Talyn's Things (Pt4: Returning for Talyn)

[Matalina]

This was probably the worst place in all of Tar Valon to be. Cari stopped at the gates of the White Tower almost in a state of panic. -What if someone recognizes you?- *What if they see through your new self.* Will you kill them all? Questions came but none of them had answers, no one could know what would happen the moment she stepped back on to the land that she had once called home. Cari wished she'd brought Demus with her but he was off doing something of his own at this moment and she didn't want to wait any longer for him to show up.

 

A voice from up on the wall rang down. "Lost, ma'am." Cari looked up and saw a famillar face one that she'd not seen in many many years. A face that she really didn't want to see. The memories of the times with Aran had been not so plesant, he was a natural enemy but he was also much more than that, a trouble maker to say the least. The shadow inside stired and Cari began to wonder why. But memories of Alex always brought on gruesom thoughts from the shadow. Thoughts of killing him just for the pleasure of it. But thoughts of killing Alex then turned to the ramage through the city, all the blood and gore of the memories turned Cari's skin pale and she felt faint. Even taking deep breathes wasn't helping matters any. But Cari was lost in her thoughts, in her long forgotten memories.

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

Duty on the wall as far as Aran was concerned was one of the most mindnumbingly boring tasks a Tower Guard had to perform as far as he was concerned. This wasn't to say that he was inattentive, indeed if he was inattentive he wouldn't feel like his brain was going soft and melting into sludge, from where it would then leak out of his nose and ears. It was times like this that he almost wished for something to happen, like a good brawl between a couple of people he could at least watch while he let someone else break it up. Or someone easy on the eyes.

 

Speaking of which, a woman caught his attention. Not because she was a great beauty, but rather because she didn't seem to know where she was. Frowning, he leaned over and called down to her. The face that looked up at him was almost blank, almost as if she wasn't there. Then she turned away without a word, but she didn't move anywhere. Frowning, he called for someone in the guardhouse to take his place as he hopped down the stairs and quickly made his way through the gate.

 

There was the woman, pale faced and breathing heavily as he approached and Aran was fairly certain she wasn't even aware that he was there. Approaching her slowly so as not to startle her, he reached out gently for her right shoulder and shook it gently as he spoke. "Are you alright lady? Are you unwell?"

 

Strange, there was something at the back of his mind trying to work its way forward, but Aran couldn't ascertain what it was. The woman had his attention for the moment as her eyes seemed to come back into focus, soft brown eyes. Reddish brown hair that fell to her shoulders, it contrasted with the dark clothes she wore.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

OOC: I know I said combined post, but you've been busy, and we've both had Nano :) I'm guessing dark clothing because that seems to be Cari's preference on her bio, as well as the dyed hair. Can change if need be.

[Matalina]

Aran was closer now she could tell. The presence brought Cari back from her own thoughts, she was still in a small daze but she was able to talk. "I'm looking for Talyn Rashad's things. I'm here to take him and his belongings back to his folks, for a proper burial."

 

Cari turned to look at Aran. "Can you take time from the wall to show me to who would be able to give me access to his things?" She could have found it herself, but this looked less like she knew where she was going. But she was not happy that it was Aran who would be showing her around.

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

Eyes widenning, Aran nodded as he stepped back. He hadn't realised anyone would be so quick to answer the call, but Vasya would be happy to deal with it. Considering all the effort that had gone into keeping things quiet, Aran didn't blame Vasya for wanting to wash his hands of it either. The man was a traitor, but one couldn't let such stories spread. There was no such thing as a Black sister, and there certainly wasn't any such thing as a Darkfriend Tower Guard.

 

"Of course, if you would follow me."

 

Leading the way, Aran called up to the wall to let the man who had taken his place know he was escorting someone. Passing through the gateway, they proceeded at a good clip to the yards, from where they could then find Vasya's office and the woman could be seen to.

 

Along the way, there was something working away at him. Familiar? He was certain he hadn't seen the woman before, but there was something there. She reminded him of someone else perhaps, the hair was similar to Lyv's but that wasn't it, wasn't Rakel either. Whoever it was it definitely wasn't Rosheen. Maybe a name would help.

 

"My condolences milady, Talyn Rashad was my Lieutenant. He took a good interest in his guards, and always took care of us. My name is Aran, may I have yourse?"

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

Without a pause in the conversation Cari offerend up her name. "Cari al'Ker." She couldn't use the name she'd adopted after leaving the tower, it would make too many connections, and connections she couldn't have Aran know. "It's a pleasure to meet you Master Aran."

 

The name wasn't too far of a stretch, after all that was the given name of the twins, after an Assassin who caused alot of chaos in Cairhein many years ago. It was always a reminder of who she was, and it was a good alias as any in Tar Valon. Namere, was definately not.

