The Road Splits (Leawen)

[Evaida]

For what was a beautiful autumn day Evaida’s mood was darker than the Tower basement with no lamps. She thumbed her great serpent ring absently as she walked back to her rooms from the Warders Yards. Her meeting with the Mistress of Trainees had been almost as frustrating as her meeting with Ophelia, the woman was a sitter and as well as being significantly older than herself she was also quite insistent. Eva was reasonably young and new to sisterhood but she was capable of making her own decisions despite popular belief. It was quite simple really, a short boat trip to Aringill and a few days ride to Caemlyn before heading down to Lugard, a journey she was quite capable of managing herself or even simpler still take another sister with her and skim straight to Lugard. However no other sisters were available and instead, she was informed she must take at least one Tower Guard with her, not asked but informed!

 

Once she adjusted to the idea Eva met with Mistress of Trainees to arrange a suitable escort. All she required was one Tower Guard, just one. Well she got an escort alright, it just so happened to be the last person in Tar Valon that she wanted to see let alone spend what could be weeks with. Leawen… their encounters has been brief but often heated, the man had no concept of boundaries and Eva had little patience for him. She tried to negotiate for someone else but negotiating is no use when there is no one else. As it seemed all the Tower Guards were busy with other duties and all the other trainees advanced enough in their training to be of any use were already deployed. So she was stuck with him, like it or not. One thought she did take comfort in was that Eva was Aes Sedai now, she had not seen Leawen for quite sometime and she had been raised since then. As long as she kept her wits about her she would have no trouble keeping the boy in line. What annoyed her though, was that she was most probably better off on her own without having to worry about the mischievous trainee as well as the job at hand. The job at hand! How could she forget? They had not even left and Leawen was already plaguing her thoughts.

 

Civil conflicts were of particular interest to Eva and the one that drew her to Murandy she felt she could relate to, to some degree. It was of course over a woman, it was always men who started a fight but more often than not the cause of the conflict was a woman. The details were still very vague but she knew enough to get her there and the rest she could determine once she reached the destination. Ophelia suggested she leave as soon as possible to try and extinguish the conflict before it turned into a full scale war. Arrangements had been made for passage on ship to Aringill leaving just before sun down, there was no time to waste. She spotted a novice loitering in the hall as she entered the Tower “Follow me child” Eva said not leaving any room for questioning, as a novice you quickly learned that you were never seen idle else you where made active.

 

Arriving at her rooms, Eva checked the ward before going in, she would have known if someone had entered while she was away but she always liked to be certain. She rolled up her writing kit and stowed it in her saddle bags with the rest of her necessities. “Take this to the stable master and ask if he could have Peiter ready Sai for me” she handed the novice the heavy saddle bags and watched her scurry off. Peiter was the only who could handle Sai other than Evaida, she had spent hours training the stable boy so that the stallion would get the best of care even when Eva too busy to exercise the horse herself. All that was left to do was wait. She had already organised to supplies and a pack horse, and the letter of summons had been sent to Leawen. She had been purposefully vague even leaving off her name, only giving directions to her quarters and a brief outline of the proposed journey, in attempt to gain the upper hand before they began. Eva had no idea how he would react, the last time they met they parted on uncertain terms and if he was anything like he use to be she could use any advantage she could find.

 

Drawing the curtains on her windows, filing away the last of her papers and placing wards on all the things she deemed important and some she didn’t. By the time Eva had prepared everything for the journey a tingle on the back of her neck alerted her of a visitor at her door. Leawen obviously did not know the meaning of haste or he managed to determine that it was in fact Evaida that sent the summons and he was already up to his usual games. Either way Eva was resolute not to let it get to her, she had a job to do as did Leawen and if it was to be any sort of success he would have to remember that.

 

“Come in” Eva called, fixing her deep blue fine woollen riding dress and adjusting a few pins in her hair, she would look a picture of Aes Sedai serenity…

 

[zemiorco]

 

 

Leawen found Talan behind the stables, honing his sword. Talan was one of the very few trainees with some brains left in the head. The rest of the youngsters had their minds sucked out by the Aes Sedai witches in his opinion. And like him, Talan was not very eager to get himself tied up with a woman of their type.

 

Silently Leawen offered the other some tobacco and proceeded to stuff his own worn pipe. Of course Talan did not miss out on some fine blend, and soon the two of them sat still in the grass behind the stables, enjoying the flavour, the silence and the wind blowing through their hair. Just when his own pipe was about to go out, Leawen produced a letter he had been given by some bland faced novice.

 

“I just got this.”

 

He did not need to say any more to Talan. Apparently Leawen had been taught to read, and while he liked to look at a prettily written letter, he was not very good at depicting it. He could, if his life depended on it. But it was like swimming: a deathly struggle.

 

"A love letter or a death wish?" the other mused.

