The Silver Scream [Attn: Nykkolaia Sedai]

[Sean]

The Ivory Fox was like any other building in the capital by day. A pair of street toughs kept vigilant watch, eyes slanted and clubs ready to thump any who drew too near. Cairhien itself was a hive of rumor and trade of the same. The ever changing Game coloring its people for time immemorial. Whatever they thought, the commoners played their part. Most kept their eyes low, not meeting anyone's gaze for fear of attracting the wrong attention though some well-to-do mason or low-born merchant would occasionally break the mold and carry themselves with confidence. During the day life passed by the inconspicuous tavern with its roof in sore need of a slater.

By night the inn took on a life of its own.

Suddenly the street toughs were replaced by military officials, their clothing tailored after the latest fashion. Patrons from court milled about in dark backrooms shaded in puffs of tabac while late comers with deep pockets were pumped into fireplace warmed room to view the night's entertainment. The air inside which always smelled vaguely of roasted meat during dull hours became saturated with the heavy scents of wood smoke and sweat. Of course rats lurked about. Hollow eyed men and women seeking to profit off tidbits gleaned by overhearing a sloppy aristocrat's conversation, but there was no such thing in Cairhien. The Game had become the capital's life blood and each player knew their role with a ruthless expertise. Many friends who huddled together now where once sworn enemies with families who'd plotted each other's destruction for years. Something had brought them together...or someone had.

“A pint o' yer best, ser," Valadin grunted as he plopped onto the stool at the counter.

The barrel chested inkeep eyed him suspiciously as much the same as everyone else in this light-forsaken hornet's nest of a city had since he and the others arrived. Travelers threatened the Game's balance unless their true intentions were known and the Cairhienin blue bloods made it clear that threats weren't tolerated.

A glistening layer of sweat beading his brow after an hour of going through sword forms, Valadin was certain he stood out amongst all the silk and fine ermine. Nykk had told him to take care of his appearance and handling of himself after Tremonsien. How she'd sensed his mood was mystery, but more worrisome was whether she'd discerned the source of his incorrigible temper while on the road. Luckily the brat's tucked away in some children's home, he thought as his tankard was pushed roughly towards him causing the tipple to spill onto the grained wood surface. Wasting no time to glare Valadin downed the drink in two gulps before slamming his mug down, “Another...ser."

His sneer cut through the hushed conversation in the segregated common room. Families and their allegiances joined as one to turn an annoyed gaze in his direction, but only the innkeeper had his eyes. A moment passed and it looked like the officers outside would be called, but instead the large man turned away, grumbling about outsiders under his breath.

The attention lingered on Valadin a little longer before the allure of duplicitous plots called back the room's focus. It wasn't long before another was admitted and deep silence accompanied this entrance as it had his. Eyes trained on the blonde haired woman as she uttered final words to the stunned officials outside and made her across the common room to where Valadin sat. “Remind me t'learn to blend in like that," he supplied once she met him at his seat.

It would earn him a sharp look, but they were finally alone...

Well, alone in a room of strangers. It was a start.

[Bella]

There was certainly no lacking in uneasiness since they had begun this trip, and the feeling had not at all dissipated since they had arrived in the capital city. In fact, it had grown worse in some ways...and it came from many sources inside the Blue Aes Sedai...

...and she was approaching one of those sources now.

The others of the group were settled each into their own places in the lull in the strangeness of this journey, for the time being, and Nykkolaia was now meeting Valadin. It was the first moment they'd be on their own, without others of their traveling companions, and the idea of it caused a discomfited stirring in her. She didn't know what to expect.

She also wondered what she had gotten them all into, and she remained confused about his animosity towards the boy. The Blue didn't know if she wanted to ask or not, and she was trying not to think about it as she walked into the inn's common room. As often happened, eyes turned on her. Some turned away in misplaced embarrassment while others stared in surprise.

Head up and eyes forward, she ignored them and reached Valadin at the counter.

