08/22/2000

Basements, White Tower, Tar Valon

A labarynth of dark grey stone, branching off into various directions with
no markers to indicate where they might be going. Dust is prevalent here,
floating lazily through the air in an attempt to provoke sneezes and
choking coughs. It is so thick that one can see footprints, indicating
where traffic may be routinely going, and where it is largely absent.

At the very end of the hall two men in white and gold livery guard a barred
door. This is the entrance to the dungeons. No murmur of sound exudes from
there out into this hallway, for important information not intended for the
ears of all may at this very moment be spilling from a prisoner's lips. A
locked yet grand looking door of arched redwood is seen at the end of a
hall to the right. To the left a series of storerooms can be found, most
locked or forgotten.


Espiria heads downstairs quickly, stepping over the debris from the fire
and sighing deeply as she heads as quickly as she can over to the room
mentioned. She glances around for a moment before ducking inside and
closing the door partway. "Neel?"

In the room where they were moving the Brown stuff, Neelkan is laying back
on one of the larger crates, no doubt full of books and notes. And he's
asleep actually. Well, it took a little bit longer then he was expecting,
and what was he supposed to do? Read? Don't think so. But he's a rather
sound sleeper and starts to wake at the sound of his name. "Mmmph."

Espiria heads over quickly to you, shaking you just a bit, "Neel..we need
to talk and fast. But..let's not do it here." She glances around for a
moment, "I don't think this place is safe to be talking."

Grump. Neelkan takes a few more moments to fully wake up, one of his eyes
peeking open, then he sits up, "A'right, a'right..." He stretches once then
hops off the crate. "Where t' 'en, Esp?" And he was just starting to get
some really good sleep too... No bad dreams in sight... Well... yet.

Espiria sighs softly, thinkiing for a moment, 'Let's go to the Demise.
There are usually too many people arouund to notice if we are talking by
ourselves." She sighs, "And besides, this is very important. I..just don't
think it would be safe to talk here..Not now anyway."

"The Demise? 'at mean I get t' buy ya a glass of ale?" Neelkan asks with a
small wink, stretching a little but more before nodding, "'at sounds good."
He's tempted to offer to get them a room in the Inn for the night even...
No. No. He won't say that. He'll be good. Really. "Let's go."

Espiria pulls the cloak more around her and then even pulls the hood up.
"Alright..Let's go." She grins at you heading up the stiars at a good pace.
Evidently, in a hurry to talk about something.


The Shadow's Demise Tavern, The Plaza, Tar Valon

A sleek wooden bar stretches across the back of the room, with giant kegs
full of all manner of drink here. The proprieter of the Shadow's Demise
does his own distilling, as such, there is never a shortage of ale to be
found here. The succulent aroma of the cooks' handiwork seeps through from
the kitchen, permeating the air to entice the tastebuds, diligent serving
girls carrying the food and drinks to the relevant tables. Dripping white
candles sit within old green wine bottles, casting a soft lambent light
about the area.

A dais is here, where a performer of some variety can be found on a couple
of evenings of the week, keeping the patronage entertained. Songs of battle
and war are generally discouraged unless there has been a recent victory,
and so slow, romantic ballads float around the room. Perhaps this is why
The Shadow's Demise tends to have an equal number of male and female
patrons. Circular tables, kept clean and tidy, are arranged about the room
in such a way that people can easily hold conversations with one another
and keep them private.


Though the inn had been quite full earlier, due to the presence of a
musician soothing away worries with his lute, that same man now sits over
in one corner with a glass of ale, several empty glasses on the table
before him. Not likely to be playing any more this evening, and most having
realised this, have braved the cold outdoors to make their ways home.
Still, the common room contains enough patrons for the low murmer of
conversation to keep up a constant hum, and to ensure that the remainin
barmaid isn't short of work. Juzriel meanwhile stands behind the bar, an
appraising eye kept on the room as she wipes the mugs newly washed.

