Mama Bear [Attn: Alrim Farshera Gaidin]

[Bella]

"Is this source credible?"

"Of course it is. I've had over a century to learn how to determine a source's reliability."

"Don't get defensive."

"I'm going to get defensive! It's time to do some defense."

Haeden looked at his sister from across her desk. He had his fists pressed against the wood, leaning over to look at the letter she had put before him from one of her eyes and ears in Saldaea. The place that comprised half of each of their blood, and the place their mother said "sang" to her.

Could such evil that would take root and throttle their family flourish in her homeland?

Of course it could. It could grow anywhere, even in her family, even in the Tower.

There was nothing more important to the Sha'hal bloodline--no matter their last name--than family, at least those born of Miahala. It was an instinct fed into them by their mother's milk from the earliest moments, and the flame became no less of a fire over the years. If any, it only grew. It was something that her mother's daughter felt no less keenly.

"I will not tolerate even a whisper of violence against our mother," Sadira hissed, fire and ice flashing within those clear blue eyes.

"Of course not," Haeden agreed, meeting her gaze unflinchingly as he rose up and crossed his arms over his chest. "There's bound to be trouble. Do you think we two are enough?"

Her dark brows drew in. "I will not tell Mother of this," she said slowly. "Not in her condition. Do you think we two are not?"

One Gaidin shoulder rose slightly. "I think we probably are, but these matters never stay simple. Anyone who would even hint at going after a woman like Mother has to have some kind of power behind them. I'd feel better with at least one other Gaidin along with us, and no, I would not tell Ravak either."

"Do you have anyone in mind?" Sadie asked, tilting her head slightly.

"I think I know someone who might be available."
* * * Haeden was in the Warder Yards the first thing the next morning. He looked for the Arafellin who he didn't know very well, but knew somewhat--or something of. Spotting him, the blond Gaidin made his way over. "Alrim, a moment?" he asked, then waited until that moment could be afforded him.

Once they had stepped away, Haeden came right out with it. "Are you available and willing to attend a mission into Saldaea with my sister and I?"

[Andy]

An uneventful day so far, the first of its kind for some time. If he were being honest with himself he felt as if he were at a loose end. What seemed like a lifetime of daily activity had, this day, been replaced with stagnation. No classes to teach, no travels to traverse and no one bothering him about the tiniest of minutia of their day. He had practised his sword skills for a time, his dagger and unarmed also. He had received a package from Klarick in Arafel, documents and updates mostly but a few interesting items to go over in his room later. Alongside the brandy, of course. Presently though he found himself sharpening his blade and sitting in the Yards, his mind straying to recent events. Was a fun party that wedding. Better than the Citadel certainly. Wonder if it's time to find something to do with myself, something beyond escort duty and wall walking... his mind turned the puzzle over to the time of the whisking of the whetstone. "Alrim, a moment?" the words snapped him out of his thoughts and he blinked, taking in the blonde hair and familiar face. "Haeden?" his hand stopped and he tilted his head, the man seemed a little more tense than last he had seen him, "sure. Just a second" he sheathed his blade and made sure it was in place after he pushed himself up to his feet. He approached the Gaidin slowly, eyeing him carefully and wondering what the moment would be about. He hadn't had that many dealings with the man and most of the reasons that linked them, loosely perhaps, were his relatives. He hoped he wasn't going to get a lecture about making sure they were all looked after and respected should he travel with them. He was hoping his reputation as a disreputable sort was faded enough by now. As the direct tone and the words came out though he frowned slightly. "Saldea? Sadira? Of course, I'm always willing to help where I can but...is this about the estate Tia told me of? Horse farm I think she said. Duron?" he asked, his tone turning serious, "actually it doesn't matter. If you and Sadira want my help that's all that matters. I could be ready in...about an hour, maybe less. Anything specific I'd need?" He'd take the instructions and then immediately set about getting things together. It was a good thing he pretty much had two bags permanently packed for outings, he went on a fair few of them.

[Bella]

A faint smile curved Haeden's mouth as he gave Alrim a small but grateful bow of his head. Perhaps they did not know each other well, but Haeden respected him as a fellow Gaidin and Sadira seemed to have enjoyed his company at the wedding. Although Sadie was not, precisely, a solemn woman, simple "enjoyment" could be rare for her.

