For Honor of Family [attn: Bella/Lysira Gaidin]

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria Gaidin

Rotations at the Citadel were normal for the Mistress of Arms, and she tended to make the most of her visits to the outpost. Sometimes, Gareth would accompany her, but often his duties to the Infirmary kept him at the Tower. Riahana’s current visit to her home away from home was sans-husband, but she was not without those she could call friend. She spared a glance to make sure there were no wayward ears nearby.

Standing on one of the ramparts that looked out towards the Blight, the Mistress of Arms let go a sigh and shook her head, “I can’t say I know what it is we will find on this venture, friend. I would like to think those who stand with our brothers and sisters in arms here, and at our other outposts are smart enough not to betray Miahala Sha’hal Sedai, but someone is either very foolish, or overly confident. . .or perhaps both.”

Ria turned her cool gaze towards one of her oldest friends, and former mentor, Lysira Gaidin, “That their plan did not succeed will be their failing. Whoever the betrayer is nearly cost me two kin, and I cannot abide such treason.” She couldn’t help the grim expression, “I do not know who we can trust while we are here, which is something else that does not sit well with me. I don’t expect the traitor to wave a flag and admit to their subterfuge, though I am not sure what I do expect.”

[Bella]

The diminutive Gaidin felt...relieved to be out doing things again. She was not, in truth, a woman bred to sit around and do little, and training constantly only got one so far. This time, the restlessness that had plagued her in Cairhien came upon her far more quickly. Perhaps the politics and expectations had simply reminded her of the before times and brought it back faster.

Either way, she was out now. The Blight loomed on the horizon, and the sense of its darkness sunk into Lysira as she gazed out over it beside her friend, but it still brought relief. Odd though that may be.

'There will always be fools and blackguards in the world,' she signed, glad that Riahana could read her signs so she did not have to add her interpreter to this group. It just made it easier. 'How well known the Captain-General is here may, in fact, draw them out for those who would seek to champion her defeat.' She shrugged her small shoulders.

Aside from the relief of being out, she was glad to aid this task with Ria. Mia had been like an adopted mother to her, before her parents' return and now in the wake of their true deaths--despite Lysira being this age and a mother of her other--the Green continued to be so. Much like Ria, she was here because she wanted justice for family.

'We simply must do as much as we can,' she said. 'I am sure we can at least find a lead. We keep our trust solely to one another.'

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria Gaidin

A mirthless smile made its way to Ria’s lips as she tilted her head to acknowledge her companion’s comments. Miahala Sha’hal did indeed have a reputation and was, in many ways, larger than life. Some might say she was bordering on living legend, though the Green Sedai would likely smack any who’d say such a thing to her directly. Looking back to the horizon, the Gaidin pursed her lips. It was not pleasant business to contemplate a traitor, but Lys was right. There will always be fools and blackguards in the world.

A northern wind whipped through, causing Ria’s fancloak to whip back and forth. A storm was on the horizon, and would descend upon the Citadel within the hour. “It is sad to think it comes to this that we cannot trust one of our battle brothers or sisters, but there’ naught gained lamenting the fact,” Ria added before letting go a frustrated sigh. “Keep our trust in one another, and none else, I agree,” she added, then looked back to her long-time friend. “What do you know of her last mission? Did she give you any details, or should I fill you in?”

[Bella]

Lysira could hear the tinges of frustration in her friend's voice, or thought she did. She may have imagined them there, or projected it from her own aggravation with the idea. Either way, she wasn't going to say anything or ask after it. It was as may be for the both of them, and they could only move onward from here with what they had.

'Bear in mind,' Lys began, 'that the Citadel is not staffed solely by our brothers and sisters.' Her dark eyes rested on Ria, knowing she had her eyes so she could 'speak.' 'Others have eyes, and ears, and wills.'

She paused and turned her head to glance briefly over their surroundings as well, wondering what the impending storm would bring them and when it would do it. Soon, but hopefully not too soon. How long had it been since she'd taken a turn in the Citadel, or actually acted upon her calling? She was a Gaidin, and would be until she died.

'I know they Traveled here, and spent a night. Then they moved to another outpost. They were attacked between the two, but it was minor. Then they were woken in the middle of the night to respond to a call for help at an outpost deeper in. As they drew near, they realized the situation and that it was a trap,' she signed, reciting what she had been told.

