Information Gathering

[Rasheta Ardashir]

OOC: Set after Reki's wilderness survival class, so he's not totally new. *laughs*

 

IC:

 

Taia had woke up in the morning knowing she had to leave the tower again for a little while, the problem was she had promised Mia that she would not do anything stupid, Mia had a few choice words about Taia's ability to stay out of trouble none of them had been nice. Taia smiled remembering, she loved Mia but they were very different people. To keep to her promise she had to find someone to go with her on this information gathering trip, which was why Taia was standing in the Warder training grounds in her riding outfit with her green cloak thrown over her shoulders and her hair blazing in the sun. She was not paying much attention to the commotion she was causing, and the annoyance of the Gaidin who were trying to get some training done. Her eyes roamed over the men and she saw Torvus a fellow countrymen, he would probably not be good on this trip. He might be fun, but he would also be loud and not very sneaky. She smiled to herself, she wasn't very sneaky either her red hair gave her away which was why she usually kept the hood of her cloak up to hide it. Still, she didn't need another person causing trouble, she turned her attention to the rest of the yards. Some of the men she didn't know and then the others were either already bonded or not right for what she had to do. She sighed, maybe she could ask one of the other sisters if she could borrow there warder. She would have asked Mia but she was already gone taking her warder with her. As she was thinking she caught sight of Rekinu, the young Arafellen who had caught her attention when they had talked. He was serious and probably knew his way to being silent unless asked to do something. Yes he would do she thought to herself with a smile. He was in the middle of practice and she could tell he still had a lot to learn, well that was alright if they got into trouble he would just need to hold someone off long enough for her to kill them. He was a little young as well, she did have a problem with children, he seemed older to her though it may be alright. She was debating asking him when one of the older Gaidin came and bowed with his hand on his sword hilt. Taia turned her full attention to him and smiled, he was used to her because he didn't return her smile or blush. This disappointed Taia but she kept the smile on her face waiting to find out what he wanted.

 

"Aes Sedai you are disrupting practice." Taia realized then that there was a bit of commotion going on. The younger men were whispering and pointing. The older Gaidin were giving her either amused or dark looks. "Please Aes Sedai could you pull your hood up?" She could tell he had wanted to ask her to leave, but that would have been disrespectful and many sisters would have made an example of him if he had. She waved a hand in front of her and said "I apologize I came to find someone to go with me on a short excursion would you allow Rekinu to accompany me? He would need to be ready to travel in a few moments and meet me at the stables, that is where I am going now." The Warder in front of her looked surprised.

 

"Aes Sedai he is not a tower guard yet he could only leave with an escort. I would not want something bad to happen to you on your mission with an untrained escort." Taia cursed inwardly of course he wouldn't be allowed to go he needed more practice first. She flicked her gaze around the yards and said with a touch of annoyance. "Fine, send one Tower Guard with him, I need them to be quiet and willing to disappear into the shadows if I need them too." The man nodded and she said, "See that they both come to the stables quickly ready to leave. I will meet them there," She turned around and walked away, now she was saddled with two boys not just one. It would be alright she had less trouble with boys then girls. Novices made her lose her temper quickly, and Accepted were only slightly easier to handle. She had also chosen Rekinu herself so she couldn't complain if he annoyed her. She smiled at that and came into the stables she petted her horses nose and he sniffed her hand, she knew he was hoping she had a treat for him. She laughed shaking her head

 

"No treats today my friend, but I promise you will get a good run today." That seemed to please him the stable boys came and made her ready. She was already mounted when both Rekinu and another man appeared from different sides of the yard. They both appeared ready to go and Taia nodded to them both. "Hurry up I don't have much time to wait." She said coolly, they both did as she asked and she could tell they were curious about why they were here. She addressed the Tower Guard first. "I will expect you to help Rekinu practice when we stop for the night. Till then just follow me, I will explain things to you then as well." She turned her horse toward the gate and they rode away.

 

 

That night Taia stopped them after spending most of the day in the saddle, she hadn't spoken much she just wanted to get where she needed to go quickly. It was only a smaller town between Tar Valon and Andor but it would still take several days to get there and get back. She was sitting near the fire watched Rekinu spar, he was going to be good when he was fully trained up, she could tell. She liked watching men fight she couldn't explain why but she did. When the two were done she complemented them both on there forms, and then added "Your curious what you are doing here aren't you?" She smiled, "Well the whole point of the mission is that I need to gather information on some darkfriends. I need someone who is going to be quiet and not stand out as much as I do." She held up a strand of her hair for emphasis. "So," she continued, "I am going to ask you to snoop around for me." That didn't seem to surprise the Guard much. He must be used to doing the Aes Sedai's orders. She wondered momentarily how long he had been in the Guard but continued without asking.

 

"Till this is over I will treat you both as though you are my warders. Which means you will both be responsible for my safety as I will make sure you both get back alive. Although you both cannot call me Aes Sedai on this trip, my name for this is Lady Sienna or just Sienna if that is easier for you. You shouldn't have to fight but if we do, you only need to hold the men off long enough that I can do what I need to do." She then settled back having talked to much and asked "Do you have questions?"

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

(OOC: I named the Tower Guard Cetar Puil, using the WOT name generator, slapped two i thought were cool.. lol)

 

Rekinu had woken up that morning, starting it like every other. Cold showers, warm-ups, quick breakfast, and then on to the field.

 

Luckily, today was training with the sword as Rekinu disliked sparring with the staff too frequently. They trainers were just too dang fast! After they were shows a few moves, and re-instructed to go hard on their opponents, it began. The sound of wood hitting wood filled the training area, and Rekinu and his sparring partner had not clashed yet. They circled, and Rekinu tried to throw out everything else but this fight. There thought Rekinu as his opponent shifted for the frontal atack, and using a side-sweeping motion, Rekinu avoided the hit, and rapped the other across the arm. Breaking apart again, they continued circling, looking for moments to attack. My turn! Rekinu thought with glee, as he darted his hand forward... into air. Burn him, he read me! he thought just as his opponent hit his hand pretty hard. Rekinu dropped his weapon, but only for a moment, before his other hand was already in motion to scoop it up. Light! Don't think it is broken though!

 

As they continued to circle, Rekinu noticed Taia talking with one of the trainers. Some of the other trainees started to stop, before the guard and trainers started weaving in and out of the groups, ensuring that they were staying focused and on task. Rekinu put all thoughts of the Aes Sedai out of his head ond focused on his opponent. He was a little faster, but his sparring partner was better trained, and it was not hard to see.

 

After a few more moments, an older Gaidin strode into the middle of their sparring portion of ground, and stopped them cold. He corrected Rekinu's grip on his sword yet again, and berated them both for being slow with their moves. Then he turned to Rekinu, saying "Aes Sedai Taia has chosen you and another to accompany her on a mission of utmost importance. Why she chose you, I do not know, but you are from a big city, and she is headed to a city so that must be why..." he trailed off for a moment before giving a grunt and continuing "Remember, as a Tower Guard Trainee, it is your sworn duty to support any Aes Sedai in any capacity they need. Pausing again, he finished in a bit more ominous tone; "If one of you are to not return, it had better be you and the Cetar Puil, who will be sent with you. Aes Sedai Taia is trusting you to protect her, and so you shall. Go pack your things for a trip, and the Cetar with be along to your quarters to collect you when he is ready."

 

Why would she pick me? Rekinu wondered as he rushed back to his barracks to collect his things. Surely there are many others that could do a better job than I... However, as he gathered his things, his thoughts shifted. I told her I wanted a chance to prove that I have honor, and that is what I will do. He withdrew his sword briefly saying an oath upon it, I swear to protect Aes Sedai Taia for this mission, or die trying!. With that he was ready. Clothes were sparse, his best set being the Tower uniform that he was wearing, and another change of clothes that he had been able to barter for. He also brought with him his swords, dagger, and staff, and an extra cloak, just in case it got colder. The Light only knew where they were headed! After a few moments he decided to leave the shield, because of the Tower painted on the front, that wouldn't be very easy to hide he thought.

 

The worst part of the whole thing was waiting for Cetar to show up, and Rekinu had to run through the calming techniques several times to keep his excitement/fear from bubbling over while he waited.

 

After arriving to the stables, Taia had only a few words to say, giving them a soft rebuke for being so slow, before moving on to talk a tad about the trip. Speaking to Cetar, she said "I will expect you to help Rekinu practice when we stop for the night. Till then just follow me, I will explain things to you then as well." With that said, she turned her horse toward the gate, riding, and they followed her out of Tar Valon.

 

At first the silence really grated on Rekinu, it was something he had not had to deal with during his time the the White Tower. He rarely was the instigator, unless he was amongst friends, and that rarely happened, but he was used to the other chatting about something or other; However after the first few hours, Rekinu turned his attention to the area around him. Cetar was watching and listening as well, and would call out the names of the animals they heard as they traveld, and point them out as well. This usually consisted of only the name, but Rekinu tried to remember them all, as he knew there would probably be a session either that night or the following day on the fauna, and knowledge of the animals would be very helpful in scavenging situations. Aes Sedai Taia had packed food, so hunting was unnecessary for their trip, but Cetar was determined to make the most of the trip, and Rekinu was happy to oblidge. Though he grew up in the city, teaching oneself how to hunt is not all that beneficial without much of the knowledge that Cetar was now giving him.

