A Matter of Urgency [Attn: Valadin & Riahana]

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Sedai She hadn't liked leaving Valadin behind. It wasn't that she was concerned for him, precisely; she was sure he could handle himself, and he knew that the Green would be able to handle matters. That woman was no less than terrifying, Nykkolaia decided, but even so, the Blue still didn't want to leave him behind.

Pragmatism won out, of course. She left with the others, taking Valadin's sword from the Gaidar even though it was ungainly in her hands, and departing the inn with Riahana skillfully in the lead and their rescued inn-workers in tow.

Of course once they were in the woods with just the directive to wait for Miahala and Valadin, things couldn't remain that easy. Villagers were fleeing and being attacked. Children, Riahana had said. Of course she did not object. Can you hold? Gareth asked. He wanted to go help his wife. Something odd twinged in Nykk at that, but she couldn't afford to contemplate what it was and just nodded.

A sound came crashing the trees.

Oh, come on... she thought with aggravation as she recognized the sounds as being contrary to the gracefulness that any of her group would show, and also coming from the wrong direction. She positioned herself in front of the group--the child and three others--and watched as two brigands angrily stumbled through the foliage. One had an arrow, broken mid-shaft, sticking out of his thigh.

How he moved, Nykk had no idea. The fervor of battle must have kept him upright, to where he'd collapse when it left. For now, he limped savagely with his comrade taking the lead. Both had swords. Nykkolaia had saidar flowing through her, and Valadin's sword in her hand although she had not the skill to use it. It was also for his size and not hers, but she didn't let go of it.

You said you could hold, she reminded herself.

They approached fast and she could only do her best, but she would not let anything happen to the child, or the others, if she had breath to prevent it. Threads of Spirit wove themselves before she even thought it through and curled around that place in a man's mind that makes them fear all things. The uninjured one suddenly stumbled to a stop. Staring at her with unbridled terror in his eyes.

She held that gaze until he ran.

That's when the child screamed.

Nykk spun around to see that the man with the arrow had somehow not been caught in her web of fear and had the small boy by the hair, yanking him from the grasping hands of the barmaid. Nykk almost couldn't believe what she was seeing. Three adults couldn't keep a man bleeding from an arrow in his thigh from taking the child right out of their hands?

Anger encompassed her and in a move that surprised the brigand as much as herself, she all but leaped forward and drove the tip of the sword scabbard into the man's throat/face. (She wasn't sure where she hit, exactly.) He coughed and hacked, so she guessed throat, and let go of the boy. As he staggered back, she wove an indelicate column of Air that drove him into a tree.

She was just big enough to pull the sword free and she drove it through the man's neck before he could push himself away from the tree, pinning him to the trunk as he thrashed in his death throes against it.

Turning around, there were no others but the barmaid pressing the boy's face into her body to shield him from the sight... Are the others near? she thought uncertainly, moving towards the group again but letting her pale eyes roam around them to wait for either of the other pairs that still lingered elsewhere, and hoping none others would come.

For the moment, she left the man on the sword. Just to be safe.

[Sean]

Most days the night's balmy warmth would have been welcome. It was the sort of weather that childeren played amongst one another while their parents sat comfortably and reminisced about what it was to be young.

Valadin remembered such days in his childhood. They were never exciting, never fraught with the adventure that young men yearned for, but they had been days he'd appreciated; days he had felt safe. Now racing alongside Miahala Sedai and bearing witness to the burning homes they passed by he prayed that such days would come again. Ash choked each breath and smoke stung the eyes, but these were minor grievances compared to toll the village of Tremonsien had paid in blood. There was nothin' I could do. True or not it made every footfall heavy as the lamenting cries of mothers who lost children, husbands who lost wives washed over them as they passed the carnage. At least the forces of the black cloaks had moved on from the town, but as they encountered no trouble along the causeway desperation hastened Val's flight.

A wound wept crimson tears from where a blade's edged had kissed the underside of Val's arm. The injury stung now, but it looked worse than it was. It wasn't long before the sounds of battle called to them from the roadside just off the path. With only thoughts of Nykk driving him on, Valadin was scrabbling off the main road before anything could be said to deter such course.

