She smiles faintly as Ryland declares that they would meet whatever comes together and nods again. A part of the weight seemed to lighten from off the young woman’s shoulders. A long moment passes before she speaks again, yet when she does, she seems a little more collected and sure, even if still subdued. ”Spear Maiden no longer Ryland.. It seems a lifetime ago that I left that path, though it may actually only been but a month or two. She grimaces and makes a disgusted gesture with her hands. ”Or maybe it is a year or three ago now. Who can tell anymore?” She sighs and rocks back on her heels as she continues.
”I always hated the thought of giving up my spears, of taking the path the Wise Ones wanted….well, not just wanted… had planned for me. It didn't seem right, everything I had worked and bled for, thrown away all for an accident of birth. Would they have ever even noticed me, never mind considered me worth taking on, if not for this cursed ability to channel?” She chuckles softly. ”I remember Jasper calling me a petulant child for resisting and hiding from them as I did. Oh, I so wanted to skewer him right then. He was right though. I see it now. I’ve always been stubborn, headstrong, too reliant on myself and no other.” And perhaps, selfish. Am I being selfish now as I consider this? An apprentice with a warder? A – wetlander - warder? Who has heard of such a thing? Will this thing be accepted among the Aiel? Will he?
”We have all changed so much since we first set out together.” She looks up into Ryland’s golden eyes, studying them. ”Tell me Ryland of Fal Dara, where would you be right now if you had not joined up with the Aes Sedai those many moons ago? If you knew then what you know now, would you still be here now?” She put the remains of her food away and took a small sip of water, her gaze still on him curiously.
Kodo doesn't answer with words, but his body gives an eloquent response. One hand in the small of her back, the other in her hair, he crushes Alathea fiercely to him, and though his kiss is more insistent than before, it remains tender. His mouth makes its way down past her jawline, lips pressing gently against her soft skin, pausing where her neck nears her shoulder to nip gently with his teeth. He then draws his head back to look her in the face. His eyes would be frightening in their fiery intensity if not for the love and joy that shine through as well.
His breath ragged and short, he lowers himself to the ground, his hands guiding Alathea down as well to lie on top of him. Still holding her gaze as he looks up at her, her hair falling around her face , he murmurs, "I could easily just run away with you, in this world or any other, if I knew we would have time to grow old together. But there are things we must do - things our friends and the world need us to be a part of, burn it all."
Pushing herself up to stand above Kodokura, Alathea shrugs off and steps out of her remaining clothing. Kneeling down again, she begins to unfasten his shirt. "You have far too many clothes on, my Heart," she murmurs.
Kodo loses himself in Alathea's eyes as their lips meet again. He has time to register one more thought - She says so easily what I think and feel - before thought itself is washed away...
Ryvin channels right alongside Litheene, assisting her in the setting of barriers and digging ditches. She makes an effort to invert every weave she makes, not only to get in good practice, but also to obscure the work she and Litheene are doing.
At a given moment, she starts using saidar to snap branches of goodly size, and spins tools of solid air to cut them into stakes, which she then plants at the bottom of the ditches.
"I'll be happy to show you," she agrees once the preliminary defences are set. "Here. You start as follows..."
In front of Litheene's eyes, Ryvin's saidar-aura flares brightly, then draws in closer, the red sparks swarming through the brilliant white as the Ebou Dari channels. The weave taking shape between the two of them seems to grow almost organically, as many of Ryvin's weaves do -- quite a different style than is taught at the White Tower or by the Seanchan sul'dam. While the thing is composed of flows of Spirit, is somehow evokes the image of a plant growing at abnormal speed, spreading its branches to block off sight and light -- and growing in two directions at the same time. Part of the weave seems to shift entirely out of sync with the world.
"See?" Ryvin asks. "Dream Shielding. I had to figure it out myself, but it works perfectly well. As long as you're inside one of these, you can't step into Tel'aran'rhiod, nor have anyone invade your dreams."
But now would indeed be a good time to fade to black, I think!
