Sometimes I listen carefully (Alisis)

[Ghaul]

They were here for quite a while now,but Ghaul still has a hard time believing that so much water can be found in one place.The main Aiel camp was on a hill overlooking the city and they had an excellent view to the river.Standing on the edge of camp Ghaul's gaze was pointed towards the city of the treekillers and the river on which banks it was build.The city was recently capture by the Aiel,and the Car'a'carn now resided in the bulding that the treekillers called trhge Sun Palace.In that was not a decision that Ghaul approvedmbut then again it was not his to make.Of course he has made sure that they were plenty of spears in the city to guard the Car'a'carn.Aiel patroled everywhere - from the gardens of the Sun Palace to the slums at the banks of the river.River ... such a starnge word for someone who has grown in a land where water was more precious than gold,for someone who has fought over,and seen men and women die for small ponds.

 

Ghaul shook his head and headed towards the sweat tent.He needed to relax.As he headed towards the tent he removed his clothing,leaving them by the tent as he entered.Sitting down comfortably,he threw some water on the heated rocks and relaxed in the clouds of steam.Soon small dripples of sweat covered the Clan Chief's body.

 

It was at this moment that his solitude was broken.Alissa,the head wise one,entered the tend and sat opposite of him.

 

" I see you Alissa" - the clan chief said as he looked over the small wound on his thigh.A small cut from when they took the city.It was healing fine and it would not even leave a scar.Looking at the Wise One again he could see that she had something on her mind.

 

"Judging by the look on your face head Wise One,you have something you want to talk about.And since we both are here I suggest we use the opportunity and speak our mind."

 

 

Ghaul

clan chief

[Guest Allisa]

Alisis gave a snort as she seated herself, gracefully folding her legs beneath her and regarding Ghaul with cold green eyes, “You would need a mind for that, Clan Chief.†When he only arched an eyebrow and stared levelly back at her she gritted her teeth. I envy Chinara her walking stick, she thought angrily, there are too many heads around here that need thumping. She took several deep breaths, relishing the heat and humidity, and calming herself. A bit.

 

“Are you trying to create another scar that will declare your bravery to all, Clan Chief?†She gestured toward his thigh. “You need salve, and perhaps a stitch or two.â€

 

“I remember the last stitching you did for me, Wise One.†Ghaul’s look turned amused when she blushed slightly. “It is nothing.â€

 

“And was it nothing when you sprinted into the heat of the dance? A Chief surveys Ghaul, commands and directs. He does not rush in unheeding like a Maiden newly wed to the spear.â€

 

Now Ghaul’s eyes had turned cold, “I was neither unheeding nor irresponsible if that’s what your implying, Alisis.â€

 

She picked up a staera and began swiping a leg, “I would say that wound proves otherwise. And what of the Car’a’carn, Ghaul? Where was he when you lost yourself to the dance? The Maiden’s may carry his honor but you and I must carry his life.â€

 

Alisis

Head Wise One

Dreamwalker and Dreamer

 

~A man's dreams are a maze even he cannot know~

[Ghaul]

Alissa's words sounded harsh,but she was never gentle to him.Even when she had to be his Gai'shan for a day as part of her penance for almost killing him while caught in his dream during her training.Plus she had reasons to be hard with him this time.And a very good reason indeed.

 

Ghaul took a staera and held it in his hand for a while concentrated on it.Alissa kept silent awaiting his response.

 

"The Car'a'carn was safe,surrounded by hundreds of Maidens and many more spears.There is not a military force strong enough,be it humans or Shadowbred,that could have broken through the defences arround the Car'a'carn.Not unless they used the One Power.Then all the spears would be rather pointless."

 

Ghaul began wiping the sweat off his arm.Alissa was right though.He charged into the heat of battle leading the assault up the walls himself.The small cut on his thigh was his fault,he should have known better then jumping straight into a guard house.Though still there was a very good reason he joined the dance.

 

"As for why I rushed into the dance" - Ghaul made a pause to shake the sweat of the staera. - "The wetlanders have the habbit of building walls and gates arround their cities.Fortresses they call them.Obviously they try to compensate what they lack as warriors by errecting these fortifications.Still though manned by wetlanders these fortifications can claim the lives of many warriors."

 

He shifted hands and proceeded to wipe the sweat off his other arm.

