and what is this gateway you speak of? the white asks, sitting down.
Galina glares at the woman in the white dress. She clearly does not like being contradicted. "Logic tells me that we have 2 individuals to question, one of whom is clearly more dangerous than the other. We should kill the more dangerous one and keep the other for questioning. She can tell the story as well as he."
"Logic further tells me," she glances at Saerin, "that Seanchan are unlikely to volunteer any true information to sisters of their own free will. Much less an ogier Seanchan. So anything they say voluntarily is suspect. Further methods should be used now, to insure their information is true."
Talene smiles sweetly at Galina, "Sister why the rush to torture and murder these foot soldiers? Since when does the White Tower murder especially when not under duress?
Do you fear them even here in the Hall of Sitters? We lose nothing by letting them both speak".
"How should I know the details of the thing. It is the Power you all wield not I. Before that, I was with a group, in the woods, north, fighting Trollocs and a growth that my native friends called Blight. We came through a portal door, and when we returned, it closed suddenly, separating us, we were in the dark, there was blood, the damane called Litheene was covered in blood from chewing off her own fingers, she opened the gateway and killed your man, she would've continued to kill had we not followed her through to protect those on the other side. I had no intention to come here or knowledge of where we would end up."
Galina glares in the face of Talene's smile. "Do you have nothing better to do than listen to the lies of the least of our enemies? Bring the Empress before us on her knees and we might have something worthwhile to listen to. A general could deliver us battle plans and troop dispositions." She stabs a finger at Chen. "This ogier, no matter how individually impressive, has no information that requires the entire Hall to be present at his questioning."
the woman in white up by the individual chairs exclaims loudly, her voice echoing in the chamber.
Preposterous. I just had lunch with her not to long ago. You are mistaken, Seanchan.
she motions to a shadow and the shadow steps forward to that of an Accepted. The lady in white whispers something and the Accepted curtsies before running out a hidden exit.
Talene continues to smile as Galina talks right over the Ogier spilling his guts the arrogant sod so unlike the Ogier on this continent she does not bother to respond to Galina.
"Litheene? You claim this Litheene is an Aes Sedai? I do not remember a woman with that named being raised. Perhaps she is sided with the traitors?
You woman, what is your claim for arriving here?"
Talene looks up at the Aes Sedai in white, "I am not familiar with this Litheene, can you bring her before us? Perhaps it is another Litheene?"
"You will beg for a kind word on your knees in front of the Crystal Throne, leashed with your witch sisters, before the Empress, may she live forever, would even have audience with you." Chen spits, offended at the notion of the Empress kneeling before anyone.
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For the first time during the meeting, Galina smiles. She leans forward and positively grins at Chen. "You will clean that up, ogier. Since your hands are bound, you may need to do so with your tongue."
to describe the room.
it is a large room. the center spot where chen and vala stand is 40 feet in diameter. at the cardinal north sits the chairs of the Amyrlin and the Keeper. to the east, west, and south are exit doors to other areas. In between these focal points are the raised tiers of the ajahs. the first tier is 8 feet off the ground, with the second at 12, and the third at 18 feet up. each tier is 5 feet wide, enough room for the main marble seats, and secondary wooden seats that fold out of the wall for guests of the Sitters.
the ceiling is 60 feet high. the absolute width of the entire chamber is 150 feet in diameter.
" So you claim it is a public service that you are here in a city full of witches you wish to see bound and brought low, to kill one of our sisters by your own admission. I was sure there was more to this, but clearly since he has been at the Blight and is speaking utter nonsense we can only assume he has gone mad. Perhaps we could study this madness.." Suana sneers for a moment, before realizing that someone this far gone could make for an excellent study on the use of several herbs of hers that she believes could be anti-psychotic.
Two subjects would be better than one however.
Have you have anything to add, Trollop? Do you also suffer the same delusions as the Deathwatch?
Vala sat patiently as she listened to these supposed wise women banter back and forth. She suppressed a chuckle as it reminded her much like the women back in her homeland gossiping while making plans for their lessers.
When the question came to her she looked the Almeryn Straight in the eye and chuckled."Forgive me Mother but these questions and attitudes seem more appropriate for a womens' sewing circle then the hallowed halls of Tar Valon, but yet I am a mere Blademaster who knows more of war then governing."
Vala knew she these words would cause each woman there a slight but she cared little for the woman she needed to get through too was the one who kept the rabble in check. thus she played a very dangerous hand for her next words.
