Alathea nods at Litheene's words, though her face darkens at her brisk tone. "What Litheene Sedai says is correct. In our weaving of the Wheel, she was raised by the rebel Amyrlin Seat for her capabilities and services." She does not pause at the word "rebel", though she does say it with a certain amount of distaste. She hesitates, uncertain of how much she wishes to reveal. "I was not allowed to witness her testing or her raising, but I have no reason to doubt that it happened."
At the mention of the rebel Aes Sedai, Analin sneers. "An Aes Sedai not sworn on the Oath Rod or having passed the Tests is no Aes Sedai. If the test for the shawl was not done in the White Tower it was not done." Her words, spoken plainly like that, could only mean that there was something innate to the Tower involved in the test for the shawl.
She looks calmly at Litheene. "You are unsworn and untested. I have no intent to return to the White Tower until I fulfill my duties and I have no intention of taking you prisoner, but you will not claim to be Aes Sedai where I can hear it."
Litheene looks back at Analin, for a moment it seems as if she is about to protest, but then the weight of traveling with a Suldam, of her experience in the laboratory, of everything she seen, rests on her, together with the knowledge of how far she progressed beyond the teachings of the tower, since leaving and what was at stake. With her face still young, and not ageless, and her figure untouched by years, her eyes suddenly seem weary and old. Once her uninterrupted travel was assured, she knew how truly meaningless the exchange was. Call me what you wish. I am untested and unsworn. I am raised by the Amyrlin, and acknowledged by my Ajah. I will present myself as I see fit, and neither the Amyrlin I acknowledge nor my Ajah will discipline me for calling myself Aes Sedai, for that is who I am. Given the chance I will swear on the rod, and if you see me violating the oats until then, you are welcome to discipline me as you would an accepted. Until then, I will treat you as a fellow sister regardless of you acknowledging me or not. As for tower customs - I will tell you here and now that I already broke them, more than once, thou not in the ways you seem to think. I intend to bear the responsibility for that when the world is no longer at stake.
Screeching noises are abrupt as Chen attempts to enter the room in his massive black armor. He nods at the new comers.
"More of them? Very well, I am the Gardener." he simply states.
Kodo draws close to Jasper. "Do you know of these two as well, brother, whence they came, or why?" he queries under his breath. "This is all very strange, and all of these women," his emphasis making it clear he means female channellers, "are making me as nervous as a cat in room full of rocking chairs."
Analin shakes her head. "I do not require your permission to discipline an Accepted, child. As you will see if you assert that you are Aes Sedai to any more people where I can hear you." The blonde Aes Sedai looks over as Chen scrapes his way into the room, her eyes widening in surprise. She has clearly never seen an Ogier Gardener before.
But she quickly moves past her surprise and greets the new ogier in the same manner as she had Amorial. "Your name sings in my ears, Gardener." She gestures at the table. "Please, everyone, come sit. Eat, rest. This is a place of rest; avail yourselves of it."
Litheene shrugs indifferently. I am an Aes Sedai, by decree of the Amyrlin Egwene al'Vere and my Ajah. If you wish to attack me, you need not wait. Since you agreed to not forestall my travel, anything you decide to do is of little interest to me compared to the horde of Shadowspawn following us around and the Seanchan I am already forced to tolerate.
Dropping her expression to lift a smile, Litheene nods to Analin and her warder. Thank you sister Analin, I am grateful for your hospitality.
Before moving to the table thou, Litheene steps up to Amorial. You were hit by the fade. We need to treat you. Who else got wounded by their blades?
All the while, Litheene still holds the source, drawing just enough to sharpen her senses and take in her surrounding.
Keelix moves into the room behind Ryvin, sliding his greatsword back into its scabbard. He stands near her, waiting to take his cues from her reaction.
Ryland groans as the female Channeler enters the room and puts away his sword. He glances at Fia and shakes his head. "I am beginning to think that all women can touch the one power.
The wolflord tilts his head to the left as he he looks at the Wisewoman for a moment. " It actually would explain a lot."
At Litheene's query Rhoekk turns slightly to the side and raises an arm to reveal two dark gashes on his left side; one across the shoulder and the other along his ribs, both struck by the black blade of a right handed Myrrdraal. The wounds look old and festered, despite being only an hour old. The edges are black, and instead of bleeding, they merely ooze.
