"... We do have 12 rooms upstairs. Finely furnished. Although, our Friend Ogier here will have to do with three beds laid together. We do apologize. We do no get...well, any Ogier here. So close to the Kings Forest we do be, they do prefer to stay there under the trees. Although, it do be long since we do heard about Ogier visiting the Forest. Tck. Listen to me prattle on. I do get back to work! She curtsies on final time and leaves everyone alone.** spoiler omitted **
"No apologies needed, Mistress. A few beds together will do just fine. Curious though, when was the last time you'd say one of my folk came through visiting the forest? And yes, master Kunala is right," he adds, eyes lighting up. "We passed through the most delightful grove of mangroves on our way here... "
When the innkeeper manages to extricate herself from another such riveting discussion as Kunala warned her about, the Ogier lumbers over to join the others and the discussion with the Atha'an'Miere
"Naja din Jahl, I was of the 'Seas' Song' I was though sent to deliver a message to the North on behalf of the Sailmistress. I though was delayed and had to eaen my keep for a while in Illian. I got good work at a good price, earned enough coin to get a guide, but the guide do not be good on his word, been gone a few days." Naja said telling the truth but also leaving out details she wished not to reveal, nor relive.
"I will ask though, what wind's do you follow? I hear the Horn be carried across the Ocean with Hawkwings Armies? Though also hear it be behind the High walls of Shara? Mayhap even the Blight?" Naja says wondering if the myriad of Sailor gossip had any truth? Though her mother said even the most audacious of lies could unknowing hold a drop of truth.
Mistress Cor'nay waves her hands to the back of the building. They do be through the back doors there. The servants do be forced to walk the horses around the block to get to the other side. But it do be done.
Smiling a large smile of relief at Morel, she performs a deep curtsy to the Builder. You do me honor, friend Ogier. As to when? Well, it do be long. 10 or so years since last time. King Stepaneos did hire out Builders from a - oh i do forget!- Stedding. They did say they were from far west. The Western coastline they did say. They did come because Kung Stepaneos did do a palace rebuild after the Whitecloak war. He do use Ogier for their skill, and do pay for treesung wood in the palace itself. Please, excuse me.
She drops another curtsy and steps away.
'Seas' Song' I've not heard of that ship. Stuck here by a duplicitous guide, never hurts to have one of the Sea Folk owe you, they pay their debts.' Nodding as Naja explains how she had been abandoned by her guide, Kunala chuckles when she asks if he considered the locations of the Horn. "I hope it's none of those three places, make our task much more difficult." He smiles, "To answer your question we head north to Far Madding." He leans in, looking around the table at his fellow 'Hunters' then turns back to the woman. "Though we believe we were followed by robbers and cutthroats. So, anyone who travels with us should at least be made aware of the danger."
Realizing his stomach was growling, he waives towards the counter, hoping a server would come to the table to let them order dinner. Looking at his fellows. "I've acquired four rooms it will mean we double up." He nods towards the ogier, "Except for Morel he will need both beds in his room. But it should leave enough rooms that none of us are displaced by any merchants wandering in late in the day."
Adroushan smiles at the bartender, lifts the two drinks and walks overs to Kanula's table. Setting a drink down in front of the Ebou Dari, the Doctor lifts his into the air before downing it in a single gulp!
Bandits? We should be prepared then, yes!
He winks.
" Far Madding. Yes that is more North then here. I would be endeared to you if you took me along." Naja says as she honestly was eager to leave this backwater in the floatsom.
" True the Blight I know not of the others I do" Naja says as she looks to Ciern, still intrigued at the Aiel. The whole group was strange,but the Aiwl and Ogier were the Strangest.
Ceirn nods as Naja agrees to travel with them and says, "Do you have a mount?"
"No, I do not ride well. I am more used to the sway of the sea from a wooden deck than the strange gait of a horse on the earth. It feels unnatural"Naja says as she was not fond of the beasts. It was strange, but I guess to what she has heard of the Aiel her life would be shocking.
"The others all ride horses. You might wish to see if you can get one should you need to move quickly to keep up. The Wetlands seem to be in great turmoil at this time." Ceirn tells the woman.
'He's right we should be prepared for them.' Reaching over, Kunala pulls the chair beside him out, patting on it for Adroushan to have a seat. Holding the stein for a moment, 'If there is trouble Adroushan will need this more than I.' As the conversation continued, he discreetly moved the drink over in front of his friend, giving Adroushan a wink back.