Be okay. Be okay. Jus' be okay, he prayed as he came upon what at first glance appeared to a moving shadow in the darkness. Saidin was roaring within him without hesitation; there was no time for any thought. Flows of Air launched the first of the attacking force into the night sky where a single sharp yelp served as final words. The Power gave him sight to see the Gaidar in the thick of battle moving and dispatching the enemy on all sides with the efficiency of a practiced killer. At her back was the lumbering giant, uncomfortable it appeared with thought of taking life Val thought. The assumption was discarded after watching a brutal blow fell a man like a straw of hay.

Together the pair made a fearsome force that kept them from getting overwhelmed. A burning trail of Fire raced along the ground and parted a pathway to deathdealing couple as men danced away to avoid being burned. “Where's Nykk?!" Val bellowed over the tumult of the chaos as he drew near.

Nevermind how poorly it reflected on his manners to address his superiors so; he was beyond that.

A man foolishly skirted the line of Flames, attacking Val's rear with a haphazard stab. An instant later a singed corpse sailed through the air, landing at the feet of the deceased's accomplices. The crackling of Earth lightning flickering briefly before fading away. Saidin felt good when used in anger.

Rage had indeed taken control as Valadin took air in great heaves mind crafting the worst explanations for Nykkolaia's absence. Just when he was about to demand an answer from Riahana she appeared. Out of breath and maybe a little paler, but alive.

Thank the Creator. Forgetting where they were and who they were with he went to her, the danger surrounding them fading from mind for the moment.

“Are y'okay?" He asked, intense emotion thickening his backwater accent more than usual. His hands shook as he took her's in them. “Shouldn't have bloody left you."

Just then a horn sounded, the shrill note played carried over the noises of hundreds of men and the tension reached zenith as all the men fell still in unison.

Slowly, never taking eyes from the Grey Tower party they retreated across the main road, heading into the open grasslands on the other side before splintering to countless small groups going every which way. The stillness that followed after made Val's blood run cold. Finally the serving girl, disheveled and dirty, asked the question on everyone's mind.

“Is it over?"

OOC: There will be a prompt later tonight, but we've passed the climax so...almost there.

[Bella]

Miahala Ives Sedai "It would seem so," Miahala said, her voice distant as her eyes followed the trail of those who had just so swiftly and so strangely departed. Inwardly, she was suspicious. What had just happened here? The words from just earlier that evening flowed through her mind, but she could not quite put all the pieces into place just yet.

Turning back, she saw a bedraggled group of villagers looking about as bewildered as she felt. Then they slowly started to return home, since where else would they go now?

Behind her, she heard the Blue say in a low and strangely (even for her) detached voice to Valadin, "I'm fine." The Green turned to see her somewhat bloodied kin with that fighting look still in her eye and her husband and bond-mate protectively at her side. "We should help see them back to their homes," Mia said, nodding at the others. She felt they owed it to them.

It was the tavern girl who surprised her. "Please, with respect," she said tremulously, "I'm not sure they'll want to see you again." Her eyes wandered around the vicious group with fear, but she persisted. "I'm grateful to you, but the villagers have seen much pain already and may see your coming as having brought more now. You... You might be best off heading on to the city. I know you intend it anyways."

Mia cocked her head slightly, eyeing the woman and making her shrink back, though not really intentionally. She was impressed; not many stood up to Mia anymore. "If you say," she said simply. "You know your home better than we do." When she returned to the Tower, she would see some...quieter assistance sent here, the kind that clinked more than talked. "We shall on to the city then."

[Sean]

So it was decided that they would take their leave of Tremonsien. Gritty ash stained Valadin’s tongue as he watched the villagers whom he’d fought for—bled for turn their backs to him, their minds burdened with the lives that they’d lost. Soon only the Grey Tower company remained amidst the litter of mutilated corpses; villager and enemy alike, neither had been given quarter. Won’t be long ‘fore decay sets in.

Nykk seemed strangely subdued though given the circumstances one could not begrudge another silence after witnessing the events of the night. Deciding to take no insult from the coldness in the Blue Sister’s words, Val nodded, retracting his touch slowly though pausing to take the offered sword from her grasp. No one commented on their familiarity, likely taken with what lay ahead in their mission and for that at least he was thankful. Only Miahala Sedai’s mood remained untouched by what lay ahead or what had already passed. The woman’s bearing was the stoic acceptance of a warrior who knew blood and violence; there was history in that smoldering confidence. Perhaps Riahana Gaidar seemed strangely cool as well, but those feline eyes always appeared on the verge of becoming feral at a moment’s notice.