Leawen laughted. "I'd prefer the first, but it is not scented, so I fear it will be the later"

 

Still puffing, Talan unfolded the parchment, read it, seemed to read it again and then smiled.

 

“It seems you will have to smoke on your own for a bit.”

“Why?”

“Some Aes Sedai is requiring your services.”

That was quite a surprise. “My servises? Blood and ashes! Is there no one else around to carry books?”

Talan laughed. “I doubt it is about books. Seems you are going to Lugard.”

“Lugard?”

“Yes. Down with the boat the Erinin…”

Talan trailed off as Leawen had jumped up. “I am not going on any boat.”

The other man just shrugged.

“Who has sent the message?”

“There is no name. But she left directions to her quarters. You have to go to the grey Ajah…”

 

Secretly, Leawen hated going inside the white tower. There were far too many Aes Sedai there. Once or twice he had been foolish enough to meddle with these women. But now, a few years later, he had learned enough to know it was not wise. But this time he was sufficiently angry, and scared, to actually walk rather quickly to the woman that had sent this note. But reaching her door, he stopped. Maybe he could pretend he had never received the notice? Well, he wanted to leave the tower for a bit, that was not the problem. But to Lugard? And why on a boat? Water was dangerous.

 

Finally he knocked.

 

“Come in”

 

The voice was strangely familiar. For a moment his irritation was gone. He was still trying to match a face to the voice as he entered the room. But there was no Aes Sedai he could picture with that voice. But the woman waiting for him most certainly was an Aes Sedai. Well, at second glance she did not have the tell tale agelessness features, but he knew enough now to understand this simply meant she had only recently been raised. But everything else matched: Her clothes, her appearance and her expression.

 

Leawen was just bowing, not even he dared to lack the expected civility, when he nearly fell over. Straightening somewhat clumsily, he stared at the woman wide eyes. “Evaida…” His throat had gone dry. Somehow he managed to hoarsely add the “…Sedai.” For a moment he raked his mind to remember how that night with her had ended and if she had reason to hate him. To his luck, and this was the first time he was rather happy that a night had not gone as far as he usually tried to get it.. Surely, he was not at the top of the list of people she loved, but… Or wait, was he not? Why had she summoned him? Why had she chosen him to accompany her? Even if they were to take a boat, for months and months there would just be him and her. He was hard pressed to not grin. He had a certain picture of Evaida in his mind, or at least remnants from the time when she had been accepted. But he certainly had not expected her to go this far. So, she resented they had not finished what they had started then? Interesting.

 

He would have felt smug, had he not remembered the boat. “We will not take the boat!” He said, taking a tone that was rather ill-suited with a woman of her position. He hoped the grin he flashed her afterwards softened his words a little. Quickly he added: “I am told many ships have recently perished on the Erinin, Aes Sedai.” Of course, that was a complete lie. “And on top, I heard that some warders have recently cleared the road to Aringil of robbers and their type. We should ride. I will ready the horses, Aes Sedai.”

 

Bowing again he was intending to leave her quarters.

 

[Evaida]

It was of some comfort that her plan managed to work to an extent. Eva held her expressionless face while entirely grinning on the inside. Leawen was somewhat caught of guard or at least it seemed that way from his shaky bow and hesitant greeting. However his demeanour did change somewhat, she could not pick exactly what it was, but part of his usual confidence returned.

 

“It has been quite sometime Master Leawen, I hope your training is progressing well.” She held him with a steady gaze, trying to read his almost… smug stance “I take it you have read my letter. I have made arrangements for our passage down river, the boat is due to depart soon so we should make our way to the docks” she had barely finished the sentence when Leawen spoke

 

“We will not take the boat! I am told many ships have recently perished on the Erinin, Aes Sedai. And on top, I heard that some warders have recently cleared the road to Aringil of robbers and their type. We should ride. I will ready the horses, Aes Sedai.”

 

His outburst seemed to be as much of a surprise to Leawen himself as it was to Eva because his initial sharp tone quickly softened. It did nothing for Eva’s mood though, she simply raised an eyebrow in question, did he forget to whom he was speaking to? Did he think one night of childish banter gave him such leeway? Whatever it was that he was thinking Evaida was not impressed.

 

“This is a matter of haste Master Leawen.” She spoke with an intensity that stopped the trainee in his tracks “The Erinin is the quickest route to Aringil and I would not be so cruel as to push the horses so hard as to make the same time. We are going by boat.” Eva made that point certain “I’ve heard nothing but the highest commendations of the captain and he has sailed those waters longer that you have breathed, I’m sure he will get us to our destination safely” Eva had been pushed around all day with people questioning her decisions or making them for her and she was not about to let Leawen do the same “The horses have already been prepared, in fact they are probably waiting for us”

 

Collecting her cloak she swung it over her shoulders fastening it as she approached the door. A thin thread of Air was all it took to open the heavy wooden door, Eva waited for Leawen to follow before closing it in a similar fashion. Her soft leather riding boots barely made a sound on the tiled floor at they made their way through the Tower to the stable yards.

