All in a days work Attn Dorian

[WhiteWolf]

“Come on lazy bones it be time to be starting a new day.†Yrean emphasised his words with a gentle nudge with the toe of his boot, into Dorian’s ribs. Dorian’s sleep addled reply did not surprise Yrean, the two men had been working well into the night cataloguing a new shipment of weapons for Yrean’s shop, and the sun had hardly risen above the horizon and here was Yrean expecting Dorian to be raring to go. “I’ll be making a hot drink while you be composing yourself.†Dorian could hear Yrean’s soft chuckle as he descended the stairs to the kitchen.

 

They had spent the whole night in the shop, not the first time Yrean had done this, and he appreciated the solitude and the peace that the shops location provided. As he busied himself with the stove and the kettle, Yrean thought over what he had to do this day. Today he wanted to show Dorian what it was like to be a Tower Guard. So far Dorian had done well with his training, but he had not taken part in any of the usual activities that encompassed a Tower Guard’s day, that would change from this day.

 

By the time the tea was ready, Dorian had entered the kitchen, still rubbing sleep from his eyes, his hair uncombed and his shirt tale hanging out. “It be good to be seeing you making an effort for me Dorian, burn me if it be not.†Again Yrean chuckled, it almost seemed to Dorian that Yrean could find humour in almost anything. “It do be good to laugh Dorian, life be to short for worrying.â€

 

 

When they had finished their mugs of tea, Yrean and Dorian left the shop for their morning run, greeting others of the Tower Guard who were out doing the same thing. It was another glorious morning, the sky a deep blue, and the city was bathed in bright sunlight, once they had reached the top of the headland, they could see the various ships dotted about on the sea, a totally flat sea. After a drink of water the two men resumed their run, making good time back to the Barracks. “We be breaking our fast now, then you be spending the rest of the day with me, it do be time for you to learn the duties of a Tower Guard.â€

 

Once they had finished they meal, Yrean headed back to the barracks to change into his uniform, Dorian went to his barracks and did the same, the two men arranging to meet under the North tower. Dorian was waiting in the shade of the Tower and when Yrean arrived the two men started to climb the stone stair up to the walkway that ran the full length of the walls. They made their way to the guardhouse, and relieved the men who were on the night watch. There was the usual banter and grumbling, but it had been a quiet night, and the guards looked well rested, even bored. Yrean placed his spear and shield in the racks and signalled for Dorian to do the same.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

[Lavinya]

Dorian mumbled incoherently in protest as Yrean nudged him with his boot. Surely it wasn't morning already? The night had been long, full of hard work, and Dorian was very reluctant to leave the warmth of the cot. Squinting, he noticed that the sun had barely shown itself above the horizon. Not only was he being rudely awakened, but darned early too!

 

“I’ll be making a hot drink while you be composing yourself.â€The chuckle that disappeared with Yrean's footsteps made him scowl. Light, the man seemed to find much amusement in torturing his student. Still, he would find no peace now, so with a long sufferring sigh, he dragged himself from the warmth of the bed. Scrubbing at his eyes with his yands he yawned and stretched, before dressing quickly and carelessly, still half asleep when he decended to find the promised drink.

 

All too soon the tea was gone, and Yrean was herding Dorian out, though by now thankfully Dorian was showing more signs of consciousness. He breathed deeply as they began their run, enjoying the fresh morning air. As reluctant as he was to leave his bed, he always enjoyed this time of morning, the steady pounding of their boots mixing with the early morning sounds.

 

After the run, Dorian tucked into a hearty breakfast, before changing. At least this time he took some care with his appearance, pausing to wash his face and comb his hair. The sun was finally fully in the sky as he waited for Yrean to meet him, idly toying with the handle of his scimitar, firmly tucked into the scabbard at his waist. He had no idea what his day would entail, he had been training at the Yards now for quite some time, but burn him if he knew everything that happened when you were a tower guard. It would not surprise him to find out Yrean had some sort of interesting surprise waiting for him, that would cause his mentor no end of amusement, and leave poor Dorian plotting more pranks for him.

