01/23/2001

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 glances over to Varcel a moment, smiling. "Well, at least we
shoudln't have to wait for much longer, Varcel. I mean..if it's really
going to happen, then it will happen soon." She chuckles, leaning back a
bit on the bench to look up toward the skies. "I..I wonder what we will
find there."

Varcel shrugs a bit, standing up and resting a leg on said bench.
"Hopefully something we can use to break this deadlock. Maybe a combat
ter'angreal or the like." He'd ask for a tactical nuke if those were
available.

Arriving from the Practice Yard and looking a little rumpled like he
literally just fell out of bed, Neelkan rubs at his hair and mutters a few
cross words as he starts towards the middle of the yard, pointedly ignoring
any Aes Sedai who happen to be around (no bows from this trainee), except
for one Yellow, who gets a sleepy grin, "'ey Espi!" He glances at Varcel a
second later and nods to him as well.

Espiria tips her eyes over to Neel, smiling brightly. "Neel! Oh..It's
/good/ to see you again. I've been so busy lately..that seeing friends
hasn't been high on the things I'm able to do lately." She chuckles,
glancing over to Varcel next with a slight nod. "Yes..that would be most
helpful." She grins, lifting a shoulder before she adds. "I just hope we
can get there before anyone else." She motions Neel over to join her, "We
were just discussing the idea that was given to go visit that cache of
items as yet unexplored."

Delila looked rather young, but pretty in a subtle way. She was of standard
height and weight for a women; about five foot five inches and 120 pounds.
Her hair was dark-blonde in color, rather short for most women. It was
evenly cut around the frame of her face and bounced gently as she walked.
Big, saucer-like green eyes jump out from her thin, angular face. They
never seem to focus in one place, but dart about from time to time.
Delila's lips always seem to smile, but it was a mischievious smile. Her
figure would be considered pleasing by most men though Delila herself never
looked to think much of it.

Delila had to be a novice of the White Tower; she wore the dress that every
novice wears. There isn't much to say about it save that it's a dress,
painfully white, and clean so that Aes Sedei looking for troublesome
novices would pass her by. It's slightly big on Delila, but she seems to
like it that way. She is devoid of any make up or jewelry, as that is the
rule of the novice.

Delila walks out not far behind Neelkan, but they are obviously not
together. She curtsies left and right at every Accepted, Aes Sedai and
anyone else she crosses. Soon it simply makes her cross. Delila scurries
across the courtyard in no general direction just yet. Probably doing some
chore or another.

Varcel nods back politely to Neelkan, after all, that's what was offered,
no more. He nods solemnly to Espiria. "Aye. I don't want to have to fight
our way to it." He frowns darkly. "I don't like how this is a result of
that channeler. ANd I especially don't like leaving him ungentled."

"Ye'h, so've I, but 'at's a'right." Neelkan responds in his rather annoying
(to some) accent with a grin, "The cache?" he inquires, then listens to
what Varcel has to say before he gives a little shrug, "Ya can't blame the
guy f'r channelin' Varcel. He didn't ask f'r it." He should know. For a
short time this red haired boy thought he could channel and it wasn't
pretty, as Espi likely remembers. "If he's doin' some good 'en 'at's what
matters, right? I just hope it ain't a trap 'r nothin'."

Reminiscent of a dancer, this young woman is petite and fine-boned. She
stands a few inches over five feet tall and appears to weigh between 90 and
100 pounds. Her skin appears silky smooth and has just the slightest copper
coloring. Her eyes are a dark, charcoal gray that give no clues as to what
her soul holds inside. Hair, darker than a moonless night, frames her head
with straight locks that just reach her chin. Her face is neither
attractive nor unattractive, but falls somewhere in the vicinity of
plainness. The only major criticism of her face would be that it is a tad
severe looking with its thin, angular cheekbones. Her nose is thin and pert
with just the barest hint of an upturn at the end. 

Ready for action could be the theme of Koki's outfit. The pants, and shirt
were crafted from a sturdy, yet flexible, leather and dyed a deep, burgundy
red. The top has long sleeves and a tall neck to protect her skin. The
clothing seems to have been tailored specifically for her body and allows
freedom of motion as well as a modicum of protection. Her feet are
protected by a well-crafted pair of boots that match the color of her
outfit. Her outfit appears to be solely functional and sports no
adornments. 

Koki slowly strolls out into the courtyard.

