Pain lanced through Corin’s upper body as the invisible wrappings of

thickened air tried to press his shoulders together through the center

of his body. His breaths came in heavily exerted gasps as his

diaphragm tried to force his chest out against the air bonds to draw

breathe into his lungs. It was not quiet the reaction he had expected

from the Aes Sedai; the Gaidin had already gained the upper hand with

fair ease. This almost seemed as if she wanted to add insult to his

lose. Yet the Gaidin was her bondmate and if he could get his

scrambled thoughts into a cohesive pattern then perhaps he could see

the totality of the reaction.

He had tried to push Jaydena; to hurt her for some reason. He wanted

them to hurt like he did. To feel loss, or anger, or something behind

that cool composed exterior they all hid behind; that Sirayn had hid

behind. It had taken a meaning less threat to break that composure

though it must have been the other one that broke. She was the one

that spoke to him; indications in words and eyes that it was her

weaves that presented him with the blossoming pain and perhaps the

hint of joy an additional offering would give her. He had attacked her

Gaidin so it made sense that she was the one even if he could not see

the weaves as the Aes Sedai could. Mentally he noted how the Gaidin

had kept his composure enough not to take advantage of the restrained

man. Corin was sure that at one time he could have overcome the desire

as well. But that was before Sirayn had abandoned him. Now he would

have found great pleasure in taking advantage of the situation to make

the man pay further. Perhaps he would never make a good bondmate for a

sister. Who was he kidding? He was going back to try to make good on

an oath he had taken when he had been granted the Red Cloak. He was

going back to be a guard, nothing more.

Once the pressure on his shoulders and chest abated Corin took a

moment to draw a deep breath. He could see Jaydena rise in Aes Sedai

grace at the counter from the corner of his view. The twisted version

of the game player Sirayn had created was already spinning out ways to

add to the insults he had offered thus far. Even as his tongue began

to form the words he knew it was wrong, lashing out at these people

would not ease his pain or give him any purpose beyond creating new

enemies, he could not stop the need. “It seems you have collected a

new kitten to replace the old Jaydena Sedai. Where the old one danced

with steel this one plays with knitting.” His voice was strong if

still somewhat labored from his exertion at breathing. He offered

Jaydena a sketch of a bow and then one to the Aes Sedai that had held

him. “I believe I will walk in on my own kitten, though it was nice of

you to offer.” Sliding an oily smile toward the Gaidin that still

watched him intently Corin stepped into the room and sat down in a

seat at the table with his back to the door and the others. He was not

afraid for his life like he had been in some of the hovels he had

lived in while searching for Sirayn. These one’s would not kill him.

But he had to find a peace within himself if he was going to return to

the Tower. He could not fight everyone he met, as it had become a part

of him in this failed journey for the past year.

Releasing a sigh he tried to settle his mind. The trick came

naturally; falling into a mental exercise he had used often near the

end when he had dealings with Sirayn. In the later part of his

relationship with her he had to keep himself from overstepping

invisible lines once again. How did one go about apologizing to an Aes

Sedai you had wronged both now and in the past? Then there was the

stranger, he did not even remember seeing her prior to today and yet

she stated she was a Green. Sirayn had been Green before she was

raised to the Amyrlin Seat. He should have at least seen her in

passing at some point in his service and training with Sirayn. But he

could not recall her. Perhaps she had been away on leave or out

completing a service for the Tower; so many options with little true

direction. That puzzle would have to wait.

He could hear movement behind him in the doorway. His training itched

at him to stand and face them respectfully. An old training, tarnished

with the year of unsavory work that he had taken to for coin or room

and board. Tower guards were not paid elaborately, one did not enter

the service with the thoughts of becoming rich. So he had taken what

he could in order to make the coin he needed to keep on his quest.

That necessity had flourished under the ever-depressing results of his

futile search. It had become the caustic edge that now slipped easily

to the forefront where past training would have never allowed such

response and disrespect to flourish.

“She would have had my hide stripped from me for even a tenth of this

wouldn’t she?” Corin’s voice was low and soft. He addressed no one but

knew it would be Jaydena if anyone that would understand the question

out of context. He had gotten away with a lot directed at Sirayn

herself. But the woman had made sure he got away with nothing when it

came to respect for the other sisters of the Tower. If he was lucky

all she would have done was had his hide stripped from him. Why is

it even that thought would be welcome over the acceptance of her gone

from this Age?

Corin

A troubled soul

*bows deeply*

Good evening Aes Sedai,

  Please accept my apologies for the original over sight. A guard's mind nigh a perfect thing and it is only through review that I realize I missed placing this notice of the second RP on your board. An oversight I hope you will forgive with.

  It would honor this humble simple guard greatly if of the illustrious Aes Sedai housed in the White Tower would be interested in joining us in Corin's second part to his return. The OOC thread is housed on the Warders board here: http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,46430.0.html and holds the link to the present IC thread.

  If you have any question please let me know.

Thank-you for the grace of your time ;)

*bows deeply*

Corin

Welcome back Jade ..... Glad to hear you had a great time!! :D

Hey Arani,

  Just checking to see if you got this looked after or if you are still waiting for someone to help out.

Thanx,

Linten

and I'm back .... a little scuffed up around the edges but for the most part whole and ready to get back to the fun. :D

Thanx All

Looking at the packed saddlebags on the foot of his bed Corin wondered if this was indeed the right thing for him to be doing. Since Lavinya revealed that little secret she had kept for who knows how long. Some of the tension and fighting had been set aside while the planning and work for this trip was undertaken. But what had been set aside seemed to be swallowed up in new issues and edges. Where at one time he was sure she was just trying to get back at him for hurting her. He now was somewhat of the belief that revenge was less a possibility to her actions. No, he was turning more to the idea that she instead had seen Sirayn’s unexplained absence and his return alone as an opportunity to make use of a tool she had previously only known about, but could not control. To what gain she planed to use him he was still not sure. Regardless, as much as he had tried to deny what he had become under Sirayn, he was beginning to come to peace with it.

