A Bond of Redemption (attn. Myrrhi Aes Sedai)

[Guest]

Night came and so the time to for her to retire to her bed.

 

It felt weird not to have Elessar beside her but they both needed to sleep. Myrrhi was tired physically and mentally, and she knew that her state of mind would affect her Warder.

 

Before undressing, she went to the window. Maybe from her safe place she would see her sisters? or her mother? It was very dark outside unfortunately. Unless the passer-by would carry torches it would be impossible to have a good look at their faces. Still, she kept on looking.

 

So many years had passed since she had left her family, enough to have her siblings married and with children. She had escaped that life but, in return, she would not be able to have a family of her own.

 

We all have our duty, she thought.

 

Slowly, she stepped away from the window. As she took away her dress for the night, she decided that she would write a message to her sisters. Just to let them know that she was still alive and that she cared about them. Maybe it will do some good, maybe not... It was the best thing she could do.

 

***

 

The young woman fell asleep as soon as her head touched her pillow. She had a night without dreams that she could remember and woke up the next morning almost as tired as she had been the day before.

 

Her first reflex was to have a look outside to see how late it was.

 

As she feared, the sun was already high in the sky.

 

"Elessar !"

 

He let me sleep, she added in her thoughts.

 

Quickly, she checked through the bond where the man was and what he was doing. By chance, he seemed to be quite close. Still in his bedroom, unless I am mistaken, she thought. And awake...

 

Concentrating a bit more, she made the guess that he was reading ... and that he had just noticed that she had woken up... and started to panic.

 

She grabbed the dress she had worn the day before and pulled it on her head as fast as she could. She knew that her Warder wouldn't enter her bedroom without having been invited first, but she couldn't help but feel guilty of having slept that long. Not bothering to braid her hair, she left them loose after giving them a good combing.

 

"There!" She said at last.

 

She took a deep breath and went to her Warder's door, hoping the man would not be grinning when he would open the door...

[Elessar]

.. A Warder’s Dreams full of Memories ..

►▼◄

 

..Young Elessar’s face lights up when his Warder teacher says it is time for some basic sword-training. “I hear you are not totally hopeless with the sword”, the Gaidin says testingly as they are walking across the Warder’s Yard to a secluded spot near the far end where they will be on their own. Arriving there, his teacher faces him. “Show me what you can do”, he says simply and gives Elessar a sword. It is a mock-blade for practice with a soft tip which means it can be used safely in training. Holding the blade, feeling the balance of it in his hand, it feels different from the blades he has used before.. lighter.. but the same principles matter. And so he goes into the motions as he has done many times before in what he already is beginning to think of as his previous life. Against an imaginary opponent he sweeps through the forms and finally is stopped by the Gaidin.

 

“Not bad .. you have obviously handled a sword before”, the Warder teacher begins. “Your technique is very rough of course, and your moves sometimes combine in inefficient ways, but on the whole we have something to work with here.”

 

“Of course,” he adds after a few seconds, “we shall make you a hell of a lot better!”

 

In the weeks and months that follow Elessar often trains sword-forms on his own, moving from stance to stance, balancing the sword, striking and defending, using the Void as focus of attention, becoming one with the sword as his teacher tells him to. He sparrs with his teacher, learning from his guidance to move with agility, to attack and to feint, to thrust and to block and to parry..

 

●

 

..One day his Warder teacher looks closely at him. “Now then, Elessar of Kandor”, the older Gaidin begins, “let us see if I can teach you some new techniques, forms that are more advanced.” He proceeds to show Elessar several new forms that also can be combined in innovative and lethal ways. “As you can see, many of these forms depend on speed and agility. This one for instance.” The suddenness of the Gaidin’s thrust and move catches Elessar off balance and he parries as well as he can but is too slow to defend against the follow up-strike. “You see”, says the Warder as he moves back to guard-stance, “how hard it is to parry that quick thrust. Let me show you again, a little slower this time.” He does it again but more slowly and Elessar watches intently to learn. The next time it is Elessar’s turn to strike and the Gaidin parries. Again and again, back and forth, they attack and defend, thrust and parry, honing their skills..

 

..On a cold spring morning, Elessar and his Warder teacher face each other in the Warder’s Yard. They stand inside a circle. Picking up his own blade the Gaidin meets the younger man’s eyes. “Show me what you have learned”, is all the Warder says and stands ready, in opening stance, waiting for Elessar to make the first move. The Warder trainee focuses on his real opponent and makes a few testing thrusts with his blade which are easily parried by the other. They circle each other, neither going on the attack, both looking for weakness and an opening. Suddenly the Gaidin thrusts the sword forward with great speed and Elessar almost loses balance. As it is, he reacts just in time and parries, following it up with a swing with the blade that the Gaidin parries easily. Back and forth it goes for a while, neither getting the upper hand. Elessar senses that his teacher is holding back, but it only motivates him to try harder.

 

Elessar waits until the right moment, then uses a combination he has practiced a little earlier, a swift and effective attack that might have slipped past the guard of a lesser opponent. The Gaidin, however, is experienced and has anticipated such a move and so is able to parry well. Even so, he gives a nod to his student in approval. The next move is the Warder’s. He feints a high thrust but reverses in mid-air and the mock-blade comes much lower and almost goes inside Elessar’s guard. He deflects at the last instant but loses his balance. The teacher’s blade touches his side.. Elessar regains his balance inside the circle, faces his teacher anew and they go at it again. After a few tentative thrusts the Gaidin repeats his successful move from before, but this time Elessar anticipates the strike and parries it competently..

 

●

 

Afterwards, the Gaidin joins Elessar as they walk together - Elessar a tad behind, breathing heavily - back to the Barracks. “Well done, Elessar”, he says with approval. “Your skills are improving. You learned from your earlier mistakes there and were faster and better prepared at the end.” He says. “Anticipate what your opponent will do and you will have an important edge in any confrontation.”

 

“And”, the older Warder teacher adds with a grin, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder, “as I have told you many times before, young Elessar, a Gaidin always expects the unexpected..”

 

●

 

Elessar woke abruptly from the dream.

 

Memories of his past intermittently crept up on him in his sleep, but it had been a while since the last time. Staring around him he looked out the small window in his room and saw that it was still dark outside. Laying his head back on his pillow he sighed, closing his eyes. His head felt heavy and not as if he had slept much at all. He had no idea what had made him dream of his early trainee days among the Warders.

 

It was a long time ago.. In another life, he thought to himself.

 

If he could have gone back to talk to that young Elessar, what would he have said?

If he could have gone back and started anew.. what would he have changed?

 

Everything.. and Nothing.

 

He was what he was. That would never change.

 

It is who I am.

 

Emptying his mind so he could get some more needed sleep, he moved onto his side in the bed and slowly drifted off into a dreamless slumber.

 

●

 

Several hours later he woke anew, this time gradually and with a clearer head. It was early morning and some light came in through the window. He slowly climbed out of bed, washed himself in the small washstand, and put on a shirt and some pants. He felt through the Bond that Myrrhi was still fast asleep and he let her sleep.

 

She needs ample rest now, he thought caringly, with all her burdens. Let her sleep until she wakes of her own.

 

He left his room and walked down the stairs and down the corridor until he found the small library at the back of the inn. It faced the backyard and the inn’s stables. There he seated himself and picked up a book to read. There were several books on the shelves and he chose one on Andoran Wars of Succession. The subject had always interested him and it made him think of his visits to Old Celter here in Caemlyn, that charming, somewhat quirky but good-hearted old man in his Antiques shop who had known so much about Andoran history. The thought made him smile. He sat there reading in solitude for quite some time before finally returning upstairs to his room.

 

●

 

Elessar felt through the Bond when Myrrhi awoke. By then the sun was high in the sky.

 

His attention shifted from the book he had been reading - one of his own books on poetry which he always carried among his belongings - and to his Bondholder. She seemed a little startled somehow.. at least that was the emotion he felt coming through the Bond.. and his concern for her increased. She also seemed tired still.. and he guessed that her sleep had not invigorated her. He sighed, displeased. Putting the book aside, he climbed out of bed where he had been reading. He considered going to her room and see if she was allright but discarded the notion. Unless he felt she were in real danger, he would never enter her bedroom without having been invited first.

 

Also, he guessed, she would come and see him when she was dressed and ready. Looking out the window, staring at the adjoining buildings of Caemlyn that could be viewed from his vantage point, he wondered how they would proceed from here. Though they both wanted to get back to Tar Valon fairly swiftly, Myrrhi might need to sort things out in Caemlyn first, whether she intended to visit her family members, contact them or deal with her burden in some other way. Elessar would give her the time she needed. They had been long gone from the Tower in any case; a day or two extra on the road would make no difference.

 

He turned around to face the door. Through the Bond he sensed his Bondholder moving from her room into the corridor outside. He walked forwards and as he felt her just outside his door, he opened the door slowly and faced her.

 

She was wearing the same dress as the day before and it seemed to him that she had put it on somewhat hastily. Her hair was unbraided and fell loose down her shoulder. Her look seemed somewhat.. off.. he thought.. as if she had been caught unawares.. though that could have been from just having woken up, unrested.

 

It was, however, all in all not exactly the appearance of a composed Aes Sedai in ‘stately manner’.

 

Elessar could not help himself grinning.

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

"You let me sleep!" she started pointing her finger at Elessar. The Warder didn't reply immediately. His grin was contagious though and Myrrhi found herself smiling.

 

"You shouldn't have," she said. "We need to be on our way and there're things that need to be done"

 

***

 

A couple of hours later, Myrrhi was back in her bedroom, its windows wide open so she could get some fresh air. The parchment in front of her already contained quite some words, not enough to really please her.

 

Dear Sister, it started.

 

It was only the first of the 3 parchments she needed to write on.

 

She had managed to write a first paragraph about how she missed the eldest of her siblings. Right after that one, she had added a couple more sentences about her own situation. How can I conclude ?, she wondered. I can't say I will visit her. I am not ready for that yet...

 

Focusing on the bond, she felt that Elessar was in the stables, taking care of the horses. She didn't like to have him waiting for her, like that.

 

I'll hurry I promise...

 

***

 

The young woman climbed down the stairs with 4 rolls of parchment in her arms. It was already midafternoon, and the sun was quite low in the sky.

 

"Please," she said to the innkeeper "can you make sure that these arrive to the people listed on this sheet of paper?"

 

The innkeeper nodded, "Of course, Aes Sedai".

 

Myrrhi thanked the fat man and went to check on her Warder.

 

***

 

Another day had passed, and eventually, it was time to go to Cairhien.

 

The young Green had waken up early. She wanted to leave Camlyn as fast as possible. After a quick breakfast, Elessar and her took the road. Their horses where well rested and fed, it was time to go forward.

 

[Elessar]

.. Continuing a Journey and Understanding Darkness ..

►▼◄

 

Elessar’s grin broadened when Myrrhi pointed her finger at him, saying that he should not have let her sleep. His grin was contagious, however, and soon she found herself smiling. Even so she added, to emphasize, that he should not have done so, since they needed to be on their way and there were things that needed to be done.

 

He wondered inside what she would say if he told her she was a bit foolish to think so - she had needed the added sleep, he knew, and they were not in such a hurry after all, seeing as they were delayed anyway with their return to the Tower - but he did not want to antagonize her in her present straits and so kept his mouth shut.

 

All Warders cared for their Sedai’s health and well-being and felt obliged to tell her so if they thought she was not taking good enough care of herself. Not all Aes Sedai, however, took such a ‘reprimand’ from their Warder very well. Some took it pretty badly. Some took it even worse.

 

Be that as it may, it is necessary sometimes, Elessar thought assuredly to himself, as he with some hidden amusement followed his - in his eyes - currently far from composed or ‘stately’ Bondholder outside.

 

●

 

It was a couple of hours later, in mid-afternoon and with the sun fairly low in the sky, that Elessar found himself in the stables taking care of their horses. Myrrhi was up in her room finishing off some things. He felt her through the Bond and she seemed focused on her task from what he could tell. He spoke a few words with the young stableboy and then left to meet his Sedai inside.

 

The day passed quickly, and the following morning they woke early, better rested. He was pleased to see his Aes Sedai looking more herself, more composed and with some excitement in her eyes for the coming journey,

 

After a quick breakfast in the Common Room and a few parting words with the fat innkeeper, they went outside to get their horses. Elessar walked into the stables and found the stableboy who assured him that the horses were well rested and fed. The Gaidin took the reins of Stormbreaker in his hands. He patted the warhorse’s back affectionately and then gave him a carrot to eat. Leading him outside he tethered the black mount momentarily to a post, then went inside to get Myrrhi’s waiting mare. She got a treat as well and then was lead outside to a waiting young Green. They swiftly mounted their horses, left the inn behind, and rode slowly down the ‘awakening’ morning streets of Caemlyn in the direction of the eastern city Gate.

 

The next stage of their journey awaited: a trek of around 150 leagues to the nation of Cairhien to the north-east and its famous Capital of the same name.