 

"Do you know how Talyn died? His grandfather would like details if they could be given." Cari was sure of the reasons but she was interested in the story they would share.

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

Aran didn't even break his stride as he heard the name. It wasn't as if the name was unheard of, but it certainly wasn't a common name either. It was a name known to him though from a different life and a different time. Strange name, and one that he wasn't sure quite fit. Along with the knowledge of Talyn's true loyalties, it certainly had him wondering about the woman he was escorting to Vasya. Further musing receded to the background as she asked her question of him in turn.

 

"I wasn't there at the time, and I wouldn't want to tell you something I wasn't sure about. You would be better served by hearing it from the Captain, not far now."

 

It was only another couple of minutes before they were standing outside Vasya's office. Knocking politely, there was only a slight pause before Aran was called to enter. Opening the door, Aran stepped through and held the door for Cari before closing it behind them. It couldn't have been worse timing, Lyv was sitting with Vasya most likely discussing this very topic, and now he'd brought this woman along. Shooting her an apologetic glance from behind the woman, Aran stepped forward as he spoke.

 

"Captain, this is Cari al'Ker, she has come on behalf of the Rashad's to collect Talyn Rashad's remains and possessions."

 

"Ah." Standing, Vasya stood as he spoke. "My condolences. I will not hold you up, but I am required to remain here. Lyv, show Cari to Talyn Rashad's room. The remains are in the town itself, preserved as best we could manage for burial. They will be made available to you when you are ready to depart."

 

Aran was quiet as he listened to Cari al`Ker give her thanks and ask about what happened. To that, Vasya shook his head as he spoke. "I would speak, but Lyv here would be better suited to it as she was with Talyn when he died. Lyv, if you would take her now? This is something for the two of you to discuss alone I believe."

 

Getting the door for the pair, Aran closed it behind them as they left but closed it rather than follow them out. Turning to Vasya, he walked closer to the table even as Vasya seated himself. "That was a harsh thing to do to Lyv."

 

"Not really, I've talked it over with her and she knows what story to give. Better that it comes from her I think. As to you, I have something for you to do. You're to escort Cari al'Ker back to her quarters in the city when you are done, and to report to me what you find out."

 

Deciding not to indulge in one of his more flippant comments, Aran nodded and took his leave. He would wait for Lyv and Cari outside Talyn's room. It would do to be nearby just in case, especially with a name like al'Ker.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

 

OOC: Took a couple of liberties, if there are any problems let me know.

[Matalina]

It was highly unsettling for Cari to see Lyv sitting in the Captain's office. A woman she'd help train, and the woman who had caught her and reported her to the master at Arms for letting a trainee slide. Cari wondered how many more familiar faces she would see and have to give a wide berth. This was going to be a complicated day.

 

Cari followed Lyv to Talyn's room. The silence was awkward and Cari wondered if she was just imagining it. There had to be a reason why these people were not telling her what happened with Talyn. Why no one would even speak the lies they would come up with. Cari was positive of the real reason, but she wanted the story as part of their cover, it would not do to have the Rashad Ranch found out.

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

While changing into his casual gear was a little obvious, Aran wasn't particularly worried. He'd been relieved of wall duty and as far as he was concerned, that meant the uniform was off. Wearing comfortable breeches and tunic of wool, he didn't bother with weapons as he wouldn't need them. He doubted he would need them anyway, besides he didn't wish to alarm the woman. Or tip his hand for that matter. He was meant to try and pick up what clues he could after all, Tristan couldn't have been alone in what he'd done. It was entirely possible that Cari was an innocent, but she was the only lead they had for the moment.

 

Arriving outside Tristan's room, he was surprised to hear they were both still in there. Eavesdropping was a bad habit, but Aran had a host of them so it was of little surprise that Aran was standing right next to the doorway and listening to everything that was said. Unfortunately, there wasn't much being said at all, Lyv must have informed Cari earlier. No wonder there was little to be said now.

 

It was only a couple of minutes before Lyv left, she didn't even notice him as she walked away at a quick pace. Maybe Vasya had asked too much of her after all. Stepping inside to find Cari putting the last things away in a box, Aran broke the silence. "Captain Vasya has assigned me to escort you back to where you are currently staying. Here, let me help with that."

 

Taking up the box, he shook his head at Cari's protest that it was unnecessary. "I may as well make myself useful. Here, put in the last couple of things and we'll be on our way." And that was that. A few minutes later, they were out of the barracks and on the main streets of Tar Valon. Following nonchalantly, Aran decided to wait and see if Cari had any questions.