 

Soon enough he was joined by Yrean, and they made their way up onto the stone walls that surrounded the White Tower. Dorian took a few moments to enjoy the view as they headed to the guardhouse, a garden filled with white-clothed novices holding his gaze for a few minutes before Yrean slapped him on the back with a chuckle and ushered him to hang his weapon on the rack. Almost reluctantly, Dorian followed suit, nodding greetings to the guards on duty.

 

"Tell me Yrean, are the rumours I've heard true? Do you tower guards spend most of your time here gambling and drinking? Or just ogling the women?" Dorian grinned at his mentor, the quiet chuckles from the other guards making his smile all the broader. "Unless of course I'm mistaken" He shrugged with a playful smile. "So what is the main thing you look out for? Where does most of your trouble come from?"

[WhiteWolf]

Before Yrean had a chance to answer Dorian’s question, not that there was an easy coverall answer, the door to the guard room opened and the guard commander stepped into the room. “Ahh Yrean, I am glad to see you here, we need a replacement guard on the North gate, the guard who was supposed to be on duty there is nowhere to be found, more than likely he is face down in some alley.â€

 

Without waiting for an answer the guard commander turned around to address another tower guard, this was fortunate as it allowed him not to see the grimace that appeared on Yrean’s face. “Blood and bloody ashes, it do be typical of that idiot.â€

 

Dorian’s questioning expression caused Yrean to explain further about the missing guard and how he had been late for duty many times, or had not shown up at all. “It do be bad when drink be having such a hold on a person.†Shaking his head in bafflement, Yrean stood up, stretched and then retrieved his spear and shield. Signalling to Dorian to follow him, Yrean left the guardroom and started to retrace their steps, back across the Yards.

 

Once they got into the city streets, their passage was a lot slower due to the press of people going about their daily business. As they made their way through the crowds, Yrean tried to answer Dorian’s earlier question. “There do be no one single thing you be looking for. You be needing to learn to read people. You be noticing the small details, or you be blind.†Yrean fell silent for a moment, they had come to a smaller street and the crush here was even worse. Eventually they made their way through the crush and emerged onto the square in front of the North gate. Around the edge of the square were many stalls selling food, clothing, weapons and enough other items to keep the populace happy, and poor.

 

Yrean and Dorian stood on the edge of the square, Yrean pointing out different people around the square. â€Be noticing the shoes people be wearing.†pointing out one man Yrean asked Dorian about the shoes the man was wearing. “You be noticing anything strange?â€

 

His boots are very muddy, but what is so strange about that?â€

 

“You be looking again Dorian, be his clothes matching his boots?â€

 

“His clothes look well made, and he has the air about him of a rich person, but I still do not understand what you mean.â€

 

“He do be rich, he be a Lord, so why do he be walking through mud? It do be that that be interesting me.â€

 

The two men started to walk again, making their way across the square to the North Gate. When they got there, Yrean greeted the guards there and explained why Dorian was with him. There was some good natured comments sent Dorian’s way, but it was only the usual hazing that would be seen anywhere in the world where experienced men met new additions to their group.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

 

OOC: Dorian, give your thoughts on what Yrean has said so far, then I want you to pick out three people, entering through the North gate, and tell Yrean why you think there is something odd about them,ok.

[Lavinya]

“Blood and bloody ashes, it do be typical of that idiot.†Dorian found Yrean's outburst somewhat amusing, and gave him a questioning look. “It do be bad when drink be having such a hold on a person.†Dorian pulled a face. He still enjoyed the occasional ale when he could, though he always limited himself. Thanks to Yrean and Andular, and his subsequent city survival training, Dorian found he wasn't much inclined to drunkenness.

 

Dorian quietly followed his mentor, collecting his weapon and listening intently as they fought their way through the crowd. Stopping, Dorian looked at the man Yrean pointed out, a quizzical expression on his face as he tried to determine just why it would be odd for him to have muddy boots. Most people in the square had muddy boots.

 

“He do be rich, he be a Lord, so why do he be walking through mud? It do be that that be interesting me.†Dorian mulled over the comment as they continued, and began studying people a lot closer, intrigued. He'd never stopped to consider such subtleties as muddy boots before. What else had he been blundering and missing, because he thought things were beneath his notice?

