05/11/2000 The field between the camp of the Amyrlin's army and the bridges leading to the shinning walls of Tar Valon have been busy for days. And now the full fruits of the labor can be clearly seen. Tents of all shapes and sizes and even more colors dot the area in a way that might seem haphazard but is most likely quite ordered in some way. What can be found inside of the tents depends greatly upon what tent one looks into. Some are selling anything one might want, others are offering games for the passerby to play, a chance to get their minds off of whatever might be bothering them or simply to have some fun. Music can be heard comming from other tents, but the emenations comming from many of the tents are far more aromatic. Though some food is being served already, it is rumoured that Christabel Sedai has obtained the services of nearly every inn and tavern in the city for this. Dominating the field are two large structures. The first, a massive tent with tables, chairs, and the smell of food stands next to the second impressive feature, a large open field, roped off from the general public, and linned with elevating benches so that everyone can be sure to see. At least everyone who gets a seat that is. Flanking the field on one side is a large elevated plateform, no doubt where the dignitaries are to view the parade. Surrounding the field and scattered throughout the area are the standards and banners of the armies of the Light. Not only those of the Amyrlin's Army, but those of Coremanda, Aridhol, and Manetherin as well. The cloth waves and snaps in the breeze and seems to be eagerly awaiting the festivities. The city of Tar Valon seems to have turned out en force today. Though likely it is as much for the promise of free food as it is for anything else. For the most part the people simply do not know what to think. They are wandering around, some having fun and relaxing, some looking rather synicle and wondering what the Tower is getting out of all of this... others just looking as if they are trying to find a reason to be happy. The war has taken much and with the recent influx of refugees the face of the city has changed. Still the atmosphere is deffinitly one of anticipation. It /is/ a celebration after all, though what exactly is being celebrated is up for debate. Food of just about any kind can be had, and their are games, and music, and just about anything you could want is to be found somewhere. Christabel herself is nowhere to be seen, the same as most of the higher level Generals and even the Amyrlin. The parade is not scheduled for a bit still, but people can already be seen heading towards the field surrounded by the bleachers. Trying to get good seats no doubt. One who is not playing music this day... well at the moment for now, Is Inole. She moves around the area slowly, taking in the music, wine and food of the day. Someone is just glad to be out of the Tower again a change. And that someone is Neelkan. He wanders around idly, not exactly looking forward to this grand parade, or whatever, or even the food really, cause they keep him pretty well fed in the Tower, but more for the fact that -anything- is better then sitting in the Tower infirmary being mothered by a bunch of Yellows. Well, almost anything. Twisting his wrist idly around the end of his sash, he wanders around, trying to avoid bumping into anyone. Especially avoiding bumping into anyone wearing a -dress-. Kalibar heads towards those same bleachers, occasionally flashing his smile behind him to make sure Aed is still following behind. It'll do the lad some good to get out of the Tower a bit. Besides, perhaps the boy will enjoy the parade and pageantry. Out and about even if he doesn't stray far from Kalibar, the air of pagentry actually seems to be doing some good for Aed who although not exactly terrified does seem to be regarding everything with wide eyes, more likely from excitement than from anything else. Occasionally he adjusts the tunic that covers him and seems to be rather unused to it. Pouty lips are actually curled into a smile as he follows Kalibar. A couple standing before one of the games turns to go, the young man looking rather dejected and the kind young woman trying to perk him up. "It's alright Alex.. I didn't want it anyways." The man perks up and turns to give her what would most likely have been a sickly sweet look but is interupted by a young boy right at his feet. "Excuse me.." he says looking down and blushing. Kalibar turns and glances at Aed again, "Would you like to play a few games before the parade?" The Tinker continues to move around slowly, seeing if anyone she knows is about. Looking around, Aed responds, his voice bright with enthusiasm,"SURE!" He seems quite happy right now. Not to mentioned slightly awed by everything/ Seon walks among the crowd gathered at the food tables. He takes a bite of a sample here and there. After all, some of this was /his/ cooking. His and Erian's. And, judging by the grin on his face, he looks quite pleased at their work. Kalibar smiles once more and leads Aed to one of the game booths. Apparently a simple ring toss. He puts a coin in the hawker's hand and takes the three rings, handing them to Aed, "Just try to toss them over the neck of the bottles...." Tiau continues to watch the others in the area, moving over towards the music, listening to them Continuing to twist and untwist the end of his sash around his wrist, Neelkan pauses at one of the games to watch. Oh, the joys of being out of the infirmary. He keeps glancing around, as if checking for people he happens to know, but oddly his bright blue-green eyes overlook the young boy with the Warder, as his eyes are tending to look for taller people. Which is odd, because he's standing near the same booth. He must not be fully recovered yet. After taking the rings from Kalibar, Aed /tries/ to get the first one on the bottle neck but it falls a little short of it. Frowning Aed looks at the bottles then at the rings,"Supposed to make it that far?" Aed asks as if trying to work this out now. Kalibar looks down at Aed and smiles encouragingly. Tiau slides into a chair to better save her aching body for the rest of the festival. Sigh. Whatever Neelkan was looking for, he does not see and turns to glance towards the game again. This is when he finally notices the kid. Hey! It's the brat! ... No. He shouldn't say that. He's supposed to be -nice-. "Hey kid! Fancy seein' ya 'ere!" After throwing the next ring at the bottle and almost actually getting it on, Aed looks up at Neelkan with an actual smile,"Oh hiya Neelkan! Having fun? Lots of stuff to do!" The boys words tumble out rather quickly and are tinged with pure unalterated happiness. Well, that's a change! "Uh, well, anythin' t' get outta the Tower f'r a while!" Maybe Neelkan shouldn't say that so loud at a Tower sponsered event. Kalibar looks over at Neelkan and chuckles softly, then applauds when Aed gets the ring around the bottle, "Nice shot, Aed...one more to go!" The final ring is tossed, and lands on the bottle and stays but. Aed beams at succeeding before turning to Neelkan,"COme on! This place is fun!" Those baby blue eyes sparkle merrily now. No hint of sadness just play. He even has stop fiddling with his newest tunic. Kalibar grins at Aed once more, "Do you want to take your prize now or try for something bigger?" Chuckling softly, Neelkan stops twisting his sash around his wrist and then shrugs his shoulders slightly, "Looks like it." But he doesn't join in on the game just yet. Someone might have to drag him into it. His eyes glance towards the guy with the kid. Who is this guy? Hrm. But he doesn't ask. Not with words at least. A woman's voice can be heard echoing across the field... not as if it where shouting, but amplified by some other source. "Your attention please... The parade will be starting in ten minutes. Please make your way to the central field. The best seats are already filling up." If there was a slight trickle twoards the bleachers before, it turns to a steady stream now. Tiau stands up and moves over, hurrying to the fields. Almost hesistantly, Seon leaves the tables upon hearing the barker's announcement. Following the crowd, he makes his way to the fields as well. Baby blue eyes now look at Kalibar,"Prize?" Aed seems completely dumbfounded by the idea. Kalibar nods at Aed, and gestures