Espiria glances at Varcel a moment, biting her lip as she recalls another
time when such a thing wasn't frowned at. Before the tainting happened. She
glances over to Neel, sighing softly before she nods. "True...and had
things not happened as they did, he would have been welcomed. But..the
taint exists and it changes everything."

Varcel frowns just a touch. "I never said he wanted it to happen, or caused
it to happen. The fact is that regardless of intent, the man is a danger.
Suppose he escapes. Would you like to explain to those he harms why he
wasn't gentled immediately? Tell them that we thought he was doing 'some
good'?"

Curtsy here curtsy there...make it stop! She picks up a bucket of water
she's been told to carry in, but backs up a bit to curtsy to someone else.
Only, she backs right into Neelkan. Already angered, she snaps her head
around to glare and gasps as she meets eye to eye with the man. "I..uh..I
aplogoze for that. I'm sorry."

Espiria sighs softly, shaking her head before her hand goes out to Varcel's
arm, "Please..;et's not fight about this now, alright?" Ther eis a slight
pleading to her tone as though to hear it discussed pained her in some way.
"What's..ben done has been done. Leave it be..for now at least." She
glances over to Neel, sighing softly. "Regardless of..good or ill which may
come of it..it is done and there is no taking it back." Espi notes the girl
and her accident with Neel, covering a small grin.

Sighing, Neelkan grumbles a little bit, "I wasn't sayin' he should b' left
'lone f'rever, but ya prolly heard what happened at the trial. Ya should
know better 'en anyone 'at 'ere're some thin's ya just can't force 'n other
thin's ya just can't stop." As he well knows himself. "I'm sure the
'Sedai'll take care of 'im soon 'nough, but 'til.." He trails off as
someone bumps into him, causing him to start slightly and look 'round,
"Could ya watch where yer goin'?" He says a little annoyed sounding. Then
he sighs a little and waves a hand, "Just watch where yer goin', girl."

Koki spies the new novice Delila...the one she helped bring to the Tower.
She grins slightly as the novice bumps into the red headed man. Fading into
the crowd a little she watches the young woman....just watches for now.

Varcel sighs at Espiria, but leaves of. "As you say, Espra, as you say."
He's obviously unhappy with the situation though.

Delila isn't used to being subserviant to everyone quite yet... "Hey! I was
watch--er...uh." SHe clears her throat and smirks. "I will." With that, she
turns around and walks towards the well...grumbling under her breath all
the way.

"If ya were watchin' ya wouldn't've run int' m'!" Neelkan yells after the
girl though she did say that she would and let it go with that, he has to
get the last word in. He glances back at Espi and Varcel again and blinks a
little bit. Umm... "What were we talkin' 'bout 'gain?"

Koki takes note of the man dressing down the novice. She taps her chin
thoughtfully for a moment. Her musings are interrupted though as she
realizes that the crowd in the courtyard has grown a little and is buzzing
slightly with an undercurrent of excitement. She looks around and
contemplates where best to position herself.

Espiria sighs softly, wishing she could explain how she felt about Helios
and his..umm..'problems', but she can't. Not unless they were there when
things were united against evil. Not unless they have the memories that she
has. She glances at Varcel wishing he would or could remember such things.
It would make such happenings so much easier. She sighs again, tipping her
head to glance at Delila before she smiles a bit. "Neel...if you recall..I
was quite the spunky one when I was a novice. Give her time..she will grow
into it."

Delila dumps the water into the well, flinching at his words. She turns
around and gives him a mean glare back, biting her lip until it hurts.
Picking up the bucket, she stalks back down the other way in the courtyard.

Snorting lightly, Neelkan mutters, "Ya ne'er ran int' m'." Pause... Did
she? He has to think on this now. Blood 'n ashes. "A'right, a'right.
Whate'er ya say, Espi." He looks around, notices the glare from the girl
and returns it for a second, then shrugs his shoulders innocently before
looking back at the Sedai, "Well, I flamin' hope we find some cool thin's
in 'ere." Idly he fingers at the hooped earring that isn't in his ear at
the moment, instead secured around his necklace. The other is in his left
ear though.

Espiria bites her lip gently, "I..hope truely that we do, Neel. It's
important that we get things that will aid us against the forces which
strive to allow the Dark to gain more ground." She shakes her head, "We can
/never/ allow that to happen..no matter the cost." She sighs softly,
glancing over to Varcel for a moment before she manages to smile. "I hold
the hope though...that the Light will giude our hands."