The door opens and couple of figures come walking in out of the cold. The
first one is wearing a nice thick cloak with the hood pulled up. The hands
if seen when the door opened are definately female. The hood seems to
glance at several tables and since it is near closing, grabs the one
nearest the door. Might as well since they can't stay long. She glances
back to the other person with her and then heads for the table in question.

The other one is a face that people could recognize a mile away. Ok, ok...
It's the hair. Not many young men have white streaked poofy red hair after
all. Disguise himself? Never... Neelkan moves into the tavern with the
hooded woman and plops down into the seat closest to her, and one where he
can keep an eye on the majority of the room as well.

Dark eyes watch as the couple make their way through the door, the one with
the hair certainly recognised, though the cloaked one remains a mystery.
Seeing Lisanne busy taking orders from a trio of young men, Juzriel decides
to step out from behind the bar and tend to the newcomers herself. Soft
steps carry her quickly over to their table, a pleasant smile resting on
her lips as she greets brightly. "Good evening. Can I get you something?"

The hood glances toward the person standing in front of her. Well, she
knows what she would like. Likes it more than anything and Juz would
probably know that too. Might even recognize the voice too. "I'll have a
blueberry tea please." Then the hood turns toward Neel and seems to pause,
"Actually..I think my companion here was going to buy me a drink. I suppose
I will let him order this time." She chuckles, glancing back to the woman.
Good thing the light is generally low in here or else Juz would get a good
look at the face and know instantly. But she may suspect anyway. "Go ahead,
Neel. I trust your judgement."

Her companion. Neelkan likes the sound of that a little too much. He grins
over at the bartender, remembering her from the other times he was here.
"Just gimme a glass of ale, 'n..." He glances over at Espi for a moment,
pondering that. The last time he ended up getting one of his friend's drunk
she spilled a secret in his lap and then he had to kiss her to prove that
the secret hadn't ruined their friendship....... "'n go 'head 'n get some
watered down ale f'r 'er. Somethin' flavored." In other words, something
girly.

There isn't much that escapes Juzriel's aattention, particularly when she's
looking for it, and that voice coupled with identity of her companion is
almost enough to confirm the woman's identity without the request for
blueberry tea. Still, the girl obviously wishes to keep her identity secret
for some reason, so she simply nods to Neelkan's words. "As you wish," she
replies pleasantly, turning about and heading over to the bar to see to
those ales.

Espiria sighs softly, smirking within the hood for a moment before she
turns back to Neel with a grin, "Thank you, Neel. That was very kind of
you." She chuckles softly, dropping her words to a soft murmur as she
begins speaking to him. The hood leans alittle closer to Neel so that she
doesn't have to speak very loudly.

Espiria mutters to Neelkan, "... this... a... choice,... think... discuss
things... anyone really..."

Espiria whispers "I think this was a good choice, Neel. I think we can
discuss things without anyone really paying attention to us."

Not minding the closeness much, (which is odd because isn't he the woman
hater?) Neelkan nods in response, offering a smile. He keeps his own voice
low, which for him at least is a little difficult. He's used to shouting at
the top of his lungs after all... In the middle of whatever it is he
mutters to her, he gives a playful wink.

Neelkan mutters to Espiria, "I'm... good... one glass... may... gettin' a
room 'ere... But really, what is... needed..."

You whisper "I'm glad it was a good idea. Just don't drink more 'en one
glass 'r we may get stuck gettin' a room 'ere f'r the night. But really,
what is it ya needed t' talk 'bout 'xactly?" to Espiria.

Espiria chuckles softly, evidently finding something rather amusing about
something her tablemate said. She seems to pause, glancing around for just
amoment, though the action may be missed by most in that large hood. She
leans over again and speaks in quiet tones once more.

Espiria mutters to Neelkan, "... have... with us... responsible for...
leave... Great..."

Espiria whispers "It's about the day of the trial. I have another person on
board with us that will be responsible for sending word should anyone leave
the Great Hall."

Still grinning, Neelkan leans forward and rests his elbows on the table,
glaring across the room at some random person. It's just a habit of his.
Glaring. Luckily it's at the back of a person's head, so it shouldn't cause
a fight. He glances back at Espi as she finishes and raises his eyebrows
before responding.

