Chipping Away at the Wedge (Attn: Kabria)

[Sieve]

Perivar followed the Accepted through the quarters of the Green Ajah.  It was early morning yet the Tower was already full of life.  He carried the box gingerly though his face had a look of disinterest, just a Guardsman going about his duties and one that he wasn't particularly thrilled with.  That look was completely fake of course, on the inside he felt like a little boy when he was trying to get one over on his parents.  Luckily the Accepted took little interest in him though he thought his face would not betray his true feelings.  Tower Guards were allowed in the Tower on official business though he needed an escort since he had no idea how to find her room.  He did not think knocking on every door until he found her was the way to go.

 

Perivar stood there patiently as the Accepted knocked almost gingerly on the door.  Perivar had to bite back a smile, I would be nervous of her as well if I didn't know her better he thought.  Kabria had a sharp tongue and a quick temper when she was displeased.  He tried his best to remain on her good side as often as possible.

 

The door opened and there she stood.  The love of his life, her beauty made everything around her seem dull by comparison yet her mere presence was uplifting at the same time.  Perivar bowed as was customary from a Tower Guard to an Aes Sedai though he kept his eyes on her.  Kabria hid the look of shock just before the Accepted rose from her curtsy.  “Kabria Sedai I was instructed to show this Guardsman to your Quarters.”  The Accepted spoke with a shaky voice.  The girl stood there until Kabria dismissed her.

 

Knowing the Accepted was still within range to hear him he spoke formally as if he had never met Kabria before.  “Guardsman Perivar Tarigan at your service Aes Sedai, an honor to serve.  I was instructed to bring this to you.”  He said handing her a garment box with the sigil of a local seamstress.   He smiled as she opened the box to reveal an elegant green hooded cloak.  On the cloak were roses embroidered in a paler green color so that they stood out just enough to be seen by the naked eye at a few paces.   

 

Light he was a fool but he was a fool who was in love.  If anyone caught on to his little stunt, no he pushed the thought away, all bases had been covered, he was just a Guardsman doing his duty.  He was standing face to face with her and that was all the mattered now, he let her flowery scent fill him.  His eyes drank her in, she was beautiful in many ways.  Perivar had no idea who could hear his words so he kept up the ruse.  “The Seamstress, Mistress Fallon I believe, she asked that you come for a fitting this afternoon for the dresses that you ordered.  If not this afternoon then the next until you are able to make it.  I was told to inform her of your availability for this afternoon.  If you are able to make it today then I will have your horse saddled and meet you at the front steps.  I am to be your escort for the day if you decide to go. “ 

 

He couldn't help but smile at her.  If any others happened by and saw his smile they would just think he was being polite.  “If it pleases you then I will have your horse saddled and waiting for you an hour past midday.”  He stood there as rigid as a pole, a Tower Guard doing his duty, waiting on a response from an Aes Sedai.  "If you cannot make it then I will let her know but she said the sooner you can get there for the fitting the sooner she can make the dresses for you."

 

Their duty and training had put a wedge between them.  The wedge would remain until they were able to be bonded.  Until that time all he could do was make the best of it and chip away at the wedge piece by piece.  He would take anytime alone with her that he could get.  He was grinning at her thinking on what he had planned for them.  The grin started to slip as the silence screamed in his ears.  He could hear his heart pounding now.  Would she think he crossed the line?  She had promised to make more time for them but... the thought died as she finally spoke.

 

 

 

[Eqwina]

It was still early in the day, the sunlight was just trickling through her curtains, but already Kabria had been up for hours. Her first months in the Green Ajah had been harder than anything she’d faced as an Accepted, but they had taught her strict discipline and that morning she’d gotten up to run her laps around the yards. She always preferred the solitude of the last fringes of night, when the world seemed at its quietest, when even the owls had taken to their beds.

 

Standing in front of her mirror she pulled the brush through her hair for the last few strokes, before setting it back just in its place. Perhaps it was the years of caring for herself or her years spent in the Tower, but Kabria like ordered. Everything in its place She was in the habit of keeping her rooms so tided that the maids hardly came but every few days.

 

Glancing at her reflection on last time she smiled; she might never be completely comfortable in pants and coats, but at least she no longer blushed every time she stepped out of her rooms. Plus in these halls she was far from the only woman who didn’t always don a dress. There was a timid knock at her door and Kabria froze. No one ever came to see her, and when they did they never paused after they knocked. Having one of the Sitters enter unannounced happened so often it hardly made her flinch, but this….this was new. She opened the door slowly and was shocked to see Perivar over the head of a bowing Accepted. “Kabria Sedai I was instructed to show this Guardsman to your Quarters.”

 

“Thank you child, you may go” she muttered never taking her eyes from Perivar. What in the bloody Light was he doing here, when she’d told him to stay away! Curse him, she was going to make him pay for this.

 

“Guardsman Perivar Tarigan at your service Aes Sedai, an honor to serve.  I was instructed to bring this to you.” Fool! If Loraine was in her rooms only a few doors away and saw what he was trying to pull she would have both their hides. At least he had the common sense to act as if they’d just met. A small smile played at her lips, but she quickly tucked it away behind her anger. This was no time to start thinking about him as a man, not when her bed only a few short steps away.

 

“If it pleases you then I will have your horse saddled and waiting for you an hour past midday.”   He stood there as rigid as a pole, a Tower Guard doing his duty, waiting on a response from an Aes Sedai. "If you cannot make it then I will let her know but she said the sooner you can get there for the fitting the sooner she can make the dresses for you."

 

Thinking quickly Kabria raised her voice just enough to be heard. “An hour past midday would be well Guardman Tarigan, but if it pleases you I have a note that you can pass on to Mistress Fallon for me. Simple instructions but it would be best if it reached her in haste.” Turning on her heel she marched back into her rooms and stood just out of sight from the door with her arms crossed and a look of fury on her face. Perivar hesitated at the door but she motioned him in and he stepped in with a smile. Taking the box from him with a flow of air she set it on her bed and then shut the door. It was a simple ward she wove against eaves dropping, but only around the two of them. Something larger might have been noticed and caused question.

 

“What has gotten into your Perivar! Has your brain addled!? Do I need to send you to the Yellows for healing?! You Light blinded lummox! Bloody Hell!!! Loraine’s room is only two doors down from mine. DO you know what she would do to you if she caught you here. Do you have any idea what she would do to me.”

 

Stalking to her writing desk she scribbled a few words on a scrap of parchment and pressed it into his hand. “I will get away as soon after mid day as I can manage, but if you ever pull a stunt like this again I will rip off your flesh and make you dance in your bones” It was hard to keep her anger fueled when he was standing before her looking so abashed, but she held onto her stern mask until she had him ushered to the door. “As soon as I can manage.” She said, this time with a little less anger in her words.

 

When he was out the door she smiled at the box on her bed, wondering what it contained.

