is memories that seem vaguely dreamlike of another name, another face. At the same time, I have memories of who I am, what I have done with this face and this name. I do not know how this can be, but it is what it is."
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Litheene is about to protest, overcome by tiredness from her endeavors and the latest weaving, but seeing the eagerness in Ryvin's eyes and knowing the taste of lust for knowledge, she nods. Link with me, it might be easier that way When they join in link, Litheene weaves a simple form to create a tool of air. She then makes the tool again, slower, focusing on her feeling when she forms the weaves inverting them in the process. She repeats it a few times, until she feels that Ryvin understood the feel of it, and then passes leadership of the circle to let her try a little, while giving advice. After about an hour of practice, Litheene smiles I guess at this point you can train using it on your own. I'll be glad to take our hosts up on their offer of a bath She feels through the newly formed bond with Vala, her eagerness mirrored back to her. This will take some time getting used to, but it's definitely a great thing to explore. I also won't mind for some food
"I agree," Ryvin says, nodding wearily. "And thank you for the lessons."
Also, when we meet back up with the rest of our group ... *I* was given a specific order not to teach it to them. However ... I do believe our situation is pretty dire as of now
If I'm going to swear on the oath rod, hopefully soon, I might as well get used to this, and Aes Sedai my way out the situation
"Finally a bath, I smell like a trollocs' ass. Oh and food would be great, and another ale" she says easily popping to her feet and slipping her swords on the side of her belt.
"Litheene are do you need help up, I mean you did take four hits from Myrdraal blades, if it wasn't for the other sister you'd be dead! So What can I do for you, help you up and help you down the hall way or do you need a swift kick in the ass?' she says as if an older sister more than a warder.
Litheene inspects Amar's eyes They are same as Rylands. Did he become a Wolfbrother as well? Your other name, what it is? And those other memories, what are they of?
Can this be a side effect of the stones? Suddenly suspicious, she looks at Amorial, but finds herself relieved as he appears the same as before.
Litheene throws a playful expression at Vala An Aes Sedai's behind is hardened by the rigorous work of the mistress of Novices, long before we gain the shawl.
Litheene opens the door, asking a nearby servant to prepare their baths and dinner for afterwards.
" Oh really, so old crone smacking you on the behind doesn't compair to a flat of a blunt blade to the behind!" she says as she laughs a bit than looks at Keelix?
" So there...Amar? Care to dance, I bet my slender steel is far better than that hunk of metal on your back, plus you might learn a thing or too...Unless you feel uncomfortable sparring a woman"
She says flirtiously with this new Amar.
Your other name, what it is? And those other memories, what are they of?
"My name is Keelix. Keelix Andren. I grew up near the Two-Rivers, but spent most of my time in the wilds, hunting and trapping." There is a slight pause, as if he considered saying something but though better of it.
"So there...A'mar? Care to dance, I bet my slender steel is far better than that hunk of metal on your back, plus you might learn a thing or too...Unless you feel uncomfortable sparring a woman."
Keelix looks at Vala for a long moment, noting the flirtatious tone in her voice. When he responds, his voice is neutral and shows no response to her playful tone, "I have not underestimated a woman since I turned ten years old. I imagine that a person's effectiveness with a blade has more to do with how the sword is wielded than simply its size. I would be happy to learn a new trick or two. And to share what tricks I know."
Amorials injuries are plain to see but he does not ask for healing, in time his wounds will heal and he is content to let the pain and the memory of who delivered those wounds to him remain.
"I do not see any reason not to trust this Taim if the Dragon does. However, it would be in our best interest not to trust him too much. As we so recently discovered even an Aes Sedai can be a traitor to the Light. Supposing we do as Taim asks how do we know that this rogue Amyrlin will entertain what we have to say? And if she does what will be the result? Will we strike at Tar Valon? Even Artur Hawkwing could not breach its walls. Would we not be better served simply sneaking into the White Tower to rescue the Dragon?"
"Well, I'm not in the mood for sparring right now," Ryvin says, rising from her chair. "Maybe in the morning. Right now... A bath."
Provided Ryvin can find any servants, she takes one of them aside. "I need five things from you, and I hope you can provide them. One: a cup of black tea with so much honey and milk that it gets cloudy. Two: a copy of The Karaethon Cycle - the oldest copy you can get your hands on. Three: I want to be bloody well left alone while I'm in the bath. No attendants, no visitors, nobody. Alright?
When I'm out of the bath, I want to talk to a clothier and a leatherworker as soon as possible, provided the Asha'man's hospitality extends to a few sartorial expenses. Now note that I'm not asking for a dressmaker, but a clothier, someone who sells ready-made outfits. That's four and five. How many out of five can you get me?"
Amorial turns to Litheene, "The person that told us that an an'greal used to gentle the Dragon was a follower of the Shadow. How do we even know if this was the truth? Tell me, has a sister ever bound an Ogier as a Warder?"
"Oh I see..Keelix..." she tapped her chin and looks at keelix and shakes her head "Okay 'Lix how about i take you to the practice yard...I'm gonna wanna good sweat before I get into the bath" she says as she smiles and than looks to Ryvin.
"If you find anything in a yellow that will fit me, keep it back.. I might need me a good dress,If i'm gonna have to meet with dignatries and what not.." she than looks at Amorial
"Hawking was an invader, trying to conquer the tower....I am not planning us to conquer. We can sneak in and work from there. The tower takes in allot of people to study and to do work and what not. I say we go in that way and find the dragon and free him" she says with a simple few words as she smiles and than looks to Litheene.
"Need any thing before I go dance with 'Lix over there Litheene?"
Ryvin's eyebrows climb nearly to her hairline when she hears Amorial's question and she barks a laugh. "Light!" she exclaims. "Has an Ogier ever asked to be bonded? Your people usually keep apart from humans, don't you?"
The Ebou Dari briefly frowns at Vala. "I'm not planning on going through any clothier's whole supply, I just need something other than this damane dress - and I'm looking for long-lasting, hard-wearing stuff, not something pretty. You might be better off making your own arrangements; I've no great eye for fashions."