Thoughts interrupted [Attn Aramina]

[tismeb4u]

Green eyes swept across the black velvet expanse over head; noted the twinkle of a thousand stars. Their appearance was that of diamond chips drawing the wandering eye in wonder and bewilderment. So much beauty and vastness created in a sweeping moment by the creator’s hand. Corin’s eyes finally came to rest on a moon almost full and low on the horizon. The thin film of chimney smoke where it sat made it take on a blood red tinge drawing a sardonic smile to the young guards face. The creator had so easily brought forth the vast wonders and beauty of the night; yet that same night held a deep rooted evil. An evil that continued to grow; to gain strength against them. How was it, that which could bring forth such beauty could not remove such horrid evil as easily. Hard surveying eyes swept their gaze down to the city of TarValon that stretched out below the high wall he stood. A smattering of lights flickered through out it’s restless slumber. Even at this hour the streets still moved with life. The teaming masses of the day were gone but the city never truly slept, and in that darkness amongst the few scurrying and scuttling around dark agents went about their tasks. The same evil they fought to dispel; lurked ever watching for an opportunity. “Not on my watch†the words were little more then thought bound to a breath but the sentiment was strong as steel and rooted deeply.

 

Releasing the city below from his study he continued on his rounds along the wall checking on the various men and women stationed there; men he had traded posts with before, would again. His schedule had him walking the wall instead of positioned on one of it’s guard posts. A nice change of pace from the usual doldrums of standing at a post watching the same scene play out before you. Late night walks where good for the mind; helped focus thoughts and the cool fresh night air worked to bring clarity to those ever mounting problems. The biggest of which still remained to be Sirayn Sedai and her refusal to let him explain. As well reach into the sky above and collect even one of those diamonds as try to get it through her stubborn thick head what he was trying to do. He could feel the tension begin to knot in his shoulders once more and eased them slightly to work the tension free. He returned a nod to a guard at post as he passed along the wall’s walk. If he did not get control of his thoughts he was going to have to answer questions he was not ready to yet. Glancing back toward the Tower spires rising high above he could almost sense the creators ironic humor in the view. The discolored moon breaking over the horizon bathed the normally white shining tower in the palest shade of crimson. Even the creator can see the blood that stains the hands of many of those who call that home. Shaking his head to refocus his thoughts Corin continue along the walk; the tension no longer visible as his mind worked meditation exercises.

 

Life had changed so much for him since he arrived as a wide eyed child seeking the adventure told about in gleeman’s tails. He had known innocence then; believed in the good of the tower and those that were bound to it. Over time though his eyes had been opened; the world he had know shattered like a mirror. It’s shards sharp, reflecting an dark and twisted view of what had once been so clear. Even here behind the great wall he walked; the Father of Lies was able to touch the world. Distort the beliefs of weak minded fools who would bring about the flow of life’s blood in his name. The rest of the world still saw the White Tower as a refuge and beacon of all that was good. But he had come to see the darker side of it. The twisted souls that had sold themselves to his slavery in the hopes of gaining greater power. It was because of that that Corin worked so hard to know where and what Sirayn was doing. He needed to be at her side; to keep her safe from the dark clutches that roamed freely in the Tower. But instead he had been banished from her sight, never to communicate directly with her again. He kicked at a loose stone and sent it skittering across the walk as it bounced off one of the short walls. I swore to keep you safe and will with my dieing breath whether that pleases you or not Sirayn Simeone-Damodred.

 

But then his actions at the cabin were not the only thing that contributed to this isolation. At the slight remembrance Lavinya’s soft smooth face framed in rich red hair filled his minds vision almost causing him to stumble. Control was getting better when thoughts of her invaded. But it was still a struggle to keep her in thoughts as a sister who might need protection and not an emotionally deep woman he could easily be lost in love’s embrace with. She was another part of the ever complicated puzzle that had become his new life; his tower life. He missed the day’s of sparing with friends like his old roommate Orion. There was a man of honor that held the good side of life in the tower. Other then that very unfortunate accident that had left him blind, Orion had come though training and the guard’s smelling like a rose. Everything seemed to be going for him. He didn’t have the women troubles Corin faced nor the dark and seedy side of the city to deal with in servitude to the Aes Sedai that lay swan over him. In fact, for Orion it seemed the love of his life was the one he would bond if not already. One day they needed to catch-up again in the tavern; perhaps even tease Savannah like they use to. The new journey his mind had taken sat a relaxed smile on his face and lightened his spirit immensely. This was what he needed right now; release from the troubles of his own life. He continued along his round whistling softly to himself a tune from the tavern they sat when they could.

