The War of the Shadow - Of Darkness and Light

[Jehaine]

Scylla drank from the canteen, the coolness of the water being a blessing in itself compared to the feeling she was having as if she were on fire. She paused for a moment to catch her breath again, then drank some more. She put the canteen down again, looking at Jon that had knelt beside her, and simply nodded in acknowledgement. She was helped up, and even though she tried her best to walk she ended up dragging her feet more than once in the short walk over to where the tent had been hidden.

 

A little more disturbing though were the times her face touched Jon's, making him notice that she was running a fever from having spent the past couple of days out in the rain with little to no shelter or dry clothing. Upon reaching the tent, she lay down on the bedroll, taking a deep breath at the prospect of the first good opportunity to get some sleep in what felt like weeks. Before Jon would leave however, she'd turn to face him.

 

- "...Jon? Be careful out there. I'd hate to become a prisoner again after making it this far."

 

She fell asleep only seconds later, too soon to hear the reply -- if there would be any. It was clear she was worried for him, for all of them for that matter, but even if she had been in a condition to fight, she had never been a fighter. There was simply nothing more she could have done to help. As she slid back into a dreamless sleep, a welcome change from the nightmares that had plagued her, she hoped they would be able to make it back again.. safely...

 

 

Scylla

Sleeping. Ssh.

[Winterwinds]

Jon helped Scylla to the hidden tent and helped her to settle in, he was worried about her she war incredibly warm to the touch and must be running a fever, he did not know what the forsaken had done to her but he prayed she could fight off a cold. As he turned to leave he heard her speak "..Jon? Be careful out there. I'd Hate to become a prisoner again after making it thus far." She fell asleep almost before the words had finished leaving her mouth. He could not help but smile at her. Getting back to the task at hand he ordered a medic to stay behind to make sure if Scylla woke up and needed help she would be able to get some, he also asked a few of the wolves if they would stay and guard the hidden camp, if the trollocs broke the lines they would be able to give advanced warning to the medic who would make sure Scylla was moved, or the tent hidden better, or defended to the last if the need arose she would not fall prisoner again Jon and his troops agreed on that. They formed up, and started out towards the back of the Shadowspawn army which had convently passed them by when they had marched though the pass. From somewere a banner was found, it was a white wolf howling towards the moon on a golden background, Jon had thought it had been ripped to shreds during one of the earlier skirmishes they had fought a week or so ago. Moral boosted by there banner the troops marched defiantly towards their foes, and within the span of a half an hour they reached the back of the army. Sending an advanced scout forward Jon had the rest of his troops kneel in back of a small rock outcropping, he was almost appalled to find it was a pillar from some poor persons house. When the scout returned he said that there was very little resistance in the back, though a good amount of shadow sworn (Dark friends) were massed at an area near the cages. Before they had marched Jon had ordered all armor that would make noise removed, meaning chain mail and plate, now the soldiers knew why as they drew there blades. They snuck into the mist that had formed low over the battlefield as the ground had warmed with the hundreds of feet that must of passed over it, Jon laughed the Wolfkin were living up to their name. Wolves joined them from the trees as they advanced in, ghosts in the mist to all eyes but the most trained. Along the way a Shadow Sworn or two was taken from behind and quickly killed by a wolf or soldier. They split up in the middle of the cages and went to different parts of the Shadow Spawn armies flank, they carried bows and were going to strike like wolves from the mist, a fitting attack for such a unit. When Jon reached the place he needed to be he counted to twenty and then took an arrow from the quiver at his side, lit it on fire and then shot it at an angle. It was a special arrow crafted to illuminate large areas with a bright light, though the army had adapted it for a sort of stun tactic. As the arrow reached its peak there was a loud explostion and a light that blinded all but the Wolfkin who had looked away. Screams filled the air as suddenly arrows rained from all sides of the cages encampment, wolves ran into crowds of fleeing Dark Friends and Trollocs. A Never Born glided though the mist and was taken from behind by a swift blade to the head. Soon a booming voice was heard over the din of the sudden battle, "You fools, they are just men! Stop screaming of wolves in the mist!" That had to of been the forsaken enhancing his voice with what ever they used. A pillar of fire erupted from a group of the Wolfkin and they flew in diffrent directions, "See they can be killed! Now have at them you worms!" Trollocs suddenly rushed in from all sides, and the Wolfkin we suddenly surrounded. A laugh escaped Jon, and he took the banner from the soldier who had been carrying it, he had been wounded by a flying rock when the pillar had erupted. "Rally to me my brothers! Rally to me Wolves! Let us show the twisted what they have come for!" He thrust the banner into the ground and pulled his hand and a half sword, and started to fight...

 

-----Time warp-----

 

The battle had lasted an hour already and Jon was getting tired, he had slain countless twisted and shadow sworn. He had also gotten enough wounds to kill a lesser man, a large gash ran down his shoulder severely  limiting his arm movement as well as a cut above his left eye that made blood mix with the sweat that poured off his head. Around him Wolfkin in the dozens had suffered worse wounds, they had set up a small clearing around the banner were the 3 or so medics they had brought with them were treating men as fast as they could so they could carry a sword or use a bow, but there were still those who could not be saved. The dead filled his vision, his men and the soldiers of the shadow spawn alike, but he pressed on with the feeling that each man who had fallen under his command was standing behind him cheering him on with words of encouragement. The wolves fought harder then the soldiers, and many that had come with Jon still lived, but they were all wounded in varying degrees, some hardly at all and some were being treeted by the medics who had learned quickly that the wolves also needed care when they were on the battlefield. The Forsaken had stopped his banter a while back when the troops he had shifted to take care of Jon's raid had been taken from the front lines, letting the Army of Light to start breaking them, and break they were. It was not the rout he had hoped for but it was almost as good. Though they were still fighting the Trollocs front line was slipping backwards inch by inch. The Wolf Banner that formed the center of their little clearing was covered in mud and a few stains of blood, it had fallen over a few times only to be put back up by a soldier, something even while they were fighting a trolloc with both hands. A few times he had been knocked down only to be saved by a wolf of a soldier, though after a Soldier told him "Cant let you die, I would hate to be the poor sap to tell Scylla we had let you die." He would rather of not been saved a few times. But then, the soldiers also seemed to be drawing hope and inspiration from Scylla, if she could face a world like this the way she is, then they could win this battle for her. Even Jon seemed to of slipped into that mindset, when the battle grew dire his thoughts seemed to drift back to her and the promise he had made to her, even if she had fallen asleep before she could hear it. As suddenly as the battle had started it suddenly ended, at least for him, one second he was fighting a rather large trolloc with the head of a goat, the next he was on his back being carried by two of his soldiers, "Dont worry sir, you will be fine." then they put him down and he blacked out.

