Loraine Sedai, Kynwric, Thera and the Merry Band of Trainees Take a Trip.

[Jehaine]

Much to her relief, the rest had done Melenis good, and she felt confident enough to join the others for dinner. The cramps, though still present, had started to die down a bit and would probably be gone by tomorrow, reassuring her that there would be no problem during the rest of the trip. If anything, she was glad it would be over with by the time she'd need her focus.

 

Still, there was the matter of acting as a Lady's retainer. Though she had little in the way of finer clothing -- most of her wardrobe had been utilitarian -- Loraine had helped her piece together some combinations that at least wouldn't make her look out of place. She spent a good half hour in front of a mirror getting every wrinkle out of her clothing, and doing and redoing the bun on the back of her head in the Far Madding style.

 

Giving herself another look in the mirror, she was satisfied with the results. Wrapping herself in the Void, she placed her ashandarei diagonally across her back before striding out into the hall, looking like the eye in the storm. She was there for a purpose, and nothing was going to get in the way.

 

 

Melenis

Dressed to Kill

[Eqwina]

Thera blinked at the lantern light as she opened her eyes. She had not intended to do more than nap, but judging by the light outside, she was past time for dinner. Changing out of her traveling clothes she dressed herself in a cream silk shirt and green coat with flowers embroidered on the lapels. It was the nicest of all the clothes she had brought. Content that she looked like a somewhat less weary retainer she headed down the stairs and asked the way to the private room.

 

With a small smile Thera entered the room to see that everyone but “their lady” had arrived; so apparently she was not too late. Taking a seat one down from the head of the table she leaned back in her chair and tried to appear relaxed. Small knots of conversation dotted the room, but Thera was content just to sit and observe. It seemed as if everyone had shared her idea of wanting to look their best, even Melenis looked fit for a palace. Putting them all to shame Loraine entered the room and even Thera gapped with her mouth open. Standing back from the table she turned to pull out her chair with a murmured “My Lady” Only after Loraine was seated did Thera motion the rest to gather their places around the table.

 

Almost immediately the serving girls bustled in with trays emanating with delicious aromas and Thera’s was not the only stomach to grumble. It had been a long time since lunch.

 

With the plates piled high and everyone distracted by their food Thera turned to Kynwric and spoke in a low voice. “You saw our friend across the street? It was only an accident that I noticed.” He nodded and Thera turned back to her food, not wanting to draw any eyes with her whispers.

“ You are looking fit for a ball my lady” she said louder. “Did you rest well?” Thera was hoping Loraine caught what she was hinting at. She was unsure if this room was warded,and it was always best to be safe until you were sure.

 

[Sieve]

((OOC: Wow Jehaine! did you draw that?))

 

Perivar walked back to his room warring with himself, his head hung low.  He was a fool jumping at shadows, Loraine Sedai was just being kind.  No she had said it straight, something felt wrong, she couldn't lie.  Perivar felt it too, something wasn't right he just couldn't tell what it was.  Maybe she was just trying to make him feel better, light he didn't know what to think.

 

Perivar pushed open the door to his room barely glancing at Anluan who was just polishing off his meal.  Armor and all, Perivar plopped down on his bed.  He informed Anluan that he was not hungry telling the other that he could have his meal. 

 

Perivar stared at the ceiling for a while then sat up, he could not rest.  He stripped off his armor then cleaned the dust and debris that he had accumulated since leaving Tar Valon.  When he was finished he sat his armor on the floor next to his bed.  He took out his whetstone and an oiled rag then began sharpening his sword.

 

Perivar looked at his armor deciding what he would wear.  After washing up and after much though he finally decided to wear his full gear minus his helmet and chain mail.  When he was done dressing he wore his dull blackened breastplate overtop a drab green colored padded gambeson.  For his lower half he wore his blackened plate cuisses with articulated knee cops.  He finished of the set with his blackened plate greaves which were buckled over his black polished boots.   

 

Perivar had just strapped his sword onto his back when a knock came at the door.  He answered it to find Master Kynwric who informed him that Dinner would be ready in five minutes in the private dining room asking him to pass the word to the others.  As soon as Master Kynwirc left he made sure that Anluan had heard then picking up his leather gaunlets he went to inform the others.

 

After making the rounds he made his way to the dining room.  His eyes first went to Loraine Sedai, he paused for a moment before bowing and giving her the proper courtesies remembering to call her "my lady".  Light all dressed up as she was with the intricate hair and jewels reminded him of his mother.  His mother did not always dress so though there were times when the occassion demanded that she appear as the Lady that she was.