 

“I should not have to remind you but I shall anyway. This is Tower business, you will be told only what you need to know and no more. Do not question me Leawen, I tolerated your outburst back there but try that again and I will not be so lenient.” She glanced at him sideways and almost had to look again, he was beginning to look more and more like a Warder with a walk like a leopard “As a Tower representative you should be on your best behaviour.” They arrived at the stable yard to find the horses standing waiting, Peiter loosely holding Sai’s reins “I know it might be hard for you Leawen but I would appreciate the effort” she allowed a hint of a smile to accompany the sarcasm. The mood had been slightly sour since the trainee had walked through her door, Eva did not want the entire trip to be forced small talk and tension so thick it could be carved with a knife. She hoped her attempt a lightening the mood would at least have some effect on the bitter look Leawen had on his face since she completely disregarded his idea to ride to Aringil.

 

She accepted a leg up into the saddle from Peiter, as soon as she placed her feet in the stirrups the black stallion leapt forward a few steps. It looked as though Leawen may have ended up with nasty bite had he not moved away in time “It seems the tables have turned Master Leawen” she actually did smile this time settling Sai with a few quiet words “Time is of the essence, we best be off lest they sail without us”. Eva urged her horse forward into a steady walk leaving Leawen sort his horse out and lead the pack horse.

 

[zemiorco]

Leawen was pleased to get out of this town. It was too perfect for his taste. But why, by the love of the light, did this woman have to go by boat? Readying his mount and her pack horse, he hurried after her, fighting the feeling he was already now acting like her servant. Following Evaida Sedai his mouth quirked. So, it was none of his business? He was good enough to accompany her, but he was not good enough to know what was going on?

 

He shuddered, but not because of how she seemed to think him worthy of her informations. His last encounter with her had been difficult, to say the least. Then, as accepted, she had been a challenge. Now, she was Aes Sedai, and there was no doubt about that. In fact, even now he knew there was no point in arguing with her about weather it was wise to go by ship or horse. She had said no. Period.

 

But he could not give in like that. It wasn’t a matter of obedience. It was a matter of utter panic. Still remembering her tone, he did not even try to sway her mind concerning the ship. There was only one other chance he had. He hated the idea of voicing that, but he did so anyway. “Aes Sedai.” He said as firmly as he managed. “Your request, your choice has surprised me. But now, that I had a few moments to contemplate this mission, I must advise you that I am not ready for such a task.”

 

She did turn to him at that, but if she was surprised to hear his admission, he could not tell. The way she studied him made him doubt she believed his words. Of course, he knew he had come a long way in the past years and could probably best most of the potential opponents they would come across. But he knew he was no blade master, and no fully trained warder. Still, his words had been no more then an attempt to avoid something else: The ship. In any case, she did not answer. Instead she just rode on. And he could do nothing else but follow and grind his teeth.

 

He was doomed. Had be been feeling fear before, he now was scared. He felt as if his foot was tied to a big weight of lead, and this woman was merrily holding it over the ship’s railing. Did she not see what she was doing to him?

 

Some point half way between the harbor and the tower, they were just riding through  a deserted alley, fear won over respect and trained deference. Giving his horse the heels he drew up to her, and bending sideways, he drew on her horse’s rains to make the creature stop. Not that her stallion did, as if the beast could sense the motion had not come from its mistress. Had Evaida not halted her mount herself, he would have fallen to the ground. Somehow he managed to sit back in his saddle. Her eyes held little patience. But at least they now stood still. At least for now they were not getting any closer to the vessel.

 

Lies had not worked. Telling her he was not worthy had not produced the required result. He hated this even more, but he was frantic. It was time for honesty. “The truth is...” he began. He had never hated honesty more than today. Especially with her. But there was nothing else he could do. “… The truth is…” he began anew “… I am scared.” There, that was what these cursed Aes Sedai did to a man.

 

This time he did have the feeling she was surprised. Aes Sedai calm gave only very little hints, but there was something showing in her eyes. Her silence compelled him to go on. “I… I can keep afloat for a little. But… ships… and rivers as huge as this one… and so much water…” he swallowed. Unconsciously his hand reached out and his fingers dug into the delicate fabric of her divided skirts. It was as if she had pushed off the weight already. It was as if he was drowning, and only holding on to her was keeping him afloat.

 

“Please…” he begged. His voice was now so low, he doubted she could have made it out had there been any more distance between them. “Had the pattern wanted men… or women to swim, we would have gills like fish.” His face made an hopeful expression. Surely that argument would count for something. "Please, send me back and take another trainee along. Or let us ride."