Her little brother thought well of anyone who could bring it to her. Between all that, it seemed a good fit for this trip.

"Thank you," he said simply. "You will have until first light, which is when we will set out. We will travel by Gateway and then have about a day's ride, likely to camp a night before reaching our destination. I will fill you in more on the way, but the main point of it now is..." He looked around and lowered his voice. "My sister has gotten word of a threat to our family.

"It is not something we will let lie, and we go to investigate. We don't know for sure, but frankly, I expect trouble. I know well that a Gaidin is always prepared for a fight, but I will advise it specifically as well. Not shadowspawn, but human trouble." The look in his green eyes was solemn and pointed.

[Andy]

"Then it will be dealt with," he stated simply, his tone hard as his frown deepened into a scowl, "I understand. They will not stand for much longer, I will be ready" he inclined his head and as Haeden did the same he turned and headed for his rooms. Time was short and so he didn't care about leaving the place neat after his departure, it could be tidied when he returned. He pulled off his every day clothing and pulled on his travelling garb. A light-weight gambeson style tunic with brigandine vest on top of it - it was serviceable enough that it would keep him alive without weighing him down. This wasn't going to be a siege and so speed counted for more this time. Thick woollen trousers, gloves and his boots were next. His Fancloak last, he didn't usually wear it in the Tower but out of it, it was indispensable. Human trouble he said...Darkfriends? Bandits? Must be something bad or they wouldn't need me at all. And filling me in along the way, what does that signal? he wondered to himself as he stuffed spare clothing and cloak into the bottom of his pack and followed it with the essentials for survival in the wilderness. A few extra bits of food he had lying around went in too. "Seems that campfire came quick indeed" he sighed to himself as he cast his gaze around one last time and found nothing more he might need. It was a short, brisk walk to the stables where he readied his mount, a borrowed one still, he had not been afforded the chance to get his own - he wanted to get the right one after all, it was a big investment in both time and resources. Still he had his favourites of the general stable and he stroked the neck of Swallow familiarly as she stuffed her nose into his face. He chuckled and patted her before securing his things. The pack was there, his bow and quiver at his right leg, stringed and ready just in case. He led Swallow out of the stable, there to wait. He was a bit early than Haeden had told him but then they likely had more on their minds than he. He had lost his family, they were worried about protecting theirs. He felt sure that they would be preoccupied this morning. He knew he would be in their shoes. Something inside him hardened a bit more. He had promised himself he would not let what had happened to his family happen to any other if he could help it. Now he would prove to himself those words. "I know Swallow, I know, another road to travel together" he told her gently as she nudged his shoulder slightly.

[Bella]

Haeden and Sadira strode to the stable not long after Alrim had settled in to wait for them. Haeden was dressed like a Gaidin ready for travel, and Sadira...was dressed pretty much the same way. Instead of a dress, like the last time Alrim had seen her, she wore black breeches and boots along with a dark blue blouse and black vest. A dark blue cloak hung over her shoulders.

She was also armed with a sword, for that was something else she had inherited from her father.

When they approached the Arafellin, Sadira nodded toward the stable. Haeden nodded his understanding, then left her with the other Gaidin, where she turned her solemn expression to him. "Thank you," she said soberly. "I know it is the duty of a Gaidin to aid, and you have said that it is what you wish to do, but the gravity of the situation..."

The Blue hesitated and then smiled faintly, but it was a mirthless look. "Well, I know Haeden has told you the summary. This has emotion weight to me, so I appreciate your aid especially."

[Andy]

