~Byron~

Elyan and Byron had found a place for Dara, his mare, nearer to his barrack rooms.      Elyan had been amazed that it had belonged to him and that he could ride it, he had been slightly nervous as he had asked him if he wanted to ride of next to him.  It had taking up most of the day getting her stabled and taking care of her needs.  By the time he had finished it was dark and he was tired, he skipped his dinner and had just went straight to bed.

  He woke to the room being empty no sign of anyone, had he slept in?  He washed himself and dressed and headed out to the yards.  It was a nice clear day and the rain from the day before had dried up completely, he wondered through the yards looking for any sign of anyone.  After some searching he spotted someone laying weapons out.

  Ah maybe they know what I have to do?

  Byron could see that there was nearly every style of weapon he could think of and some he never knew of either. 

  “ehm, excuse me, but I am new here and well I don’t quite know where I’m supposed to be?”

OOC: Of course I’m up for anything.

IC: Byron found it startling that a Tower Guard would be slain in such away.  He would ask questions later, for the time being Sandre was concerned with what was outside.

  "Luck of the light blessed man no one is coming but I don’t want to test that luck by trying to get through the Tower Guard Halls unseen a second time. Out the window."

  Byron smiled to himself and jumped out of the window to land next to the young man holding his cloak, he smiled at the man but he was too worried to notice.

  What a very weird place, I see I have a lot learn before I get anywhere.

Sandre landed next Byron and looked back at the window and around for any sign of the guards.  Byron could begin to understand that he had made a very big mistake and these young men were doing something they didn’t need to do but was good.  Byron wondered if they could be trusted.

    "Thank you Elyan. I can take him back to the Trainee barracks or you can. No one will fault you for helping a lost trainee but you may still get punished if you are late somewhere. As long as you do not complain and show that you are willing to endure hardship for a good cause that will look good on you. Or mr... new-guy-whos-name-I-missed you can let Elyan go so he’s not late. Up to you two."

  Byron listened closely and before he could answer this Elyan handed his cloak back to him and he swing it round his shoulders and fastened it. 

  "No problem, happy to help." Elyan looked around. "Anyway, I got about an hour before I have to be anywhere".  

  Byron studied the lad for awhile as he spoke he could see that he had his pockets full of something.  He smiled as he remembered his days when his mother would scold him for having all sorts in his pockets from worms to rocks to snails.

  "If you want to follow me"

  Byron nodded his head and followed the lad across the yards.  Byron took this time to look around the grounds and study the architecture.  It then struck him that he hadn’t introduced himself, what a fool he thought.

  “I’m sorry Elyan, I haven’t introduced myself yet, I am so sorry.  My name is Byron Assroth, I come from Saldaea.”

  Elyan looked round and smiled and just carried on.  Byron felt a bit odd, was Elyan doing this because he wanted to or because he needed to?

  The entered a building very similar to the barracks and Elyan nudged the door open

  "This is where I’m staying. None of the other bunks are occupied, and I don't know of any other vacant bunks."

  Byron nodded and walked into the room, 4 bunks with the same amount of chests as well.  Elyan opened his chest and pulled out a bread roll and sat on his chest and began to eat.  Byron smiled and took his cloak off and hung it on one of the bunk posts.

  “I thank you Elyan for what you did for me, not many people would have done what they did.  You did not have to but yet you did.  I thank you for that; if ever you need my help in any way let me know.”

  Byron walked over to the window and looked out it, the yards were beautiful, and he really liked this place.  It then struck him; Dara was still in the stables by the Tower gate.

  “Em Elyan, I have a mare stabled at one of the stables is there anywhere closer I can stable her?  I am very close to her as she was a gift from my father and mother and well, she’s close to me.”

Byron had a sense of a presence behind him; before he could turn he was grabbed and whirled round.

"Which room did you put your stuff into?"

  Byron relaxed as his tone and body language told him he was not hostile.  He felt quite annoyed at the tone and the handling of himself by this young man.  As he was hurried back to the room he eventually understood the situation.

"This is the Tower Guard barracks you fool! If either of us are caught here they will decide how we are punished not the Mistress of Trainees or the Master of Arms and believe me they can make sure your every day spent as a trainee is while wearing a dress!"

  Not even 5 minutes in barracks and he was making mistakes, what a fool.  Hopefully this wasn’t a sign of things to come, the stranger and Bryon rushed into the room and the stranger looked about.  He was really worried; surely it wouldn’t be that bad, he walked to the wardrobe and removed his cloak.

“This is it; I left my saddle bags with the stable boy and my mare.”