 

They reached the North Gate, and Dorian was forced to endure some good natured stirring, which he did with a good humour, finding himself slowly becoming accustomed to that sort of thing, thanks mostly to the strange humour he was exposed to from Yrean.

 

Taking a place on the wall, Dorian set himself up so that he would be able to see anyone entering the city through the gate, still mulling over what Yrean told him. Several people entered, and though he watched them closely, he could find nothing unusual about them, leading him to worry that perhaps he still was missing the important subtleties, until one man caught his eye. He straightened, studying the man, not sure what was wrong, but knowing something was not right. The man limped closer to the gate, and it struck Dorian like lightening.

 

The man limped heavily, dragging his left foot slightly with each step. He paused to talk to a companion, then walked on, suddenly dragging his right foot, causing Dorian to grin. "Yrean," he called softly to where his mentor stood. "I'd keep an eye on that man there, he seems undecided as to which leg is injured." Quite pleased with himself, Dorian turned back to the seemingly endless flow of traffic.

 

It wasn't much longer before another character caught his eye, his extravagent red cloak flapping behind him as he walked. His coat was embroidered, though it appeared somewhat stained, but it was his boots that gave Dorian pause. Unlike the rest of his finery, his boots were old and worn, certainly not boots common for a wealthy man. Dorian pointed out what he saw to Yrean. "May be nothing, perhaps he doesn't care for his feet." He shrugged. "But it seems odd to me."

 

Accepting Yrean's praise with a nod, Dorian turned once more to the line of people coming and going, eyes alight with the thrill of discovering something new. Time passed with nothing more out of the ordinary that Dorian could see, and he stretched, walking along the wall at times to help breakup the day, keep him alert and focused, lest he grow weary and less observant.

 

Some time after the well dressed man, Dorian stood and shifted, stifling a yawn as he stretched his arm over his head, when a woman caught his eye. She was attractive, to be sure, but that was not what made him look twice. It was the fact that she walked alone. She was well dressed, a small amount of embroidery visible from his vantage point, though not enough to label her a noble. Minor noble perhaps, or a merchant. Yet why was she alone?

 

Pointing her out to Yrean, he tapped his chin thoughtfully. "She seems to well off to be travelling alone." He mused, pointing out the dust on her skirts. "I don't know if she means trouble, but I don't suppose it is a particularly normal sight, unless she is Aes Sedai." He shrugged as she stepped into the Gate's shadow. "I couldn't see a great serpent ring though, and she didn't seem ageless to me."

[WhiteWolf]

Yrean listened to Dorian’s observations and comments about some of the people entering the City. Dorian had obviously taken to heart what Yrean had said about looking for things that were out of the ordinary when the person was considered as a whole. The third person Dorian mentioned had also caught Yrean’s eye and he only half listened to Dorian as he explained what had caught his attention

 

"I don't know if she means trouble, but I don't suppose it is a particularly normal sight, unless she is Aes Sedai." He shrugged as she stepped into the Gate's shadow. "I couldn't see a great serpent ring though, and she didn't seem ageless to me."

 

Yrean watched the woman as she made her way through the gates, he was in two minds as to whether or not to follow her, when there was a loud CRACK from behind them. Pivoting in place, Yrean saw immediately what the source of the noise had been. A wagon had blocked half the gateway, one of the horses hanging, slackly, in the traces. The crack had been the sound of one of the wooden stays breaking as it could not support the weight of the horse, which was easily 18 hands high.

 

The man in the drivers seat jumped down from and made his way to the horse, his hands wringing, nervously, as he realised the magnitude of the position he now found himself. “Dorian, run to the nearest sausage makers, tell them there is a dead horse here that needs removing, quickly now before this mob starts to get restless. With one last look at the scene, Dorian turned on his heel and made his way through the gathered crowd. Yrean, and the other guards on gate duty, started to push their way through the crowd, trying to clear a path to the dead animal. By now, the other horse had become very nervous and had started to paw the cobblestones, which resulted in the people nearest the horse wanting to get away from it, before it started to lash out with it’s hooves.