to the multitude of toys and trinkets adorning the booth, "Pick one you like, then we can go find seats." "Ya get somethin' f'r winnin', kid." Neelkan points out with a chuckle, then adds, "I'll see ya later. I'm gonna go try t' get a seat f'r 'ere're all taken." And he starts ahead towards the central field, reaching up to scratch at his white streaked red hair. The Bleachers fill up quickly and the noise level seems to grow from a low hum to a soft roar. The platform flanking the rectangular field is still empty, though the banners of each force, waves over the spot where the dignitaries from that country will stand. In fact there are even banners of those countries that have chosen to remain nuetral. The one banner that is obviously absent is that of the Tetrarch. The area around the platform is already crowded with many well dressed people. Some Sedai, others nobles from countries both allied with the Tower and nuetral. Tiau moves over and finds a seat in the front, grinning happily as she does so. Even if the banners and things are of war, she's never seen a parade. After selecting a teddy bear from the ranks of toys, Aed follows Kalibar to a seat, holding it close. Kalibar finds a good seat in the front (Though the fact that most people know a Gaidin when they see one helps). He gestures Aed to the spot next to him and sits down. Sitting in a seat, Neelkan is awful selfish. He ends up taking up about what would normally be two seats, and the guy isn't that big either. Shesh. He just likes his space and doesn't want a bunch of big women sitting around him. Seon finds a nice, comfortable place near the back. He's never really been to a parade of this scale, and is enjoying it from where he is. Kalibar is seated in one of the front rows of the bleachers, with Aed next to him. Aed's clutching a teddy bear and actually looking like he's enjoying himself for once. Tiau looks around, smiling broadly.. "When's the parade going to start?" Sitting down on the bleachers as well, Neelkan's taking up about the space that two people could sit in. Which is obviously on purpose because he's not that big a young man after all. He looks interested, but not having quite as good a time as the kid over there with the bear. The murmur of the crowd is suddenly interupted by the peel of trumpets from the far side of the field. Then answering notes from the near side, the sound clear and bright. Then drums. Hundreds of snar drums in perfect syncronous time. All eyes strain to the large tent as it opens and a small party comes out. As they walk forward thier identities can be better made out. A line of Sedai dressed in their finest, flanked by Warders on either side. Then a pause.. and then the Amyrlin herself, Her own Warder walking before her. And Michael Gaidin on her right, the Master General of the Army. And on her left, Christabel Sedai, dressed in her usual simple white dress, with her own Gaidin, Kayne, walking tall beside her. Behind these walk the ambassadors from the various countries, with their retainers. Next come the Keeper, and the Sitters of the Hall and then the nobles of the various countries who managed to weedle their way into the actual parade. All of these march towards the field.. turn towards the plateform and while the Amyrlin, Christabel, Michael Gaidin, and the Ambassadors walk up the steps to the top, the others fill in around, at varying levels that mean much to the trained eye. Denn'ryiel reaches the bleachers but frowns as she looks up at all of the people seated there. Doesn't seem to be any empty seats she concludes, as she squints. She turns around as the drums start, and tries to make her way someplace where she won't be standing in front of anyone. Tiau frowns sharply and murmurs.. "A gathering of war." Keay enjoys the liitle walk and. As she reaches the platform, she takes her place and smiles at everone, especially one special person whom she searches the crowd for. The woman standing before you is most obviously Aes Sedai. She could be nothing else, even without the ring on her left hand. Standing at a few inches over five feet tall, her slim almost elfin features bear the eternal youth of those women from the White Tower. Yet surely she must be ancient, for framing her deep brown eyes is her long, thick, snowy white hair that falls down to the small of her back. She is dressed in a long flowing white dress, cut simply out of a rather plain cloth. Over this is a deep green coat of sorts, though far too thin to be worn for warmth. It is sleveless, falling down to the same level as the dress benieth, and tends to billow behind her as she walks. The woman herself is a wonder to behold. Ever ready with a smile, ever there with an encouraging word, she seems no less cheerfull for the times in which she lives. Often do her eyes sparkle with some inner happiness, and just as often can a spring be found in her step. Almost as if she were bouncing. Kalibar 'feels' that smile in the back of his head, and makes sure to meet Keay's gaze with a smile of his own. He looks down to Aed, "How would you like the best seat in the house?" Glancing around idly, Neelkan spots someone he knows. Someone who doesn't have a seat! Oh, well that's no good. He raises his voice, which isn't that hard considering he usually talks like he's yelling anyway and calls out, "Hey, Denn!!" There's someone with white-streaked red hair trying to get the not really Accepted but not quite Sedai's attention. Zaidah is late, as usual. Actually she was bored, and decided to just wander out to see what all the fuss is about. Using her staff she has no problem clearing a path for herself through the crowd, and despite the muttered curses and the beginnings of threats a sweet smile and simply moving along quickly keep the situation from escalating, not that she would mind getting in a duel.. or two, but even she isn't crazy enough to try and take on a whole crowd. Denn'ryiel blinks as she hears her name, and looks back up into the stands. She squints a little longer, before she spots the white hair. With mumbled apologies aplenty, she makes her way through those seated towards the seat. Baby blue eyes look up at Kalibar and Aed greets him with one of his bright smiles that seem at the moment glue to his face,"SURE!" Darien walks in, knowing he is late but not in a hurry. He stops and looks around the area, not sure if he wants to sit with the crowd or if he should sit with his fellow 'dignitaries.' Neelkan glares over towards the people on his sides as if to tell them to not even think about scooting over any and stealing his extra seat. Then he smirks at Denn as she seems to have heard him. "Glad t' see yer 'ere!" This boy's voice was made for these events. It carries. As the 'important people' take their places.. there is another pause.... then a low rumbling of drums can be heard... followed by a blast of trumpets, and once more all eyes turn to the large tent. The drums grow louder.. in exact time... and then they come. Rank upon rank of men, marching in perfect formation, their uniforms bright in the afternoon sun. Spears raise towards the heavens, the light glinting off of steel like stars in a forest of thin trees. Reagiments cleanly devided, banners denoting which where honored with the oportunity to march today. Throughout the small army, which must have streatched beyond the tent the come out of now, drums and trumpets can be seen... each lending it's musical support to the trumping of boots on the ground. Keay has disconnected. Tiau seems suddenly and utterly disinterested in the parade. Kalibar winks at Aed and reaches down to scoop him up in his arms as he heads up to the platform to take his place beside Keay Sedai. He lifts Aed and sets him on his shoulders, giving him quite literally the best view in the house. Denn'ryiel beams at Neelkan and nods as she takes a seat. She is about to return the greeting but she winces as the trumpets blast. When her ears stop ringing, she says, "Good to see you too," loudly enough to be heard over the din. From atop Kalibar's shoulders, Aed watches the soldiers marching with wide eyes, that sparkle as he watches them march. Tiau looks around the area, hmming slightly. Zaidah puts her fingers in her mouth and whistles piercingly. You just gotta love guys in uniform. Come on. Still shoving a path for herself she makes it up to one of the bleachers