Nodding as Naja comments, he watches as she continues talking with Ceirn, occasionally looking from the two's conversation to Morel, Niketsu and Janus. Hearing that the woman had no interest in riding, he frowned. He had no doubt that Ceirn and Morel could keep up with the horses. But he doubted if this Seafolk would be able to. What he saw of her walking she was still trying to get her 'land legs' and they were probably being chased. It wouldn't do to let this woman be endangered because of them. Clearing his throat. "While I believe it would be profitable for my family's business to have one of the Atha'an Miere in my debt, I think it would be wiser if you wait for other traveling companions." He gestures towards the others, "We are all experienced riders." Nodding his head towards Ceirn, "While the Aiel are known for their ability to move quickly, Ceirn is right, you'd need a mount and I still think it would be tough for you to keep up with experienced riders. Especially..."
His voice trails off, he looks around the room to make sure none of the Innkeepers folks can hear. Leaning in "Especially knowing we are being followed. I cannot in good conscious endanger you. We have all sworn an oath to hunt the horn and it is due to that oath that we find ourselves in the situation we are in. I don't doubt your bravery Naja, but I must believe that you would be a detriment if it came to a fight or to flight." He looked around the group, hoping he would understand that he didn't want to endanger the lady.
" I can stay on one of the horses. As for what I can provide. I am skilled in navigation, and a competent healer, as well as other talents. I can use a blade too if need be. Lastly, I can cook as well" Naja says in response as she looks at Kunala and then smiles.
"I can should you accept me, and I can trust you more reveal my other talents." Naja says leaving the possibilities ambiguous on purpose.
Adroushan winks back at his friend. The Ebou Dari takes the proffered drink, places it before the Atha'an Miere.
I am Adroushan. Kanula's Doctor. Welcome to our troupe! You can saddle with me. We can purchase a horse for you and give you lessons as we travel.
He looks at those at the table.
So, are we leaving in the morning, then?
The dark haired Accepted pulled the reins of her horse and slowed as she entered the village. She looked around.
some hot tea would be nice right now
"Well if you are fine with that Adroushan, I would accept that." She says as she smiles. Seems that she would be heading north after all
'Navigate, heal and cook, oh and she can handle a blade. I've got a doctor traveling with me and plan on staying on roads with inns, where they will do the cooking. As for a blade, all I see is...' Kunala pauses mid thought as Adroushan 'welcomes' the glorified sailor. Looking from Naja to Adroushan back to Naja, Kunala let's out a sigh. Enough air leaving his lungs that he starts to cough. Covering his mouth with his fist. he catches his breath as he frowns at his friend. Rolling his eyes slightly he gives a light shrug, turning to Naja, "Adroushan has a nose for people. Welcome aboard, but I do recommend you get your own horse, I can't guarantee that my Doctor will always be sober enough to keep himself on a horse, let alone an extra rider."
He looks towards the innkeeper then back to Naja, "Fortunately with the sale of the wine we've come into a little traveling money. So, If you can't afford a horse I can purchase one you can use." He looks back towards Niketsu, "I've only reserved four rooms, do you mind if Naja rooms with you. Janus can room with Ceirn."
The day begins to transition into night, the sun dipping below the treeline, the light sparkling and flashing amongst the trees as a heavy wind causes the foliage to sway and float in the breeze. People enter and exist from both the front and the back of the inn, while the servants within the Inn continue to provide a constant stream of wine, ale, mead and whatever types of liquor or drink one wishes to sample. The mood inside the room, as the tables begin to fill, is somber yet relaxed. Mistress Cor'nay, to everyone who enters for the first time, addresses them with the customary Do you be a merchant or traveller? speech. The former are greeted with a graceful and greatful curtsey, while the travels are shooed off with a The rooming house do be two blocks down that way! No room for you folk!. From where everyone sits, a round table comprised of interwoven weeds and narrow mangrove branches the support of the drinks, you witness a somewhat steady flow of travelers and merchants come in. After the tenth time of turning a traveler away, Mistress Cor'nay turns and approaches the table.
How do be the drinks, my lord? she asks to Kunala. She smiles a sweet smile to the man, and reaches out with a rag that was until that moment hidden up her sleeve. She brushes off the table, lifting and lowering the cups, ensuring that no contents are spilled. I can no help but notice you all do be looking at me as i say the exchange. We here in Shetto, we do recognize that this practice may do be odd. But it do help to ensure that there to be a steady stream of trade and merchants do travel through our small community. The town south of us, Shetti, do be little closer to Illian, do have a better road to the Sea of Storms. But, we do have the better entertainment, the better food, the better shelter. If it do mean certain folks no sleep under this roof, so be it. it do be best for the town as a whole. Ah! It do remind me! We do have a singer here tonight. She do be no Gleeman, but she do be good, no great! at singing. Excuse me she turns and walks away, approaching another person who enters through the front.
