Let Colour Break The Night ~Vera's Arches~

[ashara]

"Everytime the rain comes down

Close my eyes and listen

I can hear the lonesome sound

Of the sky as it cries"

 

Thy dreaded day.

 

Laughter and laughter and then the stinging laughter again. It would ring in her head till the end, she knew. They both knew. Cruel, mocking laughter. You shall colour my steps, she whispered aloud. Pitter patter my footsteps shall go and with it wil come your laughter.

 

...It did not seem like it had just been ten minutes since the summons had come. Vera had been leaving a class, tired and in good want of her bed, for no matter how thin the mattress was, it still brought her sleep and rest. And…a few moments with the Shayna she had once known and loved while she smiled and mocked, the teasing smile that played on her lips still so fresh in her mind. The Mistress of Novices had caught hold of her arm right in the middle of all of it, a touch annoyed, but more than that simply out of breath. When Vera had first turned to see Faerzyne Sedai’s face, she’d found herself looking back into her past few weeks. Searching, now rather wearily, for her most recent encounter with trouble. Who had tipped her this time, she’d wondered. And funnily enough, at that moment, it had seemed like such a long time since she’d been in Faerzyne’s study...

 

“Everyone is already waiting.â€

 

Perhaps it had simply been that it had been on her mind for several days now; ever since Faerzyne had warned her infact. Between dreams, amidst classes, while in Telcia’s garden. It was a looming shadow that crept behind her, seeping into her every thought. Teachers and Aes Sedai had noticed her slacking, her dreamy gaze. Telcia of course, first of all. â€Are you afraid of it?†she had asked. Just like that. They had both known what she was about of course. Just like when Faerzyne had spoken. There had been no reaction, no cry of horror, no paling face even. And the Gray Sister had known, for the next thing she had been walking away from her, her pace fast, the rustle of her dress loud and crisp. She had grown to recognizing it in the hallways. It had taken a great deal of dignity and pride to remind her that she could run behind the Sister, drifting silhouette or not. Run little sister, run, Shayna’s voice had taunted...

 

 

Things are worse, she found herself admitting as she trailed Faerzyne corner to corner, on the walk that was taking eternity. It was not one she would forget easily, she knew. Maybe It was te distance she suddenly found herself marooned by. The distance from…everything? You are a shadow. Flicker for me, shadow-mine. Flicker! Yes, it was worse. And yet, she felt no anxiety, no hurt, no fear. And yet, she felt no love, no warmth or fire. She was calm. No. No, that wasn’t it. She was numb. “I am wrapped in so many blankets of sheer defence now, that you can’t even reach me.†She said quietly. Ramp following ramp they crossed, walking through every lit and darkened corridor with an importance unlike any other’s there. Well, Faerzyne had always walked with that sway of importance. As she passed yet another hallway, she caught sight of her friend Lise. The woman was standing with her hands on her hips, all set to tick off the Novice who stood before her when she met Vera’s gaze. For just a moment there was a flicker of something she didn’t understand. Immediately after though, came the well wishing beam. Lise’s beams were always wellwishing.

 

So fast indeed had the white clad Novice been walking, that when they did infact stop, it was for her with a stumble and near fall. Faerzyne was on the verge of pushing past the door, when suddenly she turned and touched Vera’s cheek.

 

“You’ll do just fine child.â€

 

These were the words that lingered in her head as she stepped into the dome shaped chamber. These and the laughter of course. Suddenly the look that she had crossed in Lise’s eyes become known to her. It was not confusion as she had taken it to be.

 

It was fear.

 

~Post 1~

[ashara]

"Far away

The ship is taking me far away

Far away from the memories

Of the people who care if I live or die."