 

[Sieve]

Perivar had tried to get a word in but she did not allow him to speak.  He received the answer he wanted and was ushered out of the room in a hurry.  Light he had everything covered, if anyone was going to get in trouble for this it would be him not her.   He would tell the truth that he did it of his own accord, she had nothing to fear.  She did not need to be angry with him.  He was allowed in the Tower and he was carrying an item for her, who would question that.  It would have only become a problem if someone went so far as to check on the story about her needing to see the seamstress for a fitting, that was an outright lie but it would rest on his shoulders not hers.   She could have refused to meet him and nobody would have known the difference.  He was simply a messenger.

 

Perivar left the Green Ajah Quarters trying to keep a straight face.  Even though she was angry with him she had agreed to meet him.  As he walked he tried to fix every detail in his mind.  He would store it away so that he knew exactly how to get back to her room in the future if it ever became necessary.  Reaching the ground floor he walked out through the main entry hall of the Tower.  Down the front steps he went then made for the North Stable where the Aes Sedai kept their horses so he could make the arrangements. 

 

Perivar tossed the stable hands a silver mark each and asked them to have her horse ready by midday.  Perivar left the stables to put the rest of the plan into effect.  Actually everything was set he just needed to get himself ready…

 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

At midday Perivar arrived at the North stable to get Kabria’s horse, Blade.  For the first time in a long while Perivar had left his armor on its stand though it was not in the Barracks in his room.  He had stored it elsewhere for the day.  Perivar wore a tight fitting high-collared coat that went past his waist.  It was black with silver buttons down the front.  Underneath the coat he wore a white shirt with just a hint of ruffled lace spilling from the cuffs and collar.  Perivar wore a pair of Black trousers decorated with silver buttons down the outside of each leg.  His black boots were polished bright.  The final piece of clothing was his cloak naming him a Tower Guard.  The Crimson cloak stood in stark contrast to his black coat and trousers.  Strapped to his back crisscrossed, were his personal swords.  One was a double edged long sword for his right hand and the other a double edged short sword for his left.  Each of the swords silver pommels and hilts were adorned with his family crest.

 

Perivar gathered Kabria’s horse then made his way to the front steps of the Tower where he patiently waited for her to arrive.  He dismounted and waited patiently humming to himself.  He was a Tower Guard on an escort detail and nothing more.  If anyone noticed his lack of armor they did not seem to think anything of it.  Armor was up to the Guardsman’s personal preferences.  Today was a day to be without armor.

 

He caught sight of her leaving the entry way and his breath caught.  She was stunning and she was wearing the cloak that he had had made for her.  Light she was beautiful.  As she approached he felt as if his tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth.

 

Bowing deeply he spoke "An honor to serve Kabria Sedai." He clasped his hands together making a foothold so that she could mount her horse.  He was all business, a Tower Guard just doing his duty.  Gently Perivar nudged NightDancer to a walk and silently listened to the clip clop of their horses hooves as he escorted her away from the Tower heading south. 

 

When they were a block away from the Tower Perivar turned to Kabria and smiled shyly.  "You are so beautiful that my tongue is tied.  I feel as though hundreds of butterflies are fluttering around in my stomach.  I feel like a young boy who is about to kiss his first girl.  I...I am sorry if you are angry with me but you are allowed some free time are you not?  There is no rule that says you can't go for a stroll through the city, or am I wrong in that?  I mean even accepted are allowed to visit the shops in the city.  I thought it would be nice to spend some time together, just you and I."  Light he was like a little kid who couldn't stop talking.  He was as nervous as he had ever been before.  So nervous because he wanted everything to be perfect. 

 

They had gone far enough from the Tower so as not to be seen by the naked eye.  Perivar unclasped his cloak then folded it in half draping it across his saddle.  Kabria eyed him obviously wondering why he had removed the cloak."I am just the son of an Arafellin Lord.  Sent to the Tower to deliver a letter to the Amyrlin.  I am to stay and train in the Warder Yard until the Amyrlin has prepared a response for me to carry back."  They had travelled another couple blocks.  Now he led them down a wide alley to the courtyard at the rear of a large three story building.  Dismounting he helped her down then stabled their horses in the owner's private stable.  The three story building was Ogier made, it was beautiful depicting scenes from the sea.  The exterior of the building was adorned with breaking waves.

[Eqwina]

Opening the garment box on her bed Kabria gasped. It was possibly the most beautiful cloak she’d ever seen. It was the perfect shade of green and even the roses were embroidered in a lighter hue. Smiling she lifted it up and laid it on her shoulders twirling a few times to see how it felt. The day was a touch too warm for the cloak, but she vowed to wear it that very afternoon.

 

The hours between sunrise and midday passed with excruciating slowness as Kabria practiced her weaves and made a dent in the papers piling her desk. As her time in her Ajah wore on she gained her Sister’s respect and earned more and more responsibilities. It was joyous to be trusted and a blessing to have her hours filled, but it also meant less time for the things she enjoyed, Perivar being one of those. The separation did allow her time to reflect on the quickness of their love and learn more about the man she’d pledged her heart too. The time when she would be able to bond was drawing nearer, but as it did Kabria began to wonder if bonding someone you loved was such a smart idea. Surely he would guard her back with a fervor that few could manage, but could she so knowingly send him to death’s door. It was such a troubling question and every time it came to mind she made a note to speak with Loraine and every time she promptly forgot. With so much else going on the matter of her bonding seemed inconsequential.

 

Finally the bells high over Tar Valon peeled and Kabria sprang from her desk, hardly taking time to stopper her ink and sand the page. Tossing on her beautiful new cloak she bounded out of her room and out of the Ajah Quarters. Custom had ingrained in her that Aes Sedai did not hurry or rush without great need, so she slowed to a more suitable pace once she was in full view of the Tower’s eyes. Seeing Blade saddled and ready Kabria grinned, it seemed that Perivar was as anxious as she herself.

 

You are so beautiful that my tongue is tied.  I feel as though hundreds of butterflies are fluttering around in my stomach.  I feel like a young boy who is about to kiss his first girl.  I...I am sorry if you are angry with me but you are allowed some free time are you not?  There is no rule that says you can't go for a stroll through the city, or am I wrong in that?  I mean even accepted are allowed to visit the shops in the city.  I thought it would be nice to spend some time together, just you and I."

 

Since they’d returned to the Tower Kabria had been spending most of her waking hours with her Sisters; trying to absorb a lifetime of knowledge as quickly as she could. She wanted to be the best and the only way to be the best was to know all that their was to know.

 

Smiling at him she just shook her head. As much as she wanted to explain she knew that he would never understand her quest for knowledge.

 

"I am just the son of an Arafellin Lord.  Sent to the Tower to deliver a letter to the Amyrlin.  I am to stay and train in the Warder Yard until the Amyrlin has prepared a response for me to carry back.”

 

The son of an Arafellin Lord she believed but she rest sounded as if he’d lost his mind. “Have you gone mad my pet?” she asked as they stopped in front of a gorgeous building. “My skill at healing is not the best, but I can heal a sight more than a cut and a bruise. Perhaps I can do something for your head” By the small smile on his face she knew that he had something special  in mind, but she could not help but poke fun. 