She took a deep breath. 'There are any number of people here at the Citadel or at the first outpost they went to. Question is, was the first attack part of things or just part of life on the border?'

[Roan]

Ria Ferria Gaidin

The Mistress of Arms frowned and shook her head slightly. She looked over Lysira’s shoulder and saw someone approaching, and opted to sign instead of speak, ”I don’t know friend, and we may never know.” She was about to continue the conversation when the guard stopped three paces away and cleared his throat.

“Mistress, Gaidin,” the man said in a gravely voice akin to Gareth’s, though the guard lacked her husband’s broad stature. “Quartermaster Kinnar asked me to fetch the pair of ye.”

Looking from her companion to the guard, Ria arched a brow, “Did the Quartermaster say what he wanted of us?”

“No, Mistress. He said he needed to speak with ye, and that’s all he said,” the man finished.

Ria found herself watching the man closely, looking for any hint of deception in his expressions. After a brief moment, she inclined her head, “Tell Master Kirran we will be along shortly. Thank you, soldier.”

The Gaidin waited until the man disappeared down one of the stairwells, and then spoke softly, “Kirran greeted the party on their arrival here, but that is not unexpected given his position.” She ran her hand along her chin, “If we can figure out who Memma spoke with here, and at the outpost, perhaps we can piece together some kind of timeline, or find some hint of a clue.”

The question was, though, could they trust even Kirran? Not willing to ask it aloud, Ria nodded towards the direction the guard exited, “Shall we see what it is Kirran’s after?”

[Bella]

Similar thoughts echoed in Lysira's mind, wondering if the quartermaster was the one they needed to turn their eye to...but then she knew that the man had been in his role at the Citadel for a long time, and this was the first she'd ever heard of something quite like this--certainly of this magnitude--happening in relation to the place. It seemed unlikely, though she'd never claim impossible, that Kinnar was their traitor.

'By all means,' she signed and then gestured for Riahana to precede her. Ria was, after all, the more senior among them and while they were friends and Lysira once her mentor, propriety must be maintained. Image was important among soldiers.

Veterans of the Grey Tower and its stronghold on the Blightborder, neither of them needed any directions or guide to find their way to the office of the quartermaster. They were immediately ushered in and greeted, invited to sit as Kinnar returned to his seat behind his desk and favored them with a sober look.

"Riahana Gaidin," he said with a second deferential bow of his head, "we are happy to have you. When we learned of what befell Miahala Sedai and her group..." He sighed and shook his head. "We were glad the results were not worse and everyone returned to the Tower, despite the odds. I am only too happy to assist you in any way I can."

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria, Mistress of Arms

The Mistress of Arms studied Kirran closely as he spoke of Mia’s group. From his posture to his expressions, she looked for any hint of deception, though the Quartermaster gave away little when he addressed her. He’d been at the Citadel long enough, she wanted to believe him innocent in the trap that befell her Memma’s party. If he were innocent, perhaps he could point Ria and Lys in a general direction of where to look next.

She could not help the grim expression, “I wish I were not here on such business, as it leaves a bad taste in my mouth. , ,no doubt yours, as well. Truth be told, I am not sure Lysira Gaidin or I really have a direction other than we know they came here first.”

Ria paused as she glanced to Lys, “We know why they came here, and we know too that they were sent to an outpost, and it was from that outpost they set off for another that was apparently besieged, though they found an ambush waiting for them instead.” Glancing back to the quartermaster, the Gaidin continued, “The first question might be the simplest to ask, though perhaps harder to answer. Do you know who Miahala Sedai, and those in her party might have spoken to while they were here?”

Kirran furrowed his brows as he looped his thumbs around his belt, “They were only here for the night, so I don’t think they spoke to many.” The man looked to the desk in front of him as he considered the question, “I think I saw him speaking with Turen, Mistress.”

Arching a brow, Ria asked, “Turen?”

“Aye, he’s a soldier been stationed here for perhaps two years? I’m afraid I don’t know too much about him,” Kirran replied.

Ria tilted her head slightly, “Do you know where we can find him?”

[Bella]

Kinnar nodded. "Of course," he replied easily. "He's still here."