The sun sets further and further, the brilliance of day transitions to the soft hues of its setting, reds and golds splay upon the trunks seen through both entries. And as enchanting the sight is to see, the smells arising from within the kitchen demand your attention, as it forces stomachs to rumble in eager hunger! each servant that passes through the doors, the motion carries forth the delishious smells created within. Some you recognize right away; garlic and onion, yet others tantalize those unfamiliar to the local delicies of the more rural Illian land. A young maiden leaves the kitchens, a chalk board in her right hand, her left holds a white bit of chalk. She moves from one table to the next, talking to the patrons that mummur around the same tables as before you. The discussion is quiet, so as to not disturb the others, yet every so often, a laugh errupts. Your attention is drawn to the young woman, seeking to find the source of the laughter. She approaches the table next to yours, and talks quietly to the lone woman sitting there.
Greetings mistress. May i inform you of tonights menu?
The older woman nods, and the maiden continues. Tonight, we have Nee'chay beef with dumplings stuffed with garlic and cheese. Bahn'wa noodles simmered in a sahn soup with bits of pork hock. And tonight, the chef do be offerring something special. He has called it Wishful regret.
The woman folds her hands in front of her on the table, and bites her lip for a moment. Her face takes on grimace as she says Oh, bother! i do be curious to know. Wishful regret?
the young maiden smiles a bright smile. Yes my Lady. It do be so hot it do make you regret your life choices and do wish to swear to the Dark One to take the pain away The lady laughs loudly, her sides heave and lift. her eyes roll high to the ceiling above and lower to the side. I do be intrigued. It do sound dangerous! Yet, I do know myself, I do do regret the asking. Do instead send a bowl to the handsome Aielman over there. He do look like he do know how to handle something hot. She smirks and waves at Ceirn, a sparkle in her eye. I do have the Nee'chay beef with dumplins. Double serving Please. I do be extra hungry tonight.
The young maiden nods, and looks over at the group gathered around the table.
My Lord, ladies, gentlemen. Tonights meal... She starts again and says the meal offering, along with the wishful regret.
Meals are brought out, and served to all those who ordered. And again chuckles are heard as those that ordered the Wishful regret receive the dish. Mutters and exclaims of Blood and Ashes! and Light! and Sheep Swallop! as people begin to steel their nerve, attempting to try this potential disaster dish. Onlookers at the tables, as people are oft to do, observe the brave indivudal taking the first bite, smiles and light laughter escaping their lips. At first, the eater looks shocked! Eyes flare wide, a smile spreads across their face. the same thing is heard over and over. Wow! this tastes amazing! and they eagerly swallow and consume a second bite. Friends and companions around said tables, some cannot help themselves. they reach over and grasp at a bit of meal, leafy green or meat. They all stick the bit in their mouths and savor the flavor thats delicious to behold. But as they enjoy that bite, the brave soul who has consumed his or her second bite suddenly flushes red, and a heavy sweat breaks out upon their brow. They stop what they are doing, and sit back in their chairs. First a frown, then a groan, and now moans of agony breaks out. Oh Creator! The burn! THE BURN! Tears flow down from their eyes as they begin to cry, suffering and regret apparent upon their face. moments later, the same happens to those that took a quick sample. foreheads wet, and eyes watering. Cries begging for mead, ale, and any sort of liquid to clench the fire that burns within are quickly answered as the serving maids rush to fill orders.
As the commotion of Wishful Regret dies down, and people start to eat, those that have been at the tavern most of the day begin to discuss news and gossip from throughout the lands.
Have you heard? there do be another false Dragon! He do declare himself in Toman head.
Yes, i did hear that. apparently he led Whitecloaks in battle, beating back the Dark One's forces!
No! I heard he was with some heros of old! Hend the striker! Jain Charin! Gaidal Cain! they were there!
That makes three now, doesnt it? Toman head. Saldea. Haddon Mirk?
Yes. Three false dragons this year. Terrible omen.
Is he the one with the red blade?
No, no. He no be that. You do be thinking of that Blade hunter. He do be known by his reverse edge blade. No False Dragon do use such a blade.
I heard he disarms blademasters, and then kills them, keeping their blades as trophies.