Part of that acceptance came with the decision to reconnect with what he could find of his old chain and set them to a new task. Well add a new task really. He was almost certain now that Sirayn must be dead, but he still had that little circle listening and watching for anything that might give light to the contrary. His additional work for them was now focused on a certain redheaded Grey sister of the Tower and his leash holder still. Where they had in no certain terms come to a non-verbal agreement to work together in the need of necessity for this trip. There was still a great deal of underlying tension between them that both seemed willing to ignore for the moment. How much longer Lavinya would allow that to go on only the Wheel new. But at the very least they had managed to put on a tentative façade of peace in public. That was another item that had old habits and skills working in unison again. He had done as much with Sirayn for so long near the end of their … He forced the emotion away. He would not accept mourning anymore. He had work to do and blood and ashes he was going to keep his head clear for that duty.

There in lay the other part to this problem. Two sisters in the Blight with only one Tower Guard and a host of mercenaries. If Lavinya had wanted to ensure she could secure a nail in Corin’s coffin and see him executed by the Guard she had set forth a very good trap. If either or both of them were to come to harm under his care and the present situation that still shadowed his history. It was likely the Commander would find little credibility or leniency in regards to Corin Danveer. First the Amyrlin and then a sister or two all within a years time. Even he would have a hard time believing the man’s innocence, most certainly if Lavinya left behind proof of what she new Corin to be. The unanswered question remained, had he hurt her so badly she would want to see him further humiliated and exiled or executed? For that he had no answer he was confident in.

If a small measure of comfort could be gleaned from the situation then it would be in the strength of knowledge and skill that seemed to be present in this Red Guard. The hired mercenaries seemed well equipped and capable of providing the necessary protection the ladies might have need of. Their mister Mitya was a man of little idle chat but had a good head on his shoulders when it came to the business of his trade. Only in his dealings with mercenaries it was the one with the most gold that set the path of their service. This group did seem a little more trust worthy then some of the one’s he had hired into while traveling for …. Again he forced the pending images back down.

The rest of the list Lavinya had set him to like a common manservant had been easily filled and required little thought just his time. That was one thing that had not changed between them. Lavinya still insured that with or without her around, Corin had little if any idle time available to him. You would almost think him a Gaidin whose bondmate had died and needed his day filled and watched over to ensure he did not kill himself or laps into complete isolation in his own mind. A bitter pill that he unfortunately could not completely deny as a possibility. Killing himself was a great unlikelihood. More then enough time had been afforded him before he had returned to the Tower for that end. The inward drawing might have been an issue early on but it was less likely now. Besides they were never bonded and regardless of Lavinya Sedai’s opinion, he was not purposely picking fights in the sparing circle to get hurt. That brought his hand tentatively across his ribs on the right. They were not broken, but the bruise offered a mired of colors that skin should not be. Another of Lavinya’s “training lessons” as she would classify them. The Yellow would have healed it like they had the others, like they did for all the men in the yard. Only Lavinya had forbidden it. Forbidden!! You would think she was his mentor the way she had slipped in and sent him back to the yard to work his forms instead.

If anyone was not exactly right in the head it was the other Aes Sedai that would be traveling with them. Saline Sedia, as he had begun to hear, was not stable and quite possibly mad in the head. A fact that was reinforced upon meeting the strange Red Aes Sedai. When it came to Saline, Corin worried about her mental state more then anything. For her he wore kid gloves and offered the patience and grace needed to deal with a child. That could ignite a firestorm itself on the trip if Lavinya took it into her head that Saline was being favored and herself slighted by Corin. But that was a bridge to cross only when it appeared. Which he hoped the pattern did not include. Light let it not be in the Pattern.

Easing the sword belt on his hips, Corin straightening the dark green coat with embroidery on the cuffs. His reflection in the wavy surface of the mirror brought the appearance of a lower house lord or a wealthy merchant. It was the disguise the two Aes Sedai had decided on as their cover. A fleeting thought passed over his vision as he finished correcting the collar. What would his life have brought him if he had been born to the façade he now wore? It didn’t matter, that was not his lot and he had much yet to do. But there was always that little tug, what if? Slipping out the door Corin hastened to complete his last minute checks on the preparations before meeting the ladies and setting off on an adventure he would have dreamed of as a boy. Now, he wished he had more control of the pieces in play. But that was the nature of a Guards life the Gleeman never wove in their stories. That was the part of this life you learned only after you had sealed your life to the Tower or an Aes Sedai. It was one part he meant to make sure no one could say he had been delinquent in. Not even a redheaded Grey Aes Sedai.

Corin

Bond studies .... now there is one I hadn't heard of or thought of before .... You pose an interesting offer there. Though I don't know what Kyn's opinion would be of Corin at this moment  ::)

I'm off for a week but I might talk to you more about that when I get back if you are interested. :D

Well,

    From best timeline estimates. This is roughly a year after the disappearence of Sirayn. I believe Sirayn's disappearence was set approximately a quarter to halfway through the timeline of the Watchers.

    Hope that helps. :)

Corin

Hey all,

  It's camping time again so I'm off to a wonderful lake tucked into the majestic Rocky mountains. I'll be away from the boards until approx the 10 of Aug. Lot's of time for RNR, muse regeneration, fishing and fun. Who knows, with luck I might even be motivated enough to bring the sailboat out. ;)

  Any how I do believe I am caught up so I hopefully am not leaving anyone waiting for a post out there( Yes Lavy I know you are always waiting for post but patience is a virtue :p ).

Have a wonderful week all!!! :D

Corin

OOC: This is part two of a two part return for Corin of the Tower Guard, please see: http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,46430.0.html for RP information and OOC conversation. Anyone who wants to join in and interact with us, please feel free.

Glancing over at Jaydena Sedai, Corin could not help remember how things had changed since that first meeting in the tavern where they had found him. It was his own fault really. Perhaps those last few months as a sellsword had rubbed off on him more then he thought. None of the little company now working their way north toward Tar Valon seemed to find quite the same humor in the little stunt he had pulled. Thinking back, as the long silent trip often allowed him, he might have reacted the same way the Gaidin did. Well maybe more then might have. But it seemed so natural, the way the groups gauged another’s skill without drawing blood. It was not like he was actually going to try to hurt either of them. Well not the Aes Sedai, and the Gaidin … well not a lot, just enough to make himself feel better. Subconsciously he rubbed his jaw again. He would have to work harder on his hand-to-hand combat if he ever thought to try that man in a match again. Well, train harder and ensure his little handmaiden was not in the area. That thought traced a brief sketch of a smile to his face.