 

Perivar nodded to the others though his eyes stuck on Melenis for a bit longer than the others.  Something about her appeareance spoke of elegance in a serviceable kind of way.  He had only seen her around the yards in drab training attire, there was nothing of that in the outfit that she now wore.  He noticed something else about her, a deadly grace which was further emphasized by the ashandarei which sat diagonally across her back.  He had never realized just how pretty she was, light the thought made his cheeks blush.

 

He noticed Mistress Thera speaking with Master Kynwric and noticed how nice she looked.  No he thought...immediately he pushed those thoughts from his head.  If he managed to speak those aloud or if she noticed his look she would flay him alive.  Perivar coughed then decided now was a good time to study his boots as if checking the toes to see if they were scuffed. 

[_Kynwric_]

Kynwric followed Loraine into the Dining room. Barely noticed due to the spectacular display Lor was putting on, he was still attired in his traveling clothes and noticed that he was horribly underdressed for dinner. Not that it was going to stop him from eating though. He was about to reach for Loraine's chair when Thera beat him to it, and with a smirk he stepped around them both and took a seat opposite Thera, on Loraine's left side. Once they were all settled he heard Thera speak to him

 

“You saw our friend across the street? It was only an accident that I noticed.”

 

He nodded. "Yes, I was planning on taking care of him later this evening, at least baiting him into a fight... interested?"

 

He then let the conversation pass over the Whitecloak for a while, studying each of the people at the table while he ate. He stopped for a while on Melenis, noting her appearance. He also noted Perivar was staring at the floor again, he wondered what was the cause of it. They'd have to have a talk, can't be staring at the floor all the bloody time. The rest seemed to be fitting in well and he hoped it continued through tomorrow.

 

Finally as the dinner was winding down. "I have some information, while much of Caemlyn is how I thought I'd find it, and nothing too particularly much to worry about. There has been another kidnapping, near Four Kings and there is a Whitecloak watching the front entrance and alleyway of the Inn." He could see the collective urge to crane their necks about, even though he could not be seen from inside the room. "That in and of itself does not bother me, it could be any number of things. However, be careful, be vigilant and set up a guard rotation of one of each of you in the common room all night. Figure it out amongst yourselves, Thera and I will be making a visit to our firend to see what the interest of the Children are in this Inn."

[U4ea]

Loraine smiled at their reactions, but the ones in the hallway outside were the ones she was more interested in. She got her message across. Eccentric Lady with too much money, otherwise, nothing to remark on. At least, most of the sideways glances she was getting as she made her way into the dining room read that way. She made her way to her chair, debating a ward on the room. If she did it, she announced that there was an Aes Sedai in here to anyone who could feel the weaving. If she didn't, they couldn't truly talk. She waited as the food was brought in, her lips twitching at Thera's remark about the ball, but otherwise not responding.

 

When the door closed behind the last serving girl, she stood up and walked around the room, her fingertips brushing the walls as she focused on sensing anyone nearby who could sense her weave. She felt a little spark near the back and paused, focusing harder on that person. She eyed Kynwric a moment, putting her finger to her lip before wrapping herself in a cloak off the peg and slipping into the hallway. She slipped back in a few moments later, hanging the cloak back up and quickly twisting a ward all around the room. The spark was a girl humming in the store room who probably didn't realize she was showing the signs. She'd have to remember that on their return trip.

 

She ate quietly, listening to the conversation around the table more than anything. "However, be careful, be vigilant and set up a guard rotation of one of each of you in the common room all night. Figure it out amongst yourselves, Thera and I will be making a visit to our firend to see what the interest of the Children are in this Inn." Loraine blinked, remembering that Kynwric had told her about the White Cloak. Oh, Light...

 

"They know about the girl," she whispered, her eyes raising to his as alarms went off in her head. "There's a girl working for Borim who has the spark. That's what I had to investigate before I put wards on the door. She doesn't know she's doing it, I don't think, but..." she was rambling, but it was all clicking in her head. "Kynwric, they're watching the Inn because they know about her. How did they find out?" It made her skin itch, thinking the White Cloaks had some way of finding channelers hidding in a crowd. She couldn't wait for their return trip to corner that girl. She had to do it before the White Cloaks got to her. Otherwise, she had a feeling there would be another girl missing before morning. "Perhaps I can smuggle her into the palace tomorrow. They can protect her and get her to the Tower far better than we can. The White Cloaks wouldn't dare attacking the Palace."