 

He doubted he had depended on a woman like that since he had been a baby.

 

[Evaida]

Sai frisked as they entered the streets of Tar Valon, it seemed the stallion was just as pleased to get out as Evaida was. She needn’t look back to know that Leawen was following, he was foolish but not foolish enough to disregard the orders of an Aes Sedai no matter who she was. However she was a little disheartened to see that her attempts to lighten the mood had completely failed, the trainee’s silence was just one sign of that.

 

Something that did surprise Eva though was what came out of Leawen’s mouth next ”… I must advise you that I am not ready for such a task.”. It was partly that he was willing to admit such a thing – though she doubted he truly believed it – and partly the fact that was exactly what she had told the Mistress of Trainees when she found out it was he that would accompany her. Of course the other woman had assured her that Leawen was more than ready and would be able to handle any challenges they may come across but Eva had her doubts. The man had a hard time keeping his hands off anything in a skirt long enough to be of any use. That aside, ultimately neither of them had a choice in the matter, Evaida would not be allowed out of Tar Valon without an escort and Leawen was the only one left.

 

Continuing through the streets, Eva carefully pawed over Leawen’s words, he was trying to get out of his duties but why? Did he despise her that much that he would bruise his own ego to avoid her? She was still trying to piece together the puzzle when Leawen reached over and drew Sai’s reins. The stallion was well trained and his ears flattened as he kept walking, it was only a slight shift in Eva’s seat that brought the horse to a halt. She stared at the trainee as he sat back in his saddle, if looks could kill Leawen’s next breath would have been his last. He was testing her and she did not appreciate it.

 

What Evaida heard next almost broke her calm façade. Words that she least expected to come from any man let alone Leawen ”… I am scared.” Her brow quirked before she could control it, she realised now he truly was desperate. Leawen was literally begging!

 

“I… I can keep afloat for a little. But… ships… and rivers as huge as this one… and so much water…”

 

Being Tearian it had never occurred to Eva that someone could be afraid of water, she had grown up around boats and the sea, sailing was in her blood – even if she preferred dry land. His hand was clutching at her skirts now like a child clinging to its mother.

 

"Please, send me back and take another trainee along. Or let us ride."

 

If not for her Aes Sedai training Eva would have grinned, this couldn’t have worked out better had she planned it herself. The Game of Houses had become somewhat of a hobby of Eva’s of late and Leawen just handed her leverage on a silver platter. She looked at Leawen then at his hand that remained on her skirts and waited. It did not take long for him to realise his hand remained where it was not wanted. Once Leawen had his hands to himself Eva signalled Sai forward “Do not be ridiculous Leawen, I do not have the time nor the patience for your games” she knew very well he wasn’t playing but this was far to great an opportunity to pass up. “You have been selected for this task and you will see it through” Eva could see the trainee hesitate out the corner of her eye, she was at the end of the alley when he finally allowed his horse to move.

 

“Are you afraid a touch of sea sickness will damage your manly reputation?” she mused before disappearing around the corner. They were only a few streets away from the south harbour and it would be easy enough to loose the ‘tagalong’ in the crowed. She liked having the upper hand but Eva was not cruel enough to further the man’s already rising panic, if he returned to the Tower having lost a Sister he would have greater fears to face than a little water.

 

Finding a rise on the street Evaida waited for Leawen to catch up, the vista looked over the harbour with all it’s ships and sails. The gaping harbour mouth stood open allowing vessels of various sizes in and out of the great haven and the Erinin. The ship they were destined for was the largest at port, it’s sails were still wrapped up almost like it was sleeping. “Beautiful isn’t it” the words escaped in a whisper of wonderment, it reminded her so much of Tear and her family, it would be comforting to be on the broad decks of a ship once more.  It was clear the trainee was getting more nervous the closer they drew to the water, his hands now clung to the saddle as if he may drown should he let go, not to mention the colour from his face had all but drained away.

 

“The Wheel waits for no-one Master Leawen nor will our captain” Eva said with a flash of a smile before pressing forward.

 

[zemiorco]

So, this was how he would die. Not gloriously in battle when he was faced with an overwhelming number of opponents. Not from a thin dagger held in a smooth, delicate hand as retaliation of shaming her. No, he would not perish in the blight. He would drown. Really, he was aware that the ending of his pitiful life would hardly be noticed. He was also aware that there would be no tears shed. He was also not clinging to life like some people he knew. Death was a natural development of life. And yet, he could not help being scared.

 

Leawen half expected the ship to sink the moment he boarded. It creaked dangerously. Carefully he crossed over to the far side, tested the ships rails and then bent over to peer into the murky harbour water. Really, growing up in the Rahad, he should not be afraid of a little water. But he was. Who could tell what creatures lived down there? Who could tell how deep the water was?