 

----Some time later-----

 

Light suddenly woke Jon, he was on his back, day had broken and he was in the middle of the cages they had been fighting among, they were empty and all around him soldiers of the Light were helping people who looked half starved. A pile of bodies was piled off to the side, mostly trollocs and shadow sworn, but he could also see what looked like Scylla's replacement in the pile waiting to be burned. For a moment things seemed to not register for him, his head felt fuzzy and he could not think, putting a hand to his head he relised he had been wounded and a bandage had been wound around his head covering his left eye. Another bandage was around his arm and one on his back. Standing he used his sword, which he found next to him, as a crutch to walk around. His one good amber eyes looking over what had become of the battle, and he did not like what he saw. A good amount of soldiers had been killed, though only 5 of them had been under his command, whole regiments had been wiped out. Worst of all, he did not see the bastard forsaken among the prisoners or the dead, he must of escaped when the fighting had gone the other way. He made his report to his commander but told him nothing of Scylla, he did not need to know of her. He helped burry the dead, and to lead a few prayers for the troops, but his thoughts wandered back to the camp and who he had left there. When his duty was done him and his troops made the excuse that they needed to get things from there camp and departed. They reached it about noon, slowed by their injuries. Never the less when they reached it everyone smiled to see that nothing had been touched, and the hidden tent had been left along. The medic met them as they reached the hidden ditch and said Scylla had not woken yet, but her fever was showing signs of breaking, which cheered up the troops more then the victory had. Jon nodded and walked down into the ditch to wait outside with the medic. It had been a long day and he did need rest, but he could get that later.

 

Jon

Battered, bruised, but victory is the Lights. 

[Jehaine]

Scylla took a deep breath before cracking an eye open. For a second, she woke up expecting to see the inside of an Inn, but the sight of a tent tickled a memory in the back of her head. She moved, and grimaced as the blanket was pulled away by one of her wi-- Oh, right... Wasn't a dream.

 

Slowly, she got up, rearranging her clothing from having slept in it. Despite having slept for several hours, she still felt somewhat weak, telling her that she had been sick. Fortunately, after checking herself for signs of a fever she found no signs of it. Nevertheless, she promised herself to take it easy for a couple of days to ensure it wouldn't spring back up again. Gleewomen needed to take care of their health after all. She heard people talk outside, among which a voice she remembered all too well. It was him, Jon was back! And he survived! Pulling open the tentflaps, her look turned from excitement to concern as she noticed his wounds being tended to by a medic.

 

- "Oh Light, you're hurt!"

 

In a few strides, she had knelt next to him, checking him for a fever the same way she had checked herself back in the tent. After that, she helped the medic change his bandages. Though not originally a skill she had known, the entire world was at war with the Shadow, and basic medical care was considered a good thing to have. Though she'd never get near the skill of a trained medic, she could still do basic things like changing bandages and cleaning wounds.

 

- "So, did you kill a lot of Shadowspawn? -- Ouch, need to clean this -- I hope that tactic we planned out worked though -- Hand me those bandages there please -- And Aginor, did you get him?"

 

She kept on chattering, not really knowing what to say but it was a good way to release some of the worry she was feeling. After she had helped change his bandages, and the medic was moving on to chekc on the others in the army, Scylla just ended up sitting there on her knees, biting her lip as she looked into Jon's good eye. After a minute of silence where she didn't really know what to say, she decided to simply say the first thing on her mind.

 

- "So umm... Glad to see you're okay."

 

 

Scylla

Back to being healthy

[Winterwinds]

Jon was surprised when Scylla came out of the tent, he had expected her to sleep a while longer after having having testing her limits as she had done. As she exited the tent she had a look of happiness on her face, but as she saw his wounds it changed to concern, which he could understand he had scared a lot of people on the battlefield today when he had been knocked out, some had even called him being alive a act of divine intervention but on what grounds Jon could not figure out. The first words out of her mouth were "Oh Light, your hurt!" she then promptly started to help the medic with re-dressing his wounds with fresh bandages. "So did you kill man shadow spawn?" "Yes I did," "Did the tactic we worked out work?" "Yes it did, perfectly" "And Aginor, did you get him" On this he was silent for the answer was not a good one, after a pause he was about to say something when she spoke up again "So...Umm, glad you see you're okay." She was looking into his good eye, and he had to smile at this, with the bandages the smile must of looked rather like a grimace, and nodded his head in agreement to statement, "What of yourself Scylla? Did anyone bother you here?" The medic had already told him that no one had, and the wolves he had asked to stay behind had told him much the same. None the less he wanted to hear it from her for some reason.

 

Jon

Glad to be alive.

[Jehaine]

After Jon asked her if there had been enemies here, Scylla looked around at the people around her before giving herself a mental slap for being silly. These were all people under Jon's command, so they wouldn't be enemies, no. She looked a bit surprised at the thought though, given that they had had weapons trained at her only a few hours earlier, but there it was. She turned back to Jon with a genuine smile on her face.

 

- "No, no enemies here. Don't worry too much about Aginor though, he'll get his due one day."

 

The simple fact was that Aginor was one of the strongest known Aes Sedai, and Jon's troops counted not a single channeler amongst them. All things considered, it had been nothing short of a miracle that so many had managed to return safely, though it seemed most of them were injured in some way. The dogs too, must have fought hard, the poor things.

 

She blinked as she took a closer look, with the fever gone she could notice more details now, and she at least had the time to pay more attention to detail. Those weren't dogs... they were wolves! Why were there wolves in camp? Giving a panicked eep, she tried to hide behind Jon, peeking at Spring from behind the man's back.

 

- "Umm... Jon? Why are there wolves in camp?"

 

They had been there before, come to think of it. She vaguely recalled spotting a few wolves back when she first landed in camp, but her attention had been focused on the crossbows and assorted weaponry pointed in her direction at the time. But as much as she racked her mind she couldn't for the life of her understand why very undomesticated looking wolves were teaming up with humans. Sure, they were fighting the Shadow, but that didn't mean she should expect a rabbit to pop up and bite a Trolloc in the ankle or something... right?

