A Return (Open)

[Alin]

After all these years it still saddened him a little whenever he passed this way entering Tar Valon.  The road from Caemlyn ran through the village of Alindaer on the banks of the Alindrelle Erinin.  As he and Aaolian started accross the magnificent Ogier-built bridge that connected the village to the great island city he could not help but wonder once again.  Had his mother named him after these landmarks as a way to remind herself of her former life?

 

It had been five long years since Alin had taken in the sights and sounds of Tar Valon.  Wagons, some laden with goods and others empty, jostled for space with a mixture of foot and horsebound traffic.  He could recognize the look and dress of people from all corners of the land as they travelled back and forth.  He never felt truly at ease when escorting Aaolian through crowds and many a traveller quickly averted their gaze.

 

"Alin, must you glare so?  We are back in Tar Valon, surely you don't need to stare down every passerby."  He sensed mirth through the bond though it was muted.  How long had it been since she had truly laughed?

 

Chagrined, Alin tried to relax a little, although he would not relax completely until he had his Aes Sedai back within the Tower.  "I think you have kicked over enough hornets nests recently to merit my caution", he said with a smile.  She returned his smile half-heartedly, and it never touched her eyes.

 

They rode the rest of the way in silence until they reached the entrance to the White Tower.

 

"Alin, take the horses to the stable then find your way to the Warders Barracks.  I am sure that I will be in conference for quite a while.  I shall send for you when I need you."

 

The casual dismissal stung but he had grown accustomed to it as of late.  She had changed.  Gone was the carefree, ebullient young Aes Sedai who had bonded him seven years ago.  She had seen things...DONE things...that had left an indelible mark on her psyche.  He would gladly lay down his life for her but he had begun to wonder how tenaciously she wished to hold onto it.  He hoped that getting her back within the Tower would renew her spirit and her soul.

 

Shaking off his melancholy Alin led the two horses to the stables.  He allowed the stableboy to handle Aaolian's mare but he preferred to see to Searcher himself.  Removing his saddlebags Alin gave the warhorse a thorough brushings and cleaned it's hooves of all the detritus they had picked up during the hard ride this morning.

 

After seeing Searcher safely into his stall Alin tossed his saddlebags over his shoulder and walked purposefully towards the Warders Yard.  When last he walked these grounds he had been the Master of Arms.  It seemed like ages ago.  He had given his all to the job but everyone knew that his first duty was to his Aes Sedai.  Entering the Yards he wondered how much had changed.  From the sounds of crashing weapons and the smells of sweat and dirt, apparently not much.  He hoped that he might find some familiar faces.  If not then at least friendly ones.

[Eqwina]

Thera’s duties as Mistress of Trainee’s rarely sent her to the front gates of the Tower, but it seemed as if one of her charges had managed to return not only late, but three sheets to the wind. She had the drunk trainee by one ear when she yanked him aside to allow the Aes Sedai and her Warder room. The woman was like any other Sister. Serenity to her toes and cold, at least outwardly; Thera knew all too well the fire that these women could possess. Her own passionate evening with her former bonded had shown her that.

The Warder though, he was familiar to her. As she continued to drag the protesting trainee to the showers she searched her mind for where she’d seen that face before.  Somehow she knew it was a face of her youth. Immediately images of Andular came to her mind, but she dashed those with a fierceness that only a woman scorned could manage. Apparently she’d growled or muttered some other because the trainee in her hands began to cry and beg. “Hush child, I am not going to kill you. Only make you wish you were dead; though I suspect your morning after head will do half the work for me.”

Much as she hated to relive her past, her mind struggled to put a name with the face. She was surer than ever she knew of this Warder in her Youth. Perhaps nearly 10 years ago when she was still only 18? 

Handing the boy over to a male guard she gave instructions for him to be showered and locked in his room. His own sickness could be his punishment for tonight.

Walking back to the practice yards Thera saw the man again, and suddenly a name sprang to her lips. Alin?! Her caramel eyes grew wide for a moment before she could control her features. Last she remembered him he’d been the Master at Arms. Suddenly she fought the urge to stand straighter. A few of the passing trainee’s bowed to her and hurried along. They did not want to be on the receiving end of Thera’s intense gaze.

It was foolish to feel intimidated by someone who used to be Master at Arms. Her skill level was nearly unmatched in the yards and she was one of the best with her blade, even among the men. Still, he had been her commander for a short time and that garnered her respect. Plus he’d managed to hold the bond of his Aes Sedai; a task Thera could not complete. She decided that if he acknowledged her she would say hello, if not, then reintroduction could wait for another time.

 

Thera Trakelyn

 

[Alin]

Forearm resting lightly on the hilt of his sword, Alin let his gaze wander.  It was comforting to see that at least some things had not changed. The Yard was abuzz with Trainees.  Some were working the forms while others were scuttling back and forth, apparently on errands of some sort.  They moved with a sense of purpose but a number of them stole glances out of the corners of their eyes.  Apparently the current Master or Mistress of Trainee's kept them on their toes.  Good.

 

As he looked around he saw a pair of Trainee's bow as they passed a woman with a curious mixture of red hair and brown eyes.  She tugged at his memory but he could not put a name to the face.  She was obviously someone of import and she carried herself with a deadly grace.  She would be a good start if he wished to learn the current lay of the land.