 

The first part of this trip was to the Andoran town of Aringill to the east, a moderately-sized port town on the west bank of the River Erinin, on the border with Cairhien. Aringill was, Elessar knew, Andor's largest and most important port, linking it by water with the city of Tar Valon upriver and with Tear downriver. From Aringill they would take the main road north-eastwards towards the Capital of Cairhien.,

 

They rode as far as they could that day, under a blue sky and with a soft breeze in their hair, then made camp in a small woodland area, before continuing early the next morning. Many days and leagues later they reached Aringill but did not stop, riding swiftly through the river-town continuing onwards. They stopped some leagues further north, to rest their horses and eat and drink a little, then mounted their horses again and sped on.

 

●

 

On a cloudy late afternoon, with approaching twilight, with a cold wind sweeping out of the north, they made a stop in another wooded area some way off the main road. Elessar led them in among the trees to a small but adequate clearing a little further in where they dismounted and tethered their horses, brushed them down, handing them each an apple to chew on. They then repeated their usual routine: Elessar scouting the nearby area while Myrrhi made camp and got a small fire going, as well as getting their bedspreads and other belongings out. He soon joined her by the flames as darkness gradually enveloped the trees. They ate in silence, cold mutton and a few vegetables, drinking some water and resting their backs. They had made good time since leaving Caemlyn, the Warder thought, but they had to be careful not to push their mounts too hard.

 

Dusk settled around them before Elessar spoke.

 

“We have made good time”, he said, “but we must take care not to push our horses too hard.” It was almost self-evident, and he said it just as much to begin a conversation. He turned momentarily to gaze at the contours of their mounts tethered a short way off. Facing Myrrhi again he saw that she nodded in agreement. “I have looked at the map”, he added - indicating the map they carried of the road between Caemlyn and Cairhien - “and if we manage to cover a good distance tomorrow, we will reach a village called Meriene further north tomorrow evening where we can find a local inn and take a day’s rest.” He knew that she wanted to reach Cairhien - and later Tar Valon - as quickly as possible, but she saw the sense in his words and confirmed that she agreed with his plan. The feeling he got through the Bond was the same.

 

Meeting her eyes in the light of the fire, he wondered silently to what extent she had ‘sorted’ her problems, lightened her burden, as it were, in Caemlyn. When asked, she had said that she had sent a letter to her family but had revealed no more than that. He had been pleased, feeling it was a good first step, but he knew that it would be an ongoing process for her, something that only time could heal.

 

It will take time, he thought as he ate another piece of mutton, staring pensively into the darkening woods.

 

●

 

A little later, their meal finished, they sat by the fire enjoying its warmth as the increasingly cold wind swept through the trees surrounding the small clearing. They had chit-chatted a little, talking also about the next leg of their journey, but Elessar faced his Sedai now with an intent look. His dark eyes glinted.

 

“There are philosophers”, he began, “who believe that there is Darkness in every person’s heart, man and woman.” He began. “And that all that separates evil people from good is the ability to control that Darkness within.”

 

“What do you think?” He asked, poking the fire with a stick, shifting his gaze to the burning flames.

 

To fight the Shadow, you must understand Evil, one of his Gaidin-teachers had told him many years before.

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

It was late afternoon when Elessar suggested they'd stop. Myrrhi immediately agreed on his proposal. The sky was clouded, and the wind cold. She didn't want to be caught unprepared by the rain.

 

Her Warder led her through the trees to a small clearing. The place looked good enough to camp. They dismounted and tethered their horses, like it was their habit. The Gaidin rewarded the two mounts by a fresh and crispy apple, before starting his scouting routine. As he disappeared behind the trees, the young woman's heart tightened.

 

When will I stop thinking about that flaming second arch? She thought. This was just a test to see whether or not I was ready to become an Accepted. It was no foretelling...

 

Still, she couldn't stop focusing on the bond. She needed to know that her Warder was safe.

 

Even with her mind half on her tasks at hand, she still managed to get a small fire going. She even went as far as to pick the food they would eat for dinner and to place it in an appetizing way on their bowls.

 

It is only when Elessar came back that she allowed herself to relax. They chatted for a bit, first while eating the cold mutton and the vegetables Myrrhi had prepared then while they were laying on their bedspreads.

 

Caemlyn and its inhabitants seemed to be so far away. It made the young green feel joyful.

 

“We have made good time”, her Warder said, “but we must take care not to push our horses too hard.”

 

Myrrhi nodded. She had wanted to run away from the capital city of Andor but that was not a reason to tire down their horses. Here, there were few chances that she would meet her family. They could slow down.

 

“I have looked at the map”, he added - indicating the parchment he was holding - “and if we manage to cover a good distance tomorrow, we will reach a village called Meriene further north tomorrow evening where we can find a local inn and take a day’s rest.”

 

The young woman's eyes met her Warder's and she smiled. "This sounds like a good plan," she said.

 

●

Time passed. Slowly their topics of conversations moved from their journey to more abstract areas. The young green really enjoyed those kind of exchanges. It made her think back about all those books she had enjoyed to read, and those classes that had been so much more challenging than the practical ones.

 

There are philosophers”, her Warder began, “who believe that there is Darkness in every person’s heart, man and woman. And that all that separates evil people from good is the ability to control that Darkness within.”

 

“What do you think?” He asked her, poking the fire with a stick.

 

'I am not a philosopher," she started with a small smile. "But I know that some people like to see the ugliness in this world. I prefer to see its beauty. I can't imagine that a child has Darkenss in his or her heart. It would be lying if I told you that I never had a sad or a somber thought, but I don't feel like there's a darkness in me... nor in you."

 

She made a small pause. "I have seen so many Sisters working, fighting, for a greater good. It is a vocation, a calling they had from the day they were born. I can't imagine that there's darkness inside their hearts. "

 

"But you, what do you think?" she asked.

 

 

[Elessar]

.. A Difficult Question and Arrival in the City of Cairhien ..

►▼◄

 

It was a difficult question to answer.

 

Elessar had read that there were different philosophies when it came to this question. Some philosophers, thinkers, thought indeed that there was darkness in all people and that how you managed to handle that darkness within influenced what kind of person you became morally, ethically, socially. Basically, they said, every person has a seed of evil inside. If you can control the darkness, you can become a good person in thought and in deed. If not, the evil within you will grow and easily consume you.

 

Other philosophers had the opposite view. They thought that all persons were born with good inside them, in child-born innocence, and if any darkness came into a man’s heart it was through outside influences in either upbringing or later in life. Some weak souls would more easily be tempted by the Shadow be it for a want for glory, power, seduction or more sadistic goals, but that was not due to any inherent darkness in all people.

 

He had a feeling as to what view Myrrhi would have on this philosophical matter, her persona but also taking into consideraton her fairly young Age and life-experience, but he was interested to hear her view.

 

●

 

'I am not a philosopher," she started with a small smile. "But I know that some people like to see the ugliness in this world. I prefer to see its beauty. I can't imagine that a child has Darkness in his or her heart. It would be lying if I told you that I never had a sad or a somber thought, but I don't feel like there's a darkness in me... nor in you."

 

She made a small pause. "I have seen so many Sisters working, fighting, for a greater good. It is a vocation, a calling they had from the day they were born. I can't imagine that there's darkness inside their hearts. "

 

"But you, what do you think?" she asked.

 

●

 

He thought for a long moment before answering. Not because he were unsure of his view, rather he considered how to articulate that view in the best manner.

 

“I agree with you in principle.” He began. “I don’t either think a child is born evil or with a Darkness in his or her heart. The world in its many facets influences us all and touches lives and forms many destinies.” He paused for a moment. “However”, he continued, “I do believe that some weak souls are more easily tempted by the Shadow, either due to greed, want of power, envy and so on, and can end up on a Dark path.”

 

“I also don’t think that we should forget”, he said, “that some people - not always those you suspect - turn to the Shadow because of hate, anger, deep frustration, perhaps also in desperation, and lose their souls forever.”

 

The flames before them seemed for a moment to burn even brighter, almost as if to emphasize his point.

 

“An old Gaidin-teacher once told me”, he added,  “that to fight the Shadow well one must understand evil, where it comes from, how it arises, how it thinks and how it acts. I think they were wise words, to keep in mind as we continue our Fight against the Dark.”

 

He deliberately did not comment on what she had said about not believing there was a darkness in him or in her fellow Sisters. He did not want to worry her if he admitted that there was a kind of darkness inside him, not of an evil nature but born of near-madness and year-long guilt and feelings of inadequacy and failure, currently pacified and under control but still there as part of his soul. Neither did he want to concern her with presumptions that there would probably be Sisters with some kind of darkness in their hearts just as there were in all other parts of the population.

 

He did not add anything to what he had said and she did not speak of what he had mentioned, though her face seemed to have a thoughtful look from what he could see above the flames.

 

Let her think about what I said, he thought as he poked the fire some more. It is important to try and understand evil.. to be better prepared to face it when the time comes...

 

 

●

 

“Enough gloomy talk for now!” He said, with a broad grin, after a long period of silence, meeting her eyes.

 

“Let me tell you about some beauty in the world, like you talked about.” There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Or rather, a beauty..”

 

His grin turned into a chuckle as he told her about a beautiful dark-haired, apple cheeked, willowy necked and coppery skinned, voluptious, highly energetic young maid he had come across on one of his journeys in Arad Doman. Scandalously dressed in normal Arad Domani fashion, she had seemingly fallen for this young Borderlander Warder, dancing for him and showing him a really good time. Some of her antics had been hilarious and Myrrhi joined in his laughter, as they drove all thoughts of darkness and evil away.

 

The following morning they broke camp early and rode northwards. That same evening they reached the village of Meriene as planned, took in at the local in and had a good night’s rest. The day after they relaxed, walking a little about in the fine weather and talking about non-consequential matters. They saw to their horses, who also enjoyed the day’s rest, and ate a decent meal in the Common Room of the inn that evening. There was no entertainment so they had an early night. The next day they continued their journey, eager to reach their destination.

 

●

 

And now, 40 leagues and several days later, as an afternoon sun shone above them from a light-blue sky, they slowly neared Cairhien, the Capital city. Elessar had been in Cairhien, country and city, on several occasions in his earlier travels, and as they saw the first outskirts in the far distance he ran over in his mind some of what he knew of this great nation which in the east bordered with the Spine of the World.

 

●

 

Originally, he knew, the country had been called Al'cair'rahienallen, which in the old Old Tongue meant "Hill of the Golden Dawn." The city and country were weakened in the Aiel War. Cairhien, like many of the current nations, became sovereign at the end of the War of the Hundred Years. For four hundred years after, it enjoyed a period of unprecedented wealth. This was due primarily to the Aiel, who granted Cairhienen the exclusive right to cross the Aiel Waste and trade for silk in Shara. This prosperity ended when Laman Damodred cut down Avendoraldera, a cutting from the Tree of Life and a gift from the Aiel, and unknowingly sparked the Aiel War. During this war the city of Cairhien was burned and partially destroyed.

 

The cost of war is always high, Elessar thought to himself not for the first time. Most often higher than expected. But then again, sometimes it is worth the cost.

 

Today the Cairhienin were perhaps best known for having invented Daes Dae'mar (the Game of Houses), a system of intrigue and clever political plotting. In truth they were only matched - or, as some believed, bettered - by the Servants to All, though most Warders would thread very carefully in front of Aes Sedai if ever that subject came up.

 

●

 

The city of Cairhien was situated on the east bank of the River Alguenya just south of its junction with the River Gaelin. There was a large dock area on the river with many granaries on the other side. The city walls formed a perfect square. The area outside the city walls, the Foregate, was also heavily populated, Elessar knew. A sprawling settlement, the buildings in Foregate were mostly made of wood, and some of them had multiple stories. There were inns, taverns, homes, and shops galore. For the highly status-conscious and reserved Cairhienin nobility, Foregate was beneath their notice. The population was mostly commoners.

 

They would ride through Foregate on their way to the city proper and their destination there.

 

●

 

Elessar and Myrrhi rode through the bustling Foregate area - as the sun was getting lower in the sky - and through the city gate and walls into the Capital Cairhien. The banners of Cairhien, with a many-rayed golden sun rising on a field of blue, rippled in the wind above them, as if in heartfelt welcome. Riding slowly down the busy streets, past countless shops and vendors, inns, buildings, monuments and people from every nation, taking in the sights, smells, and sounds of a great city, the Warder and Aes Sedai stopped at last before a fair-sized building. A sign above the entrance read, “The Cunning Fox”, and below was a picture of a somewhat sly-looking specimen of that speices. Elessar had stayed there before, a clean and decent inn well located in the city, and when they had dismounted he took their horses to the stables at the back and soon returned to follow his Bondholder inside.

 

The local innkeeper, a fat middle-aged Cairhienin man short in stature and of rather pale complexion, with dark hair and dark shrewd eyes, welcomed them to his establishment and quickly got them two adjoining rooms on the second floor. The Gaidin brought their travelling packs upstairs and soon they were settled in their rooms. They were both pleased to have completed this next-to-last leg of their journey and now a couple of days’ rest in this city awaited before the last leg to Tar Valon. Myrrhi seemed more settled, to Elessar, as they had put Caemlyn far behind them and he was glad to see some excitement in her eyes and a smile on her face.

 

 He thought she would enjoy the coming few days in this famous Capital.

