Onto Adventure [Attn: Alrim Farshera Gaidin]

[Bella]

[subtitle]Andraste Alhandra Sedai[/subtitle]
If Andra had thought she worked hard as a Novice and Accepted, she wasn't sure if it compared. She had been doing more in her days since being raised than she had before, or at least, that's somewhat how it felt. It was likely just that the nature of the work was different, and there was a greater weight of responsibility upon it, now.

Now, she had a task before her, and Andra was an Aes Sedai without a warder. She knew she was capable with her channeling, but that wasn't the same as full protection.

Like anyone else in her position, she had sent a position to the Gaidin Captain, and he had agreed to assigned an unbonded warder to travel with her so that she was assured of her safety. She had arranged a time to meet before the stables, and she now sat on a low bench just outside the building awaiting the arrival of the Gaidin assigned to her...

[Andy]

He still didn't feel much like Gaidin, even if he had technically been one for some handful of weeks now. It was an alien feeling and one he was not sure he would ever get used to. Then again not much had changed truth be told. He still taught in the Yards, still learned where he could and spent time out of the Tower on assignments. True the latter happened more often of late but not by so much that it was noticeable unless he thought upon it properly. He had more free time and could wear what he wanted, those seemed to be the end results. Oh and the Fancloak that he now wore. It still startled him at times, especially when seeing himself in a mirror whilst wearing it. Must be some sort of One Power creation, doesn't look right he told himself as he made his way towards the stables. His sword was on his hip now, it was the only way to properly wear the damned thing and the Fancloak at the same time, a fact that he was trying to get used to. He went through his preparations mentally as he walked. Food, weapons, spare clothing, survival gear just in case and more. He thought he had covered everything but then you only ever found out when you were already away. He was not usually told much about the assignments other than whether it was an Aes Sedai or Asha'man he was to watch over - this time it was an Aes Sedai. It usually seemed to be. Idly he wondered if they were trying to tell him something with that. Shaking his head and did what he always did when he arrived, he circled and pulled the cloak around him to see if he could get a glimpse of his company before they saw him. He was getting quite good at it though he was spotted often enough that he knew he needed practise. Whether she noticed him or not she didn't seem to react. He remembered her he realised, where did he know her from? Something about the Gardens perhaps? "Andraste..." he smiled, the memory coming back to him. And Light you were in a hedge too! She will be filled with such confidence in you he shook his head and walked to her, letting his cloak go free and pulling the hood back. "A pleasure to see you again Andraste Sedai, I was told that you had business outside of the Tower? Would you like me to ready your mount?" he asked by way of greeting. After all the Raising changed some people, his own had been no easy thing, and he didn't know if she were going to be the same Andraste who picked leaves from his hair what seemed an age ago now. Best to be professional first and then more familiar than the other way around. He had learned that quick enough.

[Bella]

The Gaidin who approached was familiar, and it took her a moment as well to put the memory to the familiarity. When she did, her lips curved into a small knowing smile as she inclined her head politely. "Alrim Gaidin, I see. It is good to see you again as well." It was a far cry from tumbling out of bushes.

How much they had all changed in that time, indeed. Here they were now, Aes Sedai and Gaidin.

"Yes, I have business out of the Tower. It seems the area I need to go is not precisely the safest and I thought it best to not go it alone. I know that you have been assigned this task, but your aid is appreciated nonetheless." She inclined her head again, still with that small smile though this time less teasing and more in earnest.

She gestured for them to walk into the stable together. "One of the stableboys has already fetched and tacked my horse, though I could not ask him to do the same for yours since I did not know you were the one to join me."