 

As he peered down he had the sudden sensation that he was indeed drowning. He could see the light fade as he sunk lower, feel the water pressure increase. There were other bodies around him. There was…

 

He stepped back. He had been aboard a ship once or twice before. Just for short journeys. When there had been no choice. But this memory was something new. But he did not want to know what it meant, or where it had come from. One of the others drowning alongside him had been a woman. His mother? His sister? Just a strange woman? It did not matter. He did not care.

 

Strangely, when he turned back around, some of the dread had gone. He was still feeling queasy. He doubted he would board a ship unless forced to. But the utter dread he had felt before was fading. Turning around he did not see a sign of Evaida. Surely the woman had gone to inspect her cabin. Turning to one of the sailors, he asked the man: "Does this ship carry some liquer?"

 

"Liquer?" the man asked.

 

"Like rum. Snaps. Anything?"

 

"I am sure we do. But I doubt the old captain will charge fair prices."

 

Leawen shrugged. He had just been paid, and he did not intend to pass the days he had to spend aboard this ship sober.

 

Not much later he was down under deck and talking to cook. The man was busy preparing lunch, but as it turned out he also had some rum and Leawen thought what this man charged was a fair price. The others attitude was also all right. Two or three glasses of rum later, they were just having a rather amusing discussion of the advantages of Murandian women, when Leawen nearly fell of the footstool he had sat on.

 

"What was that?" he exclaimed, half expecting water to come gushing in.

"I guess that was the ship leaving the calm harbor waters and the drift taking it. You don't travel much by boat, do you?"

"By the light, no!" Leawen had not noticed that the ship had lifted the anchor, or had started to move. But now it was swaying a fair bit.

"Do you know where the Aes Sedai has her booth?"

"The Aes Sedai?" The cook inquired as if he had expected him to call her differently. But the man was bright enough to not poke with tower matter. "You need to go back up that ladder and down the corridor. Her room is the last on the right. Yours is next to hers."

 

He nodded, drowned the last glass of rum, rose and lumbered that way. Even travelling by boat, it would take them some time to reach Aringil. It was time to see, what beautiful Evaida had in mind with him. Aes Sedai or not, she was just a woman really. And she knew what type of man he was. Clearly, her choosing him meant she fancied him just as much as he desired her.

 

Knocking at her door, he entered when she called him in. Evaida’s cabin was fairly spacious and there even was a desk. Through the windows behind her he could see the silhouette of the white tower slowly fade away in the distance. Elegantly clothed and cool serenity, in his primed condition, Evaida appeared to him even more appealing than ever. Closing the door, Leawen leaned against the dark wooden boards of the cabin wall and stared at her openly.

 

She was reading some document. Maybe a letter. And for a long time she refused to acknowledge his presence. He did not mind. But when her eyes finally fell on him, he thought he could see one particular moment in them: Him begging her to not go by ship. He had no doubt, that she would use that any time she had a chance. He needed to do something, anything, to get some footing back with her. He did not want to know what she would make him do else.

 

Kind of feeling embarrassed, his eyes lowered for a moment and happened to fall on one of her saddle bags. Probably when the ship had sailed into the stream’s main current one of the saddle bags had upturned, and a few of her garments had fallen out.

 

Leawen grinned.

“You know, Evaida Sedai, now that you have been raised, you have grown even more stunning. Like a flower finally reaching full bloom.”

Of course she was not loosing composure because of his words. He had not thought she would be. But the memory of today’s earlier proceedings was still fresh, in his and her minds and somehow he had the feeling she was just recollecting that this very moment. He had to do something about it. Now.

 

Bending down he picked up one piece of silk that had come into view from her saddle bag. Casually he rose again, acting as if he was doing the most natural thing in the world. Holding the fabric just between two fingers he allowed it to unfold on its own. It was a stocking, as he had expected. The silk was very delicate, and he assumed the garment had been very expensive. In fact it was so fine he assumed if Evaida wore it, it would be almost translucent.

 

“But then, maybe that is because of the clothes you now wear? Silk is so much nice on a woman than a rough accepted’s gown, isn’t it, Evaida Sedai?” Yes, the rum was making him brave. He nearly forgot they were on a ship. Still fondling her stocking, he slowly walked over to her desk. Taking a seat on a cleared part of her desk he let the stocking fall onto the paper she had just been reading. “It must be such a frill for a woman to wear something as sensual as this stocking” He went on. “I am sure you know what effects it can have on a man, Aes Sedai? . Isn’t it a feeling of immense power to see a man’s eyes burn with desire and lust?” Had she packed it in to seduce him? Or was she considering this type of garment normal now? “I am sure you know I did not forget that one night we shared in all these months.”