 

 

 

 

[Sieve]

"Yes my love I am mad though I doubt there is anything that your power can do to heal me."  Taking her arm in his he began to escort through the lavish courtyard.  "I am madly in love with you.  There is no cure nor do I wish for there to be one."  He followed his words with a sincere smile.  The courtyard was decorated with beautiful flowers, ornate lampposts, and stone benches.  He was happy to see that it was vacant for the moment. 

 

Perivar guided her up a spiraling staircase, well it was more like a spiraling ramp on the exterior of the building.  The second and third floors of the building had balconies that were in the shape of a wave that was breaking away from the building.  The Ogier made this building and it was amazing.  He would love to see how their masons could make a building such as this one. Passing the second level they continued up the spiraling stone ramp to the third floor balcony.  The balcony wrapped halfway around the building on the west side which was almost circular in shape.  From the balcony you could look north and see the Tower or look south and see southharbor.  Some of the view was obstructed by other buildings though the view was still breathtaking. 

 

"I'll just be a moment." Perivar left her to take in the view.  Pulling the key from his pouch he opened the door that did not seem like a door.  If you didn't know it was there you would never see it.  Perivar quickly lit the candles and lamps then returned to Kabria.

 

"Breathtaking isn't it?"  He waited for her to say it was then he replied "I meant you Kabria, not the view.  The view is nice but it does not compare to your beauty."  Perivar took her arm.  "Let me show you our refuge."  She eyed him so he obliged.  "It is ours, I have rented it for as long as we need."  He put a finger to her lips to stop her protest.  "I know my love, it is just a place to come when you need some time away.  I have a key for you so you can come whenever you desire.  That is the reason for the story, it would seem odd for a Tower Guard to rent such a place as this but not for the son of an Arafellin Lord." 

 

With a smile on his face he pushed open the door.  The first room they entered was like a large study.  Elaborate bookcases lined the walls each filled with books of all types.  Half of a dozen soft cushioned chairs with throw pillows were scattered throughout the room.  The study was circular in shape, at least 20 paces from side to side.  Ornate oiled lamps lined the room giving off the perfect amount of light to read by.

 

Perivar was standing behind her but he could almost see the look on her face.  Perivar unclasped her cloak pulling it off her shoulders then hung it on the coat rack by the door.  He brushed the hair from the back of her neck and gently kissed it.  Perivar wrapped his arms around her body pulling her closer to him as he continued to softly kiss her neck.  He felt the fire rage inside him, felt his heart pounding.  He was so nervous but he felt so alive.  Worried that he could not control himself he let her go.  It took every ounce of willpower to pry his arms from her. 

 

"Go ahead my love, have a look around.  It does not have as many books as the libraries in the Tower but it is one of the largest personal collections that I have ever seen."  His eyes drift to the other door.  The door to the master bedroom was opened wide.  In the doorway you could just see a hint of the rose pedals that lined the floor.  She would not know but the rose pedals ran from the doorway to the large canopy bed which was big enough to sleep six.  Pedals were strewn about the bed as well.  There was a soft glow from the candles that he had lit coming from the elaborate bed chamber that was fit for a King. 

 

Perivar turned to watch as she examined the books on the shelves.  He reveled in the look of joy on her face.  Kabria loved books so this seemed like the perfect place for a little getaway.  "I recall you mentioning something about finding a book that I will enjoy...and if I don't enjoy it..."  When she turned over her shoulder to look at him he gave her a mischievous grin then glanced at the door with the rose pedals barely visible.  She had been so enthralled with the books that he didn't think she ever noticed the bed chamber.   

[Eqwina]

Kabria arched her brow and a skeptical look came across her face, it was unlike him to act this way, but taking his arm she followed him into the gardens. After so long in Tar Valon she was rarely awestruck by its beauty any longer, but this place, it gave her pause. Her hand reached out to trace the gentle curves of the wall and she found herself smiling at the feel of the smooth stone beneath her finger tips. Oiger masons truly were one of the marvels of the Light.

 

The stairs wound up and around the building until finally opening up to a balcony on the third floor. Walking to the edge of the low wall Kabria wrapped her arms around herself and stared off towards the South Harbor. Often she would stare off towards the ocean dreaming of a time when she could be rejoined with Shenesta, she felt only then would she truly feel compete. So captivated by the view she hardly noticed as Perivar slipped away and was startled to feel his hands rest on her shoulders. "Breathtaking isn't it?" She murmured something that must have been a reply, because he turned her cheeks crimson with her answer. "I meant you Kabria, not the view.  The view is nice but it does not compare to your beauty."

 

Swept away by the moment, and by his charms she allowed him to lead her to the room she’d not even noticed. "It is ours, I have rented it for as long as we need." Kabria’s lips turned down into a frown and her blue eyes glowed with the anger she felt. All this just to get her into bed? But he put a finger to her lips to stop her protest and Kabria glowered at him.  "I know my love, it is just a place to come when you need some time away.  I have a key for you so you can come whenever you desire.  That is the reason for the story, it would seem odd for a Tower Guard to rent such a place as this but not for the son of an Arafellin Lord."

 

Her soft soled knee high boots tapped on the marble tiles and she stared at him, incredulity painting her face. It was a sweet gesture, but he had to have more in mind. As the door swung slowly inward on well oiled hinges some of her anger was forgotten by the books that lined the walls. She hardly noticed the glided lamps and lavish cushions that decorated the floor or the kisses that rained on her neck. She had eyes only for the manuscripts that lined the walls. As she had done so many times, in bookstores and in the Tower library she ran her fingers gently across the books’ spines as she slowly scanned the rows. Some titles were familiar and she smiled at them like old friends and others were strange and new. Those she devoured with her eyes, making mental notes to read them as time allowed. "I recall you mentioning something about finding a book that I will enjoy...and if I don't enjoy it..."

 

It took a moment for the words to break through and when they did, she paused. Her hand froze on the spine of a book and she turned her head to stare at him over her shoulder. Her icy blue eyes followed his and when she saw the soft glow of the room and the rose petals that decorated the floor she felt sick. He must have sensed her panic because he was at her side in a blink, wrapping his strong arms around her waist.

 

“I….” She had to tell him that she was scared, and afraid. Her mistake, sleeping with that other man had left scars on her heart that had yet to heal. Light, but she had dreamed of the day that he would take her into his arms and carry her off to their bed, but now….

“ This room, this place,… it is beautiful” Carefully she did not glance into the bed chamber, focusing only on his beautiful eyes. “You are so sweet to have thought of me, of us. It will be wonderful to have a place to escape the eyes of my Sisters.” She pulled his head down to hers for a kiss, but her heart was not in it, she knew that she could not ignore the subject any longer.