Drawing his eyes back to the White spires thrusting into the sky Corin took a moment to remember how he had felt the first time he had seen those gleaming white points. The foolish youthful dreams that had filled his head and made him marvel at the sight like so many other first time gawkers. It had changed for him over the years, fantasy and dreams becoming reality and calling. The desire for adventure replaced with the need to play at the game and find a way to set himself above the others for one set of grey eyes. Sirayn where are you? How could you abandon me … us when the time is growing short. His eyes flicked over the points and settled on one that should have held her. Should have, but no longer did. From this distance he could not make out anything more then a white spike among others. But he had known certain parts of those towers very very well.

A heavy despairing weight seemed to settle on him as they continued in near silence toward a fate he was beginning to doubt he really wanted to face. It had seemed like a logical idea for a while now. Only having it once more looming in sight and growing larger by the step, he was no longer sure he could face the demons that awaited him in the Tower. There would be many, Sirayn not being the least of them. How many would have disappointment in their eyes when they saw him again? How would the Commander deal with him? Then there was the other problem that he had kicked off just before Sirayn had disappeared. Would Lavinya be back in the Tower after her hasty departure? What if anything would he see in her eyes? The murmur of his traveling companions drew his attention back. There conversation as usual was not for him. Cutting a quick glance to Jaydena once more he could not help but feel a surge of regret. She had done nothing to him in the beginning. In fact, for finding a run away guard she had been very kind to him. He had repaid that kindness with a cold jab at her heart she did not deserve. But the horse was already out of the barn and he would not be able to take back those words, or the actions he had done in his desire to secure himself in Sirayn’s eyes.

With the tower beginning to take over the horizon Corin could not help old habits from wanting to slip back into an old familiar norm. His eyes took in the gleaming white spikes and pieces of puzzles long set aside began to spin in his mind. He had set up a quiet little network under Sirayn’s tutelage. Well from her teaching and his work for her he had set up a small network in which to monitor Sirayn herself. The Aes Sedai had true “eyes and ears” networks and due to the length in time they had existed they where far more advance, rooted, and wide seeing then anything he could ever imagine installing. Still, what little he had was worth its weight in gold back then. It had been his way to watch over and protect Sirayn while still honoring her request to remain out of her sight unless called upon. Something they alone had been instrumental in helping him achieve. If it had not been for that little network he would not have been called on nearly as often. Oh it wasn’t because they supplied him with information she didn’t already have or in a greater detail. It was mostly do to certain words whispered in the right ears; phrases put in just the right context so that once they touched the ear of Sirayn she would have little option but to draw him back in. She had provided him one of her weaknesses without ever realizing it, or so he believed. The night she had spared his life and not informed the guard about the incident in the hunters cabin, she had provided him with a silent indicator. Whatever the reason, Sirayn did not want anyone to know about that situation and no longer trusted Corin alone with the Tower’s precious members. That had made setting up words for ensuring invites to her side very convenient.

Still, he would have traded it all to have that night back; replace a foolish youths mistake with logical deduction and perhaps still be at her side in favor. With a grunt he forced himself to once more be aware of his surroundings. He had played those thoughts over in his mind so many times in the last year that he was almost beginning to believe there might have been a chance. Foolish, that he would hold on to such a useless train of thoughts. Water down the stream could not be put back under the bridge. Sirayn was gone and he had given himself over to duty; at least that was the decision that he had made at one point and voiced to this group.

Making note of the buildings as they past, more memories of Sirayn tried to pile back into his mind. It was going to be vey difficult being back here where so much could remind him of her. Glancing down, he frowned to find his hand on the hilt of the fat heavy blade he had received at his Guard raising ceremony. The blade had been given to him by Rosheen; a friend of sorts that had accepted to stand for him. But with the travel worn red cloak, that Sirayn herself had placed on his shoulders, tucked into his saddle bags still it was the only thing close at hand. Forcibly drawing his hand away and back to rest on his thigh he flicked a quick glance at his traveling party and noted the gaze of Loraine Sedai. She had already proved herself more then willing to use the One Power when she felt he was not acting as she believed he should. Offering her a small smile and a slight bow of his head he forced his eyes back to the road before them. A road whose windings would eventually arrive at the large gates to the White Tower itself.

One of the benefits of both his general un kept appearance and the lack of displaying his red cloak in this place, was that no one would believe him anything more then a sellsword or mercenary in the company of two sisters and a Warder. The fact that a mercenary or sellsword was in their company would of course start many a tongue wagging. But at least they did not know who he was or really take the time to observe him beyond a glance. Those in the towers employ might figure out who indeed was behind that stringy curtain of hair and rough clothing. Those that did would have had messages travelling back to their handlers long before he reached the gate. A greater example of how much weight was placed on this small missing guard would be evident by the time they reached the gate. The greeting that awaited him there if any would set the tone of his possible return to the Guard.

The clatter of noise and laughter from a passing tavern pulled up thoughts of his trainee days and old friends. The simple joy found in finally being granted a reprieve from training and a chance to blow off steam with fellow trainees pulled a smile to his face as he swayed with the horses movements down the road. How many times had he watched different acquaintances work off punishments for breaking the rules? Something until his raising he had almost never done. He was human after all so there had been a couple very quiet incidents. Quiet in that he had never been punished for them. But for the most part he had been a very diligent and straight-laced trainee. A fact that had been painfully apparent when he had been called into the Commanders office awhile after that incident with Sirayn which had changed everything between them. His demeanor had changed, late for shifts on the wall that he could not barter away, dress barely acceptable if at all. The Commander had commented how much the guard before him was not the boy and man that had worked his way through training and to the level of respect some had held him in. The disappointment in the man’s eyes had said it all and more. What would this Commander say now? No doubt his exemplary record had that black mark recorded on it. How much weight would that one black mark carry in light of his actions and the disheveled mess that was about to be presented before the Commander with the name Corin Danveer?

Glancing up he could make out the faces of the men and woman that were posted on the wall now. They looked as impressive as they had been that day he had arrived as a boy and stared in amazement. Now, now they seemed to stand there in judgment over him. He was one of them, had been. No doubt they believed his return brought shame to their honor, or would when they found out who he was; if they had not already. Perhaps they would find a small measure of mercy in his foresight. He had left off the Red Cloak, unworthy to wear it under the circumstances and condition he was in. That small measure, to save the guard the embarrassment of the likes of himself paraded through the streets of Tar Valon, would hopefully save them at least a little bit of the shame he carried. The greater of which would be his failure to return the Amyrlin to the Tower safely. How different this return would be if Sirayn sat a horse next to him? Might as well pick up that white wall and carry across the Aryth Ocean for all the “might have been” would do him. He swept a glance over his three traveling companions, backs straight and proud of their stations. At one time it was his right as well, today it was not as he remained slump shouldered. This use to be his home, with the Wheel’s luck it might be again. But for now he held no right to that honor or privilege. For almost a year he had been a sellsword, or a mercenary. Today, now, he was a failure and a disgrace returning in shame to a family that might refuse him; had every right to.