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi was surprised to see how many women were smaller than her. She had always felt small in Andor, and in the Tower, compared to some other Novices, Accepted or Sisters.

 

But besides the people's size, what attracted her attention the most was the very special jewelry some females used to adorn their forehead. A couple of Cairhienin residents in Tar Valon had worn the same kind of accessory, and it had made her curious about that elegant fashion. Now that she was in the country of their origin, she wanted to proceed to a purchase.

 

I can't leave without one, she thought making herself the promise that she would visit jewelry stores to get one - or two - for herself, with a green stone on it. 

 

The inn Elessar had chosen had a name that made her smile " the cunning fox" it was called. It made her wonder whether the name had been chosen as a way to warn the newcomers against the customers.

 

Oh my! Will we meet scoundrels or brigands? she asked to herself.

 

Unfortunately for the young girl who wanted to see some action, most of the patrons were completely ordinary.

 

***

 

Myrrhi's stomach started to grumble.

 

"Can we order some food," she asked her Warder. "I really need to eat."

 

She knew that her words were unnecessary. Elessar would know how she felt, through the bond.

 

"I'd love to have ribs, and maybe some light ale..."

 

The Gaidin nodded and went to talk to the innkeeper.

 

Waiting for the Warder, the young woman started to look around. The inn was busier than she had expected it to be. People were singing, the ambience was good.

 

Suddenly, the door opened, showing a messenger in distress. No one would have mistaken him for anything else, since a large bag full of missives was hanging from his shoulder.

 

The man seemed very upset and worried. He looked at the patrons, one after the other until his eyes settled on Myrrhi. The young woman raised an eyebrow as she saw him advancing towards her.

 

"For you," the messenger said dropping a letter on Myrrhi's lap.

 

"From who..."

 

Myrrhi didn't have the time to finish her sentence. The messenger was already gone.

 

She carefully opened the letter, and read its content.

 

"Everything all right?" Elessar asked as he came back to her.

 

She raised her eyes from the paper she was holding.

 

"It seems we are invited to ... a ... ball?"

Edited March 8, 2017 by Chaelca

[Elessar]

.. Daes Dae'mar, a Ball and a Memorable Court Bard Performance ..

►▼◄

 

Elessar’s jaw dropped momentarily when Myrrhi said they had been invited to a ball.

 

He had to close his mouth quickly, so as to not look like a gaping fool. This was a totally unexpected turn of events, at least for him. From the Bond it seemed Myrrhi was very surprised as well, so it could not have been planned, he thought.

 

Cairhien was famous for playing the Game Of Houses, or Daes Dae'mar as it was called in the Old Tongue.

 

It referred, he knew, to the political and social maneuvering employed by the nobility of various nations to gain status or wealth, or to cause the downfall of others they dislike. The Great Game was played the most heavily here in Cairhien, where the most seemingly irrelevant act could cause Lords and Ladies to speculate endlessly about one's motives; even servants of the Cairhienin nobility played their own version of Daes Dae'mar it was rumoured.

 

Aes Sedai too, of course, were Masters of this Game - and now it seemed some Cairhienin nobleman -or woman here in the city had pulled this young Green Sister into his or her web of intrigue.

 

What made this especially surprising, the Warder thought, was the fact that they had just arrived in the Capital. Word had obviously spread swiftly that there was an(other) Aes Sedai in the city - and an invitation to a ball had been sent straight away. It smelled of dangerous intrigue to Elessar and immediately he thought of possible dangers and if she should accept the invitation at all. But he saw right away Myrrhi’s smile and the excitement that came into her eyes once she had gotten over her surprise, mirrored by the feelings coming through the Bond, and he knew that it would probably be impossible to keep her away from that ball.

 

●

 

Earlier, after they had settled in, Myrrhi had told him that she was hungry. He had felt it also through the Bond and his stomach had agreed. She had asked if he could order some food and he had nodded and gone to talk to the innkeeper.

 

“We would like two plates of ribs with potatoes, vegetables and that sauce that smells so good”, he had said. “And two light ales.”

 

While the innkeeper noted down their order and spoke to the chef, Elessar glanced casually around the Common Room. The inn was busier than he had expected it to be. People were singing, the ambience was good. He smiled to himself. Suddenly his eye caught movement by the main door. It opened and a man entered. A messenger, the Warder thought, quickly taking in the man, his looks and behaviour as well as the large bag full of missives that was hanging from his shoulder. The man seemed upset and worried somehow, from what Elessar could see, and looked around at the patrons, one after the other, until his eyes settled on the person he was looking for.

 

The messenger moved quickly toward Myrri and Elessar took a few steps in her direction, ready to intervene if necessary. He sensed no threat from the man, though, and so stopped where he was. He saw the stranger drop something - a letter? - in her lap. He felt surprise coming through the Bond. Then the messenger, casting a last worried glance at the Aes Sedai - He is afraid of her, Elessar thought, afraid of the One Power - and also at the Warder, turned and swept out of the inn. Elessar watched as Myrrhi carefully opened what indeed was a letter and read its content.

 

“Everything allright?” He asked as he came all the way back to her and sat down at the table.

 

That was when she told him that they had been invited to a ball! here in Cairhien.

 

●

 

Meeting her eyes now, he grinned.

 

“I can see from your face that twelve wild horses will not keep you away from that ball, whatever and whereever it is”.

 

He chuckled and she joined in the laughter. He could feel her excitement at the intrigue of it all, the emotions flowed through the Bond, and he sensed that she had been longing for some action.. and even if this ball was not the most exciting spectacle in the world, now it would do her very nicely indeed.

 

As long as she does not expect me to join her in a dance, he thought wryly as the serving girl came with their ribs.

 

As they ate a delicious meal, they spoke a little about this ball and who it could be that had invited her so quickly after their arrival in the city. She told him that she had no idea, she did not recognize the name or insignia, but that she had heard that Cairhienin nobility loved to play the Game Of Houses and often invited Sisters of the White Tower when they were in the city. Elessar nodded, telling her that he too had some experience with this Great Game. The Players could do this, he said, for added local prestige and status or to gain some advantage over others in this often dangerous Play for Power and position.

 

It was impossible to tell, he noted, and he cautioned her to stay alert at all times with these nobles.

 

“A knife in the side, metaphorically speaking but also sometimes in real life, can come from the rich just as well as the poor.. sometimes even more so”, he said in serious tones.

 

Not that he wanted to spoil her enjoyment of a ball - he presumed she had not been to many before - but he wanted to take all precautions, to ensure she was not ensnared in any intricate web of danger.

 

She smiled at his concern, perhaps a little amused, promising to be careful, but her voice spoke of the excitement she felt at this unexpected invitation. It was for the following evening at the Dower Palace, distinguished home of a High Lady of House Taborwin. She was not among the most powerful of Cairhienin nobility but neither an unimportant House. Most would consider it an honour to be invited to her ball, they were to learn. As they sipped their light ale after the meal, Myrrhi spoke of the dress she would wear and some beautiful local jewelry she wanted to purchase and Elessar grinned inside.

 

Women were women, Aes Sedai or no.

 

●

 

The next day they visited many city shops - including a jeweller’s shop - and vendors of all types, Myrrhi getting all the things she wanted. They also managed to see many of the city sights. There was much to enjoy and it was late afternoon by the time they returned to the inn. They had a quick meal in the Common Room (since only canapés would be served at the ball), then they each went to their rooms on the second floor and rested a little (something which their feet appreciated), then enjoyed a pleasant bath, before dressing up and meeting downstairs. Myrrhi wore a beautiful green dress and Elessar was dressed in his finery as well. The Aes Sedai had inquired about the location of the Dower Palace and had been given directions. It was only a ten minute walk away from the “Cunning Fox’ inn and so they had decided to walk there.

 

Twilight was approaching as the two left the inn behind and walked down the adjoining street before rounding a corner and heading down the opposite street. Across a square with several monuments and a little further along and then they saw the palace building across from them. It was a beautiful structure with ornaments and elegance. Much smaller and less ornate, of course, than the Royal Palace or Sun Palace as it was also called where the Cairhienin Ruler resided, it still was impressive and was an outward sign of power and wealth in this city of powerhungy nobles.

 

●

 

Myrrhi showed her invitation at the entrance and they were politely invited inside by a doorman who looked more like a stylishly and ceremoniously attired palace guard. The hall they walked down, beside an ornately clothed servant, was full of splendour in all ways, with expensive historical paintings on the walls and crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Elessar could feel the excitement in Myrrhi and could not avoid feeling somewhat impressed himself also. As they came up to a large pair of doors with the House insignia embedded into the expensive oak woodwork, the servant stopped and knocked once. The doors opened and a Master of Ceremony bowed respectfully to the Aes Sedai and nodded politely to her Warder. He then banged three times on the floor with his ceremonial baton before announcing her name and entrance in a loud, carrying voice.

 

The words Aes Sedai where whispered around as she glided into the opulent and imposing ballroom, Elessar proudly and steadfastly at her side.

 

Myrrhi received bows of respect and honour from Lords and Ladies alike, some with a shrewd glint in their eyes, and she was welcomed warmly by the High Lady of the House who rose from her throne-like chair at the end of the room, curtsied smoothly and with shrewd eyes expressed what an honour it was to have an Aes Sedai of the Battle Ajah present.

 

The Warder walked a little to the side as Myrrhi spoke with the High Lady.

 

He stared around the room, gauging if there was any open threat in this nest of vipers as he thought of it. He had been around scheming, cunning and dangerous nobles before - and once again he told himself that he intended to make sure Myrrhi was not caught in one of their traps. A small voice in the back of his head whispered that he was, perhaps, overreacting a little.. this was but a ball after all.. but he ignored it, feeling the especially acute protective instinct that all Warders feel towards their Sedai early on after having Bonded.

 

These nobles, he saw, were clothed in the traditional local fashion. They wore dark colours, many in black while others wore dark blue or green. Their clothes had narrow, horizontal slashes of colour that indicated their House - he recognized many well known Houses present - and the number of slashes across the chest and body reflecting the rank of the wearer. Several of the men covered their long hair with a bell-shaped hat, something Elessar had seen before. Many of the Ladies had dark ivory lace adorning the collar and cuffs of the sleeves in the proper Cairhienin upper class fashion and had piled their hair into elaborate styles that towered atop their heads. The Warder did not see any familiar faces, but then again he had not expected to. He did not exactly walk in upper class Cairhienin circles as it were.

 

●

 

There was music and dancing, and afterwards a pause as refreshments - and canapés - were brought in.

 

Then the small talk around the ballroom stopped for a moment as a well dressed, stylish and handsome man of above middle age with brown hair and dark eyes entered the room having been announced. He carried several instruments and walked with surety and confidence in his every step. There was an elegance in him in the way he moved and he caught many a Lady’s eye. He bowed to those present, a deep bow to the smiling High Lady and to the young Green standing beside her, as he stopped at the stage at the end of the dancing floor.

 

The man was a Court Bard - and soon he started playing his instruments, to the delight of everyone. One could see and hear his excellence, a quality of competence and experience even higher than that of an ordinary skilled Gleeman. Elessar was very impressed. This was only the second time that he had had the pleasure of experiencing a Court Bard performing and he relished every second. Applause was strong and rang through the ballroom when he was finished, showing everyone’s appreciation.

 

The Court Bard then carefully put his instruments aside and faced all the Lords and Ladies.. bowed again, saying that it was time for a story out of history.. and then began to sing. It was a ballad of renown - of the nation of Cairhien, their home; and everyone present marvelled at his resonant tenor voice and its great expression.

 

All eyes and ears - also Elessar’s and Myrrhi’s - were on him and his performance, totally captivated by this Master of Song, Prose and Verse.

 

 

●

 

►▼◄

 

‘The Ballad of Cairhien’

 

Once a Land of many Parts

Full of Passion, beating Hearts

Tova and Shandalle, Between

Claimed in time by one Cairhien

 

Hawkwing conquered, to Unite

Neighbour-nations, future Bright

Imperial Province it Became

With Seat of Governor, all the Same

 

When Hawkwing died, the rivalry Grew

In Cairhien there was a fatal Coup

The Governor was killed, and many Swore

And all this lead to Civil War

 

To Matraine Colmcille, the knee to Bend

After fighting in Streets for months at End

The Lord, the First King of Cairhien was Crowned

To no foreign Ruler was the new King Bound

 

The borders of the Nation, through Accords and Tears

Were established in the War of the Hundred Years

Attempts to extend the Borders, at First

In time, the Endeavours were all Reversed

 

Central to History is the famed Aiel Gift

Of Avendoraldera, a Tre-cutting so Swift

And Right of passage through the Aiel Waste

When Leaf-drawn banner was carried in Haste

 

From this the Silk Road to Shara was Born

A Route of trade, of Rose and of Thorn

Cairhienin Fortunes prospered Anew

As the nation grew Rich and prominent to View

 

Through Laman’s Pride the Crisis Arose

 A Power-lust that few could Oppose

The Aiel Tree, the King cut Down

To make a Throne, unmatched Around

 

This act of Woe the Aiel War Began

As outraged Aiel clans there Ran

To hunt the Killer of Trees, oh Dear

Cairhien was put to the Torch and Spear

 

A Great Alliance was built to Fight

‘The Aiel Savages’, left and Right

They battled and fought, but the King was Slain

And with Justice served, the Aiel left Plain

 

After the War, the Silk Road was Closed

‘Oathbreakers’, ‘Treekillers’, problems they Posed

The fortunes dried up, and near-famine Occurred

Rebuilding the city, Emotions were Stirred

 

Loss of Revenue made the rebuild a Test

Galldrian Riatin attempted the Rest

The Topless Towers to raise from the Ground

With Ogier-masons, the best to be Found

 

A Nation proud by the Rising Sun

A Golden disc on a blue Field Run

That borders the Spine, a strength that is Seen

That is the Country, that is Cairhien

 

►▲◄

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi felt Elessar thinking about the invitation and probably about Daes Dae'mar as well. Not answering to an invitation was a message in itself, and often one that led to dire consequences.

