A Chance for Empathy (Fanfic)

[Leala]

It was a crisp autumn day as Torianin walked through the crowded streets of Hama Valon by herself. Her banded dress and golden ring in the shape of the Great Serpent on her left hand marked her as Accepted of the Grey Tower, which meant that most people left her alone. Sometimes, citizens would nod, and sometimes tourists would even bow to her. She kept her features even, but she still politely smiled and responded to each one. She really didn't have to do this, but she was aspiring to become an Aes Sedai, a Servant of All. Not only that, but she was aspiring to be an Aes Sedai of the Red Ajah, and for a sister of the Grey Tower, that meant dealing with the public on a much more intimate level. She wanted these people to know that they could trust her. "Good day, Accepted," a young man passing her on the street said as he waved to her. She waved back, and as he passed by, she recognized him as one of the children from Mar a'Mael that she had helped tutor. Judging by how much he had grown, and the clothes he wore, he had left the House of Hope to find work for himself. She smiled a little more brightly, and was about to turn a corner when she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Turning around, she saw a young woman, perhaps a few inches taller than she with dark hair and gray eyes. She wore an Accepted's dress as well. It took a moment for her to recognize the girl's face, though. "Menya, hello," she said with the same polite smile as she wondered this woman's intentions with her. "I see you were raised to Accepted. Congratulations." Torianin decided to give the girl the benefit of the doubt. She had been among her bullies in her short stint as a novice. She was even one of the girls that had pushed her to a point that she finally stood up for herself. Those days were hard, wanting to be something more than just damane, and yet not being ready to. They were made even harder by her contemporaries reminding her of her faults. However, she had stopped blaming the people who had hurt her for her problems long ago. She would not hold a grudge, not even for her twin...wherever she was. She would reserve her anger for those who would abuse their power over those she served.

"Yes, thank you," the other Accepted said. Her eyes looked down, and she hesitated for a moment as she faced Torianin. Perhaps a bit too long.

"Was there something you wanted to talk with me about?" Torianin asked, her smile fading into a neutral expression, almost an Aes Sedai's mask, but with a splash of concern. Menya obviously had something on her mind, but was afraid to say anything.

"Yes," the girl said again. She looked around the streets for a moment. "Can we...go somewhere private, though?" Torianin tilted her head. She was kind of looking forward to visiting with the children at the House of Hope, but she wasn't sure what Menya's intentions were. "Oh, it's nothing terrible," Menya said with a nervous laugh. "I just wanted to...talk with you...about..." She watched as the Taraboner's face turned red. She was clearly embarrassed and unwilling to even say what she wanted to talk about in public.

"I know a good inn that has a private room," she said in gentle tones. "They know me well enough there." That seemed to ease Menya's worries a bit, and the two headed down the street again. When they arrived at the inn, Menya was still distant and reserved.

Only after the food was delivered did she start to speak. "Um...I know I was hard on you when you were a novice," she said, looking down at her plate, pushing the greens around with her spoon. Torianin kept her face even and did not respond, giving the girl time to answer. "And, I have no excuse for my behavior," she added. "All I can really do is apologize."

Torianin shook her head. "That's all in the past. You were forgiven a long time ago," she answered calmly. She even remembered Menya apologizing, and subsequently accepting the apology. What was her purpose today.

Menya looked up at Torianin and smiled, nodding. "Yes, I know, but..." Her shoulders stiffened, and she looked around like she was checking to see if anyone was listening. "I know speaking of your Arches is frowned upon, but mine...the Third Arch... I was captured... Like you were."

"You were made damane," the red-haired Accepted clarified, nodding her head. This was beginning to make sense now. "I am glad you made it back."

The dark-haired girl blinked and looked at Torianin in amazement, as if she were surprised that she would be glad. "I, uh..." She squirmed in her seat. "Now I know what you went through. I was safe when I came back, but that...it was so real..." Menya touched her throat gingerly and hunched her shoulders. "And you lived through that after so long. I had to...I had to drag myself back. It hurt so much...but you couldn't see..." As she spoke, her voice became smaller, and she began to cry, covering her face.

Moved, Torianin stood up and crouched down next to Menya, putting her arms around her. In her sobs, the other Accepted turned and returned the embrace. "I shouldn't be crying," the other girl said between sobs.

"I'm sure Aes Sedai and Asha'man cry too," Torianin said, stroking the girl's hair. "That fate is not one that I would wish on any woman. But we can overcome it. If there comes a day that you have to escape from one, there is a way, but it requires help from someone else. We all have to work together to keep each other safe." She was not sure when Menya would ever actually be in danger of becoming a damane, but with the Empire on these shores, it was altogether possible.