He was silent as Haeden slipped toward the stables and Sadira spoke to him, it was difficult not to hear the emotion in her voice. It was saddening given that the last time they had met she had seemed happy and if not carefree then at least able to set such cares aside. This time, though, there was no setting it aside. He merely reached out and lain a hand upon her shoulder briefly, a small squeeze. "Duty didn't bring me here. I came because it's the right thing to do and because it was you who asked. Duty is quite far down the list. Besides, I did say I wanted to see Saldea," he smiled back at her softly, "and given that the whole family isn't here I assume you haven't told anyone?" He could hear Haeden getting the horses ready though he wasn't sure how long he would take, for all he knew they had a few extra things they wanted to take with them. Still they had time, the sun's light barely lit up the horizon for the moment. He looked at it, it always had the power to amaze him with it beauty. Too bad this time there were other thing to think upon. "I am sorry that this happened but it will be fine. We'll foil whatever needs foiling, eradicate what needs eradicating and then we'll have a drink somewhere and turn it into a story for your family. Haeden told me what to expect, in general. Should be quite the tale" If he were honest he had a lot more nerves than he cared to admit. Whatever the threat was specifically it was unlikely to be small and probably quite deadly. Haeden had said human trouble but Alrim had turned it over in his head and was wondering if it was just the beginning of something. It felt that way but then again, he was nervous even if he put on a brave face. "A sword suits you by the way" he nodded at the weapon.

[Bella]

His reassurance was...appreciated, truly. She thought of herself as a woman who would not need reassurance, but even though she was an Aes Sedai of some age and stature, she was still human. A human whose family had been threatened, and that was an insult that would not be tolerated. She would do anything necessary.

Anything.

Sadira's faint smile remained as she inclined her head at his words, then a soft laugh at his comment on the sword. "Thank you. My father was a soldier in the Shienaran army before he became an Asha'man." She tilted her head up just a little, a flash of pride in her bearing. "The Golden Eagle of Tarwin's Gap."

It had been many decades since her father had been alive, but his blood was still hers, and so was his pride.

After that moment, she continued. "I would wish this trip to my homeland were of a better reason, but we will do as we have said. No, I have told no one else. My mother is newly married, among other things, and I do not wish to trouble her. I will take care of it, with the aid of you and my brother. I have faith we can."

Just then, Haeden came out leading two horses of strong stock from Miahala's farm outside of Hama Valon. The tall grey belonged to Haeden, and he handed the reins of bay mare with fire in her eyes to Sadira.

The Blue Aes Sedai took her reins and then stroked the horse's nose. "Ready to get to work?" Sadira whispered. The mare whickered softly and nudged Sadie with her head, as if replying. Sadira closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Then it was time to get on with it and she came around Sorav and mounted up.

Waiting for the rest of them, she led the way to the Gateway and gave their destination to the Aes Sedai manning the spot.

When the silver light shimmered and their door open, she waited patiently for the Gaidin. She knew the score. Haeden nodded for Alrim to proceed and Haeden would follow Sadira through.

[Andy]

Even more of a distinguished lineage he noted to himself and saying nothing, there was nothing to say that wouldn't cause pain. He had presumed her father was dead given that he was not at the wedding and Miahala was one of the oldest Aes Sedai. He did hide a smile at the way she tilted her chin up though. "Smaller parties travel quicker anyway, more flexible too" he noted as she mounted and he followed suit with a sigh. He took a few moments to concentrate himself, he wanted to be at his best and wasn't about to ruin things by making a foolish mistake. His was unusually nervous for such an outing, not least because he had been sought out directly. He closed his eyes, grasped the reins and settled himself in place. A deep breath or two and then he reached for the ko'di and felt it come into place around him, a cushion from himself in many ways but more than that. He felt better, after a fashion, and followed them to the place the Gateway would be made from. It was a simple affair and one he had experienced many times but never truly got used to. It was convenient as a way to travel but it just felt...wrong. Still he waited patiently by their sides as it was constructed, a shining piece of silver forming into a picture of lands beyond, like a portal mirror. Alrim nodded at Haeden and pulled out his bow, nocked an arrow and urged Swallow through the Gateway. "Better safe than sorry, come on then" That familiar feeling, like prickling cold and the sense of movement without movement. He breathed in sharply on the other end and scanned the surroundings, fingers upon bowstring, and turning Swallow aside to make room for the others. "Hate those things" he muttered to himself as he found no immediate threats but circled a bit just to make sure, trying to get in as much of the surroundings as possible. It seemed like an out of the way track, trees here and there but mostly shrubs and the ground, few places to hide even if anyone were expecting them to arrive at somewhere away from whatever action was taking place. He kept his watch until Sadira and Haeden arrived, finally putting the arrow and bow back into their places. "Looks clear, which direction?" he asked them both, pulling his cloak a little tighter.