 

 

After a full days ride, Aes Sedai Taia stopped them for the evening, and Rekinu helped set up her tent, and get things ready for the night. After all the preparations were taken care of and they had a fire to warm them, Rekinu and Cetar sparred a little with their quarter staff's. Mostly slow things, but Cetar was showing Rekinu venues of attack, and giving him time to formulate responses. As they sparred, the speed increased, and Rekinu was proud of only getting thwacked in the head once, and twice on each arm... better than the last time he had performed that exercise at the Tower!

 

Panting, Rekinu threw himself on his cloak by the fire when Cetar motioned that they were done, and Aes Sedai Taia spoke up. First she spoke of their forms, and she complimented them on their progress, before continuing and telling them that they were here hunting darkfriends, and she wanted them to do snooping around the vilage they were headed to, allowing them to gain access to areas that might be cut off to her because of her red hair. Rekinu's mouth was agape, Me? Trusted to search for darkfriends? How do you even know someone is a darkfriend? He swallowed hard as Taia continued; "Till this is over I will treat you both as though you are my warders. Which means you will both be responsible for my safety as I will make sure you both get back alive. Although you both cannot call me Aes Sedai on this trip, my name for this is Lady Sienna or just Sienna if that is easier for you. You shouldn't have to fight but if we do, you only need to hold the men off long enough that I can do what I need to do. Do you have questions?"

 

Swallowing hard again, Rekinu spoke up; "Aes- " he paused, mouthed her new name, before repeating it aloud, "Sienna." He paused a moment again, repeating it aloud one more time, before continuing "Sienna, How will we even know who are darkfriends and who are not? I have never met one before."

 

They stayed up another hour talking about many things, before Aes Sedai-Sienna, went to sleep and Rekinu kept the first watch. It was a long and cold one, he shivered to think of people doing evil for no good reason than it was evil. It was a stressful, yet uneventful watch, and he was greatful when Cetar came to replace him so he could go curl up in his bedroll. He was up a while longer, organizing his thought. He repeated in his mind over and over the phrase Protect Sienna, protect Sienna as he drifted off asleep.

 

The next day was another one in the saddle, and sure enough Cetar started grilling Rekinu on every sound they heard as they traveled, no matter how loud it was, or how near it was to them.

 

It was a slightly frustrating day, because Rekinu wanted to be in thought, but the guard kept asking him what the animals were, so he sighed and set his thoughts aside, listening to every noise, calling out the animals name as soon as he could identify it. All things considered, he did fairly well, getting 5 out of 6 right, and Cetar congratulated him on remembering most of the animals taught to him the day before, finally falling silent after the noon-day meal, eaten in the saddle.

 

Rekinu took the time to study Sienna, she had her hood over her head, covering her red hair dispite the restriction in view that it did, and she was focused on the road. She looked determined, and her thoughts completely engulphed her. She almost looked sad from time to time, before shaking herself, and looking around. One of those time, her eyes caught his, and she stared right into his. The look was penetrating, Light, If I had anything to hide, I am sure she would know it immediately. He held the gaze for a while, before blushing and turning aside. She was no ordinary Aes Sedia, that was for sure!

 

As the evening approached, they found another suitable place for them to camp, and Rekinu cared for the horses and set up Taia's tent as Cetar started a fire and searched the area. They ate, performed their sparring again, today going a little worse than the day before, but he did learn a new move. Boar Rushes over the Mountains, great for catching the enemy unawares. Resting by the campfire, Rekinu found his eyes drawn to Taia's, they had such a story to tell, happines was in them most of the time, but sadness was there as well, burdened by a loss. He thought to himself, She mentioned losing a warder before, in the yard when we talked to her shortly after I arrived. I wonder if that has something to do with it. she looked up, catching him looking at her, and again, he blushed, and looked away. To not feel like such a fool, he stood up, and announced he would get more wood for the fire, so they could keep it going through the night. He left the camp for a few minutes gathering the wood, before returnig. As he walked back in, Cetar nodded to him, and rolled up, into his bedroll, getting his sleep, Rekinu sat, and stared into the fire. There was much to think about. He pulled his father's sword, and fingered the marked handle, with the family crest struck out in shame. he held the sword up, deep in thought. After a moment, he stood, and began to run through the forms that he had learned... I will Prove I have honor he repeated with the completion of each form. He thought to himself that it would do well to run through them, and maybe he would be tired enough to sleep after his turn staying up tonight.

 

Edit: Added Cetar's name, and a few grammatical changes.

Edited November 30, 2011 by Rekinu Alasayaar

[Rasheta Ardashir]

Rekinu spoke after she was done.

 

"Aes- " he paused, mouthed her new name, before repeating it aloud, "Sienna." He paused a moment again, repeating it aloud one more time, before continuing "Sienna, How will we even know who are darkfriends and who are not? I have never met one before."

 

Taia gave him a sharp look, he was young she reminded herself. "Rekinu you may have met one and not known it they are everywhere. Learn to trust no one you will live longer." She settled back and continued in a moderately kinder voice. "For now I just need to know a few things about goings on around the town we are going too. It will become clearer when we get there." Cetar spoke next asking her about planning for her safety. "That is going to be easy, I don't expect that there will be any attacks. I will be doing what I always do," she smiled "Namely being foolish according to Mia." She shrugged "It will get the friends of the dark worried and you and Rekinu will be able to gather information for me." She paused thinking and added "You both will get a room next to mine it should be easy for one of you to be on watch in the night. I'll have wards as well, you both will be safe as will I." She yawned and stood up stretching she set some wards around the camp and then bid both of the men goodnight.

 

Taia's sleep was fitful, she had dreams about different missions going wrong and once again the death of her two former warders. She woke up quickly and sat straight up. She pushed her hair back from her face breathing heavily. Cetar was on watch and his back was too her thankfully. She didn't think anyone but an Aes Sedai's warder should see them in such states. She laid back and stared up at the sky thinking, maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Well it was too late now she was committed to it and she would see it through. Whether it was foolish or not, she knew Mia would have had words to say to her about that. She smiled in memory and waited for the sunrise when it did they were off again. Taia noticed that Rekinu looked annoyed throughout the day, he seemed to be more interested in internal thoughts. She watched him almost more then she should she was wondering if he was worried about her taking him with her. He didn't seem to be but she couldn't tell for sure. She had put her hood up in the morning and so she depended on the two Guards to tell her if anything was coming at her from the sides. She thought about her former warders throughout the day she glanced at Rekinu just after such a thought and noticed he was looking at her. He held her gaze for a moment and then blushed and looked away. She nodded that was good, respect for a sister, although if he was going to be a warder he should learn that sometimes you did have to stand up to the sister in question. It would annoy them for sure but at the same time it would be good for them. Her last two had taken years to learn that but when they had, well they had exasperated her a great deal, unfortunately they were usually right when they refused to budge about something.

 

That night when they stopped Rekinu seemed pensive he looked at her again and then blushed and looked away, shortly after that he left. Taia watched Cetar curl up in his bedroll, she laid back and stared up at the sky for awhile. Cetar was breathing evenly and the fire had burned down some when she sat up and came and sat next to Rekinu she didn't speak for a moment and then said quietly. "Sometimes I can't sleep at night. I remember all the things I could have done better, the bad choices I made concerning those around me." She picked up a semi charred stick and started playing with it drawing in the dirt as she continued. "You shouldn't think like me, not yet anyway. I have lived a long time and will probably not die till after you do. My choices are meant to weigh heavily on me, that is what comes with taking the oaths." She looked over at him and continued "You should focus on being the best Tower trainee you can be, your training is important, one day you could be protecting an Aes Sedai against the darkfriends." She smiled and reached out and touched his face running her fingers across his cheek she then dropped her hand saying.

 

"I am not usually this serious." She added, "usually you would get a kiss and that's the last you would see of me. I need you and Cetar though and I need you to be at your best. I know its hard when you are so untrained but I have faith, it will turn out well." She gave him another smile and stood up stretching. "Goodnight." She added and left him to his thoughts.

 

The next day they continued there ride, it went well for the next few days till they got to the small village. Taia told the two men that she would have the room next to hers emptied for there use, she glanced at Rekinu, "Cetar, I think Rekinu shall come with me. You will come after us and see what you can learn from the locals. Has anyone new come into the town if so have they stayed with the locals. Were they doing anything unusual? Whatever you can learn will be important." She turned her attention to Rekinu "Come on we will ride into the town and stay in the inn. After I am settled there you can go down to the common room or wherever and see what you can find out as well." She paused and looked him over again adding "You'd be amazed at what you can learn between the sheets you might try it on some of the local maids." Rekinu blushed and Taia laughed patting him on the cheek. "You'll learn that someday young man, if not this trip later." Cetar was trying not to laugh but Taia ignored him and kicked her horse into a trot, Cetar stayed out of site off the road and she and Rekinu rode into town.

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

Taia said, "Sometimes I can't sleep at night. I remember all the things I could have done better, the bad choices I made concerning those around me. You shouldn't think like me, not yet anyway. I have lived a long time and will probably not die till after you do. My choices are meant to weigh heavily on me, that is what comes with taking the oaths. You should focus on being the best Tower trainee you can be, your training is important, one day you could be protecting an Aes Sedai against the darkfriends." She smiled at him, before she reached out and touched his face running her fingers across his cheek, causing him to blush again. She dropped her hand, continuing, "I am not usually this serious. Usually you would get a kiss and that's the last you would see of me. I need you and Cetar though and I need you to be at your best. I know its hard when you are so untrained but I have faith, it will turn out well." She then bid him goodnight, and left him.