and plops herself smack dab between a man and his wife, completely careless of their stares or the fact that none of them have very much room now. The wife looks at the husband accusingly and they quickly get up and find somewhere else to sit. Aaaah, much better. She stretches out, going so far as to kick her feet up and rest her boots on the bench just below hers squished between two more sitters, while leaning back against the knees of those behind her, ignoring more muttered curses. The first square regiments are obviously from the Amyrlin's army, Sedai being seen amoung the ranks, always in command of others. The next regiments are from those countries allied to the Tower. Coremanda... then Aridhol... and finally Manetherin. All of the troops march out, untill they are all completely within the field, then turn to face the platform. Reaching up to rub at his ears idly, Neelkan makes sure to give the woman enough room and everything. "'ey sure know how t' make an entrance, don't 'ey?" Bwah. And a loud one. Kinda like him... Maybe he shouldn't be talking. He looks back at the parade, his head tilting slightly, then he reaches up to scratch at his hair again with one hand. "Never been t' one'a 'ese before." he mutters absently. Ooooooo. Aaaaaaaah. Tiau snorts loudly at that, frowning at the pure show of military power. She cannot stand, however since she's rather packed into the area. Among the Light Calvary units of the Amyrlin's army, a banner flies, one similar to that of the Manetheren banner. The slim figure of Aliana Aes Sedai, seen at the head of the formation. Sashes of pure white crossing each of the members chests. The only distinguishing feature of this particuliar clavary. Denn'ryiel smiles and nods in agreement to Neelkan, and looks a little grateful for the extra room. "I've been to quite a few... You have to give the young men their moment in the sun, because some of them might not have very many moments left." She starts applauding a little more loudly as the Manetheran delegation marches past. The drums stop... and as one the spears and banners lower, paying tribute to those on the platform. The Amyrlin, and everyone else nod in approval and once more the drums start, softer this time, but keeping time no less efectively. The troops then begin a series of excercises, marching in precise formations, changing in unison, changing and reforming with other units to make more specific formations. Each of the movements timed to give the crowd a chance to applaude.. and each getting progressively harder to accomplish. Kalibar continues to watch the parade from his vantage point on the platform. Not overly impressed, of course, but respectful, if nothing else. It -is- some good marching. To say Aed is impressed is to put it mildly. Lots of people doing the samething at once. That in of itself is impressive but he just seems to find every little detail about the march impressive. Eh... Well that isn't exactly what Neelkan wanted to hear. He glances over at Denn for a moment, then nods slightly. Ye'h. How else did he end up in the Tower Infirmary? He certainly didn't get there falling off his horse. His bright blue-green eyes trail back to the parade again, noting the Manetheran group that got such a rise out of his friend (yes, a woman friend. Gasp.) and also noticing that the person at it's head... Heeey. He knows her! The wife who was so jilted earlier at Zaidah sitting between her and her husband comes stalking back up the bleachers to confront the Caddish woman. She hopefully went to cool off. But then by the way she seems to be fuming, perhaps she only became more steamed. "Get away from my husband, trollop," she all but grates out from behind clenched teeth. Denn'ryiel watches the exercising soldiers politely, but she's paying enough attention to overhear the disruption occuring near Zaidah. She turns around in her seat to find out what's going on. Tiau sniffs as she watches the others. "Warriors.." For the most part the crowd seems to be enjoying the specticle.. esspecially the younger crowd of the male persuation. But even those not in that catagory seem to have put aside their worries at least for now and are clapping and cheering as the groups execute their manuvers. Zaidah blinks a little as the knees she was resting against move. Oh well, no matter she can rest against the bench above itself. She is now literally taking up... enough room for 4 people and a small child to sit, what with the bench above and the one below also being used for her comfort. Some people have no respect. She watches the parade lazily, resting her hands behind her head as if she could be even more obnoxious. Her whistle is cut off as the angered spouse approaches her though and she grins wolfishly, remaining reclined. She eyes the woman up and down and then gives a shrug, "Maybe I will, maybe I won't. He didn't look like he'd be all that fun, but since you're so protective.. maybe he might be worth something after all." Some time later, the troops go through a very complex series of manuvers, involving quickly switching the various troop types about as if to confuse an opponent. While it may be only mildly impressive that the troops can do it, it is rather impressive that the troops from the four different powers can work so well togeather. Then just as quickly as it started, it is over. The troops comming to a sudden halt spread out before the plateform.. covering the field. Silence spreads across the field.. punctuated by those who are still clapping and cheering. Hmph! Ignoring any cries going on around her, the angry wife's lip curls into a look of out right hatred. "You tramp! If you don't move.. I'll... I'll... slap you silly!" As Denn's attention gets distracted, as does Neelkan's. He glances back to see what the trouble is, then catches what some of it seems to be and shakes his head. "Women." Then he quickly glances towards Denn and adds with a wide smirk, "No offense intended t' ya of course!" Tiau looks over at the others. "Warriors.. pathetic.." Zaidah tosses her head back and laughs. Finally! She fingers the hilt of the curved dagger at her side, eyeing the woman. She's hardly a match for you, but she has gone so long without a duel that that hardly matters. "Is that a challenge?" There is a gleeful gleam in her eye and just to annoy the woman further she leans over and kisses the husband. Blech, well that was icky, but hopefully... She quickly looks back to the woman, looking and hoping for an attack. She hasn't quite noticed that the parade has stopped yet. Denn'ryiel chuckles at the wife's reaction and turns back around. "None taken, this time," she says, winking at Neelkan. When the officers stop drilling she gives them a round of applause. "This year's drillers are quite good," she says to her companion. Kalibar continues to watch the arrayed forces, impressed with their coordination. Well-disciplined, that's for certain. A good sign. He peeks up to make sure Aed's still having a good time. As the cheering seems to stop.. Christabel Sedai stands and walks to the edge of the platform... her hands raising to quite the crowd as well as gte their attention. Her long snowy hair blows in a small breeze, combined with the dress.. she looks almost like a ghost against the color all around her. Tiau purses her lips as she watches the woman approach the podem. She herms and sits there, quietly for the moment. From his 'vantage point' up there in the bleachers, Seon silently enjoys the show with what could be called a glint of awe in his eyes. That awe seems to grow as Christabel Sedai takes her place on the platform. The husband, rather quiet at all this, only scoots away after the kiss. Which surpised him enough that he nearly jumped. No, he'll get a piece of his wife's mind later, he's sure. No need to get in the middle of this. However, his wife's eyes nearly pop out of her skull. "You brazen wench. I'll send you back to Shayol Ghul right now!" She balls a fist, and swings it right for Zaidah's jaw. Baby blue eyes are now focused on Christabel Sedai and if he was aed he is now spell bound by Christabel. The sparkle doesn't leave his eyes though. His eyebrow raises as the woman kisses the husband guy and Neelkan makes a mental note to never sit by that woman if he sees her at another Parade, then he grins over at Denn and returns the wink, before turning back to