[Talavin]

OOC: How could the Whitecloaks even get as far as Caemlyn? In the books people were suprised that they were daring enough to invade Baerlon.

 

IC: Arath sighed as he made his way down the stairs, at least the announcement of dinner had distracted Jasine from any furter questioning. Arath dressed himself in his finest clothes (not very fine, however) and made his way down the stairs with Jasine. They finally got to the private dining rooms and found that the atmostphere had an undercurrent of tension. On the surface, they looked just like a lady and her entorage eating a meal. Arath had seen a few Ladies in his time- whenever one would pass by, they would all gather 'round and gawk at her. Loraine looked even more regal than most.

 

Perivar looked like his honor had been stomped on, Anluan wasn't eating, Melenis was dressed to kill, Jasine... was Jasine. When Arath added his own gloominess to the equation, he could imagine that they looked like quite a show. Ignoring that, Arath listened to Kynwric Gaiden's words and found himself paling. Whitecloaks outside of the Inn? He only hoped that they weren't there for them, but that was most likely the reason. When Loraine sedai leaned over and spoke worriedly to her Warder, Arath hoped that there weren't any problems.

 

Trying to make conversation with Anluan, he asked why the other trainee wasn't eating, only to get the responce that he had already eaten. Arath sat uncomfortably at table as an awkward silence settled upon them.

 

 

[Eqwina]

Thera cut her eyes first to Loraine and back to Kynwric. She had some idea of what Loraine had and found and she grimaced. It seemed that there would be no way around disposing of the man. It was tricky business when dealing with Whitecloaks, but with two they should manage.

 

Looking down at her coat Thera grimaced; she so hated to ruin a new coat. With her suspicions confirmed Thera sighed. It seemed as if one of them would escort the girl and Loraine to the palace and the other would deal with their friend.

 

“ Pardon Loraine, but it would be best to take her tonight, while our friend is distracted.” Thera looked to Kynwric seeing which duty he would take. It would be up to Loraine to explain to this young woman why she was being spirited away in the night and to Borim why he’d lost one of his girls. In the moments that followed Thera excused herself to retrieve a cloak, so that when the time came she did not have to go back up stairs.

 

Kynwric and Loraine had their heads together so Thera gathered her trainee’s around as well. “I want you all to keep special watch to night, keep your heads clear and your mind focused and all will go well.” She gave Jasine a small smile and waved off his objects. “You will all stay here to night, and I will hear nothing more about it.” She turned to join the conversation with Loraine.

 

[Quisalas Selene]

Jasine had chosen the seat next to Kynwric, but even this close he couldn't hear what Loraine said to her warder.  If he had, he'd have been even more concerned.  His older sisters were long past the point where they would have begun channeling if they had the spark inborn, but since Selene could channel and his Mum had been a channeler, albeit a weak one, it stood to reason that perhaps his other sisters could have as well.  If Jasine had known more about how channeling shows in girls, he would not have had such reason to worry.

 

"In Four Kings? My Lady Loraine, my family is from Four Kings.  You don't think..." There were [i[lots[/i] of people in Four Kings, it was at most unlikely that any of his four sisters had been the girl that had been taken, but now that the idea was in his head, he couldn't get it out.  He turned to Kynwric, concern showing in his eyes. "Master Kinwric, when we go west of here, can I visit my family? They are only a very short ride north of Four Kings.  I would like to make sure my sisters are alright."  He paused, he had hoped the opportunity to introduce Thera to his parents would arise on this trip, surely with them he could open about his relationship with the woman, but now it felt shallow to suggest she accompany him to the farm alone.  He should not be thinking of his romance when his sisters may be, and some girl certainly was, in such peril.

 

He was glad Kynwric had waited until most of them had finished eating before bringing up the subject of the missing girls.  If he had spoken earlier, Jasine was sure he would not have been able to eat.  His food sat unhappily in his stomach, but at least he did not feel as if he would embarrass himself by bringing it back up. 

 

He listened carefully as Thera spoke, and frowned when she cut off the objections he'd hardly had a chance to form.  Finally he nodded, reminding himself forcefully that he was still a trainee and that he would be of little use protecting Thera against any opponent she couldn't dispatch herself.  He would keep watch with the other trainees, as he was bid.