 

Some how she had known. As he sat up that night, he rocked back and forth dealing with the dread that he had hidden for the whole trip. He really was frightened to death that she was willing to put her life in his hands. It was terrifying! How would he be able to be what was needed? He was hardly the best trainee, light, Torvous was better than he was, by far! Yet, despite the considerably long list of other trainee's, he HAD been chosen. And that was something, wasn't it?

 

By the time it was watch change, and Cetar came to take his place, Rekinu still was not ready for bed, and his thoughts kept revolving. However, after another hour, he packed them in a chest in his mind, and forced himself to go to sleep.

 

 

During the trip the next day, Cetar was mercifully silent. Rekinu was unpacking each item on his list that he had put off. By the time Taia called a halt to eat, he was feeling much better. She had forced him to come to terms with most of his fears in that one small conversation, and he was great-full.

 

As they were finishing up, Taia spoke; she talked about rooming arrangement's once they got to the village. Why are we talking about that now? thought Rekinu, but as Taia continued, it started to make sense. "Cetar, I think Rekinu shall come with me. You will come after us and see what you can learn from the locals. Has anyone new come into the town if so have they stayed with the locals. Were they doing anything unusual? Whatever you can learn will be important." Rekinu was following along, understanding everything, and nodded. That was the information that would be needed. Taia turned to him and continued: "Come on we will ride into the town and stay in the inn. After I am settled there you can go down to the common room or wherever and see what you can find out as well." She paused and looked him over again adding "You'd be amazed at what you can learn between the sheets you might try it on some of the local maids."

 

WHAT??!?!?!? Blushing furiously, Rekinu almost started sputtering. She wants me to.... Peace! I wouldn't go anywhere near a lightskirted woman![/b} Taia just laughed, patting him on the cheek before finishing with "You'll learn that someday young man, if not this trip later." Cetar was trying to keep a straight face, but doing a poor job of it. Rekinu tried to ignore him as he followed Taia on towards the village at a brisk trot.

 

When they got to the small inn near the center of the village, Rekinu hopped down, and grabbed the reigns of Taia's horse, leading them both to the stables to care for them. He heard Taia speaking to the Inn keeper that she was Lady Sienna, and she required one room for her and one for him. After caring for the horses, he chatted with the stable hand, a young boy called Will, about their village. There was little that he knew, as he was only 12 winters, but he loved to talk, and was always looking for another coin or two. Thinking back to his days as a street urchin, he paid the boy with three coppers to water the horses again that evening... making a mental note to check on them before going upstairs to make sure that they were taken care of appropriately. Heading into the tavern next to the inn, he introduced himself as Rekinu, a servant to the rich Lady Sienna. The story handed to him and Cetar by Taia was that they were headed to Lugard, via Andor, but likely to stick around for a few days to rest from their trip so far.

 

They were a rowdy bunch, who worked hard, yet played harder once the sun went down. After a few drinks, some of the girls even started to look inviting. You woolhead... head in the business... As he shook his head, he noticed that there was two people off to the side that stayed out of the revelry, and didn't even crack a smile at the jokes told. I had better mention that to Lady Sienna. he thought. Mingling with the men, he was able to learn that they were new to the village, but hung out with the blacksmith's apprentace, a burly man of 20 or 22 winters. Other than that, the revelry kept people from wanting to talk about depressing things, and Rekinu let it pass. Partaking in only enough ale to be a good host, but trying to not get smashed.... Bloody ashes, I need to leave now, or im going to be too smashed to talk. Bidding the others goodnight, he passed Cetar who had come in an hour earlier, he went to check on the horses. They were fine, so he headed upstairs. Stopping by Lady Sienna's room, he banged on the door. "Lady Sienna?" he called blurring his words together a little, "your horses are taken care of." There was something else I need to say... but what was it?

 

Struggling, for coherent thoughts, Taia finally answered the door, and shooded him inside. Remembering, something Rekinu blurted out "Two men. Visit blacksmith apprentance. I go sleep. Sorry you see me like this Misstriss." He bowed to her, catching himself on the wall, before going to his quarters, and laying down on the floor. He was more familiar with a hard floor than the bed, though he grabbed the pillow for his head, and used his cloak as covering. So tired he thought.... I am never touching that stuff again! was his last coherent thought as he floated off into sleep, the easiest time he had trying to sleep since the trip began.

[Rasheta Ardashir]

Taia and Rekinu entered the villages inn and she ignored him from the moment they stepped in she looked haughty and unattainable. She addressed the innkeeper, "I am the Lady Sienna and I require two rooms one for me and the other for my servants. I require that there room be next to mine." This didn't seem to bother the man much and he showed Taia to her room and bowed to her a lot as he did so. A Lady in this village seemed to create a stir, she had been given a room with a nice view of the village she looked out and many of the villagers were sending curious looks at the inn. She turned away and started forming a plan. She needed to be actively seen around the village she would need to be sure that if there was anything going on around here she would either see it or make enough commotion that her two guards could find something out. She cleaned herself up a little and left her hood down so her hair would be unmistakable, she wondered briefly if her hair would cause any comment or if it was normal around here. She left her Aes Sedai ring in a small pouch at her belt then she left her room.

 

Taia was bored, which wasn't exactly surprising she got bored easily, but she'd spent the day wandering around the village and had learned nothing. This shouldn't have surprised her too much but in her bored state she just wanted something to happen she didn't care what just anything. As night was falling she went back into the inn and ate in the common room, she watched the people come in and Rekinu started talking to people. She smiled he was drinking a fair bit as well, he may not enjoy what happens in the morning, and she knew she couldn't help him with it, or maybe she could but she wouldn't he would learn not to do it again easier by experiencing it himself. She retreated to her room to write to Mia and tell her that nothing was going on so far and that she was bored without her friend with her. As she was finished writing someone started to pound on her door and call for her. It was Rekinu and he was very drunk if his voice was any indication. She tried not to be both annoyed and laugh at the same time, he was just so young. She opened the door and made way for him to come inside her room. He blurted out to her

 

"Two men. Visit blacksmith apprentice. I go sleep. Sorry you see me like this Misstriss."

 

She watched him stumble out of the room and waited till she heard him shuffle off down the hall before she burst out laughing. He was not going to be happy in the morning she would have to see if the innkeeper had any cure for the morning after symptoms of a night spent drinking too much. She'd ask later right now she was going outside. She pulled on her cloak and put the hood up to hide her hair which would give her away she opened the door and nearly ran into Cetar. "Aes Sedai" He said quietly. She shook her head and said just as quietly "Sienna."

 

"Where are you going at this hour lady?" She sighed and cursed her resolve to take along the two men. She knew one of them would try and interrupt her busniess. She glared at him and opened her mouth to answer but Cetar continued. "If we are to be your warders for this you had better let one of us come with you when you leave at night." She sighed he had a point but she wasn't going to admit it they couldn't be seen together though, she had worked hard to make the village assume that her servants meant nothing to her. She sighed and nodded and said to him.

 

"Go on first I'll meet you outside." She set wards on Rekinu's room knowing he wouldn't wake up even if they were set off, she just hoped no one wanted to kill them. She walked down the stairs and through the common room with her hood down a hooded woman would cause comment, but she would just cause comment about where she was going. She should have just sent Cetar on his own but she knew she'd have been to curious to see what happened so she had gone. Once outside she found the other Guard and they set out, Taia pulled her hood up and they moved quietly through the village to the Blacksmiths. Once there Cetar made her wait in the shadows and he looked around. He reported that he couldn't see anyone but there was light coming from the forge, he hadn't heard talking either. Taia nodded and moved off toward the forge the light was gone when they got there and she sighed tonight had been a bust. She and Cetar looked around but in the dark they didn't find any real indications of people visiting or leaving the Blacksmiths. After awhile they went back to the inn and Taia went in first she went to bed shortly after annoyed she hadn't really turned anything up.

 

The next morning she went down and asked the innkeeper if he had anything to cure the headaches in the morning after drinking too much. He laughed and said he had just the thing, he gave her a vile smelling concoction and she took it upstairs trying not to smell it the whole way. She went into the guards room and set the cup on the small table in the room. She was holding her nose and she used air to wake Rekinu, he seemed surpirsed to see her. She nodded at the cup and said "the innkeeper swears that will help you this morning." She backed away from him and the cup, she ended up in the corner of the room holding her nose. When he was done, and looking a little green. Taia said "Do you think you could rouse yourself to go and see the blacksmiths apprentice? There will be musicians in the common room tonight. I expect there will be dancing you can try your hand at wooing the maids here." She smiled at his blush again and added, "You can come and see me with anything you find out."

Taia Misana

Green Aes Sedai

Amused

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

Having kept the presence of mind to leave Taia's real name out of his report, Rekinu knew he needed to go to their room. Blundering out, he had headed in the wrong way, until Taia had grabbed his arm, and sent him in the right direction. Entering his room, he found the most comfortable position in the whole room... the floor, up against the chimney stack in the building. He tightened his cloak around his shoulders, and dozed off in mere minutes.

 

The next morning was not so comfortable. He rolled over, and was suddenly awake. His head felt like it was going to explode! 'Never again will I drink' he thought miserably to himself.