look at the parade. "Seem like it!" he says in response to the driller remark, then he sees the woman standing at the edge of the platform and he blinks twice. The women continue to fight over the husband guy, but Neel's completely deaf to it now. Fight? What fight? Zaidah snatches the fist out of the air and pulls on it to knock the woman off balance and then cracks her over the back of the shoulders with her staff. Not enough to do any real damage, hopefully she'll just really embarass the woman. "Didn't your mother teach you any manners? The Aes Sedai is speaking." She gestures towards the podium and arches an eyebrow, fighting, but not too hard, to keep the smirk off her face. Denn'ryiel also dismisses the fight from her mind, for now. "I don't think I've encountered this Sedai before... that must be Christabel Sedai," she murmurs. Like most others in the audience, she's afraid to speak too loudly, to avoid drowning out Christabel. The people around Zaidah have had enough of this now and almost to a one the turn and glare at the two women, a few looking as though they are more than willing to physicly seperate them. The woman goes face down into the bleachers, and she lays there a long moment. Welted accross her back, dirty, and with eyes that are tear stained from insult as well as pain, she climbs back to her feet and dusts off her dress. Giving Zaidah an icy cold stare, one that could freeze a volcano right in its tracks, she stalks past the staff weilding wench, grabs her husband by his arm, yanks from his seat, and after raising her chin enough that she is almost looking straight up into the sky, drags her husband and herself away from the Essenian chit. As Christabel speaks, any possibility of anyone drowning her out is lost. Her voice seems to boom across the field.. much like the announcer that brought the people here. "People of Tar Valon. Emmisaries of countires, both for the Light and Neutral. Brave soldiers of the Army of the Light. Welcome.. and thank you all for comming. Today we celebrate." She pauses for cheers.. and many do.. "But what do we celebrate you might ask. With refugee's crowding the city and the Shadow so near. What do we /have/ to celebrate, you might ask." She pauses.. looking around at the people. "Nothing, there is a war going on, people are dying." Tiau snorts, "For what? Land.." Befuddled looks are past around the audience. Good question. Zaidah looks back at the wife innocently. Hey, I'm just enjoying the parade here. When her back turns though she grins again and goes back to reclining. Oh she keeps an ear to what the Sedai is saying, but as far as she's concerned none of this has much to do with her. It's just a pretty show. Under his breath Aed says,"That we are alive here?" His voice can barely be heard, even by Kalibar who's shoulders he's on. "Christabel Sedai?" Neelkan whispers softly, then nods, leaning forward to rest his elbows on his knees to listen to this. He was not a refugee, persay... but he's starting to get used to this place. It'll never be home, but then no where will be... He just shakes his head and watches and listens to the speech or whatever. How is her voice so loud? He does wonder that at least. Many people seem to agree.. and the cheering tends to die at that last comment. An odd way to start a speach to be sure. "We have much, people of the Light! We have our families.. our loved ones.. our children, sisters, brothers, fathers, and mothers. And though there have been many that have been taken from us... Still they live! They live in our hearts and in our minds. In our memories! They look down on us from above and plead with us to never give up the hope that we have. To not let their sacrifices have been in vain." As she speaks.. more and more passion edges itself into her voice. The feeling that goes into these words is unquestioned. She is a woman who has lost many in her long life... Denn'ryiel smiles and sits back, listening to the speech. She doesn't show any questioning glance at Christa's question, since she knows that the Sedai probably had an aswer worked out. Tiau frowns and continues to listen. Kalibar watches and listens intently, of course still keeping an eye out for trouble, though. Seon listens intently, seeming to forget everyone and everything around him. Zaidah snorts a little and leans over to stick her elbow into the side of the woman next to her. "Don't believe it. It's just a load of hogswallop. Dead is dead, and anything else is a bunch of Aes Sedai propoganda." The woman gives her a horrified look and scoots away a little, and Zaidah recieves more scowls from those around her who are -trying- to enjoy the speech. She shrugs though and murmus, "just trying to help." She leans back again. A roar of applause follows that. Yes.. that is deffinitly something that this crowd can identify with... They have all lost much.. and none of them want their loses to mean nothing. None of them want the death of those they love to have no concequence. Christabel waits for this applause... raising a single hand to get the crowds attention once more. "We have our Freedom, people of the Light. And as long as we have our freedom we have the freedom to fight /back/. To repell the Shadow back to whence it came, to lift the veil of darkness from the people of Aramelle and Jaramide. And this we /will/ do! Because we must!" She looks as though she is going to continue but her next words are drowened in applause and cheers dispite her efforts to make it heard.. and so she pauses. Seon applauds, following in the spirit of the crowd around him. And as the applause dies down, he is among the first to stop clapping. Kalibar nods in assent with Christabel's speech. So much that everyone takes for granted. Neelkan just continues to lean forward, watching everything with some interest. His eyes stay on the woman giving the speech no matter what the reaction of the crowd. Absently he reaches up with a hand and scratches at his hair yet again, a gesture anyone who's seen him more then once would likely be accustomed to. He himself doesn't cheer or yell out of anything, he just watches. Denn'ryiel also listens, but she applauds the points that the crowd gets most excited about. Zadiah's comments don't even register to Denn at this point. Seeing Neelkan move gives her an urge to move a strand of her hair out of her eyes; similar to watching someone yawn. She suppresses it though, turning once with a smile to see what Neelkan's reaction has been thus far. Zaidah frowns a little as those around her start just ignoring her in favor of the speech. She shrugs it off though. Let them have their speech, and their happy delusions. She actually starts to listen to a bit of what Christabel is saying, not that she would ever buy into any of it, of course, but she's here, so she might as well. Tiau thrums her fingers across her staff as she listens As the applause dies down... and the people are once more quite, though they seem on the edge of their seats... Christa picks up as if their had not been an interuption at all.. her voice carrying just as much feeling as it had a momment beofre. "We are the Army of the Light! Not only you brave soldiers who stand against the Shadow with ready steel. Not only you Sedai who spend all of your efforts, each in the way you are best able. Each and every one of us. We are a force to be reckoned with, people of the Light. We are the lighthouse in the storm! /We/ are the Army of the Light!" The end of this part is said with a raised fist... and fire in her eyes. This is what she does. She is a General.. a leader. It is what she was born to do. And the reactions of the crowd show that. Though there are some who are put off slightly by the confrontational tone to her voice.. there are even more who agree.. Who catch her fire and begin to burn themselves. The power of words... it is a great thing indeed. Tiau stands up and looks as if she's going to speak.. She cannot roar over the crowd, but she does make note to go speak with that.. girl. Thus far, Neelkan's responses were interested, and somewhat intrigued. The woman is after all somewhat impressive, even to the great woman hater himself... The last part of the speech earns a small smirk and he finally sits up, glancing over at Denn and widening the smirk a little. He can't say anything over the reactions of the crowd though, even with the