 

“Perivar, I…I am afraid..to…to be with you. The only other t-time I have been with a..a m-man was..” She dropped her eyes, still feeling the shame of that night. “and..he.he hurt me. It was n-nothing like I’d expected and e-everything I feared. I-I could not bear it if it was the same with you.” Kabria had tears in her eyes when she looked back up, and her pale eyes begged him to understand, begged him to help her conquer her fears. “You have to know that I dream of us every night..and….” her words trailed off, unsure of what else to say.

 

[Sieve]

A pained look crossed his face, he cursed himself for being a fool.  Her words made him want to cry but he held it together wiping the tears from her eyes. Perivar thought to make a magical moment for them and all he managed to do was drag up bad memories for her.  In the span of a few heartbeats dozens of thoughts and emotions seemed to strike him from all sides.  Anger at them being kept apart, Anger at himself, Anger at the man who hurt her, feelings of unconditional love for her, sympathy for her pain, lust for her, shame, failure, the weight of wrong decisions.  There was always something in between, something to get in their way.  They could not bond, they could not be open about their relationship, they could not be together at all without something being in the way.

 

Perivar pushed the thoughts aside and began to think on her words.  He had never been in her position before so he could have no idea how she felt.  All he knew is that she was uncomfortable at the moment.  He had to do something, say something to make it right but what?  It seemed like something that should have pained him more had had a harder impact on her. 

 

Perivar suddenly felt like a child.  Like a child who was courting an older woman who was out of reach.  He had thought there was something between them that made this seem right but he missed the mark.  He worried that he had made the wrong move.  He did not want to seem forward yet he did not want her to think him disinterested especially after their flirting and playful comments.  What could he say...

 

"I..."  Clearly he was at a loss for words. Not knowing what to say he walked over and shut the door to the bedchamber.  He returned to her and took her hands in his.  "I..I am sorry, I wanted someting special for us.  I feared this might happen."  "I.." He wanted to pace to think of what to say though he still held her hands which kept him from moving.  He would not break contact with her, not now.  There was nothing to say but the truth...

 

"Kabria I can't possibly fathom what you went through.  Even though it has scarred me just hearing how you are feeling saddens me.  I want to make it go away but I don't know how.  I am scared as well.  I don't know if I will be what you expect or what you want me to be.  All I know is that I will never hurt you but I don't know how to wash away your pain."

 

"I did not bring you here just for that."  He glanced toward the bedchamber.  "I will not lie that it was not on my mind, I have dreamt of it often.  I was so worried that you would take offense or think me too forward but on the other hand I didn't want you to think that I was not interested.  With all the flirting and suggestive comments that we throw around I thought perhaps it was what you wanted, what we both wanted.  I don't want to push you towards something you are uncomfortable with though I don't want to push you away by having you think that I do not want you in that way."

 

"My main purpose for bringing you here is so that we could be together.  However we are together is fine by me.  Whether we just talk, or read, or take in the view from the balcony it doesn't matter.  I just want to be with you.  I am sorry but I am new to this as well.  I feel like a stable boy who is trying to court a Queen."  He was clearly uncomfortable and nervous that he was not properly expressing himself.  It was a major flaw of his.  "I just know that I love you more than my simple words can express.  I will wait for you as long as is necessary, forever if need be."

[Eqwina]

Crying brought her no shame, only a fool would think tears were not warranted, it was an admittance of her fears that made her study the ground beneath her feet. Perivar was so brave and so strong; he had courage and convictions stronger than anyone she’d ever met. To look a fool in his eyes was a fate worse than death.

 

“I…” When she heard him stumble she felt less foolish and reached out blindly to grasp his hands. They were callused and hard from years handling her sword, but she did not think any touch had ever made her feel so safe. "I..I am sorry, I wanted something special for us.  I feared this might happen."  "I.."And with that she began to feel shame at her tears and as if her feelings were unjust. After all how can you feel pain at an event that you caused? She unleashed a mental string of curses that would have singed even the roughest dock hands ears. Calling herself ever name in the book and upbraiding herself for all the pain she’d caused the two of them. This was her doing and it was up to her to make it right.

 

"I just know that I love you more than my simple words can express.  I will wait for you as long as is necessary, forever if need be."

 

Forever? No it would not be forever she decided… forcing herself to overcome her pain she looked up into his eyes. “I am sorry Perivar. It was all my foolish actions that led us to this place. I am selfish and I did not think beyond my momentary gratification at causing you some hurt. I was hurt and that meant you had to be too. It..It has always been my downfall..irrational and unplanned actions.”

 

But perhaps it could be her saving grace as well. People always spoke of being irrational, but never phrased it in that way. They said that they had been impetuous, perhaps that was what she could be now…impetuous. This would not be like before, she told herself. This was not just some action meant to cause harm; it could be an expression of her love. 

 

No amount of pep talk could keep her hands from shaking as she asked Perivar to retrieve something from her horse. “Please, can you bring me the book from my saddle bags, there is something I want to show you.” It was not a lie and yet she had bent the truth enough to do any Aes Sedai proud. The fact that her book, and what she wanted to show him were unrelated probably never crossed his mind. With a sad smile he almost ran from the room, as if eager to do her bidding.

 

With hands that trembled she undid the buttons down her back and let her dress fall in a puddle to the floor. She shivered from the sudden cold that pebbled her skin, but she let her shift fall as well. Trembling from head to toe she went and stood near the desk, leaning casually against the chair. Thinking quickly for something to make herself forget her nudity she picked up a volume about Illian and opened it somewhere in the middle, her eyes scanning the page. It was not the seduction scene that most would concoct, but it was innocent and most of all…it was her.

 

[Sieve]

Perivar tried to reassure her that he understood.  He tried to protest when she blamed herself yet she kept on.  He could not imagine her having any downfalls.  He knew she could have a sharp tongue when something upset her but he thought she was being hard on herself.  In his eyes she was perfect, quicksilver temper, sharp tongue and all.  He loved her unconditionally.

 

“Please, can you bring me the book from my saddle bags, there is something I want to show you.”  Perivar thought nothing of it though for some reason a sad smile had formed on his face unbeknownst to him.  Of course he would get it for her, he would do anything for her.  He left the study then walked along the balcony to the ramp.  He did not not even notice the view, he simply walked with a purpose.  Perivar retrieved the book though he didn't open it.  It could be personal so he carried it up to the study.

 

Perivar opened the door then closed it behind him with his foot.  He started to speak though all that escaped was "What..." With all the gracefullness of a lummox he stumbled dropping her book to the floor. 

 

Perivar stood gaping at what stood before him.  There stood Kabria near the desk, leaning casually against the chair.  The only thing covering her naked body was a book which she seemed to be idly studying.  Much to his shame, he stared at her body.  Nothing he could do could make him take his eyes from her.  He willed his feet to move so that she did not become uncomfortable under his gaze but it required all of his strength to do so. 

 

Perivar thought that his hands were shaking as he approached her though he could not look at them.  Nothing in his power could make him look away from her.  His eyes drank her in.  This was not the body of a girl, it was the fully developed body of a woman.  A woman more beautiful than any that he had ever laid eyes on.  She looked like a Goddess.  Something escaped his lips as he reached her "More beautiful than I ever imagined."