 

 

Scylla

Confuzzled

[Winterwinds]

"Umm... Jon? Why are there wolves in camp?" Scylla said, she had jumped behind him when she had noticed Spring Rain sitting off near the entrance to the small ditch, Spring was laughing now and Jon got a sending that showed a young wolf jumping at her own shadow which was the equivalent of a laugh from her. Rolling his eyes he said in as calm a voice as he could, "They are my friends, my brothers and sisters, as they are of many of those who serve in this small unit." Jon sighed, "There are not many of us out in this war, most of us were killed when the thing started, people thinking we were Shadow Sworn or something." Turning so Scylla could see his eyes, but only enough so they would be partly in shadow, they glowed like polished amber, "You were most likely to sick and preoccupied last night to notice much details besides the arrows and swords pointed at you." Laughing slightly he continued "We are Wolfkin, gifted with the sight, smell, and hearing of wolves. Gifts given to us along time ago when humans and wolves ran together. The Aes Sedai have tried again and again for as long as I can remember to figure out what it is that lets us have these gifts, surely it is something of the one power they say," Smileing again, he always liked to point this part out, "And yet, they over look that it could just the creators way of showing us a different path then industry and large cities." His smile then slipped as he got to the sad part of this gift, "Not many trust us though, not many will come within a few miles of our small towns, we tend to gravitate towards the steddings were we feel safe and closer to nature and the wolves. It was only when this war started that the rest of the people saw what truly could happen when you attacked one of our camps." He looked over towards Spring, "Khor Springs was the start of the war for us, and it marks a great battle in the minds of wolves, but not humans besides the kin." laughing again he shook his head, "But, I get off topic, you only asked why there were wolves here and I told you, and more to boot." Jon sat there and waited to see if Scylla would get up and take her leave like so many people not of the Wolfkin often did when they were told of the gifts the wolfs had given Jon and his fellows.

 

Jon

Of Wolf and Man. 

[Jehaine]

Scylla simply listened to Jon as he told her about the Wolfkin, keeping her eyes fixed on Spring. At first, she was afraid, but the look in her eyes changed to surprise, and then curiousity. The wolf's eyes did remind her of Jon's, now that she thought about it. As a gleewoman, she had heard stories describing the ability these people had, but part of her couldn't help but wonder what would have happened had she still been human. Would she have walked away? Turned this into a story to make her some coin at an Inn?

 

She looked at Jon again, her hands still on his shoulders. She felt... warm for some reason, and her arms weren't listening when she tried to let go. And then it hit her. She didn't want to let go. Looking like this, she had no place to turn to, nowhere she could go that would give her the comfort and feeling of security that this small band of... Wolfkin, had made her feel. Regardless of all that she had been, this was where she belonged now. A thought tickled in the back of her mind as she asked herself if he would be able to hear her heart beat. Without thinking, her arms slid further around Jon. Without thinking, she found herself leaning closer to his face, softly kissing him in the temple while hugging him.

 

-----

 

To Jon however, things would be a little different than he might expect. During the kiss, he would feel his strength slip away, as if the kiss itself was sucking the stamina out of his body. Though it had been short, he would find himself blacking out for a second, only to get his bearings again in Scylla's arms. From the look in her eyes, she was either the world's greatest actress or she really didn't have a clue what had just happened from his point of view.

 

-----

 

Scylla looked down at Jon, a caring smile on her face as she held his head on her knees. Her face did little to hide the emotions that seemed to flow out of her as she played with a lock of his hair.

 

- "Heh... Looks like you're the one that pushed himself too far this time. Want some help getting to your tent?"

 

She added the last part playfully, repeating what he had told her right after their landing. Regardless of how she felt about the tables being turned now, the look on her face shifted back to concern as she noticed Jon was a little too out of breath to her liking. Sure, he could have been tired after the battle, but the gap between now and when he had been talking to her only half a minute ago was a bit too wide for her liking.

 

- "Jon? Are you okay? Want me to call the medic again? If there's anything wrong..."

 

 

Scylla

Worried, yet clueless

[Winterwinds]

He was surprised when Scylla kissed him, and yet he wasnt at the same time. the sudden weakness that suddenly hit him felt as if part of him suddenly got depleted. He had never felt so tired even when he had fought for a week on end. It was so compleat he saw Spring way from the shock that must of rippled over the bond he shared with the wolves. Shortly after all sound seemed to stop, all sight seemed to go black, all feeling just went away. He blacked out and floated in the void that was his mind at the moment, frantically trying to work out what was going on, what had caused him to black out. The next thing he knew he was in Scylla's arms and she looked worried, she was talking but he could not hear the words. Suddenly sound came crashing back in and she repeated the last thing she had said, "Jon? Are you okay? Want me to call the medic again? If something is wrong..."He tried to speak but for some reason he could not find the energy. In any event calling the medic would not be needed, for one was already rushing down into the ditch, he must of felt Spring get weak as well, or atleast disorented and must of come to see what was wrong. The medic took one look at Jon and was over there in a flash, "What happened?" The medic said as he checked Jon's pulse and then checked for a fever. Sound was still muted slightly as his body tried to work up the energy it needed and he just sat there panting for breath, which seemed to slowly be returning. When breath finally returned he looked at Scylla and said "Well, I have heard of a girl taking a mans breath away." A short pause for breath, "But this is the first time I have seen it happen like this." He smiled, hopeing to ease the confusion and concern she must be feeling for him. They had gotten rumors about such things, whole villages that had just been found siting staring into space, the Aes Sedai said they had been stripped of there souls. The forsaken must of figured out how to put that power into soldiers. But, they must not of been able to figure out how to perfect it, or control these soldiers, Scylla was proof of that. Inside he felt himself want to cry for her, she would never be able to kiss another human being again without fear of stealing there soul... There was nothing to do about it, but do what he had been doing, he could not find the heart, or the courage to even contemplate destroying her. He had to tell her though, she had a right to know of what she was capable of doing, what she had almost done. In a way, he felt glad that she had figured it out on him, lest it befall someone else and she really kill them. He would recover in time, but the question was not of his well being, but of hers. How would she take it? There was no knowing until the deed was done so to speak. So, he did the only thing he could think of...he told her. He looked her in the eyes, and he spoke, "Scylla, I...fear I know what is wrong." He looked at the medic and nodded his head to give him the hint, you need to leave, then continued. "For, weeks we have been getting a report from the wake of this Shadow Spawn army, of whole villages just...just standing there, blankly looking out into what ever doom they had encountered." A tear suddenly went down his face, he felt conflicted inside telling her this, he didnt want her to be upset. "The Aes Sedai looked at them...and concluded they had been striped of there souls. We had thought they were just poor souls that the Forsaken had decided to make a cruel example of, and we were right, but only half right." He put his hand on her shoulder, "There were more poor souls whom he decided to make an example of, and one of them sits in front of me.."

Before he could stop himself he leaned over and just hugged her, dispite the fact she had almost killed him, or worse he thought, he could not help but feel protective of this stray Gleewomen who had dropped into camp not more then a half a day before. "It will be alright.." Was all he could say after that.

 

Jon

The Forsaken will pay.

[Jehaine]

As Jon explained to her what was wrong, Scylla didn't know whether to laugh or cry at what she believed to be a bad joke. She tried to speak up a couple of times, but the words stuck in her throat as she shook her head and tried to find a logical explanation for this. But there was a memory of her escape clearly imprinted on her mind, of the lone guard she had kissed that had fallen to the ground afterwards. She looked at her hands, had she really killed a man? Had she... really almost killed Jon just now?

 

Time seemed to speed up to its normal pace again, and she noticed Jon hugging her. Hugging her! Despite the fact that she almost tore his undying soul from his body... The man really didn't have a... have a single bad...