louder then normal conversation voice of his. So he just lets the smirk speak for him, then looks back towards Christabel, the woman who was making the grand speech. His thoughts on the matter? When's the food...? Ah, what a strange, strange young man. Denn'ryiel is among the former group of people. Her smile fades slightly as the Sedai's speech comes to it's climax. There is a reason for supporting the Light, and without that... She says to her friend, "For the Light isn't a justification... one has to know why..." Whether she's heard or not over the roar of the crowd is questionable. Espiria heads into the area, smile crossing her lips as she glances at everything going on. It all looks like such fun. She heads first over to one of the booths that contain all sorts of different foods, hand gripping the coin that she reciently 'won'. She stops, tipping her head though as she hears someone trying to shout over the crowd. The crowd had listen to the Aes Sedai with interest, with only very little of the usual chatter and milling about. But suddenly, a rather haggard and rough looking fellow stands lets out a blood-curdling scream, "AAAAIIIEEEEEEE!!!! SHE's a DARKFRIEND! A DARKFRIEND I TELL YOU!!! LIGHT HELP US!!!" He points frantically at a gnarled old woman beside him, who looks just as surprised as the immediate crowd around them. But beyond, some of the people on the bleachers stand to look in their direction, some with panic very evident in their eyes. Even Zaidah has to admit, the woman does have a way of drawing people in. She finds herself nodding her head, and immediately stops it. Can't be agreeing with an Aes Sedai, now can you? Maybe she shouldn't have come after a- she jumps to her feet at the screaming, not to come to the old woman's aid of course, just because she was already nervous. She eyes the fanatic with some skepticism though and waits to see what will happen. Starts to speak again... after the roar has died down... "People of the Light... Where do you..." she never finishes her sentance though as the disturbance in a side portion of the arena becomes more pronounced... She stops and looks in that direction carefully.. Kayne moving to her side at once. Kaomi lifts her eyebrow. The Aes Sedai in the crowd could watch the Mother instinctively embrace the source, but she remains calm. Darkfriend indeed. Kalibar reaches up and sets Aed down, watching the crowd carefully and placing himself half in front of Keay Sedai, enough to give her a measure of cover, but not enough to obstruct her view. Espiria jumps a bit at the pronouncement, eyes widening greatly as she takes several steps back from the screaming group. Darkfriends? Good grief... Denn'ryiel frowns deeply, and turns around. Light, she was afraid of this. She prays most people have the sense to ignore the outburst, or the lack of sense to flee, instead of rush her. Seon stands to look over at the commotion as well, confusion in his eyes. "What in the Light's going on?" he asks, to noone in particular. But someone answers him. "Darkfriends, man. DARKFRIENDS!" From somewhere in the back of the crowd, more shouts are heard. Men's voices, frightened and desperate to get away from... something or someone. "The Dark is amongts us! We are all going to die today! These spies are the scouts for an army just over the hill!! Run! If you cherish your lives, run!" An uproar begins in the crowd, as more and more people begin to stand, panic-stricken as to what they've just heard, despite the inspiring words of Christabel Sedai just a few moments ago. Neelkan looks over at his friend as she speaks to him, and he does catch most of it. He looks a little confused (but then what else is new?), before noding a little, and opening his mouth to say something... But that is when the screaming can be heard. Huh!? He immediately jumps to his feet and turns towards it. He has to stop himself from grabbing his friend and putting himself between the... uh... Darkfriend..? and her... Bloody gentlemanly instincts. He does however suddenly wish he would have gotten his weapons back -before- leaving the Tower. "Bloody fools!" Tiau shakes her head back and forth. "You are all bloody fools!" Christabel frowns and takes another step forward.. her voice raising even louder.. "People of the Light! Calm yourselves.. The guards will assertain any danger to you, but the danger will only be more if you panic." Her voice is commanding.. the same voice that has ordered countless stands and charges on the battlefield. Denn'ryiel frowns and embraces the Source to calm herself. She rises slowly then in a controlled manner to look and see if the elderly woman is in danger, and to see if there's any justification to the cry of spies. That voice may happen to calm the crowd down a little, but perhaps it is too late now. A man steps forward from the center of the bleachers, the torrent of Saidin flooding him for those who can see. Suddenly, the ground around him cracks slightly, and a large mass of pebbles and smaller stones lift up from the ground around him. In one quick movement, the stones fly forward, a massive cloud which pelts the occupants of the stands, and fills the air with dust. Simultaneously, the figure pulls out a dagger from his belt, and in one fluid movement, launches it to the platform towards Christabel Sedai herself. The dagger seems to fly forward, pushed by an unseen force, as it speeds towards it target with deadly accuracy. The dark clad figure himself doesn't seem to care if he hits his mark or not, and begins to step back... perhaps he is already sure that there is little chance for him to miss. Kalibar's usual smile fades as he draws his sword in a lightning-quick motion. Not that it'll do much good against a channeler, but it's better than nothing, at this point. Espiria blinks, back now against one of the food stands as she watches the crowd begin panicing. She jumps a bit as the ground erupts, falling back just a bit in the event anything decides to get sent her way. She widens her eyes, watching with not a small amount of fright, but she actually manages not to go running away. Tiau dances around the stones, moving through them easily and only being struck by the smaller ones. She approaches the dias towards Christabel and the others. See there? This is why I don't like the One Power. Zaidah puts up an arm to shield her face against the stones. You can't fight the One Power. Maybe they brought some of those Trollocs she's heard tell about. Now that might be fun. Many of the people around her scream and start to scramble down off the bleachers to get out of the way. Christabel spins as the mass of dust and pebbles rushes towards her, a hand instictively raising up as a weave of air pushes back against the cloud.. she doesn't see the far more dangerous projectile untill far too late. She falls... still holding Saidar.. but not darring to fight back without seeing her target. At the voice of Christabel again, Neelkan takes his eyes from the ....Darkfriend... and back over towards the white haired woman. It is perhaps the white hair that has him so interested. Besides himself he'd never met anyone with white hair that didn't look like they would fall over with a gust of wind. This motion is made just in time to see the dagger being propelled towards her. And he freezes. Blood and ashes. What has him so shocked about this? Has he never seen an assassination attempt? (Hopefully an attempt at least...) Denn'ryiel coughs as the dust rises around her, covering her mouth. She leans even further over as stones pelt her from behind. Unfortunately this puts her in the wrong position to see those rushing to get off the bleachers. Those that would probably run her over to get off the bleachers. The crowds seeing this display freak out even more and large groups of them begin rushing down away from the fight taking place. A great number of them are so paniced that they don't seem to care who they trample in the process. Many trample each other in a hurry to get from the Darkfriend..and the man who seems to be able to channel. That is even more frightening than a Darkfriend in their eyes. They are like a flood, rushing down toward the food stands. A dark, sinister laugh seems to fill the air, as more dust swirls from the ground. The assassin seems to have disappeared now, into the milling and panicked crowd. The Tinker woman (Tiau) bounds