No one had much to say when they moved on. Not far off from where the villagers had left them they found their mounts waiting expectantly for the return of their riders. It struck Val as odd that none of the mad wretches who’d butchered children and elderly in order to sate some dark bloodlust missed the horses, but the thought perished as a new concern replaced it. They were heading to Cairhien. Against all odds the others were determined to see the mission to its bloody conclusion.

Whatever the state of the riders, the horses carried on stoically. Though Valadin felt each step with his spine he couldn’t deny the relief felt at finding the animals dead. When possible he offered his steed carrots as an expression of gratitude. If it meant anything the horse showed no sign of it, carrying on towards the capital whose great towers were visible from a distance.

The fullness of the day fell upon Val ragged, somber, and contemplative. As a soldier he’d sworn to serve the Light for it had saved him from a life worse than death. Part of him still felt the compulsion to honor that promise, but something else pulled his heart-strings and suddenly the path of the soldier felt less righteous. His sword was strapped with the rest of his things that the Gaidar had managed to salvage during the flight from the inn and each time a finger stroked against the hilt he felt he owed a thanks to the woman. Riding at the rear made it impossible to see the faces of the others, but the silence was oppressive. Val wondered where their thoughts lay—what they believed would become of them once they reached the seat of the Sun Throne.

The question went forgotten as midday passed placing their party near the gate towns that spanned eastern region of the capital outskirts. Hundreds of voices, their meaning lost in the rising volume, assailed Valadin’s ears from all sides as the road became saturated with traveling folk the closer they came to their destination. Not long after the city gates loomed before them, but more impressive were the glimpses of the soaring spires reaching up from the ground like the arms of a mythical creature strange in both shape and size. “By the Light…”

It became apparent that they couldn’t draw closer to the checkpoint while riding when they reached the checkpoint where a foppish clerk enjoyed a position of sinecure. Only those who appeared to have some measure of wealth drew the man’s attention and these were treated with forced conviviality. Most were searched by the polished guardsmen on hand who were effective and swift in their task, never taking longer than it took the next in the long line to step up to finish their inspection.

Val gawked at those that waited to enter the city. They were obvious of diverse origins. Val had never seen the likes of some people, not even in the World of Dreams. Their colors, shapes, accents made him stare to the annoyance of a few though one glance at the giant was enough to forestall any issue they had with him. Looking beyond the gateway made him gasp even more as the hints of the city’s vastness riled his sense of imagination to childlike excitement. Dirtied as bloodied as he was it seemed now that the chance to live in a hero’s tale was in the fate that the Pattern had chosen for him.

Valadin and the others were suddenly recognized by a slim young man dressed in fine livery. The make seemed to be silk, but judging from the gentleman’s face it was a thing of little import. They hadn’t been waiting long when the lad approached them and smoothly struck up a conversation.

“You are the guests of the Lady. You’re earlier than expected.”

The statement held an obvious question, but no sooner was it posed they were led through the checkpoint, the clerk flashing a row of fine white teeth as they passed by, punctilious eyes making note of their appearance. It gave Valadin a greasy feeling that had nothing to do with the layers of sweat, blood, and dirt that settled into his skin.

Cairhien was grander than anything in the tales. Light, it was even grander than the Grey Tower. Men and women of short moved about with perfectly muted expressions, addressing friends and acquaintances with aloof propriety. Everything from the reserved dark hues of the clothing to the flat drone of their voices matched what Valadin had learned of their people from his days in the Tower. Hawkers’ voices called their wares some distance away, but there was no time to investigate as their guide led them through the throng with the deftness of a lifetime citizen.

Military personnel were within the city walls as well. These eyed Valadin and his sword coolly, but none stopped him perhaps because of their guide. Or whoever this Lady is. The title called forth what Riahana had mentioned the previous night regarding a Lady and the mercenaries supposedly waiting in the countryside.

Soon it became apparent that the design of the city was as orderly as its people. Streets were cut in uncannily precise angles creating an easily maneuverable grid. The spires seen from afar now loomed above, their tops lost in the sky. Val wondered what sort of person could create such structures if not one possessing the Power. After a series of turns that took them closer to the capital’s heart they were brought to a manor of reasonable splendor. The sense that coin ran deep in the owner’s bloodline was evidenced in the building’s make.