 

Perivar wrapped his arms around her kissing her passionately.  His hands drifted as they explored her body.  His senses were on overload to the point where he thought he would burst.  He began unbuttoning his coat though her hands took over.  Pulling his coat off she let it drop to the floor.  He lifted his arms, in between kisses she lifted his shirt over his head then let it fall next to the coat.  Her fingers ran along his chest and his body tingled.  He glanced at the desk, one swipe of his hand would remove the clutter then he could lay her on the desk though something stopped him.  It seemed too crude, he did not want her regretting this though he had to admit that the urge to take her there and now was strong.  It was almost more than he could handle. 

 

Perivar gently picked her up walking to the bedchamber as he continued to passionately kiss her lips.  He kicked open the door.  The fireplace was lit and had taken the chill from the room.  The rose pedals strewn on the floor from the doorway to the canopied bed then on the bed as well.  The candles offering just enough light from their flickering glow.  It all seemed perfect and he hoped she saw it the same way.  The feel of her in his arms, her soft lips, her womanly form, it was beyond what he could have dreamt of. 

 

Perivar kicked the door then carried her to the bed.  The door clicked shut behind them, what happened inside was only for the two of them to know and share with each other. 

[Eqwina]

The thud of the book as it hit the ground made her heart leap into her throat and the book in her own hands began to shake. It took all her strength to not cover herself and run. She could feel his eyes sliding across her skin, giving her goose bumps and sending chills down her spine. Kabria was aware of every curve of her body and she could almost feel the ink of every tattoo. She worried that he wouldn’t find her as beautiful once he knew the secrets her dress contained, but the passion in his soft words lay to rest all her self-conscious fears. "More beautiful than I ever imagined."

 

His fingertips felt like silk against her skin and she found her self emboldened by her lust. Her fingers tore at his buttons like an animal, not caring if they ripped. Unbridled passion raced through her veins until she felt she would burst, she knew that if she did not channel it somewhere she would explode. Practically ripping his shirt from his head she threw it to floor and lunged towards his exposed skin. Her nails dug into his back and she wanted to beg him to take her where they stood. As if he had heard her words he scooped her up into her arms and carried her off into their room. With the door closed and the scent of roses filling her head Kabria allowed herself complete abandon as they spent the night in each others arms.

 

Not even the sunrise could make her open her eyes. Kabria’s dreams replayed the passion of their evening over and over again. When her eyes finally fluttered open a smile painted her face. There might be some trouble at her being away all night, but she could not make herself care. Rolling over she laid her head on Perivar’s chest and listened to the steady rhythm of his heart. Her cheeks colored when she remembered how many times she’d rolled over and began laying kisses on his neck and how many times he’d ignited the fire within her.

 

Seeing that he still slept Kabria closed her eyes and didn’t wake until she felt him moving beside her. By the sun about two hours had passed and he was finally just rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Good morning” she whispered and buried her face in his neck. After last night she was unsure how she could still feel so shy, but she did. Her cheeks heated as he watched her dress, though she did the same to him.

 

Still red in the face it was she that suggested breakfast. Anything to stop thinking about how bold she had been.

 

[Sieve]

When sleep finally took him he slept like a hibernating bear.  His dreams were of her and what the had done.  He could not say how many times or how long they had been at it but he would not have been shocked to find that the sun was up.  When he woke her head was resting on his chest.  "Good Morning" she whispered in that sweet musical voice.  Her whisper sent a tingle through his body and he recalled the previous night.  He could never have imagined how wonderful last night would be.  He had dreamt about it but never in his wildest dreams could he have imagined how amazing it was to finally be with her.  When she buried her face in his neck he felt the weight of her body pressing against his igniting the fire again.  If she did not get up at that very moment to begin dressing he thought that he would not let her leave the bed until they were both breathless again.

 

Perivar watched her as she dressed.  He was not being rude but her took great pleasure in studying her body.  He studied every inch tucking away every detail.  "You are beautiful Kabria."  He said smiling "There is nothing in this world more beautiful than you."  He wanted to ask if she had any regrets about last night but he did not have to ask.  She would not have have stayed the night or enticed him as often as she had if she regretted it.  He certainly had no regrets, it was better than he had expected.

 

Perivar stood unclothed as the day he was born.  He had no inhibitions about being naked so he went to the wash stand.  Grabbing the bar of yellow soap, he quickly washed his body as best he could then scrubbed his teeth with salt.  He dressed then smiled at Kabria as he walked from the bedchamber into the study.  He spotted what he was looking for next to the door to the balcony.  Just inside the door was a tray filled with food, more than enough for two.  "Imagine that, Kabria there is food here and believe it or not there is enough for two."  He gave her a guilty smile as she came into the study. 

 

Lifting the linen from the tray he found it filled with honeycakes, oatcakes, mulled wine, mulled cider, hot tea, all manner of pastries, oatmeal, and loads of fresh fruit.  As she approached the tray he took her in his arms kissing her neck and nibbling on her ear.  He whispered softly in her ear "Last night was magical, thank you Kabria.  I love you!" then he stepped away from her to let her eat.  He took a mug from the tray.  "What would you like to drink?"  Did I tell you that below us is a book store?  This is a personal collection though what lies beneath us is for sale.  Perhaps we can browse the store's shelves before you have to return?  Maybe you will find something of interest there."     

 

 

[Eqwina]

Kabria had no idea that the previous nights activities would leave her so ravenous, but she and Perivar consumed the entire tray and, at least for Kabria she could have eaten more.

 

Leaning back casually on one of the pillow she rubbed her flat stomach and wondered if he would think her a pig if she ordered more. “Mmm..what a perfect start to a perfect day” Laying down she stretched her arms over her head and closed her eyes. It would be months before she would be able to close her eyes without seeing his smiling face looking down at her. She did not need the change in pressure in the pillows or even his hot breath to know that Perivar was leaning down for a kiss. Kabria could feel him, last night had formed a kinship in her mind and even without a bond she felt that she knew every emotion in his head. Lacing her arms around his neck she pulled him down for another kiss. It would have been so easy to spend hours wrapped in his arms, but it would be hours that she didn’t have.

 

Wiggling away with a playful giggle she put a finger to his lips “You know that there is nothing I would rather do than spend a lifetime in your arms.” She punctuated with a kiss and nipped at his lips before pulling away again. “But we do not have a lifetime..not yet. Did I hear you mention a bookstore?”

 

Flipping her white blonde hair over her shoulder she sat up and began straightening her skirts. “You know the only thing better than making love is a good book” Not even waiting for him to respond Kabria picked up one of the pillows and chucked it at his head. “Don’t even begin to pout, you know that I am kidding, but I would still like to see the books.”

[Sieve]

Perivar could not believe it when he reached for another piece of fruit and found the tray empty.  His appetite had always been larger then others but he knew that Kabria had eaten her fair share.  Was the food in the Tower not as grand and abundant as he thought?  For some reason he thought Aes Sedai ate like Kings and Queens.  Maybe it was due to the fact that they were viewed as being above them. 