 

[Evaida]

The sound of water gently lapping at the ships hull was soothing. Evaida watched as the horses were loaded and once they were secure she found her way to the bow of the boat. She left Leawen to his thoughts when they boarded, he seemed a little pre-occupied and Eva had better things to do than hold the trainee’s hand for the entire journey. Safe in the harbour the water was calm but looking past the walls of Tar Valon the Erinin flowed swiftly to the Sea of Storms. Shouts rose up from the docks as the ship cast off and gently drifted to the harbour mouth. Eva felt a slight rise of excitement as they moved towards the Erinin.

 

For while she watched as they coasted through the south harbour passing smaller vessels and it wasn’t too long before the rapid waters of the river hit and began carrying them downstream. The countryside would be much the same for the rest of the journey so Eva found her way down to her cabin. She was out of the Tower now but there was no shortage of paper work to catch up on and reports would have to be sent at the next town they reached. Settling at her desk Eva leafed through the letters regarding the case she would be attending to in Murandy. It seems the woman who caused the whole mess was a slight bit flighty and her father was more than a little stubborn. Eva could only guess what challenges she may face when she reached their destination but there may have been something worth while in the letters that she may have missed and every clue helped.

 

Tipping some sand on the paper to help the ink dry Eva re-read her notes. She was re-inking her quill when there was a knock on the door. This time it caught her by surprise, she had not put the usual ward on the door so she did not sense the visitor before he knocked. She called him in, it was Leawen of course, there was no other on the vessel that would dare disturb a sister. Continuing her work she let the intruder stand for sometime before paying him any head, even then it was just a glance. She had leverage now, his dissipated stares and smooth words did not phase her. For the most part Eva ignored him but when Leawen dropped one of her stockings in front of her it was hard to keep her composure. She bit back the words that she would have used to berate him and instead calmly removed the stocking and continued reading her notes.

 

“I have not forgotten that night Master Leawen, and you should do well to hold on to that memory for such things will not happen again.” She regarded him coolly over the papers before turning her focus back to their words. “Do I hope you have learned more than how to irritate an Aes Sedai or flirt with a stocking since that night, for such skills will not be required of you.” Dipping her pen Eva jotted a few more notes on her paper before dusting it once more. “Perhaps you could make yourself useful, there is a book in my saddlebags” she waved in the general direction of where she had left them “The other side Leawen” Evaida instructed when the trainee went to delve through the pocket from whence the stocking had come.

 

Retrieving some stitch work from the desk draw Eva waited for Leawen to take a seat on the other side of the desk. Settling back she began threading occasionally looking up at the man that sat opposite her. “Why don’t you read some out aloud” Evaida suggested, she knew very well how Leawen disliked being given orders particularly tasks he considered beneath him, but Eva simply watched daring him to do otherwise.

[zemiorco]

Leawen was a little surprised to be brushed off so crudely by Evaida. She was now the type of woman most men would not even consider female. Well, Leawen did not consider most of the witches to be part of the female species either. They really were something different. But he had known Evaida before her transformation. And while she had been a really tough nut to crack, well too though in the time given, he had been certain he had seen longing and desire hidden in her eyes. But now she really was as unreadable as if her becoming Aes Sedai had burned all lust out of her.

 

And that was a real shame. Evaida was a stunning woman. Leawen did as she had told him to do without thinking. In fact he was a little glad he could turn away from her. Her demeanor had made him feel like a little boy that had done or suggested something silly. Bringing the book back with him like some well trained lapdog he sat opposite to her. How silly his actions really were he only realized when Evaida asked: “Why don’t you read some out aloud”

 

It was as if he only realized what he had been doing. Leawen liked to compare himself to a lone wolf. He liked to think he was wild, strong and free. He liked to think he could choose his day anytime he woke and there were no rules that bound him. Even his time at the yards had not changed that. It simply was something he had chosen to do for some time. But this, sitting here, opposite to this woman, her doing needlework and her expecting him to read her something, now this was dangerously akin to how he imagined a tamed warder to act.

 

Women and men could not be friends in his mind. They could be lovers. But friends? He was not one of these wimps that talked with girls for the simple reason to talk. How could wolves and birds be friends? Leawen stared at her over the edge of the book for a moment. The fact that he had followed her lead, that he had accepted her orders readily and that he was sitting here was not what really worried him. Far more scary was the fact that there was something about this situation, this moment of innocent intimacy, he actually liked. Would something like marriage, or something like being bonded be like this?

 

And Evaida was beautiful. He realised she had stopped her needlework and was shooting him the kind of look he knew from the yards. He had seen it on seasoned warders that seemed to be able to read his mind and tell he was considering to do other then he had been told do.

 

Quickly he looked back down at the book. But only for a moment. When his gaze returned to her, he was contemplating if she could possibly know another detail about him. That he was basically illiterate. Her request for him to read her something had come a little suddenly for his taste. What was she trying to do? Attach another leash to him? He could try to read, but it would sound worse then a child making its first attempts. He decided to do something else. To spite her and to tease her. Maybe she would actually like it?