  The stranger wasn’t interested he was sliding a mirror below the door to see if anyone was coming.  Byron raised an eyebrow, why would a trainee need a mirror in the Tower?  Surely it wasn’t riddled with darkfriends as the borderlands; a darkfriend would have to be mad to dwell here.

  As there was apparently someone waiting outside the window for possessions to be passed out he just threw his cloak out and told the person that was it.

  “That’s it, what now friend?”

  The stranger looked bewildered…..

~Byron~

After quiet a fair walk through the halls of the White Tower Byron had eventually found the barracks room.  It was midday by now and the Barrack rooms were empty, Byron knocked on each door in a hope to find someone in.  No luck, most the doors were locked and there for he assumed everyone was out at classes.  With a deep sigh he headed down the corridor to the rooms further down which had the doors open.  He steeped into the first room on the left, it was a good size room a bed, wash stand, writing desk and wardrobe stood in the room.  There was no decoration of any kind, no pictures or wall hangings like the rest of the tower.  The fireplace stood at the back wall with some kindling and wood sitting next to it, he wondered if it would get cold enough for him to light the fire tonight as he was still quite warm.  He knew it was warm further south but he didn’t think it would be this warm.  He paced over to the wardrobe and removed his worn cloak and hung it on a hook on the inside of the wardrobe door, he then went to remove his sword but sighed as he remembered it was sitting on Thera wall.

I need to get my sword back I can’t have this, how am I to defend myself.

Byron walked over to the wash stand to find the pitcher empty of water, looking around the room for any sign of a supply ended up in him taking the pitcher and heading towards the door.  As he came to the door he noticed a large key in the back of the lock, checking the lock worked he turned to key a few times.  Once satisfied the lock was adequate he closed the door behind him and locked door.

  He did this he could here voice from down the hall, it sounded like someone was coming into to the barrack room.

At last, I meet my comrades.

hay folks i've been in to see Thera but i don't know where to go know really.  So what now? I'm keen to get on with some roleplaying, the internet has been off for the past week but i'm always keen to carry on

Byron took in all Thera had to say, she said it as if she had said it hundreds of times before.  Of course she had Byron never knew how long she had had this post, he would never now.  Once she had finished he decided to ask for directions to the barracks 1 and thanked Thera for her time.  Bowing formally he left the room and headed down the hall following There’s directions.

OOC: thank you very much Eqwina, really enjoyed that hope for some more.

As much as it pained Byron to hear Thera words, he could understand what Mistress of Trainees was getting at.  After all even though he considered himself competent all Thera wanted was for him to be better and not show up the Tower.  He looked over to his sword, he would have to learn from the beginning again.

  Mistress of Trainees, I see what you say now and I completely understand what you want for me, after all if I go into training with cotton in my head of course I am going to find it hard.’  Byron bowed and removed his scabbered and offered it to Thera.

‘May I ask that my saber is kept in its scabbard whilst it resides here?’ 

  Thera took the scabbard and sheathed the saber; she had a quick look at the blade as she sheathed it and placed it on the rack.

  ‘Now Mam what would you have of me?’

Byron rose and sat in the seat again, he could hear Thera moving round the table.  As he sat down the women whisked his saber out and walked off with it.  Byron felt a mix of amazement and anger that this woman was treating him so.  He was not just any young lad; his family had served the tower for an age.  In fact he was quite taken aback with everything he had seen so far.

“You can have that back once you have convinced me that you won’t cut off your own foot. Tell me what you know of weapons.”

Byron tried to hold back a smile.  He had been given that saber at the age of 16 when he was big enough to wield a larger weapon, he still kept his staff at home everyone of the borderlands was trained to wield weapons.  If you didn’t you were as good as dead.  Byron went back in his memory and tried to remember his father’s words of wisdom he had been taught well before he was aloud to wield the saber.

  ‘My father told me that “a weapon was useless unless the bearer of it was willing.  After all a sword is but metal and leather unless it is wielded rightly.”  Some weapons are better than others; some suit other situations than others do.  But when it comes down to it you have to do with what you have.’

  Byron tried to keep eye contact with Thera but felt uncomfortable under her gaze.

  ‘My father has taught me how to fight since I was big enough to walk, we are from Saldaea and as I am sure you now Mam, if we don’t we are like lambs to the slaughter.  I understand that there is always more to learn but I am not unfamiliar with a sword’

  Byron placed his hands on his knees.