 

She knew she would have to take care about her words and reactions, after all she had had a class about the Great Game. The one who was organizing the ball could even have agents watching her Warder and her. They would report everything they judged to be of importance.

 

Let's play, then...She thought and widened her smile. She had to admit that she didn't really need to act. She did want to go to that ball. It would be her first. Everything she had read about such events had always made her curious. The music, the dances, the food... it sounded as something truly magical.

 

"I can see from your face that twelve wild horses will not keep you away from that ball, whatever and where ever it is", Elessar said. He chuckled and she laughed.

 

"Well," she said with a low voice. "This could be interesting..."

 

The serving girl arrived with their meal, and the young Green decided it was time for another topic of conversation. She made an attempt at talking about Cairhien's history but with little effect. Her thoughts pushed her to mention the invitation again and again. However, she managed to keep her speech in check. After exchanging a couple of words about the host - she didn't recognize his name nor insignia - and his motivations, Elessar and her started to talk about the Great Game itself.

 

They were both inexperienced players, unfortunately. But, they were both aware that the game exited and that they had to pay attention to the way their behaviour would be interpreted.

 

Elessar seemed to be concerned about what could happened during the ball itself, but she promised to be careful.

 

"I am even paying attention to what I'm saying right now," she told him with a grin, covering her face with her left hand.

 

***

 

A ball meant clothing, jewelry, shoes, aso.

 

Elessar and Myrrhi spent the best of their day, on the morrow, to get what they needed. The young women wanted to be dressed in Green but her jewels had to be in silver and white. "The guests have to wonder if I have allegiances to the Grey and White Ajah", she commented to her Warder. "That way, their minds will be so busy that they won't think about analyzing our every move. Maybe I should even add a ruby somewhere ?"

 

"The look is very important," she went on. "But we can't go there dressed peacocks. Perhaps, you should dress in black. Some may think that you are an Ashaman," she added giggling.

 

***

 

They both decided to eat before going to the ball, not certain that the canapés would be enough to fill their stomach. Right after their early dinner, they both got a bath in their room. Myrrhi was happy to see that her dress emphasized her thin waist while leaving her enough room to move her legs, would anything get awry.

 

Her clothes added to the new jewel she had bought to ornate her forehead made her look like a princess.

 

As soon as she was ready, she rushed to Elessar's room hoping he would appreciate the sight. But, it was her jaw that dropped at the sight of her Gaidin in his finery.

 

"You never told me you looked so good," she couldn't resist saying, laughing.

 

***

 

The "palace" they entered was beautiful. It was old enough for Myrrhi to actually feel its history. Not only it was decorated with rare yellow and white flowers but the historical paintings on the walls made her want to make a complete tour of the building. The young women even felt red come to her cheeks when the Master of Ceremony announced her name and her Gaidin's as she entered the reception hall. It made her tighten her grip on Elessar's arms. As she had expected it, the other guests started to whisper.

 

Lords and Ladies bowed out of respect as she crossed the room. In response, she gently nodded her head, until she arrived closer to the High Lady of the House, who welcomed her as if she was the Queen of a foreign country. The lady even rose of her throne like chair to curtsy to her!

 

Myrrhi made her get on her feet at once, and thanked her host for the invitation, hoping that she had done the right thing.

 

***

 

Music had started and most of the guests were dancing, when a Court Bard started one of the most beautiful songs Myrrhi had ever heard. She  felt herself floating as she focused on the lyrics. She didn't want the masterwork to stop, but it did. And the young woman felt empty inside. Not wanting to show a grim face, she turned towards her warder.

 

"Will you give me this dance?" she asked

 

 

 

 

 

 

●

 

[Elessar]

.. A Dance and some Whispered Words ..

►▼◄

 

"Will you give me this dance?" Myrrhi asked, facing Elessar.

 

Her silver and white jewels glittered in the ballroom. Her green dress emphasized her thin waist. And the new jewel she had bought to ornate her forehead made her almost look like a princess, Elessar had thought.

 

Now though his thoughts were elsewhere.

 

He was still in awe from the beautiful song of Cairhien and the magnificent performance by the hugely talented Court Bard. It was without doubt one of the best performances he had ever seen, if not the best. Whispers of Cairhienin history streamed through his head as he tried to focus on Myrrhi’s words.

 

Then they registered in his mind - and he was unable to hide his lopsided grin.

 

Seeing a rather mischievous, playful glint in her sparkling blue eyes he knew she was enjoying this moment. For some reason she wanted to see him squirm a little. He had not said anything, but he was pretty sure she had sensed his slight discomfort at the thought of dancing.. with her. This was payback somehow, though he could not put his finger on the how and the why.

 

Well, he would not give her the satisfaction of seeing him decline her offer. As it turned out, he was a more than passable dancer - but far from expert - though he had never enjoyed dancing that much. It was one of the activities his mother had insisted he learn in his youth, and like poetry and reading a vital counterweight in her eyes to the hard swordwork and discipline his father had imposed upon him.

 

“It will be my honour, Myrrhi Morrigen Aes Sedai”, he said with a dark grin, emphasizing her title, shutting out his slight discomfort, taking her arm steadily and leading her onto the floor.

 

She returned his grin and he felt some amusement coming through the Bond - as he himself was thinking of devious ways to pay her back in the future - but then they were soon caught up in the music and the dance and they flowed elegantly among the Cairhienin nobility who gave them ample room in which to move.

 

●

 

Later, Myrrhi stood talking anew with the High Lady, now seated in her throne-like chair, while Elessar walked around the ballroom.

 

Several of the Ladies present threw him admiring looks as he passed them by but he only nodded politely to them which, of course, made them even more interested and curious. One noblewoman, a middle-aged voluptuous beauty with large, brown eyes, stared at him with so much desire that he almost blushed.. and he was far from the blushing type. He was almost tempted to throw her a wink but resisted the temptation. If he did, she would probably pursue him around the ballroom all evening - and beyond.

 

Stopping at one end of the hall, he turned and gazed back the way he had come. He saw his Bondholder at the other end, now seeming to be in conversation with some fawning noblemen. Elsewhere he gazed at all the Cairhienin nobles in their elegant dresses and suits, and this made him think of his own attire. He had chosen a dark grey/black suit in Warder-style, elegant but simple. Most of the men present wore something flashier, but this attire suited the Gaidin well.

 

And Myrrhi had complimented him on his apparel earlier. He had joined in her laughter at her comment, not displeased.

 

 

The young Green’s words to him hours before at the inn whispered in his mind..

 

“Perhaps, you should dress in black.” Myrrhi had said then. “Some may think that you are an Asha’man," she had added giggling, intrigue in her eyes.

 

 

The thought made him grin now. Perhaps he should have chosen all black.

 

An Aes Sedai with one of those men - Asha’man - at her side!

 

He could picture the reaction.

 

That would certainly have set tongues wagging!

 

 

‘Wanna-be Warders, who think they can handle a sword’, many real Gaidin jokingly called those black-dressed Asha’man.

 

Out of their hearing, of course.

 

It was not wise to upset a potentially ‘half-mad’, Saidin-wielding man with a sword, whatever his sword-competence.

 

Sweep his blade aside, but then get hit by the One Power..

 

Not a good idea.

 

Very unwise indeed.

 

●

 

All thoughts of attire and Asha’man and sword skill left his mind as his attention was grabbed by a grey-haired older nobleman of higher rank - he saw the many narrow horizontal slashes on his clothes even from a distance - who stood shrewdly near the entrance watching the gathering very closely. Sporadically other men walked up to this man and talked for a second, whispering in his ear, before leaving. No doubt enmeshed in another scheming plot, the Warder throught wryly. He wondered which Game this nobleman was playing.

 

Just don’t endanger my Sedai in your web of schemes, Elessar thought darkly. Because then you will have to face me.. and you will regret that deeply. Very deeply indeed.

 

He was just about to return to where Myrrhi was standing, when someone suddenly touched his shoulder. He turned with some surprise and saw a nobleman standing there. He was younger than many of those present, with short brown hair and a thin face, but his attire was the same and his dark eyes had the same calculated, shrewd look that he had seen in most of  the others that evening.

 

“Excuse me, Gaidin” the man said in measured tones. “If you would follow me, there is something I think you should know.” His eyes narrowed as he added in a lower voice, “But we can’t talk here. Follow me to one of the adjoining rooms. We can talk safely there.”

 

●

 

Elessar looked closely at the man, trying to read his intent, highly doubtful of the wisdom of following him into an unknown room in the palace. This smelled a long way of Daes Dae'mar and court intrigue.

 

His deep scepticism must have shown on his face, because the stranger then leaned into him and whispered in his ear, “Your Aes Sedai is in danger.”

 

●

 

Elessar followed the stranger out of the ballroom, all the time wondering if this was a wise course of action.

 

But he had no choice, as he saw it.

 

If Myrrhi was in any danger here, he had to know - so he could stop the threat!

 

The words.. Your Aes Sedai is in danger ..kept ringing in his head as he walked down the hallway..

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi was surprised. Even if she had felt some slight discomfort in Elessar, the Warder had agreed to dance with her. With a grin on his face he took her left hand in his, and placed his right hand on her waist. She returned his grin, then let herself follow the Gaidin's lead.

 

The music was beautiful. It made her think of a thousand stories. Battles passed through her head, as well as evening in darker forest then sunny fields, she imagined herself riding in the sand in Aiel country.

 

The High Lady must be pretty rich to have managed to gather such artists, she thought. Even in the Tower, we never had people who could play the violin like that.

 

Elessar was a very good dancer, compared to some of the noblemen around them. It made the young Green wonder whether she was faring as well as her partner. She was rusty when it came to dancing. Her mother had insisted on teaching her the most fashionable dances in Andor but she had not had the chance to practice in the Tower.

 

Following the rhythm and her Warder guidance, she slowly started to feel more confident. She forgot about counting her steps and her moves, fully enjoying the evening.

 

***

 

After a couple of dances, Elessar suggested they had a break and a drink. Myrrhi accepted, with a smile. She was feeling thirsty.

 

As soon as they got their glasses, a noblewoman came to invite them to chat with the Lady of the House.

 

Myrrhi nodded. "Of course, it will be our pleasure." An offer like that couldn't be refused. Especially in this city.

 

The High Lady was seating once again on her throne-like chair. She hadn't much moved away from it during the evening. It seemed to the young Green that she had to prove something.

 

"Myrrhi Sedai, here you are," she started. "Please, tell me what you think about Cairhien..."

 

The young woman took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts, before answering.

 

This is going to be a long night ... she told herself.

 

***

 

Time passed and Myrrhi found herself stuck answering to the High Lady's question. Fighting to keep a straight face, she tried not to focus too much on the bond. She felt Elessar moving around the ballroom and... enjoying himself. She didn't know what he was doing but some things seemed to amuse him every now and then.

 

I hope he's having a good time! She thought. Next time, I'll find a way to have him talking with the hosts while I'll enjoy myself.

 

She knew though, that it would never happen. An Aes Sedai was not supposed to have fun. An Aes Sedai was supposed to be where the center of power was. And this center tonight was the High Lady.

 

"Let me introduce you to Lord Carethon," the High Lady suddenly said.

 

A little man - Lord Carethon - stood at her right side. He was bold, just like the two nobles that were accompanying him.

 

"My Lord," Myrrhi said extending a hand, that the Lord quickly grabbed.

 

"This is Myrrhi Sedai, an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah.."

 

***

 

Myrrhi felt alertness through the bond. What is happening, she wondered worrying. She felt her Warder coming her way and decided it was time to end the conversation.

 

Before she had the time to announce that it was time for her to retire, she sensed the Gaidin changing his path. Instead of advancing straight towards her and the High Lady he was know walking towards the left side of the room. His mood definitely darker than ever before that night.

 

"High Lady, Dear Lord Carethon, it is time for me to return to my duty."

 

She excused herself with the most flowery words she could think of, hoping that her hosts and visitors would not interpret her early departure as an insult.

 

***

 

"Elessar, what happened ?" she whispered as she joined him

 

 

 

[Elessar]

.. A Letter of Cairhienin Intrigue and Danger ..

►▼◄

 

Elessar walked quickly down the hallway, alert and in dark thoughts.