I heard otherwise. He uses a sword-breaker to snap the blade, to dishonor the blademaster.
Is he one of those folks like those from beyond the waves the stories talk about? Those Seanca?
Sein-chen i think they do be called.
They leash shadowspawn! Use them as slave labor
Are they in league with the Dark One?
Where do they come from?
Beyond. Across the Ayrth Ocean they do sail from
Artur Hawkwings decendants, they do be i hear
Aes sedai going after that False dragon in Saldaea.
Those savages beyond the spine, them Aielman, those goatlicking- a woman, her voice raised to be heard over the general commotion stops speaking as one of her companions at the table grasps her arm and points in a not-very-sublte way to Ceirn. The womans eyes bugs out wide in surprise.
The High Lords of Tear seek to subdue First of Mayene.
Ha. Id like to subdue her!
The Sea Folk have started refusing cargo. Do be most odd. Claiming they do be searching for someone
The sudden entertainment of Wishful regret has run its course. those that couldnt stomach the agony of heat have excused themselves to their rooms to recover from the pain, while there are those that grin and bear it, they sit at the tables still. A small platform and brought into the room. It is set up in the middle of the tavern area, where everyone can easily see who would perform. Chairs scrape on the floor as people adjust their seats, and maids and maidens quickly fill the cups one last time before the show begins and starts.
The same girl who took your order, young, pale skinned with dark brown hair and green eyes, proceeds to the platform, a smile upon her face. Slim and petite, no more than 14 years old, she lifts the hem of her long skirt and steps up onto the raised portable stage. Looking upon everyone, she curtsies four times, turning to the right and facing each wall of patrons before her.
Mistress Cor'nay and the staff of Shetto's Inn do bid all merchants welcome to our establishment. I do be singing some songs I do learn these last few months. and I do hope you enjoy them all.
She reaches up to her neck and unbottons two buttons, the fabric of the dress loosening, and she gives a deep breath, filling her lungs. She starts off soft, in a single note. No words, just a note. It hangs in the air, filled with warmth and affection, a note of perfect harmony that lends a beauty to the world around. People who were talking and whispering, people staring deep into their cups of ale, people eating their meals, all of them stop and look up, fully concentrating upon the young maiden.
she begins to sing.
Almost heaven, Mountain home
Banikhan Mountains, Shen'a'dah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Saldaea, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads
The song continues on, a soft solemn melody that elicits feelings of nostalgia and home sickness. Most of the people within the tavern gently wipe a tear or sniff slightly as unseen thoughts are recalled. Finally, she ends her song and the room fills with thunderous applause! She bows, once again to each wall and corner of the room.
Thank you! thank you! Thank- She suddenly cuts off as she looks upon your group in the corner. She stares, transfixed. On her face, shock! Shock and now horror! her body seizes tight, forcing her to stand up right! muscles clench, hands gripped hard into fists, her head thrown back as her eyes roll to white. She speaks, but her voice sounds hoarse and deep, an obvious change to what she just displayed moments before.
The tainted man rides the lightning in the mountains of mist.
Unsworn Lord, inverted steel, takes shelter amongst those that thought to fight fire with fire
north and north, trapped under ice, airach proflean awakens at Callandor's sign
south and south, the hunters must go, held and escape agit'dredan, they bring back a fate.
creeping death upon the pattern, it descends upon the mirk. one young soul, a thread to be snipped, sacrifice the one for all
mental anguish, soul destruction, everything fades to black, absolution is only sought within tel'aran'rhiod
oasis upon the plains, caught between the white and the shine; the water tastes of iron and flows red, the Dragon's answer for whom the bell tolls
Messenger of fear in sight, dark deception kills the Light. Out from ruins once possessed, fallen city, living death. Lurking beneath the sea, great old one, answers the call of his name
The young maiden collapses to the ground, unconscious. The room suddenly fills with noise and activity, shouts of fear, wonderment, shock, concern, both for the girl and for what was said.
|
Tenora sat hungry, cold and alone huddled near her horse in the utter darkness. She
she remembered the elderly white haired ogier Eloriella helping her find her way, despite
Eloriella's protest other wise. Her lantern flickered and the oil burned low.
Blind me if I can ever learn Ogier again I will. Now I'm lost and I don't know.
She swallowed hard as a tear formed in the corner of her eye. I must be strong
Ceirn keeps a straight face as the woman comments at him. When the young woman comes he orders the normal food that would be served in Illian rather then trying the night's strange fare.