 

His relaxed state changed as a silhouette appeared along the wall before him; his eyes picking out the shape of it slowly growing up and out of the darkened path. Even at this distance the shape was unmistakable now to his mind as he began to prepare walls around his emotions before he would find himself face to face with an Aes Sedai. He did not recognize her specifically at this distance; but there was no mistaking the outline. Only one type would be allowed out on the walls at night looking other then the cloak and armament of a guard. Those one’s where rarely questioned; those brave enough to try found themselves feeling as though the flies gathering around the latrine had more right then you to be in there presence never mind actually question them. Slowly his mind shifted to a game he had played here often; a game Sirayn had introduced him to. Instructed him in fact on it’s many and varying nuances. What treasures and tidbits does this one hold that I might be able to pry loose for Si …. He cursed himself under his breath. So well she had him trained; even banished from her as he was, he was still looking at what gain he could bring her. The woman became more clear as the distance between them continued to close. He was not going to be able to make the next guard post before he met her; which meant at least a sociable hello. Perhaps she is deep in thought and will pass on like some of the Browns, he had found that many of their rank seemed to be lost in their own thoughts most of the time. Stopping slightly before her Corin dropped into a proper bow; red cloak sweeping around him in the sudden change of movement. “Good evening Sedai, a wonderful evening for a walk.â€

[TaeaDawn]

Solitude. A comfort Aramina sur Dulciena was almost always surrounded by. It had been taught to her as a child, to stay to herself, to want more than the little life of a small village could give her. Later, it had become a choice, between love and pain, comfort and heartache. Bitter tears and an unexperienced heart had crumpled in the heat of battle and a choice was made. Habit was what remained now. Habit, a cold comfort, but her solitude warmed her well tonight as she walked the walls. The world continued to move faster than they could afford these days. News from her Eyes and Ears barely outran rumor, even if her sources were more accurate. The world was changing and yet people refused to. It was an old concern, one that she herself struggled with, to change as the world needed. The Tower had to remain whole and strong, but how fine was the line between loyalty and treachery. The fine line of ideology and intent.

 

The wall offered a new perspective on the world and Aramina walked it every so often when she needed to think around something. She walked past the guards stationed there, knowing that few would as a Sitter about her business. Indeed, few asked a Sister anything, let alone a Sitter walking in the middle of the night on a windy Tower Wall. More small comforts. The still of the night sky, the movement of the city even in it's slumber, even the slight noise of the guards as they moved around her when she came near. Her mind never rested on anything specifc. Tonight she was looking for answers to thinks she couldn't understand, to a problem that she felt was coming, but couldn't see. She hoped in opening her thoughts tonight, to learn what really troubled her and what she could do about it, if anything. Unfortunately in these days, there was often nothing to do. They lived in dark times and to much was happening for them to believe in a nice safe world where walls and armed men saved them from the menaces of the world.

 

But these men and women of the Guard, like their brethern in the Borderlands and the Gaidin, they did what they could. As she passed another he bowed. “Good evening Sedai, a wonderful evening for a walk.â€

 

She nodded. "A wonderful evening indeed." She said, giving him a polite smile. "Am I disturbing your rounds, walking among you?" she asked. She had never asked before and didn't particularly care if she was, but the Wheel weaved as it willed and if Aramina found herself on the Wall with this man tonight, who would question later what they talked about? None would see. None would know. Secrets. Another comfort.

 

[tismeb4u]

Her nod and answer crushed any hope he had of her passing along without notice of him at the same time bringing a slight edge of excitement. So social courtesies it shall be then, Sirayn’s touch had gone deep in him; a deep quietness seeking to play at Daes Dae’mar when ever the opportunity may present itself. Her ice blue eyes swept over him nonchalantly as she questioned whether she was disturbing the guard passing among them. It had to be politeness that brought forth the statement; Aes Sedai did as they pleased and did not ask permission or state a purpose unless they felt there was a gain to be made. The question was what was the gain for this one? Corin had come to learn that there was no simple answer to that question when placed in the light of an Aes Sedai. The gambit of options ran as wide as the Aryth ocean and just as deep.

 

After the past couple of experiences with Aes Sedai he had really be hoping that she would have passed on; left him to make his rounds in peace and eventually find his bunk for a few hours of sleep before he had to check up on his mentee’s again. But it appeared the pattern had something else in mind yet again for his life. Alone with an Aes Sedai had become a rather unnerving experience of late and already his eyes wanted to sweep the area looking for anything that might record this impromptu conversation and return it to Sirayn. Banished or not he was sure she was still receiving word of his movements and actions. Why she would care beyond ensuring her never came within eye sight of her he was not sure; but he could feel it. The guard, like himself, had been well trained in the art of ignoring and not seeing or hearing what took place between Aes Sedai and anyone else unless expressly charged to. This left him for all immediate purposes alone again with yet another sister; one he had not met and therefore was not sure what she might expect from him.

 

“No Aes Sedai, you are not disturbing us. As always we are here to serve and you are welcome to walk the wall as you see need.†He kept his voice light and welcoming as his arm swept the length she had been headed in. The question my dear is why are you out on the wall at this hour? What answers are you seeking? Most people walked alone to sort out thoughts and seek answers to questions they did not always want to share; and it was no different with many of the sisters in the Tower. Intricate puzzles they were and through Sirayn’s teachings a craving to solve those puzzles Corin had learned. With his source of information now in hand; the girl had been far more of a challenge then he expected out of a novice; some of the tension over Sirayn’s protection had eased if only a fraction. “I am Corin Danveer of the Guard, if I may be of any assistance please do not hesitate to ask.†It was formality once again that played the words from his lips. Many things related to the sisters lay in ceremony and formalities. Aes Sedai seemed to take or order as they felt and there was little anyone short of another sister could do about it.