 

"Aiel have little expirience in .. siege warfare Alissa" - he made a pause to recall the foreign word. - "So in such situation we needed every warrior with expirience of a siege.I just happened to be such a warrior.Plus it is the Clan Chief's role to survey,command and direct,but it is also the Clan Chiefs duty to lead,you know that as well as I do Alissa"

[Guest Allisa]

Chinara’s stick would be too small, Alisis decided. She needed a tree trunk to pound sense into a skull so thick.

 

“I have little fear for the Car’a’carn’s life, Clan Chief.†Swiping the bronze blade across her thigh Alisis twisted her lips wryly. “He’s as safe as a babe in swaddling cloth in the tents of the Far Daries Mai. But what of influence?â€

 

Several warriors ducked into the tent laughing and joking. The laughter died on their lips as they were confronted by not only steam and sweat but tension. Seating themselves near the entrance they pretended not to notice the conversation but Alisis could see their covert glances filled with curiosity.

 

“These oathbreakers grovel and offer thanks but there is a wrongness in them. Surely even you can see than.†She shook the staera at him for emphasis. “They curry favor and beg audience. They plan and scheme not only against the Car’a’carn but for him as well. We must not let them usurp our place.â€

 

She stood, skin still shining with sweat but clean and glowing. “We are his people, Ghaul.†Abandoning ceremony she appealed to his heritage. “We are his spear, his greatest weapon. You must be at his side, advising him, teaching him. And if you cannot do that you must turn him toward the Wise Ones. We shall make certain he understands.â€

 

Ghaul snorted, “I should have known you wanted his ear as much as any oathbreaker.â€

 

Alisis flushed, from heat and anger and a certain….embarrassment. She nodded her head sharply, “Yes, he must listen, Ghaul. He must feel a connection to the Aiel. Else we are just another spear, and not the spear.â€

 

Her eyes grew haunted for a moment before she recovered herself. She lowered her voice and watched the warriors lean towards them a bit, hoping to catch some snatch of conversation. “He must love us, Ghaul. Else….all may be lost.â€

 

Alisis

Head Wise One

Dreamwalker and Dreamer

~A man’s dreams are a maze even he cannot know~

[Ghaul]

Alissa was right.He had his duty not only towards the Aiel but towards the Car'a'carn.A duty he knew well.

 

"They come during all times" - he began.There was not a need to specify who was them,it was clear. - "During the day,druing the night.Even when he has retired to his quatters to sleep.Though every oathbraker who tried to disturb the Car'a'carn at that time earns himself,or herself for that matter,a fitting 'reward'."

 

A small smile appeared on Alissa's lips.Obviously she knew of the methods the Aiel used to make sure no one disturbed the Car'a'carn,and approved of them.

 

"You are right Alissa." - that one made her look at him funny,it was not everyday that Ghaul agreed with Alissa this easily. - " You are right to be upset with me for going into a battle.Though I think that you do not have anything to worry about."

 

Alissa look quickly grew colder.

 

"Yes,it is vital that the Car'a'carn understands that we a rock he can lean on.He know that we are his people.Ever since Al'cair'dal where he revealed our history for all Aiel to hear.He and I have talked about this many times,and about the wetlander prophecies.To the wetlanders he is the Dragon Reborn,destined to fight the Sightblinder.To us he is the man who would unite is into one nation.Though in those prophecies - there is a mention of a group called the People of the Dragon.And us,the Aiel,are those people.Wetlander nobles have to wait for days to get a chance to see or talk with the Car'a'carn.But every Chief,Wise One,Society Leader,Second or warrior,practicly every Aiel can talk to the Car'a'carn when they have to.He trusts us more than anyone,even more than the Asha'man!"

 

Ghaul stopped to sweap the sweat off his torso.

 

"Rest assured Alissa,the Car'a'carn and I have talked about this.In case I am to awake from the dream,you are to take my place along side him."

[Guest Allisa]

If she’d been wearing her woolen shawl the Wise One would have tugged at it in satisfaction. As it was she lifted her chin and if possible tightened her posture even more. Reluctantly she reseated herself across from Ghaul, her eyes now considering.

 

“And the Car’a’carn agreed to this?†She watched as Ghaul began scraping the dirt and sweat away.

 

“He did,†Ghaul grunted as he swiped the steara across his arm.