When the change comes over the girl, Ceirn sits and watches her trying to track her words. Ceirn tries to think if he had ever heard of agit'dredan. If this was indeed a prophesy, then perhaps they would need to change their plans. As the rest of the room erupts to their feet Ceirn stays seated knowing he would not be of any use to the girl. He leans over to Kunala and says, "Have you ever heard of agit'dredan"
As first one and then a few patrons wheeze and cough and sputter and flail out of the room after trying the 'chef special' and as the madness continues to spread to a good portion of the remaining patrons, the Ogier can only stare in amazement at the antics of these strange humans. Like the Aielman, he orders the more customary fare.
When the young girl makes her way up to the stage, he sits back and grins when she begins to sing. Almost he could imagine the gentle plucked running rhythm of a string instrument beneath her voice in accompaniment and imagined the Stedding he had grown up in as she sung of 'country roads.'
There is applause and the girl is bowing when suddenly she freezes and exclaims what seemed to Morel like what he imagined prophecy or foretelling might be like. When she collapses, he is on his feet when everyone else seems to be in shock and rumbles,"Well don't just stand there, help the lass!" He strides forward, and kneels down beside her to try and render aid.
Naja blinks at the rumors of the 'heirs of Hawkwing' and 'The Ones beyond the Ayreth Ocean'. Last the rumors of her people and the search for The Caramoor were disconcerting. Especially refusing cargo.
Then when the woman collapsed Naja got up and strode towards the woman. Her gait was odd, as she seemed to roll as she walks. It was the gait of a person who grew up on a ship. Eventually, she gets over to the woman and begins to Celve into the woman seeing what is wrong.
Relaxing in his chair Kunala watches the crowd shuffle in. He could tell the locals by the women's wide brimmed hats and the men's distinctive beards. He quietly observed the travelers and merchants coming in and going out, able to tell a lot by their style of dress. He found himself feeling sorry for the young couple from the midlands; he in his turned back cuffs and upstanding collar, she in her ankle length belted dress with a square-cut neck. Kunala wondered if Mistress Cor'nay might let them stay seeing that the young lady was very pregnant, but was not surprised, when like all the other non-merchants, were sent away.
As she approached and began to explain herself, he smiled. She was right Kunala had been watching her, more because he enjoyed watching people than another reason. He nodded as she explained how it helped the town and it certainly let him watch folks at their best or worst when they were told there was no room in the Inn. Raising an eyebrow at the idea of a performer, he had assumed with a 'captive audience' that a performer, even if not a gleeman, wouldn't be likely.
As his thought drifted to the different gleemen his grandmother had hired, he overheard the description of the chef's special dish. Perking up when the waitress came to their table, he quickly ordered, "Please, whatever everyone else is having, do bring a serving of all three. the Nee'chay beef, Bahn'wa noodles and the chef's special. Oh, and some extra plates so we can share." He looked at the others, "I do so love trying something new."
As the dish is served, Kunala rolls his eyes at the comments from others, assuming they were just inexperienced in trying new foods. Quickly picking up one of the extra plated he spooned some of each dish onto his plate. Tasting the food in order of description. The Beef with dumplings was very well done, the beef properly seasoned and the dumplings well stuffed with cheese and just the right amount of garlic, though he though the dumplings were a rolled a little thin. The noodles and soup were just ok, the pork seemed a little under seasoned and the noodles were over cooked, but not terrible for a soup of the day. He tasted the chef's special last. What had she called it? Wishful regret?
Twisting some of the noodles on his fork, he stabbed a piece of spinach and the other green leafy vegetable, was it leeks? and some of the chicken he put it in his mouth. The flavor was superb, he was trying to identify the sauce on the noodles, when the pepper kicked in. As he chewed and tried to swallow, he realized this was not only going to burn going in but burn going out as well. He began to cough, sipping his wine, that only made him cough some more. Was his throat starting to close up? His eyes began to water, he looked panicked over to Adroushan, then to Morel. Maybe the ogier knew an herb for 'death by noodles.' Looking to the waitress, he waived, coughed some more, and croaked, "Do you have some milk?"
Nursing his second glass of milk as the young server took the small stage, Kunala, after his near-death experience, no longer interested in eating, turned his chair so he could see the young performer. As she began to sing, he recognized the tune, he had heard a gleeman hired by his grandmother sing it. The old fellow played a lute, it had started out the same, 'Almost heaven' but the the second line was 'Tar Valon' what was the rest of it? Dragon mount, River Erinin... something like that. He remembered his father telling him he had heard the song as a boy, causing him to dream about the great city and white tower. It was part of the reason his father had accompanied Padmavati to the tower. It was good to hear the old song again, even if the words had been changed to suite this part of the continent.