[Andy]

"Oh I wouldn't worry, I can look after my own," he set about fulfilling his words, beginning with fastening his pack to the saddle he chose after following her into the stable, "makes sure I know it's all done properly if I do it myself anyway" he shrugged as he fixed the saddle in place and set about the rest. It was short affair these days, practised to the level that was acceptable if not masterful. It gave him the chance to study her whilst she waited and think upon her words. She needed him to go with her but didn't mention the place without privacy. Did that mean there was something specific that required reticence? Or perhaps she didn't know - something he'd have found difficult to believe a year or so ago. Back then it would have been assumed Aes Sedai knew everything. Having grown with their new crops he had seen that was a false assumption. He finished up his mount and turned to face her as he clapped his hands together in a job-done manner. "Seems everywhere isn't safe these days, even our own halls and citadels," he smiled in return to her though his words were sad, "what I wouldn't give for the chance to make things safe forever. Where is it you need to go? Any intelligence on what to expect?" he asked, the important questions that would allow him to prepare mentally. His words were too true for his liking, it was a fact that he was growing to realise, that as a Gaidin he was more in danger than ever and the Tower was far from a perfect place and secure against all assault. The Ball, the Citadel siege, these events had made him realise that what they had was precious - and hard fought for. They were to be cherished all the more for that fact. "And you need not thank me. I do what I need to do. Still...it makes it better that I do them for people I know. At least I have a hedge friend this time instead of someone with something up their..." he grinned and didn't say it, she would know from her own experience. He waited to see if she was ready to leave or if she still had information or conversation to impart.

[Bella]

Andraste did not yet have a horse of her own, although now that she had attained the rank of Aes Sedai, she planned to find one. The one she was using for this excursion belonged to the Tower; it was a small chestnut-colored mare named Rosie who still looked sprightly, though had the placid look of a horse used to different riders.

She took Rosie's reins and led her out alongside Alrim and his steed. She stood to the inside of the pair so she could be nearer to the Gaidin while she spoke.

"In truth, we don't have as far to go as though we were headed for the Borderlands," Andra replied. "There is a town on the far side of Andor, not far from the border of Ghealdan. It's a small city by the name of Karane, and it has a less than savory reputation." She glanced sidelong at him to punctuate the, 'That's what I need your help for.'

"If all goes well, this should be a short excursion without trouble. I have someone I need to meet, and something I need to see." She paused. "I'm not trying to be cryptic, but I'll explain more along the way. I'm following up on some information that I've been granted now with my new rank."

[Andy]

"Never heard of it," he told her honestly, "but you'll be safe and sound if I have any say on it. Spent enough time around rogues to know how they think. As for the reasons...truthfully I never know fully what I am helping with like as not. I am thankful you told me what you have already" he flashed a grin as he led his mount towards where the Gateways were always made. It was a tradition now, that small walk where you knew if you were going to get along on the journey. He didn't need to know that with Andraste, he already knew she'd be a decent travelling companion. As such he spent it thinking and planning contingencies. He knew the geography of Andor generally, enough to get by. He didn't know much about the specific area but then the plan was not to need to. If he'd known beforehand he'd have brushed up his knowledge. Ah well...should'a would'a could'a he told himself as they arrived. It was a simple affair to wait until the weave was done and the shining line warped into a portal and then was walked through. It still made his skin crawl, no matter how many times he stepped through them. It just seemed so unnatural. It was, sadly, the only way to travel across the lands quickly and safely though so he put up with it. Not that he had much of a say. "So," he said as he pulled himself into his saddle and stroked the black coat of his mount, "you have a whole network now then? Must be fun, knowing what others don't and how to use it. Always found the game interesting myself, never was good at playing it though" he scratched his chin as he looked around. There was little in the sign of threat and the landscape was largely wooded with patches of clear fields here and there. Country roads of course, for now. There was a slight breeze to help ease the warmth of the southern climate. He fingered the hilt of his blade at his hip, a habit he was picking up and couldn't seem to break. He didn't say anything, he found it was better to let his companions talk when they wished. Besides which it was Andraste's choice what to reveal and how much. He kept his eyes shifting, alert, just in case.

[Bella]

The newest Red Sister couldn't help but smile when he referenced her network, because it was something barely begun for her. It wasn't something inherited so much as built, and she knew that she would spend some years in the building. Much like the spider puts in the time to delicate create its net, so would she.

However, if he wanted to think her a bit more skilled than she was, she wasn't eager to correct him. She hoped that this trip would turn out in such a way that she might add to her budding net, but only time would tell.

"There are many things I am still working on," she said lightly instead, a little cryptically. Maybe that was unavoidable, after all. "As for this town... Well, I have not been there myself. This will be my first visit. However, by reports of my fellows and from my reading, I know that this is a trading hub. So it sees the passage of many different persons.