Val couldn’t help marveling as they were led through a large outer door which revealed a second, smaller entrance to a great hall flooded with light by the windows gleaned from outside. Upon entrance a host of servants and footman padded about, busy with their daily duties. Few spared a passing stare and those that did seemed unmoved by the state of their newest guests. It took time before Val realized that their guide was speaking.

“…bids you welcome. Currently she and her husband are in their private chambers. I will have them informed of your arrival…and see that you are attended accordingly. Stop any of the servants for your immediate needs. The Lady wishes you treated as honorable guests.”

An older fellow followed by an entourage of middle and young aged staff materialized from nowhere as the young guide continued to speak, “Lestan will see you to the waiting room for now. I’m told that the Lady and Lord of the house will meet with you for midday meal where you’ll be given the utmost privacy. My name is Gastor should you need anything our footman cannot provide.”

With that Gastor, the young man, bowed efficiently and without preamble before striding away purposefully. Lestan, the older gentlemen seemed genial as offered a far more elaborate bow to the entirety of the Grey Tower group before announcing that they would be moving to the waiting room. Even this proved a parade as the staff fussed at Valadin the entire way, offering to take his coat and sword with every step. The Aes Sedai were plied in much the same fashion though in the rush it couldn’t be seen how they handled it. Soon they were invited to sit at a round table large enough to seat several small families. Food had been laid out, but Val found he had no stomach to eat. Another round of peppering questions and finally Lestan managed to chide the waiting ladies and men into stillness; too easily as if by script.

“You are welcome to the feast at any time. Should you have need, someone will be just beyond these doors for your calling. We’ve been instructed to provide you privacy until your appointed meal.”

Another curtsy and the old footman left the room, flanked by the liveried host of servants as the double doors to the room closed.

Movement could be heard from outside, but the noise was muffled. Val was having trouble adjusting to abrupt change of scenery in such short notice. The nightmare he’d come from felt as though it had taken place ages ago, a fever dream of another man’s life. He wondered if everyone felt the same.

“Well…we’re here.” His voice echoed into the cavernous ceiling and continued on for some time making him redden at his own foolishness.

OOC: Sorry it took so long…and the post ended up covering a lot, but I figured we should fast forward the traveling bit. I did put a break before actually meeting Lady Lemovi so everyone could have a chance to orient themselves within the story if they have need to. Plus, it may help to give Val some instruction on how to act around nobility. Also one of you will be getting a prompt!

[Bella]

Miahala Ives Sedai They had arrived in Cairhein, alive despite the best attempts of many, it seemed. There was none of them escorted into the noble house that was unsullied in some way, with sweat or dirt or blood or ash...or any combination there in. They made quite the disheveled appearance, riding through the streets and then walking into the house once their steeds had been seen to.

If it bothered Miahala at all, she didn't let it show. She never let anything show, of course.

Inwardly, her mind was alive. She knew where she was, and she knew what was to come. It did not pass her notice that, as obviously road weary and unkempt, even injured (shallowly, in Mia's case, but still with cut and blood on her cheek), as they were, they were escorted into a waiting room with food laid out. A great wealth of food granted to them not long before they were to dine with the lord and lady.

The contradiction of the latter, and the statement of the former, were both very clear to the Green. And so the first stone is laid, the first piece is moved, she thought to herself. She did not even need to see the furtive glances of the various servants lining the room to know that they were being watched. She had no intention to either insult or divulge anything.

Letting the talking cease, she moved to the table and took a seat. She did not eat or drink anything, but sat quiet. "Best we all remember what we have learned about Cairhein," she said simply, her voice flat and devoid of emotion but heavy with meaning and subtext. Let us hope they understand it. She knew the Blue would, they always did. Gareth did not speak enough to be a worry, and her kin was a true Gaidar.

It was Valadin that concerned her, for she had noted some brashness and impulsiveness to his nature already in their short trip. Sitting in the house of noble Cairheinin family... Well, those were traits that could be dangerous. The matter was, however, was that she did not want to reveal how very aware of the Great Game she was.

She hated Daes Dae'mar. Loathed it with passion. She was a Borderlander. A Green. A soldier of the Light, and hated game-playing...but just because she hated it, it didn't mean she didn't understand it.

"We are indeed here," she agreed as she turned her gaze onto the Dedicated. "Restraint can be a virtue," she added cryptically, her blue-green gaze heavy with sobriety as she hoped he would understand. She could not predict what would happen with the lord and lady of this house, but she knew that moves had already been made...and that made her wary.