[Jehaine]

Melenis had stopped eating while Loraine was away, waiting for her return in case of trouble. Though it wasn't anything that would have had them all scramble for the horses, she nevertheless had mixed feelings about the girl that could apparently become an Aes Sedai -- when properly trained, of course. Still, she listened to the order that all of them would be staying here that night, and wanted to add a thought of her own.

 

- "Excuse me... Would it be better to have the girl stay with us? If the Whitecloaks are attempting to kidnap her before we can get her to the palace, she'd be the safest with us, and if they tried anything we'd end up with someone to interrogate 'for entering the Lady Kilaine's quarters uninvited'."

 

Though calm as if she was discussing the weather, she could feel the adrenaline starting to pump through her veins. There was a decent chance they'd see combat soon -- real combat, not the sparring at the Yards -- and the idea of using her weapon as opposed to training latches felt uncomfortably real to her. Still, that's why weapons were made in the first place, right?

 

Though she felt a bit worried that she was starting to go down the same path her father did by fighting another human, she would do what she had to to protect the girl as well as Loraine. This was a test, case, an evaluation of what her abilities as a Warder would be. Thus, there was no room for failure. She would pass this test, succeed in keeping the girl -- a channeler! -- safe as if she would an Aes Sedai she would have been Bonded to.

 

 

Melenis

Preparing for the worst

[Sieve]

Perivar was happy to see that nobody had taken notice to blushes, well he was almost certain that it went undetected.  Everyone was too focused on their conversations or the food that was in front of them.

 

Perivar glanced at Loraine Sedai when Master Kynwric explained about the White Cloak outside the inn.  Perivar wanted to leave right then and go thump the fellow.  When Jasine asked if they could check on his sisters his heart went out to his friend, light please let them be unharmed.  Now Perivar was ready to slit the White Cloak's throat.

 

When Mistress Thera said thay would stay here and not join her Perivar wanted to argue against it but she would not hear it.  Her tone had said she had made her decision and would not be persuaded otherwise.  Perivar indicated that he would take the first watch in the common room, he was dressed for it after all.

 

He nodded as Melenis spoke, putting the girl in their rooms would be the best protection that they could offer until they could get her to the palace.  "It does sound like the best protection that we could offer her.  If we guard the hallway between the common room and the private quarters then one or two of us could hold off an entire squad of White Cloaks."  His voice was hardened, he felt like he could finally be of some use.

 

Perivar thought of the poor girl working for Master Borim, he thought of Jasine's sisters and the possiblity that maybe they were in danger, it fueled him.  Another time and place it could be them, or perhaps Kabria, ooh she would probably plunge her dagger into the White Cloak's heart faster than he but...light he could not think of her now he had to focus on the task at hand.  Ooh light the oath, he was bound to her until an Aes Sedai claimed him or she threw him aside.  While he had a say in the matter, the first would not happen yet he feared the latter, what if she cast him aside, what if it wasn't meant to be.  He pushed that aside, the thought of her possibly being in danger fueled him even more.  They had to protect the girl, they could not fail. 

 

Perivar looked at Loraine Sedai, or her he thought, Light what if in another time and place it was her.  He had come to like her immensely, aside from being kind and generous she had been an inspiration and a source of education for all of them.  She was their link to the Tower, their idea of what an Aes Sedai was.  If the White Cloaks caught wind of who she really is she would be in more danger than the girl.  His thoughts flashed between protecing her or the girl, where was the reater need.  She could handle herself better than the rest though she was also bound by the three oaths.  Well if Perivar had to goad the White Cloak into a confrontation in order to give her an opportunity to set matters right then he was willing and able.  If Kynwric and Thera were successful there would be no need but what if there were more of them.  His face wore a look of grim determination.  He stood on the balls of his feet as if he was about to charge, he felt the rage running through him.  Assuming the void he pushed all of his emotions into the flame, all his thoughts seemed distant.

[_Kynwric_]

OOC: For a full scale invasion, yes. For just Whitecloaks riding about and causing trouble or carrying out there own missions, no. Whitecloaks pretty much travel in small packs and try to stir up their brand of zealotry where ever they go.