 

Light, but she reminded him of someone.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

Cari disliked being escorted by Aran, particularly to her room at the inn they were staying at. The last thing she needed was for this loud mouth to tell them that Matalina was still alive. But Cari couldn't let Aran beleive it was her, and she had to play the part. She let the man take Talyn's things and carry them. She could have done it but he was being nice, and that was a rare occurance when it came to Aran... Did she even know his last name? She would have to think on it more.

 

"Everything about this whole matter seems rather vague to me. No one is giving me a straight answer. What happened to Talyn? He was a good kid, he never hurt anyone, I really can't beleive a training incident could get so far out of hand." She turned to Aran and gave him a wide fliratous smile. "With all these big strong men around who know how to weild a weapon. And even the women I saw around, they looked like they could take care of themselves. I find it hard to beleive it was an accident, please be straight with me. What happened?"

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

It was clear that Lyv hadn't told her the story then, or perhaps she had but the woman was testing it. No wonder, they really could have used a better story but it was the best that could have been made on short notice and now they were stuck with it. But Aran could roll with it just like he could roll with any punch. A bit of rehearsal in his mind while he'd been waiting to speak with Cari had given him the confidence he'd needed to speak of it.

 

"Look..." As if considering what he was going to say, Aran turned to her as he spoke. "If he was to die it should have been on a battlefield or in his bed in old age, but it was a training accident and it was stupidity. I've always believed that when you train you should use lathes, they're safe, thats what they're there for. Some people like to be fancy and use their real blades though, and that was what happened. What made it worse was that one of them had the brain explosion to do it by that creek in the Ogier Grove. Its always possible to get a bad deflection, and Lyv's blade bounced off Talyn's parry awkwardly. By the time a sister could be brought to him, he had passed away."

 

Looking away again, Aran shook his head. "Like I said, it was a stupid thing to happen but there it is. Its no wonder everyone is being so vague about it, but at least people may stop using their blades in favour of lathes again. But, tell me. Talyn used to speak very little of his home, what is it like?"

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

Cari could see how the area would cause the problem but she didn't beleive it none-the-less it was plausible if you know where he was talking about but she didn't let on still acting dubious to the fact and hard to imagine an accident happening.

 

She smiled at his question. He was prying just as much as she was. He either new he was a darkfriend or he suspected something else, something Cari really didn't want to deal with at the moment.

 

As Cari thought about the answer they strolled up to the Servant's Inn and Cari polietly opened the door for Aran as he was carrying the box of Talyn's things. "He lived on a ranch. Not much to say about how his home life was, he was only there a short while after I arrived. But he was loved and well cared for and a helpful hand on the Ranch. His grandfather will miss him greatly."

 

Cari lead the way to her room and opened the door. It was unlocked, she prayed to the Great Lord that Demus was not there, he didn't need to be prying into Aran, and she certainly didn't want Aran to meet Demus. Let him just suspect her.

 

On the double wide bed sat Aiden, polishing her blade. It was too late to tell Aiden to hide it as Aran had walked in directly behind her. Cari thanked the dark lord that the blade was different than the one that Matalina had carried but she hoped that he would not make any connections. Aiden looked up, "Momma, you want me to clean the daggers too?"

 

Cari closed her eyes and wished he'd not said that. They didn't need cleaning but Aiden was learning to care for weapons and it was good for him, she could hardly say no because they had company, besides it would look suspicious, hopefully Aran never paid any mind to Matalina's choice of designs or the fact that all her weapons matched exactly. She could only hope. Cari pulled the daggers out one at a time from her sleeves and placed them on the bed near Aiden. "Sure, you've done a good job on the sword."

 

Cari turned to Aran. "Thank you kindly sir, you can place it on the table. I don't want to keep you."

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

Accepting what was said, Cari didn't seem like she wanted to talk further and without anything more revealing to ask about, it would be fairly obvious that he was prying. So instead he left it, there were other things to see, like where she was staying and her quarters. Maybe clothing, if there was anyone else with her, anything. After all, a woman traveling by herself on the road was never a smart proposition, her company might prove more revealing if he worked on them as well.

 

It wasn't long before they found themselves in her quarters, and there was company indeed but not what he had expected. A child, around eight perhaps, he was sitting there working on a blade. She was a mother? So, she was a bladeswoman, she hadn't carried herself that way before. That didn't seem right at all, and more than that he'd missed it. He didn't like that either. Or the fact he'd missed the dagger up her sleeve, maybe being a guardsman for so long had dulled his wits.

 

Placing the box on the table as he had been directed, something occured to him. Turning around he smiled at Cari. "Not a problem, it was the least I could do." Starting to turn toward the door, he seemed to think of something as he turned to the boy. "How are you working on that sword, lad?" Taking a couple of steps over to the lad, he picked up the dagger and sat where it was. The sword was different but the dagger...