 

Alisis frowned, “Then why does he not listen when I speak? Why are the dastang Aes Sedai kept like pets instead of what they are? Why are these Oathbreakers afforded their former ranks and positions?â€

 

The Clan Chief shrugged, “A man must listen to all sides, Wise One. The Car’a’carn has enough enemies without making more.â€

 

The entrance to the sweat tent opened once more admitting several more warriors and several Wise Ones. The women made to join Alisis until she shook her head minutely and they settled together near the door. Questioning glances were exchanged but nothing was said. Words might drown out the conversation between the Clan Chief and the Head Wise One.

 

Alisis was chewing on Ghaul’s words, recognizing not only the truth but the wisdom in them. Finally she nodded in satisfaction and leaned forward, “The Fifth will be portioned in the morning. I have several Apprentices overseeing its removal and dividing it to the Societies. I have charged Tiani with the task of overseeing them.†Tiani was young for a Wise One but Alisis had many hopes tied to the red haired girl, barely raised to Wise.

 

“Tiani will work well with the Oathbreakers,†Ghaul commented lightly.

 

The Head Wise One snorted, “Better than I, certainly. She does not Dream, Ghaul, nor can she channel. She knows what the Oathbreakers are capable of…but she does not know.†Alisis picked up a staera and examined its bronze curve critically, though she was already clean and gleaming. “The Car’a’carn hides his dreams from me.†The admission came grudgingly.

 

Ghaul simply shrugged, “Cannot a man at least dream, Wise One?â€

 

Alisis flushed, embarrassed that she had brought to mind her toh from so many years ago. But if anything her chin tipped higher. “I need to know his dreams, Clan Chief. What he hopes, what he fears. He must be hard and strong but he must know truth.â€

 

Ghaul threw the staera down in a rare fit of anger, for an Aiel. “He knows truth, Wise One. He has walked the path of Rhuidean.â€

 

“And revealed it to the Clans without a qualm,†Alisis bit back, feeling a bit sick as she relived the day on the cliffs of Alcair Dal, when the history and shame of the Aiel had been exposed to all. “That was poorly done. What else will he fumble with?â€

 

Ghaul leaned forward, eyes intent. “Our fates are with him. You have told me so. You have dreamed it. Shall we worry and fret at each new challenge? Or rise to each new test?â€

 

The sweat tent hide parted once more, letting in lukewarm air and light. Several warriors near the entrance complained loudly before it was closed again.

 

OOC: Tiani is the NSW Wise One for the Rogue rp ;) If anyone would like to play her please msn or pm me - she needs a bio. This thread is OPEN!!! tho the conversation between Ghaul and Alisis will continue - find shade dudes 8)

[Ramza]

Ramza entered the sweat tent and saw the Clan chief talking to the head wise one, "I see you mentor, I see you Head Wise one" after they made thier greeting he sat down away from them Rembering the battle. Rembereing holding the line, rembering the walls, rembering the death.

 

There was no dishonor for fear, only in running, there was never a reason to just run.. a retreat was different thing entirely..

 

 

(ooc ummm what do we do now?)

[Myth]

Sitting quietly in a dark corner of the sweat tent, Cor calmly scraped the dirt and grit from his body while keeping an interested eye, and both ears, on the discussion taking place between the clan chief and the Wise One, Alisis.

 

It seemed that much more was being said than merely the words the pair were speaking. He had never seen the Wise One acting as she presently was. Worried, he would have said if he were talking about anyone else, but he could hardly apply the word to the strong woman. He was sure of it, though, despite her determined stance with the clan chief. Ghaul seemed to have everything under control, but he too looked unsure of what lay before him. Cor knew that the pair weren't concerned for themselves, but rather what was in store for the Aiel.

 

Determined to not disturb the pair's discussion, Cor never offered any of his own thoughts and merely nodded when he saw Ramza walk in. Cor knew that in war knowing as much as possible was always better than ignorance, and the Aiel were certainly at war for the Car'a'carn. He had no intention of disturbing them and being sent away before the discussion came to an end.

 

The thought that the Wise One had vocalized, of the Aiel being just another spear to the Car'a'carn, troubled him greatly, though. For he knew, if a spear broke in the dance, you threw it aside and reached for another. And he feared for the Aiel's future if that was how the chief of chiefs saw them.