 

As he walked towards her Alin felt anger and frustration coming through the bond.  Apparently the greeting Aaolian had recieved was not what she had hoped.  The flame haired woman raised an eyebrow at him as he approached which made him curious until he realised that he had allowed Aaolian's emotions to cause him to scowl.

 

Putting on a smile he said, "My apologies, I let my mind wander.  My name is Alin, Warder to Aaolian Ybadith of the Green Ajah.  I was wondering if you might be able to tell me who is on staff here for the Warders.  Last I knew, Reikan was Master at Arms but I have been gone for many years...Thera?  My apologies again if I err but you remind me very much of someone I once knew."

[Eqwina]

A few of the more foolish trainee’s stepped into Thera’s line of sight and began to ask for help with various forms. As strict, and as sometimes unpredictable, as Thera was known to be she was also known for always being willing to train. Even in the depths of her depression and the height of her alcohol abuse she’d still given lessons to any who asked. Today though, she was in no mood. Already she’d had to escort three trainee’s to the showers and expel one from the Tower, it would be a banner day in her punishment books.

 

She ached for an adult conversation that did not end in a fight, and it seemed as if Alin was in the mood to talk. As he made his way towards her Thera tried to recall all that she knew of him, which admittedly was not much. When held left she’d been newly bonded and no longer under his authority, and rarely did the Master at Arms befriend the newly raised.

 

Extending her hand, Thera gave him a small smile. She had never been known for her friendly nature, but she could not be curt with one she respected. “I know who you are Alin, you were my commander for a short time. Indeed, you have not erred; I am Thera, Thera Trakelyn; Andular’s old mentee and current Mistress of Trainee’s. Reikan has moved on I am afraid, and his replacement Byron is about to do the same. You have picked quite the time to return, but it is a welcome one all the same.”

 

“I spend too many days dealing with young children not to appreciate one of the old Masters company.” Thera tipped her head just slightly in a show of respect.

 

[Alin]

Last he remembered, Nikita Locksley had been the Mistress of Training.  It never ceased to amaze him how quickly people cycled through the various positions within the Tower.  The fact that they were able to maintain a sense of continuity spoke to the pride and discipline of those selected.  He did not remember this Thera well but the woman standing before him made the old Thera looks soft.  This woman was steel, at least physically.  It might be fun one day to see her skill with her weapon, but that would have to come in time.  He hoped to remain innocuous for a while.  Nothing could be more uspetting to good order and discipline than for a former Master at Arms to waltz back in.  Their jobs were hard enough as it was.

 

"Congratulations on your position.  It can be a thankless job sometimes but the personal rewards can be immense.  I am sad to hear that Reikan has moved on but I suppose it is to be expected.  I do not remember Byron very well at all I'm afraid.  I will not be a distraction I can assure you.  I am just happy to be back within the walls of this glorious  institution.  If it pleases you I would like to find a room to stow my gear.  I fear that my Aes Sedai will be holed up in the Tower for an extended period of time so I might as well make myself comfortable."

 

"You mentioned Andular.  How is that old scoundrel anyways?"

[Eqwina]

Thera was surprised to feel a small thrill at her former superiors praise. It seemed as if some habits never died no matter how long it had been.

 

She was about to say she’d be happy to show him to a place where he could room, when Andular’s name passed his lips. She knew it would a mistake to bring him up, but she was stuck now. Ignoring the question would only bring suspicions to his mind, besides if he stayed too long in the Tower this time he would hear of all her exploits anyway. After her recent foray with her former Aes Sedai, Thera was once again the talk of the town.

 

“I will show you where you can stay, as for Andular…last I heard he and his Aes Sedai were well.” Few people in Tar Valon would ever say ‘Aes Sedai’ with such scorn, but Thera’s particularly strong malice was only felt for this one woman and most everyone knew it. “He has been out of the Tower for some time, and I doubt his..Aes Sedai..will allow him to return.” Turning on her heel Thera led her former Commander across the yards to the Tower Guard and Warder bunk house. “I am sure there is any number of rooms free.”

 

“Can I do anything else for you?” Her tone was a little dry, but perfectly respectful. In truth she hoped they would have a chance to speak again.

 

[Arie]

 

She held the glass carefully in her hand as she looked over her shoulder at the corner of the room. An old familiar face that had ages much in the years that had passed. Not that there was any chance that she would be remembered. Cairma had not ever exchanged two words with the former Master of Arms and that had been when she was yet still a young not-so-innocent trainee. No doubt Daemon knew the man well. Perhaps Aran, Rosheen or one of the others in her former compardre of now non-existant friends knew him better than she did. Thera, she blinked for a moment before returning to her ale, knew enough about him to exchange words. All so bloody well for that.

 

"Another." She tapped the counter for the bartender. Her empty glass of ale was promptly replaced with a full one and she picked it up and drank from it with a long pull. Not that it really mattered anyway. Jaydena was mad and not talking to her. Her trainee was about to be commited to the Red Cloak which was some how against her better judgement -no doubt from her too-high expectations of the young these days. Cairma worked all her charges hard, almost too hard. But if it was too hard they would either be dead by the end of it or have left. If they could not survive her than Cairma doubted they would survive the demands of an Aes Sedai. Cairma looked over at Alin with a perephrial gaze before decided to ignore it all together. Perhaps she'll ask him for a spar later. A good change with the sword always seems to improve her mood.

 

Burn her, she missed Aran and Rosheen.

 

 

Cairma Vishnu

Grandmaster

...just out for a nightly ale.