Hide in Plain Sight [attn: Avyra]

[Sunny]

"Adwal"

She can’t eat meat. How had his Eyes and Ears failed to carry that big of information? Avyra herself seemed less than concerned by his failure, but Red fumed at his shortcomings. What else had gone unnoticed by his network? How much had he let slip while he battled himself? Cursing silently, Jaryd handed his bread to the tiny Accepted, suddenly glad that he had taken a larger piece than he normally would have. She ate as if famished -as surely she was- while Jaryd picked at the pie, still contemplating what he needed to do to re-establish his Eyes and Ears.

Once finished, there was a moment of silence, and then abruptly he found himself holding a tiny, shivering bundle of wet wool and pale skin, Avyra’s head resting on his chest and her hands balled up between them. “I’m scared,” she said simply. Jaryd stared down at his companion in utter shock, any vestige of Asha’man dignity gone. Light, she was terrified, shaking like a newborn fawn.

“I am sorry,” he managed to get out through the fog that had overtaken his mind. “I’m so sorry.” It took some time, but eventually the Altaran was able to move. He lifted the girl bodily with another mumbled apology, then settled her in his lap to curl against him. Then he tugged his cloak off to wrap it around her shoulders as well. She started to protest, but he put a finger to her lips. “I am fine,” he lied, shifting his shoulders against the wall to find a more comfortable spot.

“I told you too much about our errand,” he continued in a remorseful tone. “That is a heavy burden for one without the training to carry it. I know it is small comfort, but...please believe that you are safe. If I get even the slightest hint that that is not so, we will leave immediately.”

“Even if your work isn’t done?”

“Even if my work isn’t done. Do you truly believe I value my curiosity over your life?” He sighed softly at the silence that greeted his question. “Sleep, Kyella. Tomorrow is another day.” Avyra slept as ordered, but she flinched and shrugged often, pushing at him then clinging to him by turns as she struggled with whatever monsters plagued her dreams. Jaryd did his best to comfort and sooth; eventually the Cairhienin woman fell into a deeper slumber.

Through the longest, coldest, darkest night of the year, Jaryd sat in silence and clung to the Void. It allowed him to ignore the cold, the discomfort of sitting in the dirt, and the confused maelstrom of fear, regret, shock, and guilt that had joined his grief and rage.

When his companion stirred the next morning, Jaryd opened his eyes and yawned as if he, too, had slept. Thanks to his bond, he hadn’t needed to. They disentangled and he pushed himself to his feet, gravely putting his cloak around his shoulders. “We will get food, I will listen to the local gossip for a bit, and then it’s wall climbing time,” he said with a half-smile. “Watch how I talk to the street vendors- they’ll try to cheat you if you seem uncertain.”

Then he led her out of the alley and back into the bustling, muddy, and malodorous reality of the Foregate.

OOC: This is the first day of the Festival of Lights, which is a madhouse in Cairhien. Go have fun! Get in trouble for staring/being in the way. Do something random and uncalled for / unexpected while Jaryd is busy gabbing it up. Sky's the limit! (obviously you don't have to do all/any of those things. Just ideas!)

[Avyra]