Amorial nods towards Rhoekk. "Yes, I could certainly use assistance Litheene Sedai as can Rhoekk and perhaps Chen. Ryland and Keelix too drew blades on the foul creatures".
Amorial places a huge hand on Litheene's shoulder and gives a slight squeeze of reassurance, grinning at her.
"After all of the work you will need to rest and enjoy this fabulous meal that our new friend Analin Sedai has offered to us!"
Ryland groans as the female Channeler enters the room and puts away his sword. He glances at Fia and shakes his head. "I am beginning to think that all women can touch the one power.
The wolflord tilts his head to the left as he he looks at the Wisewoman for a moment. " It actually would explain a lot."
Fiallain smirks lightly over at the wolfbrother and raises one eyebrow as she looks back at him. "How so, Ryland? What would it explain?"
Ryland turns red and shrugs as he seems to have found a speck of rust on his harness buckle that seems to demand his attention. "Nothing. Just making an obserrvation. You know, just in general."
"It would explain," Ryvin says in a droll voice, "why men often feel so beleaguered, I'd wager..."
"Oh? Is that it? Are you beleaguered Ryland?" Fia asks, all wide-eyed concern.
Ryland frowns at Ryvin and Fia then shakes his head. " I have no bloddy idea what this bee-leagered is but if it means to feel ambushed, befuddled, and abused then it is a start. I used to think that there must be a hidden school that all women go to that men know nothing about, but now I believe you are all linked through this one power. What else would bloody explain it?"
"Superior intelligence and superior sadism, old boy," Ryvin says with a perfectly straight face - and then she giggles and claps Ryland on the back. "Nah! Men just get out of sorts when women gang up on them and make them see they're not king of the roost just because they're men. It's funny to see, really."
Fia gives Ryland an amused smile and shakes her head. "I don't know where these notions of yours come from Ryland. Not every woman can channel, so it's not likely to be the One Power... Also, what Ryvin says is very true but..."
She clicks her tongue once thoughtfully then leans in close to the wolfbrother in a conspiratorial manner..
She straightens "And if any woman abuses you, she'll have to answer to me." She gives a wicked grin and pinches his backside as she steps forward past him and moves into the other room, turning serious once more as she faces the strangers.
"I see you, Analin Sedai. I am Fiallain Bo'airr of the Cosaida Chareen. May you find shade this day."
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Rylands 's eyes narrow at FIA's comment then fly wide open as he face turns as red as new wine after her departure. The wolf lord looks stunned for a moment before he gathers himself and leans against the door frame and watches the wise woman make her introductions.
Has to be the one power. Why else would men capper about as like gleemen for their attention then feel like they have been thrown in a trolloc's cook pot when they get it?
Analin smiles at Fiallain. "I see you, Fiallain Bo'airr. This is not my roof, but you are welcome to what shelter we can provide."
Zira was oblivious to what was going on on the other side of the walls, she was enjoying the break. Lounging and reading a book that she had found. Tali was at her feel laying down, like a good pet should.
hope you feel better soon, Rizzen. Rest and lots of water are good advice.
No kodokura. I know not. Best to let this thing play out between the two ladies. jasper intones to kodokura in a low murmur.
Raising his voice to be heard by all, jasper says well, this is a lovely meal. I for one, would be greatful to join you in your meal this evening. Perhaps we could all help set the table and cook the food. Now i see that Analin Sedai is making a cake, and i do see a small stew. Perhaps there are those amongst us that can help make a larger portion to feed us all, as we have two Ogier with us, and they eat a lot. Also, i see that we are two heads short...jasper trails off as he searches for the two. finally turning around, he spots Zira and Tali behind him.
ah there they are.
turning back, he continues. Now, Keelix, ryland and rhoekk. see if there are plates to be found for dinner please? Fia, alathea, litheene, perhaps you could help Alanin Sedai with food prep. Amorial, Chen, this room is two small for two ogiers. perhaps we shall explore this area to see a spot for both of you to sit and eat? Kodokura, go see if the Lady Zira and her damane Tali need any assistance.
"It's amazing," Ryvin murmurs, one eyebrow raised and a her lips quirking in an almost-smile. "People can tell I'm worthless as a cook just from looking at me and don't give me things to do in the kitchen. Ah, well."