[Sean]

Note: So that we revive this and officially get it closed, I’ll go ahead and post.

Miahala Sedai’s counsel haunted Valadin well into the afternoon. The others seemed to pick at their meal with false gusto if at all and when checked after by the footman there were few requests made much to the chagrin of the kindly old servant.

Itching to flee from the gilded cage of the manor, Val distracted himself with examining the refined furnishings of manor. Most portraits he guessed were of family or some significant event resulting in the family’s advance, but nothing in the room evoked reaction from him. Everything appeared so pretentious and lacking in substance; hollow gestures for an otherwise banal existence. If this was what nobility was then the heroes in the stories were better journeying about and seeking untold dangers. Living in such a place would drive Valadin made.

Adjusting in his seat yet again his leg brushed against the sheathed sword leaning against the chair. A moment passed where the idea of excusing himself to practice his forms outside held some appeal, but Lady Ives words and the absence of Nykk’s acknowledged led to the thought’s banishment. Wondering how the others dealt with the waiting. From their cool handling of themselves it felt as though he were the only one fraught with desire to move or even concerned about what was to come.

When the double doors to the room opened, the footman and an entourage of servants that nearly crowded the spacious room announced the arrival of the Lord and Lady of the house.

Many things caught the eye about Lady Lemovi Dalgorin, but the most salient feature of her appearance were the fullness of her lips which smiled even without taking the effort of doing so. Vestiges of youth softened her cheek and added to the kindness of heart-shaped face, but those slate grey eyes hinted at a fierce intelligence that was best not underestimated. The gown the Lady wore was austere, yet fashionable—a thing Valadin felt was the hallmark of Cairhien fashion now and her poised mien as the woman met the eyes of every one of the Grey Tower group lent truth to the suspicion that the House of Dalgorin truly rested upon the shoulders of this woman.

Where his wife was a symbol of muted glamour, Lord Dalgorin was a frumpy man who contrasted his life partner in nearly every manner possible. The slouching gait which carried the pot-bellied Lord to his seat at head of the table was one of several traits that made Valadin question how one’s fortune could be so great that someone like Lady Lemovi’s hand would be given to one so unworthy. Ent worthy of Nykk, yet she loves ya…fer now. A scowl darkened his face as lengthy introductions including the forebears of the house were made. When finally it seemed that actual conversation began it was Lord Dalgorin who spoke, his voice a soft treble that managed to carry to all at the table.

“Seems you’ve run into a spot of trouble on your way here. Forgive our delay…I, erm, we weren’t expecting you until late today. Gastor only happened to be at the city gates by happenstance. Good to have a man that thorough sometimes it seems. I remember when…”

“Dear, please. Perhaps we should know why our guests appear before in such disarray. Something has clearly happened to them,” Lady Lemovi interjected.

The notion of allowing someone other than him to speak stunned the Lord momentarily. His eyes darted from person to person in silence before his mouth recovered enough to stammer an apology. “O-o-of course. That is…yes, so what happened? I…erm, we figured that the uh, Under-Lieutenant would see you to us without harm. We should send for the man to answer for this insult!”

A gentle laid atop her husband’s forearm calmed the agitated Lord. Valadin was rather taken with the Lady’s conduct. Smart, kind, and temperate the earlier doubt that this was the ‘Lady’ whom the mercenaries had spoken off the night before became less likely the more he observed her. Absently he fancied the bodice of her dress could stand to have fit a little more snugly.

“Right, of course. I’m not myself…Just hate to see others suffer due to incompetence,” Lord Dalgorin stammered before taking time to take a sip from his chalice. “Now what was I…we…always we, my love, what were we inquiring about? Ah! Of course, how did you all come to such a sorry state? If any villain was involved, we’ll see them punished by the Dragon Reborn’s own hand! We’ve seen him in person, haven’t we dear? Rather young fellow. Imagined he’d be more…greyed I suppose. Yes, but your injuries, how did you come by them? Don’t be shy.”

When finally the room fell still Valadin kept his peace. Better to let his betters deal with the Cairhien aristocracy. Besides Lady Lemovi had just flashed a row of perfect, white teeth at him. Swallowing Val tried to find something else to focus on before he found himself in trouble.

Tussling with a noblewoman never came without its share of misery.