 

“Of course, Aes Sedai. It will be a pleasure.”

 

Leawen knew that he was toying with flames. He could get burned. But he had never been the type to worry too much about consequences. Glancing over the page as if he could actually put a meaning to the letters in that speed, he mumbled “Interesting literature, Evaida Sedai.” Then he began to 'read' out loud, the words leaving his lips smoothly and steadily.

 

“Dark clouds rolled above, the rain was cold and heavy. A chilly wind was tugging at the silk gown of the Aes Sedai riding alone thought the deserted landscape. She was from Tear and beautiful enough to make a butterfly weep. Dark curls, deep meaningful eyes and sensual lips were enough to make any man loose his mind. But her only love was the white tower, and her only passion her Ajahs business. But this did not keep her dry and it certainly did not keep her warm. Just as night was falling the Aes Sedai reached a barn. But as it turned out, another person was already looking shelter there. The man was rather masculine, of fine Altaran breed, muscular and broad shouldered and setting eyes on him the Aes Sedai felt warmth in the stone cold heart of hers. Surely, it was not the heat of gleaming coals. It was just a light flicker, a tiny gleam, something that could be nursed to warmth, but…”

 

Initially Evaida had continued with her needlework, but for a little while her hands had stopped moving and her gaze had been fixed on him unwaveringly. “What?” he asked innocently. Surely his made up tale had not been that bad?

 

[Evaida]

The boat rocked gently as the moved further and further away from the safety of Tar Valon. Strangely Evaida felt no fear or hesitation at leaving what had become her home over the years. It had begun to feel more like a prison of late locked away in her rooms for hours on end with menial administrative work. It was somewhat encouraging being entrusted with a task outside of the Tower, and she felt prepared. Her needlework was a rather intricate vine pattern that would cuff a sleave of a dress she intended to have made if she ever found the time. Deftly working the needle through the fabric she waited for Leawen to start. He murmured something about interesting literature before launching into a story she knew was not in the book.

 

She did not stop him, after all Leawen did have a certain flare with words, Eva simply listened as he began his story. Stone cold heart? Eva had no doubt the characters in the tale were meant to them, but it amused her slightly that he considered her cold, that and he implied that she had some feelings for him. She watched him steadily from across the desk

 

“What?” he asked in mock-innocence, Eva just gazed back at him. She was about to say that his words did not come from the literature and that he should try reading what was written on the pages rather than speaking of the thoughts that were quite obviously running through his head, but she hesitated. Instead “That is a rather foolish woman to be riding out in the rain like that. Her heart could not have been that cold if all it took was one look from a man to thaw it” she settled back in her chair turning her attention back to the needlework “Perhaps the Aes Sedai is not as cold as others may perceive, perhaps… she is simply cautious.” Immediately wishing she could take the words back Eva lightened her tone “Alas do not let my cynicism get in your way Master Leawen, please do continue. This Altaran man sounds quite fetching let us hear more of him, perhaps he is sheltering in the barn because he is petrified of water too” she ended the sentence with a slight grin, she was not about let go what footing she had gained, Leawen was treading on dangerous ground and Eva felt it only fair to warn him.

 

Evaida could play this game just as well as Leawen could and she would let him continue so far as he did not cross the boundaries. Besides that she was curious to know where he would take it, there was nothing the man could do to unsettle her, at least nothing that she would allow him to even consider anyway.

 

[zemiorco]

Her words actually caused him to pause. Leawen had expected her to interrupt him sooner or later, and he had not thought he would get much further with this tale. Her reaction was not just a small surprise. She actually wanted him to go? She thought it was remotely interesting?

 

Her pun on water caused him to laugh startled and maybe a little frantic. He doubted her joke had been all that casual though. A bright man was careful around Aes Sedai. An even brighter man stayed clear of them all together. Clearly he was not as bright as he had thought.

 

But there was something else that occupied his mind: Evaida. Not the Aes Sedai, called Evaida. But the woman, Evaida. There were many girls that strived to be mysterious and aloof, many that liked to think themselves as ladies. But very few really were. Leawen usually ceased to think of a lady as a lady the moment he had seduced her. When the veils fell, when there was only skin on skin, it was hard to perceive the other as anything but a girl driven by her desire. Evaida was probably the first woman in years he would be with more than a single night. “I have not contemplated that yet. Maybe some men are quick in conceiving Aes Sedai calm to mean they are void of any emotions?” His words were thoughtful.

 

Pulling out his rather worn pipe he stuffed it, but did not light the tobacco. Women usually disliked men to smoke in their quarters. “Where were we?” He muttered to himself. “Oh, right… here...” But again his thought trailed off. Had her words been an admission, or was this some Aes Sedai trick to divert him? Was that really what ruled her? Was she really just cautious?