"It is said in less official sources that it is also a hub of gambling dens, more than its share of brothels, along with a high rate of thievery and even murder." Her sidelong expression to him as they rode along was wry. "Just an average day in the life of an Aes Sedai and Gaidin, eh?"

[Andy]

"As are we all," he responded to her comments upon development, "seems the road never ends. Never seem to stop trying to get better with the sword for example. Learning new things all over. Someone has to do the heavy lifting at some point" he shrugged and looked into himself for a few moments. He had thought quite a bit upon such things of late. He had even found out that his title - Gaidin - meant 'Brother to Battle'. He had always make it a joke, how he was always seeming to be fighting something, someone or somewhere. After learning the meaning of his new life he had seen it in a new light. The words he had spoken to Zeen so long ago about being the one fated to shovel for all time had rippled back and made him laugh. Battle wasn't something he did. He had to admit it was what he was. On some level at least. And Aes Sedai means 'Servant to All' too. Even if they aren't wanted. Hard lives, for hard people he told himself as they continued onward at a leisurely pace. "Sounds like my kind of town, wouldn't mind taking some coin from the bad to give to the good. Either way, it should be fun, to see somewhere new and take in its glories. I seem to recall you like getting out and about," he looked at her, taking her in better than before" He snorted at her comment about the lives of an Aes Sedai and Gaidin. "I might suggest that the Pattern goes out of its way to make our lives interesting," he shook his head, "tell me Andraste, how have you fared since last I saw you? I hope the Red Ajah is helping you find your feet?" the questioning tone was clear, he did like to know when those he liked were treated well. It helped him to see some positive in the morass of Shadow the world was set against.

[Bella]

Some years had passed since their first meeting, although being in the Tower, there had been the casual and brief encounter to keep memories fresh as to who each one was. All the same, it still seemed like a life time between a Drin tumbling out of the bushes in front of a Novice to the Gaidin escorting an Aes Sedai of today.

They had both been raised, twice, and she had gone through that treacherous period of her channeling block. She didn't like to think about that too much, but it had happened.

Each one had gone through their raising tests, and learned new things about themselves. What had he learned, she wondered, although she certainly wasn't going to ask. Still, they were both different people than they had been then...and yet, much about them was likely the same, for they would always be who they were.

"I managed to reach the Red, and the shawl to go with it, so I suppose we can say that I have fared well on the overall," she replied lightly after a few moment's musing. "I am finding my feet, although I feel more like it's learning to dance than to stand. However, I did always like to dance." She smiled a little. "And you? How has life treated you, and the fancloak?"

[Andy]

He nodded and scratched his chin as their journey continued and she spoke of dancing instead of standing. It made sense in his head. Every Gaidin knew there was politics at the Tower, even the Yards were not immune though they were less involved in it. He supposed that one day he would have to learn such skills, the signs and warnings. Protecting a channeler seemed a lot more complicated after the Fancloak was given than before. Still he was glad that she was happy, or at least had achieved what she had desired. "Doesn't everyone?" he asked as his eyes made a brief scan of their surroundings, finding nothing once more, "perhaps at the next celebration you could show me. Last time I danced I never did get to finish" "As for myself, life has been better since getting the cloak than before," he looked at her, "I get out of the Tower more and I have achieved something, start to finish. Feels good. Never did think I'd stick to it, truth be told. Still, I am happy that I did" He returned his gaze to the path they were travelling and wondered whether he could give up the responsibility and go back to being a Drin. It was something that he was still trying to get used to. Teaching lessons and being responsible for Drin when he was a Ji was nothing compared to now. Then he had had Gaidin everywhere, the Infirmary if required, scores of people to pitch in if something bad happened. Even at the Citadel he had far from fought alone and though he had ridden with those such as Tia alone it was still with a force at their backs if required. Now...just him and Andraste. It frightened him in many ways. He fingered the pommel of his blade absently. "Why did you choose the Red, might I ask?" he tilted his head, "it seems a weighty decision to make, picking an Ajah. We just get our cloak, no choices to make. Well until later at least. Was it an easy one to make?"