 

If she chose to pass on and leave him to his rounds in peace; to the demons in his head and heart that waged a bitter war. He would be quite happy about the turn of events and would gladly welcome the attempt at isolation again. But should she decide for one reason or another she would be better served with him he would have little choice but to oblige her and see what may come of it. At the very least it would perhaps quell the battle in his mind for a while and focus it else were. There was even a chance this might turn out to be nothing but simple harmless conversation; two separate worlds passing in the night and offering a bit of reprieve from the turmoil of their own climates. Already he could feel eyes borrowing into his back; recording everything that took place around him. He had come to accept that little remained a secret around the Tower, his smile widened slightly at a morbid thought the swept his mind. How the Guard does not face the same fate as a man who can channel I will never know. Surely these women and their way’s will drive us all mad in time.

[TaeaDawn]

“No Aes Sedai, you are not disturbing us. As always we are here to serve and you are welcome to walk the wall as you see need. I am Corin Danveer of the Guard, if I may be of any assistance please do not hesitate to ask.â€

 

A slight smile curved her lips up in the most polite of smiled. "Do you really?" she asked. Her voice was polite as well, neither mocking nor laughing. "I find it to be a rare individual that truely wishes to serve an Aes Sedai. Most would prefer that we walked past, keeping to ourselves and never bothering to touch their lives."

 

She had seen far too much of the world to not recognize the truth. The world saw them as a necessity, but not a pleasant one. Aes Sedai must protect the world from the Dark One and male channelers but they were expected to find a way to do it that didn't bother anyone else's perfectly ordered lives. Regardless of whether is was perfect or not. Trying times for the world and in Aramina's mind there were too many things happening around them to feel that she had a true handle on it all. Too much changed too fast to ever hope for that. But still, information was what kept the world safe and information was always available if you were willing to pay the price. Aramina was Cairheinin to the core in that one thing. Take what you want and pay the price. She would pay the price of information ten fold with blood if it helped her cause.

 

Of course, how to come around to that. Subtle, because they had been taught by the same hand. "Do you find the same is true for those dedicated to the Tower? Dedicated to serving Aes Sedai? Or does the destinction protect you from such prejudice?"

 

[tismeb4u]

"Do you really?" The words were simple ones; three nondescript words of general meaning delivered and a plain an simple fashion. Nothing really to worry over, no indication to a common person that they could be anything more then that presented at face value. But it was that simple delivery; that lack of any hidden meaning or sharp barb that drew Corin’s focus sharp. From anyone else the words and tone would have probably meant nothing. But from an Aes Sedai; lack and simple was a flag he watched for with great caution. In the hands of Aes Sedai those traits where a well honed tool that they worked with a surgeons precision to carve out the information they sought.

 

“Not all are capable or willing to go the distance to wear the Red cloak of the guard that is true. Even some that wear the cloak may have reservations at times. But rest assured Aes Sedai each and everyone will give their lives in servitude,†his head bent slightly in affirmation to his words. Many had already paid that price and many many more would before the Wheel was done with this age. It was a way that had begun in an age before; would continue in the age to come. As with all; it had become the norm for him now. He studied her eyes; ice blue and void of any indication beyond simple pleasant politeness. The windows to her soul reflected back his image and reminded him of her station and the training that came with it. The eerie closeness to at certain pair of grey eyes that haunted his mind sent pinpricks up his spine adding new worries to an already troubled mind.

 

What would this one want of him; of his brethren in arms. They always wanted something; purpose hidden in mystery wrapped in pleasantries. At times he almost thought it would be easier to just give in and let the Towers currents take him as they saw fit. Perhaps Rosheen had the right way of it; he was certain the simple bewilderment that portrayed the tall mohawked women was a front of some kind. Surely it help keep her from the whims and purposes of these creatures and their games; avoid the entanglements he already found himself deeply ensconced in. “As for protection from prejudice,†his eyes swept to the great serpent ring adorning her hand. “Though we are one in the same, dedicated to both the tower and the Aes Sedai; unless chosen to be Gaidin. I find the mind that accepts such rulings and thoughts without proper merit or research is usually lacking in other departments as well. It seems we are both bound to certain stigma’s that will out live our time here in the world.â€

 

Again Corin could not shake the feeling that Aes Sedai, though all things pointed against it, could read minds and this one here was skimming though him like a librarian testing a new books worth. Regardless of her true objective she had peaked a curiosity in him; perhaps the closeness of her eyes to another’s or just the offered chance to maybe forget present turmoil’s and haunts for a chance at a fresh game. “But then I’m sure your sisters would understand that far more then myself. They have had life times of prejudice to overcome, and my time will be done long before you see an end to that prejudice I’m afraid. Even in the walls of the most protected places that little seed of the Dark One finds fertile ground to grow in unfortunately.†Delivery of a question to an Aes Sedai was always a very careful and crafted art if one did not wish to find themselves on the wrong side of the imaginary line that set their minds on the belief they were above questions. “Do you suppose these prejudice thoughts will end after the Great Battle or only be replaced perhaps by new ones Aes Sedai …†He tilted his head to the side a touch as he left the sentence hang open between them to see if she might offer her name to him.