 

- "Where were you... when i was still human..."

 

She was then swept away by a flood of tears that could not be stopped had she even had the mental strength left to try. Lowering her head on Jon's shoulder, she just sat there, returning his hug with all she had as she cried on his shoulder. Here she was, so close to everything she wanted. So close to the person her heart ached for despite only having met him today. So close... yet she would end up worse than killing him if she as much as kissed him. And she wanted to. She wanted to so badly she could barely think of anything else with him holding her so close.

 

- "It's not fair... I love you... It's not fair..."

 

In between sobs, Jon would be able to pick up a few words, as close to Scylla as he was sitting. She felt as if she couldn't live without him, but if she wanted him to live she couldn't ever see him again. The thought was maddening in itself, and every time she tried to release Jon from her embrace she ended up hugging him tighter, fearing that if she let him go now it would be for forever.

 

 

Scylla

What was that about duty again...?

[Winterwinds]

"It's not fair... I love you... It's not fair" those words seemed to sting more then any sword, not because he did not return the feeling, but because he knew it was not fair, and he could do nothing about it, nothing at all. All the years he had been in this war, he had seen families torn apart by it when trollocs or shadow sworn had torn though the town, killing everything that moved. But, not in the entire war, had it actual affected him personally. It seemed like time had stopped as him and Scylla just sat there, crying on each others shoulders like a couple of children, but as the wheel goes on, so to does time. The moment finally came when he let go, and sat back in his chair, looking at her, his mind franticly trying to figure out a way to help change her back, if not that then to at least try and get rid of the soul draining kiss she seemed to posses. As hard as he tried he could find nothing, perhaps an Aes Sedai would know what to do, but he dared not show her to one for fear of what would happen. Would the Aes Sedia separate them to do tests on her, would he even see her again after that. That was a plan for a last resort he finally concluded, only if he could find no other alternative. But, perhaps he could talk to a Aes Sedai, but not tell what he was asking for. That might work, but it would be risky, he might even need to flee if he was discovered to be giving sanctuary to a shadow spawn experament, no matter how nice she was. He would have to talk it over with his men, but that was the course of action he was going to take...no matter the cost. Looking Scylla in the eyes he said, "I will fix this, I will find a way to cure you..." Then more quietly, "No matter the cost..."

 

Jon

Duty, is to the heart above all else.

[Jehaine]

Scylla did not want to let go, but as Jon pulled free she let him, simply watching as he sat on a chair close to where the two of them had hugged each other. Even though tears still fell from her face, she was no longer actually crying, and it seemed that together, they had pulled each other through the worst of it. She saw the lines of thought on his face, her own mind trying to figure out what he was thinking until he looked her in her eyes and the butterflies seemed to carry away her thoughts.

 

"I will fix this, I will find a way to cure you..."

 

She saw the determination in his eyes, but knew enough about people to be able to guess why it had taken him so long to come to that conclusion. Though her form was far from human, she still had the mind of a Gleewoman. No amount of the Power would have been able to change that. She got up -- slowly, as her knees were still a bit shaky -- and walked over to Jon, placing her hand on his cheek as she smiled at him. She knew what would need to be done. She just needed to make sure Jon would as well.

 

- "My love, one of the rules my father lived by was that you should never be afraid of doing what you felt you should, deep inside your soul. If you didn't, you wouldn't truly be alive in the first place."

 

She bent her knees again, placing her arms around his neck like she had when she kissed him earlier, though now she simply kept looking into his eyes. Though it was clear that her eyes still stung with tears, the look she was giving him was trying very hard to be inspiring, to give Jon confidence for what she knew had to be done.

 

- "I was changed with the Power, and only the Power would possibly be able to change me back. The only other possible outcome would be one of us accidentally ...killing the other, and i don't think either of us could live with that. I am afraid of dying, my heart, but i beg of you, don't hold back for my sake. Do what needs to be done, and know that i will never blame you for it."

 

She leaned over as if she wanted to kiss him, but instead pressed her forehead against his. Taking a deep breath, she let go of him again and walked inside the tent. As much as she wanted to remain by his side, the urge to hold him, to kiss him was simply too great, and the knowledge that he would face a fate worse than death if she gave in to that urge was a thought she found impossible to bear. Once inside, she managed to crawl to the bedroll, pulling the blanket over her and willing her mouth shut to keep Jon from hearing her cry again. Her shoulders shook with the effort, but she managed. For Jon, she managed.

 

 

Scylla

So close... yet so far away

[Winterwinds]

Scylla looked back at him as he stopped talking, and her face held conviction dispite the tears that still streamed down her face, "My love, one of the rules my father lived by was that you should never be afraid of doing what you felt you should, deep inside your soul. If you didn't, you wouldn't truly be alive in the first place." Jon knew these words to be true, they were the words of a wise man. She walked over and put her arms around his neck and looked deep into his eyes again, and spoke much as she had before, "I was changed with the Power, and only the Power would possibly be able to change me back." He would go seek an Aes Sedia then, as much as he dreaded it. "The only other possible outcome would be one of us accidentally ...killing the other, and i don't think either of us could live with that."the sheer thought made his heart almost stop, for some reasion, he could not think of the world without her. "I am afraid of dying, my heart, but i beg of you, don't hold back for my sake. Do what needs to be done, and know that i will never blame you for it." His mind was made up then, he was going to go seek one of the Aes Sedai that must be with the main army. As these thoughts played though his head, Scylla let go of him and walked over to her tent, and went inside. Jon thought he heard the faint sound of crying, but he could not be sure. Standing he took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a second, mentaly preparing himself for what he was about to go do. Opening his eyes he looked at Spring who had been sitting by the entrance to the ditch the whole time and nodded to her, she lowered her head in what was akin to a nod from a wolf. Jon walked outside and gathered the troops, and told them of his plan, most of them were shocked, most nodded in agreement to it. He stationed sentries in a ring around the camp, telling them to have anyone besides him and whoever he brought back to be asked to turn around, make an escuse on why it didnt matter. Mounting his horse he bid his troops farewell and started out on the trip towards the main body of the army. Praying he would find an Aes Sedai who would help.

 

-------------Some time later--------

 

Jon had been looking for what seemed like half a day, most of the Aes Sedai were with the wounded or tending to the now freed captives. But, some how he would find one, even if it took him well into the night. It was about noon now, the sun hidden behind the clouds that were the aftermath of the storm the Forsaken had cooked up. A light rain was falling onto the ground, but beyond that the day was clear. One of the soldiers he had talked to had told him that there was a Aes Sedai skilled in healing that might be able to help, but they he had not been sure since Jon had not told him what he needed help with. Withinn an hour of him talking with the soldier he found himself infront of a pivilion tent that looked like the Field Hospital that the Aes Sedai often set up after large battles, it most likely was but at this moment it was being used for a resting area for healers. Working up the will power to walk inside he stood there for what seemed like hours. He finally walked up to the tent flap when it opend and the face of a middle aged man looked out at him.