 

He rolled over again to try to hide his face from the light, and from any noise. After a while, a knock came, none to quietly either. Cetar got up from polishing his sword, and Taia entered their room. She touched him lightly with air, and he sat up groggily. After one sniff and gag, Cetar left muttering about checking on the horses. As Taia approached him, Rekinu noticed real quick why Cetar had excused himself. Think of the most fetid refuse, full of putrid water and filth, that is what Taia brought to him in a cup. It was so foul smelling, that his lips curled of it's own accord.

 

She nodded at the cup and said "the innkeeper swears that will help you this morning." She handed it to him, before backing away, ending up in the corner of the room holding her nose. Looking at her reproachfully, Rekinu tilted his head and gagged it down. It was the longest couple of minutes of his short life. When he was done, he felt green, laid his head down. 'I am NOT repeating that one either.' After looking at him a little longer, Taia said to him "Do you think you could rouse yourself to go and see the blacksmiths apprentice? There will be musicians in the common room tonight. I expect there will be dancing you can try your hand at wooing the maids here." 'Light, again!!' he thought. She just smiled at him, before adding, "You can come and see me with anything you find out."

 

Rekinu nodded. Information would be imperitive for the success for this mission. He forced himself to get up. Some time later, as he was finishing getting ready, he noticed that Taia had already gone. 'Odd, when did that happen' he wondered to himself. Oh well, he had work to do. Amazingly the Inn keeper was right, no matter how vile the concoction was, it did work. Irregardless, he would do what he could to avoid the need to use it another time!!

 

Leaving, Rekinu's mind was spinning. How would he find a reason to need a visit to the blacksmith? What could he need? after a minute, he decided to buy a new knife, that would be a good reason... now, did he have enough money to buy one, that was the question. After sifting through his stuff, he found that he had just enough.

 

Marching out, he nodded to Cetar on his way out, not seeing Taia, he just left. She knew where he was going, so he was not worried. As he went he noted the blacksmith's apprentice was not near the inn, but one of his surly looking companions was camped out at the same table he had been at the night before, and he was watching everyone with interest.

 

As Rekinu walked around, the town seemed so sleepy. There was a quiet stillness in this town. Rekinu kind of liked it. It was not busy like Shol Arela, his home town, nor like the bustle in Tar Valon, but it still had an air of being important to its people. He approached the Blacksmith shop, and entered.

 

It only took a moment to blink away the the light and be able to see the dark interior. As his eyes adjusted, he could see two figures working. One was at the forge, and the other at the bellows. After a little longer, the blacksmith turned to him, and said "what can I help you with?"

 

Clearing his throat, Rekinu replied "I need a new knife. My master is a hard woman, and I lost the one I had. She will not care that I have a new one, but she will be furious to find me unprepared for my duties." That was plauseable excuse, though Rekinu winced inwardly at the lie. He did not like liars, but Taia's cover had to be kept, and this would be a good reason for the persona that she had chosen for the trip.

 

Pausing, the blacksmith laughed, and then said "That happens from time to time, here, I will get the materials right away and then-"

 

"I'll get them Master" the apprentice cut him off, and ran out of the room.

 

"What a good apprentice that one is. Always getting my supplies for me." the blacksmith said, shaking his head.

 

'That was a bit strange though' thought Rekinu. Something seemed awfully suspicious.

 

"Come, we shall talk about your specifications, and price." The blacksmith motioned to a small table located off to the side, clearing off some old dishes and tools, before offering him a chair. They talked for a short time, before settling on a price. Thanks to Rekinu's life in the city, he knew how to haggle, and was able to keep the price below the amount he had on hi m.

 

It was a while before the apprentice returned, and Rekinu could not help but notice that he was sweating. 'That is even more strange' thought Rekinu.

 

The apprentice quickly threw the material in the fire, and the blacksmith returned to the forge. Talking through the work, Rekinu watched as he went through the whole process, listening to the blacksmith talk about his life as a youth, and how he settled in this town. Truly, it was not a very interesting story, but Rekinu liked listening to people talk about their lives, and so he stayed to listen to him.

 

By the time he left, Rekinu knew that there was something wrong there. The blacksmith had nothing to hide, but the apprentice was acting very... odd. He was the only one who ran to get the supplies, and was taking an inordinate amount of time each trip, and the blacksmith didn't notice as he talked. Rekinu supposed that the man didn't even notice time passing when he was talking with someone.

 

It was long after the epicenter of the sun when he left, waving bye to the blacksmith. His knife would be done the following day after it had been tempered a few more times. Walking around, he doubled back, and surveyed the complex. 'The shop was there, the house behind it... so where were the supplies kept?' thought Rekinu. After walking around it he noticed another building, behind the house. He decided to investigate. Walking to it, he noticed that there were two doors. One on the side by the house, and one on the street side. He opened the one closest to the house, and realized that the room was very empty. 'That's odd... the blacksmith talked about having lots of supplies.' he wanted to look further, but realized that the apprentice was heading to the building at a dead run.

 

Rolling behind a bucket, Rekinu knew that he had to be very quiet. The apprentice ran in, and started muttering to himself, "Why do people keep showing up now to order things! That fool of a servant almost got me caught! Thank the light that he only wanted a knife and not a sword!!" He scrambled a bit, collecting the things he was searching for, and left at a dead run.

 

He frowned and stored the information away for a later time. He had to move. Using the back entrance, Rekinu noticed something even odder. The door there had been well oiled, and didn't even squeak a bit, but the front had made some noise. Why would your back door open easier than the front- and he had it. The apprentice was stealing the supplies for something, and he probably had help. Rekinu made his way back to the Inn, and mingled with the people. This time, he only accepted one glass, just to get up the courage to ask a girl to dance. She was a young brunette, with pretty eyes. Trying to not step on her feet, she chatted quite easily, excited for the chance to dance with someone who was not someone that came from town. After a while, Rekinu noticed that the apprentice's friend was watching very intently, with a surly look on his face. Upon questioning the girl, she replied,

 

"He is just jealous, I always dance with just him" Laughing, she asked him to dance a second dance, and Rekinu complied. During this dance, he started to ply information out of her about her surly companion. His name was Fobran. He and his friend Kuon had arrived the same day to the village a couple of moons ago, and they always seemed to have money to spare. However, they mostly kept to themselves, telling nothing about where they were from. After the dance, Rekinu excused himself, to go and check on the horses. He wanted to think about things, before reporting to Taia.

 

As he was finished rubbing the horses down, taking extra care with Taia's, he heard a soft step behind him. Quickly, he thought of how to defend himself, cursing under his breath when he realized that he had nothing. Straitening up, he turned around, looking behind him. Fobran was right there, with another behind him. 'Perhaps it is Kuon', he thought to himself. Keeping his voice small, and indifferent, he said, "Good evening fellows. Peace favor your sword"

 

"That is my woman" growled Fobran. "She only can dance with me." He cracked his knuckles, and so did his companion. Now that they were getting closer, Rekinu noted that they were considerably bigger than they had looked previously, and they were not happy either.

 

"My apologies, Fobran, is it? She mentioned that you danced with her on occasion, but I thought that you would not mind sharing such a delightful person with others." Rekinu replied, looking around. There was a broom, but that was about it as far as possible weapons. Immediately he was grateful for deciding to train with Cetar on the trip with his staff.

 

"She is mine, and mine alone!" Fobran asserted. He was getting agresive, and now drew a sword, threatening him.

 

"I am just a stable hand, a lowly servant, please do not hurt me!" Rekinu pleaded, edging backwards, closer to the broom.

 

"If I beat you, you will not cross the line again cur! Kuon, come, let us teach this swine a lesson!" With that, Fobran lunged at him, swinging his sword wildly. Rekinu fell on his back, grabbing the broom on the way down. As Fobran stumbled with the force of his swing, Rekinu swung back, knocking Fobran's feet out from underneath him. Rolling to the right, he barely avoided Kuon's chop. He got up to his feet, noticing that Fobran was growing more furious by the moment. Charging at him, Rekinu hit his hand, knocking the sword to the side before he had the opportunity to use it. What followed surprised him though, as someone grabbed his arms from behind. Kuon and someone else now held his arms, and Rekinu knew he had been out smarted. He should have guessed that the apprentice would have been there as well, with them being friends. Fobran got up, holding his hand, and wiping his mouth. 'He must have hit it on the way down' thought Rekinu.

 

Covering his mouth, the apprentice spoke first. "Hold your tongue, or I will!"

 

As Fobran started to hit him, Rekinu closed his eyes, focusing on the flame, feeding his fear and pain into it. There had to be a way out. After the first few blows, the two holding him loosened their grip, perhaps mistaken in believing him to be beaten. He would surprise them in a big way.

Edited December 18, 2011 by Rekinu Alasayaar

[Rasheta Ardashir]

After Taia had made sure that Rekinu was not going to throw up the concoction she had given him she left him knowing he would follow her orders. She walked through the village talking to the women, and submitting to the gossip of the young women who seemed not to see the agelessness of Taia's face only that she appeared young and they wanted to talk to her about boys, the dance later in the common room, more about boys, and then they asked about her servants. She told them as much as she could about either of them, since she couldn't lie she said she didn't know a lot in answer to there questions. She really needed to learn some more about the men who were guarding her. She made a mental note to find out more about them both later. As it was she only could say that they were both good servants and where they were both from. Taia had said she was a traveling lady from Saldaea, which was true in a sense. After awhile she asked questions about the boys in the town. She learned that there were newcomers to the town and many of the women didn't like them. Taia put that information away in her head for later.