Varcel chuckles softly at Espiria. "You're not telling anyone here anything
that they didn't already know, you realize?" Of course the light's guiding
them. It brought Varcel and Espiria together, after all.

Yeah, yeah. And the Light's guiding Neelkan for what reason exactly? He'd
rather like to know. But he just shrugs a little bit at Varcel's words and
then says, "If we don't get nothin' big, 'en we'll still keep 'em back. The
dark ain't gonna win, Esp. Not 'long as I'm 'ere t' kick 'ey're backsides
from Eharon all the way t' the Blight 'self." He offers a grin and winks
lightly. Thinks a little highly of himself doesn't he?

Delila carries water back and forth, curtsying..being a good little
frustrated novice girly.

Espiria smiles at both the men in her life. Her eyes go to each one. One
the best friend a woman could ever ask for and the other the best friend
and..well, we won't go into that. But he's the best she could ever ask for,
regardless. She chuckles softly, nodding to both men with her head tipping
slightly to one side. Hmm, that novice seems frustrated for some reason.
"Novice?" She calls out to Delila, "Would you pause for just a moment and
come over here?"

Delila takes a deep breath, and sighs... She turns herself around and
trudges back towards the AS who called her. She makes a point to not really
look at the other two. Instead, she curtsies... "Yes?"

Espiria smiles gently, "I have been watching you, Novice and I was
wondering if you would like to accompany me on a journey? We shall make
sure you remain safe..but it may do you some good to see what we fight
against..and what you eventually will be fighting against."

Michael pushes his way out of the doors of the White Tower, helm tucked
beneath his right arm, his left hand holding a thick short bow. Glancing
about he begins to make his way down the stairs of the tower, glancing
about the courtyard.

Eh? Neelkan glances at the novice who ran into him and grumps a little bit.
Does this mean he's gonna have to look after her too? He sighs and then
nods to Espi and mutters, "I'll keep 'n eye on 'er too. Make sure she
doesn't bump int' the enemy." he glares at the girl a little bit. Can't
blame him for this, he glared at Espi a little when he first met her too.

Varcel sees Michael's arrival and turns to speak to him, nodding to
Espriria before he does so. He bows to him deeply. "Gaidin, do you have a
moment? I'm going to accompany Espiria Sedai and hoped I might carry a live
blade."

Delila quirks an eyebrow and looks around briefly. What would set her apart
anyway? "Er, yes..I'd like to if I got to really see what we do." Neelken's
voice makes her lose her cool again and she flits her eyes in his
direction. "You don't -need- to keep an eye on me I'll be prefectly fine
without you feeling the responsibility for me."

Michael watches the young man bow to him before glancing about the
courtyard for a moment or two. " Go fetch the bastard sword I bought you,
and a suit of chainmail from the practice yard. If you fool headed trainees
wanna play at Gaidin atleast arm and armor yourself." Turning his attention
to Neelkan as he says the last comment. "Both of you, if your coming."

Espiria notes Michael's arrival, smiling at him as she raises a hand to
greet him. It's been awhile since he's seen her..and last time she wouldn't
have had her shawl. She glances over to Delila, "You will be watched,
Nivice because you are as yet unable to protect yourself from what we may
have to face. That is a way of life for those of us who become Aes Sedai.
The men..are best capable of doing this for us...especially those who have
not as yet learned what to do in defence of themselves." She rises from her
seat, "We should report to the Hall now. I'm sure they will be leaving
soon." She nods to one and all, heading into the tower.

Glaring at Delila for a few moments, Neelkan breaks eye contact as Michael
speaks to him and nods, "A'right." He heads to get together said armor,
though being a Proven he would have already been armed with at least his
knife and fan (one word and all are maimed).

Trainee? So he's not a full Gaidin? Ha! She can't help but smile, looking
at Neelkan in a totally different light. He was learning what he needed to
know, just like her. She found it amusing. Delila giggles a bit and follows
Espiria.


Hall of Servants, White Tower, Tar Valon

Seven polished tables are arranged in a stately semi-circle about a central
chair. The chair has the flame of Tar Valon carved within it, and rests
atop a platform, so that the person within the seat would hold her head
higher than any other in the room. There are spaces enough between any one
of the tables to allow for movement towards the dais, or for someone to
stand between. A cloth, colored for each of the Ajahs, rests upon the
appropriate table, in the same order they are found on Accepted dresses.
Three chairs are provided at every station.