up onto the dias easily. She knees before the wounded Sedai. "Are you alive Sedai?" Denn'ryiel disappears from sight as the crowd does indeed surge over her. Christabel sinks down a bit further just as Tiau is reaching her... and the glow of Saidar winks out from around her. /Is/ she alright? Seon watches in horror from the stands. He's never seen anyone work the Power, let alone a minion of the Dark. But he manages to make a good decision: to stay in the stands to avoid getting trampled by that mob. Espiria screams a bit as she is hit now by the masses of people swarming for the exit. She scream is cut off though, as the body tumble over her and pass around her in their haste to get away from the battle. All that food better not go to waist in this stampede or Zai will personally kick the katookie out of the whole crowd if necessary. Not that she has time to think much about that as she inhales a lungful of dust and fights against the current so to speak to keep from being swept up, or trampled by the crowd. She does get carried a bit off to the side, where she manages to get out of the way of the brunt of the flood. The thunder of hooves crashes in the air as Aliana rides towards Christabel now, part of her detatchment following behind flanking her rear. The glow of saidar about her in full force. Tiau reaches the Sedai just as she's about to go under. She reaches down and takes the woman's hand in hers, gripping it tightly. "Ah yes.. Christabel Sedai.. try and keep awake, you will be all right." She turns her head away.. "Blood and bloody ashes.. this is what happens when you fight!" She kneels, trying to keep the woman's head away from the hard dias floor by putting it in her lap. It is perhaps only the Aes Sedai now who can now sense the rapidly departing presence of the Dreadlord assassin, via the weave of illusion he had tied around himself to help him escape. But that sense would soon disappear, as he leaves the stands. The weaves is unwoven, and he is lost. Grrr. Some people. Neelkan gets knocked to the ground with a oof, and that luckily undazes him for the time being, "Get OFFA me!!" he yells at the people, shoving against them. Blood and ashes, ya think the people didn't have any manners. And he certainly could have lived without a woman practicly sitting on him. Arg. He continues to shove against the people that get too close to him, in an effort to avoid getting trampled, then he realizes that the person who was sitting next to him has disappeared from sight. He can mull over the shock of what he saw later. Now he pushes out looking for his friend. (Even if she is a giiiiiiiirl) Kalibar glances behind him to make sure both Aed and Keay are still there and unharmed, then sheathes his sword with a muttered curse that's drowned out by the rattle of the blade returning to it's scabbard. He glances over towards Christabel with a very worried expression upon his face. The crowds continue to pour out of the stands in what appears to be and endless waves. They carry whomever is unlucky enough to get in their way as they run like paniced heards of sheep for ground less likely to come out from under them. Let those with abilities to do so, fight this menace. Soon though, it begins to slow. People emtying out of the area faster than one can blink. The aftermath though seems to bear the markings of war...even though a /real/ war was only between a few. As the crowds vacate the stands in a hurry, Denn'ryiel becomes visible once more. It seems she was knocked into one of the alcoves between the seatboards. She looks a dirty mess, but her dress is also bloody in spots. She starts reaching up a hand weakly as she senses that the cost is clear. She doesn't have much strength to do anything else. Kalibar moves forward and makes a graceful leap off the platform, sprinting towards whatever troops are still assembled (and not part of Aliarna's entourage). He finds what officers he can and suggests they have the troops start gathering the wounded. Christabel glances up for just a moment, feeling the injuries sustained. Her eyes remain open for just a moment longer before she passes out again. She is exhausted as well as battered, but she will be fine with time to heal and rest. Tiau frowns a bit as Christa passes out, but she still holds onto the woman, looking around for some help. Espiria was carried about 50 yards from the area and she lays on her side as the crowds now drop her to one side. She bears the marks of having been kicked, stepped on and scratches evidently from where hands have grabbed her and scratched her skin. She doesn't move for the time being. Ah! Neelkan moves over as soon as he spots Denn and kneels down, offering a hand forward. He's got more then a little dust on him and he'll likely have a few bruises in the morning thanks to the stampede (Grrrr! Some people!) but he still offers his friend a hand and a soft (soft coming from his mouth at least), "Ya 'kay?" FInally, Aliana manages to get to Christabel and reigns her horse in before dismounting a hand is placed on Christabel. Denn'ryiel clenches the hand with the hand she was raising up, but not too strongly. She shakes her head a little bit negatively to Neelkan's question. Other than that, she's not moving. Zaidah looks around at the now mostly empty stands. Well, next time you know better than to follow your nose. Her eyes travel along the bleachers until they pause at a young man, sprawled over one of the benches. Why should you care? Still... she goes over to him. Out cold... or maybe... she checks his pulse and breathes a sigh of relief. Uh, wait a sec, you don't care remember? If he was stupid enough to get himself hurt... She acts disinterested and just gestures down at him as a group of soldiers approach, looking for wounded. They give her funny looks as she stands by and lets them do all the work, but she ignores them. Erk. Well... Looks like it's going to take more then a hand... Neelkan moves closer to Denn, kneeling down a little move and keeping a hold of her hand, "Uh... ya don't need t' be carried, d'ya?" Bwah. This is so awkward. He looks up and glances around, making sure no more stampedes are going to be headed his way. Glare. Glare. (Again, Some people! Grrr.) Denn'ryiel shakes her head again, and tears begin to water in her eyes. "No... don't move... I think my hip is broken... my left leg too maybe..." Christabel's eyes flutter open again, glancing upwards to the hand which lays on her forehead. She offers a strong smile even though she feels her waking state is short lived. "I'll...be fine. Just..get me out of here." She offers a smile to Tiau, nodding once that she will be alright before she lets her eyes slip closed once more. Tiau nods and looks around, holding the woman close. "Gaidin? Aes Sedai?" She looks around. "Some one get a litter!" Arg! Neelkan frowns openly and looks around to glare at any stranglers. Stupid people trampling his friends! If he could just pin one of them down for a few seconds.... Grrrrrr. No no. Temper control. Beating someone to a pulp isn't going to help anything. Instead he settles down into a little more comfortable a position, his other hand moving to clasp around the one he's already holding. "Hey, don't start cryin' 'r nothin'. D'ya want m' t' go look f'r a Yellow?" "Don't move her." Aliana snaps, emerald eyes locking onto Christabel and deftly the Green weaves the healing weave into the older Sister. Denn'ryiel nods once, affirmatively. She bites the top of her lip to keep the tears in her eyes, but her face becomes gradually paler. Espi remains distant from the group working in the stands. Noone has seen her, or probably even knows she was there. She remains still where she was tossed. Christabel's smile is one to behold as the healing is delivered to her. Her face relaxes and her coloring improves drasticlly as it's done. Soon she is resting comfortably. Tired, but without the injuries that having fallen and being attacked delivered on her person. Zaidah folds her arms, her quarterstaff tucked under one and props a booted foot up on one of the benches. She can't help but notice the wierd guy with red hair and white streaks and the woman. Yeesh, she looks pretty beat up. Of course, this is just an observation on her part. In fact she hops down off the bleachers and goes to see if there's anything salvagable from the food. Burn it, it's