 

As the sun started going down she took her leave saying she had to get ready for later, she walked along the streets thinking. She didn't notice Cetar until he was walking next to her. "You shouldn't be so lost in thought Lady, it leaves you open for attack." He said quietly. She glared at him and retorted. "Make sure you keep track of the blacksmiths apprentice tonight. Talk to Rekinu as well and see what he learned today." She glanced up and noticed they were at the inn. She preceded him into the common room and then went up the stairs to change into another dress she had. She added a leather band to her hair tying it back away from her face. She didn't bother putting on her cloak she wouldn't need it. She could hear the musicians downstairs and she made her way down.

 

The room was full of people, she could see Rekinu already dancing with a girl and Taia smiled. She was asked to dance most of the night and she lost track of Rekinu after awhile. Cetar danced with her and told her a little of what he had learned, but in the middle of a dance was not the best place to give a report and Taia just smiled and flirted with everyone. Making an old man blush like a boy, she laughed at that and he blushed a little more. She was whirled away by someone else and she danced till her feet hurt. She decided to go outside for a moment to cool herself off and she smiled looking at the inn she had forgotten how enjoyable a simple life could be. She walked toward the stables thinking to give her horse a small treat from the table in the inn when she heard voices. Frowning she walked slower till she could make out what was being said.

 

"If I beat you, you will not cross the line again cur! Kuon, come, let us teach this swine a lesson!"

 

Taia shook her head the boys were trying to beat up another boy it was disgraceful. She walked around the side of the stable and stopped dead in shock. Rekinu was being held by several of the village boys, she remembered the descriptions of the village women of the blacksmiths apprentice and his "friends." The nearest one was about to punch Rekinu in the face his fist never fell. Taia embraced the power and held the man in place with air. She stepped into view keeping everyone where they were with Air. "Just what." she asked coolly, "Do you think you are doing?" The Blacksmiths boy eyed her with a calculating look.

 

"Aes Sedai." He said with just a touch of scorn. She pretended not to notice and asked again with steel in her voice. "What are you doing? What has he done?" One of the boys answered he'd dared to dance with the boys girl. Taia sighed deeply boys started fights over the least important things sometimes, she'd just had to reveal she was an Aes Sedai because of a boys wounded pride over a girl! Although it was also possible that all of the boys were darkfriends. She would have to ask Rekinu when she had a moment, she would know if they were darkfriends by the morning probably. As it was she needed to get Rekinu and get back to the inn warn Cetar and be ready for whatever happened next. She doubted much would happen because darkfriends tended to just report not actually do anything and against an Aes Sedai and two men who could be warders, the boys were even less likely to do anything. However, it was possible that when they left there would be some kind of ambush. She needed to find out what her two escorts knew and then plan and then get out of the village as quickly as she could. First though she needed Rekinu, she kept everyone where they were with air and said to Rekinu. "Come here Rekinu, its time we left." She waited till he was next to her and then she reached up and pulled him down to her level and kissed him in front of everyone. There was a gasp from the three men in the stable. She didn't let Rekinu move till she had kissed him long enough to cause more of a stir. She stepped back and said "If you must fight over a women, make sure its worth it. He is mine." She said and then turned her back on the stables and when they were almost at the inn she let the weaves holding the men go.

 

She saw Cetar in the common room leaning on the wall she jerked her head toward the door and he nodded and left the room. She smiled up at Rekinu and then linked her arm through his and pulled him toward the stairs. She knew what everyone would think and on the first step she turned around and kissed him again. The room erupted in whistles and she laughed and pulled him a long after her. She pushed him into the room he shared with Cetar and then turned and locked the door to the room and warded it. Then she turned to him crossed her arms and in a cool voice asked "what happened? You must have learned something. We will need to leave soon I am sure of it. I will know more when Cetar returns." She realized she was pacing the room and speaking to fast. She paused and turned to Rekinu. "What did you find out? They are darkfriends aren't they?"

 

Taia Misna

Green Aes Sedai

Impatient for answers.

Edited December 21, 2011 by Rasheta Ardashir

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

Waiting for that hit to come was an eternity. Rekinu did not even know that he was saved from a beating until he heard a very familiar voice. It was Taia, err, Lady Sienna. She had come, and had blown her cover. Rekinu was shocked! Why would she blow her cover so blatantly? Wasn't she the one always talking about how we needed to keep things under wraps, and hidden from the towns people?

 

The apprentice knew immediately what Lady Sienna was, which caused Rekinu to pause for a minute. Most people in a small back-water country such as this would not know exactly what an Aes Sedai was... Oh, they would get the right answer, but they would be dumbstruck, not acting in scorn. Rekinu Tensed again, ready to go into fighter mode. Before he had been fighting, but without much purpose, with his cover to hold and all. However, with Lady Sienna here, things could go wrong very quickly, and he had sworn, on his father's sword that he would protect her with his life, and he was prepared to do just that. Crouching a little, he gathered his strength in his legs, and just before he jumped into action to get fobran's sword before Taia suprised him by telling him to come to her. He followed her commands, and as he walked up, he couldn't help but notice how pretty her eyes were when she was so determined.

 

What followed was like the sun bursting upon the world, to awaken, and warm nature from this night's slumber. He was not expecting for her to touch him, much less grab his head and lower it to her face and kiss him.

 

 

"wha-" was all he managed before he lost track of all coherent thought for what seemed like ages. When she finally did step back, she said to the three men behind Rekinu, "If you must fight over a women, make sure its worth it. He is mine." What in the name of the Creator was going on? thought Rekinu, she just, she just, LIGHT! After a slight hesitation, he noticed that she had already turned to leave. In two strides Rekinu caught up with her, and walked with her in silence. He didn't say anything, nay, he couldn't say anything if his life depended on it. His lips were sealed shut!

 

When they entered the common room, everything was normal, people laughing and having a grand time of it. Jerking her head to the door very subtly, Cetar nodded and left the room. She them smiled up at him, with her lovely, deadly kind of smile, and linked her arm through his. You woolen headed ox, start thinking strait, and do your job before- Rekinu's thoughts were interrupted with another kiss, but this time they were closer in height with her being on the stair above him heading upstairs. The room erupted in cat calls, and whistles, and Rekinu blushed wholly and completely. He had kissed, but this was something different. There was a bit of desperation, probably about the cover, but there was something else, not so easily recognized. Addle-brained lummox, she is just worried about the cover. Rekinu thought to himself, but blood and ashes it was a good kiss! She broke off the kiss, too soon, he thought, before she pulled him upstairs. When they got to the room that he shared with Cetar, she turned, and after she locked the door, she did some other things, probably warding the room and protecting from eve's dropping. I wonder if she could cause the ward to emit a certain sound while it covers out true conversation thought Rekinu.

 

Soon enough, Taia turned to him, crossing her arms, and demanded to know what was going on. As she spoke, she paced the floor, and didn't stop until she ended with "What did you find out? They are darkfriends aren't they?" Focusing on the last sentence, Rekinu knew that he had to make a full report of everything that he had done that day.

 

First, he started with his idea of why he would need to get a new dagger, and continued on with the explanation of what had happened the rest of the day. Taia didn't interrupt him, just nodded, and listened.

 

Once he finished, she opened her mouth to speak, and Rekinu held his hand up, stopping her. He was afraid he might offend her, but he needed to say it now, before she said anything else. "I do not know if they are darkfriends, and I was sorry you felt like you had to blow your cover. However, the jackdaw of an apprentice noted too quiockly that you were Aes Sedai, and was unsettled by it. Blood and Ashes, but he did look at you funny after he saw you!" Rekinu said. He was about to explain further when Cetar returned, knocking on the door to be let in.

 

Cetar quickly told them of the three arguing still in the barn, the apprentice and the shorter one, Fobran, wanting to go to someone, and the other wanting to leave the town that night. That was it, they had to be shadowspawn. Burn them, but what have they done with all of the blacksmith's supplies then? growled Rekinu. When Cetar looked at him, he quickly skimmed over that discovery, to get him back up to speed.

 

 

 

 

Rekinu Alasayaar

Worried about the future. [/i}

 

 

(OOC: sorry for the wait, gimme a bit to clear my head and talk with you about how to proceed, thanks!)

[Rasheta Ardashir]

"I do not know if they are darkfriends, and I was sorry you felt like you had to blow your cover. However, the jackdaw of an apprentice noted too quickly that you were Aes Sedai, and was unsettled by it. Blood and Ashes, but he did look at you funny after he saw you!"

 

Taia nodded, of course she had noticed that as well. Then again she had used air on all the boys in the stable they could have guessed what she was from that reason alone. She turned her attention to the door when there was a knock she stood back and opened it with air. Cetar came in and gave her a report. She sighed deeply and nodded it was pretty clear that this town had spies for the Dark one in it. She turned her attention to Rekinu and asked "Are you hurt?" He shook his head she nodded "Good, I couldn't do much to help you if you were. Watch yourselves when we leave I do not know what will happen, and if you are seriously injured I cannot heal you." She twisted a strand of her hair around a finger absentmindedly thinking about what she had to do next. She needed to get all three of them out of the village tonight, and quickly there was no chance they could go without being seen but maybe she could minimize it somehow. She turned her attention on Cetar. "Go down and ask that our horses be readied." She then addressed Rekinu "Pack up everything as quick as you can. I will meet you in the hall in a few moments. Remember be quick." She left the room and stuffed the bags she had brought with her and then opened the door to see Rekinu coming out of the other room. He took her order to be quick to heart. She nodded to him and then handed him her bags as well. "I cannot appear to be carrying anything a Lady never does. Wait a few moments and come down after me. People will wonder what happened if you come down at my heels. Considering the kiss I gave you in front of them all." She winked and he blushed she then laughed and walked off down the hall.