 

Finally he resumed. “The young Altaran had seen much of this world for his age, maybe more than he wanted to, but not enough to know who he was facing. The Aes Sedai on the other hand, had traveled enough to know the other was far from home, but she could not fathom the secrets he carried.”

 

Leawen suddenly realized this tale had started to develop a life of its own, and he was not sure he liked the way this was going. Slapping the book shut a little suddenly he shot the woman on the other side the type of accusing look that implied he blamed her for his own tongue slipping. But he quickly recovered. “I think I can smell lunch. Should I get us something to eat, Aes Sedai? Do you want something to drink? Wine? Water? I can always continue with that tale after we have eaten. Or course, he was hoping by then she would have forgotten about it.

 

Once she had told him what she wanted he bowed, and left the room. Had she been amused? Somehow he had the feeling amusement had twinkled in those large eyes of hers. Dinner was indeed ready, it seemed a lot more time had passed than he had anticipated, and Leawen made sure they were given the best. He even managed to get some fresh fruits for Evaida along with some wine, milk and water. Leawen only realised what he was doing when he was about to reach her door.

 

“Stuipid, stupid fool. This is your perfect chance. Surely even you fool can swim to the shore of the Erinin to get away.” Sourly he stared at the food he was carrying. Really, he had been here way too long already. “Look what she is doing to you. You even got her fruit. What do you expect? That she will pat your head and say, good boy? Well done little Leawen? That is the future that awaits you. Is that what you want?”

 

He was not able to answer that. But returning to her rooms he knew his expression was rather sour still. Silently he placed her meal before her. Then sat down at her. They had just taken their cutlery when he asked: “So, why have you taken me along on this mission. And what is this mission about anyway?”

 

[Evaida]

They could have been mistaken for an Aes Sedai and her warder had someone looked in on them. Evaida casually threading her needlework and Leawen reading to her, in what would have appeared to be a picture of serenity but had anyone stayed long enough they would have felt the tension in the air. Eva listened intently as Leawen continued his tale, she almost jumped when it came to an abrupt end, the trainee slamming the book shut, despite the fact he wasn’t actually reading it. The look he shot her had gave Eva the feeling that he blamed her for the words that he spoke, which only made her more curious about what he had been implying.

 

“I think I can smell lunch. Should I get us something to eat, Aes Sedai? Do you want something to drink? Wine? Water? I can always continue with that tale after we have eaten.” he barely left a pause long enough for her to answer

 

“Wine would be lovely thankyou Leawen. I look forward to the continuation of your story” Eva watched as the trainee bowed and practically ran out of the room, she smiled to herself as the door closed behind him. Leawen was playing right into her hands, at this rate she would have no trouble keeping him in line. The interesting thing about Daes Daemar was the effects it had on different people, with Leawen, he would be too busy running errands and such, trying not to say something she could use without even realising what he was doing.

 

Evaida took the opportunity to put a ward on the door, at least this time she would know when Leawen returned. It was not too long before she felt the tell tale tingle on the back of her neck, someone was standing outside her door, but they certainly were taking their time in making their presence known. Eva embraced Saidar and prepared a shield weave, there was no such thing as being too cautious. When Leawen finally came through the door she let the weave dissipate. She watched him carefully as he entered and placed the meal on the table. She did not ask what had taken him so long despite her curiosity, provoking him would not help her cause. The silence stretched as they sat down to eat, that was until Leawen plucked up the courage to say something “So, why have you taken me along on this mission. And what is this mission about anyway?”

 

Eva merely looked over her wine glass at him deciding how much she should tell. It was none of his business, she had already made that clear to him. However he was no Warder so simply brushing him off would not do any good particularly with a trainee as strong headed as Leawen. Evaida let the question hang for awhile, if she was to answer it he would know that she had only given him certain details. “I have brought you along on this mission because you have the skills required to carry it out” Eva thought carefully about what she said, being bound by the oaths she could not lie but it would do nothing for her cause if Leawen found out he was merely there because she had no choice in the matter “As for the mission itself… it is a civil conflict, a bargain turned sour you might say”. There were some things he didn’t need to know and there were some things that he shouldn’t know, the last thing Evaida wanted was the trainee to meddle in things and the less he knew the less likely he was to do so.

 

“That Altaran man, you said he had secrets…” she paused a moment hoping it would be enough to prompt Leawen to continue, failing that “What kind of secrets could an Aes Sedai not fathom? The White Tower is the home of secrets, surely what this man carries could not compare” She knew he had been hiding something from the day she first met him, it surprised her somewhat that he would admit it even if it was through a story or just a slip of the tongue, it was a mystery just begging to be investigated. “We all have secrets Master Leawen, I doubt the Aes Sedai in your story would be without furtive tale or two herself”