[Bella]

Haeden watched keenly as Alrim rode through, and appreciated the man's preparedness. It made him feel more secure in the decision to ask for his help on such a...sensitive, and personally important, mission. The blond Gaidin peered through the hole that had been torn in space and spotted no issues.

He watched for Sadira to ride through and noted her own posture--tense and alert, cautious. He followed close behind, ready for anything just in case but feeling confident that there wasn't.

Once all three were through, the Gateway winked shut behind them. Haeden wondered about his sister's plan to get back, but knew that would be revealed once they were headed back...assuming they would be. We'll see this through or die trying, he thought, a touch darkly but one need be prepared for anything.

"This way," Sadira declared, and Sorav forward. Alrim fell in to one side, while Haeden took the other. His green eyes frequently roved over the land around them. He wished he could be here for a visit with his family, on his mother's side, but alas.
* * * "I know a man in a town called Hanat," Sadira began to explain. "As is best served for one's eyes and ears in another place, he is not always in step with the law. His own eyes and ears are often in the shadier events of the city. It serves us both well. Anyways, he received word of someone looking to hire assassins."

She ground her back teeth together for a moment, urging her Aes Sedai serenity to remain intact. "If you're looking to hire anyone to kill another, then obviously there is some import. However, this person--a woman, apparently--was looking to hire quite a few, to work together, which also sends up a signal.

"He himself was sought out, although did not offer any aid. He knows people, but does not treat in such things himself. He took what they said and passed it on to me, however, and that was word that the target was a channeler, a powerful channeler, residing in the Grey Tower. No name, but a physical description. It could be no other than my mother.

"Someone is looking to hire a legion of assassins to kill my mother." She caught her passion again before it slipped too far. "Last he knew, the woman had not succeeded because there wasn't a group she thought big or skilled enough to subdue a woman like our mother, but I doubt she will stop looking and I intend to find her before she finds them."

She knew it was possible that the woman already had, but she was going to hope it was otherwise. If not, the woman would be ended all the same and her hired hands similarly put down.

[Andy]

The beginning of the journey was familiar, and thankfully so. It was an easy routine to follow once learned and consisted mostly of making sure the immediate area was safe, falling in for the travelling and keeping an eye out for any surprises. He noticed Haeden doing much the same and given his reputation and seniority it made a part of him, deep down, pleased with himself. It was always good to know you were doing your job properly. Still, there would be time for such reflections later and as he and Haeden fell in on ether side of Sadira it was their turn to listen. Or mine, at least. I'm sure he knows already. Still, it is nice to be trusted and have it put out in front he thought to himself as he kept his eyes scanning his side of their surroundings. As Sadira spoke he could almost feel the tension even if it was difficult to hear it. It was easier to see though by the set of her jaw and the style of her gaze when he glanced at her. He could respect her passion, he would have been the same had he been warned of his own family's threat and inevitable end. If anything he was impressed that she managed to hold onto the traditional Aes Sedai serenity as much as she did. What she had to say though...that was troubling and he tried not to let it show upon his face but he felt his shoulders tense further. It was one thing to help an Aes Sedai with her dealings, protecting her where required. Light he had stood on the Citadel walls and looked down at an army. But somehow the idea that Miahala Sedai was under direct threat felt altogether more chilling. It meant that whoever was behind it was not small business. Neither were they trivial, they meant business and they clearly had no fear of such a strong, well-protected and ancient warrior of the Grey Tower. Anyone who went after the Captain General, he knew with grim certainty, was not to be taken light. Even so her description of events felt as if there were more. He wondered whether he should speak up and eventually decided that it was his job, even if she knew far more than he ever would in the grand scheme of the Pattern. "A dark tale and one I'd imagine probably originates with the Shadow. Are we to assume this woman can channel?" he asked, an indirect way of asking if the infamous shadowy rogue channelers were involved. "Either way it feels...off. Strange as it may seem I spent a lot of my life with shadier sorts. No one who survived long, or were successful, were noted for telling people what they were up to. Is it possible your contact is compromised? Or..." he sighed and wished he hadn't thought of it, "is it possible that whoever this is might be trying to lure your mother...or her defenders...out into the open? The Tower is hard to kill in after all" He left the fact that being outside the Tower was easier for assassins but he was sure the idea had occurred to them both.