After a moment of curling up there, Jaryd mumbling apologies, Avyra felt herself almost float into his lap as he lifted her, pulling her close to his chest as he apologized once more. She found his jacket over her shoulders and she tried to shrug it off, but he merely put a finger to her lips in reply. "I am fine." She knew he wasn't. “I told you too much about our errand,” he continued softly. She heard his words more through his chest than through the air. “That is a heavy burden for one without the training to carry it. I know it is small comfort, but...please believe that you are safe. If I get even the slightest hint that that is not so, we will leave immediately.” Avyra pulled away for a moment, lifting her head to look up at him. “Even if your work isn’t done?" She didn't seem to believe him. “Even if my work isn’t done. Do you truly believe I value my curiosity over your life?” She remained silent in reply, curling back against his chest again. “Sleep, Kyella," he said, softly. For the first time she noticed his voice was lower than should have been in his frame. "Tomorrow is another day.” She didn't sleep for a while, but she didn't move for fear of disturbing Jaryd's own sleep. He was warm, very warm, and it helped keep the night wind at bay. Her thoughts drifted for a bit, straying back to home. Back to him. She pulled closer to Jaryd. How she didn't have him anymore. Terric hadn't wanted to be with her anymore. It was her fault. All her fault. How did I become like this? What went wrong? Everyone is pulling away from me and I can't stop it. She struggled softly. This is all my fault. I ruined that. By not being me. This isn't me. I can't get Terric back. Its all my fault. Over and over, until there was nothing more to think about. Shivering, she finally urged herself into a light sleep, where her trembles came from not the cold, but from her fear. --- Avyra woke and poked her head up suddenly at the sight of light, then yelped as it blinded her momentarily. She felt Jaryd stir and stretch, and she, much to her dislike, gave him some space as she too stretched. “We will get food, I will listen to the local gossip for a bit, and then it’s wall climbing time." Wall climbing?! "Watch how I talk to the street vendors- they’ll try to cheat you if you seem uncertain.” Wait? What was that about wall climbing?! He offered no more hints as he led the way, Avyra following very closely, clinging to his arm. There were so many people, so many that all you could smell was people and food. Instead of watching the bodies milling around her, she watched the sky, as it was easier. She saw something overhead. A dark shape with long, pointed wings and white feathers on the underside. She squinted. Was that a- Something hit into Avyra, and she squeaked, ending up on the ground. "Hey! Watch it!" She picked herself up, glaring at the source of the voice, a not very big man who had bumped into her. "Why don't you watch it, you Light-blinded idiot." She made a move to walk past him. He shouldered her back. "What was that you called me?" Avyra looked at Jaryd, then to the sky, where the shape had been- blast it all- and looked back the the man with narrowed eyes. They didn't have time for this. "Get out of my way." "No." She decked him. The training with both Danos and Terric had prepared her for an attacker twice as big, and she was more than ready to take on this annoying prick of a man. Light, he wasn't even as tall as Jaryd. He ended up on the ground, where she kicked him in the gut, making sure he couldn't get up, and walked back to Jaryd with an angry sniff. "I spotted a peregrine falcon. He made me lose sight of it," she explained darkly.

[Sunny]

"Adwal"

The Accepted clung to Jaryd’s arm, her fingers digging into muscle like cold spikes. There had clearly been some misinformation or misunderstandings in his network, Jaryd decided as he and the younger woman emerged into one of the marginally broader “main” streets of the Foregate. Then again, there is a significant difference between a classroom and knowingly stepping into a Dreadlord’s lair, he reminded himself. His time in black felt very far away indeed.

Eventually he found a ramshackle hut from which the tantalizing scent of breakfast foods wafted. He looked down at his companion and found her gaze was fixed on the sky, eyes so wide that white showed all around. The Asha’man glanced up and saw a brief shadow flit by before the milling mass around them surged and yanked Avyra away from him.

He soon understood why his contacts had directed him to the tiny Cairhienin woman. He watched her exchange silently, right up to the point where she leveled the man who had knocked her over with as good a punch as any Gaidin could have delivered. Then, cool as pie, she informed him that the man now curled on the ground had denied her a glimpse of a falcon. That’s what it took to release that fire? “How very unseemly of him,” he commented. His tone was flat and dry, but to his surprise real mirth bubbled within, and she smiled when their eyes met. When was the last time that had happened?

Feeling oddly unsettled, yet strangely warm, Jaryd led them away before Avyra’s victim could call the guard.

It did not take long to find another place to get food, though unfortunately not hot. He told the young woman manning the cart about the troubles he and Kyella had run into on the road, spinning a story that had her wide-eyed with concern. To his delight, when he asked for an apple to share with his “sister,” she gave him two and a small loaf of bread. Unfortunately she knew nothing that could assist him in his real reason for coming to the city; he took his leave soon after.