 

Just as one of the guards reached the front of the crush, there was a sudden piercing scream, and a young woman was knocked to the ground dangerously close to the horse. The crush of the crowd would not allow her to regain her feet, and her screaming was increasing the horse’s nervousness. While the other guards tried to push back the crowds, Yrean slowly made his way towards the horse, hoping to calm it before it did any more damage. Yrean was talking softly to the horse, trying to get it’s attention and calm it down, just as he was reaching for it’s bridle, something struck it from behind and the horse reared up on it’s hind legs, snorting loudly as it did. Stepping back, Yrean was just in time to miss the hooves as they came plunging down to the cobblestones, to hit the place where the young woman had been lying not a moment earlier, thankfully the guards had been able to drag her away at the last moment.

 

The animal was now frantic, and would not let any come close to it; it’s agitation obviously growing. Yrean looked around, wondering where the driver had got to, but he was no where to be seen, which struck Yrean as a little odd, but he had other things on his mind that demanded his full attention. The horse was in a blind panic now, striking out in all directions, sparks flying up from the cobblestones as the horses shoes connected. Somehow, the people who had been trapped around the wagon had managed to clear enough room so that no one was in immediate danger, but if the horse broke loose, then there was still a good chance of carnage.

 

Blood and bloody ashes, where be that Dorian

 

Although only a few moments had passed, time had elongated for Yrean, and it seemed a lot longer had passed than actually had. Dodging the flying hooves, Yrean continued to try to move closer to try and calm the horse, but it did no good, and by the time Dorian arrived, the second horse had died as well

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

 

OOC: Dorian, have the sausage makers remove the horses, then decide what we do with the cargo and whether we try and follow up where the driver is……the cargo can be something innocent, or more sinister, your call.

[Lavinya]

“Dorian, run to the nearest sausage makers, tell them there is a dead horse here that needs removing, quickly now before this mob starts to get restless."Nodding obediently, Dorian raced off, away from the panicked voices of the crowd as he did what Yrean bid. "Sausage makers, sausage makers." He muttered to himself, stopping in the middle of the street to gather his bearings. Light, where was the closest?

 

Turning left down a side street, he smiled to himself in relief when he saw the sign before arriving at the shop. Halting at the door, the smile slid from his face as he read the sign posted on the door. "Closed." Blood and bloody ashes! Why would they be closed now? Muttering, he raced back the way he had come, racking his brain for another store nearby, asking one or two passers by before he heard of another.

 

Setting off at a run, he was out of breath when he reached the store, explaining himself to the solid man behind the counter, in between gasps for air. It took the man only a few moments to get organised and follow Dorian at a quick pace, back to where Yrean was waiting, most impatiently by the looks, both horses sadly dead. What a waste of good horseflesh, though Dorian, as the sausage maker issued orders to his apprentices.

 

Hitching the horses onto the back of a wagon was a lengthy process, many burly men throwing all of their weight into the tasks, pulling the ropes slung around the animals and dragging them onto the wagon to be led away. Shaking his head at the sad sight, Dorian followed Yrean over to the wagon.

 

"Where did the driver go?" Asked Dorian, half musing to himself as they lifted the canvas cover, the goods inside making Dorian's eyes bulge. "Light, would you look at that!" He breathed, taking in the impressive pile of weapons, many unlike any he'd seen before, even in Yrean's shop. "These must be worth a fortune! Why would the driver just leave them out here in the open?" Dorian asked, his own mind clouding with suspicion.

 

"Why indeed."Muttered Yrean as he surveyed the assorted pile of blades and lances, bows and axes. "Something we be asking the driver, I do be thinking." Dorian nodded in agreement, looking around for any sign of the driver. "How do we find an elusive driver?" asked Dorian

[WhiteWolf]

“That be the question, Dorian, we be hard pressed to be finding anyone who be not wanting to be found.â€

 

Yrean went through a mental list of places where someone who did not want to be found, might go. It was longer than many in Tar Valon wanted to admit, even though the punishment for most crimes was a visit with an Aes Sedai, this did not deter the determined criminal, especially if the profit was high. Looking over the contents of the wagon, Yrean though the profits on this one would be well worth the risk, but he had no idea why anyone would want to smuggle weapons into the city, unless it was to start a riot, or coup. He well knew though, that the chances of any coup succeeding, without the help of channeller’s, was exceptionally small.