  ‘I do not say I am a master swordsman, and I would not compare my skill to any warder let alone a Tower Guard.  But I have to say I fell naked without my saber.’  Byron had been taught how to box and could handle himself but he would only need to defend for so long before he could find something better to wield.

  ‘I would be indebted to you if I got it back but if not I will understand.’  Byron wasn’t sure if this was some sort of lesson but he felt he was running out of things to say.  He could feel a sense of paranoia sinking in but he would have to adapt.

~Byron Assroth~

He heard a stern voice from the office.

“Come in! And be quick about it! I have no time to waste with your foolishness.”

Byron opened the door and bowed to the women shrugging on a coat. He felt his checks reddening as he walked in to the office and close the door behind him.  He gazed over the office and was quite surprised at the amount of paperwork strewn around the office. 

Surely this wasn’t Warder’s work?

“Didn’t you hear that I don’t have time to waste? Sit..sit.”

Byron started as he came out of his day dream, he sat down in the chair and repositioned his saber to sit comfortlly.  The women looked like she was about to pull one of the many weapons off of the wall and skewer him on the end of it. 

“Since I’ve never seen your face before, I will assume you have come to enlist. What’s your name and why have you come?”

He sensed a slight hint of irritation in her tone.  He stood up again and knelt down on one knee with his left hand on his sword and his right on the floor.

‘Thera Guidain,  I am Byron Assroth, I come from a small community of farms in Saldaea.  For centuries my ancestors have been sending there first born to serve the Aes Sedai of the White Tower,  I am the first born of my father and mother and I have been sent to serve as my forbearers before me.’

Had he said too much, he stayed kneeling facing the floor,  he wondered if any of his uncles or even an aunty  stilled served in the Tower.  He had waited a long time for this day.  His knowledge gained from only his parent's who had only been to the City of Maradon.  They had said an Aes Sedai hadn’t been seen in the region of there farm for 500 hundred years,  and here he was in the presence of what he hoped to be.

  He looked up slightly…..

~Byron Assroth~

The day of the trial had been a busy one; he had spoken to the guard in his shining armour and well had been told it would be better if he came back the next day as the whole tower was involved in the Trial.

  Byron had been curious to hear what the trial was for, but he had chosen not to ask.  After all he was still just a commoner and asking such things were not his business.

  The guard had pointed him in the direction of an in not far from the stables he had Dara in.  He choose not to move Dara again as she would be settling in again and he could not be bothered with the moving and tipping again, gold didn’t go a long way here after all. 

The next morning had been a bright sunny day, the Inn had been accommodating and the beds were just pure luxury.  He never thought a bed could be so soft; he had settled his bill with the friendly innkeeper and had stopped off at the stables on the way to the Tower to check on Dara.

  She seemed to be content, even though the stable boys in there fear of the horse had just thrown hay over the horse box wall and the water hadn’t been changed.  Small facts but he would attend to them himself.  Once done he headed into the tower grounds.

  With the place empty now Byron could appreciate the training grounds, such great a space and all for training.  He had been trained in the back yard of his farm, used by many an Assroth in its day.  Occasionally he would see young women with dresses with a multitude of striped colours passing by, not quite sure who or what they were he bowed politely wishing them a good day.  Most of them just giggled and ran along.

  Trying to remember the guard’s directions he had given him the day before Byron looked for the points of interest the guard had mentioned would help him find his way.  Once he had found the first it was easy enough to follow his way.

After a fair amount of walking and searching Byron came upon a group of what he thought was trainee warders, they were all paired of and sparring.  He smiled for a bit and sat on a bench and watched them for a time.  One man with a wolf like aura about him barked orders and commands. 

Could he be a Warder?

All he had was a switch, Byron watched the trainees sparring. He could see some distinct disciplines, balance, path of water, speed, strength and a mix up of the other together.  What surprised him the most was he could not recognize any trainees using Thunder on the Ocean.  It was what every Assroth was taught from his first days with a saber in his hand.  What he also noticed was they all had different types of sword as well.

  As he scanned over the trainees he caught the eye of the Warder, Byron half thought he had a slight curious look but still couldn’t quite decide weather it was through his wolf like appearance.

‘Terribly sorry Sire I am looking for the Mistress of Trainees.’ He was on one knee as he said the whole thing.

  The warder pointed to his left and watched as Byron quickly moved off in the direction intended.

Once in the halls he saw even more trainees and guards, after some more confirmation he found the heavy looking door with the words;

Byron tried to tidy himself up a bit, trying to make his robes a bit more respectable, and readjusted his saber belt.  With a last calming breath he knocked twice…….