 

IC:

 

Kynwric sat back for a moment and digested the information, the Whitecloaks could tell if a woman could channel. "With your permission?" He looked at Loraine before speaking as this was no longer Warder business, but Aes Sedai business. When she gave the slight nod he was expecting he continued. "We keep the girl here tonight, keep watch on her and keep her from leaving this place no matter what. If that means you have to flirt your way into keeping her here then do it, under absolutely no circumstances should she be alone." He glanced at Thera. "We both go to neutralize our friend across the street, it will take them some time to realize he is missing and if we're lucky enough that it takes past morning then we'll thank the light for it. I'd rather move her in the bright of day, there are enough here who dislike the Children that they'd dare not snatch her on the Queen's own streets. First thing in the morning we make for the palace as we had planned, only I want the girl with us, no ifs ands or buts. Make it happen. Do not tell her she can channel, that is Aes Sedai business and they can deal with it when we are safe." He paused for a moment. "You will all keep watch as Thera commanded. If we do not return by morning then it is your duty to get Loraine and the girl to the palace." He then looked at Jasine, "Can your sisters channel?" He glanced at Loraine. "Perhaps he should be shown the last report? If he knows the area it could help."

[U4ea]

Loraine nodded not trusting her voice for the moment. That the girl could be Jasine's sister was a slight chance, but she couldn't imagine being ok with taking that chance in his position. She knew what it was like to lose sibling. She chewed her lip, her mind switching gears, trying to imagine how she could keep them all safe. If they could sense a channeler in this building, she prayed they chalked it up to the girl and not the Lady suddenly in residence. She eyed the weaves along the walls and worried her lip some more. Flirting would only get them so far, she feared. She was going to have to resort to something much more high handed to get the girl out of sight for the evening.

 

She looked around the table, an idea taking shape in her head. She had no maid to help her. She could ask to borrow the girl once the men were finished flirting. That could last for a while. "I believe Borim has a gleeman in the common room, this evening. I will line his pockets so deep he jingles when he walks to keep the music going as long as possible." She turned her eyes to the men around the table, the corner of her lip twitching. "Do you suppose you can flirt with a pretty serving girl until the music stops?" She watched their various reactions and turned back to Kynwric. "After the music stops, I'll ask Borim to loan her to me as a maid. I can think of a hundred things for the girl to do. Perhaps I can slip her something to help her sleep in the midsts of the other things. You leave the girl to us, there are more than enough of us to handle her. Just be safe and don't play with the White Cloak." She eyed Kynwric, pinning him with her deep blue eyes. "Do what you have to do, but don't take chances. If we're all getting back to the Tower, we'll need you both able to handle things that you know I can't do. If this is any indication, I'm afraid my channeling will have to be put on hold." Which made her an even bigger liability, now. She cursed inside and mentally chewed on what that meant. She'd have to hold off until she was pushed to it. Oh, she hated being pushed to it...

[Sieve]

"My Lady, if I may speak."  She nodded her approval, and the others turned their attention to him which made him wish he could have his words back.  Well you opened your mouth fool, out with it he thought to himself.

 

"If Master Borim has a Gleeman tonight it will mean that the common room will be packed.  I think it would be best if you paid him to leave early.  It will be difficult for us to keep an eye on the girl and cover all doors at the same time with a packed common room.  Flirt as we may, I doubt Master Borim will allow her to slack on her duties on such a night as tonight unless he is in on it.  Even if he is then we have only a few choices" Perivar looked at Jasine marking him as their only chance.  "Even Jasine does not seem to be his normal outgoing self.  Well perhaps Melenis could befriend her or even Arath but I certainly have no way with words or women.  More than likely I would have the opposite effect on her than what we intend.  I would have more luck flirting with a trolloc or a myrdraal even."   He shivered at that last thought though it was probably true. 

 

He paused a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing.  "Either way My Lady, it may be better if you took the girl into your service as soon as possible.  It will make watching her much easier if we know exactly where she is.  This way we only have to watch the hallway leading to the rooms and your door which can be done by one of us.  If we are willing to assign another watcher, that person could observe the front door and common room giving us additional time to warn the others if necessary."  He took a breath before finishing hoping that he would be able to emphasize his point in an articulate manner.  "I fear that if we allow her to roam free while the inn is packed then we increase the risk of losing her.  Even if we follow her like a pack of hounds there is still a risk that we may lose sight of her.  On top of that our actions will certainly not escape notice.  We don't want to draw anymore attention to ourselves than is absolutely necessary."   He finished feeling like he had just run a hundred laps.  His gaze went from Loraine Sedai to Master Kynwric, then to Mistress Thera as he waited for a response.

[Eqwina]

A pain shot through Thera as she looked in Jasine’s eyes. Closing her eyes she made a vow that no matter what, when their mission was complete she would see his family safe whatever the cost to herself. A tiny voice in her head whispered that someday they could be her family too.