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Sedai It would not have been outside of Miahala's rights to speak on behalf of the group to this lord and lady, for she was the senior of them all and the most experienced hand at this. However, the look she gave to the Blue was telling, if only to her fellow Aes Sedai: this was her mission, in the end, and in matters outside of a combat scenario, she would thus defer to Nykk.

The confidence of the other woman did not do much to buoy Nykk, however, who was feeling...unsettled after the night they'd had, and then sitting in this stuffy room, tarnished and ragged as they were. No, that had not escaped her notice either. There was a gaming hand at work to that, she was certain. Not that she would bring it up, she could play too, but it would not be forgotten.

"We thank you for your courtesy and accommodations, my lord and lady," the scarred channeler said politely. Her voice held that flat edge it usually did, but there was no hint of insincerity anywhere in her words or gestures.

Events they had thus suffered through since departing the Grey Tower rolled through her mind and in quick succession, she was forced to decide which ones to disclose to their new hosts. She didn't trust them, but then, she trusted few. They had a purpose, and the lady of the house was clearly the game-player in this family. She might as well have tied marionette strings to her husband's tunic.

She continued after but a moment's pause, "I fear we do not know as much as would wish about what happened." It was the truth, after all, just perhaps not all of it. "We were accosted at the inn we were staying over at during our journey here. We only know it was by a group, roughly coordinated, but we do not know what their designs were."

[Roan]

There were those who might say Gaidin and Gaidar were a paranoid lot, but given their duty, who would blame them? For Riahana Ferria, wife and Warder to Gareth Tomosan Asha'man, the current situation had her on edge. Pulling the Void around her like a beloved and cozy blanket, the Gaidar listened to the conversation while she observed what went on in the rest of the room. It struck her as more than odd that the party was escorted in for a meal without being offered the chance to clean up. Something did not seem right to her mind, and given the events of the previous night, she couldn't help but be wary.

Watching people, and gauging their current state of mind was a trait Ria had gotten good at since gaining the Fancloak. The Lord of the house seemed. . . loud, but the Lady was a different story. The Lady seemed to be watching each and every one in Ria's party. Watching for what, the Gaidar was not sure, though it seemed as if she was trying to gauge their reaction. The Lady's watchfulness only added to the 'wrongness' Ria felt, and she was glad they'd not asked the party for their weapons before allowing them into the room.

Never one to put her back to the door, Ria looked back to the Lord, and then to the Blue Aes Sedai as she spun the abridged version of the previous night's events. Not sparing the Aes Sedai much of a glance, Ria then looked towards the main, and only entrance for the room. The servants struck Ria as odd, and as she looked from one to another, she realized it was because each and every one of them had the physique of a soldier. She did not recognize any of them from the lot that had welcomed them, and while they seemed to be doing things servants did, she was not at all at ease with the current circumstance.

Just as Ria was about to look away from the door, she noticed it cracked open and Gastor peaked in. He made direct eye contact with her and gestured for her to follow him. Curiouser and Curiouser Ria thought, though there was not a chance she would leave her party given the 'servants' who seemed so intent on being near the only entrance to the room. With a subtle shake of her head as she looked to Gastor, she let him know she would not be following him. As the only Warder with the group, there was no way she was leaving the party.

[Sean]

“Attacked? Light, who would dare?” Lord Dalgorin mused aloud. If a bit rash the man seemed genuinely perplexed by Nykkolaia’s tale. The Lady remained quiet throughout its telling, but Valadin got the eerie impression that her eyes had narrowed dangerously at the mention of a ‘small force’. Again the memory of this ‘Lady’ that Riahana Gaidar had heard the mercenaries speak of came to mind. Was Lady Lemovi their enemy?

“We should report this to the Throne. Ever since that student of Prophet showed up things have been getting tense and it appears Trakand isn’t doing anything about it. It doesn’t—”

“Darling, perhaps this is not the time.”

Again the dynamics of the marriage revealed itself to be odd. Cairheinin were not a people Val wished to know overly well. Too many veiled gestures and underhanded slights with them. He’d take honest Andoran folk any day. Taking a sip for the first time since the Lord and Lady entered the room his cup was immediately taken once he set it down again. Looking up he noticed the impressive stature of the server. Hard slabs of muscles bulged beneath the livery and the efficiency of each step announced military training; probably in an army. Another squeeze of the hilt to calm the nerves was necessary.