Keelix simply looks at Jasper for a moment, no expression on his face. He makes no move to do as Jasper suggested.
Alathea stares at Jasper, then shrugs. It is not as if I am doing much else useful, yes?
Alathea moves to stand next to Alanin, then asks, "What can I do to best help, Alanin Sedai?"
Analin nods appreciatively at Jasper and smiles at Alathea. "The cake will be larger than I'd planned. Crack a few more eggs for me, please, Alathea." She starts measuring out flour into the bowl.
Amorial nods to Jasper, "This is a unique opportunity to explore the place first hand I suppose".
Amorial burns to read the Tomes he has discovered but realizes that this just is not the time to do so.
Kodokura looks at Jasper for a moment, as if not comprehending his words, before nodding and turning on his heel to seek out the sul'dam and her pet damane.
Finding her in the other room engrossed in a book, he can't help but shudder at the sight of Tali, a female channeller, but a channeller and a human being nonetheless, lying at her feet like a dog.
"Mistress, asha'man Jasper has instructed me to enquire after you, and see if you require assistant with anything. The others are all in the room next door, speaking with the newcomers." Kodo strives to be polite without being subservient by countering his solicitous words with a firm tone of voice and confident body language; in the end, unsure of exactly how hehas come across, he fears both having been too bold and too servile.
exploring the rest of the house, you step into the hallway and find yourself at the front door. to your right is a closed door, in front is the front door, and to your left is the door that hung ajar. behind you is the stairs to the second floor.
opening the door to your right, you discover a formal dining room. a large central table of incredible craftsmanship and quality, you easily recognize that it is treesung. Along with this table, you see a set of 10 chairs, a china cabinet, a buffet, and a couple of corner tables with empty vases. all the wood in this room is treesung, and your best guess, all of it predates the Breaking.
The plates within the china cabinet are simple, white in color with a simple silver band around the lip of each item.
another door set into the wall, a nice warm brown color, opens into the kitchen.
going back into the hall, you climb the stairs to the second floor. the ceiling is much to low for ogiers, forcing the both of you to kneel as you explore.
at the top of the stairs you see 5 doors, in directly in front of you, and 4 more set at opposite ends of the hall, 2x2.
starting with the bottom left, you open the door and see a room with two large beds, large enough for ogier to sleep on. a bowl and a pitcher sits upon a dresser. the beds are neatly made with simple cotton blankets and sheets.
opposite this room in the hall is another door. opening this one up you see the same thing, 2 large beds for ogiers. a similar dresser and pitcher and bowl sit against a wall.
the door directly across from the stairs opens into large room with a water pump, a small stove with fire pit, and a large tub. Not large enough for an ogier to use, but large enough for a tall person to sit in. clean towels and washrags hang upon towel racks mounted upon the wall.
at the end of the hall are two more doors. the one set into the same side as the stairs opens into a large room, a room filled with bunk beds, each set with cotton sheets and blankets. 3 dressers, each with a matching bowl and pitcher sit upon the tops.
opposite this door, across the hall, is another door. only this door opens into a room filled with doors. 12 doors to be exact, excluding the door you came in from. Within the center of this room stands a table, and upon this table sits 12 keys. Each key appears to be made of different materials. one looks like steel, another looks like clay. and so on.
fascinatingjasper says, breaking the stunned silence.
perhaps it would be prudent for us to come back once we have eaten some food. and we have more people here to help us? jasper says as he slowly backs out of the room, intent upon attempting to step in the same spots that he has stepped in.
setting up for the dinner, it is one filled with long silence, as if everyone is afraid to speak. this new person is just that, new. Unknown. potentially an enemy, perhaps a friend. these new people that walked in may be friendly, they may not.
But as the meal prep progresses, the tension eases, and an unspoken truce seems to come about, so long as no one speaks of Aes Sedai, or the white tower, things are ammicable to an extent.
soon enough the table is set, the food is laid out, and people begin to find seats.
As you find seats, Chen, AMorial, and Jasper all come back into the room, a breathless and startled look upon their faces.
At the same time, Tali walks into the room, a smile upon her face, and in behind her, silver collar leading the way, walks Zira. her silver collar shines brightly in the flickering lamp light.