 

He was sure Myrrhi would have felt his sudden concern though the Bond and he looked in her direction as he followed the nobleman stranger down the ballroom, but there was no time to warn her right away, and he doubted very much that someone would try anything before all those assembled, so he swept out the door and kept walking.

 

Your Aes Sedai is in danger

 

The words repeated themselves in his mind as he turned a corner and followed the young man down a small corridor.

 

Just then he heard footsteps coming up behind him and he turned quickly - and saw that it was Myrrhi. He breathed a little easier.

 

"Elessar, what happened ?" she whispered as she joined him.

 

●

 

He led her some paces away from the impatiently waiting young nobleman and whispered to her, “I received a warning that you may be in danger.” His eyes narrowed. “I don’t know any more, and if this is to be believed, but this young man says he has important information and I thought it foolish not to take it seriously. If there is a threat”, he added, “we must uncover it and eliminate it.”

 

“Be ready for anything”, he cautioned in the end.

 

Myrrhi nodded and they spoke a few more words, then they turned toward the young man who waved at them to hurry. Exchanging a quick glance, Elessar and Myrrhi followed him to a door a little further on and into a fairly small but heavily decorated room. It seemed like a private library of sorts with many shelves on the walls filled with books. Maps of Cairhien and historical paintings decorated the walls and at the end of the room there was a huge window looking onto a garden at the back of the palace. The Gaidin’s eyes swept around the room, looking for any danger, but it appeared to be empty. Nodding to himself he closed the door behind them and faced the young man.

 

“Now then”, Elessar said in a serious voice, “you mentioned a danger to Myrrhi Aes Sedai.” His dark eyes stared hard at the young man, as if to say ‘and don’t give us any bullshit.’

 

The nobleman saw in the Warder’s eyes and posture that this was a no-nonsense man, a dangerous man to anger, and so he weighed his words carefully.

 

“My Lady Aes Sedai”, he began politely with a bow. “My Lord.” He added to Elessar. “I do indeed have knowledge of a danger to you.” His voice lowered conspirationally. “There are forces at work in Cairhien.. dark forces..” He uttered the last words almost in a whisper and his eyes narrowed shrewdly.

 

●

 

Walking across to the window, he stared out for a moment almost as if to make sure no one was watching them, then turned back toward them again.

 

“My Lord, High Seat of House Maravin”, he said, “received  a letter warning of a dangerous plot to eliminate a certain ‘young Green’ visiting Cairhien at the moment.” His eyes went to the Aes Sedai who stared cooly back at him. “The letter was delivered by a.. certain someone.. who has had business, shall we say, with a House that also before has been.. rumoured to have had.. dealings.. with elements of dubious nature.”

 

Both Myrrhi and Elessar understood what he was talking about.

 

Darkfriends.

 

And that ‘certain someone’ was probably a spy in this Lord’s employ.

 

They exchanged knowing glances, then faced the young nobleman anew.

 

Elessar nodded to him, to show that they understood.

 

“Do you have any (other) proof of this?” The Gaidin asked in measured tones. He felt cautiously concerned by what he had been told and felt his emotions mirrored by Myrrhi through the Bond.

 

The young nobleman’e eyes narrowed further. “Actually, on my Lord’s order, I have the letter with me. For you to read.”

 

His hand went into a suit-pocket and he withdrew a white envelope. He handed it silently to the Warder who looked at the envelope for a second before opening it. Inside there was a handwritten letter. With a nod he handed it to his Aes Sedai who stared down at the written words for a moment before reading.

 

The letter was addressed to: Lord Torven Maravin

 

●

 

My Lord Maravin,

 

I can confirm that House Saighan has formed an alliance with several of our enemies, as we predicted. They are getting bolder and bolder, boasting in private – and now also in semi-public - how they have outmaneuvered us in trade and political power. They are gaining in prestige in very important circles and are believed to soon have the ear of the advisors to the throne as well. It is of utmost importance, for our House, to do whatever we can to undermine their growing power. Our plans of alliance should in my opinion be brought forward and we should also consider our secondary measure.

 

I have also come across strong, disturbing indications that House Saighan has had.. dealings with.. dark forces shall we say. They appear to want neither caution nor prudence when it comes to their goals, it seems. This may prove their downfall, but for now it makes them even more dangerous - and unpredictable - than before. We must build a base of strength to oppose these forces, as you have talked about many times.

 

Passing an office in their palace one evening, I also heard one of the High Lord’s advisors speak softly to another person present, I don’t know who. I stopped by the partially open door and heard him whisper..

 

”must eliminate that young Green who is in the city, before the truth is..”

 

I heard no more, I had to move on down the hallway before I was spotted, but knowing your business.. with the White Tower.. I thought you should know, in case this young Green need be warned.

 

I will implement option three in a few days, as agreed. At midnight. Our allies have been informed.

 

The password will be: Laman’s Pride.

 

In your Service, My Lord

 

-S

 

●

 

When she had read it through, Myrrhi handed the letter back to Elessar who read it closely before meeting the young nobleman’s eyes.

 

This could be a real threat, the Warder thought, but it could also be a game within the Game of Houses, an intrigue to make them believe Myrrhi was in danger when, in fact, there was no such thing. From Myrrhi’s eyes he could see that she was thinking the same thing.

 

The fact that the nobleman had let them read a letter - from a spy and also an advisor, Elessar thought, from the way the letter had been worded - that seemed to give away some House secrets and internal dealings indicated trustworthiness.. but then again it could also be another intrigue, a deft ruse to instill trust. Could the letter be fake to begin with? An attempt to gain favour with the White Tower? One could never know with these Cairhienin plotters, Elessar mused. It would be wise to tread carefully.

 

“How do you know that this ‘young Green’ the letter mentions is Myrrhi Aes Sedai?” He asked squarely. “It does not give a name to this young Sister.. there could well be other ‘young Green’ Sedai in Cairhien right now.”

 

The young nobleman shrugged. “We can’t know for certain, of course”, he said in a tone of voice that indicated there was little doubt, “but according to our.. sources.. there are no other young Greens here at the moment.” His eyes met Myrrhi’s and she stared silently back at him. “My Lord thought it.. wise.. to warn you of this situation.”

 

“He always has,” he added shrewdly, “the White Tower’s interests as heart.”

 

Some amusement came through the Bond at those last words, and Elessar went over in his mind what he had learned, considering the implications, as he waited for his Bondholder to speak.

 

  ▀▄ 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Elessar nodded to her and led her towards the side if the ballroom. There, he told her that he had received a curious message, saying that she might be in danger.

 

"I don't know anymore, and if this is to be believed, but this young man says he has important information and I thought it foolish not to take it seriously. If there is a threat", he added,"We must uncover and eliminate it."

 

"Be ready for anything."

 

Myrrhi took a deep breath. "Hard to know what is the truth and what isn't. Flaming Game... Nobles in Cairhien should take the Oaths," she said grinning. "But," she went on. "One thing is sure, we can't stay here for long. I already announced our departure to our host."

 

The young nobleman who had talked to Elessar waved at them, as if to ask them to hurry.

 

The Green's eyes met her Warder's. "Yes, let's be cautious," she said, before walking towards the young man. The Gaidin quickly set himself at her side.

 

The trio left the ballroom through one of its doors that led to a fairly small but heavily decorated room. Its walls were covered by many shelves, themselves full of books. The young woman felt attracted to them, and before talking to the young man she spent some time readings the spine of the closest tomes.

 

Mmmh... History books, she thought. Maybe I should have a chat with the High Lady. There are some very interesting things in here....

 

"Now then," Elessar started. The Gaidin sounded serious and very Warder-like, it made Myrrhi innerly smile. "You mentioned a danger to Myrrhi Aes Sedai..."

 

The young Green folded her arms. She stared at the young man with icy eyes, hoping it would scare him enough to get some semblance of the truth out of him.

 

She had to admit, though, that Elessar was way more impressive than her. It was him that the nobleman was looking at.

 

"My Lady Aes Sedai," the young man began with a bow. "My Lord. I do indeed have knowledge of a danger to you." His eyes shifted from left to right and he lowered his voice. "There are forces at work in Cairhien... dark forces..."

 

He made a pause as he advanced to the window. He started through it for a moment as if he was making sure no one was spying on them.

 

"My Lord, High Seat of House Maravin received a letter warning of a dangerous plot to eliminate a certain "Young Green" visiting Cairhien at the moment. The letter was delivered by a ... certain someone .. who has had business, shall we say, with a House that also before has been...rumored to have had .. .dealings ... with elements of dubious nature.".

 

Myrrhi tensed and felt her Warder tensing as well. The nobleman was talking about ... Darkfriends. The exchange a quick glance before facing the young man again.

 

Elessar asked for proof before the young woman had the chance to.

 

The nobleman presented the letter from one of his suit pockets and handed it to the Gaidin. Elessar took it and immediately began to read it. Myrrhi tried to peer into the bond to discover what her Warder was thinking of it but she didn't manage to get any useful information.

 

So, she waited for Elessar to be done to start her own reading of the message.

 

 

***

 

"If you will excuse us," Myrrhi said with  a small smile.

 

She opened herself to Saidar and wove an eavesdropping protection around her Warder and herself.

 

"What do you think of this?" she started but before letting Elessar answer she went on. "I think we should thank this young man and go back to the inn. We'll stay cautious of course but there are only two options. Either this is a fake, and it would be a pity to lose time with this nonsense. Either this is real, I am in danger and we need to report this to the Tower... Especially since I have never had a mission that led me to be in contact with Darkfriends. My first mission out of Tar Valon was the one that brought me to Ebou Dar..."

[Elessar]

.. Echoes left in Shadows ..

►▼◄

 

Myrrhi asked the young nobleman to excuse them. She gave him a small smile.

 

He seemed a little confused for a moment, unsure whether she had meant that he leave the room or walk apart from them, but as she faced her Warder and he could see her lips move without any sound he understood that she was using the One Power to make her conversation with the Gaidin private.

 

It made the young Cairhienin man shiver slightly - he had not before been in the presence of Saidar being used near him and it made him uncomfortable - and he turned his face away from them, gazing instead in the direction of the window and the garden outside.

 

Elessar could, of course, not feel the eavesdropping weave that his Aes Sedai had woven around them for privacy, but he understood from the context that that was what she had done. Leandreen had used a similar weave several times years before, at need, he recalled, and it certainly was a practical way of keeping a conversation private.

 

“What do you think of this?” she asked him, but almost immediately shared her own thoughts.

 

She told him that she thought they should thank the young man and go back to the inn. They ought to stay cautious but there were only two options as she saw it: either this development and the letter were fake and in that case it would be a pity to lose time on such nonsense, or it was real, she was in danger and they needed to report it to the Tower. Especially, as she added, since she had never had a mission that had led her to be in contact with Darkfriends.

 

“My first mission out of Tar Valon”, she ended, “was the one that brought me to Ebou Dar..”

 

●

 

Elessar nodded, as he considered her words.

 

“I agree with you”, he began. “This could all be fake.. another intricate Game within their Game of Houses-plots and intrigue.. perhaps also to gain favour from the White Tower.. who can say..”. His voice sharpened. “But then again, it can also be true.. even if neither of us understands how you can be a threat to these Darkfriends.. and if so we must take this threat seriously.”

 

He met his Bondholder’s eyes squarely. “Is there any chance that this supposed ‘young Green’ is someone else from the Tower, whatever this Cairhienin says?” Myrrhi replied that she could not say. She did not know. Aes Sedai travelled the lands on missions for the White Tower all the time. Elessar nodded, thinking that no matter which Green the letter was referring to, the White Tower had to be informed.

 

If a young Green was in danger to begin with.

 

He faced the young nobleman who stood some paces away gazing at the window, wondering again how much of what the Cairhienin had said was the truth. Was this a real danger? Or was it a Cairhienin House playing Daes Dae'mar? Could he - and his House - be trusted?

 

One thing was for certain, Elessar thought with not a small amount of amusement: House Maravin only had House Maravin’s interests at heart, no matter what the young man had said.

 

That was the way of Power. That was the way of Life.

 

The young man did not feel the Warder’s eyes on him and kept looking at the window and the garden beyond, his thoughts elsewhere for the moment, and Elessar shifted his gaze back to his Aes Sedai.

 

●

 

They exchanged a quick glance of agreement, Myrrhi removed her weave and then both faced the young nobleman again.

 

“Now then”, the Warder spoke, his voice carrying, gaining the man’s attention, and the Cairhienin turned to face them.

 

A moment’s pause followed, as the Aes Sedai appraised him, then Myrrhi said cooly: “Please thank your Lord Maravin for this.. warning. The White Tower appreciates all those who have her interests at heart.”

 

There was undisguised amusement in her voice but the young nobleman only nodded, seemingly pleased at her words and gratitude.

 

“We stand ever ready”, Myrrhi added, her blue eyes narrowing, “to battle.. dark forces.. wherever.. they may be found.”

 

Elessar’s eyes hardened in accord, as if to emphazise his Aes Sedai’s words, and this did not go unnoticed by the young Cairhienin.

 

 

He bowed to her and also gave the Warder a nod of respect, when she did not add anything further and he understood from the finality of the conversation and her stance that the ‘meeting’ was at an end.