OOC:did a bit od rp in the trial thread but no ones been there in awhile so I though to do this hope its ok.

~Byron Assroth~

The streets of Tar Valon had been near deserted, no more than a hand full of people roaming the streets.  Most were in a rush of some kind heading towards the great White Tower.  Byron had spotted the tower leagues away always under the impression he was nearly there, never in his mind or his stories from his parents had he imagined it to be so bog.  The architecture as well was just over whelming, never before had Byron seen a town or city built to look beautiful.  Most the Towns, villages and cities in Saldaea were built to defend, not as much as a pretty piece of architecture anywhere.

  He headed towards the great white tower his gelding, Dara, making the journey a lot quicker.  He began to notice that the crowds were getting bigger and more people were rushing towards the tower.

What is the commotion here is it always like this?

The crowds parted as Dara made her way through the crowds, some people grumbling complaints under there breath then going all the quieter as the saw the saber and composite bow sticking out of his quiver.  Spotting a stable just inside the tower arch Byron guided Dara in the direction, the young boy who approached to take Dara’s bridle cowered back as Dara tried to nip his fingers. A reassuring pat on the neck told her it was safe.

‘Do not worry my friend I will stable her she is not used to these sorts of enviroments.’  The boy looked disappointed as Byron dismounted and stabled his gelding.  He had got fed up of other stable boys complaining about bights and trodden toes.  He could be quite pernickety about the care of his horse; he removed the well worn, but well kept saddle and bridle and gave Dara a good rub down.  The gelding nibbled at his ear as he finished the rub down.

  ‘No my dear you just wait here I will be back soon.’  Looking at the stable boy he added. ‘And don’t be too mean to the boys.’  Rubbing here nose he gave the stable boy to only feed and water him, he gave the by a few coins and relized as the boys eyes lighted up that he had over tipped.

  Slinging his quiver over his shoulder he moved into the crowd, many people stared at him as he tried to politely as possible to move further into the Tower grounds. 

  It seemed like everyone was here, and what looked like a women in shackles on a platform.  He wondered what was going on, politely making his way to the front people began to make way when the saw the saber and bow. 

  It was then that he saw the Aes Seai and Warder’s, Byron felt a sense of awe as he watched them from where he was standing.  Shaking himself from his dream he looked around for any sort of official.  Out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a Tower Guard all dressed up to the nines.

He should surely be able to tell me where I need to go…….

So is that my BIo CC'd yet? its in the Bio thread and a Kura has stamped it?

so i've posted my bio. it might need some changes but i'm open to advise.

Hello I was once on the Freelanders forum awhile back and well i had to leave as i was going somewhere without the internet.  Believe me not as bad as you think.  I have been looking at your warder information and well it seems very well organized and i like the idea of Warders.  So i thought i would get started by posting here.  Will i send a bio or will i wait?

Finn

~Thorfinn~

Listening to the conversation of the group around the table Thorfinn eventually got his answer he was looking for.  The Ogier Grove was still in Tar Valon and was with in the walls of it too. After getting some directions from Forge and Dilora, Thorfinn listened to what Dilora had to say about where she would be staying. A tavern by the name of ‘The Rainbow Chair’

Should be Easy to find.

‘Well Milady I’ll be heading for the grove to make camp before it gets dark. I have never been able to sleep in anything other than the woods or my cabin. The beds are always far too soft and too stuffy. I will be at the Rainbow Chair for just after day break and rest a sured I won’t wake ye milady.’ Smiling at Dilora as she drained her last pint Thorfinn picked up his bow and turned to the table again.

‘Anyone willing to join me in the Grove is more than welcome, always good to have some company by the campfire.’

With that he headed outside and mounted Mani. He waited a bit for anyone to come out and then slowly headed of in the direction of The Ogier Grove

~Thorfinn~

It was good to see Dilora again, and just as good was seeing the huge form of Myth. He was a really cheery person but he was a terribly ruthless fighter, this he had proven at the glade. Thorfinn took a small piece of the apple pie and tried it, it was nice, but not too tart and it had cowberries in it, his favorite. He could taste the richness and wondered if he’d be throwing it up later, he had never been able to keep down rich food like this. He had been feeding on dry meat and oats for so long that when it came to food like this his stomach just heaved it all up.

The brandy was good though it warmed his insides wonderfully; he used to drink his own brew in his hut in the Forests below the misty mountains till sleep took him. They were the days, but they were vary lonely days too.