 

Praising the lad as he finished explaining his technique, Aran looked up to his mother and held up the dagger. Looking at the boy then the door, he was fairly sure that if there was any confusion as to what he was up to, it was gone now. As was his confusion about her.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

Cari didn't like the look he was giving her. Aran was not someone she trusted and this had been a big mistake. "Aiden, why don't you go find Kate and Taylor and clean up for dinner tonight. Treat it like Mistress Sara's and Mistress Nona's table or you'll be washing dishes and stables out when we get home."

 

Aiden grinned and left the room closing the door behind him. He was a smart lad. Cari didn't say anything to Aran she would wait for him. He was a smart alec and he would say something and she didn't really want to deal with Aran tonight. But Cari was very thankful that Demus had not been here. A man in her room would make things a bit awkward and Cari didn't want to explain Demus to anyone, how could she when she didn't even know herself.

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

Watching the lad as he left, Aran scooped up the sword that had been left abandoned on the bed. Dagger in one hand, sword in the other, if he was right then she only had one other dagger on her. Pushing back with his feet, he swung his legs onto the bed as he put himself at ease. It also allowed him to roll either way if he had to, more places to go if he needed it. It also said he wasn't going anywhere anytime soon. That and it was comfortable.

 

"You know, when I saw you I thought something was odd. You were familiar but you weren't, and try as I might I couldn't shake the feeling. So, I decided to come along, try and satisfy my curiosity. You've managed to change everything about yourself, I was surprised at that. I suppose I shouldn't have been, but for a dead woman you move with a bit of grace."

 

Smiling, Aran was wary as he continued. "I don't suppose you'd care to explain why you're still alive, Mat? Why all of this charade?"

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

Cari knew that she could play games with Aran and it might pay off to do so. Though bedding another man in one day might be a bit much, even for her. But it would go where it went.

 

Cari smiled. "So you are a bright man after all Aran." It wasn't meant to be a compliment but she said it with a flirtaeous smile. What would Alex think? Cari ignored her inner commentary.

 

"What charade am I playing at? My death? Hmmm, how could I not have to come back to the Tower with out being shamed or shaming my Aes Sedai. How please let me in on that secret?" Cari crawled on to the bed and put her arms left arm over Aran's chest. "Death is lighter than a feather they say."

 

Cari drew her dagger and ran it across the bed careful not to cut the comforter that lay on top. "Call me Mat again and your tongue will be the next meal my dear horses get." Her voice was as sweet as honey as she leaned in and kissed his chin. "While I'm threatening you, might as well include the need to keep your mouth shut about who I am." Cari grabbed his chin and brought his head closer to hers. "Or your tongue will hardly be something to worry over." Cari kissed Aran firmly on the lips. She withdrew with a smile. "Do we have an agreement Aran? Or do I have to threaten you harder?"

 

Cari gave him a wry grin, she would be happy either way it went. Torture would be fun, but not here in Tar Valon, but it could be fun else where.

 

Cari

[Wayfarer]

It had taken a significant amount of control on Aran's part to simply enjoy the moment as Mat, or Cari, had crawled next to him. More so when her second dagger appeared, but he banked on the fact that she wouldn't want to attract attention to herself. A guard missing for a day would attract enough attention, and he was last seen leaving the yards with her. If she wanted to hide who she was, and possibly more, then she didn't really have any choice but to not harm him.

 

But that wasn't her game, even if there was a veiled threat within it all. This was unexpected, has she changed? Maybe not, there had always been more to her than what most people ever saw. He'd only ever caught glimpses of it, but there was another who had seen more who had spoken to him of it when he had asked. She was a woman who could run hot and cold, and it made him all the more wary. Something she decided to fix with a kiss but even as she did so his mind was still contemplating what to do even as he responded.

 

The choice proved easy enough as she drew back and asked her question. "Hmmm." First thing to do was free up his hands, she had his dagger hand trapped and a sword was useless here. Pushing her sword off the bed and likewise tossing her dagger aside with a clatter, his look of thoughtfulness turned to a smile as he reached up slowly to her dagger. "You make a pretty strong argument." Gently taking the dagger from her hand, he tossed it aside as well, not that she didn't know how to kill without one but he would feel a little safer at least if she wasn't armed.