 

“My Lady”, to the Aes Sedai, “my Lord”, he said in seeming humility, a smile upon his lips but his eyes as shrewd and calculating as ever, and then he left the room and closed the door behind him.

 

Elessar exchanged another knowing glance with his Bondholder.

 

“Perhaps Cairhienin nobles should indeed take the Oaths as you suggested”, he said with a wide grin and a chuckle, and she joined him in laughter.

 

●

 

From just behind the corner of a corridor, a pair of very attentive eyes watched the Warder and Aes Sedai walk down the hallway and leave the Palace.

 

The Great Lord of the Dark will be pleased, thought the watcher with a lopsided evil grin.

 

Then, with the sound of receding footsteps, the corridor was soon empty again, Echoes left in Shadows.

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi didn't manage to stop thinking about the night's events. Could she be the "young Green"? She had never experienced such a situation. As she discussed it with Elessar, she decided it would be better to stay cautious.

 

"We'll keep watches", she announced proudly.

 

Elessar raised an eyebrow, but she went on before he managed to protest.

 

"I don't want to hear about nonsense about Gaidins  protecting their Sedai! If people are after me - and I still don't know why - you are equally in danger. We will protect each other tonight!" She said pointing her finger under Elessar's nose.

 

"Now, if you really want to, you can leave me the bed and I'll let you sleep on a bed roll."

 

She grinned.

 

***

 

The inn was as busy as it had been when they left. A gleeman was singing so beautifully that Myrrhi guessed the patrons wouldn't leave before the early morning. The ambiance he had managed to set was so entertaining that she hesitated between ordering a mug of ale or going back to her room.

 

Remembering about her watches proposals, she decided it would be better not to stay in the common room.

 

"I'll keep first watch", she said thinking of herself as real warrior.

Edited March 20, 2017 by Chaelca

[Elessar]

.. An Extraordinary Ability.. or so it Seems ..

►▼◄

 

An excerpt from the book “Men and women: a Difference in Perspective”

by Paitr Dulain, Scholar

 

Mindea, Murandy

The Third Age

------------------------

 

 

..One of the first lessons a man learns (or is supposed to learn) when he reaches a certain age, is that when in the company of a woman there is a time to speak - and a time to stay silent.

 

This is a very interesting lesson because there are seemingly no definites as to when one should speak in a lady’s company and when one should remain silent. It depends much on the man and the woman. On culture and local customs. And on the situation itself. And perhaps also on other, more basic, factors.

 

Seeing as men are very simple beings (no hiding that fact however much they may protest such a description in public), men are extremely good at missing the nuances and hints and intricacy of this matter and therefore more often than not manage in a spectacular fashion to do the wrong thing, i.e. to speak when they should not, or to stay silent when they should speak.

 

Some believe this is a gene that men are born with, though scholars across the continent have found no definite proof of this as of yet. There is great speculation, however, that such a gene probably exists because one cannot escape the fact that a surprisingly large amount of male members of society - whether highborn or lowborn, from the North or the South, the East or the West, whether  fat or slim, shy or extrovert, dim-witted or intelligent, sly or honest - they all seem to share this fascinating, extraordinary ability.

 

It seems improbable to most scholars that all males around the world should learn this ‘ability’ to such an impressive degree in childhood or through adolescence, regardless of culture, national traditions, local customs and so on. It seems more a kind of ‘inborn’ instinct - and one which on countless occasions throughout history has landed men in trouble to the great amusement - and sometimes painful frustration - of their female counterparts.

 

It must be admitted that some men do learn some of these intricacies through frequent interaction with wives, mistresses and other females in society over a long period of time and after much, much practice (and countless failures), but it is highly doubtful if any man will ever truly excel in this (for him) instinctively highly unnatural endeavour.

 

More research will definitely have to be done on this matter - and fortunately (for us scholars) there is an unending supply of test-subjects for our use..

 

●

 

Elessar, of course, thought of none of this as his Bondholder’s words registered in his mind.

 

He did, however, react in the much expected fashion when he said emphatically, but also with some dark amusement,

 

“It is out of the question!!”

 

Myrrhi’s grin darkened at his words and he recognized the look in her face which bespoke of frustration and stubbornness. She was not amused, he could feel it through the Bond also. Not amused at all.

 

Her suggestion that they both keep watch, one vigilant while the other slept, for this possible threat was preposterous in his eyes.

 

He would, as always, keep watch, that was his duty! She need not concern herself with that. Did she mistrust his ability to keep her safe!? Did she intentionally want to put herself in possible danger!?

 

He agreed with her view that they should be cautious - on the alert - in case this possible threat was real, but this idea that they share watch, was a bad one and he told her so - ..when she let him, that is.

 

First she ranted that she did not want to hear about ‘nonsense about Gaidins protecting their Sedai’. Then she added, pointing her finger under his nose, that he also was in danger, if they were after her, and that they should protect one another that night.

 

"Now, if you really want to, you can leave me the bed and I'll let you sleep on a bed roll." She had ended.. unable to conceal a grin.

 

He now repeated his outburst, his face dark.

 

“Out of the question!!”

 

●

 

He met her eyes and shook his head. He was sure she could feel his deep disapproval through the Bond but he did not care. Trying to make her understand, he considered his words.

 

“Protecting you - and thereby us - is my duty!” Elessar spoke emphatically. “As a Warder. As your Bonded Gaidin. You should not concern youself with it.”

 

Before she could say anything in response, he added, “And as for sleeping in here.. on a bedroll as you say.. it is unseemly..” He was distinctly uncomfortable and it shone through in his voice. “The danger is not that great.. I will sleep in my room next door.. but I will be alert and will keep a close watch on your door throughout the night. You get a good night’s sleep.”

 

Seeing her face and her building frustration at his words, he took a step back but then stood his ground.

 

“I know what you are going to say..”, Elessar added, “but under No circumstance will I sleep - and keep watch - here in your bedroom tonight!”

 

His eyes were fierce as they met Myrrhi’s, glancing also darkly at the bedroll beside the bed. There was a no-nonsense look in his eyes; there was No way - No way at all! -  he would be persuaded otherwise.

 

The matter was Closed!

 

●

 

Elessar slept that night on the bedroll in Myrrhi’s bedroom, keeping watch (as she also did) at intervals as she had suggested.

 

●

 

When they had left the Dower Palace behind, Elessar had felt eyes on him. It was an instinct bred in Warders, a kind of sixth sense that often warned him when he was being watched. He half-turned outside the Palace entrance but saw no one through the door behind before it closed. It could, of course, be someone up in one of the rooms above looking down at them from a window but he saw no one when his gaze passed over the building. Shrugging, he followed his Sedai as they walked past the monument in the square and down the street and up the other in the direction of the ‘Cunning Fox inn’. He was vigilant as always, perhaps a touch more so than usual in view of what they had learned that evening, his eyes watching closely in the darkness the houses, rooftops and alleyways they passed, but he saw nothing untoward and the walk back was uneventful.

 

Back at the inn they saw that it was as busy as when they had left hours before. A gleeman was performing on stage and though not at the level of the Court Bard they had seen and listened to earlier that evening, this gleeman had a beautiful voice which captivated the guests present.

 

They had considered staying down in the Common Room to get something to drink and enjoy the entertainment, but had decided to go up to their rooms instead.

 

●

 

"I'll keep first watch", Myrrhi had said, as they had prepared to do exactly as the woman and Aes Sedai had wanted.

 

Women were indeed renowned for getting their way - their will - in matters of the world.

 

Aes Sedai, of course, no less so.

 

Far from it.

 

It’s the story of a man’s life, some men might have whispered..

 

(.. but only in secret or so low so as to be certain that the woman in question never heard..; even as simple creatures as men sometimes knew when to be tactful..though it could, of course, simply be survival instinct..)

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

If Myrrhi had known that the night would be as boring as it came to be, she wouldn't have talked about watches. She would have gone to her bedroom and slept. A full night...

 

The end of the first watch - her watch - was getting near and she was getting restless. Part of her wanted to close her eyes, and fall asleep. Another part, wanted to get out of the room... to patrol in the corridors and maybe around the inn itself. Again, she was craving for action, for a way to use her abilities.

 

"El.." she started.

 

No, I have to let him sleep. It is not his watch! She told herself. I have to wait.

 

Unless he's not asleep. Maybe he's awake?

 

Myrrhi rolled toward the left side of the bed to have a better view of the bed roll. Unfortunately, the Gaidin's head was turned towards the other side of the room.

 

Cursing, she tried to peer through the bond. Something seemed to be blocking her. She didn't know whether it was because Elessar was dreaming or because he was hiding the fact that he was fully conscious.

 

She sighed frustrated, and tried to be more patient.

 

***

 

"It is your turn!" she said at last. She had jumped out of her bed as soon as she had been certain that her watch had ended. With a soft hand she had shaken the Gaidin's shoulder.

 

"Nothing happened," she went on. "But it is still early."

 

She nodded, a determined look on her face.

 

***

 

The second watch was even more boring that the first one. She had fallen asleep as soon as she had been back on her bed.

 

The only thing she wanted to do was to close her eyes once more. To help staying awake, she lit a small candle and had started to read. Concentrating was very hard though. Sleep took over every two or three sentences making her head tilt down so frequently that she started to feel some pain on the back of her neck.

 

Why did I ever thought about watches? I'll never mention watches again ! NEVER ! She promised to herself.

[Elessar]

.. A Knife whistling through the Air ..

►▼◄

 

The knife whistled through the air.. and embedded itself through Myrrhi’s coat-sleeve and emphatically in the woodwork of the house behind, half-pinning her to the building!

 

The second knife barely missed Elessar as he threw himself to the side, having sensed the attack a second or so before it happened, his shoulder crashing into the wall as he screamed a warning at his Aes Sedai.

 

It had all happened so fast..!

 

●

 

“The Night of the Long Watch”, as Elessar came to think of it, passed by uneventfully. They kept vigil in turns, first Myrrhi and then Elessar and then Myrrhi again and so on until the early morning hours. Elessar could hear his Bondholder’s sighs as the night progressed, guessing (rightly as it turned out) that she was tired and bored and regretting her decision of these shared watches. He, a Gaidin of many years, entered the ‘half-awake, half-sleep’ state that Warders were so good at where they slept lightly but at the same time attained some awareness of the world around them. It was a useful, and above all, an important skill learned over the years for a Gaidin who needed to be vigilant to some extent at all times. He did not know if his Aes Sedai sensed this state through the Bond or if he, to her, would seem to be asleep or awake. He could not recall if he had ever asked Leandreen about it. Facing away from the bed where she lay awake in vigil, he hoped she thought he was sleeping and resting.

 

At times during the night when she held watch, he also heard her mumbling to herself, half-cursing as well (which amused him) and it made him think of their big disagreement when it came to this watch-arrangement. He was still frustrated by their argument and her insistence that they share the watch, at the same time he felt some guilt at having confronted her so strongly. Though ‘military matters’ were a Warder’s domain in a functional Bond, as most Gaidin (and Aes Sedai) saw it, and  protection was his duty, a Warder’s oath meant serving and obeying his Aes Sedai. Some Aes Sedai would have found such direct opposition from their Warder disrespectful and intolerable. He did not know what Myrrhi thought. Her momentary anger at his refusal to do what she suggested (some might have said ‘ordered’) had seemingly disappeared when he, finally, had given in and agreed to her ‘proposal’.

 

Though he was unhappy with the decision, for many reasons, letting her share the vigil would not cause any harm as he saw it (at least with his planned ‘half-sleep’ which would make him able to react at once in case of any danger) and it would make her pleased and content which, the Warder had to admit to himself, was for the good. His discomfort at sleeping in her bedroom, even if on a bedroll, did not disappear during the night, however, and he was relieved when he moved to his own bedroom next door as morning came. He had taken the last watch and Myrrhi had contentedly fallen into a deep sleep and he had let her sleep until midday when she had awakened somewhat groggy, a bit dazed, but better rested. She had not spoken much of the night’s watch but he gained the disctinct impression that she would not suggest it again any time soon.

 

●

 

That afternoon they had walked the streets of Cairhien, talking about the situation - the possible threat - and what to do next. They had agreed, as before, that it could all be an imaginary threat.. but what if it was not? Should they contact the White Tower right away? Should they leave for Tar Valon now?

 

Or, they whispered softly to each other, as they walked past countless fountains and monuments and squares in the city, should they try and actively seek out this possible danger and eliminate it?

 

In the end they decided on the latter. Perhaps it was unwise, perhaps they should have waited, but they both felt some restlessness and an eagerness to remove this threat, if there was one, once and for all. No more sneaking around peering into Shadows.

 

Satisfied with their decision, nurturing the pro-arguments of their choice in their minds in typical human fashion, they returned to the ‘Cunning Fox’ inn and ate a decent afternoon-meal in the Common Room.

 

Later, as twilight embraced the Capital of Cairhien, they left the inn and walked down the city streets in the direction of what some unofficially called ‘the Poor Quarter’, a rougher part of the Capital. All great cities had such a city-region, where the poorer and less fortunate souls in the population lived and where thieves and scoundrels and brigands thrived. Myrrhi had contacted House Maravin through an intermediary and had received word back that they were to meet with someone in the ‘Poor Quarter’ that evening, someone who had vital information regarding the.. dark forces.. they wanted to confront. Elessar had been unsure whether the message could or should be trusted.. it could be a trap, after all.. and though Myrrhi had agreed with his assessment, they had decided even so to take the chance. They wanted to eliminate this threat, to be done with it, and this seemed their best option to do so. They would just have to be careful, as Elessar had said when their decision had been made.