Corin

  Thank you to all those that have helped me so far and those that have voiced an interest in these RPs. The first RP of the two part return threads for Corin titled “A broken tool ... A shattered purpose” on the south board has been wonderful and I really really appreciate the help I have received at getting Corin this far. Now the scene shifts to Tar Valon and the Tower Yards in “A faceless future”.

  The first post is a sweeping collection of thoughts as Corin arrives back in Tar Valon and the Tower yard. Please feel free to jump in to this open thread if you are interested. There is room for any character types really. I have no real stringent set flow to this section of the RP. Corin is being returned to the Tower after an unauthorized absence. I know that a certain AS character and the Commander have already been speaking and have come to some agreements on what they want to see happen. But I’m really leaving this up to the reactions and thoughts of any and all the characters that are willing to join in.

Lavinya and the Commander are really the only one’s that I know of who know what the final outcome of this will be (talk about having fun with surprises. I am looking forward to seeing what they have come up with.) So it is completely an open opportunity to see how your characters react, perceive, or think about a guard returning under such conditions and gives them a chance to speculate on anything they hear or want to try to start as a rumor. With luck this RP will spill out into many different smaller RP’s Corin will be able to play out with your characters later on, or with each other even. :)

  Any how ... sorry for the rambling. I will be putting the starting post up today. Please feel free to hop in and join me. OOC conversation can be done here in this thread for the second part of his return if need be. I am always available via PM if you have a question and don't want to post it here in the OOC thread.

  Thank you very much again for helping me get Corin back into the swing of things and I look forward to posting with the great writers at DM once more. Hope to see you in the thread.

Corin

The outward expression, a simple frown, in the context of the game brought an old and warming feeling to Corin. The thrill of pushing an opponent off their game; to catch them off guard and keep them off balance spiked a sharp hunger in the pit of his stomach. He had loved this part, this feeling. It had been like a drug to him; a drug Sirayn had introduced him to and one he long to prove his worth to her through. The memory and desire so interlinked with those storm grey eyes put an acidic taint to the exhilarating feelings that were beginning to form. He had said he was done with these games. They died with Sirayn; the only one he ever need and wanted to prove his worth to.

Lavinya had been different; she had accepted the guard he hid in plain site as. Accepted the boy that had come to the tower seeking adventure and a purpose. She had no plans or desires of him back then beyond that of her heart; something he had shamelessly taken advantage of and left rent open and wounded. It was understandable that she would hate him; loath to be in his presence and want him to suffer as he had made her. But she hadn’t, not entirely. Her actions never made sense. Why did she seem to want to constantly push him toward something that should be no more then a plausible guess. It was somewhat know that Corin could be seen at some of the same gatherings as Sirayn and had even been her escort.  Tingle lit his arm briefly, the flood of memories and the light tentativeness of her touch against his arm when she had used him for such. The memories turned him inward and threatened once more to light his eyes in a sheen of unshed tears least he get control of himself.

The movement of setting her cup down drew his attention back and gave him an avenue in which to focus his attention away from memories that threatened to undo him. Gently he pushed the thoughts back, settled them in the edge of thought so he could call them back in when he was alone in his quarters once more. How many times now had that room seen him in tears, in anger, in out right rage, but mostly in a dense fog of loss and mourning. He had thought it would be easier to return to the Tower and leave off everything he had been. To blend into the rest of the other Red Cloaks and live out his existence until steel found it’s way though his flesh in the service and left him to pour out his life’s blood on the ground. Something his old friend turned taskmistress seemed to be determined not to let happen.

Help me? Then let me be woman. Stop pushing me to be what died with her passing and let me exist, as I must now. As for friends? A friend would let him be. Let him become what he must and not constantly remind him of his failure. Her actions should have him filled with pride, the blatant disregard to rein in her emotions or actions would have back then. Normally he would be the wolf circling its prey while preparing the finishing blow. Only with Lavinya he couldn’t. He didn’t want this, didn’t what to force her hand, play these games anymore. She should have been a friend and a confidant; instead she was yet another game piece to be moved as needed to complete the goal. Only he no longer new what that goal was. There was no one to direct him now.

Corin lowered his cup back to the table and let his face soften slightly. He could not show concern, would not. If he did she would only get the wrong opinion and believe him under thumb, a meek dog happily on the leash. That was something he could not let happen, not again. But too much of what she had been to him had begun to surface. The Tower and the Guard together had tied Corin to Lavinya when he returned. Now the constant time spent in each others company had begun to over power his will to forget his first life in the tower. Memories constantly bombarded him now and were beginning to wear him down. The helpless, frustrated look on her face; heavy in the sighs that continued to escape from her twinged a pain in his heart he had thought long since buried and gone.

His hand rose slightly as if to collect the parchment she proffered as her words continued to rattle on. He did care, burn him, he did care about her safety. He shouldn’t, no he should. But only to the level of that of a Tower guard watching over his charges life. Only she had turned him in so many knots since he had returned that old feeling that should not have been there, after what he had done he had no right to feel them, were warring once more for space and he was not sure how long he could keep from slipping. No, he cared and could not afford to show it. Worst still there seemed to be no indication from the Commander that he might find a reprieve from this assignment. Their eyes met, regret glimmering in the shadows of Lavinya’s, and set the weight a little to far to one end of control. A wall that he could no longer maintain under a gaze that almost spoke of surrender was beginning to crumble. Some thing she must never do as an Aes Sedai. She gave up the right of surrender when she took the Ring and Shawl. He could not be responsible for the lose of yet another talent this Tower needed.

Ice water. Her last words where little more then a soft and almost hesitant whisper. But their weight carried that of Dragonmount itself. Ice water doused heartily over a heated stone at the hearth. The words where not a question; not a quizzical statement. They were said with the full weight of knowledge behind them. Like the rock, shattered and broken, every emotion that had been at war in Corin shattered like fine Sea Folk porcelain hurled against stone. His hand stopped just short of the parchment the only true indication of being shaken. But the sudden emptiness that settled over him; a white cotton shroud slowly slipping over the dead after their passing; would have spoken volumes of a man suddenly defensive.

