Prospecting. ~Brother Forge~

[ashara]

For the first time, in a long time, Tirzah Behen was nervous.

 

It had been stirring within since dawn had risen. Although the sun was well up in the baby blue blanket by now, the feelings had attached themselves to her like mother to baby, or moth to flame. It was a pain really, a bloody annoying thing that she wished she could stamp on and kill, but upon pausing for thought, she realized it wasn’t worry that was causing it, as much as excitement was. Forge was coming, would be here, soon. Tightening her grip over the creased letter, she paced the stretches of the gates. Steps away from freedom, but she would not run. Not even try, she complained silently. She had made a promise to Ziya Sedai, in a subdued enough voice that the Gray had let her be. Tirzah supposed she would have to thank her later in the day- other than Arette Sedai, she was the first who had tried to shape Tirzah’s interests into something useful, rather than crush and force them out. A disciplinarian yes, but an intelligent one.

 

As bells clanged from within the Tower, her pulse quickened slightly. It was the ringing that welcomed all morning visitors, a bid for all people to enter, seek and attain all that they desired. Well not all, some got exactly the opposite of what they desired, she thought grudgingly. Still, most of what she saw was the shining glimmer awe gave to most eyes, and in one or two of the more innocent, or perhaps less intelligent ones, there was an open mouth or excited, loud chatter. Sending a prayer for Creator to make the next new born a little more subtle, she opened up the parchment she had been clutching for what was easily, the tenth or fifteenth read. It read so, and pleased her immensely:

 

Little sister,

I hope (quite fervently) you have not torn down the White Tower already. It has stood for over two thousand years, and I bid you be gentle with them. I will be travelling to Tar Valon shortly and will come to the Tower on the first of the next month…if the Tower is still standing. I hope you can earn a free day so i can visit you then.

Stay safe and send Lucrecia my wishes,

Brother Forge.

 

Lucrecia had laughed just as much as she when she’d shown it to her- they had both been boundlessly fond of the Brother, a person who had appeared in their life early on, in the form of a friend of the family. Rakim, their father had thought of Forge as a close friend, but the real bonding had always been the Ogier and the twins. Tirzah was anxious to see if this kinship would still exist now, four years after the last meeting. Folding the letter neatly, she put it away once more and scanned the approaching folk. Soon, her brother would be here.

 

[Myth]

As the bell sounded the morning audience Forge approached the White Tower, though without the trepidation that many folk had. As an Ogier stonemason and blacksmith his skills with Stone and Steel were well known by the Aes Sedai, and he had been inside the Shining Walls on several occasions, usually because of repair work of some kind. Despite his respect for its inhabitants, he wasn’t overly fond of Aes Sedai as a general rule and normally entering the cold tower would have been a solemn occasion, but today he was incredibly excited about meeting one Aes Sedai in particular.

 

She wasn’t a full Sister yet, but in his heart she had long been a little sister to him. Unconsciously, he rubbed the coat pocket above his heart where the letter nestled, its message tucked away there in more ways than one. He had read it so many times, he had no need to open it again to see the words flash in his mind’s eye.

 

Brother Forge,

I want to hit something, but this strange woman-she calls herself an Aes Sedai, hmph!- wants me to write to vent, rather than curse or hit. Apparently it's called patience. I wonder if this will reach you, but upon saying your name her eyes widened, and she promised that it will. If Aes Sedai really can't lie, then I will set my heart on receiving a reply. Anyway, I wonder if you've guessed the obvious. I am now a Novice in the big opulent Tower thing. As I mentioned previously, I am keen to hit something.

 

It's been about two weeks now, and I had only come to be a Tower Guard. Oh well, I will tell you that story in person. And yes, in person. Would you be planning any visits soon? We miss our brother. Maybe you could teach me how to burn down the Tower thing. I will stop now before she reads this and tries to make me write more letters. Heh, maybe she'll think I'm a Whitecloak. Would they throw me out then, do you reckon?

 

Anyhow, I should stop. I hope you get this.

With love,

Tirzah

 

As the words replayed in his mind he grinned wide enough to nearly split his face in two. He could mentally picture Tirzah, his little sister, angrily hunched over a desk when she would much rather be riding a horse or fighting with a pretend sword.