[TaeaDawn]

“Do you suppose these prejudice thoughts will end after the Great Battle or only be replaced perhaps by new ones Aes Sedai …â€

 

Aramina nodded in thought at his words. A good question, one that Aramina hoped she lived to know. The Last Battle was coming and in some ways she hoped to see it, hoped to be there at the front with her Battle Sisters. It would be a fitting death to a life that wanted only to end in Battle. "I think we will never know the answer to that one. Perhaps we will do deeds so great that the nations will forget their fear and come to understand what we stand for, or perhaps we will do great deeds and they will fears us all the more for it. The latter seems more probable to me." She gave him a small smile. "The ways of Aes Sedai are not to be understood by just anyone and that elite stature may well follow every last Aes Sedai to the Mother's embrace."

 

"But I try to avoid those sort of questions. I'm a Battle Sister, nothing more. Give me my sword and I'll meet the Last Battle head on. The rest I will leave to gentler hands than mine." It was a fine line between truth and lie, but in a perfect world Aramina would leave it all to die on that Battlefield. She didn't live in a perfect world though and the creator had seen fit to make do with what he had. Aramina was part of the Pattern even if she didn't understand it. "And yet you surprise me, a man of the sword asking those sort of questions. Are you a student of philosophy, or do you perhaps play at greater things?"

 

[tismeb4u]

â€The rest I will leave to gentler hands than mine.†Corin tipped his head again in acknowledgement of her words. She had conveniently avoided releasing her name to him yet again in the Aes Sedai almighty way. In a way he was not surprised as she had already began to set off the warning bells in his head. She was not as simple as she seemed; the avoidance for him cemented that thought. But who she was and her affiliation had remained a mystery until that last. Finally a solid crumb he could work with. He now knew for certain she was of the Green; but that unto itself was a concern. Did she have any affiliation with Sirayn? Had Sirayn sent her to check up on him? The closeness of the eyes and her ease at skirting things had already put him on guard more then he would normally. I seriously doubt my dear that you truly leave the rest to gentler hands. A green you maybe but there is more to you then you wish to present. Let us see what else we can find; shall we dance?

 

"And yet you surprise me, a man of the sword asking those sort of questions. Are you a student of philosophy, or do you perhaps play at greater things?" The blow she delicately leveled at him next stunned him at first causing him to berated himself fiercely. Caught off guard slightly Corin kept it from finding his face; not allowing her to see outwardly the strike she had landed. How had he been so complacent as to tip his hand like that; he had not expected this to be an exchange of such caliber. Had not expected anything beyond perhaps a notice of his presence as she swept past but that was long behind him now. He took the moment to adjust the sword belted at his hip and change his stance to a more relaxed appearance in an effort to buy himself sometime to craft an exit from the corner he now found himself in. “Thank-you Aes Sedai, but you honor me more then I deserve,“ he set a small some what sheepish smile to his face. “I have done some reading, the Tower library is quite amazing, but I would hardly call myself a student of philosophy. As for playing; we all play at some kind of game. The Aes Sedai and the noble class have the … I believe it is call The Great Game of Houses. The rest of us try our hand at simple mind games in hopes of wining a girls hand or perhaps a game of cards.â€

 

Caution was a large friend he needed to heed with this Green. But at the same time she offered a possible chance at a grain of information. He had been isolated from Sirayn so long now and what information he had been able to collect from the eyes he had set on her had been minimal to date at best. Here was member of her own Ahja; but that was the problem. Prying information from an Aes Sedai was no easy task, more so if you were attempting to do it covertly. “The Battle Ahja is a strong proud association that we are pleased to have at our side when the Great Battle comes. I look forward to working with you and your sisters on that day. But I am a warrior and as such numbers mean life to me. I mean no offence Aes Sedai, but I do pray that your numbers increase before that time and your head remains strong.â€

[TaeaDawn]

“The Battle Ahah is a strong proud association that we are pleased to have at our side when the Great Battle comes. I look forward to working with you and your sisters on that day. But I am a warrior and as such numbers mean life to me. I mean no offence Aes Sedai, but I do pray that your numbers increase before that time and your head remains strong.â€

 

The converstaion was far more enjoyable than Aramina had expected. Oh, she certainly had her ideas about the young man before she had come to the wall, but she hadn't expected this banter and she was pleased to see that some of her suspicions had been correct. His casual words at the end said as much. Casual words always meant more than the speaker intended, especially words that were meant to be casual. "I pray for the same. I will stand before the Dark One alone if I have no choice, but I would prefer a thousand Green Sisters at my side." She said with a small smile for him. "As for our head, the Green Ajah does not permit any of it's sisters to be weak, least of all our head. You and your brethern have no need to fear there."