"Might I help you Wolfkin?" The man said.

"Um, I am here to see an Aes Sedai that is not busy with the wounded...A close friend of mine needs help." Jon said, hopeing his voice would not give away anything, though he could hear it laced with emotions. The man looked at Jon and finnaly said, "Come in, no sence in leaving you standing out here." Jon walked in slowly, not knowing who or what he would find inside. As he crossed the threashold the air grew conftably warm, and the friendly smell of freashly cut flowers filled the air. Jon's host walked over to a camp chair and sat, looking at Jon.

"Now, what is it you need my help with, you can talk freely in here without fear of anyone over hearing." The man smiled, now that Jon got a good look at him he noticed he could not actualy put a age to him.

"My...my friend was one of the captives....she...well." Jon did not know how to put it, to be honist he didnt want to think of WHAT they might of done to her.

"Was she injured druing the battle? Or is she in need of counsiling, I can give bolth healing and good advice" The Aes Sedai smiled at Jon, it was a warm smile.

"She could use the council, but she has a more pressing problum." He thought of Scylla and drew heart from the advice she had given him before he had come here, "The forsaken did things to her, things I cannot explain here, you would have to come see for yourself...but she is in need of help, badly." Jon said. The tent was quiet for a long while as the Aes Sedai seemed to look Jon over, possibly to judge if he was telling the truth or not. The scilence streached on for a while but finnaly the Aes Sedai stood, and walked over to a trunk near a cot. He queitly opened it and removed a few items before turning back to Jon.

"I am duty bound to help those in need, lead the way young wolfkin, and show me your friend." The Aes Sedai said, his voice held a note of understading in it, many had been touched by this war and even the Aes Sedai felt it. Rising Jon walked with the Aes Sedai from the tent, retrived his horse and the one that belonged to the Aes Sedai and they started off towards the camp. What lay ahead Jon did not know, but he prayed that it was a good outcome...

 

Jon

Got some help.

[Jehaine]

Scylla used the time that she was alone wisely, and was steeling herself for what she believed was going to happen. Jon would return with an Aes Sedai, she was sure of it, and after she got her emotions back down to a somewhat controllable level she started bringing up everything she knew about them, every scrap she had heard about them that she considered even partially true. When a soldier from camp stood at the entrance of the tentflap to let her know the Aes Sedai should be there soon, she nodded, and pulled the blanket over her form again, pressing her wings as close to her as she could to at least give the lump a humanlike form. She heard voices getting louder as Jon returned, and could almost feel adrenaline build up. It would be now or never...

 

- "Jon? I'd hate to ask you this, but could you please wait outside?"

 

First and foremost on her mind was the thought, the very present chance of her getting hurt as a reaction to te channeler seeing her new form. And the thing she feared most was not her safety, but Jons at seeing her get hurt. To watch him get hurt would cut her deeper than anything the Aes Sedai could possibly have done to her, moreso when knowing it was because of her...

 

"Good evening, miss. Your friend mentioned a condition you suffered, may i take a look?"

 

- "One minute, Aes Sedai. Before we start, may i have your word that you will not harm me?"

 

The Aes Sedai was silent for a few seconds, and from what she could see peeking through a small hole in the sheets he looked almost surprised at the question. Shrugging, he continued.

 

"Very well, you have my word. Though any fighting for the Light in this accursed War have nothing to fear from me, i assure you."

 

Scylla could feel the warmth of his smile, and took a deep breath. Aes Sedai could not lie, it was said, nor break their word, and though they had only been rumors it was all she had to go by. Slowly, so as not to startle the man, she got up from the bedroll, spreading her wings before folding them up in a more natural position. The man's reaction was somewhat like she expected it to be. He released a shout, and she was almost certain he was holding the Power after tipping his chair over, but he seemed to remember his oath and did not attack. Seeing the sheer disbelief on his face, she started telling him what had happened. All of it.

 

...

 

"We had heard rumors, but... Never could we have suspected Aginor to do this..."

 

The Aes Sedai, still somewhat disturbed by what he had heard, carefully approached Scylla, placing her hand on his shoulder. He had had experience as a healer, she guessed, as he told her in a calm voice everything that he would be doing to her. A shiver ran down her spine as he Delved her, checking for clues as to what had happened to her. After a few minutes, he would turn to Jon as well to give them the reports of what he had found.

 

"I can sense... something inside of her holding back my weaves, though i can't put my finger on what it is. Chuain Sed-- Aginor is by far stronger in the Power than i will ever be, and i fear that for even as much as a full examination i will be needing a Circle. As far as a cure goes, i can give no guarantees, but i can inform my Brothers and Sisters of her condition and allow her to be snuck in without being seen."

 

Scylla looked at Jon, a glimmer of hope in her eyes. Sure, the Aes Sedai hadn't managed to cure her yet, but he had found something! If those effects could be countered, then she could become human again! Reaching out to grab Jons hands, she waited on him to give the final say. As much as she regretted saying it, she had very little experience dealing with Aes Sedai, and hoped Jon had a better indication of the risks that were involved than she had.

 

 

Scylla

Not really sure

[Winterwinds]

Jon rushed in when the Aes Sedai screemed, finding nothing wrong, well nothing REALLY wrong, he settled into a comftable kneeling position and listend to the story. It was a long and, well rather scary tale, but comeing from the Gleewomen she somehow managed to make it not so gloomy. After the tale the Aes Sedai used the one power to see if he could help her, what he found was interesting "I can sense... something inside of her holding back my weaves, though i can't put my finger on what it is. Chuain Sed-- Aginor is by far stronger in the Power than i will ever be, and i fear that for even as much as a full examination i will be needing a Circle. As far as a cure goes, i can give no guarantees, but i can inform my Brothers and Sisters of her condition and allow her to be snuck in without being seen." This news was interesting, and distressing at the same time, more Aes Sedai involved. But, if it was for the best, then it should be done. Scylla looked at him as if waiting to get his consent to go ahead with this plan, which he nodded, and said "I will come with you when she goes, I would like to be by her side when you attempt to help her." His voice was kind, and yet left no room for agument. He hoped the Aes Sedai understood, he did not want to part from her in such a critical moment. No matter the outcome, he would be there for her.

 

Jon

Determend to lend support.

 

[Jehaine]

The Aes Sedai licked his lips, though from the way he was looking it was more a habit than anything as he thought about the best way to handle this. He'd need to get a message to his Ajah, of course, if he were to gather support. Already starting to choose what he would be going to say, he started pacing up and down in the small tent. One thing he knew for a fact was that they would most definitely be interested, based on no less than three important points. After half an hour of pacing, mumbling to himself in thought, taking notes and more pacing, he turned back to Jon and Scylla.