 

Walking down a side street, Elessar pointed toward an alley off to the right and they crossed the street and came up to a street-corner. “This is the place”, he said to Myrrhi as they looked into the alley. It was dark as far as they could see, Shadows among Shadows, and a slight doubt as to the wisdom of this action came in his mind, but he shrugged it off. He had felt eyes on them from dark doorways and darker alleys since they had reached this rough part of the city - which was far from unusual in these parts -  but right now they seemed to be alone. They exchanged a quick glance, then Elessar nodded and he walked slowly into the alleyway, Myrrhi a few paces behind him. He had his sword at his side and he presumed Myrrhi was ‘armed’ with the One Power, but even so there was little doubt that they could be walking into a cauldron of danger.

 

They were half-way through the alley, with dark imposing buildings on either side - watching the Darkness carefully - when the Warder’s sixth sense screamed danger! He quickly motioned for Myrrhi to move across to the building at the side while he scanned the Dark for the threat that was waiting.

 

But it was too late..

 

The knife whistled through the air..

 

●

 

..Ignoring the great pain in his shoulder, half-crouching by a tall wood building, he tried to find his Bondholder in the Darkness but Shadows covered everything and he could only feel her through the Bond some paces off to his right. Cursing inside at being taken unawares in this fashion - I should have been more careful! - he turned toward the dark end of the alley where their attackers had to be. He could see nothing at all but he knew - he could sense - they had not gone away. He and his Sedai were in a predicament, of that there was little doubt, and the only positive thing in this dire situation from what he could surmise was the fact that Myrrhi had not been injured by the knife. He felt confusion and shock through the Bond but no pain. He sighed in relief, but knew that he had to get to her quickly..

 

●

 

At the other side of the alley, hidden by Shadows, three pairs of eyes watched intently. Their leader, a tall, hard-faced Cairhienin brute with a sly slant to his mouth and eyes, cursed inside. Their orders had been clear: kill the Aes Sedai and dispose of the Warder. They had been well prepared, intercepting the Maravin ‘spy’ and making him talk (the brute had particularly enjoyed that part) and then setting up this favourable location in near-Darkness. And then Orren - as he knew him - had bungled the attack, missing the Sister and with his second knife-throw also missing the Warder!

 

Turning for a moment to look at the man in question off to his left, his face hardened further. Damn incompetence! Now it would be that much harder to achieve their objective. The  Warder would be ready now, a dangerous foe in any circumstance the man knew, and the Aes Sedai with her accursed One Power even more so! The Cairhienin considered their options, swearing to himself that once this matter was dealt with there would be a reckoning with that fool Orren.

 

If the Great Lord of the Dark does not punish him for his incompetence, I certainly will, in this life or the next, thought the Leader angrily,  as he stared hard into the Shadows, looking for any movement.

 

●

 

“Myrrhi”, Elessar whispered as he moved slowly, almost in a crawl, in her direction. His shoulder ached badly but he did not have time to concern himself with that as he moved toward her, keeping to the Shadows, his eyes trying to pierce the Darkness surrounding them. Finally he arrived at her side and saw that a knife half-pinned her coat to the woodwork. It had missed her shoulder by an inch or so it seemed. Removing the knife carefully, he held it in his hand as their eyes met for a second and he could see concern - also for him, she could feel his pain through the Bond - but also determination in those blue eyes. He nodded and as they crouched down together beside the imposing building he whispered to her that there were probably two or more attackers out there.

 

●

 

It had been a trap.

 

Darkfriends, they both thought, though the word was not uttered. It was not necessary. It was highly doubtful that anyone else would attack them in this fashion. Not in view of what had happened in the last few days. Thieves and brigands were a danger in all great cities, of course, and especially in poor, rough areas like this, but somehow Elessar did not think it simply was a coincidence that they were attacked just then. Definetly Darkfriends, thought the Warder angrily as he stared into the dark alley, considering their options.

 

There were only two really: they could either retreat or retaliate. Turning toward his Aes Sedai he guessed that she was thinking the same thing.

 

“We can fight back..”, he began, “but they have us at a disadvantage here”, he whispered to her. “The Darkness, the buildings, the alleyway.. it will be difficult to move far without them knowing, difficult to retaliate directly.” He muttered a curse as he stared outward. “There is a small path off to the right. If I am not wrong, that side path leads back to the main street. If we are quick we might get away before they know we are gone.” He added. “Then we can retaliate from a better position.. or at a better time.” She heard from the tone of his voice that he hated the thought of retreating.. even if it was the prudent thing to do in this situation. His instinctive thought was to fight these Darkfriends, to remove the danger.. but his prime responsibility was to protect his Aes Sedai - and she would not be best served by a foolish attempt of bravado against a better prepared enemy in – what was for him and his Bondholder - unfavourable ‘terrain’.

 

He waited for her view.

 

Nothing came through the Bond, however, to indicate what she thought. He thought she instinctively might want to take on the attackers, seeing as she too would want to eliminate this threat and - he believed - was somewhat eager for some ‘action’, but he hoped she also would wisely consider their options and the danger involved.

 

When she did not respond immediately he turned his gaze from the dark alleyway and met her eyes.

 

“What do you think..?” He prompted.

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi cursed as she heard something whistling through the air. Knives! One of them pinned her sleeve to the woodwork of the nearest house. A second knife barely missed Elessar. The Gaidin had felt it coming and had dived on the side. Unfortunately, doing so he crashed on a wall, right shoulder first. The young Green felt the pain that coursed through his body. It made her angry.

 

Time to play! the young Green focused, embracing Saidar. With her improved senses, it was easy for her to see where the threat was coming from.

 

Three attackers were watching them. Not for long, the Aes Sedai thought as she summoned a wall of fog to separate them from the attackers.

 

Elessar called her with a whisper. He crawled towards her as the Power made fog thickened.

 

"We can fight back,' he began 'but they have us at a disadvantage here. The Darkness, the building, the alleyway..." The Gaidin explained that it would be difficult to move and risky to attack. Their opponents could retaliate easily in this close space.

 

"There is a small path off to the right," he added. 'If I am not wrong that side path leads back to the main street. If we are quick we might get away before they know we are gone. Then we can retaliate from a better position ... or at a better time."

 

Myrrhi peered through the bond and noticed that Elessar was feeling the same as her. They both bated to retreat. They both wanted to fight. Still, she knew that he wanted to protect her.

 

My Warder, I have been frustrating enough with those watches, she thought. Not daring to say it out loud. It is time for me to follow your wishes.

 

"Let's do it this way," she answered. "The small path and we check whether or not they are following us."

 

As she finished her sentence, she heard steps coming their way. The fog had surprised their attackers for a moment but it was time to move.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Elessar]

.. Heading through Fog and Darkness ..

►▼◄

 

The fog thickened in the Darkness, making it impossible to see anything at all for the men in the alley.

 

Elessar had thought it solid black before, like a wall that no ordinary eyesight could penetrate, but the Saidar-wrought fog (Elessar quickly understood it was Myrrhi’s work, since no natural fog could suddenly envelope them here in this way) added to the Darkness, making it even darker if that was possible.

 

The Warder felt the heaviness of the fog surround them as he waited for his Aes Sedai to reply.

 

Finally she did.

 

“Let’s do it this way”, she answered. “The small path and we check whether or not they are following us.”

 

●

 

No sooner had she spoken than Elessar heard footsteps coming their way. The fog had surprised their attackers for a moment, but it was time to move.

 

They have become impatient, Elessar thought as he considered Myrrhi’s reaction. Despite the fog making their job even harder, they are attacking.

 

For a second he considered remaining where they were - their enemy was, after all, a little carelessly coming at them through a dense fog, risking a counter-attack - but the thought disappeared as quickly as it had come. The sensible thing to do was what he had indirectly, by his arguments, suggested - and which his Bondholder had agreed to: to retreat along the small path and see if these attackers followed. It would give them a better place from which to strike back, to retaliate, if they decided to do so.

 

Nodding to Myrrhi, he crept along the dark building with her a step behind, his blade in hand. The knife which had barely missed his Aes Sedai he had pocketed. They could hear grumbles and curses some way behind but focused on what was ahead of them. Soon they saw the path Elessar had mentioned and they hurried along it until they came to another building shrouded in Shadows. There they stopped for a moment and turned to look back. The fog made it hard to see anything at all, at least for the Warder, though it was not as thick as it had been. Elessar presumed Myrrhi had not seen the need to maintain it to the same , as they had moved away from the site of the attack. Footsteps could be heard, however, and they seemed to be coming their way.

 

They are following us, thought the Warder and exchanged a quick glance with his Aes Sedai. She was thinking the same thing.

 

“They are coming”, he whispered to her as he turned to look in the direction they were heading. “We should go further along and then decide on our options.” Myrrhi nodded in silent agreement, seeing the sense in his words, and followed him as they hurried onwards down the path.

 

●

 

Accursed Aes Sedai!

 

The Cairhienin assassin cursed under his breath as he walked through the unnatural fog. Orren and his mate walked just in front of him, carefully so as to not stumble in the Darkness. The leader’s anger was almost as much for Orren, for his incompetence, as for the Sister of the White Tower who had obviously conjured up this leaden mist that darkened the path further and clung to body and soul.

 

“Hurry, fools - before they get away”, he urged them harshly, almost spitting the words. They grumbled under their breath but picked up their pace, walking along the dark buildings, keeping to the Shadows.

 

●

 

Elessar and Myrrhi came to an intersection by two buildings and stopped. The Warder looked back from where they had come but saw nothing. The fog was becoming lighter as they walked but still it was difficult to see. Curses coming from the blackness confirmed that they were still being followed. The Darkfriends would be upon them soon. Exchanging another glance with Myrrhi, he said, “They are gaining on us.” She nodded. “We need to get further along.”

 

She followed him as he walked swiftly down the path. Soon they reached a second intersection and here the Warder stopped and remained standing by the corner of a dark building, surveying the location. If they continued along the path they would soon reach the main street so if they wanted to create an ambush, this was the place. He walked across to Myrrhi and told her so. “We don’t have much time”, he said, “but we won’t get a better chance.”

 

Meeting her eyes squarely, he added cautiously for the second time that evening, “Unless we retreat.” He looked into the Darkness another time. “There may be more of them coming. We can lose them all in the city streets and get out of Cairhien before they know we are gone.”

 

He still had no idea why these Darkfriends were after Myrrhi - and neither did she, from what he could understand, There was always the chance that they could be followed on their journey to Tar Valon, but somehow he doubted it. She couldn’t be that important to these villains, could she!? He wondered, not for the first time, if this all was some kind of terrible misunderstanding, or that it was some other ‘young Green’ that they were really after. What could, after all, be their reason for wanting Myrrhi dead? It seemed inconceivable!

 

Warders did not run away from Battle, but his first priority was to keep his Aes Sedai Bondholder alive.

 

●

 

She must have sensed some of his conflicting emotions through the Bond because she looked at him thoughtfully for a long moment, considering his words and their options.

 

She too wondered hard why these Darkfriends wanted her dead.

 

It had to be some kind of nasty and deadly misunderstanding, no doubt about it!

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi followed  Elessar down the path. They reach an intersection where the Warder stopped. He looked around, thinking.

 

"We don't have much time," he said at last. "But be won't get a better chance."

 

The young Green met his eyes, she nodded, determination on her face.

 

"Unless we retreat. There may be more coming. We can lose them all in the streets and get out of Cairhien before they know we are gone."

 

The idea was appealing. The Darkfriends would probably not wander outside of the city. They would not allow their prey to get reinforcement or plan a counterattack. Either they would try to get them immediately, either they would abandon their plan.

 

"What about our things? Our mounts?" She asked.

 

Everything they had gathered for and during their journey was at the inn, including her Green Shawls. Could she abandon them? It was certain that if the Darkfriends had found them in the streets they knew where Myrrhi and Elessar slept. They would probably try to attack them at the inn, if they had not already sent men there... 

 

The young Green bit her lower lip. A gesture that showed how upset she felt.

 

"I say, we make a stand here."

 

As she said her words, she let Saidar course through her. Waiting for Elessar reply, she prepared her favorite Combat weaves.

[Elessar]

.. In the Dark Alleyway, Battle Commences ..

►▼◄

 

Elessar’s sword sliced through the Darkness, with an executioner’s precision, and bit into the Darkfriend’s side drawing blood, at the same time as Myrri attacked the second man with her Combat Weaves!

 

The Battle was on!

 

●

 

A little earlier, while he had been waiting for Myrrhi to make her view known, Elessar had again weighed the options in his mind. His instinct once again had told him to fight, to deal with this threat and eliminate it. But at the same there could, he knew, be valid arguments for urging caution.