Neelkan mutters to Espiria, "... should... we're gonna... of the... it'd...
know... company."

You whisper "Really? 'at should be helpful. If we're gonna be doin' most of
the searchin' durin' 'at time, it'd b' nice t' know if we're gonna have
company." to Espiria.

Three mugs quickly make their way back to the couple's table in Juzriel's
hands, carefully placed down on its top. One is pushed towards Neelkan, the
other to Espi, both filled with ale, though one is a slightly different
colour to the other. "The last of Dairen's Apple Delight. Ale.. but one of
the more palatable variaties," she explains to the cloaked figure, a wry
smile curving her lips. The third mug remains in the centre of the table,
the barkeep's hand gesturing to it as she adds, "But just incase you don't
care much for it, I brought the blueberry tea anyway... And you know that
comes free of charge for my favourite customer." The last words are spoken
in a lower voice, not wanting to reveal the woman's secret in any way, as
she shoots a little wink towards the depths of that hood.

Espiria nods gently, hood bobbing several times in the direction of Neel
before the hood turns back toward Juz. "I..umm..Thank you very much. That's
most kind of you." She hood tips upwards for a moment, shadow of a smile
crossing the face that rests within it. Well, so much for noone knowing she
was here, but then it's Juz and she's a good friend. The hand takes hold of
the first mug, taking an experiemtal sip before there is a soft cough.
"Well, it's for sure I won't drink much of this. But...I will definately
finish off that tea." The hood tips back to Neel again, pausing until Juz
has moved from the pair so she can continue.

Snickering lightly as Espiria tests the ale and coughs a little, Neelkan
finds that amusing as he fishes through his belt pouch for the right amount
of coin. He remembers the 'Apple Delight' stuff. He had it before. A good
four glasses of it in fact... At least he isn't trying the whiskey again.
But that would bring back /bad memories/. He pulls his glass up to his
mouth and gulps down at least a forth of it after paying. Yum-burn-yum.
"Aaah. Just great. 'anks!" He grins at the woman for a moment. Women baring
ale are usually marked off his evil woman list until he's out of the tavern
at least.

Reaching out a hand for that coin, Juzriel chuckles softly to Espi's
comment. "I'm sure if you don't want that ale it won't be wasted," she
remarks, glancing pointedly to Neelkan. She recalls the incident with the
spicey chicken and the ale quite well. "Now, if you need anything else,
just be sure to shout," she offers, giving them a final little nod, before
she slips the coin in her pocket and moves off to a nearby table to gather
up the dirty glasses there.

Espiria chuckles softly, tipping her hood to face Neel again. There is
probably a wide grin on the face as it faces him, too bad it's hidden
within the hood. She glances over to Juz, before glancing back to Neel
again and lowering her voice once more.

Espiria mutters to Neelkan, "... Hall with... that... already... will...
us... if... Hall.... can... happens... leave... will... the... have found
the..."

Espiria whispers "Now then, back to work. This person will be hiding near
the Great Hall with several mice that I will have already prepared. She
will write a note for us and send on mouse out if anyone leaves the Great
Hall. In such a way can we be warned if anyone happens to leave it. I will
send the mouse back and so on till we have found the guilty party."

Neelkan narrows his eyes slightly at the woman for a few moments, then
shakes his head and grins. She's right though. If Espi doesn't finish it,
he surely will. He looks back over at his friend, not quite seeing the
grin, but close enough that he can tell it's there. Hrmpt. He just grins
right back before responding in a soft voice again. There's another wink.
This time at the end of his response.

Neelkan mutters to Espiria, "... mice,... 'ey stay 'way from... I...
'urt..."

You whisper "More mice, eh? Well, long as 'ey stay 'way from m', I won't
'urt 'em, promise." to Espiria.

Espiria giggles softly, shaking her head gently. "Don't worry..they will be
even better trained this time." She takes another sip from the mug, visibly
shivering before she lowers her voice again, hand sweeping up evidently to
brush some hair from her face. Once done she leans forward and continues
again.