 

"Right. I'm going to have to ask you to stay out of this tent. I'm about to gather the people i need for a Circle, and unfortunately this weave can be very dangerous to those standing too close when it appears."

 

The air itself seemed to get sliced in two, and from within the hole Scylla looked straight into a room in a large building. It looked so real that it was alost as if she could step through it and reach the other end. It was her turn to yelp in surprise however as the Aes Sedai did exactly that, and the portal snapped shut behind him again. Looking at Jon, Scylla gave him a somewhat nervous smile as she squeezed his hand, getting up as she wanted to leave the tent like she was told. She wasn't exactly looking forward to being sliced in two, anyway.

 

-----

 

A few hours later, mostly filled with talking to people, cuddling and the odd game of Stones, the Aes Sedai stepped outside of the tent again, motioning for the two of them to follow. As they got in the tent, they'd see the portal hovering in midair again in roughly the same place it had been when he had left. Tilting his head, the Aes Sedai looked at Scylla's wings before closing his eyes and touching his belt buckle, making the portal double in size. After they had walked through, it snapped shut behind them again, only now they were all standing in the building she had seen earlier.

 

- "Umm... Where are we now, anyway?"

 

Scylla was looing around, taking a few steps towards the window to asee if she could recognise the city before the Aes Sedai grabbed her arm.

 

"No offense, but you might not want to do that."

 

It was then that Scylla remembered her form. She had gotten used to how she looked, and the Wolfkin in the camp had all accepted her as well, but in her wonder about the portal she had forgotten that they were now in another place entirely. The Aes Sedai motioned for them to follow, and they followed steps leading down into the basement, where thirteen female Aes Sedai were waiting. There was a slight murmur as Scylla entered the room, after which one of them nodded at the man as if to give him permission to speak.

 

"These are all experienced Aes Sedai. Whether it is for finding the cure for being turned into Shadowspawn, the pursuit of knowledge or other reasons, they have all agreed to help. However, please keep in mind that this is the first time we have done anything even remotely similar to this. We cannot guarantee it will be painless."

 

He winced visibly at the last admission. As a healer, he disliked seeing people in pain, which was perhaps the reason he would not be present during the examination. As he patted Jon on the shoulder to follow him into the next room, one of the female Aes Sedai started telling Scylla what to do.

 

"All right, strip down and lie down on the table here. I will make you fall asleep, after which we shall begin."

 

Scylla's face turned red as she started to blush, and from the way she was trying very hard not to look at Jon as she fidgeted with her buttons it was clear that she didn't really know what to think about having Jon by her side. Part of her wanted to -- Light, part of her wanted to a little too badly! -- but then again, he was a guy after all...

 

 

Scylla

Not sure what to think about this...

[Winterwinds]

Jon bowed to the room as he exited, right before he left to the next room he said "I will be in the next room, no matter the outcome, know I love you Scylla." With that he left the room, found a chair in the next room and scilently prayed.

 

Jon

Hopeing his prayer will be answered

 

[Dracius]

OOC: Winterwinds said I could join in to practice a little channeler stuff xD.....since i am after all his brother.  8)

 

IC: Thallan felt the wind rush through the trees as he practiced the motions that got him his title of Blademaster. His Power wrought blade gliding through his hands as if it was of the wind itself. Sweat, rolling over his necklace of silver and gold in the Aes Sedai symbol,barely noticable from within the Void that was what all male Aes Sedai felt. He felt calm, or as calm as you can feel when wrestling with the flows of Saidin. Finishing off an imaginary foe, he let the Power leave him, the hieghtened senses leaving him always made him feel off, and he put on his shirt and drank some wine from a wineskin. Suddenly feeling a great disturebance from his necklace, a clever invention from someone he never met, he felt the slight feeling just barely off from Saidin'sfeeling, Saidar felt more gentle, and yet he felt a great surge from what usually came from the Hall. Rushing over to the his bag, and donning his green lined cloak, he opened a gateway before realizing he was even going for the Power. Steppinf through the gateway, he ran through the hallways, to a small door, and opened it.

There staring at him was a man in armor, and his friend Jainar from the Yellow Ajah. "Ah Thallan, why are you so sweaty? And why do you look worried"said Jainar while looking slightly puzzled from Thallan's appearance. Thallan looking over at the other door, sighed and said "I felt through my necklace a sudden flow of Saidar. It sort of scared me, so i stopped practicing my swordsmanship to come and investigate." Jainar looked relieved and laughed a little "You are to jumpy for a fight, thats why you joined the Green right? But in there is a special case that I needed a circle to atempt to heal" Jainar glanced at the man beside him. "And the rest, because of the special case, I won't say. It is not mine to speak of." Taking a seat Thallan grimaced and simply said "Who is this may I ask? And is it your friend that is the 'special case' Jainar speaks of?"

 

A slightly curious Green Ajah man :)

[Winterwinds]

As Jon was finishing up his scilent prayors a man suddenly burst into the room, he was about medeium hight and build, at his hip was a longsword that was doubtlessly powermade. He extanged a few words with the Healer Jainar and then found a seat across the room from Jon and said "Who is this may I ask? And is it your friend that is the 'special case' Jainar speaks of?" His tone was rather blantent, though that could be extpected from someone of the Green Ajah, but not overly rude just seeking an answer.

"I am Captain Jon Valewind of the 25th Wolfkin stike unit," He looked towards the door with a worried look, "and yes, my friend is the 'Special case'." Jon then looked back at the newcomer "But, I will not tell you what she suffers from, it is her own tale to tell, not mine. But, what I will say is I had to go up aginst Aginor's army to get here..." Jon touched the bandages on his head and right forearm, some blood had soaked though the one on his head but he was not worried about that right now. He hoped his amber eyes were reflecting the light, he wanted to 'Thallan' to know who he was dealing with...

 

Jon

Wolf in a strange place.

[Dracius]

Thallan looked at the Captain with some resepct "Going against an army especially Aginor's army, to bring a wounded companioin to Aes Sedai is no simple task. You must be a great leader, and you are indeed loyal to your friends and companions if you are willing to do so for them,Captian Valewind ." THen noticing Jon's wounds he opened his mouth to say something, then thinking it a little rude to say to a Captain,and said instead "You should consider letting one of Heal you. Jainar could heal your wounds better than me. He is after all the best healer I know of." Then sitting back in his chair he looked at the Captain, waiting for an answer.

 

Thallan

Hoping he won't ever come between Jon and his prey....