 

Taia walked through the common room to calls of "He couldn't keep you happy? Give me a try lady." She sighed inwardly "Country simpletons." She thought annoyed, course if she was a Lady she wouldn't have put up with it, she half heartily tried to make replies but it was clear her mind was elsewhere. She made it outside with minimal country comment on the prowess of Rekinu, and she saw Cetar already waiting with the horses. She mounted up and waited for the appearance of Rekinu. He came outside and she couldn't be sure but she thought he was blushing. Apparently he had no escaped either, she waited while bags on the horses were adjusted and then she said "Come on we are going to go quickly. Keep up." She took the lead at a fast walk, she would have just galloped out of the village but that would look far to suspicious, and she wouldn't be able to see well out of the village, the moon was not full and offered little light.

 

Taia wouldn't let them stop till just after dawn and even then she was worried. They were a considerable distance from the village, but she didn't know how much of a head start the others had, or where they were. She slept little and then got the two men moving as quickly as she could. She petted her horse "Its time to run fast today my friend get ready." He snorted and she laughed, "Come on we'll go on." She said to the others.

 

Taia

Green Sister

Returning home.

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

After giving his report, Taia told him to pack everything up, and she left to do the same. Because Cetar had left to care for the horses, Rekinu packed both of their stuff, and headed out the door. Meeting with Taia, he collected her bags as well. After she told him to wait, she mentioned the kiss that she gave him before turning to go down the stairs, and he blushed. At least it was a good one, or the second one was anyways. Light, but was that second kiss for the benefit of the towns people, or me? She did say that going all the way would help gather information, but I never thought, Light! Realizing that enough time had passed while he had been lost in thought, he heading down the stairs.

 

Once he got down there, it was worse than Shayo Ghul itself. There were so many cat calls that it was hard to think straight. Of all things. This! Just as e got to the door, one of the men made a suggestion so descriptive, that only the training that he had done with the Tower Guards kept him moving forward. His mind reeling, he nearly stumbled outside, blushing furiously.

 

Quickly, he and Cetar attached the bags to the horses and mounted shortly afterwards, Taia said "Come on we are going to go quickly. Keep up." before she took the lead at a fast walk.

 

"Thank the light no one followed us outside!" Rekinu muttered to Cetar as they started out, and for a minute Rekinu thought he saw a smile tugging at the man's mouth in the light from one of the windows before his horse followed after Taia's.

 

They rode all night long, not even stopping for a breather. After getting out of the town, she rode them from a hard walk to a slow gallop, conserving the horses energy.

 

Finally, she allowed them to stop, though she was very quiet. Rekinu could tell that she had something on his mind, but caution told me to not bother her with the million questions that he had. as was their custom, the men set up the camp, and cooked a small meal before sparring for a little. Training is important, and Cetar taught Rekinu some new moves with the staff. One was a short jab, that allowed you to retract the staff very quickly, and then slam the opponent, while the other was more theoretical of how to fend off multiple hits from different sides. Lacking a second opponent, it was hard to work all the way through, but Cetar promised to help with that move when they got back to the Tower.

 

Rekinu took the first watch, and though he was very tired, he was oddly not sleepy. Rekinu and Cetar took turns on 2 hour watches, not knowing how long Taia would sleep. They were right that she wouldn't want to stay long, and all too soon, he got up and ordered for them to pack up and head out again.

As they finished the last preparations to leave, Cetar said, in a low voice "I do not feel right. Keep your eyes open. I will take the lead, you follow." Nodding, Rekinu brought his horse to the rear of the line, and they took off. Cetar let Taia set the pace, before taking the lead position, and waving off her protests. "It is our duty to protect." is all that he would say in response to her retorts.

 

It was past noon, and Rekinu was sure that they were out of danger. Surely the enemy would not be able to catch up with them now! thought Rekinu. he glanced back, checking once more to the rear, and saw that there was nothing.

 

At that exact moment, there was a shout from Cetar, and Rekinu turned to see five men jumping on Cetar. Two from the trees, and three coming out of the ferns growing by the side of the path.

 

Adranalin boiled through him, and he spurred his horse forward, Light but that was fast! he thought. As he got nearer, he noticed that he recognized three of them. The blacksmith's apprentice, and the other two that had tried to beat him up.

 

Before he could get close enough to help, Cetar had already drawn his sword, and using their pulling, dismounted from his horse, throwing two of them into the trees. Leaping from his horse in one jump, Rekinu drew his dual swords from their scabbards on his back faster than he thought possible as his hands responded to the training pounded into the lowest recruit for the Tower Guard. He ensured that Sedai Taia was safe, before rushing in.

 

"You have a score to settle with me!" He shouted! Fobran smiled, and came after him, eager for revenge, followed by another. 'Cetar will have to take care of the other three' thought Rekinu.

 

Rekinu felt his training taking over his muscles, as they kicked in, and led him to immediately take a stand, with one sword raised, and the other lowered, prepared to take anything from any direction. Fobran sneered at him, but didn't say anything. Under the void, Rekinu's thoughts were a huge mass of unconnected thoughts. He thought of the bullies, growing up, of the helplessness that he had always felt when confronted by them. He felt a little panic as well. As his mind swirled, they attacked in unison, apparently used to working as a team. His weapons automatically blocked the attacks keeping himself out of his enemies reach, he danced with his swords as he began to feed his emotions to the flame. It flickered. First the helplessness, then the anger. Last but not least, he let go of the fear. As he fed it, in his minds eye he could see it roar to life, much more than at any other time that he had tried to assume the void.

 

Snapping forward, he swung he right hand, keeping Fobran back as he jumped at the other. With a yelp the man went down, cut by his sword. Almost in shock, Rekinu realized that death was that easy. He had killed his first man. He was brought out of his thoughts by hearing Taia saying something from behind, and he sensed more than felt Fobran try to hit him, before there was a flash. By the time Rekinu turned around, Fobran was on the ground, with his head smoking although he was out cold. Hesitating only a little, Rekinu checked to make sure that Taia was safe, nodding his thanks. He put away his feelings, feeding everything into the flame again, before rushing towards Cetar. In his fighting, he had moved away from the location where the fight began.

 

As he moved over, he marveled at the ability of Cetar. Though he had started the fight with the odds against him, he had evened it out, as there was only one of them left facing him. As Rekinu watched, they danced in circles, searching for an opening. His opponenet was a scrawny man, not physically fit, but he moved like a cat. Nothing seemed to touch him, no matter how hard Ceter worked at it. Realizing that he had paused while looking at the battle, Rekinu walked alittle more slowly. He checked behind him to ensure that Taia was safe, and he saw her focused on the man that was down. She wasn't touching him, in fact she was looking at him with a disdain. Rekinu figured that she must be tying him up. Hearing a shout of triumph, he turned back to Cetar, and saw him stagger to the ground. Of the the fallen enemies, the blacksmiths apprentice, had stabbed him in the back as he had killed the man he was fighting. At first, Rekinu couldn't move. How could he have died? One minute he was there, and the next, he was... gone.

 

Rage filled his head, and he threw himself at the apprentice. He tried to achieve the void, but it was impossible. There were too many things going on, but his training still kicked in, and he knew from the start that he would win. He threw his right sword up with all of his strength, blocking the attack from his enemy while he slashed with the left. Unfortunately it didn't connect with anything, but that did not matter. He drove the apprentice back, keeping the hits coming at every opportunity. He was attacking so fast that his arms were just a blur to himself. Very few of them connected, and then on doing minor damage, but his enemy was on the run. As the apprentice dove to the side to try to come at him from another angle, he struck out, hitting Rekinu's leg. Grunting with pain, Rekinu only noticed enough to grudgingly realize that he needed to enter the void again, or give up the fight. He did so, examining each and every emotion as he prepared for the last push. Standing still, and favoring his leg completely, he feigned that the wound was worse that it at first appeared. Sensing the apprentice about to strike, Rekinu moved first. As fast as a viper, he struck at his enemy's hands, causing him to drop his weapon, while dropping his left handed weapon, and using the opportunity to trip his opponent.

 

His teeth bared, in an almost feral rage, he swung his sword to decapitate his enemy, but a sharp command brought him up short.

 

"Stop" Taia commanded. "We need to interrogate him".

 

How could she be so silent about the whole thing, he had just caused Cetar's death! After hesitating only a moment Rekinu smashed his fist into the ground right by the apprentices face so hard, he could have sworn he heard a couple of pops. He growled in a low voice "You blasted bull-goose fool!! May the light burn you for several turnings of the wheel for what you have done today! If it were not for her, you goat-fathered jackdaw, you would be meeting the Creator right about now!!"