 The ceiling is high and vaulted here, with the rafters soaring high above
the heads of all. The room itself is nearly the shape of a dome. Polished
wooden floors and walls create a shine, almost a glare. Lanterns hang from
the rafters, dangling from black iron chains. The air of the room is heavy
and solemn.

Espiria comes walking in with a rather good sized group in tow. She glances
behind her, smiling at everyone that came before she looks back to the rest
already gathered.

Michael is not part of Espirias group, walking in a few moments after they
have entered. The smell of cherries drifts upwards from the freshly lite
pipe at the corner of his mouth. His helm is tucked beneath his left arm,
his left hand holding a thick shortbow, the right one remaining free. The
color shifting cloak of a gaidin covers the steel gleam of his armor,
blending him in with the marble and stone of the Tower.

Keay is on the Dias. Why not? Its her usual perch when there is a
gathering. She scans each and every person who enters the room as if
looking to their souls.

Moving rather awkwardly in the armor that he was given to wear, Neelkan
mutters something about how he'd be better off in normal clothing. He is,
after all, too good to get hit! (That explains all those dozen times he's
been in the infirmary? - Grrr!) Either way, he is here, and has taken the
earring from off his necklace and is now wearing both the silver hoops.
He's also armed with a sword that isn't drawn and a Eharon knife that his
sister gave him, as well as his unique weapon, his metal bladed fan (not a
word).

Varcel enters with Neelkan, also armored, though moving more easily in it,
thanks to his strength. Across his back is slung an impressive bastard
sword. He first bows to Keay before searching out Espiria's eyes.

Delila walks in with the group, as Esp had asked her to go....some learning
experience. She is wearing what she always wears. Her simple white dress.
However she's just watching Neelkan snickering all the way as he tries to
walk around in that armor of his.

Helios stands in front of the dais, finishing a few exchanged words with
Keay. He turns to see the party entering. Well, it must've been a shock to
be given weapons and armor and ordered to the Hall of Servants without a
word of explanation. He wtaches them closely.

Espiria meets Varcel's eyes briefly, smiling to him before she turns to
Keay and nods her head in respect of her 'teacher'. Sure, she may have
heard rumors and she may have heard about something happening that was
important. She gathered those around her that she hoped would also be
allowed to go along in this..search..but only as a hope. Not that she was
sure they would be allowed to go, but she certainly hoped they would be.
She waits quietly to hear what will be said now, for this journey that may
be taken this evening. As important as it is, she hopes all will be able to
go. The more on the side of Light..the better.

Michael puffs a cloud of sweet cherry smelling smoke from his pipe as he
glances about the room. Walking over he places his helmet and bow ontop of
one of the tables glancing about at the others assembled somewhat
inquisitivly before turning back to Keay. " So why have we been assembled
here?" he ask simply, deep bass rolling through the dome shaped room.

Kyleigh scowls at the guards leading her him and tries to stay a step ahead
of them, and generally pretend they're not there. Sniff. However she did
accept the dagger they gave her, after all she needs it if she has any
intention of channeling. (Don't ask). Her face actually brightens (but just
a very little) when she sees Helios and she hurries over to him.

Glaring at the Novice Delila, who he is thuroughly convinced must be cruel
and unusual, just like he always believed women are, Neelkan tries to get
used to this armor as best he can, but it's obvious he most certainly will
always prefer fighting without it, or at most, lightly armored. He's was a
bandit, burn it. Not an army solider.

Varcel tries to make his way over closer to Espiria, otherwise reamining
quiet to hear what's going on. He frowns at the sight of Helios on the
dais, wishing intently the man had been gentled.

Keay looks around the room and as the last of the group enters, she nods to
herself. "Gentles, I have had you called here for a special reason. Helios
here," she acknowledges the man, "has had a Foretelling. There is a very
special covert mission and you all must attend. There is, in Eharon, a
cache of items, forgotten by the world and left behind from the Age of
Legends. The Foretelling mentions that each of you must be included for the
mission to succeed. Helios will be our Guide through the caverns to get the
Cache and return to the Tower."

Helios gives a warm smile to Kyleigh. Perhaps too warm? Nah. He reamins
silent however, and stuff, waiting for the Great Keeper of the Chronicles
to speak. Ah. "And so it begins." He murmurs, in a very
un-Foretelling-like, pondeirng tone.

Delila just keeps grinning at him. He was funny to her despite his gruff
attitude and now she knew it got to him. She lets the poor man alone for
now and notes the dagger at the other novice's side. Why didn't she get to
give one...it would help since her channeling wasn't much to speak of. Even
if that does anything at all. She cocks her head curiously as Keay speaks.