" As for the question of your Aes Sedai Litheene, she could very well be perfectly fine here in your world. We are not from here, we have traveled via the ancient stones, I know little of how this works but I know a channeler can use them to travel not only far distances in thier own world but also in the many worlds. Me and my companions have travelled many and lost many, I have seen horror and tragedy i have seen worlds were The Aes Sedai bore the Taint and the men these Ashaman did not. All in all we encounter enemies of the blight, Trollocs, Darkmen, you name it. We have fought Black Ajah as well. I was the Warder to my Litheene Sedai, and it is my fault she has become something else, something monstrous. I believe while trying to study something we found on our journey she was twisted. I should have seen it. Alas I did not and when i went to get the rest of our party she changed. She become something dark and twisted, her features no longer the of the woman I had called sister, no longer the face of the woman I would have had as an aunt to my children. No she was something dark something evil. And I came through one of the dark portals to find her and end her."
She paused as she looked deep into the venerable womans eyes her face stern and strong, despite the tears on her cheeks." But than again why does it matter, as soon as I came forth in here along side a being that was just as much as a castaway in this crazy journey as I. To think that it is here I sit in judgement with women who pride themselves on fighting the Dark one when me and this Ogier have been out their fighting, me to protect those who I care for, and Chen for his empress. Despite the fact i know one day I might have to fight him on the battle field i will not turn away any who fight the forces of Shaitan!Still it means little for As I hear the worlds from such revered women, women who where gifted with powers by the Light to aid the world in the time of troubles, seem little more then a group of elderly women admonishing the few troublemakers in a village when the real threat is out their."
" So as a woman who has spit in the eye of death so many times, I grow tired of your petty squabbling. Sentence me and be done with this. I have a friend to lay to rest, one who while out there who would not hesitate to use the power to kill."Vala straightened her self and breathed in deeply as she tries to stand.
" I grow tired and I do not fear what comes of me from your judgement. I do not fear my death I do not fear your power. Torture me, I have seen the horrors of the shadowspawn, I have freed people who have been nothing but their playthings, I have seen babes twisted and stillborn from horrible experiments. I have seen horrors that even you women could not stomach. My journey has been long, brutal and taxing. So please either judge us or send us away your bickering is beneath you all." She said looking at the Almeryn her face in anguish and disgust at such proceedings. But she cared little for any such squabbling, she was a warrior and these skirmishes were doing nothing but taxing resources she cared not to have to loose. So she still tried to rise seeking to turn and leave the chamber for the guards she knew were out side.
Suana looks taken aback. How dare this tramp address the Amyrlin directly and so boldly. And to mention the Black Ajah aloud. She had no sense of propriety at all.
Madness...she speaks of fairy tales and things imagined like they are real. the square-jawed waif in yellow said in little more than a whisper.
Suana's look of shock turns to one of pity after a beat, as Suana waits for the other sitters to respond further. There might very well be hell to pay. If nothing else, it might be a service to euthanise these two to put them out of their addle-brained misery. Or perhaps this would be treatable. Either way, it would give Suana a chance to use some of her new natural concoctions in a practical situation.
Talene's eyes narrow as the woman tells her story.
She nods to Suana, "Indeed Sister, she does seem addled. Still, her story delivered with such conviction, one could almost believe it to be true..."
Saerin stands once again and speaks with a voice of calm curiosity. "You speak of the ancient Portal Stones? How wonderful..." The fascination quickly leaves her tone, though, and she frowns at the woman before her. "You also speak of dangerous things that you should not know about. And neither of you do yourselves any favors by taunting us. Some of whom," she waves a lazy hand towards Galina, "need no excuse to put you to death. You should be thankful that not all of us are so bloodthirsty." Drawing herself to her full height, she absentmindedly straightens her brown shawl. "I suggest that all of us, Sisters and...captives alike, speak with more civility if we are to find the root of this problem."
Turning to White Sitter, Saerin says, "Seaine, you mentioned that you met with this woman that these two speak of recently. If you have not already done so, would you please arrange to have Litheene brought here? Let us start with this one mystery, and perhaps the others will fall into place as well."
Not I, Saerin. Seaine says from her seat. she nods to the two chairs and the chained man.
The lady in white with black hair, The Keeper, stands. I did, and I already have taken care to sending for her.
The man, the Aiel, lifts a hand and rubs at the collar on his neck, tugging lightly. The lady sitting in the chair, the Amyrlin, tugs harshly on the chain.
Enough, Lord Dragon, lest you hurt yourself again. the man, The Dragon Reborn, Lorn Rand al'Thor, turns and seems to shrink within himself and nods to her command.
Saerin bows in thanks to the Keeper. "My apologies, Keeper. It is hard to think clearly with such an...unusual amount of shouting in the Hall of Sitters. I meant no disrespect to you, nor to Seaine Sedai."
Galina's grin disappears and her head whips around as Vala talks. "You name the Dark One and speak of foolish rumors with no truth to them!" She shakes her head. "This is a waste of our time. Put them both to the question. See if the Chair of Remorse can hold something as large as this thing." She gestures at Chen.