Espiria mutters to Neelkan, "... one hiding... Just..."

Espiria whispers "Vashta will be the one hiding and watching. Just so you
know."

Mugs balanced in her hands, Juzriel makes her way quickly over to the bar
and drops them into the safety of the sink. She picks up a cloth then, and
makes her way back to that table, encountering Lisanne en route. "Its
alright. I can deal with this," she tells her as the barmaid tries to take
the cloth from her hands. "You just keep an eye on the customers in case
they need serving. You've worked hard enough already." Such a considerate
employer.. she returns to the table and begins to wipe over its top.

"A'right." Neelkan responds after a moment to whatever it is his friend and
companion is saying, then he takes another deep gulp on his ale. Ale is a
good thing. They should serve it in the Dining Hall at the Tower. Might
loosen a few of those tight-ass Gaidin up. Ahem. But they probably wouldn't
like him proposing that, would they? He lowers his voice again and speaks a
little softer. This part sounds a little more serious, and there's no
winking, or even grinning involved.

Neelkan mutters to Espiria, "... plannin' t'..."

You whisper "So yer not plannin' t' be searchin' the rooms alone, right?"
to Espiria.

Espiria reaches up to rub her face a bit, then takes a sip. There is a
heavey sigh, folowed by a shaking of the hood in a 'no' motion. The hood
points back to neel again, another sip being taken. Hm, doesn't seem as
though she hates it so much now, does it? The voice is lowered as she
softly spoken words begin again.

Espiria mutters to Neelkan, "... I... downright... Vorsha... be... search.
I... we... under... that... the... for... certain... what... do... won't
be... out... everything. But at... in... Yellow's..."

Espiria whispers "No. I know that's not possible, Neel. And it's downright
foolish. Vorsha will be helping me search. I have taught her my slipping
weaves as well so we can slip under the wards that may be on the doors. Or
anything else for that matter. It's for certain that what we do find won't
be obviously out there for us to see. We'll have to check everything. But
at least we know to start looking in the Yellow's rooms first of all."

Juzriel sighs slightly as she pauses in wiping the table, her gaze turning
up to look out of the window. A soft little smile curves her lips as she
spies the moon.. wistful almost, as she gazes upon it briefly. Another
slight sigh and her attention returns to the table, as she continues to
clean the top, working thoroughly to rid it of the spills and stains its
acquired over the last couple of hours.

Neelkan doesn't even bother to lower his voice this time. He speaks firmly
and in that determined 'yer not gonna budge me' way of his, "'n me too." Oh
yes. Not going to talk him out of it. He'll sit on her if he has to, to get
his way. He just looks at her under the hood as if daring her to tell him
he can't.

Espiria sighs softly, glancing at the mug for a moment before she nods. The
words come again after she takes another sip from the mug.

Espiria mutters to Neelkan, "... counting... you... to... out... us.
Vorsha... I... the... but... both... you... sure... aren't... by... Even...
the..."

Espiria whispers "Oh..don't worry. I'm counting on both you and Varcel to
watch out for us. Vorsha dn I will do the actual searching, but we need
both of you to make sure we aren't caught by surprise. Even with the mice
there is that chance."

Something in that wasn't /quite/ what he wanted to hear and Neelkan
grumbles softly under his breath before gulping down a good half of the
remaining ale. There. That helps. He looks back over and responds in a
lower voice then before.

Neelkan mutters to Espiria, "I don't... like it.... I... 'ere... gonna...
I'll... 'long..."

The table clean, Juzriel takes a step back to check that she hasn't missed
anything. She does pride herself in running a clean inn, and since the
establishment passes into her hands, its been even more shipshape than
ever. Satisfied with what she sees, she flickers a quick glance over to
Lisanne, just to make sure she's coping alright, before she heads to the
next table, no glasses or dishes there, just the surface to clean.

Espiria sighs softly, reaching out to gently touch Neel's arm. She shakes
her head a moment before she motions with her hand and continues speaking,
She mutters to Neelkan, "... help search,... I need... and Varcel where you
will... most... to... he's... to... both... wanting... as... If... is...
Power..Vorsha... it.... do you... happen... you or Varcel touched
something... deal with..." 