 

As Yrean was thinking this puzzle over, the men from the sausage makers arrived and started to render the dead horses, sharing some very strange jokes as they worked, obviously it was a sense of humour that you had to be part of to understand. “We be needing to get these people moving again Dorian,. We be working out this problem when we be having time.â€

 

Yrean put actions to his words, and soon the crowd was moving as smoothly as it could, under the circumstances. Thankfully no one had been seriously injured when one of the horses had been panicking, although there were the odd scratch or bruise, but no broken bones or deep cuts requiring healing. After about an hours hard work, the horses were cut up and removed to a wagon the men had brought with them, now all that remained was a drying dark red stain, and by the next morning even that would be gone.

 

The rest of the morning passed without incident, mainly, Yrean and Dorian traded ideas as to where the driver could have disappeared to, but none of the places they could think of really seemed to fit with weapons smuggling.

 

“It do be time we be getting something to eat, I be knowing a small place you be liking Dorian, it is on me.†The two men were just about to start walking when they heard someone calling Yrean’s name and turned to see who it was.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

[Andular]

Strolling through the streets of Tar Valon Andular stopped at a vendors cart and picked up an apple. Tossing the woman standing next to it a copper he continued on his way enjoy ing the sweet tartness of the fruit. The bustle of activity that filled the trade district was always a welcome distraction for the Grand Master and he took his time as he walked. The cries of the merchants filled the streets, each trying to be heard over the other in attempt to gain customers.

 

He had spent the morning in deep discussion with Tiassale to the point his head had begun to throb. The woman was vexing under the best of circumstances but when she set her mind to something mules could not convince her that there may be another answer. So it was with great relief that Andular had taken his leave when she dismissed him. Avoiding his office and the piles of paperwork waiting for him he had instead come to the city. The relaxing walk had cleared his head and checking the position of the sun against the blue sky he turned down a side street to head back to the yard.

 

As he emerged on to the main thoroughfare a familiar face caught his attention. Yrean and his young trainee were walking toward the inn district deep in conversation. Calling out to his old friend Andular waited until Yrean had turned to the sound of his voice and waved him over. It had been sometime since he had seen his old student and friend and he decided to put off his work and visit for a time.

 

After exchanging greetings Yrean led them to an inn where they took a table and ordered lunch. While they waited Yrean and his student Dorian took turns filling the Grand Master in on what hat transpired earlier. When his friend was finished Andular thought on the matter while they ate a lunch of stew and crusty bread. “I think I may know where we should make an inquiry on this matter Yrean.†Yrean’s looked up from his bowl with interest as he stuffed a piece of bread in his mouth. Dorian too leaned closer to the table.

 

“Do you remember that time we interrogated that dark friend who had been trying to sneak into Tar Valon?†Yrean nodded thoughtfully. “When we broke him he told of us of a seddy tavern over on the south docks. A tavern where the foulest of criminals came to drink and boast of their deeds.:†Yrean nodded remembering now. “You do be thinking we should check there Andular?†The Grand Master nodded and quickly finishing their meal the three stood and began to make their way to the docks and the inn known as the Molted Bird.

[Lavinya]

Dorian followed Yrean's lead, helping to disperse the crowd that had gathered, giving the sausage makers room to do their work, ensuring there were no major injuries or other unpleasant results. The whole time Dorian was turning over the question in his mind, where would the driver have gone? And why? They passed several theories between them, but couldn't come up with anything conclusive, much to Dorian's frustration. It was like he'd been handed a blacksmith's puzzle, and burn him if he could work it out, but there was no way he could stop trying now.