 

"Having said that, I could use a bit more persuasion." Raising a hand to her face to pull her lips down to his, his other hand found its way to her side and slowly worked its way down. If that was the game she wanted to play then he would play it easily enough. If she planned to play him with bedsport, then perhaps he would turn such things on her until she was more pliable. He still had things to find out after all.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

My my my... two in one day...What a whore we are becoming This wasn't about sex, or even passion it was about keeping him quiet. Cari had no interest in him, and that made her smile inside. It wasn't every man she was clinging to, but she wondered why the others had taken her heart strings and tied them so easily. Aran was merely an object for silence and she let him lead her to his arms.

 

It wasn't about killing him, he'd learn to be quiet by the end of it. A little blood letting would work if sex did not. Cari was thankful for her time in Arad Doman and even more so for Aki's help in the matter as well. You must use your tools to your advantage, and a fit well toned body had more than just power to add for an advantage.

 

Cari move to sit on Aran's legs as she removed the cloak from her back. The blue saphire blouse revealed alot more skin on her back. The scar and the tattoos were clear to any behind her and she smiled at the thought that was the very movement that brought Yrean to her bed. It had actually brought Demus as well...Curiousity she supposed.

 

"I think I can be a bit more persuasive." Cari pulled her blouse from the skirt it was held under and pulled it over her head. She'd never been modest, but it was difficult to persuade this way with clothes on. Cari leaned in and kissed Aran softly, she'd let him lead if he desired, but he would in the end be quiet or there would be other consequences.

 

Cari

[WhiteWolf]

Yrean had tried to keep his mind on his work, but thoughts of Cari kept on interrupting his concentration and so he had decided that he would surprise her by turning up earlier than they had arranged. Yrean knew she did not like surprises, but he could not help himself, besides that he needed to gain some control back. If he was honest with himself, and he usually was, he had been totally taken aback by the events earlier in the day. Not that they were unwelcome events, he had had a secret smile on his face for most of the remainder of the day because of them.

 

Arriving at the aforementioned Inn, Yrean got himself a drink, thankfully this place served Dark and with great relief Yrean took a table, furthest from the door, and partially in shadow, and waited for Cari to arrive. If he had not been paying attention, Yrean would have missed her arrival, not because he did not recognise her, how could he forget her features, but she had some fop of a man draped over her. Yrean nearly choked on his drink when he caught a glimpse of the mans face and his thoughts turned from pleasure to instant dislike. He was not totally sure what the two of them had planned, but it was fairly obvious that they were not going upstairs to discuss the weather.

 

Slowly he lowered his tankard and counted to ten, assuming the void with ease, Yrean’s hand slowly stroked the hilt of his sword. When he was sure he had given them enough time to start whatever they had in mind, Yrean slowly made his way up the same stairs. All thoughts of his own pleasure had melted away from his mind like spring snow in the sunshine. Now only one thing filled his thoughts, and this was not what he had planned to be thinking this evening. He knew what room she would be in from enquiring from the Inn keeper early, when he arrived, so he made his way straight to the room and was about to open the door when a thought occurred to him.

 

He tried to put himself in Aran’s place and work out what his reaction would be to someone bursting in on him. Realising that fighting would not necessarily be the first thing on his mind, Yrean’s hand hovered over the doorknob, an alternate plan forming in his mind. Retracing his steps, he made his way out of the Inn and went around to where the waste from the kitchens was stored before it was taken away to be disposed of. Thankfully there were several large containers of over ripe garbage, all the size of a man, albeit a short man. Yrean grabbed hold of one of the kitchen staff and after slipping the man a silver coin, got him to help position the largest of the garbage barrels under the window of the room Cari currently occupied. Thanking the man, Yrean brushed a few errant strands of rotten fruit from his trousers then slowly walked back to the front of the inn.

 

Once again Yrean entered the Inn, this time his thoughts were far from the thoughts he had had earlier. Taking the steps two at a time, Yrean reached the landing and was soon standing outside the room. Taking a deep breath he stopped, his mind working quicker than usual, Yrean suddenly had second thoughts. Yes she had invited him here, and yes she had hinted at certain things should he show up. But that was not a promise to be faithful, and no matter what his own personal honour might have been, that did not extend to hers. Just then a rather loud groan, obviously female, came from the room, and all thoughts of reason fled. Grabbing the doorknob, Yrean flung the door open and strode into the room full of righteous indignation, fully expecting to kill at least one of the room’s occupants.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

Tower guard

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

[Wayfarer]

It was somewhere between working on Cari's breeches and her freeing his shirt that a very loud bang announced the arrival of someone new. Sitting up even as Cari turned about, there was someone that Aran had not expected to see at all. Yrean Stavrosi? He didn't look happy at all, and a look to Cari who was quickly gathering her clothing up as she cleared the bed gave Aran a very good idea as to why. This was something he hadn't known about at all, he certainly hadn't banked on it either. Yrean? But Yrean would have to know who it was wouldn't he?