Emerald green eyes, now empty and hard edged, bored into the softer brown that confronted him. Bored through them seeking any indication of betrayal or trap. His lips had thinned under the compression of tightly held tension. But his posture and shoulders remained in that deadly ease of a skilled swordsman. The pause stretched out between them, the parchment still in her out stretched hand and his just short of retrieving it. It was a turning point. One that could never been taken back now. If she knew his station to Sirayn then what else did she know? Could it have been her jealousy that had Sirayn no longer among them? Unlikely, she had ties of her own that he still did not fully understand. That, he meant to rectify and quickly. There was no way to deny it now, not with the way she stated it. There was no doubt in her eyes or her voice; something was there, caution perhaps. After all one did not slap the face of a bear without a great deal of caution and wariness.

Finally, Corin tipped his head slightly in acknowledgment of her statement. “It is unwise to speak of her circles of influence with the wrong people.” There was no bite to his words; no anything. It was delivered flat and empty as he collected the parchment from her hands and began to scan it. “You need these collected and have assigned them to me so shall I see it done. You speak of protection and a quiet mission; these would concern any Guard in the Tower. But yes, in my case I do have concerns over your, the parties safety and its destination. Something I believe I will have little sway over but would appreciate the façade of being consulted on.” He set the parchment down on his lap, lacing his fingers together before resting them on it as well. His gaze took in her whole stance and expression. The player had control of the game pieces in his head now and there was no sense trying to deny that training from its purpose. She had called him out and he had no option available to him but to answer. “You speak of a mission, I would assume that you have a plan and an objective for this little outing. If you are to make use of my talents, as you so eloquently put it, then perhaps you would be willing to let me in on these details. Aes Sedai make a very desirable and tempting target that close to the blight. I would assume you have some form of disguise planned to keep your identities secreted?” His words held none of the usual barbs, no hidden challenges as it had before. He was now simple at man at business, a tool preparing to be used. How many of your nightingales did you confide in Sirayn? How many others hands have you set my leash in? It seemed that even in death he would forever walk in her shadow. She was not done with him and she was not about to let him out from her training and purposes either. Perhaps people were right, Aes Sedai did not need the One Power and a bond to tie a person to their purpose.

Corin

A tool caries no emotion, it is a tool not a person

The almost sigh to his name touched off two warring emotions within. He reveled in the momentary joy that he had yet again perplexed or exasperated her. But from somewhere in the dark recesses of his mind a different meaning or edge to the sigh threatened to draw a shiver the length of his spine. Polar opposite responses for the same simple situation; an old battle within attempting resurrection from the dark frozen depths he had banished it from. Those warring emotions only engaged in war with each other further as the delicate arch of her brow reinforced both sides in the campaign.

The internal warring, like light mornings mist over the river caught in the current of a sudden north wind cut through and scattered from its hanging veil over the lowlands. To threaten him so with the Commander and complete control over his existence here tightened his jaw to cracking, bloomed a tinge of heated anger to his cheeks, and brought steel to his spine as he straightened his full length. He had no doubt since that whole arrival scene that she would get exactly what she wanted with the Commander when it came to Corin’s misery and life here at the tower; a problem that he had not been able to find a way out of. He had thought, a fleeting glimmer, that perhaps she was trying to help him. Remembered the stories he had confided in her about his dreams and desires as both a young man coming to Tar Valon and as a Tower Guard. Perhaps a friend to help lift him back from the depths of despair and guide back to the road of service and honor. Only she instead seemed to take the opportunity to make him continue to pay for his failures at both the protection of Sirayn and the love she had offered him.

Almost as if she could see his very thoughts and gauge the increasing tension and building anger with in, Lavinya swept it all into a cluttered mess of confusion with a sweep of hand and an offer to sit. Not a command, not even a question. Just a simple mater of fact request as if there were no walls between them. Simply old friends catching up on the weather and trivial conversation.  Glad that her back remained to him, Corin needed a moment to close his mouth that he noticed open as his bottom sat heavily into the indicated chair. A game, surely this must be some sort of Aes Sedai game. No lengthy lecture, there had been one in the subtleties, but not an in depth lecture he could argue the facts with her. No impeding punishment, a slap to the face with her control over his life most certainly. But done so quietly and dismissed so quickly he could not make a case of it without looking the petulant child. Even the question of tea was not actually a question the way she avoided looking at him; back still facing him. It was a notification that he was under thumb for the moment and she was going to make sure he stayed there.

Fine, bring your tea and your games, I have faced far better and worse advisories then you Lavinya my love. You want to dance with words then ….. His own thoughts furrowed his brow slightly and cut off the idea in mid flow as he tried to make sense of the words he had chosen. “Love”, where in the light had that notion come from. They had been very close friends. Friends with benefits one might even say. Now they barely seemed to find enough focus to remain barely civil to each other. Her doing really; not like he had been given a choice or anything like that. Aes Sedai and their need to control, distort and ruin lives whenever the whim moved them was what this was. Nothing more or less, he needed to remember that.

Impassively he watched Lavinya collect her cup and settle herself back into the chaise. Completely at ease and relaxed in the knowledge she held the upper hand between them once more for the moment. He was at least pleased with himself that the heat and it’s knowing color in his cheeks had faded and control was once more in his grasp, somewhat. The thought reinforced with another sigh from her. No doubt resignation that he was not about to relax as she was and carry this charade of casualness further. The slight tightness that had been around her eyes seemed to slacken momentarily as if she was lost in thoughts of her own before exhaustion seemed to claim her once more. Foolish woman. Perhaps if she actually stayed in once and got some decent sleep instead of trying to turn the heads of more of the trainee’s and newly raised guards she would have more of that Aes Sedia serenity to carry her though the day instead of looking wrung out. Even the light skirts in the city taverns look after themselves better. Then again, perhaps it was yet another way she was hoping to make him pay for those words in the field. If she wanted to be tousled by every man she could set her claws in who was he to judge? She was not his concern, no woman was. He had a duty to the Tower and its occupants. That duty did not include nursemaid; at least not entirely.