Avyra’s eyes never left the sky. Hiding a smile, Jaryd led her back into the alleys, gaze scanning the walls for a likely spot. “Here,” he said finally, gesturing to a ramshackle stone and wood building perhaps four spans tall. “Someone who can climb trees as admirably as you seems likely to have a knack for climbing walls, as well.”

“What?”

He grinned as he took her pack from her and slung it over his own shoulder. “I remember plucking novice Avyra out of a tree,” he said, amusement rippling through his voice. “Climbing buildings isn’t all that different. I chose this spot because there’s a clear path up. See?” He pointed out likely handholds and places to put her feet. “We don’t necessarily need to be on the roof right now, but it’s a good skill to have.”

“While you’re practicing, why don’t you tell me why I didn’t know you could knock a grown man out cold? That was a fantastic punch.”

[Avyra]

She didn't speak as he did his thing, convincing the lady to give them food and possibly information, but if it was useful she didn't know. She kept her head down, her shoulders slumped, her posture smaller than even she was used to. Avyra knew she couldn't do this. She just couldn't. She wasn't cut out of be an Aes Sedai. She wasn't cut out for any Ajah. It hurt to admit, and she was shocked that Jaryd had even let her come this far. Maybe it was because she knew too much. If he didn't want her here, he should kill her. However, there was something in his eyes that she couldn't place. After she had decked that man, he had seemed to glow warmly a bit, his lips twitching upward ever so slightly. No, she was imagining that. He didn't want her here. Leading the pair, Jaryd stopped in an alley by a small wall, maybe a few feet taller than she. He leaned against another wall, and motioned to it. "Here. Someone who can climb trees as admirably as you seems likely to have a knack for climbing walls, as well.” "What?" Was he really still trying? “I remember plucking novice Avyra out of a tree. Climbing buildings isn’t all that different. I chose this spot because there’s a clear path up. See?” He paused as he motioned to them. “We don’t necessarily need to be on the roof right now, but it’s a good skill to have.” “While you’re practicing, why don’t you tell me why I didn’t know you could knock a grown man out cold? That was a fantastic punch.” She started to climb, searching for a foothold. Then, she stopped, stomach twisting a bit. She had trained. It wasn't against the rules, but it hurt. Danos first, but that was fine. It never stung. They had always been more like friends, maybe even siblings. But Terric. She had actually thought Terric had loved the likes of her. They had kissed. They had talked like sweet lovers. They had both taught each other so much. Had it been all an act? She gripped the wall tighter. Had he just pitied the tiny Novice he had met, knowing she would always be nothing? If he hadn't... what happened? She should have known she would never be good enough for anyone but the worms below when she was buried six feet under. Avyra finally turned to Jaryd, trying to hide everything. "I just... I had some friends. Its. Complicated. I'd rather not talk about it." She started to climb, carefully selecting her handholds, then ended up at the top very quickly before dropping back down lightly on her small feet. She worked her way up again, grunting as she selected another path to try out. It was pointless. Everything was pointless. Why did she even try?

[Sunny]

The Asha’man took care to watch every move Avyra made as she scaled the wall. She took to it naturally, to his combined amusement and relief. The equivalence he had drawn between trees and walls was not entirely truthful, but it had clearly given his companion the confidence she needed to succeed. She showed no fear about dropping to the ground, either.

His eyebrows went up at her abbreviated explanation of her skill. I had some friends. The past tense rang clear despite her obvious reticence, and Jaryd frowned. He had heard she liked to fight, of course, but his network had brought him no news of any kind of altercation among the learning ranks. Then again, they had not brought him entirely accurate information on Avyra herself. When he got back to the Tower, he would be having a word with his contacts for sure.

“It’s true, friendship can be complicated,” he commented as he watched her ascend once more, “and losing a friend or a lover is extremely painful.” He leaned against the opposite wall, hands in his pockets. “But the worth of what they taught us is not diminished by their loss, and the memories we had with them can be honored even when it hurts.” He fell quiet for a moment.