almost as if they intended to make sure there was nothing edibly left. In her exploration she happens to catch a glimpse of white lying on the ground, and peers at it curiously before realizing that it's not just one of the tablecloths, but a person. A novice to be specific, but she wouldn't know that. She uhs and glances around but no one else seems to have noticed just yet. She starts to turn back to her examining of the ruins of the food, but it seems she has a tiny bit of shame after all and she starts over towards Espi. Tiau smiles and holds the woman in her lap still. "Thank you." She says to Aliana. Neelkan bends over to lay her hand gently down beside her, then offers a smirk like nothing at all was wrong, "Dontcha go dyin' on me now. Ya gotta prove t' me 'at not all women 'r bad, remember?" Then he winks, and stands up and starts to head out to look for a Yellow. He's spent weeks upon weeks in the Infirmary. He knows what a good amount of them look like. And a good thing he hasn't noticed Espi laying there. That would mean the bloody mob trampled -two- of his friends, and -him-. They would be so far on his bad list he'd track each and every one of them down and give them each a black eye (well, the men at least). Stupid people running with no regard of those around them. Grrrrrr. Cold emerald eyes look at Tiau,"I did it for the light. We can not afford to loose her." With that Aliana rises and swings back onto her horse,"Where are the injured being moved to?" Denn'ryiel nods once to Neelkan, since that's all she can really do. One of her tears runs down her cheek, but she doesn't make a sound. The blood stains on her dress slowly grow in size. Espi's breathing seems to catch once, coughing a bit as a small trickle of red comes from parted lips. She's got something broken inside which is clearly seen in the odd way that she's laying. Her arm is bent in a strange angle as well and there appears to be several places on her dress that were torn. Oh, a hunting we will go. A hunting we will go. Uh, sorry. Neelkan looks around for a Yellow then realizes something. Aliana! He -knows- he saw her earlier, and she healed Redd when he fell the other day! Moving into a run now he moves towards the area he remembered seeing her. Oh, Aliana! He draws to a stop as he finally spots her again, then waves his arm in the air. Yo! Aes Sedai! Look over here! And he actually yells out, "Aliana Sedai!" Don't make him raise his voice more then it already is, 'kay? The unit guarding Aliana focuses on Neelkan but instead of charging at him, they permit Aliana to come out,"Neelkan. What's going on?" The Green seems fairly upset. Hey he called her Sedai. Something is /definitely/ wrong. Christabel sighs softly, eyes fluttering open once more before she offers Tiau in specific a bright smile. "Thank you..for staying with me. That..was most kind of you to do." But it's obvious that she's not all the way up to par even with the healing. Perhaps some rest would be in order? Denn'ryiel closes her eyes once more, to hide the pain evident in them. Her breathing slows as the color continues to disappear from her face and arms. Zaidah winces a little. She's known pain in her day. You can't not if you're going to get into duels all the time, and this definately looks painful. "Pig's teeth," she mutters. I thought you weren't going to get involved. I'm not getting involved, this even as she wanders to find some of the soldiers working. "You!" she snaps, pointing her staff at them. She then points it over in the general direction that Espi is lying, "there's a wounded girl over there. Go help her." Who is this crazy lady? She doesn't bother to lift a finger herself, yet she thinks she can order soldiers around. Still, if she's right, they have been ordered to collect the wounded, so some of them detach and go find the novice. After some more barked orders one of the produces a makeshift stretcher out of one of the trampled tables and they set her on it, carrying her over to where the others are. That would be a definate sign of something being not right. Neelkan stays where he is, not wanting to take the time to run closer to the woman and further away from his friend (and one of the only women in the world who ever covered for him, when he was somewhat drunk no less!). He keeps his voice at the volume which she could hear it, though that is close to normal volume for him... and yells out, "M'friend got hurt. Could ya come help 'er like ya did Redd the other day??" Her? A her friend? A friend that is a her? Oh hush! Grrrr! "It is okay Sedai, you must rest now, stay here, I will not let anything harm you." Strange words from a Tinker. Swinging down from her horse Aliana says softly,"I'll do what I can. Depending on the extent of her wounds I may have trouble. Lead. Quickly." ALiana's voice is definitely tinged with concern now. The soldiers heft up Espi, causing her to cry out a bit and cough before she is lowered onto the stretcher. The men glance at the girl, hefting her up and carrying her at a good pace toward the place where it seems healers are present. Espi doesn't move again once she is settled on the stretcher. Denn'ryiel waits patiently. Whether that's by choice or not is irrelevant. The parts of her skin that aren't covered in dust skin look clammy, and not at all healthy. Numerious holes from the stones being thrown and from scraping in the trampling are torn in the back of her dress. Most of them are bleeding. Quickly. He can do quickly! He could do quickly even better if the bloody Aes Sedai would give him his earrings back... but he doesn't even know that. Neelkan instantly nods towards Aliana and starts at a run towards where he left Denn, or where she landed, whichever. He just hopes she didn't go and be silly and die on him or anything. How unfair would that be!? The female gender would totally be lost in his mind. Dalloria looks around eyes blazing, her voice calling out sharply "is the creature still about?' her piercing gaze falls on the form on a stretcher, as she snaps out coldly "be carefull there..that a novice not a side of beef" she spurs her tired steed closer Quickly Aliana runs, managing to keep up with Neelkan as they make their way towards where Denn fell. Zaidah thinks she is going to be sick. A novice? She actually helped a woman who can channel? Yup, that's it, it's definately time to get out of here. She slinks off behind the tents and then quickly makes her way back to town. Denn'ryiel's face scrunches up as she tries not to acknowledge the pain. But then, the pain is receeding, isn't it? The wooden plank feels so comfortable, and Denn didn't realize how tired she was. Tiau is able to get some people to make a very good 'stretcher' for Christabel, since her wounds are healed. Tiau goes with them as the ferry her off to the tower, keeping to her word. The soldiers glance over to Dalloria for just a moment, stiffening. They seem a bit indignant that she would assume they would treat the form on the stretcher with anything else other than respect. Even though they make seem that way, they do continue to carry her with a bit more caution. Once to a place where little rubble is left from the havok caused by the male channeler, they set her down and remain next to her to wait for further instructions. Dalloria gets down off her horse and stalks over to the novice "I take it from the lack of an answer that the male channeler" said in terms of icy disgust "that i felt has ceased this place?" Neelkan skids to a stop in front of Denn and he instantly kneels down again, looking down at her. Looks alive. Instinct kicks in before thought this time and he reaches down to take her hand again, "Dontcha worry 'bout nothin'. Aliana Sedai'll fix ya right up!" He smiles all cheerfully, forcing it to touch his eyes. No. He will show no sign of anything being wrong at all. No matter that what shocked him just a little while ago will fully set in in just a brief time and... well... that won't be pretty. Right now, he's going to ignore it. The soldier glances up to Dalloria, nodding. "He has fled, Dalloria Sedai. The crowds paniced just before he lashed out in appearance rage..or insanity. He tried to attack Christabel Sedai just as she was finishing her speech." He glances to the unconscious Espi, "We just found her not moments before you arrived. The crowd swept her along when they