 

Standing up, he walked over to Cetar, to check what he already knew in his bones to be true leaving Taia to interrogate the prisoner. After closings Cetar's eyes, and sheathing his sword, Rekinu collected up his weapons, ignoring the cretin that was there. He staled off, verifying that each of the other four men were dead. Apparently the one that Taia had hit had perished also. "so, she can take care of her self, huh?" he muttered to himself. Afterwards, he walked a quick perimeter around the clearing, and found five horses, nearly spent tied to a tree. Inspecting everything carefully, he collected the horses together, and retrieved his and Taia's and Cetars, before returning to make a report to Taia. He was still furious, but now his hand hurt, and he was limping more than he had before. As the void disappeared, he realized that he had been cut in more places than he had originally thought. He quickly checked himself, finding none critical, and nodding wtih satisfaction. It had gone ok for him, however, as he passed the body of the man that he had killed, he suddenly had a huge revultion, and keeled over and threw up. He sat there, shivering almost uncontrollably for a time. 'Light, I hope that Taia doesn't see me like this! Ok, get your act together Rekinu!' He thought to himself. Controlling most of his shivering, he finally pulled himself to his feet, before approaching Taia again.

 

He did not speak, just listened to her talking with the prisoner. His mind was hollow, and he felt terribly sad. Cetar was a good man, one that he had started to really like during the time that they had shared together. He had not spent much time with the man before this trip, and though he was a quiet person, he was also very knowledgeable, and strove to uphold the code that all Tower guards take when they go through their ceremonies.

 

'I will become a Tower Guard, and take up the fight for Cetar! I will prove myself worthy!' He swore to himself. He fingered his knife at his belt, and almost wished that Taia would allow him to use it on the scum tied up in air on the ground in front of Taia.

 

Rekinu Alasayaar

burning for revenge.

 

 

edited to finish.

Edited January 21, 2012 by Rekinu Alasayaar

[Rasheta Ardashir]

Taia was annoyed, Cetar had told her that he was going to take the lead position and she kept trying to tell him not too, but he would only answer that it was a Tower Guards duty to serve. She had tried to tell him multiple times that as long as they weren't ambushed she would probably have more power to stop whatever happened then he did. He just continued and she finally gave up, it wasn't worth it to push the subject men could be as stubborn as mules when they felt the need. She'd learned that over the years in the tower and with her Warders. She sighed and continued to scan the area as she set the pace. She had turned her head when Cetar gave a shout she turned back around to see five people appear, she was mostly concerned with Rekinu he was the least trained. She turned to help him and watched in surprise as he jumped from his horse and pulled his swords all in a smooth motion. She embraced the power and glanced at Cetar she used air too knock two of his attackers out. She wasn't sure how long that would keep them down but Cetar could handle himself she was sure. She turned her attention back to Rekinu, he was busy with a man she watched him kill the one and pause. She cursed as another came up behind him, she called "Reki pay attention!" She used the source to knock the other man out. Rekinu nodded his thanks and Taia knelt down next to the man.

 

Taia didn't want to dirty her hands, but she needed to make sure at least one of the men remained alive so she could question them. She looked at him with disgust, but she did what she had to do he was breathing at least. One moment she was deciding what to do with the fallen man the next she was aware of the sound of battle rage. She twisted around and saw Cetar dead on the ground or nearly dead, she shut her eyes briefly in pain. "I'm sorry," she whispered "I cannot help you." She would cry for him later, she always did. Now though she looked around for Rekinu and she saw he was about to decapitate another of the men.

 

"Stop" she commanded sharply. "We need to interrogate him". She threw air in between Rekinu and the man for good measure. Rekinu stalked off she assumed that he had gone to vent his rage and then return. She went to the other man, beaten and bloodied as he was, he still radiated disdain for her. Which was fine with her as she had nothing but disdain for him. She tied the man up with air to keep him where he was. Although she could tell he would probably not be moving far on his own even without the air ties. She asked "How did you get here so quickly?" She was not shocked when he refused to answer and spat at her feet. She didn't raise her voice any but she did add a tone of steel to it. "If you do that again, I will allow Rekinu to use the sword he so desperately wants to use on you. I have another of your friends he may be more forthcoming." The other didn't stop glaring at her and still refused to say anything so Taia sighed and said. "Fine, I'll call Rekinu over and you may meet the creator," she paused and added "Or in your case the dark one. Will he be happy you failed in whatever your mission was? I would think you will be consigning yourself to endless torment." The man spoke for the first time.

 

"Too good to do the deed yourself Aes Sedai?" Taia narrowed her eyes at him but said in her best Aes Sedai to novice voice

 

"You cannot get me to kill you so easily child." She could see that her tone annoyed him more then anything else she could have done. She continued in the same tone. "Now child, tell me how did you come to be here so quickly." He bit his lip to keep from spitting at her again, but she could tell he wanted too. His eyes promised if he could catch her unawares he would kill her, painfully. It was too bad for him she wasn't going to let him go, he would have to die by her hand or Rekinu's but he would have too. She didn't have the power to take him back to the tower for trial. She glanced around and sighed well maybe she did have the ability, she would leave his fate up to Rekinu. "Tell me child, tell me everything and you may be spared to try your luck again." The man sighed and gave her nothing till she started to make him feel a little pain. After about ten minutes he told her what she wanted to know. They had known of her, sent messages to others and then had come along the road by different ways. Shortcuts, that she wouldn't know about because she was not from the area. She glanced at the other prisoner, he was still unconscious or pretending to be. Rekinu was staring at the man in front of her and holding his knife white knuckled. She turned her back on the prisoner and walked to Rekinu. "Come." She said to him and walked some way off.

 

"I have gotten what I needed from him. A choice is yet before us, to take both the men back to the tower for trial or kill them and return ourselves. Telling no one but those we are bonded too about it." She paused. "You are not bonded and so you will have to keep this just between us. I will allow you to come and see me whenever you need too if the weight of this becomes too much for you. The choice however, must be made now. I will set a fast pace, I would say to kill him." She nodded to the man Rekinu had nearly killed already. "And take the other back, he is less damaged. What do you think?"

 

Rekinu seemed to think about it. "I think speed is of the essence Aes Sedai." He told her respectfully. Taia could tell what he was about to say from the look on his face. "I will take care of the one who will slow us down."

 

Taia nodded her head and said quietly. "I will leave you too it." She turned and walked away to retrieve her horse, and see if the other man knew where there horses were. He had regained consciousness she spoke to him quickly telling him what was going to happen. He looked resigned, she was going to leave him bound up in Air for the rest of the journey. She would take the bounds off his feet and legs so he could get on his horse and relieve himself, otherwise he would remain tied. She found the horses and turned all of them loose except for one she would need to allow the man to ride. She returned and ordered the man to mount. He did and she tied him again with air, to the horse. She turned her attention to Cetar, he was laying where she had last seen him. She knelt next to him and spoke softly. "I am sorry I could not get you back to Tar Valon. May you shelter in the palm of the creators hand, and the last embrace of the mother welcome you home.” She said. She wasn't sure how to bury him. Not enough stones around and digging with the power would take less time but wear her out. She sighed and did what she could with the earth. She stumbled a little as she returned to the horses. Rekinu was back he caught her arm when she stumbled a second time. She nodded "Thank you. I am a little tired. Come we must go though." She mounted up, with a little help from Rekinu. Then they continued on back toward the tower.

 

By the afternoon she was so tired she had to call a stop. She released the prisoner long enough for Rekinu to take him away to relieve himself and then he was tied again. She did what she could to set wards. Told Rekinu to watch the prisoner she needed to sleep a little, she woke up some time after dark, while she wasn't refreshed she was less tired. Rekinu was staring at the fire moodily. She stretched and then got up and sat next to him. "You did well today. It was my failing that killed Cetar do not blame yourself for it. I will cry for him later." She paused and added "I always do." As though she was talking to herself. She looked back at Rekinu "What else is on your mind?"

 

Taia Misna

Green Sister.

Edited January 27, 2012 by Rasheta Ardashir

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

After talking with him, and appearing to use the One Power on him, the scum on the ground sqeeled like a stuck pig. He told them everything that Taia appeared to be looking for. When she was done, she rose, and motioned for him to follow.

 

Turning quickly, she appeared to have made a decision. "I have gotten what I needed from him. A choice is yet before us, to take both the men back to the tower for trial or kill them and return ourselves. Telling no one but those we are bonded too about it." She paused. "You are not bonded and so you will have to keep this just between us. I will allow you to come and see me whenever you need too if the weight of this becomes too much for you. The choice however, must be made now. I will set a fast pace, I would say to kill him." Motioning to the man Rekinu had nearly killed already, before nodding slightly to the one tied up. "And take the other back, he is less damaged. What do you think?"

 

He was surprised that she would ask HIM for advice. He was the least qualified to be answering any questions, but since she did ask, he thought about it hard. she was right about time being an issue. there could be others that were not part of the original group that could try to head them off, and they did have a 'spare horse, since Cetar would not be needing his anymore. He almost flinched visibly, but he wrapped himself in the void. "I think speed is of the essence Aes Sedai." He told her respectfully. He would be the one to take out the other that would be staying behind. It was not right for a woman to be doing the dirty work, besides, for her to do that kind of harm she would have to be in danger. That would be unacceptable. He was loathe to kill again, especially so soon, but it would have to be. "I will take care of the one who will slow us down."

 

 

 

Taia nodded her head and said quietly. "I will leave you to it." She turned and walked to her horse. And Rekinu returned to the bound man behind her.