Though she wishes only to remain here with him, she finally stirs. "We should get up, my Heart, and return to the farmhouse. Soon, the others will wonder where we have gone to, yes?"
"I do not know where I would be. Somewhere with the Dragon's supporters I would guess or dead. More than likely hung because of my eyes.
This one power is insanity itself. The things you can all do with it. I can not believe sometimes.
Ryland pauses for another moment before shaking his head again. "You are a spear maiden, no matter what they say. You need your spears because sometimes you powers do not work. To put them away is just ignorant, and you are not ignorant."
Litheene observes the Dream Shielding weave, more used to the growing structure, as this was not the first creative weave she learned from Ryvin. It might be better that way, for making it work the way I want. es Sedai weaves are rigid and might resist modifications
Thank you, this is most interesting. Litheene nods in gratitude after Ryvin is done. Tel'aran'rhiod ... can you really walk it freely? Without the rings? It is said to be a rare gift among Aes Sedai, through from Fiallain it seems that Wise Ones often can. In how many more areas the Tower apparently lags behind? Do the Sea People know standing weaves? Was flying re-discovered in Shara? How is it like?
Kodo stirs groggily in Alathea's arms, wrapped in the warmth of her soft body and gentle spirit both. Opening his eyes reluctantly, he is caught once again in the deep pools of her eyes. Trailing a finger lazily down her spine, he murmurs, "Or we could just... go hunting some more..?" His eyes dance with humour, though his touch suggests more than just a hint of seriousness behind the jest.
Kodo looks up, trying to guage the hour by the sun, though it is hidden by the leafy canopy overhead. "What time do you make it? In truth, I would like to do some hunting - actual hunting - with you, both to practise using the Power together, and to just... enjoy being by ourselves for a while longer. While we have the chance. So, hunting... or hunting?" he asks, his tone taking on a tone of jest again at the end, his touch teasing.
Catching her breath afterwards, Alathea rises and begins to dress herself again. Smirking at Kodokura, she says, "Don't look at me like that, my Heart. I know that if I stay there in your arms, we will do no real hunting, yes?" She bends over to snatch away Kodokura's cloak and laughs, leaving him exposed to the chill wind. "Come now, let us do what we have said we would do."
Once both are dressed, Alathea lets Kodokura lead her deeper into the countryside. "You have done this before, you lead the way," she explains. As they walk, she breaks the silence, speaking quietly so as not to spook any potential game. "Tell me about your family, my Heart. You tell me of the Black Tower, but it is not what makes you who you are, yes?"
Kodo leads them through the forest at an easy pace - though relaxed, he is also weary after the morning's "hunting". Keeping an eye out for game , he takes a moment to consider Alathea's enquiry into his past.
"I suppose the reason I talk mostly about the Black Tower is because, in a way, it's a happier time to think of than when I was in my homeland. Growing up, I was never what you would call gifted in any way. My father was an officer, and my mother a skilled businesswoman. His skill and honour provided us with standing, connections; my mother made us wealthy."
He sighs. "I was small, weak, clumsy, and not particularly bright - all of which is still largely true. What I was, was brave, loyal, and smart in the ways of people, but bravery doesn't make a Saldaean warrior. My Captain, seeing my uselessness as a soldier, wanted me to become an envoy, or a quartermaster for the army. My father didn't see that as honourable, and so neither did I. my younger brother suffered from none of my failings. He became the holder of our family honour. I became my mother's clerk."
Kodo's tilted eyes tighten as he continues. "You'd never know it, but despite my total failure as a growing man, girls seemed to take to me. All my friends were female - which only added to the jeering I received. But Alynna and I were close - puppy love that could have been more. If not for the Power." His mouth twists. "Instead of confessing, and going hunting into the Blight, or submitting to Aes Sedai gentling, I fled. Alynna followed. She died, I didn't. Then the Dragon's men found me." Blowing out a long breath, he continues. "There, I found what my gift was. I'm an excellent killer, just not with blade or bow." He trails off, his eyes distant.