 

Crossing the few short steps to be at his side she reached out and gripped his hand looking at him with commiseration in her eyes. “If it is she, we will see her safe, I promise you that.” Looking to Loraine and Kynwric her eyes spoke volumes of the pain she would share if she could not keep her word. Releasing his hand was the hardest thing she had ever done, but there was nothing for it now. Wrapping herself in the emptiness of the void Thera scanned the room . “ Heed what you have been told, do as Loraine says, remember your oaths and all will be well.”

 

Thera paused at Perivar's interuption glancing around the room. What ever their decision it did not change what she and Kynwric had to be about.

 

There was a possibility that what they did out there could go wrong, but she didn’t think they needed another reminder. When she looked at them she could already see her and Kynwric’s deaths haunting their eyes. Checking the knives that were down her back and up her sleeves Thera threw on her cloak and fastened the pin. “ Kynwric, are you ready? The decision on how to occupy the girl can be left to them. If we have to be about this sooner is better than late.” 

 

[Quisalas Selene]

"Can they.. channel?  Selene could, that's why she's here.  If any of the others could channel, I.. I don't think they were every tested.  Selene told me on the trip to Tar Valon that Mum could channel, but not strongly enough to be Aes Sedai.  They sent her away after a while.  I.. don't really know if channeling runs in lines like that, or if girls are just chosen at random by the Creator's will." He paused, chewing his lower lip as he frowned.  Thera's closeness meant a lot to him, but now he was going to have to watch her walk out into danger as well.  At least she wasn't a helpless girl, she was a warrior.

 

"I have four older sisters, two of them moved off to Whiebridge and Baerlon respectively when they married.  My closest two sisters, Lesael and Cairlyn, we both living at home still, but could have been married off by now.  The farm is north of Four Kings, but I played in the whole area around it before I left home.  I'm 19 now, so Cairlyn would be 22 and Lesael 21.  Mairgan and Ceilie are twins, they're 24 or 25, I think." He nodded to himself. "24, their birthday is this fall.  I just don't know if they can channel, or if it was just Mum and Selene."

 

Jasine thought about the Whitecloaks targeting girls who could channel and his stomach tied into knots.  As much as those wretches hated the Aes Sedai, he could not even hope that the girls already taken could be still alive.  They would have been tried and found guilty by the Inquisitors and long since gone to the gallows.  "Lady Loraine?" He knew they must be warded or none of the adults would be speaking so freely, but he had been forcefully reminding him of the roles they must all play and didn't want to get back out of the habit.  "Another channeler can sense each other, right?  Could they maybe be using the girls who can channel to find other girls, and maybe that could be a reason they aren't..." he swallowed, and continued painfully, "killing them right away?"

 

It sounded possible, he hoped it must be the case.  If the girls were useful, they wouldn't just kill them right away.  At Perivar's words, sound reasoning all of it, Jasine grimaced.  He'd never felt less like flirting in all his life.  At least the man was giving them an option that didn't involve Jasine trying to wink and giggle when he felt like relieving himself of his dinner.

 

"Be well and safe, Kynwric and Thera.  Our hearts go with you," He couldn't keep his gaze from locking onto Thera's when he said that, but he forced them to Kynwric's as he finished. "We will do all that we can here, by the Light."

[Jehaine]

Melenis was softly tapping the table with one of her nails, using the rhythm to help her thoughts form. After listening to Perivar, she mulled over what he said before speaking up as well.

 

- "With all respects, my Lady, but flirting might actually be beneficial. If you were to take her on as a maid, where else would she stay but the female servants' quarters, with Mistress Thera and myself? Until arrangements can be made, it'd be for the best to keep the boys away from her -- no offense, of course. I'm certain one of us could go without sleep for a night."

 

The suggestion that she and Thera would take turns on watch couldn't have been more obvious unless she had spoken it. And with the girl being asleep, with only two beds amongst the three of them, there wouldn't even be a lot of suspicion coming from the girl herself. She was somewhat worried for Jasine's sisters, but shook it off and decided not to give it further thought. As much as she hated to admit it, his family lived in Four Kings, and they were in Caemlyn. Unless Loraine would pull open some kind of portal to transport them all over there, she didn't see how it would be changing anything they had planned for tonight.