Lady Lemovi had begun speaking when his thoughts returned to the hosts of the evening. Her tone was flat, yet her voice held a modicum of music to it if one listened intently enough. “…please know that the matter you’ve brought up will be addressed with the utmost haste. That Under-Lieutenant did not arrive ahead of you is worrisome in itself, but for now you’ve been through much. It would be best if you all got some rest.”

At this Lord Dalgorin looked at his wife who laid a hand upon his without turning to return the look. The entire exchange was becoming confusing and exhaustion was making it difficult to continue waiting for something to happen. Light, these people could talk!

Nykkolaia still avoided his gaze making Valadin wonder if his earlier folly was the reason for her distance. Of course he would apologize later, but the least she could do was give him a sign that there would be a later for them to talk about these things. Women were a frustrating lot.

The Lord and Lady rose from the seats bidding the others to do the same. Val noticed that neither had so much as picked at the meal on their plates. This entire farce’s been fer show? he fumed. It took effort not to stand with his sword in hand, but the presence of the well trained servant at his back made the action seem unwise no matter his irritation. Releasing her husband’s arm Lady Lemovi gave a final speech about the honor of having the Grey Tower aid Cairhein in its time of need and that she apologized for the difficulties they had faced in getting to the capital. She assured them again that the Crown would hear of their experience and that something would be done. Pretty as she may have been Val decided he didn’t like her. Dishonesty turned even the comeliest flowers into hideous weeds. At the discourse’s conclusion she took her husband’s hand again and he began to speak as if the entire routine was planned.

“Of course accommodations have been made for you. We’ve several rooms for you all to rest comfortably in and the servants will provide you with anything you need. You can have a few days’ time to yourself before we make any demands of you—you certainly deserve that and more. Now, is there anything else?”

Fool, shut yer trap! Not heeding the intelligence of his instincts Val chimed, “Yea, I dunt think I fancy stayin’ ‘ere.”

The room fell as still as death and all eyes rolled to his direction. The Lady who had appeared nothing short of saintly the entire evening took on a viperish countenance just then as she assessed him predatorily letting him know the depth of his error with her silent admonishment.

“Uh…well t’aint nuthin’ against yer hospitality. Jus’…jus’ would feel a mite better at an inn, milord,” Val stammered trying to recover as best he could before turning his gaze downward toward the untouched cutlery. He didn’t even look up when Lady Lemovi spoke in pleasant tones despite the insult that had just been given.

“Do you all share this sentiment? We certainly do not wish to imprison you in our home, yes, love? We only wanted your comfort.”

“Of course,” Lord Dalgorin inserted. “ We only wanted servants to the Light to be treated with respect. We can arrange your things taken to the place of your choosing if you but give name to it.”

Knowing nothing about places for rest in the capital Valadin held his tongue. He’d said enough as it was anyway. Wherever they ended up, he was certain he would sleep for at least a week before anyone roused him to do work, be it for the Tower or no.

Note: After this we got two more go-arounds and we will close out part one. This next post can be answered by either one of you or both of you. You’ll get the same prompt and if one posts the other doesn’t necessarily need to unless they want to, but the decision is important to the ending.

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Sedai Nykkolaia might have been angered with Valadin for speaking as such in such a delicate situation, if she weren't so terrified of what the Green Sister might do to him instead. Not that anything outwardly changed about the woman, stoic as ever, but sitting beside her, the Blue felt that slight stiffening of her body after he had spoken.

The last thing they needed to do was outright insult the lord and lady. While she was not thrilled with them and could not help but acknowledge the slight already placed upon them, things must always remain subtle. There was a game to play, even if you did not enjoy the Great Game. You still had to tread with care...

That being noted, however, she did not want to stay here either. Something about the servants in the room had her unnerved, and she didn't feel comfortable with their group taking any ease here.

"Your hospitality is greatly appreciated, my lord and lady," the scarred younger Aes Sedai said smoothly, if tonelessly. "However, I would not wish to abuse it. We do have some other business in the city when we are concluded here and we would not wish our comings and goings to put out your staff or rouse anyone at too late an hour." Being Aes Sedai did at least bring some weight to the game pieces.

Now it was that Miahala stepped in, naming an inn in the city. If she had chosen to speak up to name the place, then clearly it would be friendly to them in some way and a good place to fall back on...because they were going to need it after this.