Making a mental note to tip the girl and compliment her song, he realized she had paused. Then watched as she body seized up and began speaking in an unnatural voice. Hearing but not understanding the words, or at least not understanding them in context to each other. Was it some kind of prophesy? Was the girl having a reaction to the chef's cooking? Was she using the one power? Kunala's eye's widened as he thought about how Aes Sedai would flock to this. Or at least that was the type of thing his aunt said they did.
Realizing Ceirn had asked him a question, Kunala turned to the Aiel, 'Have I ever heard of agit'dredan?' he paused dredging his thoughts. "Um, let me think."
The crowd gathers close over the young maiden, some kneeling, others standing and gawking. A loud commotion fills the room as people talk about what they witnessed, almost forgetting the young girl on the ground.
Tainted man?
North? South?
It do sound like the Old Tongue
The Dragon!
The Dragon reborn!
there is- the- he has been reborn!?!?!
A false dragon for sure
Oh Light! No No! the Dragon Reborn. he is reborn, come to destroy the lands and break the bonds and oaths of men!
Ruins? Possessed? Greater One? What is that?
The Lord Dragon has been reborn! he strides upon the Pattern, bending nations to his will! The woman who had offered a "hot" meal to Ceirn, her voice picks up a note of hysteria as she begins to fully believe that the Dragon has been Reborn.
And you think that those terms that you think you heard correctly could be the Old Tongue. Youre not sure because just about everyone is butchering the pronunciation that your misremembering what exactly you heard. But whatever you will think of later, this much you are sure. You did witness a Foretelling, and she was looking you in the eye when it started.
"She should be fine. Probably a Hangover in the morning, but all in all she will be fine." Naja says as she looks to the Ogier.
"She will probably need air and a soft place to rest. Does the inn have a place where she can lay out?" Naja asks a bit louder hoping one of the staff hears her.
As Naja and Morel rush to the young singer's side, Kunala makes eye contact with Ceirn. Shaking his head, speaking softly "No, no I have not." His gaze leaving the Aiel he looks back towards the stage and the surge of humanity as the commotion fills the room. Hearing people's interpretation of the Foretelling they had all heard. 'The Dragon reborn? There was something about 'the Dragon's answer for who the bell tolls... in't that related to death?'
Seeing Naja take control of the situation, Kunala tried to run the event through his mind, pausing he remembered the beginning. 'She was looking straight at us! I was making eye contact with her just before her eyes rolled up in her head. Blood and bloody ashes, what does it all mean? is Adroshan the dragon?' Looking quickly towards his friend, he Leans into the table, looking towards his companions who are still seated. "Does anyone have paper? We need to right this down while it's still fresh in our memory."
"I do not have anything to write it down. But it would be good to know what places she spoke of." Ceirn whispers back. What Ceirn knew of the foretelling's words spoke of a danger to those who might be too interested.
Adroushan merely smiles at the mention of the Dragon reborn. The Doctor just simply sips his drink, winking at Kunala.
The Ogier looks down at the Seafolk woman and nods. "Thank you for helping. I confess my talents as a healer are quite limited, but it looked like most would just gawk. Also, if there is no available room, she is welcome to use mine until she is herself again." He looks at Naja and adds, "I am Morel. I do not think I caught your name?"
"If one does not care for the sick quickly you never know if it could spread. A ship is only as good as its crew, and if the crew is sick the ship is sick" Naja reiterated from her many teachings given to her by her mother and her Windfinder.
" Master Ogier I am Naja din Jahl of the Seas' Song! A pleasure to meet you Wood friend" Naja smiled having heard old ancient Athe're Miere stories of the Ogier and their mastery of Wood. SO much that it put Sea Folk Ship Wrights and carpenters to shame.
"The pleasure is mine, Naja din Jahl of the Seas' Song." The Ogier replies with a bow followed by a face-splitting grin.
He glances up for the innkeeper and asks her, "Have you a room where she might recover away from all this hubbub?"
Mistress Cor'nay nods to Morel's inquiry. Aye Good builder. We do have a spare room for the moment.
She do go here, oh! Mistress Cor'nay exclaims, realizing that the Ogier is way to broad to fit through the door frame while carrying the woman. She reaches out and helps assist with laying the girl upon the bed and then turns and sneaks past out of the way. Please, help her if you do. she curtsies, a look of concern on her face.