She was good. He was trying desperately to leave the Great Games behind him, but even a blind man could see the trap she set for him. It annoyed him to no end that. Well versed in the games he could see the guiding, new exactly that he was being lead into a box he would not be able to escape easily. Had he been using his training earlier and paying full attention he might have had a chance to fend off the guiding and avoid the trap. But he had been to absorbed in his own misery to notice until the gallows were before him and she sat smugly offering him the basket that would receive his head. A farce … a great many things where a farce. Taking the time to plot out points and counter points Corin leaned over and began preparing his cup.

The trap was elegant yet simple. To refuse would once more make him look childish and petty. To claim ignorance on the matter after the ties he still did not fully understand between her and Sirayn would only make him look the fool. To lash out in anger would be to accept defeat and prove himself niggling as she had offered nothing that could warrant such a response on it’s own. Realizing he was still spooning honey into his tea while frowning at the cup. Corin quickly released the tension from his face and gave the tea a quick stir hoping the greater quantity of the honey would remain on the bottom. “I assure you Lavinya Sedai, no guard Tower trained is a simple minded swordsman. Would that it be you would not be in need of us.” He brought the cup to lip but paused, “why curiosity would kill me I do not understand. Perhaps it is something that affects Aes Sedai in a negative fashion. They are always looking into the worlds closets.” He drew a light sip and suppressed a grimace at the syrupy taste that slowly slipped down his throat. Well there was nothing for it now that could be done. He would have to muscle through it and hope to water it done further with more tea as his cup neared empty.

“Interesting blend though I find mint much more relaxing really. Perhaps next time you will allow me to prepare a cup for you. I know of a very nice blend. Very relaxing, it would help you with those dark circles under your eyes.” Mirth danced delightful twinkles in his eyes. Oh he doubted he would be able to get away with it a second time. Why Sirayn had not killed him or reported him he would now never fully understand. He had doubted the suggested results of the brew until he had actually sat in that cabin and watched Sirayn awaken, shaken and cold. With no control of her body or the One Power; but a bite to her words as he had never felt before then. The glint of mirth helped to hid the slight sheen of an attempted tear. Forcefully he stuffed the emotion down deep. There was no room for emotions in this kind of dance.

Mentally grabbing his scattered thoughts and bringing them back to focus Corin tipped his cup toward Lavinya slightly. “But tea is not really why you summoned me here. You seem to know what skills you believe I posses and have already factored them into this trip of yours, so please continue. How may I serve you in this outing?” Oh she could try to mask this any way she wanted. But she had summoned him, and she was trying very hard to make him into something he was not sure he wanted to be any more. If he accepted a seat at Daes Dae’mar once again and played it the way she seemed to want him to; would he ever be able to step back again? Already she had his mind working the intricate circles of the game he had vowed died with Sirayn.

Corin

Linten al'Dracain

Ashy type (mwahahahahahaha)

Resident alternative to certain idea's related to the witches ... er ..... Aes Sedai. :p

“Thunk!” The smooth uniform hilt of the dagger vibrated briefly as it transferred the stored energy from its throw into the surface of the target tree. Three shafts of silver, reflecting in the light, protruded from the parchment that had been pressed to target. The missive, now arrayed with a plethora of slashes was still legible much to Corin’s dismay. More over, the delicate feminine flow of ink that was Lavinya’s signature remained perfectly untouched. Slashes from previous throws dotted the parchment around it, but not one had touched it or a finger width span around it.

I know it’s not really her. But damn the pimple on the rump of a pig! Its simple rebellion, nothing she doesn’t deserve. Why can’t I just have at least that one small victory? Shaking his head Corin approached missive once more and pulled free his blades. He had even tried to swap a shift on the wall with another guard, but the fool refused. Who in their right mind would not want a free day off? With pay even. Corin could careless about the money. He just wanted an excuse to be able to put his leash holder off for a whole day. As if a smile too shy to show itself hovered in the shadows, the though quirked the corner of his lips.

It was not to be it seemed and he was running out of barely plausible excuses for postponing as long as he did. Shielding his eyes with the one dagger still in hand, he cast a hasty glance at the sinking sun. His day had started as well and cheerful as it possibly could under his present circumstances and taskmistress. In fact, not having had to “talk” to her all day should have had him in high spirits. It was not that he didn’t like talking to her. They had been friends at one time, more then friends. Only since his return her “talk” always ended up circling back to what was going on in his head; like she was trying to analyze him. A broken tool that she was determined to fix regardless of his belief or not.

But the appearance of one of the Towers white pigeons had fouled that immediately. There was only one reason since his return that a Novice would be seeking him out and it wasn’t for a tousle in the hay unfortunately. When they appeared it could only mean one thing. Lavinya had decided he needed to be where ever she was so she could once more assign him some task or chore like he was nothing more then one of the girls in white. At least she didn’t watch him working the forms anymore. Or perhaps just because she was not actually before him he had relaxed and not felt her eyes from the ramparts above.

Corin shook his head again. He had forgotten how it felt to be in the yard over shadowed by the White Tower. Always there were eyes from above watching, he was sure the sisters must have a hidden schedule in which they took turns looking down into the yards to keep the guard from relaxing too far. Drilling in front of the Commander was perfectly acceptable, welcomed in fact. It proved you were ready to the man who commanded you. Heck he hadn’t even cared when the Commander was a woman. But the sisters were different. Subconsciously his eyes traveled up the surface of the tower resting first where Sirayn had once resided as a Green and then later as the Amyrlin.

Like a child with too many dolls, the sisters where spoilt children playing with the lives of others haphazardly. Sure they did good in the world and served a greater purpose to the Light in this Age and all past. But those that lived in this place and bound themselves to the yard and it’s duty. Those where the dolls the sisters played with until they tired of them and then moved their gaze of destruction onto another. Perhaps Reiken had the right of it when he warned him not to rush into the plans of Aes Sedai. Only he had left the tower service and gone a far. Was there something else his old mentor had known and not imparted on his student?

The thought perplexed Corin briefly, his eyes moving once more to the latest location of his taskmistress. He had not known her quarters before leaving, but he knew her new ones. Not through intimacy or offered service; it was through the bondage of orders. Something she seemed to take great pleasure in reminding him. His hand closed in a fist on the missive he had been holding before tucking it and the dagger back into their rightful places. As much as he wanted to delay things further, he had run free of options. His tasks and training requirements for the day where complete and what little time she had now “granted” him as free was about to once more be used up.