 

 

Melenis

Will guard the girls from Jasine ;)

[Sieve]

Perivar felt for Jasine, he could not imagine what he was going through at the moment.  Thoughts of his sisters, his obvious concern for Mistress Thera.  He walked over to his friend placing his hand on his shoulder.  "All will be well Jasine."  He said with a smile that he did not feel.

[U4ea]

She chewed over Perivar's idea, her eyes watching Thera and Kynwric preparing to go out in the street. Her unease wouldn't help him, but she knew there was no way to keep it from him without shutting him out. She couldn't afford not to feel him. She kept her silence, watching him leave, debating whether she needed to perch near a window or not. She was being silly, Kynwric and Thera could handle a single White Cloak. But what if he's not alone? She closed her eyes as the door closed, realizing that her heart was headed for the street and her responsibility was here and down the hall.

 

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes again, seeing five sets of expectant eyes pinned on her. "I agree with you in part, Perivar, but it will be difficult to get the girl away for the entire night. I can pretend to be hard to help, but it will be difficult doing it for longer than a few hours. Perhaps there is a compromise. We do all of it and we move fast. Melenis, see if you can befriend her, boys..." she smiled and tilted her head. "Stop selling yourself short and turn on that charm. If nothing else, order drinks constantly and only order them from her. I'll take Melenis back so she can meet the girl. When they come into the Common Room, you better be friendly. Spreading out would be good, but don't make it too obvious. Jasine, near the door to the kitchen. She can't get past you without seeing you that way. I promise to intervene should someone see you doing it." She knew he caught her message, but she didn't stop to drive the point home. "Anulan and Perivar, put yourselves near the door. You can sit together, just make sure one of you has his eyes on the door and the other has his eyes on the girl. You'll have to work together, but I know you can handle it. Arath, put yourself close to the stairs. We don't want anyone sneaking up or down them who will be a threat. Melenis," she paused and smiled. "Make yourself comforable wherever, but make sure there's an empty chair at your table so the girl can sit down every once in a while. I'm sure she'll appreciate the gesture in a few hours."

 

She took a deep breath, knowing Kyn and Thera had made it into the street. The familiar tightness in her head told her that Kynwric was planning how best to approach their little friend. Light, she needed to see what was going on! "After I show Melenis the girl, I'll go destroy my room, corner the gleeman and Borim and make sure everything's arranged. I'll settle for the gleeman playing for a bit. If I don't see Kynwric or Thera within the hour, I'll pay him to leave and we'll arrange ourselves accordingly. Any questions?" She paused, running scenarios through her head and hoping she'd arranged everyone where they'd be the most good. She couldn't find a hole, so she raised her eyes to them again. "Keep your eyes open, but don't give in to an itchy finger. If you're good, I might be ok with a nice bar room brawl for a distraction..." she winked and stood, letting her weaves fall apart.

[_Kynwric_]

“ Kynwric, are you ready? The decision on how to occupy the girl can be left to them. If we have to be about this sooner is better than late.” 

 

"Aye, I am oh so ready. It has been far to long since I boxed me a Whitecloaks ears and made him squeal..." Kyn said as he rose from the table and tossed the napkin on his plate. He paused on his way out the door to press a kiss to the top of Loraine's head, then exited the room with Thera. "I'm proposing that we bait the poor thing into a barfight, but he may actually be too cool for that and we'll just have to kill him. But I'd prefer to have the cover of an alibi. Either which way, I was thinking that we'll go in, set about looking like we're getting ripped from one end to the other and set about spewing venom about the Whitecloaks being darkfriends and in league with Aes Sedai and other nonsense... unless you just want to kill him?"

[Eqwina]

Subconsciously Thera’s had tightened and relaxed on the hilt of her sword. A Whitecloak owed her a blood debt, and it would be a pleasure to take it from this man, but she had more than her own revenge to think of. “ A few drinks wouldn’t go amiss, and I never run low on insults for the their goat kissing hides.” Attempting to appear something more than a deadly weapon Thera plastered a smile on her face and nudged Kynwric as if making a jest until he did the same. “But Kynwric” she said through the smile “If we do have to kill him, and it looks like we may get caught you get yourself back to the Loraine and the tr..the kids.” Hopefully if the light was shining on them the fool would be alone and it would be as simple as they planned.

 

[Sieve]

Perivar listened as Loraine Sedai layed out the final plan.  Her tone and commanding presence led him to believe that there would be no more time for discussion on the matter, this was the plan.  He smiled when she said "If you're good, I might be ok with a nice bar room brawl for a distraction..." 