Lysira's dark eyes flashed as she looked at Riahana. That would make it easy to locate him for questioning. If he were the source of the group's ills and he caught wind of Ria and Lys being there, then he likely would have left. It would be the start of an indictment, Lys thought, but it was only a small lead at this point.

'Was there anyone else you can recall?' Lysira signed, and Ria didn't need to translate. Kinnar had indeed been the quartermaster of the Citadel for so long that he knew Lys and could mostly read her gestures.

He inhaled slowly and looked off toward the window, rubbing her clean shaven chin. "The group spread out after they got here, enjoying a bit of free time and speaking freely with the other Gaidin, trainees, and Borderlander soldiers stationed here," he said. "I know there was Antir and Cyrus, if I recall right, who Miahala Sedai spoke with briefly as well."

Lys nodded and signed. 'And where would they be found?'

"Oh, they are part of a small unit that was only here for a short posting," he said. "They have cycled on by now. I believe they said that they were due at Outpost Karanos." He thought for another moment. "I believe they departed three days ago."

[Roan]

Riahana Ferria, Mistress of Arms

That Turen was still at the Citadel was good news, as it meant Ria and Lys didn’t have to go far to speak with him. If, though, he had no hand in the ambush, the duo would be facing a three day ride out to Outpost Karanos. The Mistress of Arms clenched her jaw at the thought of riding out to a remote outpost where a potential traitor and Darkfriend might be waiting.

Looking from Kirran to Lys, Ria tilted her head slightly, “We’ll speak with Turen since he’s here. If we learn nothing of value from him, we’ll need to head to Outpost Karanos.” She looked back to Kirran, “I’d rather word of our plans not go beyond these walls, though I know how news travels out here.”

Ria hesitated a moment and furrowed her brows, “We’ll need provisions for the ride out to the outpost, and enough for the ride back. Can you see to it without raising suspicions?”

The Quartermaster frowned, “I will see to the provisions personally. I’ve arranged rooms for you both, and you’re welcome to dine with me tonight.”

Ria nodded, “Appreciated, Kirran. I know this is not pleasant business to consider, but we can’t ignore what is in front of us.”

“Of course,” the quartermaster replied.

Ria looked to Lys, “Let’s go speak with Turen. See what he might have to say.” She spared one more glance for the Quartermaster and gave him a nod before the two Gaidin left his office.

It didn’t take the pair long to find Turen. He was running some of the newer recruits through exercises in the main courtyard. His bark was about as big as Kirran’s and he seemed to tower over the younger soldiers under his charge.

Ria watched him interact with the recruits as she and Lys approached. When he looked towards the two Gaidin, she scanned his expression for any hint of. . .what? She wasn’t sure what she was looking for. Perhaps fear or anger or regret? Anything that might suggest he had a hand in the ambush, but the man gave nothing away.

Turen looked away for a moment, “Rosso, take over. Any of these pups so much as whimpers, run ‘em around the wall with their packs on until I get back.”

“Yes sir!”

Turning away from his group, Turen closed distance, “Mistress, Gaidin.” He nodded to each of them, “I heard you were at the Citadel. Why do I get the sense yer not here to see how I train our recruits?”

Ria kept her face devoid of expression as she inclined her head towards the man, “How the Citadel trains its guards does not directly fall under my purview, and I trust Kirran to make sure things stay on track.” The emphasis was on Kirran’s name, and the hint of a smile from Turen suggested he picked up on it.

“Of course, Mistress. If it is not about my recruits, how may I be of service?”

[Bella]

When it came to questioning, it was going to be virtually impossible to totally obscure their purpose. Lysira imagined that most of the Citadel, or those who had been here when the group came through, already knew about what had happened. Would they knew the extent of why, she doubted it, but there would be rumors.

'You were here when Miahala Sedai and her group came through on their way to Sturveyn,' Lysira began. She did not know this man well and his look showed he didn't know her signs, thus prompting Riahana to need to translate.

He listened and then nodded. "Aye, I was. She sat at my table during mealtime, so we shared some talk." He paused, looking between the two women with a keen glint in his eyes. "I heard about the attack after they left Sturveyn, and I was glad to know that they all returned home again alive. Is that what you are here to look into?"

OOC: P.S. The group that left the Citadel did so three days ago, but it doesn't mean the outpost is three days away. Just that that's when they left. I figure a day's ride, ish. <3