Steeling himself for the task at hand he proceeded to the Tower entrance and the flight of stairs that would take him to the Grey quarters and Lavinya Sedia’s rooms. The missive spoke nothing of formality so he was happily not going to change into the dress uniform of the guard. Though it would buy him a few more minutes the inevitable was still looming before him. With the dinner hour at hand it was quieter in the halls then he was use to. A greater portion of the Novice girls must have been at dinner or perhaps they were still under the watching eye of a taskmistress of their own. Either way the thought was brief and he offered no time to it. Stopping before the door he had begun to detest, Corin took one final moment to mentally prepare for what was sure to be another silent battle wills.

Knocking once, Corin stifled a smirk as he immediately opened the door and stepped into Lavinya’s chambers before she could answer. Her missive ordered him here at first opportunity and stated she would be waiting. Hence logically there was no reason to be waiting out in the hall for her to invite him further. Logic that would never hold water of course, but a small silent win he was willing to pay for. His eyes found her quickly; stretched out on a chaise for all the world a queen to be at knee for. Only Corin was not ready to bend knee to any sister in complete servitude. The last one had been for not. He would serve; there was no doubt about that. But his knee bent only through duty or force of will now.

Normally he would be ready for the justly earned chastising that would result from such behavior. But this time, while mentally readying to trade verbal barb for verbal barb, he noticed something he had not previous. The dark circles that marred Lavinya’s otherwise smooth complexion under her eyes. Shadows that spoke of a need for rest, of a body that would be facing exhaustion soon. The view set off the puzzling in his mind; the focus allowing a hint of puzzlement to touch his face. Lost to his thoughts so deeply he momentarily forgot propriety; something he seemed to find new ways of exercising only to the exact letter needed. Biting the inside of his cheek lightly to regain his focus Corin offered her once more a letter perfect bow. “Lavinya Sedia. As you have requested I present myself before you.”

Corin

:o *blink ...... blink*

errrr .... not a good choice of words task mistress. :p

Hey Arani,

    I would help you out but I am going to be leaving on LOA for holidays on the 31. I don't think we would get it finished by then and I would not want to leave you in a lurch for a week.

    If you get no offers by the time I'm back on the 10 of Aug and your mentor is still unavailable let me know and I will help you out.

Linten

Thanx Arani,

   Once Corin get's back to the Tower, and the assigned "task mistress"'s back is turned perhaps we can find something to kick off a thread if you are interested .....

  As for Linten ..... *grins* .... he's a wonderful fellow and would love to meet new people at the Farm. Especially with all the changes that have taken place while he has been assigned abroad. Let me know if there is something you are interested in and I will see what we can come up with. :D

*peeks* ..... hmmm ... strange dancing to get rid of history demons ......

Should I be nervous yet ... you and Lavy have already had a chat ....

yup ... I'm thinking nervous ;)

Excellent .... then a fresh start ..... :D

Linten is always interested in meeting new people to chat with and see if there is any similar thoughts about many things.

When do you want to start?

btw .... WY .... Now I remember ... :p ..... Corin's still working at arriving back at the tower and then his has to face his punishment .... so it will be a bit before he get's to "meet" anyone new or old at the yard :p .... silly AS can't take a little joke ;)

Like clockwork the Gaidin flowed smoothly between the sister he protected and the threat he perceived named Corin. It was almost child’s play how the reaction was so predictable. Only this type of child’s play could end in blood and death if not balance to a careful mark. Not an emotion cracked the surface of the other man’s façade as his hand drifted to find his own swords hilt; his stance all to familiar. The Gaidin was ready to meet any dance offered and give life if need be to ensure no harm came to his charge. A noble thought, one shared by Corin not that long ago. But it was long enough that the shine had faded to a dry, weathered, and cracked piece of leather ready to be discarded. Only it still fit him to well to completely give up hope. Corin had always strived to reach that position and even in his grief and confusion. Something deep down would not let him through it completely away.

Looking everywhere for Sirayn had brought a hard and bitter reality to the boy grown man now hardened into the renegade of requirement. He had seen much in the way of blood in the last year; been the drawer of it more then he ever wanted. Watched as the light of life slowly faded from eyes once bright. Watched them darken and eventually cloud over with deaths full embrace. Hells. They had become his home more then not of late. A Hell was the darkest and seediest of the tavern offerings and it flowed with turned ale, vinegar wine, women, dice, and blood. He had met his fair share of fights that carried to far. This place was not a Hell, but it was no that far of a step above. Already the patrons in the common room had slowly begun to swing their gaze to the two men facing off. No doubt they expected they would see a bit of sport.

But they would be sadly mistaken, well perhaps only a little. His conscience, his vow, and his heart would not allow him to do harm to the Aes Sedai. But the Gaidin did not know that, could not know that. He only knew what was before him and that was a threat to the sister he was charged to protect above all others.

His charge fit right into the mold of a Green in all their bold and haughty aspects. True to form, brash and forward. She appeared to be ready to take charge and dirty her hands before her Gaidin would even be able to get his hands dirty. Tipping his head to the side for a moment to ponder her words and actions. Corin wondered if perhaps it ever bothered the man that she would rush to seek the dance and deaths embrace before he had little more then planed out the opening steps to the dance himself. True it would have been something the man would have known before the commitment. It was widely known the type of sister you would serve if you accepted the bond of a Green. But then that had been exactly what he had wanted, what he had strived for and what he had lost. He had been bondless and remained bondless, probably would be bondless for the rest of the days the Wheel spun out for him.

There was no sense pushing things farther then needed, though of late he was having a harder time discerning where exactly that line was. Dropping his hand from the hilt he spread his arms wide while he dipped his head in a bow. “It is indeed to early to paint the floor in red. Be at ease little sis, I have no quam with you; only to test your friends observations.” He straightened with his arms still outstretched to show that he had no intentions of accessing the blade at his waist. The smirk that sat his face as he rose from that bow set a glint of play to his eyes. “He looked to be board out of his mind and I thought to see how awake he was.” Corin knew exactly how awake the man was, tower trained and Gaidin to top it off. The man would not be left off guard; would register all movements that may bring threat to the Aes Sedai and still appear to be oblivious to the room. He stepped forward still with the smirk, no more then a foot from the pair. “Look, already the folks think they will see sport here. A foolish thought to be sure when the people of your stature are near, but still they look and wait. Almost a shame is it not?”