 

And suddenly, everything became a blur. A quick rush that in the future, she would not remember. And perhaps it was better that way, love!came the voice from somewhere, the mirth still present in its boundless amounts. She could hear Faerzyne’s bells chimes as the woman bent a little as she talked to Vera. She could see the concern and soothing that the woman felt. She understood neither. Still Lise’s face marred her vision and thought- what had she feared? What had worried her? Vera herself? Or the outcome? Both?...Must continue to the end…To seek, to strive, is to know danger…danger…be steadfast…failure… Endless words slipped by her, unknown to her as she stared lost, her face a blank canvas that had lost all colour. What had caused her fear? The same that is causing you fear dearie.Suddenly, she was straight backed, the words coming to her quite like a tight slap on her cheek. She was not afraid! She was calm, gathered. She had to be, she realized with mild despair. Unemotional, like she’d seen so many Warders be before. Her composure could not fail her now. Everything would be stark, everything shall be clear. Focusing her eyes, she found herself still face to face with Faerzyne. “This is your last chance, child. You may turn back now, and you will have only one mark against you,†came the musical voice. And suddenly there was a silence. As if everything had stopped, everyone had stopped, simply for this one answer.

 

You are falling away from me, you are falling away from me, you are falling away from me.

 

“I am ready, Faerzyne Sedai.†The words tumbled out, smooth, polished, as if practiced often in her mind.

 

Fall!

 

For the first time since entering, she looked upon the heavy sight that lay before her. A small table stood a little away from her, three silver chalices placed on them, shining serenely under the glow of…the three Arches, Vera realized as she turned towards the Sisters around the ter’angreal. There was Serena Sedai of the Blue Ajah, Maegan from the Red Ajah and a Gray Sister who’s name she simply could not remember. Familiar but at the same time, a stranger to her. And that was when panic gripped her completely. Where were the people she knew well? Where was Telcia? Elyssa? Where were her two mentors? Turning her back to the silver ring, she slipped out of the white garb, shivering as she did so. They didn’t betray you…they simply didn’t care. Pale-faced she found herself suddenly and yet, there was a roaring in her ears she couldn’t stop, as if all the world’s oceans stood a few metres away from her. Light. Light.

 

“Whom do you bring with you Sister?†came a strong, husky voice. The Gray’s.

“One who comes as a candidate for Acceptance, Sister,†The Mistress of Novices replied.

“Is she ready?†asked the Gray.

 

Yes Vera, Are you ready?

 

And suddenly, the soft glow of the Arch was all she could see. One…two…thr-

 

“The way will come back but once. Be steadfast.â€

[ashara]

“The way back will come but once. Be steadfast.†What an odd thing to say. Blinking, Vera looked around the dining room, seeking to find the speaker of the words. To find…no one? That had sounded quite like Shayna’s voice, she found herself thinking. Rising she went to the next room, where Shayna sat in a deep chair, reading. Mama was there too, knitting away in all her glory in a little corner. Turning her face a little she looked suspiciously towards the man sitting in the armchair opposite Shayna’s. He was asleep, she realized. Dear Papa, came a thought unbidden, making her start in surprise. Papa? Her father? Surely…not…oh of course. They had found him in Caemlyn two years ago! She was just feeling silly, she told herself, plopping herself on the bed. A calm, content happiness filled her as she looked upon the familiar sight of her family. How she loved them. She would do anything for-

 

The way back will come but once.

 

Again it came. Causing her to start, she got off the bed suddenly. And of course, this was the Thorne family, they were bound to notice. “Everything alright, Vera girl?†came Shayna’s voice. When in the name of Light had her name become Thorne? When… “You seem a little pale. Maybe you should lie down?†Suddenly, in between all this confusion and daze, Shayna got up, putting her book away with an abruptness that made Vera sit up even straighter. “And also, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. To talk to…all of you about something.†Light no, Shayna. Not now. Please not now. Eyes pleading she looked her sister’s way. “I have been asked for my hand.â€

 

Oh Light no. Not when she was having such a horrid headache. Shayna looked her way, eyes full of trust and love and a little bit of excitement as well. Shayna Thorne is dependent on you. Eyes widening she looked away from her sister’s face, only to find a greater surprise in store for her. A glowing rounded arch stood a little from her, inviting, invigorating. “Vera has known about this for- Vera? Are you alright??†Be steadfast. As if drained, she rose from the bed once more. “Vera! Mama, what is wrong with her?!†Moving slowly, she dragged her feet ahead, step by step, closer to the arch. Again the roaring filled her ears and a scarlet blush appeared on her cheeks.