"Strange," Ryvin says. "Malleable. Profound. Dangerous. When you walk in Tel'aran'rhiod, your will is as profound a force as the One Power - but whatever lurks in your own mind can become a coursing enemy to stalk you. And anyone with the knowledge to do so can warp the world and your self around you like clay. You recall what happened with my leg? That was one woman. Her power in the Dream was frighteningly great. And yes, I can walk the Dream freely. I always could, I simply did not do so for a long time."
Can someone be taken there against there will? Can it be used to invade people's dreams? The minds of those awake? Is it possible to awaken in case, say the ward fails, to avoid being caught vulnerable to the dream world?
Fia laughs warmly and shakes her head at the woodsman. ”I would like to watch you tell Inoreal that she is ignorant!” She chuckles again. ”Or perhaps I would not. She would skin and tan your hide and wear you for a belt - and I think I would prefer you with your skin on.” She smiles, studying him a bit.
”Thank you for the sentiment. I may still have much of the temperament of a maiden, but my days of truly being one are over. I am on the path I am on now, and however much I had to be drug to it kicking and screaming to begin with, it is one I walk willingly now. It may be that I can serve my people and the Car’a’carn better this way.
Wise Ones do not take up weapons, and so I leave them behind, as have all of those who have guided the Aiel. It is a matter of what is right, and of honor.” The way she spoke, it seemed as though in her mind, ‘what was right’ and honor were by and large the same thing. Then she turned more sober, and looked up at him.
”You have always been a good and true friend, Ryland. One to whom I would not hesitate to trust anything, even my life with. When I went west with the Car’a’carn over the spine of the world, I never imagined I would find such among the wetlanders… but for what it is worth, I am glad I did.” She pauses as she considers what to say.
It would be wrong for a Wise One… or for me, as their apprentice… to carry spears. ji'e'toh demands this. But that does not mean that you are not right too. As a maiden and a scout, I learned to operate alone as needed, to be self-sufficient and reliant on myself and my fellow sisters. I learned to survive with my wits and my spears, and later my ability to channel. But now I have no spears and over these past few weeks on these other worlds I have found myself stripped of saidar and even, apparently, of my wits as well. I have learned, perhaps, just how vulnerable one can be. Had you and the others not been there with me, I would not be here now.
I have watched the Aes Sedai with their warders, and I think I understand better why they would tie themselves to someone like that.” She peers at Ryland intently and continues. ”They say that each knows the other, knows what they are feeling; can tell where the other is. Because of this they can guard each other more effectively.”
Fia frowns slightly. ”I think I would like to have that. There are two that I would ask to consider it, but I do not know yet how strong this ‘taint’ will be upon me, or if it will worsen. They say saidar is clean here and it must be… but I will not know for sure what it will be like for me until I am well enough to try to channel. If it is still there… I would not ask anyone to share the fate that this would mean. If I am well though… She trailed off, her gaze implying what she wanted, but did not believe she had the right to ask yet.
Kodo takes on a bittersweet expression as he thinks back. "In many ways, she was a lot like you - kind, gentle, headstrong. She had her own view of the world. And she was far to fair for the likes of me, just like you," he smiles, though his eyes are still sad. "She wasn't afraid of anything, or if she was, she didn't let it rule her. She was brave, and so she died, because I was too weak to save her." his smile has fled by now, replaced with a hardness that transforms his features - strangely enough, the change makes him appear more similar to the gentled Kodo than his restored self. "But that won't happen again," he says quietly, looking at Alathea meaningfully.
Keelix
Keelix is quiet through most of the morning, letting those who wield the One Power confer about the best course of action. When Vala seems overwhelmed and is feeling useless, he reminds her of ways she is useful by quietly asking her to correct his sword forms and by sharing the simple tasks of caring for his equipment with her. He spends a not inconsiderable amount of time examining and caring for his greatsword, and then still more time practicing the beginning forms that Vala is trying to teach him.