‘I was thinking of moving out to woods outside the city walls Myth as the noise here is too much, unless you can think of somewhere better?’ He readjusted his broadsword as it was digging into his side now. He looked at the new comer now and thought he could see some sort of weariness in him, maybe even a slight amount of unease. He wondered on the boy’s story and wondered how much of it was true.

‘I’m not planning on staying in the city tonight folks as the beds are too soft and the noise too loud I think we will find somewhere more peaceful outside the city.’ He drained his glass and ordered another one.

‘Say isn’t there an old Ogier Grove in Tar Valon Myth? Why don’t we camp there, if it’s still standing that is.’

~Thorfinn~

Mani slowly waded through the crowd, the newcomer had been intercepted by Dilora and was now chatting with her. Thorfinn turned back round to face the direction of the Battered Drum. He couldn’t see any signs of a stabble so he stiered Mani to the horse rail, jumped down and told the Dhurran to saty and patted his nose.

As he entered the Inn the noise was older than outside, Thorfinn’s eyes were pounding. He slowly made his way to the bar taking note of a group of men sitting in the corner watching his movements. He removed his unstrung yew bow from his back and hailed the bartender.

‘I’ll have a brandy please.’

The bartender went of to retrieve the bradny and Thorfinn took the time to find a table and placed his cloak over the back of it and his bow in the corner. Paying the bar-tender Thorfinn took his glass to his table where he took a sip a comensed filling his pipe with new backy. Out of the corner of his eye he could see the group of men watching and chatting among them selves giving him side glances, nevertheless Thorfinn lit his pipe and bagan to puff smoke rings into the air.

He looked around the Inn, it was nice proble the cleanest Inn he’s been in, not too busy but busy enough to keep it going. He sipped his bradny, faily good he had brewed better himself but he had traveled along way and thatb was some time ago too. Just to think this had all started over a funeral which took him to Baerlon then it had led them all the way to the Wite Walls. They had been split up sure but he had choisin that choice for the sake of the group. Those darkfriends had had been quite persistant.

Crouching in the bush with his shield resting against the tree, he looked out on the clearing he could see the horsemen coming along the trail they had made. They were too confidant, they didn’t look at there surroundings they showed see that it was a trap. He hoped they wouldn’t.

They were getting close now, the Aiel were all riding along with Tyosh as well somewhere. The massive form of Forge was now striding out to the remains of the campfire without his pack just those murderous axes by his side.

The Horsemen reined in there mounts and looked at the Ogier, a smile crossing the lead riders face. Too confidant! He drew his sword and so did his group, about 20.

Forge drew his axes and waited, the horsemen kicked there mounts into movement and began to charge. Thorfinn’s bow string was drawn to his check, gauging the speed he passed the aim to just in front of the lead rider, and released the broad-headed arrow.

The arrow passed through his kneck, pitching the rider of his horse causing another horse to stumble and fall. More arrows flew out from the bushes all hitting there mark not one hitting a horse, some spears were amongst them too.

Forge was charging towards the horsmen many now confused and dismounted. Thorfinn loosed another arrow now, this one hitting the eye of a bearded rider drawing his dagger.

It hadn’t taken long to deal with them it was over before they relised what was happening. Thorfinn hadn’t even drawn his broadsword and his shield still lay against the tree. All in all it was a ambush went well.

Puffing on his pipe and relising it had gone out he relit it from the candle on the table, taking a sip of his brandy he looked about.

‘How long are they gonna keep me waiting?’

~Thorfinn~

Thorfinn felt hurt that the lad wanted to give him money for the shirt and repairs he was offering.

'Lad if i wanted money i would have asked first, the shirt is a good will gesture, the repairs, the same.'

Thorfinn fastened his saddle bag and grumbled to himself. People were so different to the Two Rivers folk, he had grown acustomed to it since his return.

Has it been that long?

He always thought of himself as abit with it when it came to the outside world, but clearly times had changed.

He looked at the lad and could see that he was troubled, he wondered what the lad did for a livin, what skills he had.

'Why don't you join us lad, i think we are goin to find an inn and have a few drinks. Your welcome to join us.'

The lad looked a bit oddly at Thorfinn as if he wasn't sure what he had heard. On his travels from the ambush on the darkfriends Thorfinnhad hunted for a few deer and had sold them at Whitebridge, he had got a few silver coins for it and thought that would be ebough to pay for a few brandys. He then thought of what he would do for a bed tonight.

I think i might just camp outside the walls till i make a few more coins, anyway it'll be quiter outside than here anyway.