 

Softly she let the tears fall. “Vera! What are you doing?!?! Have you lost your mind? Vera please, answer me! Answer me!â€

 

In she stepped, in she went.

 

Out she stepped, out she went.

 

Silently, coldly, with tears running down her cheeks she walked out, back into the dome shaped room where the horror had begun. Cold water mingled with salty tears and with it, the roaring slipped away. “You are washed clean.†came a thick Arafellin accent

“of what sin you may have done, of what sins may have been done against you. You come to us washed clean and pure, in heart and soul.â€

[ashara]

“The second time is for what is. The way will come but once. Be steadfast.â€

 

Vera giggled as she heard what Gaiya had to say, exchanging a glance with Aoife as she did so. They both had thought the same thing upon hearing their friend’s long explanation about some long fiery controversy concerning Estel Sedai. It had been three months since she had first joint the Tower and Light, some three years they had been. Things were blissful, in their own strange manner. Being a Novice was always going to be hard, she’d decided, but there were ways to make it better. Shifting slightly on the stone bench, Vera looked towards the east. Gardens and gardens of trees and well trimmed bushes sought her eyes, forming the illusion that they did indeed never end. And then, she noticed something else, that made her worry. Dark grey storm clouds were gathering above them, quickly, smoothly and they looked…dangerous.

 

“I think we should move away, lets get in. Aoife? Gaiya?â€

 

Storms had been a new occurring in the Tower and to their horror, quite a fatal one. These clouds were of a vicious nature, unlike any Vera had ever seen or heard of before. And she had dealt with her share of rainstorms.

 

“Pahhh, Vera! Don’t worry so much!â€

 

With that Gaiya silenced her, continueing her own story with all the vigour and thrilling details she had started with. The way back will come once. Be steadfast. Straightening slightly, Vera looked around, taken aback. Who had said that? It was not Gaiya, certainly. Ignoring Aoife’s curious look, she continued to look around and yet, all she could see were the approaching storm clouds. They were reaching them…fast! Eyes widening in shock, she interrupted Gaiya yet again-

 

“Gaiya- look, they’re right here! Listen- you can hear them. We should go.â€

 

“Vera’s right, Gaiya,†came Aoife’s calm voice. “We should hurry.â€

 

And sooner than they expected, the rain was on them. Thunder, lightning and rain clashed against the earth. Tightening her grip on Aoife’s hand, she ran as fast as she could, struggling against the strong wind blowing the other way. This could not be happening. Surely not. Darkness had suddenly enveloped the cheery, pleasing evening light they had all been sitting in and all they could see was the Tower looming tall in the distance. A sudden gust of wind came against them and soon after it came a scream. Gaiya. Blood and Ashes that was Gaiya. And then they were all on their knees.

 

“Gaiya! Aoife!†sobbed Vera. “Please! Where are you?! Aoife!â€

 

“Vera! Vera we’re right here! Please, Vera, come this way! Gaiya’s unconscious. Vera!â€

 

Desperately she reached for Saidar, her vision blurred, her thoughts and heartbeat racing out of control. Running towards the voice, she continued to scream their names and with each call Aoife sent, her friend’s voice seemed a little weaker.

 

“Aoife! Aoife, don’t fall unconscious! Aoife!!â€

 

The way back will come but once. Be steadfast.

 

“Aoife!†she cried weakly. “Aoife…†falling to her knees, Vera soaked herself in the grass, suddenly finding that she could not go on. It was from this view that she suddenly felt a soft glow reach her face and she lifted herself a little to see the source. A tall arch stood before her, bold and shining amidst rain and thunder. Weakly, she raised herself from the grass and began to walk towards it.