You sense Espiria sighs softly, reaching out to gently touch Neel's arm.
She shakes her head a moment before she motions with her hand and continues
speaking, "Neel..I know you want to help search, but I need you and Varcel
where you will do the most good. I need someone to watch out for Redd
because he's going to be with you both and wanting to help as well. If
there is anything dealing with the One Power..Vorsha and I will have to
deal with it. What do you think would happen if you or Varcel touched
something that the Black Ajah had booby trapped? We can better deal with
that..."

Neelkan grumbles loudely under his breath and looks fit to kick something.
Instead he just downs another mouthful of the ale, leaving just enough for
about another gulp at most in the cup. He glances over, listens to all she
yas to say, then sighs loudly. He mutters to Espiria, "Espi... I... care
if... a'right??... 'n why should we... 'ere... idiots... ya d'... stuff?...
can see... two... helped t'night,... I?" 

Espiria senses "Neelkan grumbles loudely under his breath and looks fit to
kick something. Instead he just downs another mouthful of the ale, leaving
just enough for about another gulp at most in the cup. He glances over,
listens to all she yas to say, then sighs loudly. "Espi... I don't care if
anythin' happens t' me, a'right?? I really don't. 'n why should we have t'
stand 'ere 'n look like idiots while ya d' the important stuff? Three sets
of eyes can see more 'en two anyday. 'n I helped t'night, didn't I?""

A middle-aged couple give the lad with the strange hair a strange look to
match as they make their way from their table across the room to the door.
Juzriel pauses in her work, lifting a hand in a farewell gesture and
calling out a pleasant 'good evening' to them, before they disappear
through to the outdoors. A chill breeze makes its way in before the door
closes up once more to block it out.

Espiria nods slowly, glancing at the mug and thinking that she's had plenty
of this tonight. She slides it over to Neel with a gentle squeeze on his
arm before she looks down at the tea. Well, why not. Probably not that much
time before the place closes and then her chance will be gone. Taking hold
of the mug, she takes a long drink of it before she starts speaking softly
again. She mutters to Neelkan, "Yes. That's... Neel.... if... gets...
closely... the... you... in. Or... three... for... do... for now. If we...
find anything... taking... long I... be... than... to call... in and...
will leave... without... anyone... reemember... too.... get the..."  She
smiles and nods, "Yes, Neel. You helped me a great deal."

You sense Espiria nods slowly, glancing at the mug and thinking that she's
had plenty of this tonight. She slides it over to Neel with a gentle
squeeze on his arm before she looks down at the tea. Well, why not.
Probably not that much time before the place closes and then her chance
will be gone. Taking hold of the mug, she takes a long drink of it before
she starts speaking softly again. "Yes. That's very true, Neel. And if it
gets down too closely during the trial I will probably call you both in. Or
all three of you, but for now..Please Please will you do it this way? Just
for now. If we don't find anything or it's taking too long I will be more
than happy to call you in and have you look. But..that will leave us
without anyone to watch and see if anyone is coming back. reemember that
too. If any of us are caught by the Black... Well, you get the idea." She
smiles and nods, "Yes, Neel. You helped me a great deal."

Even with another gulp of ale, which he takes somewhere in the middle of
what Espi has to say, and a partly finished glass of ale pushed over,
Neelkan still doesn't seem too pleased about something. No, he'll never be
able to hide his emotions from people. It's just not who he is. He does
however say after a moment or two, "A'right. I'll play 'long." But that
doesn't mean he's going to like it very much... He picks up the glass of
ale she pushed over to him and starts to gulp down that one now. And
amazingly, it's gone before he puts the glass back down, "Anythin' else?"

Espiria rubs her chin for a moment, thinking that question over for a
moment before she glances over to Neel, She mutters to Neelkan, "We... to
meet... day... the... when everyone... gathering... we can... the the
Aes... the... time.... stay... thinking... roof.... have... It would...
to... noone would... at... And... we... noone... really either... of notice
us... of what... on... the time." 