[Winterwinds]

The other Aes Sedai looked at Jon with a little respect after he told him of fighitng aginst Aginor's army "Going against an army, especially Aginor's army, to bring a wounded companioin to Aes Sedai is no simple task. You must be a great leader, and you are indeed loyal to your friends and companions if you are willing to do so for them,Captian Valewind ." A great leader? Him? That was a fine joke, but then, he might be it was not his place to judge his own actions as heroic, he had only done what was needed at the time. Well, exept for Scylla, he did what he had done for her becuase he wanted to, it was not needed for the world to go on, well only for his world to go on. Thinking of her made his gaze go towards the door again, he prayed that the Aes Sedai could help her. He was so obsorbed in his own thoughts that he almost missed what Thallan was saying "You should consider letting one of Heal you." He shook his head, but the Aes Sedai went on, "Jainar could heal your wounds better than me. He is after all the best healer I know of." Again he shook his head, he would refuse treatment for these minor cuts until he knew if Scylla was alright. Light, how he wanted to be in there with her to see if she was alright. He almost got up from his seat the feeling was so strong. Sitting back in his seat he put his head in his hands and just closed his eyes, praying for the Light to see her safely though this. He could almost hear her telling him everything would be alright. He took heart from this, but kept his head in his hands, eyes closed, his breath coming in calm controled breaths. Like the wolves he often traveled with, he did not like the big cities, too far away from the packs, he could not even sence them. But he could stand it for Scylla...for her.

 

Jon

Worried out of his mind.

[Dracius]

Jon shook his head after the suggestion of being Healed, and then turned to the door and shifted in his seat. Thallan pitied whatever feeling he was going through, him being a person that lost his girlfriend to a Trolloc raid about ten years ago. She died in the arms of an Aes Sedai who said her lungs and heart were puntured. Noticing that Jon was leaning back in his chair with his eyes closed, he couldn't help asking "Jainar, who do you have in there? The Sisters I mean. Who did you assemble?" Jainar looked up from what thoughts he was thinking and said "Well, I have the head of the Yellow Ajah, with six other Yellows in there with two Blue, and.....two Green and one Brown. We have the best of all of our Ajah's in there."Thallan looked at Jon and said "You are extremely fortunate, the Head of the Yellow, although a little boring to talk to, has the best knowledge of healing weaves. If she can heal what ever ails your friend, then no one can." Noticing Thallan's words too harsh Jainar cut in saying "She will be fine, know that she is in the best care, and they won't stop if there is even a slight chance of HEaling her" And Jainar then mouthed to Thallan "Leave him be!"

 

Thallan

Tossing the dice with his horrible conforting skills....OOC: BLOOD AND ASHES! DONT WORRY JON SHE WILL LIVE!!!..maybe.

[Jehaine]

After what seemed like eternity, the male Aes Sedai who had been sitting near Jon in case he had had a question was called into the room, only to emerge again after a few minutes. Motioning for Jon to follow him into a more secluded corner of the room, he proceeded to brief Jon of what they had found.

 

- "We finished the examinations, and there is good news and bad news. There are a lot of technicalities involved, but i'll try to keep things easy to understand. If you want me to explain something, just ask, yes?"

 

He looked at the other two people present, no doubt waiting on patients of their own, and lowered his voice so that they would not overhear what he was going to tell Jon. It would be hard enough for him as it was without people getting involved in this as well, increasing the risk.

 

"The good news is that we have isolated what is giving her her umm.. special abilities, and there is a decent chance she might survive us trying to undo it. Whether it is by curing her or sealing off the bad areas remains yet to be seen though, as it's rooted itself quite deep."

 

Another quick glance around him followed, and he paused for a few seconds to both let the news sink in. Taking a deep breath, he continued the second part of his report.

 

"The bad news is that we are unable to undo her... transformation. Aginor was considered the greatest biologist of our time before he turned to the Shadow, and even our most careful of estimates place the amount of people killed for his experiments on fifteen to twenty million. Without knowing exactly what he did to her, the chance of her surviving the first five minutes of it are already astronomically small as it is... I am sorry."

 

Another pause followed to let this information sink in as well. From experience, the healer knew bringing bad news was always the hardest part, both on the messenger as well as the reciever of it. Still, there was one more thing he needed to mention.

 

"Now, knowing what she looks like, knowing what this would mean in this day and Age, i came here to ask you whether you want to go through with this. I'll be honest about it, we are truly learning as we go along here, and even so her chances of survival are about fifty-fifty. Because of the complexity involved, she needs to be conscious during the Healing, and having to go this deep inside of her it will be painful. So what will it be, Jon Valewind... A chance at Healing, knowing she will never be considered human? Or a peaceful sleep from which she will never wake?"

 

He looked at Jon with sympathy in his eyes. He hated asking this question, he really did, but it was a necessary one during special cases like this. He needed to make sure Jon would realise that if he chose to live with Scylla, he would never have a normal life again. Though he himself didn't know the details about Wolfkin, he had heard they didn't tend to live in cities. If that were true, there might be a chance still...

 

 

Toram Rashvere

Yellow Ajah Aes Sedai

[Winterwinds]

When the male Aes Sedai was called into the other room Jon's heart almost stopped, what news would he bring back, and would it be good news? When he came back time seemed to slow down as he motioned him towards a more secluded area of the room, the news had to be bad then. "We finished the examinations, and there is good news and bad news." Good news and bad news, Jon hoped the good news came out first, he didnt know if he could stand the bad first. "There are a lot of technicalities involved, but i'll try to keep things easy to understand. If you want me to explain something, just ask, yes?" He might just take the Aes Sedai up on that offer, but he hoped he did not need to. Nodding for the Aes Sedai to go on he again started to pray in his head.

"The good news is that we have isolated what is giving her her umm.. special abilities, and there is a decent chance she might survive us trying to undo it." Hope welled up in Jon as he heard this, hope that she might be able to be cured, or better yet, perhaps she could be changed back. The next few stifeld that hope somewhat but not intirely, "Whether it is by curing her or sealing off the bad areas remains yet to be seen though, as it's rooted itself quite deep." What ever that involved it sounded painful. He nodded his understanding, it sounded alot like a deep seeded wound, but not the same princples, it wouldnt kill her, it would kill others.

"The bad news is that we are unable to undo her... transformation." This was bad news, but not as bad as he had expected, it could be alot worse, "Aginor was considered the greatest biologist of our time before he turned to the Shadow," That made alot of sence, Aginor had to be to of done that stuff, and to of done what he had to Scylla. He missed the middle of the Aes Sedai's explnation but he caught the last part loud and clear, "Without knowing exactly what he did to her, the chance of her surviving the first five minutes of it are already astronomically small as it is... I am sorry." That course of action was something he would not take, no matter what the outcome could be. She had told him herself she was afraid of death, and he was afraid of loosing her.

"Now, knowing what she looks like, knowing what this would mean in this day and Age, i came here to ask you whether you want to go through with this. I'll be honest about it, we are truly learning as we go along here, and even so her chances of survival are about fifty-fifty. Because of the complexity involved, she needs to be conscious during the Healing, and having to go this deep inside of her it will be painful. So what will it be, Jon Valewind... A chance at Healing, knowing she will never be considered human? Or a peaceful sleep from which she will never wake?" The last part shocked him to the core, he could not, and would not willingly kill her.