After the hunters leave, he approaches Ryvin and confers with her quietly, speaking quietly enough that no one near would be able to easily overhear.
"I had a dream last night. A dream about a wolf. I learned long ago to listen to and heed the words of wolves in my dreams. He warned me that there is a darkness near us, and that Heartfang, the Dark One, is near to us. I am not sure what, exactly, he means, but that we are still in danger I have no doubt. Also, I do not know what is wrong with this area, but in wild places such as this, there are always wolves. Usually at least one pack. Here, there is only one wolf, or was only one last night when we arrived." He falls silent and waits.
"I have heard rumours of people capable of entering others' dreams, but I only know I can't, and as far as I know it's a power separate from entering Tel'aran'rhiod," Ryvin says, shrugging. "As far as I know, you can't use it to get into someone's waking mind. You need to be asleep to go there, so... yeah. As for getting out, that takes willpower. You need to will yourself awake. That normally works -- but not always. The b+#!# who broke my leg managed to keep me trapped in Tel'aran'rhiod."
Ryvin briefly bristles, anger smouldering in the depths of her black eyes. "Anyway. Slapping a ward onto someone who's being held in the Dream seems to work if someone tries to keep you stuck. There are probably other things you can do, but I don't know them. Yet.
If you're all determined to go into the Dream, I am going to have to insist you not do so without me. And that you take orders from me as long as we're out - in - over there. I am not a master of the Dream, but I've been walking it since puberty. I have experience you lack in this area."
"I'd like to hear more about this," she says. "Later. For now, let's focus on the Dark One's presence and how we can protect ourselves for the duration of our stay.
Litheene and I have turned this place into as much of a fortress as we can, short of encasing it whole in ice. We haven't stuck to just putting up wards and walls of hard air, either. There are ditches and murder holes full of sharpened stakes, and I'd like to ask you to cover them up so enemies won't spot them in time. We need to set up guard positionz -- and we need to fill ouf temporary home with light, so no Myrddraal will be able to shadow-walk in.
Now. Can you think of other ways to improve our security? And do you - or this wolf - know of Shadowspawn that targets them? And" - Ryvin briefly hesitates, then plunges on - "do you think this wolf you detected in the area would like to join us? We could mutually offer protection."
After talking to Litheene and Keelix, Ryvin seeks out Vala.
"How is the day treating you?" she asks as she sits down near the pregnant warrior, unashamedly gazing at her full belly. "Light, but that still surprises me," she admits as she starts to fill her pipe's bowl with tobacco. "Oh! Uh, sorry," she mutters as she puts the pipe away, a shamefaced grin on her face. "Anyway, I had a question... more of a request..."
The Ebou Dari gives Vala an almost painfully eager look. "I admire your swordplay, Vala. I have been meaning to ask for a while now, but the occasion never seemed to lend itself to asking... Would you teach me the blade? I used to beg my Da, but he'd only show me the dagger and staff, and after... certain things about me became known, he wouldn't teach me anything anymore. You can only imagine how little chance I had to learn the sword at the White Tower!
But I've always wanted to learn. I never planned to be Aes Sedai. Didn't even plan to channel. It just happened. What I wanted was to take over from my Da, protecting the family's goods with the sword. Please will you teach me? I can't promise I'll be any good very quickly, but I'll do my very best to learn if you'll teach me."
Finally Alathea speaks, firmly but as gently as she can. "I am sorry that your past brings you so much pain. It is good to remember it, but you must be able to forgive yourself for it, yes? If your Alynna was so much like me, I do not doubt that she knew what could happen when she went with you, and that she chose you despite the danger. Do you think that she blames you? Do you think that she would wish to see you to...to cut yourself with your blame for the rest of your life?" She takes Kodokura's hand and pulls him to a stop and looks into his eyes. "I would have liked to have met your Alynna. She loves you, so she does not blame you, yes? Just as I will not blame you."
keelix
alathea
kodokura
rhoekk
fia
ryland
As each of you goes about hunting, some more successful at the pursuit of wild game than others, at some point you all stop and begin talks in an attempt to process what has happened and what will happen. The incredible terror that you encountered within the dungeons is enough to drive a man insane. And yet, you all are able to keep your wits about you.