 

The idea of stopping for a meal sounded good, especially when Yrean was buying. Just as they were about to move on, a voice called out, one which was not unfamiliar to Dorian. They greeted one another amiably, before heading to an inn together. Over the meal they told the morning's events to Andular, Dorian unable to help keeping an eye on his drink warily. The last time he had been in an inn with the two of them they had gotten him roaring drunk before leaving him with no clothes or money. If anything, it had taught him some caution where their sense of humour was concerned.

 

“I think I may know where we should make an inquiry on this matter Yrean.†Dorian's ears immediately pricked up, causing him to lean closer in interest. He didn't like having an unsolved mystery on his mind, and if Andular knew anything that could prove helpful, well it would do a lot to ease his mind, at least.

 

Dorian didn't know anything about interrogating a dark friend, but he made a mental note to ask Yrean about it later, it sounded like a very interesting tale, but for now the Molted Bird caught his attention. Eager to get moving, now that they had something, vague as it was, to go off. Dorian finished his meal quickly, standing and waiting impatiently as the others joined him, before falling in step with them towards the seedy inn.

 

Dorian didn't know what to expect as they made their way to the docks, though he found himself thankful that he was with two such extensively trained men. Tar Valon was not the most dangerous city, as far as underworld figures went, but the men they passed still looked rough. "So what exactly are we looking for?" Dorian asked his mentor softly, his eyes constantly watching around him as they approached the door the inn. He was here to solve a mystery, he reminded himself. There was no need for the nerves. Still, he couldn't help swallowing as Andular pushed open the door ahead of him.

 

~Dorian

Trying hard to be brave :D

[WhiteWolf]

Andular was the first to spot their quarry and he pulled Yrean and Dorian back into the shadow of the doorway. They did not want to scare the man off, and if all three of them turned up, Yrean and Dorian in their Uniforms, Andular in his Warders cloak. Quickly Yrean took a brief glance around the edge of the porch; thankfully the man had not seen them and was still sitting where he had been when they entered. Ducking back into the porch, Yrean turned to Dorian and told him to remove his jacket, role up the sleeves of his shirt and undo the collar, “You be trying to slouch and not be drawing attention to yourself. Be getting as close to him as you can be not drawing his attention, then be sitting next to him. If he be trying to get away, you be stopping him. We be joining you when you be sitting down.â€

 

Dorian gave his jacket to Yrean and started to roll up his shirtsleeves, then unfastened the top two buttons of his shirt and ran a hand through his hair to mess it up. Grinning to Yrean, although it was not a totally convincing grin, Dorian stumbled into the Inn and slowly made his way towards the table, coming at it from an angle that prevented the man from being able to look straight at him.

 

“We be taking him to the City Watch if we be catching him?

 

“No my friend, this is a matter for us I think, we will find some where quiet and we will talk to him ourselves. This could be nothing, or it could be something that the Tower will need to know about quickly, we will serve that purpose better if we do this ourselves.â€

 

Yrean nodded his head and then went back to observing Dorian’s progress, hoping the young man would be able to sit down next to their target and that there would be no further problems.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

[Lavinya]

Dorian gawked at Yrean, open-mouthed as he was issued instructions. He was to go and sit next to him? For all they knew this man was a dangerous criminal! And they were sending him! Silently he obeyed, trying to hide his unease as he shrugged out of his jacket, passing it to Yrean before setting about rolling up his sleeves and messing up his usually clean cut appearance, a slight tremble in his hand as he did so.

 

Letting out a long breath, he mustered a grin for the two men that he didn't feel as he forced himself forward. Light, but why did it feel like Yrean and Andular together were nothing but trouble for him? Mustering a bravado he didn't feel, he pushed his way into the inn, reminding himself that Yrean and Andular weren't about to abandon him. Light they had better not, anyway.

 

Keeping his head down, Dorian threaded his way through the rough crowd, heading towards the table without taking a direct path. So intent was he on not letting their quarry see his face, that he misjudged a step and barrelled into the back of a man who turned with a grunt, facing Dorian and staring down at him with one red eye, striking fear into the trainee. "You spilled me drink, ya wool-headed cur." He grunted menacingly, leering in a way that made Dorian take a step back, immediately lowering his gaze.