Thorfinn mounted Mani and pointed in the direction of an inn he could see

'The Battered Drum, I'll be waiting in there for ye lad.' As he headed off he had a word with Dilora adn told her that he was goin to wait in the inn till she had concluded her bussinus out here. As Mani started to plod in the direction of the in Thorfinn looked over his shoulder to see if the lad was following.......

~Thorfinn~

Thorfinn chuckled to himself as Dilora came over to greet Forge and himself. He had dismounted Mani and had left the Dhurran standing next to Dilora's wagon with the words

'Wait here Mani and don't go picking at things.'

The horse had just snuffed at him, Mani was a good enough horse to be left standing and he would do just that, he didn't take well to being tied up to things as he didn't like it one bit. Several years ago when Mani and Thorfinn were younger he had tied Mani to the horse rail outside an inn. On Thorfinn's return, he came upon Mani standing still with the Horse rail on the ground splintered and one of the posts squint. He had to spend most of that day finding the other horses and decided it would be best if he just left Mani to stand himself in the future.

Thorfinn had noticed a newcomer enter the group of companions, he had wondered if this was yet another friend of Dilora. She certainly knew a lot of people. And from what he could see, was good at what she did. The lad was certainly in need of new clothes and by the looks of his feet a trip to the cobblers too. He remembered about a shirt he had in his saddle bags he had, a gift from one of the villagers of Deven Ride for escorting her mother from Emond’s Field. It was far too nice for him to wear so he kept it in his saddle bags for special occasions, but he had never worn it in the 3 years he had owned it and wasn’t really thinking of doing it either. He pulled the shirt from the bottom of his bag, it was crushed but it would do him.

‘Here lad, you could use this more than I do.’

He tossed the shirt to the lad and noticed his quick reaction to catch it and the position of his feet, this one new how to handle himself. He smiled at the lad as he pulled his old shirt off and put the new one on, it was a bit baggy on him but it suited him more than it ever suited him. He just hoped that Rosy didn’t find out he had handed it away.

‘If you want lad I could use the material form yer old shirt to patch up yer trousers fur ye, then all ye’d need is a trip to the cobbler.’

~Thorfinn~

Taken a long draw on his pipe he watched the two women chat, and saw Dilora making her trade with the customer. She new what she was doing and was quite good at what she did. There was something about watching craftsmen at work that pleased Thorfinn, he was thinking of his own trade, well if you wanted to call it a trade, it was more like necessity to him. He would hunt for game, anything from grouse to deer to bear even; he would skin it and prepare the skins for tannin, leaving some for raw sell. Every now and again some tradesmen would by freshly skinned hides as they were, but then you’d get a few who would want them tanned as well. But Thorfinn could do both, the meat he would cut up for sell too, after he had taken his amount to live off. His larders were well stoked with meats and his smoke house was normally full with meat ready to be smoked or cured.

Oh, what I’d do for a piece of cured ham right now.

He gripped his pipe in his mouth and turned round in his saddle to open up one of his saddle pouches, from it he brought a leather pouch, he untied the draw twine draw strings and pulled out a pit of jerky.

This stuff had done him nearly 3 years now, every now and again, he’d smoke it over some grass to get more flavor back into it. He enjoyed it as it was to his liking, it kept well, and this batch had been kept for 3 years. It also tasted good; he had used sage grass last time to give it some flavor after it had lost some of its taste a week ago. And it was it was good for emergency rations too.

However this was purely for his own use, his father had told him that no one in Two Rivers liked it and no Tradesman would buy it. They preferred the smoked and cured meats. His clothes were his own making too, his Father and Mother could have lived in there farm for ever without leaving it, and that had been how Thorfinn had lived for the majority of his life in Two Rivers once he had returned from Shainar.

The Clothes he wore were the clothes he made himself, even the bow he used was his own making, another gift of knowledge from his father. He had used this particular bow for 15 years now and it was only getting better, it was made of a yew not far from his cabin in the To Rivers.

All in all he could survive by himself, however he was still quite friendly with the Edmond’s Fielders, they had done a lot for him when he needed them. In return he offered his skills to the villagers first before trading with any peddlers. He would help in the apprehension of thieves as well. That was a bit of a soar spot for Thorfinn as he had dealt with Thieves before and wouldn’t let what happened to him happen to the good people of the Two Rivers.

He was quite well known for his skills, people would ask him to do a few things, wither it be tracking down escaped sheep to hunting bears who had slaughtered herds. Sometime he would even be tasked with finding people. One time he had been tasked with find a lost boy, who was eventually found near a river having ‘adventures’ as he had called them. Sometimes too, a Peddler would ask for guidance through to the Mountains of Mist.