 

She turned then and leaned back against the wall, relaxing in a manner that most who knew her would be surprised at. She turned on a beautiful smile for the man before her. "And what of the Guard. How are spirits on the grounds? I see a little when I walk through to train, but few Tower Guards show their discontent to an Aes Sedai. Is the morale well among you?" She asked.

 

[tismeb4u]

As Aramina leaned back on the wall the moon’s eerie red tinged light played off the red highlights in her hair; the gold adding a shimmering luster. A complicated phantom tickled at his mind with the similarity to another; only where this one wore disconnected warmth and a relaxed allure to her the other worn stern separated coldness. So many similar line flowed from these two and yet a third pricked at the edges; refused to be lost. The curves were of course not to the same degree as Lavinya’s but the flash of beautiful white that lit her face was far more similar then he would have been comfortable to admit. It was turning out that this one held far more tricks then met the eye and still no name. Where Sirayn had taught him degree’s of Daes Dae’mar, Lavinya had taught him ways a woman could confuse a man’s mind. He was not going to fall to either this time … he hoped.

 

The equaled change in directions; her ease at continuing the line of question removed from her previous course was fitting of a player and he admired her skill briefly. Lead to wonder if any in the tower did not practice the trade. Would life always hold this for him; always on guard with word and thought. â€but few Tower Guards show their discontent to an Aes Sedai. Is the morale well among you?" Then again he would miss it greatly now if it were to stop. Sirayn had addicted him to a drug and he was fully it’s slave now; forever would be. “The guard increases in ranks almost daily Aes Sedai, though we still loose several of our best to your sisters each year.†His eyes flashed questioningly for a moment toward her; let the space run out for a moment. Even in this setting, to give a less then appealing answer to the guards health would be disrespectful to the Mistress Of Trainees and the Commander. It was their place alone to inform on what they were charged too, not his.

 

When she made no indication of answering the underlying notation he shifted his stance and set his weight to one foot and his hands to rest on the pommel of his sword. “As for morale I believe we fair well, the young as always come with the glint of stars and grand adventure in their eyes. But it takes not more then the first year to settle that into the reality that we live in. From there we can create the tools you will need come that day and the day’s leading up to it. But until they have been in the yard a few years most remain cautious around the sisters least they offend a future employer.†His eyes cut back to the moon still low on the horizon; a blood red warning. “If we can keep the novice from the yard and the boys minds on their tasks and trainings they will serve well when called upon. Sometimes field training outside the walls can help with that; others …†he shrugged briefly with a slight sigh. “others need a firm hand and a hard schedule to bring their mind to heel. A problem that will always be for both I imagine.†The recent events surrounding that late night trip to the infirmary with one of his own still gnawed at him slightly. But he had already begun to sort out who this Teigan was and to what level they had become involved.

 

Now if he could just get a name out of this one he might be able to add to his background knowledge. Why is it Aes Sedai believe themselves above common curtsies? But then Corin was not foolish enough to enlighten this nights guest on the wall to that. At one time during his youth he might have; but that foolishness had been carefully carved away now. What had that small smile meant when she had talked of their Head; of Sirayn? Did she know something? No Sirayn would not have spoken of the cabin; what was wrapped up in that simple smile? “You have dedication equal to that of a guard Aes Sedai, when it comes to battle. Even the newest of guards will flock to the call of a dedicated and unwavering commander.†He glanced along the wall, once more checking the guard’s posted just within eyes sight but still for the most out of hearing distance. “Duty ever abounds us; has become entwined and a part of us would you not agree?â€

[TaeaDawn]

“Duty ever abounds us; has become entwined and a part of us would you not agree?â€

 

"Duty, I find, is a tiresome word. What one does for duty is normally an obligation and not a love. I prefer to think that my love engulfs me so completely I fail to notice the duty it entwines me in." Aramina answered quickly. There were so many undercurrents in his words, so many small things that could mean so many different things. In her first days at the Tower she might have been intimidated by him, but even then she had been a player in the Great Game, dabbling on little things while the larger events of the world swept pass with no care for a young Caireheinin girl wrapping herself around her studies. How many years had it been since these very Tower walls had become guardian to her heart as well, when she had cried her last for friends and loved ones? Her hand caressed the wall in a loving manner as if it truely were the protective wall she had created around herself.

 

"Duty is heavier than a mountain, but love will see you over the mountain sometimes, or under it, or on a hundred different paths that you never saw yourself taking." Her smile had turned now to a sadder expression. "And sometimes you find allies in the strangest of places. What path do you see before you?" She asked, feeling it was time to up the stakes a little. "Tell me Corin, do you watch this Wall and wait for the world to crumble around you like your brethern, or do you prepare for the Battle ahead?"