 

"I'm sorry." He grumbled, hastily turning aside and sidestepping another table. Light, this was not happening. Swinging back, he focused on his goal, slinging himself into the empty chair beside the man they sought, his gaze still down and his heart thumping crazily in his chest. The man he had bumped could still be heard grumbling not far away, causing Dorian to sink lower in his chair, not making eye contact with anyone around him. If Yrean and Andular didn't move soon, he swore he was going to give into the little frightened voice in his head and make a dash for the door.

 

Dorian

Chicken :)

[WhiteWolf]

Yrean and Andular watched as Dorian weaved his way across the room, the press of people entering and leaving the Inn making this slightly more difficult than either man was happy with, but it was made easier with two pairs of eyes. Eventually, Dorian arrived at the table and sat down. Yrean and Andular waited, expectantly, but their target did not seem to notice Dorian and they both breathed a little easier. That was not to say the moment of danger had passed, just that it had lessened slightly.

 

Yrean pushed himself away from the wall he was leaning against, leaving Andular to guard the door, and made his way to the bar, ordering two tankards of Dark, before making his way towards where Dorian was. Seeing his mentor moving closer, Dorian managed to raise a smile, albeit a rather weak one, and Yrean inwardly, smiled at the evident nervousness that he could detect from Dorian. He had no reason to be nervous as Yrean and Andular would not have placed him in danger if they did not think he could handle it, obviously they had more faith in him than he did in himself.

 

“There you do be Dorian, could you be not finding a more conspicuous place to be waiting for me?â€

 

Yrean sat down opposite Dorian and handed him one of the tankards, before taking a huge gulp from the other one, and then grinning at the look on Dorian’s face. “You be needing that I be thinking, be you drinking it, or fondling it?â€

 

Dorian raised the tankard to his lips and drank half of it in one go, obviously trying to match Yrean. While Dorian was manfully drinking his tankard, Yrean glanced over to the man next to him, who after r taking a look at Yrean had studiously ignored him. Placing his tankard on the table, Yrean started to tell Dorian about the day they had had, as if Dorian had not been there. When he got to the part about the wagon driver disappearing, the man opposite Yrean pushed the table back and made to stand up. Yrean leaned forward and grabbed the mans wrist in an iron hard grip.

 

“And where do you be going? We be knowing who you be, so you be sitting back down, or my friend and I be removing your head from your shoulders.†Not only was his grip like iron, but also Yrean’s voice was stone cold, not a trace of emotion. Dorian realised that Yrean had slipped into the void and did so himself. “You be leaving with us, be it one way or the other.â€

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

 

OOC: Dorian, post us taking the target out of the Inn, he can try and give us trouble if you want .W e can either get away scott free, or there can be a riot….you choose*bg*

[Lavinya]

The relief that came with Yrean's presence was insurmountable. Of course, he trusted his mentor, but Dorian had nonetheless been sitting on the edge of his seat, waiting to flee at the first hint of trouble. He eyed the tankard in front of him warily, he had learnt a very valuable lesson about drink at Yrean's hands some time ago, and could never seem to bring himself to touch liquor without remembering the incident. It was not something he wished to repeat, but at Yrean's good natured teasing, he lifted the tankard and took a large swill, as much to calm his frayed nerves as to match Yrean.

 

It was difficult maintaining a straight face as Yrean recapped the days events, the man they believed to be involved sitting within earshot the whole while. Not wanting to ruin the show, Dorian remained silent and nodded, though his eyes were wide, often hiding his features behind the tankard. Still, it was hard to not admire Yrean's tactic. He was so very calm also, though Dorian sensed he was ready to react in a blink of an eye, like a coiled snake, poised to strike. Curse his foolish wariness, Dorian should rely more on his excellent training.

 

The man made to move away, and Dorian tensed, following Yrean's action and slipping into the void, feeding the flame with all his emotion until he was devoid, his senses heightened, his body in quiet readiness for action. Almost absently his hand went to where his scimitar rested in it's hilt, belted at his waist. “You be leaving with us, be it one way or the other.â€Dorian did not take his eyes away from their quarry, knowing his attention was needed if they were to solve the morning's puzzle, and aprehend this man, if indeed he was guilty of some crime.