 

Her words pulled him from his thoughts and he smiled as he saw her stretched out amongst the pillows.  He could not resist, she was like a magnet pulling at him.  He could not have taken a step away from her or even looked away from her lounging body for anything in the world.  He layed down next to her propping himself up so his face was over hers.  She laced her arms around his neck pulling him into her embrace.  Light how it sent tingles through his body.  Nothing else seemed to matter at that moment.

 

He very nearly pouted when she wiggled away from him offering him a playful giggle.  He was going to beg and plead with her to stay in his arms forever though seeing he was about to speak she placed a finger to his lips.  “You know that there is nothing I would rather do than spend a lifetime in your arms.” She punctuated with a kiss and nipped at his lips before pulling away again.  It took all his willpower to refrain from pulling her to him.  “But we do not have a lifetime..not yet. Did I hear you mention a bookstore?”  He nodded offering her a wide grin.

 

His eyes drank her in as she flipped her hair as she sat up and began straightening her skirts.  “You know the only thing better than making love is a good book”  This time his face held a look of hurt.  He was about to remind her that she had seemed to enjoy herself last night.  She had not voiced any complaints while she lay breathless in his arms or during their love making when she was moaning in ecstacy.  She saw the look on his face so she picked up one of the pillows and chucked it at his head. “Don’t even begin to pout, you know that I am kidding, but I would still like to see the books.”

 

Reluctantly he rose taking a swig of mulled wine from his mug.  As if he had been waiting on her he said "Are you ready my love?" with an almost sarcastic tone.  She shot him a look that said she might throw something harder at him yet she put her arm in his and let him lead her from the room.  One floor down was a door from the balcony that led into the second floor of the Bookstore.  The second floor had a balcony with a wave shaped railing that wrapped around the circular building.  The walls were lined with bookshelves.  Filled to bursting with all manner of books and manuscripts.  The first floor was setup more like a traditional library.  This building was the southermost structure that was Ogier made.  All the buildings between here and South Harbor were man made attempts which tried to emulate the Ogier work.  There was no doubt which ones were Ogier made and which were not.

[Eqwina]

Laughing and rolling her eyes Kabria took his arm without further comment, though she did file his little comment away. You never knew when something was going to be useful. Stepping out into the blinding sun of mid-day they headed down the winding balcony to the floor below. As they walked the Oiger built steps Kabria could not help but wonder how much an apartment like the one Perivar rented must have cost. Even having access to the sums she did, it still made her eyes pop to think people had money to throw around so frivolously.

 

Money and nobility fled from her head when she saw the shelves burtsting with manuscripts and book. How had this place been kept secret from the Brown Ajah? Surely in a place like this there were hidden treasures even the White Tower did not have. Her fingers danced across the spines of the books and flipped through the pages scanning for something she’d never read.

 

From the corner of her eye she saw Perivar grinning at her and suddenly felt as if she were a dancer in a show. “Would you stop staring at me! Find yourself a book and read” Pulling out a book on weapons she thrust it at his chest with a smile. “This one should be to your liking; it talks about weapons and their care.”

 

Kabria watched to make sure he actually opened the book before resuming her search. In only a quarter of an hour she found three books on the Borderlands she’d never read and romance novel that she tucked in between. The torrid pages were a guilty pleasure that she was having a hard time giving up. Expecting to see Perivar still staring at her search she dropped one of the books at his feet and playfully bent to pick it up before she realized that his head was buried in the book. “I know that book must be good, because you never miss out a chance to check out my bum” Snatching the book away she smiled at him and wrinkled her nose. “Now look before I begin to think you are losing interest.”Gliding down the stairs she smiled at the feel of his eyes on her back, it reminded her of the previous night and the feel of his fingers on her skin.

 

Happy with what she’d found Kabria paid for all 5 of the books and paid a little extra to have them taken back up to their room. The old man’s eyes popped at seeing her Great Serpent Ring, but if anything it made him happy to oblige. Though it would no doubt send his tongue wagging that an Aes Sedai was bedding a Borderland noble. Once even the idea of that rumor would have sent Kabria into orbit, but she only smiled knowingly at the man before lacing her arm through Perivar’s and heading out of the shop.

 

“I don’t know about you my love, but breakfast was not enough for me. I am starved!”

[Sieve]

Perivar did not share Kabria's interest in books though he knew this store had an impressive collection.  Well actually all he knew is that the shelves were full.  Aside from that books were books.  Some were leather bound while some were bound with wood.  In addition to books there were rolled up pieces of parchment. 

 

As usual he took no interest in the books.  He idly leaned against one of the book cases staring at Kabria.  It was too easy to lose himself in thought while he enjoyed every curve, every line and feature.  Her words and the realization that she was next to him startled him.  Next thing he knew she was thrusting a book in his hands insisting that he would enjoy it.  He was about to reply with something sarcastic though he decided to bite his tongue.

 

Perivar noticed her eyes on him so he opened the leather bound book and began flipping through the pages.  He did not expect to find anything in the book that he didn't already know.  Much to his surprise he found a few interesting illustrations of various weapons and began reading about them.  Whoever wrote this must have travelled far and wide as there were many different styles of weapons of the likes which he had never heard before.

 

One entry was particularly interesting.  He became lost in the book not even looking up to sneak a peek at his beautiful Aes Sedai.  He took no notice to the book dropped at his feet though that musical voice drew his eyes from the pages to her face.  He reluctantly let the book go as she took it from his hands offering him a smile then wrinkling her nose.  “Now look before I begin to think you are losing interest.”  Ooh he looked alright.  He drank her in her in as she glided away from him and down the stairs.  In his mind he did more than look.  It was not the first time though before it had only been unsubstantiated thoughts.  Now he had the memory of their night together to recall in vivd detail.  He should have been blushing at what played out in his head though he simply smiled.

 

Perivar hurried down the stairs then stood off to the side as she paid for sevreal books.  Light how long had he been wrapped up in that book?  She had found four books in the time it took him to flip through the one she had handed him.  He saw the old man's eyes as he noticed the Great Serpent Ring on her hand.  He suddenly felt bad as the man looked from him to her realizing that they were together.  He would have to have a talk with the man, or not.  Perivar stared at Kabria who was smiling at the man's recognition.  Smiling as if flaunting what they were about as she came to his side and took his arm in hers.  Light what was she playing at?  Rumors would spread through the city and likely back to the Tower.  Here he was trying to be discreet and she was up oin a pedestal proclaiming to the world what they were.