paniced." A gentle hand is placed on Denn'ryiel's head,"Relax yourself child..." She focuses her eyes intently on the girl, pouring a healing weave into her with all the strength she has remaining. WHich considering this is now weak Aes Sedai is still considerable."Stay awake child." Is said from between clenched teeth. Dalloria places her hand on the novices head, manner cool and calm as usual "This will chill slightly chil" she says, exprtly weaving saidar, healing with far more talent than you may expect Denn'ryiel doesn't answer Neelkan or Aliana, though once she hears Aliana speak of sleep she tries not to. Her body shakes as the Healing weave runs through her. Espi's breath was rasping from some damage done to her inside. As Dall's working begin to take effect, her face winces once as things broken are moved back into place. Just a slight pulling and tugging within herself. She shudders a bit, feeling warm now as her battered body is set right. Dalloria smiles with just the vaguest hint of sympathy on her scarred aristocratic features "Better now child?" Espiria opens her eyes, blearily looking over to Dall as she manages a weak nod. She seems to drift off again though, being tired from her ordeal as well as the class she took before heading here. Neelkan's grip on Denn's hand tightens a little as she starts to shake on him. He doesn't remember what the Healing itself felt like, but the delves were weird enough. He glances from his friend to the Aes Sedai who is at least no longer on his 'Evil Woman' scroll (not that he really keeps a scroll for that, because every woman in existance starts out there, and then -might- move to the 'Not Too Bad' scroll or the 'Are Ya SURE Yer a Woman!?' scroll eventually, not that he really keeps those either...). He notices the strain on the Aes Sedai and waits til whatever she's doing is appearently done before asking, "Are ya gonna need help too?" Is he going to have to go fetch someone to Heal the Healer he fetched? He doesn't understand how the Power can wear them out yet. Aliana nearly falls down after releasing the source, a sort of ragged haggardness evident in her. She may have just extended herself fairly badly but she looks mostly just /very/ tired. BY now a few of her unit have managed to get over and concerned looks are passed as they look at her. Dalloria as the novices drifts off she pats her head gently, and starts to move through thr crowds, saving her healing for the injured women Denn'ryiel still is covered in dust, her dress and arms are still stained in blood, and her face is still pale, but all semblance of pain is gone from her face. She does look asleep now, and her breathing slowly returns to normal. Hrm. Looks like Neel's going to have a few friend staying with him in the Infirmary for the time being! But with that all finished he lowers Denn's hand again and sets it down, then slowly glances towards where the knife hit Christabel... and he gives a soft shudder. He sits back hard, nearly sitting on his feet to do it. What he wouldn't give to have never woken up this morning... Pause... scratch that. What he wouldn't give to have stayed in the Infirmary! The soldiers gently pick up Espi on the stretcher, turning to head at a good pace toward the Tower. The moans of wounded men seem to be of little concern to Dalloria as she moves throughthe crowd, healing the injured women carefully Aliana shakes off the helping hand of some of her unit,"Neelkan, help me stand." Aliana's voice is slightly hoarse but the fierceness in her voice is there. Probably would be a good idea for her Gaidin to be here to stop her before she overexters herself. Uh. Neelkan's kind of suffering from delayed shock here. He's staring straight forward, and not even responding to the words of the Aes Sedai right away. Did the Aes Sedai say something...? Once again Aliana says,"Help me up. There are others who need me." She's going to keep pushing herself. Someone has to help the people scattered about that were injured. Dalloria steps over a wounded solider as she moves to heal a woman, not allowing any of the strain to tell on her scarred features You paged Aliana with 'The whole dreaming thing is starting to hit him. That's the shock. Being trampled and helping his friend delayed it. Ah. I love RP.'. Blink. Neelkan finally gets pulled out of whatever daze he was in exactly and glances towards Aliana. Oh! "Sorry..." he mutters softly and pushes himself to stand, going over to help the woman, "Ya sure ya wanna get up, Aes Sedai? Ya look like yer 'bout t' drop." Aes Sedai!? What's wrong with him today...? "Too many left to be healed." Aliana's weak but she cares more for serving than preseving herself,"I /must/ help." "Well yer not gonna be able t' do any good f'r 'em if ya fall ovah dead Healin' 'em, Aliana." Neelkan says plainly. He may not care much for women in general, or know much about the One Power and it's effect on the wielders of it, but even he can see when someone's about to fall over from strain. "Ya helped Denn, 'n I'm grateful t' ya f'r it, but 'ere's a bunch of Aes Sedai about 'n it looks like some of 'em are Healin'..." He glances around and spies... Arg! No! Not her! The really -EVIL- woman. The one on the scroll reserved for the -very- evil women. The scroll titled 'Feel Free To Break Yer Personal Vow T' Never Hurt a Woman With 'ese'. "But if ya really think yer up f'r it..." He just doesn't like leaving Denn just laying there... arg. Dalloria dusts her hands off, not allowing any trace of her fatigue to show she starts to stalk towards her horse slowly, half stumbling she takes a deep breath and draws herself up to her full height, the faint trace of exhuastion vanishing under iron self control Standing weakly with Neelkan's help, Aliana tries to walk but is obvious physically drained, seeing Dalloria going towards her horse Aliana's eyes go fiery. She's one of those who still believe that the Aes Sedai serve /all/. Not just those they choose. Neelkan resists the urge to yell out at the women. Barely. Just BARELY. He shall not yell at her and mock her. He shall not call her names. He shall be -nice-. Ye'h right. He at least grumbles under his breath, "She's got real nerve, don't she? Walkin' 'round all high and mighty. Women like -'er-, are why I hate women." Uh-huh. Dalloria arches an eyebrow, willing her body to stay in it's upright and proper poise as she looks to Aliana "A problem sister?" voice calm, but with the faintest hint of tension "Neelkan, help me to my horse. I need to lay down." With that Aliana actually falls into a sleep, not even her strength of will could sustain her with the fatigue from the healing combined with everything else. Ack! Uh. Neelkan is at least able to keep the Aes Sedai from falling, but it takes all his strength to do it. Arg. Uh. This is so awkward. He glances towards Dalloria and offers a weak smile, then shifts around a little to pick her up fully. There. So much easier to keep her off the ground this way. He glares at anyone who looks at him funny. "I think she's just tired..." he says to the Red sister once the Green is secure in his arms. This is not something he is used to doing, so no one better get ideas that he's gonna start carrying them all around... Grrr. Dalloria nods briefly as she stalks over slowly to her horse, stedaying herself against it's side for some moments as she gathers the will needed to mount A'right... Take Aliana to her horse... Arg... Neelkan instead moves towards where her group was. They'll know where to take her and be able to handle her better then he could. Plus he kind of wants to make sure Denn gets back to the Tower... and then he needs to sit down and -think-. (Yes, think. He should try not to hurt himself when he does... It's such a rare thing after all). One of the soldiers actually assists Neelkan casting a dark look at him as if blaming the lad for the Aes Sedai's current situation. Apparently the soldiers in her unit are rather dedicated to the Green. He says quite gruffly,"We'll see she makes it back to her quarters." Dalloria grits her teeth and gets up on her horse, riding off towards the tower Bwah! Neelkan was just helping. He glares at the man in return and then nods, moving over to Denn now to make sure she is going to be taken care of as well, then he starts to head back to the Tower himself, not accepting any help. He'll walk there.