Saerin turns on Galina. "Since when has this Tower been so frightened that we must torture fools? Perhaps these two are nothing more than fools, but I would hear what they have to say. Threatening them with bodily harm and death merely on the basis of "rumors" and "foolish speech" is not how this Tower acts.
Galina glares back at Saerin. "I am not threatening them, I am attempting to insure we learn the truth rather than whatever fancies they have been taught to parrot to their questioners. Putting them to the question can guarantee we hear the truth rather than waste time hearing tall tales and lies."
Talene secretly smiles at the treatment of the Dragon but does not outwardly show her emotions.
"Perhaps before we do anything we shall heard from Litheene Sedai.
If you two came here from another world as you claim who activated these stones?
Vala is it? Your appearance does not appear to match the styles of Seanchan based on the reports I have read, where do you hail from?"
Suana smirks at Talene's questioning Not much is to be gained from listening intently to the ravings of the mad. But yes that is a good point. It takes a chaneler of some strength to use the portal stones and unless I have gone blind neither of you have any strength with the One Source.
Vala looked to them."My formal name is Vala Charise of Fal Dara. I was a metalsmith turned bladesmaster.My sowrds are Goose and Gander heirlooms of my family. I turned from them to seek out and serve the Dragon Reborn in my world."
After answering that she spoke once more."As for who can channel in our group that is interesting, we have a few former sisters, a man,a wilder freed from the Seanchan and Aiel. Litheene who I was bonded too, was studying both the stones and the power based items we had in our possession. We even have mastered gateways to aid us in our long journeys. If they come here they may teach you what they know as well. Though that is dependent upon how you react with them. We are a group who judges others based on deed skill and merit. Any of my fellows I would die for, even if it meant loosing my child. As for my devotion, it was for my former mistress but now all I wish too do is see her at peace. If I must go to this question to prove my self truthful i shall gladly do it if it shall prove to you the truth of what I say." She said earnestly and with strength.
Suana nods at her words Very brave. And there you have it. If she is willing to assent to the Compulsion, I see no reason not to cut through and see if she is telling the truth. If it turns out she is mad... well we know what to do for those who have been afflicted with madness of this kind as well..
"Granted i do not know much of what this Compulsion is but I am willing to try for the truth to be told. And wait did you say he was the Dragon? So that is this worlds Rand Al Thor. So do the Asha'Man exist here?" she asked curiously trying to figure out what was relevent and what wasn't
Suana looks puzzled "Asha'Man? You mean a group of male channelers? Something like that existed but we routed them at Dumai's Wells and I would be surprised if they were able to stay together after such a humiliating defeat."
"You tread dangerous waters, Suana," warns Saerin. "Compulsion should only be used as a last resort. To do otherwise is not of the Light."
"I doubt that. They seem a determined bunch, as many sought to do some good before they succumbed to the madness. Its not the best of situations but these men like any weapon would be better served on the side of the light than the dark. Wouldn't the sisters here prefer the men blasting trollocs or the Seanchan? I mean with the women out with them they could control the men like you control Rand and use them as weapons? Or you could let the men seek out the dark and turn against you? But that is just the thoughts from a simple warrior who has seen to much blood shed and not enough hope." she said before she paused and thought about her own journey, bonding to Litheene and her child.
"Sorry sisters I just feel older than I appear. The battles I have fought the friends I have lost, the child I...It seems my defenses cant take much more without me needing to cry so...if you don't mind" The often smiling or stern face of the woman sagged as her eyes closed and she let the tears streak down her face. She didnt want to cry but she had too. She had no more strength to keep it all in so she let some of it out. Not.too much or she wouldn't be able to keep her dignity. So she cried in silence awaiting the squabbling women to determine the truth!
Galina sniffs. "All resorts are last resorts in these challenging times." She nods at Suana. "A fine idea. Cut to the heart of things, Suana."
"I am not sure that we can put a woman with child to the question. Shall we wait for Litheene to arrive before we question them further?
If they have companions should be watchful for them as well?
Amyrlin, what say you?"
Chen had once already nearly cost a unborn child it's life. He spoke clearly "Question me, witch. This woman is not your enemy." the way he said it heavily implied that he in fact was their enemy.
Galina grins back at Chen. "Your tone belies your words, ogier. And you are in no place to make demands on us." She turns and nods at Talene. "I doubt Litheene will know anything about these two, whether they are mad or from a mirror world, but I am willing to wait. As for whether we can put a woman with child to the question, I suppose we will have to see."
taking a long pull at a wine glass, the Amyrlin dabs at her cheeks before standing and stepping forward. The man, the Dragon Reborn, quickly stands up as well and gets to her side.