 

Yrean's grip was firm as he propelled the man towards the door, Dorian following closely behind. It was because of where he was placed that he saw the man shake his sleeve, a small blade falling into his palm. "Yrean, knife!" He shouted the warning, giving the Illianer a split second's notice to dodge before the blade could reach his face. Dorian reached out, the shouts errupting around him distant in the void as he grabbed at the man's arm, aiming to retrieve the knife as Yrean landed a sound blow to the man's kidney.

 

Ducking, Dorian barely missed a blow to his head as fighting broke out around them, the men who had been enjoying quiet drinks suddenly surging to their feet, some aiming to set the captured men free, others aiding Yrean and Dorian, and others still who no doubt were simply looking to enjoy a good tussle. Hot on the heels of his mentor, Dorian ducked and weaved his way out of the now brawling common room, enduring a few blows and delivering several, though his main aim was to escape the room, not engage in the fight.

 

At last they emerged onto the street, meeting up with Andular, who helped drag the cur into an alley to better question him, Yrean and Andular looking lethal with their predatory grace, something which Dorian tried to emulate. He was panting heavily, a combination of the exertions to get out of the inn and the adrenalin pumping through his body. At least he had not been so foolish as to draw his sword, though his knuckles now pounded from where they had connected with the jaw of a man blocking his path. Even though they were away from the main brawl now, Dorian remained alert, waiting intently to see what Yrean and Andular would do next.

 

Dorian

[WhiteWolf]

The fight had been swift and brutal, but thankfully no one had drawn a blade, other than the light blinded fool who had been their target. Due to Dorian’s alertness, Yrean had had time to avoid the clumsy thrust, and while Andular dragged the prisoner off for a more intensive round of questioning, Yrean thanked Dorian for his warning and suggested they should make their way to a more reputable part of the city and enjoy some refreshment. “I be not knowing about you Dorian, but I be starving. There be nothing like a good chase and a fight to be giving me an appetite, you be coming.†With that Yrean led the way out of the alley and back to the safer parts of Tar Valon. It was nowhere near as rough a city as many Yrean had been to on his travels as a Caravan guard, but when violence did occur, it was more shocking for the unexpectedness of it.

 

It was not long before the two men had made their way to Yrean’s favourite Inn, the Spanked Woman. Yrean had no idea where the name came from, but the sign above the door had always made him smile, even more so after the first time he had taken Gaea here, and seen the look on her face.

 

Entering the Inn, Yrean made his way to a vacant table and soon a smiling serving girl approached them and Yrean ordered two tankards of Dark and asked what the fare was on offer. Yrean settled on the spiced beef, something he had quite a taste for, as he had always loved hot food. By the time their food arrived, they were well into their second tankard, and Yrean could not but laugh at the look on Dorian’s face when the girl winked at him. Telling Adera, for that was her name, not to tease Dorian, Yrean grinned over at his student and lent towards him, speaking in a conspiratorial tone.

 

“You be making a friend there you be, if you be wanting one that be.â€

 

Dorian had been around Yrean long enough to realise when his leg was being pulled, and he smiled back at Yrean and continued to eat. When their meal was over, Yrean motioned for them to move over to the bad, and after buying another drink for Dorian and himself, turned and studied the other patrons.

 

“Do you be knowing why I be liking it here Dorian?â€

 

“You mean apart from there being no blood on the door handles and no sand on the floor Yrean?â€

 

“That be two very good reason, but I be liking the peace and quiet here. You be feeling welcome here, almost like you be in your own home. It may seem violence always surrounds our lives, but that be not meaning we like it, it be part of our work, and after work I be liking some comfort and fun.â€

 

The two men stood at the bar, slowly sipping their tankards and enjoying the calm after the storm. “So this be your first day working as a Tower Guard, what be you thinking you be learning today?â€

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

 

Mentor to Dorian

 

OOC Dorian, recap on the day, mention anything you think you have learnt and then end the evening as you like, that should be this thread over.