He had a really comfortable life, nice and quite, not too noisy and now looks at him hundreds of miles away from home in the noisiest city he had ever been in. He sniggered to himself. He had to admit he was enjoying himself though, being out and about and the company was rather good too.

I think I’ll stay and see where Dilora goes after this she might like some company….

~Thorfinn~

Sitting on the back of Mani, Thorfinn watched as Dilora as she spoke with the Aei Sedai. The women had an ageless face, one which told of age but still had no age lines or sagging of the face. She was a pretty lass, all in her green dress and such. It still made him suspicious though he knew that the women of the WHite Tower could be maniputive and sly. Often with out you even knowing it.

He looked around the market place gaining the advantage of been mounted. He could see the ogier who liked to read in in the back of Diloras wagon, as usual readin her books.

He looked around again and saw something that caught his eye. It was making it's way through the market place towards them, a massive wagon with two oxen pulling it. Sitting on the set was a ogier, quite a small one. Not even anywhere near the size of Forge, not even the ogier in Diloras wagon. But this one was different in some ways more eligant than the other two, and without the long drooping beards the other two had as well.

The newcomer reined in the oxen just short of Dilora and the Aei Sedai, climbing off of the wagon and nuzzling one of the oxen's ear. Even though the ogier was the shortest he had seen the hieght was still taller than us humans.

Maybe this is an Ogier women?

He caught the ogieress taking a sly look into Dilora's wagon everynow and again.

More meat into the stew, this should be interesting?

Thorfinn pulled out his oilskin and loaded up his pipe, and waited, and watched.........

~Thorfinn~

Mani slowly apraoched the gates of the fair city of Tar Valon. Thorfinn hadn't been here in over 20 years or so and still the city left him in auw. As he aproached the gates he nodded to the guards on stationed at the gates they watched him, not nodding or aknowledging them.

He just ignored it as ignorance, he had meet people like that alot, even in the Two Rivers. He pulled his cloaks hood down and viewed the site of the city, right along the streets of shell shaped houses and shops to the centre where the White Tower shown brightly in the light.

The noise was the thing that Thorfinn had noticed even a mile away from the walls themselves, people chatting, hawkers shouting, dogs barking. It was near deafening. He wondered how people could hear each other in such a noise, infact he thought they did have hearin problems which was why they wee shouting at each other.

Mani slowly picked his way through the crowd, people moved quickly out of the Dhurrans way and muttered things under their breaths. Thorfinn began to contemplate how he would find Dilora in this mass of noise. he turned in his saddle looking for the person, or persons he was searching for, he caught signs of people watching him, poeple staring, he ignored them. There, he spoted one a guard. he touched Mani's flanks and the Dhurran moved in the direction of the guard.

'Excuse me Guardsmen, have you seen any traders today comin in the south gate?'

'Who do yo.....'

The Guard turned round quickly to confront whoever had interupted him to come face to face with Mani's nose. The guard's eyes slowly looked up until they meet Thorfinn's penatrating Brown eyes.

'Ah, em, well i have seen many today this is the city of Tar Valon sir. Many peddlers come here. Try the Market to the north.'

The guard looked at his feet and moved off in the direction Thorfinn had come from.

Odd chap.Thought Thorfinn, people forgot their manners when they lived in a city. Thorfinn reined Mani in the direcion of North and slowly ploughed through the crowd again.

The market was even bussier then the street from where he came. More noise and people standing around, housewives gossiping with fellow housewives. Tradesmen hagging with merchants. Noise, noise, noise.

I'll be glad once we're out of here again Mani

From his vantage point on his Dhurran Thorfinn scanned themarket place, looking for what he thought would be the sign of the peddler trading. a crowd was gathering and he could see a parting in it, there, Dilora. He saw her all dressed nicely and looking quite pretty. But the parting of the crowd wasn't made by Dilora but another women, who walked as if she was a noble or something more.

Maybe Aei Sedai? It is their city after all.

Thorfinn reined Mani to a halt and rested his arms on the pommel of his saddle and watched Dilora speak with the Lady. He didn't want to interupt so he would wait till his time came.......

~Thorfinn~

Thorfinn had hobbled Mani and went off into the coppice to look for some dinner. He warmed his bow up and nocked it in one go. He lightened his step and stalked into the thicket.