"I think, that it would be best to go forward with the healing of her 'Special Ablilies', if you can do nothing for the way she looks, then so be it, I and the rest of the wolfkin will take care of her, we do not live near cities since people tend to look at us as Shadow Sworn more often then not, we dont even mix with the normal army very often." He then sighed and continued, "If she has to be awake for the healing, then I would be in there with her if that is alright with her, I want to help anyway I can, and you cant make me change my mind with any of the "This weave tends to kill people who get to close" kind of thing. But, I tell you now, I will not put her to sleep like a horse who has broken its leg, even if she cannot claim to be compleatly human. Well, I cannot claim compleat humanity as well, it would be like purposly killing another wolfkin in my mind...." He just kind of worked his way down to low muttering on that, the thought of actualy KILLING her just got stuck and he felt his mind trying to make him to it, but he would not. Putting his hand on the Aes Sedai's shoulder he looked at the man and said, "When ever you are ready, I will be ready," He turned back to the room and started walking towards a seat when he looked back at the Aes Sedai, who had started for the door and said one last thing, "I trust she knows the results as well, if she dosnt, tell her before you speak of what I have decided." With that he took a seat again and waited...if felt like he was back on the battlefield, waiting for an army to desend on him...

 

Jon

Hopeing he has done the right thing.

 

 

[Jehaine]

Toram smiled in response to Jon's answer. Though he did not show it, he felt relieved with one of the patients in his care being given a chance at life again, despite the risk of getting hit by an arrow on a chance encounter with... well, practically anyone, really.

 

"Actually, it's not the weave you'd have to be worried about, though a backlash would short out your nervous system for a few minutes. After we'd be done with her we'd Heal you as well and you both would be on your way again. The problem is that you would end up getting too close to her while she would be struggling to get away. A natural reaction, but i've seen people lose an eye for less."

 

He hoped Jon managed to get the intended meaning of what he was trying to say. If the Healing ended up causing her pain, she'd be struggling to escape and get away. Though it wasn't so much a problem with humans, those wings of hers had a wingspan of sixteen feet and -- unlike limbs -- couldn't be bound with Air to prevent damaging them. The Aes Sedai found out the hard way as well, as a nightmare she had apparently been having caused her to slam her wing into the Yellow Head's stomach. It had only been sheer luck that kept the tip from impaling her outright. He nodded at Jon's request however, and walked back into the room, waiting on Jon if he decided to follow before closing it behind them.

 

Scylla lay there on a smooth stone slab, still being kept asleep by the weave. Though the Aes Sedai had preferred their patients to lie down on their backs, doing that would have ended up with her being forced into an awkward position due to her wings and tail, and so they had been forced to improvise. For decency, a blanket had been draped over her lower body, and she was starting to stir as the weave that had kept her asleep was starting to be undone.

 

She opened her eyes to look at her surroundings, and smiled weakly when she noticed Jon sitting a bit further away. In a corner, one of the Aes Sedai was putting a hand on the stomach of another for some reason, but Toram took up most of her view as he stood in front of her. She tried to get up to get a better look, remembered she was naked and quickly pressed herself flat against the stone slab she was lying on.

 

"Good morning, girl. The examination has been completed, and we are about to move on to the next phase. Physically, your form is too advanced for us to change back i'm afraid, but Jon already said he doesn't mind about that. As for your soul-related abilities however, that, we can fix."

 

He moved on to Scylla's side, pointing out several areas of her body that they had detected the strange power in that seemed to repel the One Power. Out of Scylla's view, his face turned grim, though he kept his voice casual in an attempt to keep putting her at ease.

 

"Now, your abilities seem focused in absorbing souls and storing them into these 'caches' in your own soul, possibly to be pulled out later on. Its purpose remains unknown to us. What we are going to do is scoop out the evil, and fill the gaps with the One Power, giving your soul the opportunity to repair itself over time."

 

He looked at Jon, face still grim as he talked what they were about to do. Though he had tried to make it sound less than it was, and Scylla hadn't picked up on it from still being drowsy, there would be no question about what would be the cause of the pain as well as the chance of death. They were essentially going to tear out parts of her soul one piece at a time, then patch up the 'holes' with a special weave of their own. He didn't give her a moment to let this sink in however, as he moved on almost without pause.

 

"Oh, and if it's allright we'll be tying down your arms and legs to keep you from getting injured."

 

-----

 

Scylla nodded, slowly sliding her arms up towards the leather straps, waiting for her arms and legs to be bound while still in the process of waking up. After the Aes Sedai had stepped away again, she turned to Toram.

 

- "I appreciate what you're trying to do, but you're forgetting i went through this before. I can still feel the pain, sometimes. So... let's get this over with."

 

Despite trying to sound confident, her voice was trembling at the mere memory of what had happened the day she was changed. She tried to steel herself the best she could, clenching her hands into fists in regular intervals to build up adrenaline, then kept her face hidden from Jon by hiding it between her outstretched arms. She would spare him that, at least.

 

-----

 

Toram slowly walked over to where Jon was sitting, and stood behind him, placing a hand on his shoulder. If he tried to move during the course of it, he would find himself unable to, the male Aes Sedai keeping him from interrupting the healing process. He looked worried, his mind going back to the examination of one of the townspeople whose soul had been sucked out by the Shadowspawn, and couldn't help but wonder what would happen if a too large part of Scylla's soul would end up being torn off...

 

 

Toram Rashvere & Scylla Naradiel

Preparing for surgery

[Winterwinds]

Jon watched as things were explained to Scylla, he wanted to go over there and comfert her, but he dared not get closer for fear of messing something up. How they were going to heal her made him give an involentary shuder, how could anyone endure that, he almost changed his mind of having them heal her, but still the words echoed in his ead from before "Do what you must, I will not blame you." And so he would, for her, Light, for her. In short order they straped her down to the granit slab she was laying on so she would not hurt herself or others, her wings could not be restrained, nor could her tail. Scylla hid her face behind one of her arms, she was trying to spare him from having to see her face when they started, but he would feel it just the same. The Aes Sedai that had led him in walked over to him and he felt the air suddenly grow solid as he was restrained, most likely so he could not rush over and ruin the healing. He lowered his head, so that Scylla, if she was to look up, would not see him trying not to cry at his disition, he did not want to cause her any pain, but it was unavoidable at this point. All he could do now was wait, and pray again for the light to see her safely though this. On the bright side, when they were done here, she could go back to being a Gleewomen, only in the wolfkin instead of around the normal people, they might be few but that did not mean there was not a conciderable amount of them out there. She would have one heck of a story to tell when this was done, and she would be able to tell the stories that would be born from this confict with the Shadow, for he had no doubt they would win. But, one battle at a time...

 

Jon

Trying not to focus on the task at hand.