His words almost made her miss a step, though she didn't. The blank look that often accompanied her moments of emotional confusion covered her eyes as she held his gaze for a time and then she looked away as she took her seat. "It's easier when the room determines they cannot bear to look at me," she replied flatly.

[Sean]

As the evening wore on the mood lightened as fine wine and the lust that came thereof took hold. Valadin could feel his own senses dull, but fought remain vigilant and aware.

For all the Cairhienin were reserved they indulged like any other man when plied with vices. The scheming died down as a handsome lyricist took the stage, music dominating the room's attention. Even those secreted away in private emerged from their holes to hear the tunes washing over the audience until not a word was whispered during the performance. Pure strums dropped like dew on the ears of the listeners and the spell cast netted even those lounging at the counter.

As the peak of tune swelled, all breaths caught at once. The young musician seemed to pull impossible sounds from the humble looking instrument, his fingers strumming through the notes with wondrous speed. With every rise and fall the crowd swayed. For an eternity it went on. Treacherous schemers and experts in subterfuge held captive by the ordinary young man on the stage, his presence consuming them.

Valadin watched too. His heart racing. Always he remained aware of Saidin and of Nykk, but all else was lost to him.

Eventually the chords slowed and the outro ensued allowing everyone their senses once more. When the final note rang and the player bowed he was met with reserved ovation as was the wont of the Cairhienin folk. As Valadin turned back to his mug he did notice the generous clink of coin pattering into the tin can set near the stage's edge; even foxes and snakes appreciated a good jaunt.

Tipping his mug to lips revealed more drink was needed. Looking to Nykk he vaguely recalled her answering his quip candidly. Somewhere between the enchanting entertainment and the soft curve of her cheeks the meaning of the statement had escaped him.

Nykk's stately comport was out of place amongst the slurring nobles, eyes lowering as the night wore on and they looked to furtively slake base desires. Many eyes passed over the Aes Sedai, never settling long enough other than to mark her as a channeler. To most the jarring and contradictory conjoining of ageless perfection and ruined scars was a question better left unanswered. No one dared question a Sister of her past.

Valadin knew bits. There was much his beloved withheld from him. Where others saw a twisted, broken thing he saw a woman stressed about the mission she'd been given. Those still pools of crystal clear water never gave anything away, but he knew.

"Ser? " he called to the innkeeper. The man took his time,but attended them in short order. "Another if ya will," Valadin slurred. Turning to Nykk he asked, "Eh...red wine? Maybe white? "

Before an answer could given in favor of either he turned to the scowling innkeeper, "Two goblets, one red an' one white...clean them cups well too!"

For the second time tonight grumbling trailed in the departing man's wake. "A few drinks...then to the room..." Valadin stammered with a wink he hadn't meant to add.

[Bella]

Nykkolaia didn't like crowds, and common rooms were not among her favorite of places. If she were to be honest with herself, she would have admit that she'd had thoughts of moments together with Valadin...but it was never like this. She liked to revisit the idea of the gardens, and the solitude. The quiet. She preferred that to this.

She tried not to think about it, however, and he made it easy with what he said. The words alone were enough to surprise her, but the wink... It almost frightened her on some visceral level she did not really understand. How much had he had to drink before she had gotten here, she had to wonder. Perhaps he had already had enough.

The bartender returned a moment later and set down to the two cups. She turned to the bar and wrapped her left hand, the back of which looked like it was covered in pale red serpent scales, around it. This one was the red, which was her preference, although as she lifted it nearer to her face, she reflected it didn't smell like the best of vintages.

Nykk drank is anyway. She lifted it to her lips and drew in a longer pull than she might have in other occasions, but she felt like she needed its dimming effects upon her.

The tannic tang left a slight sting on her tongue, but aside from briefly pressing her lips together, there was no evidence of it from her. She set it down but then lifted it right back up for another drink, despite the taste. Then she turned back to Valadin, but felt no less fortified than she had minutes ago. She wanted to say something, felt like she should, and chastised herself inwardly for not being able to find words.