The words barely left his lips before he threw his weight forward into the Gaidin, a fist glancing off the cheek of the man before Corin’s weight and momentum took them both to the floor. He had no illusion he would win this little fist of cuffs. A Gaidin, still in his prime condition and two Aes Sedai; it was only a matter of who really. Who between the three of them would be the fastest to end this. The Gaidin would not take long, especially with the heat of drink in Corin’s stomach. He was certain the sister that had been next to the Gaidin would have already embraced the source. A thought crossed his mind as his head snapped back; wondering if the Gaidin would be annoyed with the sisters if they interrupted a fight he was already turning the tide of. It didn’t matter really, a full smile sat his face as the Gaidin gained the upper hand; Corin wondering if they would stop him or wait until he had released the tension that had to have been wound tight in the man only moments ago.

Corin Danveer

He could feel the tension radiating from her; could see the fury etched on her face. All these he had expected, but the lack of heated retort; no physical punishment. Those two things puzzled him almost as much as the sudden turn she executed before walking away from him to the fountain's edge. That was neither the reaction he had expected or attempted to illicit from her. She should be angry, furious with him. The way she held her body spoke of it. Where she should have unleashed it in a violent temper she instead held it in barely controlled check; at least from her appearance. It had to be that Aes Sedai composure that deviated the normal response and granted her the control to move away from him when what the situation clearly required was a beating and a sever reprimand.

Something about the fountain she dipped her fingers into tickled his mind; the tension easing from her shoulders. At least she was not being so foolish as to believe going to the blight with out protection was an option. But if it was not the Guard, then who had she solicited for the task? More over, were they trustworthy? Did they have the skill needed? Could they be bought to betray the sisters? Too many questions; most that left him unease on this choice of protection she had yet to name. Oh how he wanted to answer her question. Yes! He wanted to fight with her, to scream and carry on. To throw insults at each other, cut each other deeply with words. Hurt her like he hurt, shake her. Make her hit him. To leave him. She didn't understand, no one did. To grab and shake her, throw her reputation in her face. Hug her, kiss her, to lay his head in her lap and weep.

His shoulders had slipped as he had watched her, listen to her call him out. But with her ending remark about cruelty and his confusing thoughts his shoulders came back up once more; though he could not call the heat back to his eyes. She confused him. Sirayn had confused him. He was a failure, barely worthy of standing the wall as a watch member. Yet Lavinya seemed to be determined to draw out a man that had died with Sirayn. He had died .... hadn't he? Afraid that he might actually find an answer Corin pushed away the confusing thoughts and retreated into the void. A safe place where he no longer had to face the feelings that slide off the glassy surface of the void.

The void had severed him well in many situations; The Game of Houses, the dance of swords, simple mindless brawling, dealing with emotions. Only Lavinya seemed on her game today. The smooth surface was far to weak and delicate for the realization of where they indeed had arrived. Sitting at the fountain's edge, he could not help but remember the scene that felt near a lifetime ago. When her deep brown eyes had looked up at him with something far from anger, tension, or frustration. By the time they were ready to leave there had been heat in those eyes but it had been the heat of love. Corin bit down on his tongue as he felt his strength of will faltering. No! ... No it had not been love, just simple lust, an ensnaring trap like the silk threads Sirayn had used only of a different color. He forced the thoughts to take shape even though he could feel the lie in them. He needed to maintain the distance.

Unwittingly she offered the aid to solidify a portion of that edge once more. A piece of property to be passed about like a cheap trinket. Good, she still hated him for hurting her. Held no romantic thoughts of drawing the love from him again. He was an outlet to release her torment on; a service to the Tower. How bad could it be to be put into the service of another while she gallivanted long the blight with some random group of sellswords to protect her? The problem was just that. It could mean her life; another life lost that he would mentally take responsibility whether anyone seen it as his fault or not. It galled him to be cornered so easily. A Daes Dae'mar player would never find themselves maneuvered so easily into a choice they could no more resist then to remove their own arm with a spoon. Sirayn would never have been trapped so easily.

The glare and not so subtle threat offered a chance of escape. If he simply but pushed her a little farther , he would not have to worry over the choice. Perhaps it would be enough for her to finally give up on him and send him back to the sole punishment of the Commander. At least then he would not have to worry about being anything other then a Tower Guard. Never have to worry over being responsible for a sisters life; for surely the Commander would never task him with such responsibility again. It would be so simple, life would be so simple ..... simply miserable. Who was he kidding? He still thrived for the elusive place he had sought at Sirayn's side as her shield, her Gaidin. Only she was gone, had rejected him long before her leaving in fact. Something he was just never able to get through his thick skull it seemed. “Lavinya Sedai, as this guard understands your wish to be that he follows and serves you in this trip, I so do commit myself to that service. I do not know what it is you expect of me. But I serve as I have sworn with what I can offer.” He bent into a perfect, formal bow. His mind once more at work on the puzzles that plagued him and the new pieces Lavinya had added. When he straightened, he appeared slightly more at ease, his face held a hint of softness to the schooled expression and his eyes no longer seemed set to a storm. Perhaps this purpose and trip would help give him a focus to point the turmoil against and offer enough of a distraction that perhaps ..... no, it was doubtful. But it was better then the self destruction path he had been on moments ago. At least he hoped it would be better.

Their surrounds still tried to press in on him and drudge up memories from the past. It was a battle he was slow loosing to as the light fragrance of roses drifted to him; Lavinya still in view on the fountains edge. They had played a game with a rose then. A game that ensnared them both during a moment of weakness. “If you will excuse me Aes Sedai. If I am to be of service I will need to spend more attention to my practices. My forms are still not the fluent dance they once were.” He offered her another bow  then turned toward the training grounds  hoping that it would be enough for her to release him to the yard. At least there he could find a sparing partner or perhaps a tree to take his frustrations out on with a lathe.

Corin Danveer

Lost to himself

Welcome back to the Farm ..... I have not been back all that long myself. Always good to see old faces return as much as new faces join.  :)

Sounds like a plan my man.

  I'll have to see if I can did up one of those old RP's so I can get a refresh.

  Linten just got back from his assignment away so this would work rather well. Let me see what I can find (unless you have a link to one of the old one's) and then we can get a thread up.

  Welcome back by the way :)

Well,

It's finally done ..... Please see http://forums.dragonmount.com/index.php/topic,24072.0.html for the duel battle to move Linten to Ashy status.

Thanx,