 

Perivar thought on his task trying to decide if it would be better for him to watch the girl or the door.  Perivar had grown taller since his arrival in Tar Valon so he and Anluan were almost exactly the same height.  Something told him that he would have a better chance keeping an eye on the girl.  Perivar talked it over with Anluan, they both decided that Anluan would watch the door and Perivar would keep an eye on the girl.  With that decided the thought it best to get down to the common room so they could pick the seats with the best view of the door and the other points of interest.

[_Kynwric_]

"You worry to much... but never fear, we'll not get caught." Kyn laughed and pushed off against Thera, adding to the charade they were playing as they walked across the street and into the tavern. Good, just the one... was the first thought Kyn had as he took stock of the situation and headed for the bar right behind where the poor, unsuspecting Whitecloak was sitting at a table. He sidled up to the bar and called, loudly, for the barkeep. "Ale, a nice dark ale for me and whatever my friend here is having!" He backed the barstool back and bumped into the Whitecloaks chair. Turning Kyn looked down at the man, "Beggun' yer pardon sirrah, my apologies... you'd think I was raised at a Whitecloak brothel than my mothers with my poor manners." He saw the fight flare up in the mans eyes, but he held firm and murmured something in reply and Kyn just grinned. "Of course, right you are... be more careful." When he turned back around his cup was sitting there full with a nice brown ale which Kyn drank back in one long slug.

[Sieve]

Perivar and Anluan chose their spots with a good view of the door and the common room.  People began filing into the Badger and Lioness as the Gleeman was getting ready to take the stage.  Perivar hoped that he and the others would not get distracted by the Gleeman's performance.  The task was not going to be an easy one.

 

Perivar was glad that they had gone down early enough to get a table with a good view otherwise his neck would have been sore having to twist this way and that to follow the girl.  The girl that he had to keep an eye on was an energetic little lass.  He had already ordered a round of drinks from her for him and Anluan throwing her a little extra coin than she was probably used to so she would remember to visit them often and possibly come faster when they called.  She had left them with a wide smile and a word of thanks as she quickly tucked the coins away. 

 

When she returned next he would order food enough for three, it would do no good for him and Anluan to get drunk and the extra order for her may give them an opening to have her join them for a few minutes.  Perivar scanned the room noticing that the other had taken their places.

[Eqwina]

Laughing Thera shot Kynwric a look. “You would be serious too if you spent your days chasing around fool children” There was not anger in her voice, it held only fondness for the job she complained so much about.

 

She snorted an obnoxious laugh and slapped her thigh and Kynwric’s comment about the Whitecloaks. “Bloody hell man! Not even a yellow bellied swine of a Whitecloak lightskirt would claim you.” Leaning around Kynwric she patted the man on the shoulder and slurred drunkenly in his ear. “Really good sir, pay him no mind. He can’t be blamed that his mother bedded down with half a legion of goat-kissing Whitecloaks, after all we all know they are just an overgrown group of bandits and thieves.What woman could resist?”

Slapping the Whitecloak on the back Thera turned back to her table and buried her face in her ale, still laughing at her own jest. It was no surprise to see the large man turn in his chair and fix them both with a hard look. “Oh I am sorry!” She laughed and downed the rest of her mug. “Did your mother work at a Whitecloak brothel as well?”

 

[Jehaine]

Melenis nodded at Loraine, indicating she was ready. She would be needing the Lady Kilaine's help if she was to get into the back room though, as that was generally off limits to people not working there. With the Aes Sedai making the preparations and settle things with the innkeeper, it'd be up to her to remain in the back room and keep the girl safe. While she'd be there to befriend her, making sure that IF a bar brawl broke out, she wouldn't be getting caught in it was high up on her priority list as well.

 

What was worse, she was all too aware that a brawl meant confusion, and confusion was a situation where anything could happen. There was talk about one Whitecloak, but she had a hunch he would not be working alone, likely scouting ahead for his companions. And if said companions would come rushing in for the girl, they would find her standing in their way. She was determined to face whatever would come, together with her ashandarei. Though she had never really used the weapon in actual combat -- steel and spars didn't mix very well -- she had a number of moves up her sleeve that would incapacitate, but not kill.

 

Mentally, she prepared for the worst and started going through forms in her mind, assessing which she could and could not do based on the actual size of the back room. The Falling Leaf perhaps, using the length of the weapon to stay out of reach while keeping them from entering the doorway...

 

 

Melenis

Preparing for Battle