As the lady is carried away by Morel, aided by naja, the taproom begins to fill and bustle with excitement as people order more drinks and discuss what just happened.
Multiple piles of sheets of paper and bottles of ink are brought out onto the floor, as many people happen to have the same idea as Kunala. Some get drinks and begin to drink, while others scribble notes of what they had discovered and witnessed.
Ceirn will try and subtlety move about the common room listening to what people are thinking of the strange Foretelling.
Adroushan decides to drop some ease about the common room. He embraces the Source. He then begins to weave an Eavesdrop spell to begin listening at every table one at a time.
Watching as Naja ministers to the girl and Morel carries her off, Kunala is surprised when the waitstaff brings paper and pen to his table. He wonders if Adroushan used the one source to have them do that. Turning to ask his friend he realizes that both Adrousan and Ceirn had gotten up. Looking around he saw Adroushan stumbling about the room, but he saw no sign of Ceirn.
Shrugging he pushed some of the paper towards Niketsu and Janus, "I guess it's up to us." Grasping one of the pens he begins to put ink to paper, starting at the end, working towards the beginning.
Niketsu sits quietly while the singer sings, idly thinking about the trip and their mysterious destination. When the fit starts, she sits straight up, taking in what the girl is saying.
That sounds like a foretelling!
Quickly pulling out her notebook and quill, she makes a quick record of the comments, doing her best to capture the exact wording.
So few have the gift these days... how old is this girl? Is she young enough for the novice book?
Her musings on the foreteller are cut short when she feels the dark-skinned seafolk woman embrace the source. She has to restrain surprise when she sees the woman perform a competent delving.
Speaking of the novice book...
She moves up close to the two women, the lapsed singer and the Wilder, both to check on the status of the former, but also for the excuse to stand close enough to the two to try and gauge their strength, or at least potential, in the power.
I've heard some browns musing as to whether the Seafolk were actually sending us all the girls that can channel, as they claim, or even their strongest. If this Wilder has some skill, it might be interesting to see whether there is anything to the conspiracy theories about Windfinders...
When they remove the girl to a private room, she goes with them, stating, "I may be able to help; I have some skill at healing."
Naja looks to the Borderlander and nods. " What I can tell is she is experiencing something akin to being too intoxicated. She should wake tomorrow with a bit of a head ache. At least form my observations" Naja says having let go of the source. She crotched down as if a frog ready to leap. Still she also seemed like one capable of striking with any of her weapons.
" Though it could be something I am not familiar with being this far inland?" Naja wonders just incase her delving wasn't strong enough.
Great old one? Who would that be? Oldest one i know is my moms mom. She's 94. Not many older than her.
I think i recognized that one word? agrit. argit? oargit i think? I think it's old tongue. Something with, umm....creatins or something like that. I only heard it for that moment and i wasnt paying attention. Oh my tutor would kill me right now.
water do taste of iron and red? what nonsense do that be?! why do a false dragon need iron water to answer a bell? it do be flaming nonsense!
The conversation continues as above. people talking and discussing what they think they heard, what they think it means, and so on. As you listen more and more, you ponder what was spoken and notice that you also are starting to have doubts about the proper wording of what was spoken.
as you move from table to table, silent and listening. Yet, you notice something odd as you hang back. A strange, silent tendril moves through over the crowds heads near the ceiling. it snakes around, and slowly descends to the tables before you. It takes you a moment before you figure out that your looking at weaves. A male is channeling near you! You follow the tendril up, and back to its source, and see the threads originate from in front of Androushan.
[spoiler=kunala]
Kunala begins to write, and he vividly recalls every word that the maiden spoke.
Ceirn returns to the table and says, "It seems like no one has a good idea of the foretelling."
After listening about the common room, Adroushan ends his channeling. The Ebou Dari lifts his glass to his lips.
Kunala, just a bunch of hens cackling on about some nonsense in here. Not a one with more than a guess as to what she meant with all that jazz.
He winks at his charge.
As Ceirn returns to the table, Adroushan tips his glass in his direction.
So you didn't have any luck?
"It appears this was the first time that this girl has had a foretelling, if that was in fact a foretelling. Beyond that these people have seem to have no greater idea what they heard then we did." Ceirn says as he looks back over the room.
As he takes pen and paper in hand, Kunala is relieved to see Niketsu drawing out her own. 'Thank the light, at least someone else is going to record the event as well. At least we can then compare notes.' Covering his mouth while coughing slightly, Kunala looks up just in time to see the noblewoman leave to help the unconscious girl. 'Blood and ashes, don't tell me they all think I'll remember any of this?'