You sense Espiria rubs her chin for a moment, thinking that question over
for a moment before she glances over to Neel, "We need a place to meet the
day of the trial, when everyone is gathering so that we can all head the
the Aes Sedai floor at the same time. We have to stay together. I was
thinking the roof. But do you have any suggestions? It would have to be
somewhere that noone would be at that time. And if we were there noone
would really either care of notice us because of what was going on at the
time."

Back to wiping the tabletop, Juzriel's attention remains divided between
the task at hand and the others in the inn in general, though Lisanne seems
to have things pretty much under control, no one seeming to require much
attention at the moment. Table clean, she straightens the chairs around it,
each positioned precisely. She would put them up on the top, so that noone
could come and dirty it again, but whilst there are still people left here
drinking, that's not a welcoming think to do.

Neelkan listens to what Espiria has to add on, pondering what she says for
a moment before responding. He mutters to Espiria, "... 'at many... 'at...
'en... yer... meet... room."  He's kidding with that last bit, and throws a
small grin over. "If 'ere's no more, let's head back t' the Tower. I got a
nap t' finish 'at ya interupted."

Espiria senses "Neelkan listens to what Espiria has to add on, pondering
what she says for a moment before responding. "The Rooftop sounds good
'nough. 'ere didn't seem t' be 'at many people 'at frequented it 'en ya had
yer lil' lessons up 'ere. Or... we could a'ways meet in yer room." He's
kidding with that last bit, and throws a small grin over. "If 'ere's no
more, let's head back t' the Tower. I got a nap t' finish 'at ya
interupted.""

Espiria giggles softly, drinking about half of the blueberry tea before she
sets the mug back. Boy that's good. She'd forgotten how badly she missed
it. She glances over to Neel, rising from the table as she smiles.
"Yes..Let's go back. I've been gone longer than planned anyway." She
chuckles, glancing over to Juz and raising a hand to say bye.

Seeing the couple rise up from their seats, Juzriel starts over to their
table, ready to clear away the mugs and have another table cleaned. "Hope
to see you here again before too long," she remarks, a pleasant smile given
to the both of them. "Take care." Mugs clink together as she gathers them
up, wataching as they make their way out.

Moving to stand up, leaving two totally empty glasses right next to each
other, Neelkan gets ready to head out after nodding lightly to the woman.
Even if he got a little serious in there, he's in a somewhat good mood
again. But as soon as the ale is gone, the woman is a woman again, so while
he doesn't glare, but he doesn't grin or wave either. He moves to help Espi
out the door and back to the Tower.


Courtyard, The White Tower, Tar Valon

Marble tiles gleam from a straight path which leads from the Gates of the
Tower to the wide double doors which announce its entry point. Soft grass
and well planned patches of flowers can be found to either side, with the
occasional shady tree. Accepted and novices sit on stone benches, some
practicing their Power to the dismay of uneasy petitioners passing through.
To the side there is a stable, near the fenced entrance to the clearly
visible yard where shirtless boys go through sword forms through the day.

Guards take the weapons of those wanting to enter, though the Gaidin spread
about the courtyard, seemingly about their leisure, look ready to pounce on
any men who "forgot" a dagger at the gates. Aes Sedai pass through on
various errands, some nodding to acknowledge bows or curtsies. The
atmosphere is busy, but calm.


Espiria drops her hood back and smirking at you before she pops you one
gently in the arm, "My room?" She giggles shaking her head gently before
she reaches over to squeeze your arm. "I think we will stick with the
roof." She winks, giggling softly before she head for the doors. "I'll let
Varcel know too and you can let Redd know?"

Looking down at the hand squeezing on his arm, Neelkan offers a small smile
before looking back up and nodding, "A'right. Roof it is. Though yer room
would certainly be more private...." Hehehehe. He reaches up and ruffles at
your hair, before adding a little more serious, 'n I'll tell Redd. Don't
worry 'bout it." He watches you go, before moving towards the Practice Yard
once you're out of sight.