At various points as you move, hunting game, you come across a clearing in the woods. Gazing up at the cloudy day, you take a moment to enjoy the warmth of the sun upon your high perch in the mountains.
As you gaze up into the sky, you see a flash of darkness descend below the cloud cover, and then rise above back into the clouds.
Kodo answers by taking Alathea in his arms and kissing the top of her hair. "I'm alright. But thank you."
They continue walking, and after a little while reach a sunlit clearing. Looking up to appreciate the sun on his face, Kodo squints and frowns. "What... What is that?!" he cries.
Alathea is content to walk in silence, though her contentment has little to do with the likelihood of finding game. Some day, he will tell me of his Alynna, and tell me without pain. But today is not that day."
When Kodokura breaks the silence, she looks to where he points but sees only windblown clouds. "I don't see anything. What did you see?"
"There was... a creature. A huge, dark thing with wings!" He looks at Alathea. "I saw it, I swear. I'm not mad. Not yet."
Taking her hand, Kodo starts rushing back to the farmstead, reaching for the Source as he does so.
Vala smiles at Keelixs' encouragement and even bids him a kiss good bye. She continued meticulously checking and working on her equipment.
When Ryvin comes up and begins to talk she laughs at her uneasiness and than nods."I would love to teach you the Sword. Know though it is not an easy path, I had to do things I wasn't proud of to learn the things I know. Women do not have it easy when it comes to the trade of war. I however will gladly teach you the way to move your sword, to kill your opponent with speed and grace. this I will gladly do for you, Sister Ryvin" She says with a warm smile, glad to teach another woman the art of being a Blade Mistress.
I am not losing it again am I?
look at the spreadsheet and tell me what you and litheene have done. for example "we have a wall of harden air that is 2 feet tall running from q10 to s10" or "trench at q10-q12, r10-12".
This woman, she sounds dangerous. Perhaps we should have someone keeping watch when we dream, to put a ward in place if they see us get damaged.
1) from the brief glance you saw, it was heading from south east to northwest
2) you have no idea what it is
Some short time after the others leave to go hunting, Keelix shoulders his bow and heads out as well.
Ryland fiddles with a blade of grass he has picked up during their rest, turning the blade around his finger and twisting as he listens to Fia. "Two? I would gladly join with you and be your warder, but two? I am not sure, about that. I...I thought..." The wolflord breaks the blade of grass as he tugs it from his finger and drops it to the ground. Ryland then stands shouldering his pack before turning away. "We need to move on. We are not going to find game sitting here."
He finally stops after a few paces and sighs before looking at the sky. "Where did you see it and what exactly did it look like?"
Knowledge Nature:
Fia looks up in startled confusion as her friend suddenly rises and starts to walk away, muttering about finding game. Her brow furrowed as she watched him. He seems upset… did I offer insult in some way?
She continued to frown at his back for a moment before slowly getting to her own feet and starting to head after him. Her mouth tightens into a thin, nonplussed line as she silently follows. But how did I upset him? Why would he care if there was a second? Some Aes Sedai have two and even more! Does he think I don’t trust his abilities? That is foolish. Sometimes wetlanders can be so prickly about the oddest things. I do not understand them.
Twice she started to say something as they walked and then stopped, though he could not see. The silence grew between them, as did her bewilderment.
She glanced briefly at him, then up to the sky. Her hand darted out and upward, pointing. "There abouts. Then it headed back up into the clouds. I'd say it was heading to the northwest." Her hand fell and she frowned as she tried to put into words what she saw. "It was large... very large. Too big to be in the air. Wide wings, but not feathered. It had a long neck, like the body of a snake. I think ridges lined the top. An equally long tail, like a lizard or a rat's. Two legs, though there might have been four, I'm not sure. It was brown, the wings mottled a more reddish brown"