"I do believe I've just lost my appetie," Ryvin says, calmly, and she puts down her cutlery.
On the walk back Amorial laughs, "Rooms befitting an Ogier with halls befitting a dwarf, a strange place indeed, I will have to contemplate if I have ever heard of such a thing before".
"I trust there is still enough food for two hungry Ogiers to enjoy in the library?" his stomach growls loudly again.
"Feel free," Ryvin says, indicating her share as she rises and exits the dining room. "I'll look around a bit, walk off my meal."
Chen follows Amorial and Jasper, though he is not filled with wonder curiosity, but tension. Something was wrong about this place. For now, he would keep on guard.
Following them back, he says to Amorial. "Perhaps we should eat in the dining room, there seems to be sufficient space in there for us."
At the same time, Tali walks into the room, a smile upon her face, and in behind her, silver collar leading the way, walks Zira. her silver collar shines brightly in the flickering lamp light.
Analin is having a pleasant conversation with those seated near her when the damane and sul'dam walk into the room. The Aes Sedai can't keep the surprise off her face and she pushes back from her plate to gawk at Tali. "Merdrith?" Her face, which had gone pale on first seeing the pair, quickly went red as shock turned to anger.
"You dare leash an Aes Sedai!?" She screamed the words, throwing down her fork and embracing the Source. "Landa! Free Merdrith Sedai!"
"On second thought," Ryvin murmurs, putting a wall to her back and smiling a bit, "maybe I'll stay and enjoy the show..." The light of saidar comes to life around her.
Litheene hisses at the wounds. These can not be healed with the usually weave. Anyone familiar with the Cleansing weave against disease?
Litheene carefully inspects both Amorial and Rhoekk. I can not solve it outright, but if you feel any ill effect from it, let me know she says mainly to Rhoekk, knowing Amorial's well being by herself. I will be able to ease it, until you manage to overcome the disease
Finally, she nods to Ryvin, uttering simply. Enough time passed and then releases the source.
Sitting at the table, taking the time finally be at peace, even for a while, Litheene's mood takes a turn for the worst the moment Zira appears, reminding her of the leash.
At Analin's reaction, Litheene immediately embraces the source. Uttering quietly, but loud enough for Analin for hear. Now you see what I have to deal with on a daily basis
Speaking louder for all to hear While I offered non violence and protection from ShadowSpawn, I will not stand in the way of another Aes Sedai, especially since I would love to see her succeed. I will note thou, that anyone attempting to kill or leash another sister in front of me, will dearly regret it. Anger recently learned, that feels Litheene add more before she could realise that her old self would never says that: Such a somebody would wish I never promised to avoid killing them in the first place acidity dripping from her words.
"Thank you Litheene Sedai. May you always find water and shade."
Rhoekk takes his food in a simple bowl, and he crouches against a wall to eat it, rather than sit at the table like a foolish wetlander. When Zira enters with Fifi, he shakes his head a little, but manages to avoid the temptation to roll his eyes.
He sets the bowl on the floor while popping up to a standing position, in case he needs to move quickly.
Alathea looks up in alarm from her meal at Analin's outraged exlaimation. Comprehension quickly dawns on her face, and she hurries to the Aes Sedai's side. Her voice low but urgent, she says, "I do not like this any better than you do, but we have tried this before. This woman...this Merdrith Sedai?...she is broken. She does not want to be freed, yes?"
Standing near Rhoekk with her bowl in hand where she had been eating, Fiallain makes a sound of disgust. She sets her bowl down and watches the proceedings warily, ready to spring into action, should things turn.... interesting.
Having stood when Ryvin did, Keelix also stands back out of the way knowing better than to get between two wielders of the One Power.
Kodo embraces the Source, ready for conflict - though in truth, he's not sure whose side he would take in a battle between Aes Sedai and Seanchan. Jasper is the only one on my 'side'. I'll follow his lead.
Analin grimaced at Alathea's comment but she didn't look away from sul'dam and damane. Her voice was an enraged growl. There was no Aes Sedai serenity about the Green sister at the moment; she was full of rage, plain on her face. "Merdrith was novice and Accepted with me. I will see her freed or dead. A Green sister would rather be dead than enslaved, no matter what she says after her brainwashing."