Calling an Amyrlin to question, Talene? The Amyrlin, Elaida do Avriny a'Roihan, says sternly.
Stepping forward, with the dragon and now Keeper in tow, she steps down the stairs and onto the floor with Chen and Vala.
portal stones and the Black ajah. Compulsion and Blademasters. Seanchan and Borderlander. Pregnant or not. These indeed are challenging times, as Galina states.
Staying at the edge, she begins to walk slowly around the floor, beyond the reach of the prisoners in the center.
Indeed, challenging times. Yet we must be cautious in our approach. Yes, we use Compulsion, under my orders, but certain criteria must be met. Does the person have valuable information that affects all of the White Tower? Is the person forthcoming with said information? How will the White Tower care for the individual after the weave is applied? these are the questions that i always ask. Do these individuals have valuable info. perhaps not the lady, but most definitly the Ogier. Is the person forthcoming with the info? The lady appears to be speaking a madness induced truth, and the Ogier agrees with her. And how shall we care for them? So far, I see that only one answer has been found. the first.
stopping in front of the Red ajah benches, she turns and looks up at the large stained window.
for now, Compulsion will not be used until you, the Hall, answer the other two questions.
An accepted steps from the dias that sits the chairs and approaches the Keeper. Whispering something which makes the Keeper nod, the accepted curtsies and leaves out the door to the east.
the keeper steps up to the Amyrlin and whispers.
Good. send her in.the Amyrlin commands, stepping up to the white's area.
the doors to the east swing wide, and in comes a woman wearing white robes that barely cover her attributes. a stiff breeze in this room could cause a wardrobe malfunction and yet she walks into the Hall. Hanging off her shoulder is a large blue silk sash. her gait is powerful and strong, her head held high and sure of herself. Confidence oozes out of her thick like molasses.
Stepping into the Hall, she stops at the first line set within the floor at the outermost edge and curtsies.
Before the Hall I have been summoned. Litheene Sedai of the Blue Ajah intones to the Hall.
striding confidently into the room, Litheene glides to the area that looks like it has been ruined with a large hammer. stepping up the stairs, she takes a seat, a smile lighting upon her face. she crosses her legs, and the robes part, showing an obscene amount of leg to the audience.
Galina's face goes from surprised to outraged as she watches Litheene appear and then sashay into the room. She looks over at Elaida. "What is the meaning of this, Mother? Why is this traitor walking freely in the Tower?"
traitor? I dont see a traitor. I see someone who has just risen from Accepted to Aes Sedai. though I am shocked to see the color she choose...but, each person has a right to choose their Ajah. Amyrlin says with a slight smirk.
Vala looked at all the others, before looking at the woman who walked in. She smiled as she saw Litheene and was glad that in some small way she was still alive here.
"Galina Sedai, is it..Well to put it frankly as I have mentioned I come from a different world. In my world Litheene was seeking the White or Brown Ajah, here could be different. Granted I am merely a warrior and not an Aes Sedai, I don't want unnecessary judgments bandied about someone else. Truth be told I would have a doppleganger here in this world as well. Would be interesting to see." She said as she thought on whole ordeal. She knew what Litheene wanted to accomplish on top of the fact they had met Rylands' double in a previous world. All in all it should be interesting.
crossing her legs and leaning back on one of the remnants of the blue ajah benches, Litheene quips SO, why was I summoned when I was pointedly avoiding the Hall meeting today? Did you miss me, Galina?
Talene smiles at the interactions.
"A Doppleganger you say? Has anyone here before seen a woman of this appearance or name in Tar Valon much less the White Tower?"
Suana looks quite shocked for a little bit and then remembers the scheme she and the other Ajah heads cooked up.
It seems Elaida has gotten wise to it and is seeking to outmaneuver them. Very well. This bore watching.
" Well perhaps Galina has...but you have been called here because this woman claims that you are mad, missing several fingers, and seeking to destroy the world with the Black Ajah. Can you please refute this madness, so I can begin experimenting on these mental patients."
"Not exactly I said My Litheene is the issue. She is a mirror of your Litheene, a reflection. At least that s how this all was explained to me by those smarter and wiser then I but I guess those I know are far more knowledgeable on the subject than thou!" Vala said her face still stern despite her brief flight of depression. Also seeing the obvious looks of shock and cracks in there self righteous armor at this Litheenes' choice made Vala a bit bolder.
Galina ignores everyone but Elaida, the woman who had raged against the Blue Ajah until she finally did the unthinkable and declared them outlaws and rebels. "Mother, what is the meaning of this? The Blue Ajah is disbanded, by your own order! Have you relented? How was she able to take the Blue when there are no Blue sisters remaining in the tower to induct her? This is madness!"