“If you ever do want to talk about it, I am willing to listen,” the Red said finally, as Avyra dropped to the ground once more. “Perhaps not all is as bad as you think.”

[Avyra]

Avyra listened as he spoke, climbing up the wall and hopping back down with each turn. It was getting easier and easier, but she was still nervous about scaling a big wall, especially since if she fell, it would be all over for her. "Oh, its not that bad, I know." She sighed. "He didn't die or anything. Without a doubt, someone else has had worse." She started up again almost without pause, barely paying attention to what she was saying. "I just... most of my learning rank friends are dead, and I can't seem to make new ones." She paused. "And then there was Terric. I don't know what happened. I. I really thought we were right for each other. But he didn't." She hopped down, huffing. "I wish he had told me that sooner. Before I fell in love. Then we could have still been friends, but no, he had to play along and then throw me away like my love meant nothing." Avyra started up again, grumbling something inaudible before saying, "I guess it could have been worse, but it still hurts pretty deep. Especially since I don't know what I did to make him stop loving me, if he ever loved me to begin with."

[Sunny]

The young woman had so many faces. Recalcitrant. Ecstatic. Angry. Frightened. Lonely. And now...heart-broken. Over Terric, of all people! The Asha’man pulled the small piece of bread from his sleeve and nibbled on it as he listened to Avyra speak, his thoughts busy. Perhaps the legendary animosity between Cairhien and the Waste could have played a role, but that seemed unlikely, given Terric’s demeanor as a Gaidin.

“It is heartbreaking that you had to experience that,” Jaryd said quietly, his free hand dropping to wrap his thumb through the loop on Watari’s hilt. “And I am sorry for the loss of your friends. The explosion," he could not blame it on Mirin, not after the look he had seen in the woman's eyes, "took many from us who did not deserve to die.” He was quiet for a moment, then added, “I believe that heartbreak and loneliness cut deeper than any steel blade, but leave no trace by which another might recognize the wound. They are easily overlooked, yet they require time and care to heal the same as any other damage we endure throughout our lives.” The aching emptiness where Kaia should have been throbbed in response to his words, and he closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe evenly.

When he spoke again, his voice was steady. “As for your love- I do not personally know Terric, but I know of him. He does not seem the type to toy with a girl’s heart. I would hazard a guess that he ended things after he gained his cloak, yes?” Avyra had dropped to the ground again; she nodded without speaking, and he nodded in response.

“There is an immeasurable gap between Ji’val and Gaidin- perhaps more even than that between Accepted and Aes Sedai. When the Gaidin gain their cloak, they swear oaths and take the safety of the entire Tower in their hands. If they accept a bond, then they must place the health and sanity of another human being over their own for the rest of their lives- and hold true to their Oaths to the Tower as well. It is what their order exists to do- an honor they train for many years to accept. As such, keeping those oaths must be their ultimate priority.” He took a bite of bread.

“For Terric, it is even more important. Consider for a moment the phrase ji’e’toh. If you were involved with Terric, you’ve probably heard it before, yes? It is the name of the code that defines and governs every Aielman’s life, including his. It means 'Honor and Obligation' in the Old Tongue. He would starve himself to death while facing a mountain of baked goods rather than break that code. Once he swore his Oath to the Tower, his culture demanded he give it his all. It is very likely he had no grasp of what it would entail before then- and as soon as he knew, he made sure to give you the freedom you need to enjoy your life.”

Jaryd took two steps and slipped his fingers beneath Avyra’s chin. He tilted her face up to meet his gaze, dark eyes sober. “You deserve love and friendship as much as any other person in this world,” he said gently. “Do not let another person’s choices make or destroy you.”