 

He made quite a stir as he walked through the throng headed for the Tower’s main gate, but he hardly noticed. Even if he hadn’t been distracted by his happy thought, he had almost gotten used to the stir his presence created. Not only was he an Ogier, but he was large even for his kind. Standing twelve feet tall, and muscularly broad with it, he stood out in any crowd. While his size was his most noticeable feature to most humans, those who were knowledgeable about his kind might have spotted the unusually short haircut for an Ogier, cut to just above his collar and held back in a ponytail except for a few rebellious bangs that had escaped and framed his face. They also might have noticed the lack of a mustache or beard, and instead the presence of a narrow patch of hair just below his bottom lip, trimmed to a point in the style called an Imperial in the borderlands from where he picked up the style.

 

In a real way, Tirzah’s family was part of the reason he wore it.

 

Under his shirt and a coat that reached past the top of his knee-high, wide-toed boots, his heavily muscled arms were emphasized by tattoos of the trefoil leaves of Avendesora interwoven on vines with wicked looking thorns that grew from his wrists and wrapped around each arm up to his shoulders.

 

But they weren’t visible at the moment. He wanted to look his best when he met Tizah for the first time in four years, and as such was dressed in more fashionable attire.

 

He had arrived in Tar Valon yesterday, but he had finished his many other errands (which included a visit to a tailor but that was another story) and was now free to spend as much time with Tirzah, and hopefully her sister Lucrecia as their schedules allowed.

 

His patience was sorely tested, but he managed not to run through the gate.

[ashara]

Absentmindedly running her fingers through the short bangs, she began to succumb to tiny seeds of anxiety. As people continued to sweep past her, some pausing to boggle at the boy like guise garbed in the Novice white to add to their already ridiculous expressions, her eyes would grow hopeful beneath their usual glint, and then lose both the warmth and humour all at once, only to be renewed by yet another effort to remain focused. She knew Forge, and he was as much her family as her father or mother had been, would anyone ever think it suitable to ask. Likely that he were merely delayed, caught tightly between bustling folk, all too busy to goggle as was only suitable for a giant Ogier such as her brother. Grimly settling into a much more bearable train of thought, she began to consider which of the fine Tower horrors of truth she would reveal to Forge first.

 

And then she paused. Thoughts neatly stacked away for future reference, she let her feet lead her forward. There he was. There he was, came the thought again, louder and more pronounced. She walked steadily to him, restraining herself from one great running leap that would get her straight to him. He was not much changed when it came to height and besides, he would always tower over her, and that was perfectly fine according to Tirzah. Otherwise though, Forge had matured greatly with the years. Travel had settled a tough look around him, she realized as she approached him, taking in the bulging muscles that were barely hidden by the clothes he wore, but more than any physical touch, there was a hint of steel to his eyes, strength contained that induced a much stronger wave of respect for him than had been known to her earlier.

 

However, respect hardly meant on any day that Tirzah Behen would show any possible refinement in manner. Having walked up to him calmly, without drawing any stares, she now flung her arms around Forge- or well, flung them around as well as one could around a person far larger than oneself, packing herself into a big hug. Releasing a few seconds later, she beamed up at him. “You’re late, but at least you’re here. I had started to worry you weren’t coming, but I knew the moment people started turning back instead of gaping in front, that you were here.” Grinning, she continued. “Oh and, like the new cut?” Posing mockingly, she smiled at his laugh. Her brother had arrived.

 

OOC: Not as good as it should be. I blame it on the Simpson link Claire gave me.

[Myth]

Forge couldn’t believe it! After so long apart, she was finally there! But she looked so different. It took him a second to believe it was really her.

 

Seeing Tirzah in a novice dress was like seeing a Trolloc in an evening gown. She’s probably got half the Tower thinking she’s wild as a Trolloc by now, too. Laughing at the thought, he patted her gently on the back as she hugged his leg tightly. Hands that were bigger than large hams and strong enough to crush granite held her tenderly. He loved his little sister. He resisted the urge to lift her high in the air like she always had wanted him to do when she was little, although it was a near thing. He enjoyed it, too.

 

She was studying to be Aes Sedai after all. And I don’t want to sully her reputation as a paragon of proper reserve and ladylike behavior.