 

Perivar let her guide him out of the shop.  As they stepped out into the street he shielded his eyes with his free hand.  It was near midday and it was bright outside with not a cloud in the sky.  “I don’t know about you my love, but breakfast was not enough for me. I am starved!”  He gaped at her a moment.  The tray of food upstairs was enough for two people, two people with huge appetites.  Perivar was still hungry but he always seemed to be.  Kabria on the other hand was much smaller than him and she had nearly eaten as much as him, maybe more.  How does she stay so fit and trim if she eats like that all the time he thought.  Maybe she doesn't, could she be?  No she couldn't be, he had seen pregnant women devour food though she couldn't be.  Did a woman know right away?  If each encounter last night could bring on a child then they could have as many as five children.  He planned on spending the rest of his life with her, but children?  Light he felt the blood draining from his face.

 

Her fist in his ribs made him gasp for air as he noticed her staring at his paled face.  Had she said something else that he missed?  He quickly stammered a reply "I..I'm hungry too, have you a place in mind?"  He tried to smooth his face and not look like he had been poleaxed as the question was plain on her face.  He quickly scanned the streets then decided to walk north.  She walked with him arm in arm and he could feel her sideways glances.  Light you fool think of something to say he scolded himself.  "It is a beautiful day isn't it?"

[Eqwina]

Leading them down the street in search of food, Kabria paused at every street vendor she saw examining what they sold. Nothing past her muster though, because a few block later she tried to drag Perivar into a Inn but he didn’t budge an Inn. “Listen you fool ox, just because I have the appetite of a man does not mean I have the strength to carry you to the food. You’ll have to walk on your own”  He only stood there, pale in the face and unblinking. Frustrated and cranky with her lack of food she bawled up her fist and punched him in the ribs. Thanks to his workouts and training he grunted as her punch landed.  "I..I'm hungry too, have you a place in mind?" Sighing and throwing up her hands she looked pointedly from him to the Inn, but he didn’t seem to take the hint. Linked arm and arm they traveled farther down the street, concern battling anger on her face. "It is a beautiful day isn't it?"

 

“What in the Light does the weather have to do with food? Or why you’re acting like a stone blind fool?” Grabbing onto his arm she halted and refused to take another step. “ I want food and I want it now. We are stopping at the next Inn we find and perhaps over lunch you will explain to me why you are acting so strange.”

 

Turning on her heel she stalked up the street a few blocks and into the door of an Inn, not even waiting to see if he would follow. Her Great Serpent Ring got them a private dining room and a feast enough for ten. Several minutes after she’d been seated and the food had been brought Perivar ducked his head in the room, looking confused and more than a little sheepish. “Glad you could join me Perivar” Motioning to the table she continued to fill her plate.

 

“Well” she said after he’d already taken his food. “I am waiting? What has you pale and afraid?” He could not like knowing that she saw him afriad, but perhaps that would pry whatever it was from his mouth.

 

[Sieve]

“What in the Light does the weather have to do with food? Or why you’re acting like a stone blind fool?”  “ I want food and I want it now. We are stopping at the next Inn we find and perhaps over lunch you will explain to me why you are acting so strange.”

 

He was so out of sorts that he had no idea what came out of his mouth, if anything at all.  Whatever the case she had stalked up the street and through the door of an inn.  Perivar cursed to himself as he ran to catch up.  He ducked in the inn then poked his head back out as he didn't see her inside.  Again he cursed though this time it was harsh enough to match a dockworker.  He wanted to be a Warder and now he lost sight of his Aes Sedai.  Sure the bond would tell him where she was when they were bonded but at the moment that did not help.  He was certain that she had entered this inn, well he was almost certain.  The fat innkeeper approached him then pointed to a door when he described Kabria.

 

Perivar poked his head in the room uncertainly.  He eyed the food on the table with a look of consternation.  Light was she really that hungry?  “Glad you could join me Perivar” she said motioning for him to join her.  He looked at her plate which was piled high with a variety of food.

 

Perivar selected some food filling his plate though not taking nearly as much as she had.  Hopefully she would be so consumed with eating that she would forget what had him so out of balance.  “Well” “I am waiting? What has you pale and afraid?”  Blood and bloody ashes he thought, where was luck when he needed it?

 

He stared at his plate as if it held the answer.  Perivar thought of making up a lie though he knew that was not the direction he should take.  First off he did not want to lie to her and secondly he was a horrible liar.  He took a deep breath...

 

"Well you see..."  "It's just that..."  "Well you ate enough for three people earlier and now that you are hungry again..."  He knew they were private yet he lowered his voice anyway.  "Well the only time I ever saw a woman eat so much is when she was with child."  He couldn't gauge the look on her face so he hurried to explain.  "Not that I am opposed to it but me a Father, now.  I don't think I am ready for that."  He probably should have stopped their but he was nervous and unsettled.  This next bit came out in a near whisper though it was a forceful whisper.  "Light Kabria if each...uhhhm...if each time can produce a child then we could possibly have five children, five Kabria!.  I love you!  I love you more than anything.  Perhaps in the future we will, but...Light Kabria five!"  "What would we do?"  Her laughter cut him off.  She was laughing so hard that he thought she would fall off her chair.  I'm glad she thinks it is so funny he thought.  He blushed so bright that he thought his cheeks might be permanently stained in crimson.   

 

   

[Eqwina]

In mid chew Kabria stopped and gave Perivar a flat stare. He thought that each time that they’d…would make a baby?!?! Listening to him fumble for words and hearing the fear in his voice was too much to bear. She exploded in laughter, knocking over her mug of wine as she drummed her heels on the floor and wiped tears from her eyes. Her sides ached and her throat was sore before she was able to gain control of herself.

 

Seeing the hurt look on Perivar’s face sobered her a little further and she walked over and settled down in his lap. Brushing a few stray hairs away from his face, and fighting off the last few giggles she leaned in and gave him a kiss. “That is for being so impossibly sweet and innocent”

 

Being ten years older than him had never mattered in their relationship before, because of her sheltered life and lack of experiences among the “shore bound” they had always seemed closer in age then they were, but hearing him speak like that made her realize how young he really was. Last night might have been her first time, but she knew the how’s of baby production.

 

Seeing that he still did not understand Kabria suddenly got a devious thought. If he hadn’t been so distraught he would have notice the slight twitch to her smile and the light in her eyes. “Perivar my love, I think it is time that you grow up and get over these fears. As much as I love you I cannot handle five children all alone.” Biting the inside of her cheek to keep from laughing Kabria looked Perivar in the eye with all apparent seriousness.

 

[Sieve]

She laughed at him...he did not see what was so funny.  Seeing the look on his face she walked over and sat on his lap brushing stray strands of hair from his face.  She kissed him after her giggles subsided remarking “That is for being so impossibly sweet and innocent".  Sweet and innocent, what was she talking about?  Understanding women, well one particular woman was more difficult than fighting Trollocs.  At least he unserstood that.

 

“Perivar my love, I think it is time that you grow up and get over these fears. As much as I love you I cannot handle five children all alone.” Shame surged through him and his face turned bright red.  Light he was acting like a child.  He had been taught responsibility early in life and now he was acting like a fool.  He knew what they were doing last night and the possible consequences.  Now he was angry with himself.  He was a man not a young boy.