 

Not a consideration for the moment, especially with the way Yrean's hands were clenched at his sides. Swinging his legs over the bed, Aran got to his feet with his hands held up and his palms towards Yrean. The man took a step forward, but he seemed to be more occupied with thoughts of thing to do to Aran than actually acting them out. Time that Aran needed as he moved towards the window. "Yrean... Calm yourself... There's no need for that... Yrean..."

 

There it was, the window was at his back. There was the thought of Cari, but he was fairly certain that if she retained much of who she had been then she would be more than capable of handling herself. He, on the otherhand, was going to do what any man found in bed with another man's woman did.

 

He was going to run.

 

Lifting the window, Yrean made for him but Aran had already tumbled out the window. Throwing his body about so he would land on his feet, he got one glimpse at the ground and managed to yell something that would have caused a maiden to blush red from embaressment when he hit with a sickening squelch. A leg in each barrel, he'd barely managed to save himself from serious harm with his hands but that did little for his balance, or his hands for that matter. Of course, it didn't end there as the barrels pitched forward and him with them. Filth that could have been well over a week old that had run up his breeches as his legs had gone into the barrels now washed over him.

 

Pulling himself to his feet and trying to half dance the garbage out of his breeches and off his person, he made for the exit of the alley. Getting not a few looks for his trouble, not to mention some comments that were far from flattering, Aran made his way back towards the Yards. He needed to bathe as soon as he could, possibly burn his clothes for that matter if he couldn't wash the mess out of them. Damn Yrean, damn him for entering at the wrong moment. Damn her for that matter as well, she hadn't wasted anytime since she had been back. Well, that chance was ruined.

 

Except that he hadn't given his word to stay silent, would that remain with her? Something to consider, but time would have to wait on that. Looking behind him to make sure that Yrean hadn't decided to follow him and try to administer a beating, he ignored the looks he got as he made his way to a bath.

 

 

Aran

Tower Guard

[Matalina]

Cari swore under her breathe. Marosa laughed in her head as she watched the comidical act present itself. Yrean in a huff and Aran dancing around with garbage in his pants. Cari spared a smile of amusement then turned towards Yrean half naked. Her mood was not good for the abrupt arrival, she disliked surprises and Yrean looked like a jealous lover. She smiled at him, she would have to find Aran later, he knew too much and his silence was needed. Matalina did not need to be resurrected, but first she had to deal with Yrean.

 

Cari didn't bother covering up as she waltzed to the door and closed it, locking the door this time. You'd think she'd know better by now, but locks in the yards were not needed nor were they needed on the ranch. Theives could take what they wanted from her, everything was replaceable as long as the children were safe Cari didn't care about locks.

 

Cari waited for Yrean to speak, she wasn't going to explain what was going on if he didn't ask. Much better if he was angry and in a rotten mood to perhaps hurt her. She could use the treatment to beat the desires from her body. Not that it would help your mood any. You know you'd enjoy ever hit he took and the blood you'd let you'd savor. Cari only smiled at the comment. She knew very well what violence did for her, and being the subject of said violence was more fun that providing the violence upon another. But both had their dues and their desires.

 

Yrean just stared at Cari and she smiled at him. "I see you thought the window thing through." She wasn't going to mention Aran until he did. He was nothing, just a toy, an object, a man she had to deal with, and her body was the best tool for the job to get peaceful submissions out of people or ease access to kill them, either which way Aran was nothing to her. If Yrean thought to be part of her life, he needed to learn this lesson sooner rather than later.

 

Cari

[WhiteWolf]

Yrean made his way to the window, to late to stop Aran from jumping though it, not he had any real intention of doing so, the last thing he wanted to do was have to kill someone, especially someone who was more of a dupe than he was. Watching the result of his earlier actions, a grim smile of satisfaction briefly appeared on his face, but it was soon gone as Cari came to stand besides him, also watching the comical movements of Aran as he left the immediate area.

 

Turning away, Yrean relaxed his grip on his sword, but the tension inside could not be so easily dealt with. For a fleeting moment, spurred on by the sight of Cari’s half naked body, Yrean could feel his libido rousing, but he ruthlessly suppressed that, this was neither the time nor the place, not now.

 

Thoughts skidded across his mind and were just as quickly dismissed; he was not going to act rashly, no matter the provocation. He had an inkling what Cari would expect him to do, after all, he had known her in a previous life, and no matter how hard she tried she could not suppress all of her previous desires or cravings. Instead, Yrean slowly removed his sword belt, and deliberately placed it on the bed then started to unlace his shirt, pulling it clear of his breeches he tossed that onto the bed as well, careful to not cover his sword or dagger.