After a moment, she looked into her cup. "Yes," she managed to say, "I dislike the crowds." The words were soft as her mind rolled over what he had said. Drinks...then "the" room... Singular. Or maybe she had misheard.

[Sean]

The next mug lasted little longer than its predecessors. Ale tumbled down his throat in frothy bitterness that inspired the need to belch along with the desire to crawl into bed. Both desires were quickly suppressed as the Void slipped into place, its clarity clearing the spirits’ fog from his mind.

Valadin eyed the two goblets of wine sitting before Nykkolaia. She’d sipped at both, but judging from their fullness it seemed neither was to her favor. Can’t expect her to like this swill. When he rose from his stool the tetchy innkeeper materialized at the counter, eyes flashing warningly against any deception; dishonesty was bred in all classes. Slapping down a silver mark mollified their host though suspicion lurked in his gaze as he nodded his acceptance before serving other patrons.

A gleeman had taken the stage, crowing jokes while juggling several daggers. Most of the room seemed unimpressed instead taking an interest in the young bard who emerged from the kitchens. Upon closer inspection Valadin realized that the fellow wasn’t so young. Hard angled cheeks and the haunted look of one used to starvation spoke of hard times endured. Whatever his past, the man conducted himself with familiar skill as a throng of wealthy men and women swarmed him likely looking to secure him for one event or another.

Turning away from the scene Valadin snatched up the two goblets from the counter and leaned close to Nykk, “Got us a room upstairs. Can’t stay here. Too many eyes and ears,” he breathed, his nose flaring to catch the faint scent of meadow flower that persisted to cling to the woman no matter the setting.

Such impropriety would’ve earned him a penance at the Grey Tower, but in Cairhien no one knew them to be anything other than channelers. Furthermore more than one couple had slunk off to the rooms above seeking privacy already, their leaving would not be unnoticed.

Despite his size, the Oneness directed Valadin’s step so that moving through the crowd became something of a dance. His feet blithely picked through creases that appeared just when he needed them to and his wide frame sufficed to create more space when necessary. He didn't hurry so that Nykk could stay close. Too many hands found their way to places they shouldn’t when people were packed so tightly. A pang at his waist reminded him of the longsword that remained locked in its chest upstairs.

From outside the Ivory Fox seemed in disarray, its once-red bricks browned with age and the painting chipped at many places, but inside it was grand, suitable for the clientele it entertained in the evening. Valadin strolled down the hall, mind quickly assessing the surrounding area for danger, until he stopped at the last room on the left. “Would you?” he asked Nykk, chin jutting to the unopened door.

The room itself was a simple, yet refined affair. Unadorned rugs with many tassels covered much of the floor, yet where it didn’t well-polished wood glowed with the soft firelight of the already lit hearth. Warm air welcomed them as they stepped inside. Two beds were prepared, one on either side of the room. A writing table divided the chamber into two neat halves. Another table, this one longer in shape, spanned the length of the wall closest to the door. A pitcher and an assortment of fruits decorated its surface, complemented by the pewter colored table cloth that looked too expensive for its purpose.

“Guess t’was well worth the gold mark then.” Setting the goblets of wine on the table of food, Valadin walked to the chest tucked in the right side corner of the room. The latch seemed untampered and when he opened the trunk his belongings remained the same. Once he was satisfied he closed it once more and looked to Nykk, “Alone. Finally,” he sighed feeling strangely at ease with the concept.

A few months ago it wouldn’t have been so, but the patrol of the Blight had made it too clear that life could come to quick and violent end during these days. Making the most of one’s time with their loved ones was more important than hesitating for fear of embarrassment.

He only hoped that Nykk felt the same. Looking at her with eyes full of a desperate longing he crossed the room to stand before, her full height coming only to his chest.

“I…this mission…I…” he started to say, but found his tongue failed him. Light, what to say? Anythin’? Nothin’? Creator help me…

[Bella]

She almost couldn't move off the stool to shift away from the bar; anxiety unbecoming of an Aes Sedai flooded her chest at the myriad possibilities that fell open like a chest dropped upon the floor with its lock broken, the contents spilling out... Only the contents of this chest rose around her like gravity did not exist.