Frowning, as he wipes his chin, he looks around the table. Realizing it was just Janus, Adroushan and himself and Adroushan had dropped his head. Most folks would assume he was drunk based on all the liquor he had drunk. But Kunala knew he was doing something with the one power. Pushing some of the paper to Janus. "Looks like it's you and me Shambayan."
Taking a deep enough breath that he almost made himself cough, Kunala covered his mouth for a moment, then shut his eyes. He could do this, by the light, he could. Opening his eyes, he looked at the paper, taking pen in hand he began to right. He relaxed his brain, letting his consciousness shift from what he thought he heard to what he felt. His eye sometimes closed, sometimes unfocused, sometimes Looking from the paper towards where the girl had stood after her song. His writing hand moving from the paper to the ink and back again. Not daring to read what he had written for fear that it would somehow fade away.
So focused on trying not to focus, he didn't realize Ceirn had returned to the table until the Aiel spoke. Looking up from his page, Kunala smiled lifting the pen, dripping ink on both the paper and his other hand. Looking at Ceirn, "Well at least I'm not the only one I guess."
Nodding at Adroushan's comment, he slid the paper over to the good doctor. "Cackling hens huh. Now that your back, here read this. Does any of it sound about right."
As Ceirn answers Adroushan a knot tightens in Kunala's stomach, he leans in. "Oh, it was a foretelling all right, and she was looking straight at us."
He looks from Ceirn to Adroshan then to Janus, "Do you think we should check on the others or wait here?"
Unsworn Lord, inverted steel, takes shelter amongst those that thought to fight fire with fire
north and north, trapped under ice, airach proflean awakens at Callandor's sign
south and south, the hunters must go, held and escape agit'dredan, they bring back a fate.
creeping death upon the pattern, it descends upon the mirk. one young soul, a thread to be snipped, sacrifice the one for all
mental anguish, soul destruction, everything fades to black, absolution is only sought within tel'aran'rhiod
oasis upon the plains, caught between the white and the shine; the water tastes of iron and flows red, the Dragon's answer for whom the bell tolls
Messenger of fear in sight, dark deception kills the Light. Out from ruins once possessed, fallen city, living death. Lurking beneath the sea, great old one, answers the call of his name
the sounds are different as well. or rather, the lack of sound. the lack of movement. There was no wind. There was no sound, aside from your own breathing, and that sounded loud in your ears, yet muted to beyond yourself.
Your backpack lay upon the ground, its contents spilled out in front of you. It was upended to help you find the flint and steel faster to light the lamp within the Ways. Of course, you could have used the One Power to light it, a simple embrace and mental flick, it would have lit. But that cannot happen. Not here. Not in the Ways. Machin Shin hunts the Ways, and it is drawn to the One Power like a moth to flame.
You look down upon the ground, at the meager supplies. Lamp oil for 2 days. 4 torches. 2 days of food. 3 days of water.
Youre lost. Unknown how many turns, how many bridges, how many islands you passed over. Your knowledge of the Ogier script is extremely limited, hence why you had asked an Ogier to accompany you on this trip. She had agreed, and was your guide.
you had been, you can only assume, In the ways for five days, when tragedy struck. you woke to finding yourself alone on the island. No Ogier, no map, no notes. Gone. Stranded.
Fear gnawed away at the back of your mind, yet you clamped down on it as an Aes Sedai was trained to do.
Aes Sedai. A title you wished to achieve. yet now, for want of a missing Remma, daughter of Shalin, daughter of Charrie, it is possible that it will not happen.
Niketsu steps up and kneels next to the bed. a slight look of concentration fills her face.
he looks over at Kunala as kunala asks his question. He sips his drink, and then nods. A good idea. he agrees, sliding back his chair and standing up. He pauses a moment to wait for others to stand with him before he leads the way to the upstairs.
[ooc]enough time has passed with Kunala writing what he remembered and the exchange up the stairs that both groups can meet up at the top of the stairs.
Nodding in agreement with Janus, Kunala picks up the paper he had been righting on. Blowing on it gently so that it would dry, he folded it and placed it in his inner pocket. Sipping the last of the wine, he stood up from the table. Nodding towards Ceirn and taking the good doctor by the arm to help steady him he follows the borderlander up the stairs.
Adroushan accepts Kanula's arm. The slightly tipsy doctor dofts his hat to the room as they proceed upstairs.
The Ebou dari laughs.
Let us hope they upstairs have learned something more.
He grabs a bottle of wine on the way.