 

[tismeb4u]

Corin took note of her answer and choice of words. Love was not quite a word he would have chosen to describe his feelings toward the tower; dedication perhaps, though it too lacked the true meaning he felt. But she was more right then she could ever know when that picture was held up to one he had been separated from by the woman’s own commandments. In that the simple word love paled to the emotional attachment and concern he felt for that one small lady with such cold harsh eyes. One day he would find away to close that chasm; bridge the gap he had caused between them. His eyes recorded the movement of Aramina’s hand along the surface of the wall. He was busy in his own thoughts but not enough to miss the subtle attachment portrayed in that simple gesture. So, through and through you are bond and true to the Towers purpose. He filed the information carefully away with her face he now had burned to memory.

 

Her smile seemed to loose it’s glint; become heavier as if a deeper thought had taken her. There was no mistaking she spoke truth about the paths and places one would take if the need was felt deep enough. So many things had changed from the dreams and beliefs he had held; had crossed many paths he would not expected himself capable. Not until he had found himself tied to a green sister that in time had bound him in steel cables no one could escape from. Now it was allies that he depended on.

 

Nothing changed on his face; but his eyes unnoticeably narrowed at her question while his mind raced to look for where advantage could be gained. “ I agree there are indeed many paths before us; how we choose states a lot about our character and goals in this life.†His eyes swept once more to a guard on the edge of vision; “but not all my brethren wait Aes Sedai. Only a fool waits on the world and an age to pass.†His foot slide softly over the warn walk of the Tower wall. “Stone and mortar are strong but in themselves nothing.†His right hand rose in front of him and closed into a tight fist, “this; flesh and bone and blood. This is the true power. Even the One Power is nothing unless it is in the hands of Aes Sedai like ..†The pause was almost unperceivable; would have been to anyone not ensconced in The great Game, “you and your sisters as they wield it for Lights purpose.†That slip was a little to close to secrets that had to be kept in the deep safety of his mind until the time of her choosing.

 

His hand returned to the sword hilt to rest at ease with his right while his eyes scanned the horizon. “My path is set; has been set by the wheels spinning. I am not ta’veren so the thread of my life is woven to the pattern and twined with other threads at the wheels will. I can ask for no more then an honorable death and a chance to see the Father of Lies once more entombed behind the seals.†Looking back at her as she leaned against the wall opposite him a smirk found favor on his face; “and what of you Aes Sedai and your love that is not duty. Do you rush to prepare for the battle that comes? Or do you take time to observe that which happens around you?â€

[TaeaDawn]

“ I agree there are indeed many paths before us; how we choose states a lot about our character and goals in this life, but not all my brethren wait Aes Sedai. Only a fool waits on the world and an age to pass. Stone and mortar are strong but in themselves nothing.†His right hand rose in front of him and closed into a tight fist, “this; flesh and bone and blood. This is the true power. Even the One Power is nothing unless it is in the hands of Aes Sedai like .. you and your sisters as they wield it for Lights purpose.â€

 

The pause was the first chance for Aramina to see a chink in her armour. What had he been about to say? A name perhaps? Or something less revealing and yet more intriguing?

 

“My path is set; has been set by the wheels spinning. I am not ta’veren so the thread of my life is woven to the pattern and twined with other threads at the wheels will. I can ask for no more then an honorable death and a chance to see the Father of Lies once more entombed behind the seals. And what of you Aes Sedai and your love that is not duty. Do you rush to prepare for the battle that comes? Or do you take time to observe that which happens around you?â€

 

Aramina smiled lightly as she looked over the city. "The Green Ajah has always been looking to prepare for the Last Battle, but not all of us believe the only weapon that can be weilded in our defense is a sword. Observation is a sharp weapon when wielded by one with true skill. The tongue as well. Some of us prefer to take the Battle to fields that others cannot. Until the day I stand with my sword drawn at the Last Battle, I will continue to fight with what weapons I can, to make sure the White Tower is the strength and light that this world needs in these ever darkening times."

 

[tismeb4u]

The simple smile that adorned her face as she looked out over the city intrigued him slightly; stirred new questions and wonders. He remained true to a promise made to another though she did not know it. If there was gain to be found in this one then perhaps she would fit into future plans. If not, additional resources of his own were always welcome. Corin knew he would need use of them before his time was done; how was still to be determined.

 

Aramina’s words were a spoken declaration of Green determination that was a key thread in their ranks as he had come to recognize. But her words also marked her as an opponent not to be taken lightly. Little doubt remained in his mind now that she knew very well the Great Game and enjoyed the ease in which she deployed it’s art. A very powerful tool if controlled correctly; a dangerous viper if not. She would be too much for him to hope for; but for Sirayn she would be a kitten lapping at a milk dish. The problem was he could no more suggest it then he could present her in person. A brief moment of bitterness raced through him at the childish mistake he had made out there, eyes glancing over Dragonmount. “You speak of a skill not many posses yet many play at.†Caution was needed in the steps he took; a simple falter could mark the beginning of a long slide.