But Nykk forced herself to put her booted feet upon the knotty wooden floor and follow him. He kept slow so she could keep up, and she could see the tautness in his shoulders beneath his jacket. What, did he worry about stray hands among the press? If only he had turned around, he would've seen that people parted for her in dull fear or disgust. It didn't bother her anymore; the visceral reactions of strangers could no longer touch the icy walls that had grown within her.

However, it forever lingered in her mind the chance that he might react that more when...if...he ever saw more of her. She was well aware that her face was bad enough, but to see the curves that should've made her beautiful equally marred? How would he, how could anyone, handle that?

They reached the room.

She opened the door.

They walked in, the door shut, and they were alone.

Her eyes surveyed the room and took in nearly every detail; every detail that she could take in. Why was she memorizing the layout? So she'd know where to go if this moment went wrong? If he cast her off... She looked until he stood before her and the masculine scent of him was heady and powerful as it filled her awareness. She turned back to him and looked up into his face. Trying to school her features to openness, although she feared her own lack of success.

"Yes," she said, her voice a little breathless as she tried to regain her sense. "It has left me...unsettled." Though at that moment, she could think of nothing about this trip that unsettled her except for his proximity.

[Sean]

As she struggled to find words love swelled afresh in Valadin's chest. It was strange how in her presence the constant worry of death faded into the immaterial. If nothing else Nykkolaia of the Blue Ajah would survive this bloody business; even if the cost was his life.

He swallowed deeply as the promise seeped into his soul overtaking both the Void and the spirits still coursing through him, magnifying the moment's importance.

His eyes left her face and trailed down the simple dress's length. Her form inspired animal instincts to rise to the surface. He swallowed once more as their eyes met again.

"Y'know, if I'd known it'd be the only way to 'ave ya to myself I could've found a few lads that wanted to put a dagger in my throat." Taking Nykk's wrapped hand in both of his he held it between them. Slowly, deliberately, the cloth was removed. With each layer peeled away Nykk's tension rose. Valadin knew though they had shared much there was still plenty to lose. For both of them that had already had much taken away the thought of losing this...what they had...there could be little life of consequence after.

When the last fold came loose the garment dropped to the ground.

Of course he'd seen her scars; some of them. The origin of each was also something known to him, but every sighting of them filled him with confusing infusions of hatred for the man that did this and pain for what the proud Aes Sedai must have endured. "Tonight...we should share tonight."

It was meant to be a question, but Valadin wanted nothing more in this life than to have it with her. Putting the ruined hand to lips he searched her face for the subtle flinched that would come. Despite the appearance the skin was soft on his lips as he planted tiny kisses along her fingers then continued until he'd reached her wrist.

"Will ya come with me this night?" Now it was question. "Will ya come with me an' when we return stay by my side this night?"

Emotion strained the words at the end. Everything hung in the balance and little of it had to do with their lives being in danger. This night was the stillness before a great wave crashed upon them. Too much uncertain, but this..Valadin knew he wanted this.

He wanted her…

[Bella]

Everything froze when he kissed her hand.

Her heart froze in its beating. The air froze in her lungs. Her body froze with that hand suspended, held in his. Her mind froze in every possible stream of every possible thought. Her spirit froze with surprise, and fear, and uncertainty...and yet "frozen" would not be truly fitting a word to put to what she felt in that moment. For there was nothing of the usual ice in her when he took her hand. There was no ice in her, in that moment.

She didn't flinch, because she was too still. When he spoke again, she gasped suddenly. Took in all that air that her body needed and had been deprived of for the past long moments.

Come with you...where? The words slid through her mind, curiosity that she could not stop. Where else could they have to go? It was an uncertainty that slipped through her, but did not gain purchase any deeper. There was too much of him in that moment, and too much woman in her. Gone was the shadow she lived as. Gone was the Aes Sedai. It was just her, Nykkolaia.