 

He could see the fear in the mans eyes. Slowly, Rekinu drew his fathers blade. He held it up, letting the sun shine on it, flashing in brilliance, reflecting the Sun's light. Hesitating only a moment, he spoke: "This was my fathers. I took it up with an oath to protect the innocent and those that try to walk in the Light. You fall into a third category. When I joined the White Tower Guard, I swore to be opposed to those that fought freedom and order. To fight, with my last breath even, to protect the Aes Sedai so that they might be prepared to fight the Dark One at the Last Battle. I will do my duty." He turned to him, and looked him in the eye. "The man you killed, Cetar, was one who like me pledged his life. His was given today to protect Taia, and mine might be required to ensure Taia's safe return to Tar Valon. Because of that, your actions today prove that she is not safe, and with you alive it will be even more dangerous. Because of that, you must die. I am sorry, death is not something I truly wish upon anyone. Good luck with meeting your master."

 

With that, Rekinu did the deed, keeping himself wrapped in the void. He did not look at the fallen man, but did use a bit of cloth to clean his blade before returning it to his scabbard. 'You have to take good care of your weapons.' he thought to himself.

 

He turned to see Taia use the Power to cover Cetar's body, and he gave her space to do a good job of it. Afterwards, as they were walking to their horses, she worried him by stumbling as she walked. He quickly caught her arm the second time, and gently guided her to her horse where he helped her mount. She muttered about being tired, but that must move quickly. Moving rapidly, Rekinu mounted his horse, collected the reins of the prisoner, and led them out of there.

 

If he had thought returning with Cetar earlier that day had been harrowing, this was worse. He was trying to keep everything in sight at all times, and it was driving him crazy. He could tell that Taia was not in the mood to talk, and frankly he wasn't either. He did settle down to a routine, and kept his eyes peeled. To pass the time and to keep him mind sharp, he noted the colors of the trees, and catalouged each and every animal sound in his mind. Doing so, he pulled them off the rode twice when he knew someone was coming. Both times it was from the direction they were headed, and neither looked like they had anything to do with an Aes Sedai hunting party, but they kept hidden regardless.

 

 

Unsure if she wanted to press forward all night again or not, Rekinu kept up the hard pace, untill Taia called for a halt shortly after mid-afternoon. Dismounting quickly, he moved to her horse, and helped her down, leading her to a log to rest on. Tying the horses up, he left the prisoner on his horse until the fire had been made, and Taia's tent had been raised. Taia released the prisoner enough to be able to let him relieve himself, and Rekinu bundled him in a blanket to the side, propped up on a tree, tying him into place just in case.

 

After setting some wards, Taia retired to her tent, and Rekinu got some food cooking, knowing that she would be hungry enough. Once the food was ready, he moved it away from the fire so that it would stay warm but not burn.

 

He mused to himself in the silence. On this trip, he had the opportunity to use all of the skills that he had learned during his time as a trainee in the Tower. Thinking back, he knew his biggest fault. He thought too much during the wrong moments, but LIGHT! He always knew that he would have to kill, but he didn't think it would be like that!

 

Just thinking back on it made his belly curl. Perhaps he wasn't cut out for this warder business. They always had to kill, or be killed. How do they deal with it?

 

After a little while, his thoughts were just running in circles, going no where. Soon though, his thoughts were interrupted by Taia joining him at the fire. "You did well today. It was my failing that killed Cetar do not blame yourself for it. I will cry for him later." She paused and added very softly, almost so that he did not catch it "I always do." Pausing for a minute, she continued. "What else is on your mind?"

 

Rekinu stayed silent for a time, thinking of what he wanted to say. As he thought, he remembered the food, and brought the stew for Taia to eat. He had heard that Aes Sedai needed food and rest to recuperate from wielding the One Power, and he would make sure that she would recuperate as well as possible given the circumstances. He had used up the remaining water in his water skin, but she would need to nourishment, and that was what was important.

 

After he sat down, he looked into the fire for a moment more, waiting until Taia had eaten a little, before finally responding. "Does it get any easier" he said. Pausing, he rushed to explain. "Well, both things I guess. Light! I hadn't ever killed anyone before, a couple of fist fights, and the training in the Tower Guard, but that is as far as I had ever gone." He raised his hands which were shaking a little. He took in a breath, calming his nerves. "Should it get easier" he mused, almost to himself.

 

Rekinu Alasayaar

slightly troubled

[Rasheta Ardashir]

Rekinu didn't answer her right away he went and got her some food first. She took the food he offered her without saying anything, he was putting his thoughts together he would speak, or not, when he was ready. She slowly ate the stew he had made it was good. She wondered when he had the time to make it, of course she had been sleeping for awhile. The food was returning her strength, she probably couldn't make fire spring from the ground at the moment, but she could do basic defense now. She took another bite and noticed Rekinu was ready to speak.

 

"Does it get any easier" he said. Pausing, he rushed to explain. "Well, both things I guess. Light! I hadn't ever killed anyone before, a couple of fist fights, and the training in the Tower Guard, but that is as far as I had ever gone."

 

Now it was Taia's turn to pause, she needed to gather her thoughts for this question. She picked up her spoon and played with her food for a moment before putting both down and staring at the fire. "You remember what I said to you on the way here. My choices and actions weigh heavily on me, because of my long life and the many things I've had to do. You are slowly learning that actions are meant to weigh on you. No one ever feels good about killing." She added "not even me, If someone dies because of something I did or did not do. I do usually cry for them later." She paused again and looked seriously at him. "Don't tell anyone else about that, its believed in the tower that I am simply too frivolous to care about much. I like it that way it makes people underestimate me."

 

She stood up and stretched, she walked to check on the prisoner he was still sleeping apparently. Her weaves kept him imobile so he was sleeping in a slightly awkward position, but Taia didn't feel pity about that. She came back to Rekinu and saw he was still looking upset. She sat down again and said "I am proud of you for what you did today. You will make a great warder, one should always fear death both in the giving of death and when the time comes for yourself to meet the creator. When you need to talk or the choice of today weighs to much on you. Come and see me, the Green sisters will help you find me." She leaned over and kissed his forehead, she then said "I need more rest, later tonight wake me I will watch over you while you sleep." He nodded and she went back to sleep.

 

Several days later Taia finally saw the White Tower in the distance, it was nice to be so close to home. She wondered if Mia was back yet, probably not her sister was usually out more then the short weeks Taia had been gone. It was worth it to hope though, she had to tell Mia all about the adventure and that Taia had probably found a warder when he finally got more training under his belt. Taia had thought she wouldn't bond again ever, but now well. She glanced at Rekinu and then back at the Tower, well he had changed her mind some. She pushed on to get to the tower before the end of the day, she wanted to sleep in her own bed that night as well as deliver the darkfriend to the tower.

 

As darkness fell they made it back to the Tower. Taia delivered the man to the tower guard and told them to make sure that he was taken care of. The guardsmen nodded and glanced at Rekinu she knew that the young man would have to go back to training now, she needed to tell Rekinu one thing before they parted. So she nodded to the man on duty and turned her attention to Reki and spoke softly. "Remember everything I told you. When you are more trained maybe we can travel again." She smiled and then moved away leaving him to the guards.

[Rekinu Alasayaar]

In response to his question, Taia responded "You remember what I said to you on the way here. My choices and actions weigh heavily on me, because of my long life and the many things I've had to do. You are slowly learning that actions are meant to weigh on you. No one ever feels good about killing. Not even me, If someone dies because of something I did or did not do. I do usually cry for them later." She paused for a minute, before looking seriously at him and continuing. "Don't tell anyone else about that, its believed in the tower that I am simply too frivolous to care about much. I like it that way it makes people underestimate me."

 

Make them underestimate her? Frivolous? It was a little hard to take. He sat there, thinking about it for a while longer, while Taia checked on the prisoner again.

 

When she returned, she continued. "I am proud of you for what you did today. You will make a great warder, one should always fear death both in the giving of death and when the time comes for yourself to meet the creator. When you need to talk or the choice of today weighs to much on you. Come and see me, the Green sisters will help you find me." She leaned over and kissed his forehead, before concluding the conversation "I need more rest, later tonight wake me I will watch over you while you sleep." Nodding in assent, Rekinu stayed up, taking up some time by getting a piece of wood and whittling away at it. He wanted something to remember this mission by, and he let his hands do the work. About the time he went to go and wake Taia, he realized that it was a female figure, and he knew that it was Taia's shape. He kept it, and for the rest of the trip, would make small adjustments.

 

Several days after that conversation, the Tower finally got into view. He could tell that Taia finally relaxed some, and he knew that he was feeling better as well. The end of their trip was coming, and Rekinu felt glad knowing that he would not have to worry about keeping his eyes everywhere at once. It was easier now that it had been at the beginning of the trip, but his head hurt from the constant effort. He was glad that Taia pushed on to allow them to reach the Tower by that evening.

 

 

It was becoming dark when they arrived, but they were able to pass on the prisoner, and Rekinu felt some of the pressure release. After seeing to the Tower Guard to take possesion of the prisoner, they moved on through the gate. Before parting ways, Taia spoke softly again. "Remember everything I told you. When you are more trained maybe we can travel again." He was exhausted. But to hear her say that she would take him on another trip invigorated his steps for some time, until he approached his commanding officers rooms. He knew that they would not like to be disturbed this late, but he also knew that he needed to make a full report, especially since they would want to know what happened to Cetar, and all the particulars of the mission. Keeping out the conversations that he had had with Taia, he gave a full report on the trip, and what had transpired. Afterwards, he handed over Cetar's blade, and his remaining personal effects. It saddened him yet again that Cetar was gone. I will not forget him, but now is time for a shower, and I might even sleep in my bed tonight!{/b]

 

 

Rekinu Alasayaar,

Trainee ready for some good rest!