He scanned the ground for signs of wildlife his eyes skimming over the surface. Then he caught a sign, i half foot print in some soft earth. Pheasant. He carried on into the thicket following the few signs the bird left. With ever step he placed his foot down testing the ground for twigs, he moved silently. Then his ears picked up a noise, wings bein fussed over. Thorfinn slowed even more and slipped slowly towards the noise, lowering his stance. He slowly drew an arrow from his quiver and nocked it. The bird was cleaning its feathers, then found something on the ground to pick at.

Thorfinn drew the fletchin to his check and steaded his breathing, the pheasant continued to pick at the thing on the ground, He let the arrow loose and the arrow hit home spearing it to the ground.

He walked over to the pheasant and removed the arrow, as thorfinn tied a peace of twine around the pheasants neck he started to head back to the camp when he caught somthing out the corner of his eye. Movement beyond the trees. He moved to within 5 paces form the edge of the wwod, keeping out of site.

By the light, Aiel?

He could see a band of Aiel marching on there position with veil down.

Interesting, i should head back and see what their wanting.

Thorfinn broke cover and started walking back to the camp, he assumed that it didn't matter weather he hid or not they weren't looking for trouble. As he reached the camp one of the aiel had approached Dilora, they were talking and by the look on Dilora's face she was doin well.

Thorfinn headed for the fire.

'Easy guys things are good.' He lay the pheasant on the ground and unstrung his bow. He watched the Aiel fetch some water as he started plucking the pheasant....

~Thorfinn~

The wind whistled through the coppice of trees to the leftof the hard dirt packed road. He could here the activity of a grey squirrel in the tree. Thorfinn breaved in the fresh cleam air. The wild was music to his ears, alot better to the din of the city.

He looked over his shoulder to eye a lone horse man riding alongside Dilora's wagon. By the looks of it he was a Gleeman and he knew Dilora, and by the looks of it the horse was trying to nuzzle Dilora, but the rider pulled the horses head away.

The huge size of the Ogre Forge walking on foot and Jaren in the wagon would make it really easy for people to follow and trace. If they ever stayed intown the Darkfreinds would find it really easy to follow ther trail. Two Orges in group would catch alot of attention. It wasn't that he didin't like the Ogre, in fact when he was a boy he used to dream of goin to a Stedding and living with the Ogres. It was just that he could cover his own tracks but a group this big would be a hard job. He'll just have to deal with it andthats that.

Tyosh, Neome and and blade,aster with the topnot similiar to the Shianerian warrior were riding just ahead of Dilora. He wondered if she was Shianerian, he would enjoy having a wee chat with her he thought. The New girl sitting next to Dilora was looking at each of them and didn't quite look as if she new what or where they were goin. Maybe i should break the ice later for her and bring her into the group a bit more. And as he looked over the humans of their group he saw that he was possible the oldest there. most of them still in there prime. Not that he was a old codger. At 40 hewas more active thatn most men, he was out on the hunt every day unlike most who were in the feild ploughing or in the Inn drinking.

He was a long way away from home now. Nut this time round he new what he was doing and where he was goin. Mani flayed his head as his hoofs made the clip clop noise on the hard packed road, Thorfinn patted the Dhurrans neck to reassure him. He wasn't built for speed but he was good enough for the job. With the speed of the wagon he would fare pretty well. He had used him to carry many a der, boar and even bear back home to his cabin. He was a good horse and he wouldn't ride any other horse. Mani also knew him well too. if needed he could stear him with his knees to.

As Thorfinn looked up he was thinking they were about to reach the mile mark out of Caemlyn. Lets see who our new friend is.

~Thorfinn~

The streets were getting busy and the constant hum of noise was getting on Thorfinn's nerves. He couldn't wait to get out into the country side among the trees and the rivers.

Thorfinn felt a small tug in his mind of his log cabin way back in the Misty Mountains, sorrounded by Birch, Oak, Ash, and Pine.

But there was no time for that now people needed his help and he would sooner eat trollic than abandon them.

Thorfinn looked over his shoulder to see how Dilora and her young lady friend were doing. Dilora had drawn a bow and quiver from under her seat. It was a nice simple bow with no embelishment or decoration. Just like bows should be. After all they were for hunting not show. He gave Dilora a wink and turned back to the direction they were heading in.

He scanned the streets looking for the signs of people following. There was no signs but he was sure they wouldn't be left alone that easyly. After all Dilora's little group had killed quite a few of there number. Thorfinn could voach for two at least at the cost of loosing one of his arrows. He would have time once he was out on the road to make another, he always kept spare arrow heads in his saddle bags.

The crowd seemed to be staring at him he could feel his shoulders begin to itch. He really had to get out of this city fast. With that he kicked Mani into a canter....