"I am yours," she said. If she had meant to say for the moment or for the night, those qualifiers fell dead. Nothing else mattered, because she knew it was only ever him now. Even if he turned his face from her, wanted her no more when he knew her more... This was her one chance, and none would ever come again. She was his, as much as he may wish. And she just asked the Creator to give her some moments of beauty now.

[Sean]

At her reply Valadin let go of the breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. A flood of emotion left him unsure of what to do or say next. Below the sounds of activity were reaching their peak as the roar laughter sounded through the rugs.

Keeping hold of Nykk's hand he led her to the trunk where his sword was stored. Once the sword belt was strapped to his waist he gave Nykk a mischievous wink before making for the room door. Out to the hall they went then down the steps where the flushed faces of the usually reserved Cairhien nobility broke out in genuine smiles; drink worked wonders in disarming men. Crossing the common room drew gazes towards the exposed red scars upon Nykk's hand, but only one man said anything of it...and for his trouble Valadin headbutted him.

A rivulet of scarlet blood trickled down the side of his race, but Valadin laughed feeling strangely free of himself. Fear had ruled his life for so long, often barring the joys that most took for granted, but here in this high class den of slanderers and crooks he'd been liberate

Nykk had done that.

The guardsmen were called to the scene of the walling man, but by that time Nykk and Valadin had escaped the Ivory Fox and its stifling upper class patrons. Out into the night they went, cool air ruffling the simple muslin of Valadin's tunic and the moonlight granting Nykk's blond tresses luster not seen by day. "Come with me," he laughed again, a thin line of dried blood tracing a line down one side of his face. "The city's ours tonight...the night is ours!"

It was foolish, these things he was saying, but nothing needed to make sense anymore. A voice of reason warned that the euphoria were simply the effects of an evening of drinking, but Valadin knew the cause of this powerful urge to do something impulsive; it was the Aes Sedai who held his hand. She trusted him. He trusted her. Nothing in life had ever been simpler.

The capital opened its boson to them. Shadows gave the precisely crafted streets a dark beauty promising surprise and mystery. They met others on their way, young couples who'd obviously partaken of drink themselves though no one approached. Not everyone embraced the night as they had.

Valadin had no idea where they were heading or even if it was wise to have left without telling the others. Lady Ives was not someone he wished to see angry. All doubt dispersed when he squeezed Nykk's hand and knew that this was real, she was really with him.

Eventually they wound up turning into alley, their flight and the recklessness of the mood leaving Valadin short of breath as he leaned back into a nearby shop's side wall. A sense of ill-ease pricked at his happiness, but he pushed it away. Through it all he'd never once let go of Nykk's hand. Giving her a slight tug, he pulled her into him, her closeness and the openness of the air yielding a carthartic feeling of completion as his heart raced.

"I'm a fool, y'know...this could turn out poorly," he muttered into her scalp, lips kissing the pale flaxen strands with every movement.

An answer came from down the alley. "Afraid it's already gone bad, friend."

[Bella]

Of course.

A cynical voice rolled through Nykkolaia's mind like a breeze. Something of a cataclysm took place in the core of her brain and body: a panic born of a fourteen year old girl pulled off a street not unlike this one ran headlong into the cynical voice of the tormented woman that girl had become, which in turn expanded into the opening arms of a hardened Aes Sedai that let Saidar flow into her.

It had been a...lovely moment until that voice. A stolen moment. A moment that she should've experienced at fourteen and not forty-something. A moment that the blessed creator just couldn't let her have! Anger spiked through everything else, puncturing the inner cataclysm and underlining every word and feeling of her psyche.

Why can't I just have this moment?

The One Power sang sweetly through her, but its song was discordant with the emotions. The two were musical lines, one played along side the other, but both so completely out of tune as to jar the listener. Although in this case, there was only the one listener, and the symphony was thundering in her blood. Even Saidar could not soothe her.

Her head turned slowly, just enough for her eyes to alight on the speaker of those ominous words. The dim lamp light reflecting off the red scars tracing her face.