[Avyra]

Avyra considered his words. Maybe. But it seemed so unlikely. Especially after everything they went through. Why would he want to give up? Surely there was still a way? But now they'd never know. She doubted Jaryd's words, but couldn't tell him he was wrong. He... he was being so patient with her, so honest. Brutally honest, yes, but honest. He stepped forward and gently tilted her head up so she could look into his dark eyes. “You deserve love and friendship as much as any other person in this world. Do not let another person’s choices make or destroy you.” Avyra studied that face. He was a broken man, she realized. There was something hidden under all those layers he put on. He might have been a little scary at first, and harsh, but now... she didn't see that. When she looked into his eyes she saw something human. "I'm not sure that's what happened. We could have made it work. I think... I think it was my fault, but I don't know why." She paused, blinking. "But. My sorrows aren't that bad. People have suffered more. I'll live." She didn't know why he was wasting his time on her. "I'll be fine," she repeated. "I just need time."

[Sunny]

Sad green eyes.

Jaryd stared down at Avyra, eyes wide and breath caught in his throat. He stood not in an alleyway, but rather in his old study, and Kaia stood across from him. The Altaran could hear the hurt in her voice, see it in her eyes, feel it to his very bones through their bond. He had made her feel that way. He had. And then he was kneeling in the M’Hael’s antechamber, wailing as he clutched his lover to his chest.

“I’ll be fine,” she said calmly. He blinked, disoriented. “I just need time.” Yes...time. Time so he could find a Healer. Where was Murdock? If he had time- no. This isn’t right.

Jaryd shook himself, the images dragging at him like brambles as he fought back to the surface. He looked down at a woman who had beautiful green eyes, but was not Kaia. She was young and pale. Avyra. Avyra, who was young, and sad, and frightened, and needed guidance rather than the madness of grief. He could give her that. He had to- he’d been the one who brought her out of the Tower, after all.

The Red smiled; when he did, it felt as if he hadn’t moved in a thousand years. “Whatever the reason for his choices, what I said is still true: do not let them destroy you. You deserve love and joy, and I promise you will receive both.” He stepped away and glanced around the alleyway.

“Distraction will help,” he said. “You scaled that wall beautifully- I can’t wait to see how you do with bigger ones.” His smile was genuine now, and his tone approving. “However, it’s time to get down to my business. I need to listen to rumors and gossip, and follow the leads I find. Stay within earshot, please, but you are free to do as you wish.” He hesitated a moment, then added, "The Festival of Lights can be rather shocking in this city and it only gets worse as the day goes on. Right now it shouldn't be too bad, but later on....brace yourself."

[Avyra]

He doesn't understand. That was the first of Avyra's realizations. He doesn't understand that someone like me will never be loved. Even Mirin was more loved than I. How can I have joy when I've been nothing but isolated and forgotten? It hurt. It hurt so much. She was so easily cast aside. Yet, against everything, Jaryd had taken her here. He had thought she would be good at this. She had failed him. He put trust and faith in her and she failed. He stepped away, oblivious to her thoughts. She wasn't about to voice them. “Distraction will help. You scaled that wall beautifully- I can’t wait to see how you do with bigger ones.” She followed after him, and he smiled warmly at her. “However, it’s time to get down to my business. I need to listen to rumors and gossip, and follow the leads I find. Stay within earshot, please, but you are free to do as you wish.” He paused, obviously thinking. "The Festival of Lights can be rather shocking in this city and it only gets worse as the day goes on. Right now it shouldn't be too bad, but later on....brace yourself." She nodded, gritting her teeth as she forced her feelings out of her head, into the Flame. Her hurt vanished like it never existed, and she continued by his side, not wanting to get lost in the crowd like she seemed to always be. She also knew that she shouldn't get into another fight, so she was careful to not bump into anyone. It was already busy out, in the afternoon, and the thought of the soon to be business of the square at night made her feel even sicker than she already felt. She forced that into the Flame too. The entire street smelled rancid, like cities usually did, like sweat and sewerage. She wrinkled her nose, wrapping her arm securely around Jaryd's to avoid getting physically lost. She already had no idea where her mind was going. But she tried to listen, ears straining to hear every conversation and focus on them. What could help? Surely not the pair talking about the rising prices of bread. Who as Jaryd going to find? This was all so new, and quite fascinating, to the young Accepted. It was good to be distracted.