 

He moved to stand near her; hands resting on the wall as he joined her in peering out over the city. “I envy those that have the skill. It would make many things easier as a guard when dealing with confrontation. But not all is lost, we have the distinct honor of you and your sisters presence with us. Where we are not able to tread you are.†Turning sideways to lean against the parapet Corin once again studied the Sister beside him trying to recall a name to her face; noted the way she still held the wall in a tender touch. “If you don’t mind me asking Aes Sedai; is it a craft that one must practice often to perfect like it is the sword?â€

[TaeaDawn]

“You speak of a skill not many posses yet many play at. I envy those that have the skill. It would make many things easier as a guard when dealing with confrontation. But not all is lost, we have the distinct honor of you and your sisters presence with us. Where we are not able to tread you are.â€

 

 

He turned to look at her and Aramina looked away from the city to face him.

 

“If you don’t mind me asking Aes Sedai; is it a craft that one must practice often to perfect like it is the sword?â€

 

She gave a small laugh, more than she meant to but the conversation had turned truely again and she had little doubt that this one knew the ways of the Game as well as she, whether he considered himself a player or not.

 

"There is no weapon that one can wield that does not take practice. Indeed, the more you play it seems the more you need to practive and learn. You see it with all weapons, do you not? As your skill increases someone is always there to test you, to make you fight harder than before to keep your balance and your skill. Or do you prefer to hang your weapon on the door each day and hope that someone better doesn't come along?"

 

She smiled again before continuing. "No battle is ever won easy and no field is ever smooth. Practice and vigilance make us all the safer, wouldn't you agree?"

 

[tismeb4u]

Her laugh was brief but musical and it added to the suspicion that perhaps he was in the company of a skilled games player. So she also sees Daes Dae'mar as a weapon to be wielded for a purpose. Corin would have to keep an eye out for this one in the yard. There was little doubt in his mind that their paths would cross again in the future. Her words held truth like a piece of steel in a master swordsmith's hands held an edge. For all her subtlety one would be gravely mistaken to underestimate her skill at words; steel's cut would be jagged in comparison.

 

It was interesting the way she chose to direct the conversation and leave small but pointed challenges to his responses. The fact she had withheld her name from him still played in his mind. Why? What was her true purpose that she would withhold that information? What was she hiding? Still the questions mounted and he could offer them no answer. But he knew her face now and her Ajah, it would be only a matter of time before inquiries yielded a name to place to that face. A name that perhaps would yield even more information. Information was worth more then the greatest of riches whether most believed that or not. Oh how handy she would be in ensuring what he heard and knew about Sirayn's movements were factual and current. But the likelihood of drawing her in to service as he did the novice was a fools dreams. To go head to head with her would only result in further disgrace and separation from the one he sought. Part of Daes Dae'mar was also knowing your limitations and not walking blindly into a battle you could not hope to win.

 

Corin returned Aramina's smile as he nodded his affirmation to her questioned statement of practice and vigilance. "Indeed you are correct in that aspect Aes Sedai. Any soldier that does not believe that is quick to the butchers bill. There is time enough when our time here has past to hang our weapons what ever they be and hope no one challenges us. A soldier who is not challenged regularly is a soldier that looses their edge and becomes a hindrance and a liability rather then an asset." He looked back down the wall toward the distant guard postings, "even in Tar Valon duty requires full focus and commitment."

 

Before him he had the means of information to many of his question yet he could neither outright ask nor weave the elaborate web of conversation and deception he would need to draw it from her unnoticed. It was like seeing fruit in the tree but unable to reach it or climb the tree to retrieve it; instead you were forced to watch it daily as you slowly starved. What had he done to draw such cruelty from the creator? Still she showed no sign of moving on so perhaps it was time to try pulling at a different string. "With so many new girls in white I wonder if there will be much of the guard left once they reach the shawl and come hunting in the yard? It is nice to see sisters like yourself visiting the yards with out the purpose of hunting in mind." The slight rise in his statement left the words carefully balanced on the edge of a question. One could almost interpret it either way but could not out right say he was questioning an Aes Sedai, as his eyes flick back to Aramina. Patience Corin, you must remember her lessons.

[TaeaDawn]

Aramina smile continued at his careful words. "Hunting? Perhaps I do hunt this night, but not for a Warder." Her heart still hurt to think of bonding anyone, even so many years after her loss, but she refused to give it anymore heed now than she ever had. Some losses would bury her in grief is she allowed them.

 

"My quarry is almost a bit more mysterious and alluring than that. A brother at my side in battle would be welcome, but the object I hunt mostly is truth and rumor. Like the rumor than some of my sisters might be too well known to specific members of the Tower Guard." Aramina said, keeping her voice light. "Of course if a Green Sister prefers to come spend her time among men, few think it odd. But there we must separate rumor and truth. Did a Green Sister who is not known as a lightskirt, or who is not on the hunt as you say, spend more time with a Guard than she should? These are the sort of rumors and truth I hunt on the walls at times. How else will I support my sister when the might fall, and protect them even against themselves?" she asked with a small shrug of her shoulders.

 

[tismeb4u]

The swift clean edge of her words, delivered in the soft musical tones of her light voice, sliced neatly to his heart. Only forced awareness kept the urge to tense as her eyes watched for signs her words might produce. Corin could sense the draw string of a snare pulling taunt around him. She was a hunter and her quarry was indeed a guard. So much easier this would be if she only sought a warder. The question first to mind was her allegiance. Who was she faithful to, they were all faithful to someone; something that motivated them. But where was hers; harder to determine with out her name. We will definitely find out who you are now clever little fly.