 

Laughing even harder at that thought, Forge smiled broadly, the grin nearly splitting his face in two. “The new haircut?” he asked rhetorically, his deep bass rumble sounding like it came from a giant bull. “It looks lovely! But what is this you’re wearing? Have you finally realized you are a girl?”

 

His face lit up even more at the indignant pose she struck, and he could have sworn she was going to stick her tongue out at him. Pressing his advantage, he continued teasing. “I guess this means you can’t get mad at me for calling you little sister any more, especially since you are studying to be a Sister.” The Capital on the word was audible.

 

“Tell me, my little horse-riding, mistress of the blade, how did you get talked into becoming an Aes Sedai? Don’t tell me they’ve made you Amyrlin already? If not, I’m guessing you’ve worn a path to the Mistress of Novices and gotten on a first name basis with her strap.”

 

Laughing delightedly at the shocked look on her face and the even more indignant pose she took, the sound of his laughter booming like thunder promising a welcome summer rain, the giant Ogier looked at her. Really looked at her for the first time in four years.

 

He always had known there was strength in her, as well as a mischievous streak as wide as he was tall. But he could already tell she was becoming Aes Sedai. His little sister was growing up so fast.

[ashara]

It was good that he had returned. She struck poses displaying anger and dismay, letting her forehead furrow deeply as the teasing continued and mockingly even turned her face away and flung a hand his way, as if it would be better for him to talk to the....currently not so talkative hand, than pelt down insults on her frame. On the inside and she knew Forge knew it too, Tirzah was overflowing with happiness. This was the way she liked things, this was the reason her brother was so special. The banter, the mock displays of exaggerated emotion, all the poking, prodding and laughter, it had one undercurrent that kept family such an important priority in Tirzah’s mind. Understanding. Always, understanding. They understood each other, what pushed buttons and when pushed, what pulled the other back to the safety zone. Her mother had never understood it, the humour in teasing, but then, her mother could never laugh for anything but the most deadly sarcasm, so sharp that it had sliced down quite a few rebels in the world of trade.

 

“Tell me my body building, axe forging, eye catching brother, have you ever seen me capable of being called ‘girl’? Its like describing you to have a modest figure, which you do not.” Grinning at that, she continued. “I’m a man trapped in a woman-and that too hardly, have you seen the curves on the women here!? They all look like something made for every seamstress in the world to work with, and tailor outfits for! I’m sure I come as a fresh delight.” Smirking widely, she babbled on. She had always been known to babble when she was excited after all, and even when she wasn’t, Tirzah and talking were lovers constantly on the best of terms. “As I was saying, I’m a man trapped in a woman-ish body. So I guess being called Sister will be a little odd by you and everyone else, but well…they can’t call me it, can they? Oh, I would like to see them try that.” Sheman, that was she should’ve been called. Not Tirzah, even though she quite liked her name. It had that pleasant ring to it, the necessary key point of being unable for anyone to easily mark just what gender it suited best.

 

When she noticed the sudden shift in his look, though still amused, focus on her, and really her, she grew curious. Arching an eyebrow, she took a step back in mock discomfort and then proceeded to study Forge himself. She needed to know what had changed. Bless the Aes Sedai for giving her a chance to do this, truly. “Amyrlin’s some woman who wouldn’t hear my complaint, and the Mistress of Novices is...quite something else. I’ve words in mind I’d rather not say in the hallowed gateway to the Tower, or there could be some trouble. I wouldn’t mind usually, but your being here is all kinds of special, so I’d rather not fight off half a dozen Accepted right now.” Grinning as she saw an Accepted near her glance at them suspiciously upon hearing the word Accepted, she continued. “Basically, I’m hinting that we should move away from here quickly.”

 

[Myth]

“As you wish, milady,” Forge bowed teasingly. “Where should we go?”

 

Grinning broadly at the look on her face, Forge allowed her to take his hand and lead him through the crowd. It was nice to see that despite all the changes, the Tirzah he knew and loved was still in there, despite the strange clothing. The Aes Sedai hadn’t made her into someone completely different, only refined, however slightly, what was already there. It was a welcome relief. He would hate for something as delightfully beautiful as his little sister to be removed from the Pattern.

 

As they walked, he enjoyed the beauty of the Tower. It was a truly magnificent structure. He had been to Tar Valon on many occasions, several of which included repair work for the Aes Sedai, and each time it was as breathtaking as the last. His brethren certainly knew their craft when it came to working with stone.