 

His mood became serious taking on an air of accountability.  "I am sorry Kabria, please do not think ill of me.  I should not have acted so and I apologize.  I knew full well the potential results of last night.  I admit that I am scared.  I truly do not know what to expect or what to do, but I will do what must be done.  I love you and I swear that I will do what is necessary."  Her mask of apparent seriousness began to slip as a smile began to form on her lips.  "What? Why are you smiling like that?"

[Eqwina]

Kabria held her face still as long as she could, but finally she could hold it no longer and she laid her head against his chest and laughed.

 

“Oh Perivar, you are truly the love of my life. I could not ask for a better man. But….” Now how to tell him that he was wrong, or mostly wrong in his thoughts? She did not want to make him feel foolish, but she had a feeling that her uncontrolled laughter had done just that. She would have to choose her words delicately and speak with tack, something she’d never had much of.

 

“The thing is… you see…I..I was so nervous and excited yesterday that I skipped all my meals..and..with…the work out I received last night I am famished. That is why I am so hungry.” She dropped her eyes to her hands, searching for the softest words she could find. “ Last night..it could..um..I didn’t drink my tea but it is too soon for me to know if our encounter got me with child, but never fear that if it did it would be only one.”

 

There the hard part was over, now she just had to wait and see how he would take the news that he was not going to be a farther, or probably wasn’t going to be.

 

[Sieve]

Perivar's face blushed bright red.  He was embarassed and angry with himself.  It was still unknown whether she was with child or not, the Wheel weaves as it wills he thought.  He wanted to change the subject but a part of him wondered what they would do if she was with child.

 

"What would we do if you are?  The child could be raised in my parents house.  If it is a boy then he would be the heir.  That is if my brother does not have a son."  Just because he was sworn to the tower did not mean that his son would be denied what was rightfully his.  "Boy or girl they would be welcome in my family, of that I am certain."  Light if his brother did not have a boy then the line would be broken unless he and Kabria had one.  He had never thought on that 'til now.

[Eqwina]

Falling back into an old habit she thought she lost Kabria chewed slightly on her lip as she stared off into the space next to Perivar’s head. The expression always made her look ten years younger than she was, but she could manage no other. In the heat of the moment last night she had forgotten about the tea, but she had never considered what that could mean for her, for him, for her Ajah Sisters and the Tower. It seemed that perhaps she was not as prepared as she had thought.

 

Suddenly being on his lap did not seem right and she sprung off and practically fell into the chair next to him. “I..” Trying to grasp on to even a shred of vaunted Aes Sedai calm she looked into her lovers eyes. “Perivar to be honest I don’t know what I…we would do. I would have to leave the Tower, I mean I do not know what the Aes Sedai, I mean my Ajah Sisters would do. Perhaps being Green it would not be too odd, but I do not think I could face them.”

 

She was ashamed that she could let this happen, if it had, and ashamed at being ashamed of such a beautiful by product of their love. It made her face glow like a sunset. “ I do not know if I could give the child away, I mean..even to your family and how would they feel. I can’t imagine they would think to highly of the peasant Aes Sedai that bore a child with their son.”

 

This was supposed to be a perfect day, to follow their perfect night; Filled with sunshine and roses, birds chirping and good wine. Not talk about children and giving up children. “Could you really walk away from a child…our child?” Her voice was a whisper but even that quiet you could hear the unshed tears. 

 

[Sieve]

He immediately felt the loss, the loss of the contact which he cherished so as she vaulted from his lap.  He let her speak without interruption, fighting the urge to put his fingers to her lips to silence her.  He was a fool, he started a conversation that was now spiraling out of control.  She almost seemed flustered as much as she tried to hide it.

 

Perivar took her hands in his, an apologetic look clear on his face.  "I am sorry Kabria, I guess I put the cart before the horse.  I did not intend to go down this road following such a wonderful night.  I just got lost in my thoughts for a moment.  There are times that I speak when I should not."

 

His look changed from apologetic to one of embarassment.  "I...I just assumed that we could not raise a child.  I did not mean to seem callous, but would the Tower grant us leave to raise a child?  I don't know that I could walk away from our child, at the moment it is just speculation not reality." 

 

"You are a fool if you think my family would think ill of you.  I love you and that is good enough for them.  Anyway you are an Aes Sedai Kabria, more powerful than a King or Queen!  On top of that you are no more a peasant than I am but even if you were it would not matter in the least.  You and our child if we had one would be welcome among them and would be provided with any privileges of nobility."

 

"Now put those foolish thoughts from your head and sit with me.  I will not have you thinking less of yourself."  He pulled her towards him to sit on his lap again.  Perivar hugged her tight against his chest then let her head hang on his shoulder as he gently stroked her hair.  "You are beautiful, you are an Aes Sedai, and you are mine!"  He leaned his head to hers gently kssing her on the forehead.         

[Eqwina]

Kabria was caught up in trying to picture herself with her belly so big she couldn’t see her feet, and then with a baby in her arms ending house and cooking dinner, but the last image wouldn’t form. Glancing down at the golden ring on her finger she realized that she had given up one dream for another.

 

"You are a fool if you think my family would think ill of you.  I love you and that is good enough for them.  Anyway you are an Aes Sedai Kabria, more powerful than a King or Queen!  On top of that you are no more a peasant than I am but even if you were it would not matter in the least.  You and our child if we had one would be welcome among them and would be provided with any privileges of nobility."

 

“More Powerful that a King of Queen!?!” Kabria laughed and wrinkled her nose at her delusional lover. “I have barely managed my control on my emotions” she shot him a look daring him to mention her frequent mood swings. “I highly don’t my power will rank anything close to a Kings for many years to come, but I do look forward to meeting your family someday. I only…I only wish you could meet mine.”

She no longer felt any shame in her past, only her lack of knowledge of where she truly came from. Smiling happily and with a girlish giggle she allowed Perivar to pull her back into his lap. As soon as her head touched his shoulder she closed her eyes and wrapped her arms tight around his neck. "You are beautiful, you are an Aes Sedai, and you are mine!"

His She had never thought of herself as belonging to anyone, and yet she felt no anger at his possessive words. If anything they made her feel safe and even more comfortable than before. The only other thought left in her head other than the two of them, was getting him to let her go long enough to finish her second breakfast.

 

“And you are wonderful” she kissed him softly on the lips. “and strong, and handsome and a Borderland noble” she kissed him again. “and all mine” her last words were a passionate growl and she kissed him with more force, using her hands on his braids to keep his lips pressed to hers. Nothing to heat Kabria blood quite like the thought of another woman pouching what was hers.

 

[Sieve]

When they were finished kissing, Perivar waited to catch his breath before speaking.  "As soon as we are free to leave the Tower we can seek your Grandparents in Kandor."  He playfully put a piece of fruit to her mouth.  She bit his finger before taking the food.  In no time he was frowning at the tray of food.  The tray was nearly empty.  He had underestimated his own appetite.

 

"It is a beautiful day, I want to enjoy every minute of it with you.  What would you like to do next?"  He gave her a mishievous grin that said he had an idea.