 

A look of what? Consternation, confusion, expectation, appeared on Cari’s face. Yrean could not say what it was, and did not really care as he was sure she would not have any clue as to what he was going to do next, as even he did not believe what he was doing. Moving over to the bed and with a slow deliberateness, not wanting to startle her into doing anything rash, Yrean pulled his dagger clear of it’s sheath, and with the tip of the dagger pointing at his chest moved close to her.

 

“If you be wanting to hurt me, there be a surer method. Just you be pushing on the handle, I be not stopping you and you be rid of me.”

 

His voice was totally devoid of emotion, his hands hung slack at his sides, and no expression was apparent on his face. But if she looked into his eyes she would know that he was deadly serious. How would she react to this offer? Would she see it for what it was, or would she think him a love struck fool who was making a grandiose gesture? At that moment, he did not care; to him it felt like all his days had come down to this one moment in time. It was now or never, and if she did not realise that then she was not the person he thought she was. He knew she had violent tendencies, he did not know how deep these ran, nor how much she welcomed them, although he had an inkling about this from events in her past. For now he was content to stand before her, defenceless, and with no hope left for himself.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

Tower Guard

 

We are Grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

[Matalina]

Cari watched Yrean with curiousity. He displayed an aweful sense of recklessness if he didn't trust Cari not to push that dagger into his heart.

 

Cari didn't smile, nor did she reach for the dagger. The temptation was great. Not to kill him, but to draw blood. It was the shadow that stirred in her that lead her to reach for the dagger and draw it softly across his skin. A fine red line appearred and Cari grabbed the hilt of Yrean's dagger and tossed it to the floor. Cari fought the urge to lick the blood from his chest. Her desires hadn't been sedated and they only increased as she watched the fine drops of blood run down his chest.

 

Cari turned away from Yrean to remove the sight of blood and lust. The tattoos were dark against her pale skin but she didn't think too long on their previous encounter, Yrean had a thing or two to learn about her, and it might as well start now. "You think this..." Cari motioned towards the bed where her and Aran had started out before his arrival. "is about you?" She turned to look over her shoulder at him. "That's mighty egotistical for one time in bed with me." Cari closed her eyes as she turned to face Yrean, but that didn't help her feelings.

 

Cari moved to pick up her blouse shrugged it on. It didn't hid much but it was better than being half naked while she told Yrean he would not be the only m an in her bed. Cari tossed Yrean his shirt. "No matter what you mean to me you will not be the only man or woman in my bed." Cari didn't let Yrean interrupt as she continued on. "The creator gave me tools to use, and I will use them to the best of my ability. An ideal threat can be useful, but persuasive sex is even more useful when you want peaceful compliance." Cari left out the fact that it also allowed her to get closer to someone she was going to kill. " Either you learn to deal with my life, or we will have problems in the future Yrean." As Cari spoke she tried not to look at the line of blood starting to dry on his chest, the shadow wasn't going to rest till more blood was spilled, and in greater quantity. But Cari's eye could hardly move from that line and her desires slowly changed from sexual lust into a killing lust. Yrean needed to be careful now.

 

Cari

[WhiteWolf]

Cari’s words hung in the air between them, almost taking on a physical force of their own. Of course Yrean knew this was not totally about him, but he also suspected she enjoyed humiliating him, or at least trying to humiliate him. He was not as experienced in matters sexual as she was, something she was yet to learn, but he knew better than she gave him credit for, that sex was a weapon, and one that an experienced wielder could use for many reasons and effects.

 

“You be doing what you be doing, but you be knowing I be more than just some fop. I be a person in mine own right and you be wrong thinking I be no accepting you as you are.”

 

The words came out with no passion, no force, they were stated matter of factly, all the more cutting for not having any passion behind them. If Yrean could not reach through the barriers she had put up around herself, then there was no future for either of them. Somehow he had to break through those barriers and prove to her that he could be trusted. He really was not interested in whom she worked for, or even what she was working towards, that was not something he wanted to know about. All he wanted to know about was her, the real Cari, the person behind the masks she wore, the barriers she put up. He knew a little, and suspected a lot, now he had to decide how to breach those barriers while at the same time prove to her that he was not like the rest of the dalliances she enjoyed. His feelings for her went way beyond the physical and almost became metaphysical, but how was he to prove that when he felt that she did not fully understand her own emotions. All of this went through his mind, and it was something he had pondered ever since meeting Cari in her previous life. He would have been content being her friend, but now he wanted more, much more, and he was determined to get it, and would do whatever was necessary to prove that to her, as long as it did not run counter to his honour.

 

“No words of mine be enough to be convincing you I be different.” Different to what Yrean did not say, she would have to do some of this herself, he was not going to treat her like a new born babe that needed breast feeding. “I be your friend, be I the only one, i be not sure. But if I be going down roads I would not be without you, I be going there of my own freewill.”