 

Clever, that little shrug of her shoulders. This one may pose a problem in the future and will need to be watched; misguided at time if need be. Working to keep the relaxed composure she had readily drawn him into Corin leaned on an arm he rested a top the wall. Brilliant to ensure one was at ease before introducing the knife. Reactions spoke volumes if one knew how to read them and he had little doubt she could read very well. “An interesting hunt you have before you Aes Sedai,†his hand circled lazily on the walls smooth stones to ease the tension building inside. “Sisters come and go from the yard and tower. Who are we to question there goals or motives. Ours is but to server as the Tower and her occupants needs; thus is our calling.†Turning he let his eyes wander over the darken yard; beams of light piercing the darkness as it radiated from openings and windows in the Tall towers.

 

“Perhaps I could be of assistance, is there any sister in particular you are protecting this evening Aes Sedai? If I have seen them in passing I could add light to the puzzle you have before you. Or perhaps the guard in question?†He dipped his head in a slight bow as he looked back to meet her gaze once more. His mind and body had already adapted to the change in the conversation like it would in the heat of a battle. Lives were not on the line like the wielding of steel. A slip here could be far more damaging then the simple lose of life.

[TaeaDawn]

Aramina gave him a small smile as she listened to his words. His casual manner, the way his eyes moved from one thing to another, always guarding, not just the wall but his attention so that he could never be seen to focus on anything too hard. She watched the words processing through him and the thoughts come to a head as he spoke. Give him a name? She would hardly speak a name here. Indeed, she hadn't given him her own yet, though she hoped he would prove worthy enough to find it himself sometime.

 

"I would not share my Sister's secrets with any, though I do not doubt you to be trustworthy. If I seek to protect in this way, it would be poor protection indeed to come out and speak of what I would keep hidden. Of course, if I were perfect I would have been able to devine the secrets I needed already, but I am not. I doubt even my Ajah Head is so perfect that she woudn't seek out the help of one such as yourself when things must be learned."

 

 

[tismeb4u]

He dipped his head slightly in acknowledgment to her comment about names. Indeed he would have held little faith in any name she might have given; an attempt to lure him else where. His teacher had been very thorough about keeping things to the chest and not in the open if advantage could not be gained and gained largely. In that aspect this Aes Sedai and himself were more then alike, but what was it she was looking for? It seemed to coincidental that she picked him from all the guards along the wall this night to spend in conversation. This sister was fishing and he was either the bait or the fish, neither of which added comfort to the feelings swirling in the dark. If the bloody woman would only come out with something I could use.

 

The tension between knotted shoulders increased ten fold as reference to Sirayn passed from her lips; more so with the added context of himself. The urge to move them, to work them back and ease that tension was great but he fought it. That would be a sight she would watch for, as would his silence if conversation lapsed to long. “An interesting difference between our world and yours Aes Sedai. For us and the ranks that server under us the Commander walks on water and needs no one. He simply allows us to accompany him so that we might learn more. Whether I believe that true or not is irrelevant, in all conversation the Commander will always be able to walk on water and need no one. It is interesting that many of the sisters I have talked to over the years here do not seem to hold the same line of their Ajah Heads. An interesting difference between our heritage and your own wouldn't you say?â€

 

The line had given him time to think, to work through the various meeting and conversations that had taken place in the past. Some had been in the open; a careful number observed by many eyes. Others not event he stones them selves had witnessed. “It has been an honor to serve the Ajah Heads when they find me of use, including your own. I am but a guard but even a guard can be of use from time to time with things heard.†Corn glanced back out over the slumbering city of Tar Valon, “we do have one very important thing in common it seems. We will both protect our fellow ranks and those in charge. You, your Ajah head. For myself, my Commander; and those that live in the Tower of course. Perhaps the differences between us are less then I first thought.†He smiled again, but I will also protect her as well. Even from her own if need be, a slight twinkle lit his eyes at the thought.

[TaeaDawn]

“we do have one very important thing in common it seems. We will both protect our fellow ranks and those in charge. You, your Ajah head. For myself, my Commander; and those that live in the Tower of course. Perhaps the differences between us are less then I first thought.â€

 

Aramina nodded thoughtfully at his answer. Yes, they were much more alike than she would have thought at first. It was an interesting prospect and one she needed time to think about. If this Guard could be used to further her own plans she would use him, but who else would he be reporting to? What schemes of his own did he plan for? They were things to be considered. She had said enough tonight though, enough to get his mind moving. If he was Sirayn's man, she'd know soon enough. If not, she'd have him watched anyway to see what he did.

 

"Perhaps they are." She said, giving Corin a small smile. "We are both soldiers in a war that most turn a blind eye to, hoping it will go away if they refuse to see it. I hope in the future, that your eyes will be able to see what is needed, and that we will all benefit from it."