 

“Vera?! Vera are you there?†Auburn hair greeted her and eyes a beautiful green were clouded with tears and fear. “Oh thank goodness! Vera, we’ve got to find Gaiya. Vera?! Where are you going? Vera? Please!â€

 

Again, the silver glow enveloped her.

 

Out came Vera, sobbing uncontrollably. Aoife. She had left Aoife. She had abandoned Gaiya and Aoife, for…what? Shuddering as water was splashed onto her, Vera mumbled swear words inaudibly, unable to think of anything but of Aoife’s haunting, lovely face as it watched Vera terrorized step through the arch. Oh Aoife!

 

“You are washed clean of false pride. You are washed clean of false ambition.â€

 

Just once more…Light just once more…no more. No more! Aoife. Shayna. No bloody more!

“The third time is for what will be. The way will come but once. Be steadfast.â€

[ashara]

It was with eyes of anticipation that Vera studied her reflection. Nervousness, excitement, fear, hope- these were the words that described her feelings perfectly and yet, not one could be seen on her face. Her face was a smooth, well done mask of serenity and thusly, every inch the face of an Aes Sedai. Which of course, she was going to be. Starting, she stared at her reflection. Going to be? She had been Raised to the Red Ajah three years ago, for Light’s sake. Surely she could not lose her state of mind today, of all the days. Dressed in a creamy white, she felt…beautiful. Short as ever, she thought with a smile, but attractive. Picking up a comb, she ran it through thick chestnut locks, readjusting the little circlet of white petals around her head. Things were going to be perfect. Suddenly a shadow flickered in the mirror and immediately, she embraced Saidar. One more move, and she would have the person begging for-

 

Strong, warm arms looped around her waist and it was with a smile of relief that Vera looked into Aidan’s eyes. Insantly her heart soared and her worries seemed a far little place in the universe that were of little use to her. That was the effect Aidan had on her. That was how happy he made her. These past three months had been the happiest of her life. And the quickest to pass as well, she realized with a sudden hopelessness that was unlike her. She did not want to leave him. She could not leave him. Aidan…was everything to her. And yet, so was her Ajah. If the others found out- oh Light, if they did. Telcia, Perine, Carise- these women were dear to her and she loved all of them fiercely. What was she supposed to do? She loved Aidan. But the idea of bringing shame to her Ajah was a devastating one and shame indeed would be what her wanting to marry a male chaneller would be. Aidan needed her, she knew he did. She could feel the need and she in turn, felt the very same for him.

 

“What’s wrong?†came his voice in her ear, reassuring, soothing. Smiling she turned to kiss him, clinging to him as she did so. “Nothing.†She whispered into his chest. “Nothing! We’ll be alright.â€

 

The way back will come but once. Be steadfast.

 

Freezing in his arms, Vera’s eyes opened wide. Faerzyne’s voice? Now? Why was she thinking of her arches, now? What was happening? Distractedly she looked up at Aidan, wondering if he had heard it as well. Aidan? Who was…deep blue eyes looked at Vera with concern and love. “Something’s definitely wrong. Vera, what is it?†Confusion swamped her and from the corner of her eye she saw a deep silver mist forming quickly to her left. Abruptly she pulled away, unable to look at him, knowing that the hurt and worry that would be present in his eyes. “How…do…How do you know my name?†Be steadfast. Wincing, she looked towards her left and this time, she found a fully formed arch of silver, waiting for her. “What? Vera, what dyou mean?!†Coming closer the man pulled her towards him and this time, she was forced to look into his eyes. “I love you.†he said with a seriousness that made Vera’s heat bleed. Light, she had to leave him. Leave Aidan. No. Please no.

 

“Vera, did you hear me?â€

 

You are falling away from me, you are falling away from me, you are falling away from me.

 

“Vera! Please, what’s wrong? Please tell me.â€

 

Fall.

 

There were no tears, no wailing this time when Vera stepped out of her Arches. Her heart felt like stone and so seemed her eyes. She said nothing. And then suddenly, there was a realization. One that both scared her horribly and brought her relief she hadn’t felt in months.

 

Shayna…her voice…Shayna was gone.