 

With that Yrean picked up the dagger from the floor and then grabbed hold of her chin, forcing her to watch. He slowly drew the dagger across his skin, slowly drawing another line across the previous one, “You be needing this?”

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

Tower guard

 

We are grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow

[Matalina]

Yrean's words were lost by his last action. He was offering up what he'd once told her not to do. He was damaging himself to sedate her own desires. But it only fueled the shadows own desires to plunge the dagger into the depths of his chest freeing the sickly ichor that was life.

 

Cari pryed her eyes up from the swelling of his chest to meet his eyes. Confusion and the desire for more lingered in her eyes. Cari gripped her skirt trying to keep them from moving towards the dagger to draw more. The shadow fought hard to break free of the control she had. The fight was internal but she was sure it played on her features like some story a gleeman told.

 

Yrean understood something she did not but he was not offering her what she wanted. They stood in stalemate as she craved for more blood and neither was coming forth. Cari tried to speak but her blood lust chocked her. She took a deep breath and tried again. "Why are you offering this?"

 

Yrean's response was hardly expected. "Why do you be needing it?"

 

Cari didn't know how to answer, he knew about the other personalities and he knew about cutting herself, but what would he say about the shadow. Would it confirm his suspicions about the killing in Tar Valon? So many questions ran through her mind.

 

Cari did the only thing she knew would explain the need for blood. Yrean could handle himself, he was nearly a grandmaster and he was equal to her in skill, she was more worried about the room than anything else, it was good the door was locked. Cari let her control of the shadow slip and it was as if the air crackled with malice. An evil smile spread across Cari's face and a voice hardly her own came forth. "You wish to know why?" Cari's hard reached for Yrean's neck. "To satisfy my cravings." The shadow closed her hand on Yrean's neck, little breath could he take now. "Blood is the only way out of it now, Lover. Your's, mine, the choice is yours, but blood is the only way out."

 

The shadow released its grip on Yrean's neck. "You can change the appetite, but that's a secret I will not tell you. I want blood!"

 

Cari

[WhiteWolf]

For a moment Yrean was taken aback, then he thought back to the first time one of the many personalities inside Cari had manifested itself, although that was under much different surrounds than this. Then it had been far pleasanter, more relaxed, and Yrean had figured that Cari had been trying to frighten him, now though she was not trying, now he truly did not believe this had anything to do with the woman in front of him. To him it seemed more like Cari had stepped out and another persona had replaced her. Carefully, Yrean placed the dagger on the small table, he wanted no sharp objects around at the moment, he was not totally sure he could control whatever this was, and did not want to chance his life, or Cari’s on the something as evil as this.

 

Seeming to shrink in on himself, as if he was cowed by the voice and all that it implied, Yrean watched the reaction to this under half closed eyes, almost as if he was trying to tame a wild horse, not wanting to make eye contact, but needing to observe, needing to pick the right moment. The slight movement towards him was all the opportunity he needed to act. A body in motion is far easier to manipulate than one standing ready. As soon as Cari’s body started to move, Yrean reacted, grabbing the out stretched arm he pulled with all his might, and slammed her into the wall behind him. She would never know how much it cost him to do this, but it was he who had set these events in motion and it was he who would now have to see it though, and pay the cost later.

 

Pivoting on the spot, Yrean lashed out with his leg, catching her on the kneecap, and as she crumpled to the ground he brought his knee up into her face, a fountain of blood spurting out and splashing up the wall. Seeing this he momentarily lost his sense of purpose and that was all she needed, spring back up like a mountain lion going after its prey she knocked him to the ground and pinned him there, pummelling his face with her fists until he was able to throw her off him and she crashed into the stand where the wash bowl was, breaking both the stand and the wash basin.

 

Shaking off the grogginess that was threatening to break through the void, Yrean climbed to his feet, just in time to meet her next charge. Back and forth they went, smashing up the room as they fought, she with a violent lust, he with an overwhelming desire to help the friend she was. Eventually, when both of them were covered in blood from the myriad of cuts they had inflicted, he noticed a change come over her, an almost slackness in her features, and this held him back, although truth be told he was not sure there was much left inside of him. This was not what he had thought he was here for today, and it was only the years of discipline and training that had allowed him to go as far as he had.

 

Standing there, taking in huge lungfuls of air, Yrean waited, wondering what came next and whether he was up to the task at hand, doubt and uncertainty flittering across the void like wind driven rain across a window pane.

 

Yrean Stavrosi

 

Tower Guard

 

We are grey. We stand between the Light and the Shadow