 

When they had gained a bit of distance between them and the nearest people, Forge spoke softly to Tirzah. “Where are we headed, my little hero? And should we wait until we get there to talk about what’s on your mind?”

[ashara]

Whether Forge knew it or not, her brother’s attempt to be soft, was like a storm trying to pace through the night, gently. Low rumble though his voice was, their proximity made Tirzah’s ears vibrate just the slightest. She watched with mingled amusement and admiration as the Ogier studied the structures of the Tower, remembering back to her own moments of gaping at it. She had liked it. She still liked it, but things were not the way they should be. So she would have to adapt again, and this time, an Aes Sedai was willing to help her with the shape shifting.

 

When she heard his question, Tirzah was heartened by his deftness in reading her emotions. She did not ever attempt to push things away from the surface, and if people saw a rock for her face, than that was there perception, not her will. Still, she had not once mentioned what it was that she had required Forge’s company for so urgently, but the Ogier had noted it, nonetheless. Considering the scenes moving around them for a moment, she waded through the memory she had kept near for this day. Ziya Sedai, instructing her matter of factly on what she would do to attain focus, for in the Gray’s opinion, this was her way of leading Tirzah to appreciating rather than shunning the gifts she had. Tirzah after days of resisting the Sitter’s lessons, had sat up and listened. She knew the words said then as clearly now, and as she turned back to Forge, she paraphrased.

 

“We can talk now, if that suits you.” Smiling when he gave a nod, she continued. “As you have guessed, the Tower had some…difficulties with me. And I with the Tower, we are not the happiest chums together. Several Sisters and Accepted have worked with me, caught me out and punished me, tried to understand and failed, and the few who have held influence over me aren’t those who imposed, but tried methods outside the box. Later, I will tell you about one Arette Sedai. Today though, is revolving around a Gray Sitter by the name Ziya. I was handed to her through strings of people, but when I reached her the circle stopped. She’s too…intelligent for me.” Grinning, she continued.

 

“To make an already long story short, she has decided to make ways for me to gain interest in what the Tower can provide me with. Her opinion is that I should build my talents in ways that only the White Tower can provide me, and the fact that you are here today does say a little to add to her word.”

 

“You are famed for your skill with metals, your understanding of them. Ziya Sedai suggested it, but I knew who I would want to study under if given such a choice.” Bowing her head in respect, she continued. “Basically. I would like to learn under you as your student, on the properties of metals and alloys, and anything else you see fit to teach me. What do you think?”

 

[Myth]

OOC: sorry for the delay, Vera.  :-\

 

The giant Ogier smiled at his little sister’s choice of words, the grin nearly splitting his face in two. Difficulties indeed, he thought cheerfully. He knew Tirzah, and she was proud and free as a wild horse running in the wind, and he doubted that succumbing to the strict rules and tedium of the White Tower’s ways had been easy for her to adjust to. Of course, the Aes Sedai would’ve had a hard time adjusting to Tirzah, too. He chuckled richly at the thought.

 

As he listened to her story, he wondered at this Gray Sister. She must be a formidable woman to have gotten Tirzah to be wary of her. Rubbing the tuft of hair beneath his lower lip, the Imperial he wore in remembrance of his time in the Borderlands, among other things. Lily! he thought, before mentally stomping on the emotions that he tried to keep buried. Now is not the time! Tirzah needs my help, and I don’t need to worry about things that are dead and gone! I miss you, Lily… He forcefully gave himself another mental kick or three, before returning his attention to Tirzah’s words.

 

Forge considered her tale, but he was stunned by her final pronouncement.

 

“What?!” he boomed, sounding like a thunderclap, his surprise echoing in his deep bass voice. “You want to become a blacksmith? I would be glad to teach you, although you are starting very late in life…” Pondering the possibilities, Forge froze as the realization of what she meant hit him like a hammer between the eyes.

 

“You mean with the Power, don’t you?” At her nod, he let out a sigh of wonder at the mystical forces that dwelt within his little sister. “I will be honored to help in any way I can, Little Sister, although I don’t know what that will be,” he said reverently, adding a bow that he spoiled with a mischievous wink. “Working metals is complex, but you’ve a mind that is quick enough to catch on pretty fast, I think. What do you want of me? And when do we begin?”