 

As she was thinking the matter through, considering options and consequences, Myrrhi asked what they were to do about their things and their mounts? They were back at the inn and there was, Elessar thought, a good chance that these Darkfriends knew where they were staying and might attack there as well. That would certainly have to be taken into consideration. He replied accordingly and she nodded silently, having thought the same thing.

 

Finally she spoke, her mind made up. “I say, we make a stand here.”

 

●

 

As she spoke the words, Elessar knew that this was what he had wanted all along. Deep inside. To elimininate this threat once and for all. There was always a risk, but at some point they had to draw the line, make a stand.

 

 Let it be here. The Warder thought, as he nodded agreement to his Aes Sedai.

 

She could feel his approval through the Bond and a determined smile came upon her lips.

 

“Let us prepare”, Elessar added and explained how he intended their little ‘ambush’ to play out.

 

It was quite simple really. They would move into the Shadows of the alleyway by the dark buildings, one on each side of the path, he would throw the knife he carried further onto the path when the Darkfriends came into view (making them think by the sound that the Sedai and Warder were further ahead), and then they would ‘jump’ them.

 

It was no brilliant plan but the best he could come up with on short notice. Hopefully the element of surprise would give them the added advantage.

 

Myrrhi whispered that it sounded all good to her and he thought he sensed some excitement in her voice. A similar feeling came through the Bond. Elessar nodded with determination, readying himself for combat, his eyes hardening. Moving to the side of the small path, as Myrrhi moved opposide him into the Shadows, Elessar stood ready, focused and vigilant, as he heard footsteps rapidly coming their way.

 

Any moment now..

 

●

 

..The man screamed in agony but despite his injury seemed to recover somewhat as he lunged at Elessar with his own sword. The Warder parried the thrust and countered with one of his own. The second man on the other side screamed too and seemed to go down - he presumed it was Myrrhi’s work - though Elessar could not see clearly in the half-darkness as he focused on his own opponent. The sword stabbed at him another time and he deflected the blow confidently but just then the third man threw himself into the battle, his blade cutting at the Gaidin from the side.

 

Fighting two decently skilled enemies in near-darkness was quite a challenge even for the better-skilled Warder, but enveloped in the Flame and the Void he moved with precision and agility and soon had the first opponent down, a deep cut to his thigh added to his former injury, after combining several lethal sword forms. The remaining Darkfriend cursed loudly and came at Elessar with feriocity and speed but the Gaidin kept him at bay.

 

Then, suddenly!, Elessar heard footsteps coming from the other direction - the main street - and he threw a swift glance over his shoulder, seeing two more armed men coming hurriedly towards them.

 

Damn! He cursed inwardly. More of them!

 

He attacked his opponent with several hard slashing moves and then parried a thrust from one of the new men, as the second newcomer headed for Myrrhi. The third man, on the ground, who Elessar had fought first, was in obvious agony from his wounds but was even so trying to gain his feet. Seeing his movements out of the corner of his eyes, the Warder kicked him hard in the back, as his momentum carried him within range, and the man fell back onto the ground - and this time remained there.

 

●

 

The Cairhienin leader and assassin swore as he slashed hard at the tall Warder who somehow managed to evade all his attacks.

 

The Darkfriend was a more than able swordsman, he knew - the many men who had fallen at his swordhands through the years were testament to his skill - but this damn Gaidin of the White Tower was a better opponent than he had ever faced.

 

He quickly understood that he would not best him, unless the other made a mistake (which was unlikely), or, he got some help. Fortunately, help had arrived, as planned, and now they were two men attacking this Warder.

 

Great Lord, lend me strength!, the Cairhienin leader prayed, as he attacked the Gaidin another time, his sword rising in a lethal arc.

 

●

 

Facing his two Darkfriend sword opponents who came at him from two sides, drawing strength from his Aes Sedai through the Warder-Bond and using experience and instinct to compensate for the lack of light there in the Shadowy alleyway, Elessar had only a moment to think of how Myrrhi was doing - a mixture of emotions came through the Bond but he thought she was coping - before throwing himself into another strenuous round of the eternal Dance of the Blade.

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Myrrhi nodded. Happy to hear Elessar's strategy. Pride shone through the bond. I am so glad he's my Gaidin, she thought. Not only did his plan make sense but it was also simple and effective.

 

Calling for Saidar to amplify the darkness of the alleyway they were standing in, she advanced to its left side while Elessar went to the right. They didn't have long to wait. The Darkfriends were on their tail. As soon as the first one came into view, the Gaidin threw a knife further onto the path making their opponent think that they were way further ahead than they really were.

 

Let's go!

 

Elessar didn't have to signal her to attack. What she had felt through the bond had been enough to know that it was time to move.

 

As the Warder went out of his hiding place, sword already leaving his guarding position, Myrrhi channeled a Club of Air. The weave knocked out the attacker closer to her.

 

Next!

 

A man screamed in agony, but she decided to ignore the sound. It wasn't Elessar, and she needed to focus. Her next weave was much fancier. She used what she called the Swamp, a perfect weave to quickly immobilize multiple targets. The ground below the feet of two of the attackers became so sludgy that they found themselves stopped in their tracks. From where they stood, Myrrhi would have no difficulty to take them out. She didn't want to kill them though. She needed prisoners, as the Tower protocol demanded it. Getting information out of Darkfriends was one of the her priorities as a Green Aes Sedai.

 

The men's feet were stuck but it didn't mean that they couldn't do any more damage, she aimed Spikes of Earth and Air towards her two targets' right shoulder. The first one screamed, probably thinking that the weave would kill him. The second one welcomed it as if it would provide him some kind of peace.

 

Myrrhi smiled. She had always loved to use Earth and had practiced hard to master the Element, in which she was particularly gifted.

 

The sound of footsteps resonated from a nearby alley.

 

More of them! Her eyes met Elessar's.

 

Again, the young Green channeled, but only Air this time. She directed the weave at her attacker which created a empty bubble around his head. The man struggled, suffocating as there was nothing for him to breathe.

 

There were only two Darkfriends remaining, one clearly better than the other. The two attackers were focused on Elessar, as if he was the main threat. Myrrhi needed time to think. As much as she was good at channeling, she had problems with aiming her weaves. And here, she couldn't afford to make a mistake. What would happen if the product of her channeling would injure her Warder?

 

She waited for one of the Gaidin's opponent to make a step aside.

 

There !

 

A first Earth Spike left her hand to  crash on the ground, at the attackers feet. Dammit! She cursed.

 

Not waiting for another opening, she threw a second one and was rewarded by a cry of pain. The man collapsed holding his knee.

 

Indeed, still careful, she had not dared to aim for the man's chest since he had been advancing towards Elessar once again.

 

 

 

[Elessar]

.. Shadowed by a Clash of Swords  ..

►▼◄

 

It was, to all appearances, a Dance to the Death.

 

The Darkfriend was surprisingly good, Elessar had to admit. And the near-Darkness did not make things any easier.

 

At one point the earth almost exploded close to where they were fighting and Elessar registered a thought in his mind that it had to be Myrrhi’s work. Her had to focus on his swordplay though as he swung hard at his main opponent while keeping out of reach of the other one. Suddenly this other man cried out in pain and out of the corner of his eye the Warder saw the man collapse, holding his injured knee. He felt pride at his Sedai’s skill and perhaps some of his emotion was felt through the Bond, as he kept on attacking his opponent with vigour and skill. He would have finished them both off eventually, such was his skill with the blade, but now he could focus all his attention on this one skilled Darkfriend enemy.

 

Enveloped in the Flame and the Void, his sword forms flowed one into another with precision and deadly grace. Low Wind Rising, a diagonal slash which began low and rose cleanly, followed by The Boar Rushes Down the Mountain, a vertical slash starting high and which in this case altered course in midswing, paired with Tower of Morning, a verticle slash but this time beginning low and ending high. All in quick succession. Followed by the Falling Leaf, another vertical slash starting high, and then straight into The River Undercuts the Bank, a bold movement involving dropping to one knee in order to make a horizontal cut at the enemy's abdomen or legs. They were all performed with skill but the Darkfriend managed somehow to parry and deflect just in time. Even so, he was beginning to tire and Elessar seized the moment!

 

●

 

The Cairhienin Darkfriend cursed inside!

 

Damn Warder!

 

His mate had just been felled by One Power-trickery, no doubt and now he was alone against this very accomplished Warder swordsman. He fought hard, just managing to deflect all the cursed Gaidin’s attacks, but he was losing strength quickly and it was all he could do to defend himself.

 

Praying for the Great Lord to give him added strength and endurance, he tried a final attack as he threw himself at the Warder!

 

●

 

Elessar sensed the attacking move, as the Darkfriend started his movement, and with his long experience immediately saw that the man would be overextending himself. He met the other’s blade, steel against steel, and the sound of Swords Clashing rang in the Dark alleyway.

 

The Warder then sidestepped smoothly and caught his opponent unawares, getting his blade inside the other man’s guard, slicing deeply into his side. With a hard backwards thrust Elessar swept the Darkfriend’s sword aside and it crashed onto the ground at the same time as, carried by the momentum, the Gaidin’s shoulder smashed into the Cairhienin brute’s side, fellling him.

 

The Darkfriend cried out in great pain as he fell hard onto the ground, as Elessar came to a stop beside him, his sword held high - ready for the kill. The killing blow never came, however. The Warder wanted this man, the leader - he was pretty sure - alive.

 

For questioning.

 

●

 

Only now did he turn around to see Myrrhi standing watching him some paces away, pride coming through the Bond. He felt renewed pride at her as well, happy that she was his Aes Sedai Bondholder, seeing the men laying unmoving, incapacitated at her feet. There were more bodies laying around and the Warder understood that there had been more of the attackers than he had realized. He gave her a nod and a smile, though he could not say if she saw through the near-Darkness.

 

Focusing his attention on the injured Darkfriend mumbling curses at his feet, Elessar kicked him in the side - producing more grunts of pain - and then dragged him over to where Myrrhi waited by a dark building. He pushed him, not very carefully, up against the wall and stared into hard, unforgiving eyes with similar eyes of his own. The Darkfriend’s body tensed, as if held back by invisible hands, and Elessar understood that Myrrhi was using One Power weaves on him so he could not move an inch.

 

“Now then”, Elessar said in a stone-hard tone of voice, “I can quickly give you the death you deserve.. for your many crimes. Though I am not sure you will enjoy facing your Great Lord any time soon.. with your despicable failure.”

 

A small frown and a touch of fear came into those dark eyes at the Warder’s words, and Elessar understood that his barb had been effective.

 

“However, my Aes Sedai here”, he added, nodding toward Myrrhi, “wants some answers from you and so I will keep you alive.. for a little bit longer.”

 

●

 

His voice hardened even further, if possible, eying this evil creature with a foul taste in his mouth.

 

“Now tell us”, he asked harshly, “who sent you to kill Myrrhi Aes Sedai - and why?”

 

  ▀▄ 

 

Edited January 12, 2018 by Elessar

[Guest]

Elessar's blade slice into his opponent's side. Myrrhi's heart tightened, hoping for a quick victory. She took a deep breath and crossed her fingers. With another move of his sword, the Warder swept the Darkfriend's weapon aside. It clanged on the ground, providing a distraction good enough for the Gaidin to rush toward his enemy. The man noticed Elessar's advance way too late. The Warder's shoulder smashed into his side, making him topple on the ground.

 

The attacker seemed confused, he cried out of pain and surprise. He had not expected Elessar's victory. The Warder was now walking towards him.

 

Don't kill him, Myrrhi silently begged. We need to question him.

 

Either they both had had the same idea, either Elessar had felt her thoughts through the bond. Instead of driving his sword through the man's heart he secured him for an interrogation.

 

You did well my Gaidin, the young Green smiled. The Warder's eyes met hers. He must have felt how proud she felt of being bonded to him and of having achieved so much.

 

There were three men still alive, the leader and two of his goons. Both were now unconscious, thanks to one of Myrrhi's weave. She didnt' want the Darkfriend's leader to know that he still had allies nearby. He had to think that he was alone.

 

Elessar kicked him in the side - producing more grunts of pain - and then dragged him over to where Myrrhi was standing. As soon as he was close enough she opened herself to Saidar to paralyze the man's body except for his head. She didn't want him to run away, nor to try a last attack towards her Warder or herself.

 

***

 

The man laughed to the Warder's questions. He was ready to die or to suffer for his Great Lord ...

 

The young Green started chewing on her lip. She didn't know weaves that would push people to tell the truth. It was usually the Blues or the Blue Ajah Aspirants who were interested in those things. Thinking about the Elements that were at her disposal, she guessed that she would have to use Spirit. But how much of it? This man is not really a threat, I can't injure him with an experiment.

 

The situation was getting very frustrating. She didn't want Elessar to go to far into his questioning. She didn't want him to start torturing their prisoner. It would not be the right thing to do.

 

"Very well," she said at last. "You don't want to tell us a thing,  no matter how we ask...."

 

"Now, what do you think will happen if we start telling that you helped us out? That you told us about this attack, and everything we will find out about it? I don't think your Great Lord will be happy with you."

 

She made a pause, hoping it would make the Darkfriend leader understand where she was going.

 

"I can make promises that will bind me. You should take advantage of it for yourself, or your family," she added nodding towards the man"s wedding band.