Espiria blinks a few times at Keay, eyes widening. Age of Legends. Oh no.
She darts her glances to Varcel a moment, shivering a bit before she gulps
back her worry about that. What if..this is where she finds... She closes
her eyes, trying to regain some composure before she takes a deep breath.

Michael puffs another cloud from his pipe as he glances around the
assembled group of Trainees, Sedai, Novices, and Accepted. " I assume we
are not the only ones who know about this. Shouldn't we take a more battle
ready, and tested group?"

Keay steps from the Dais and grabs the Power. With a bit of practice she
has gotten the weave perfected and soon a gateway opens from no where. SHe
looks at Michael, "There should be no battle, but we're playing it safe."
She gives a comforting look to Espi and then back to Michael, "Shall we?"

Eh? Neelkan hrmpts at Michael's words and mutters how he has plenty of
battle experience, thankyouverymuch. But refrains from saying it /too/
loudly. He's learning. Slowly. He looks around one last time and grumps a
little as he sees that some people he had hoped would be there have not be
included in the party. Ah well.


Village of Celazien

        Welcome to the peaceful, sleepy mountainside village of Celazien,
conviniently located near a major road to and less than a day's march from
Dorelle Caromon, one of the largest city's in Eharon! The beautiful
village, located at the edge of a tranquil forest, was a frequent stop for
travelers, until the two inns burned down, with some other buildings. Yet
there are other twos in this lovely countryside, and those are very eager
to please all, courteously dropping their fares in reponse to the fires
that have victimized their neighbors.

        At least, that's the face this village, and others like it, put
out. In reality, *every* (surviving) villager is a darkfriend, with even
the children brought up to grasp ideals of the Dark. Most of the other
villages are completely Dark too, the last who refused to swear burned in
the arsons that have plagued. The rest of the countryside has a far larger
proportion of Darkfriends than normal, in many places outnumbering those
who walk in the Light. All of these villages are under the rule of Thia ay
Gaea ay Kaos, the woman who has brought more to the Dark than any one
person in history, even before the Breaking.

        The village is a prosperous one, yet tucked out away from the main
road, private to prying eyes. A bit further north, far from the Road, which
curves east, is a sole house, the finest in the village. Thia's Manor - it
can hardly be called anything else now - stands near a clearing with odd
pillars of stone, fallen on their sides. They serve as useful meeting
tables for the village, and provide a view to the reason all are here - the
Entrance to the Caverns. Once hidden, the entrance has now been widened. A
plaque has been made more obvious, its stone appearing to have been cut
only a day before.

        There is an army hidden here. Blessed and Trollocs and Myrddraal,
led by Dreadlords and assisted by a few raghkar and Darkhounds. All under
the thumb of Thia, the Daughter of the Dark.


Woah. I have to learn that weave! Too bad Kyle couldn't even see it.
Flaming blocks. Maybe if she sweet talks Wyntere enough she'll teach it to
her. No, not likely. She follows close on Helios' heels, but actually
doesn't smile back strangely. Is she plotting something? Possible, very
very possible.

Michael offers a smile to Keay as he taps out his pipe before placing it
into a pouch. " But of course," he replies dropping the helm ontop of his
head. Stepping into the gateway he buckles the helm in place, knocking an
arrow to the heavy shortbow.

Espiria glances around as she exits the gateway, glancing around quickly to
see the lay of the land and where she's ended up.

Delila walks through and shivers. She was present when they 'discovered'
this little trick but she didn't really understand how it was done. She
looks down at herself just to make sure she was all there. "That was really
strange..." she mutters looking around at their current position. Delila
felt naked with only her dress...she wasn't out on the street anymore. No
access to anything.

Varcel finishes closing with Espiria. He offers her a reassuring smile
before turning his gaze to what's before the group. There's no pretending
that he's a true warder yet, but he moves competently enough. A guard dog,
but not yet a wolf.

Aaaaaaaah! Nice Eharon air! Neelkan takes in a deep breath, and while it
isn't quite home for him, it's a /lot/ closer then the White Tower. He
didn't seem to effected by the gateway and the travelling. He likes it much
better then the Skimming thing, which he had been in before. That nearly
made him scared of heights. As for pretending to be a Gaidin, he makes no
attempt at it, and he probably won't when he really /is/ one either. No
matter what, he'll always be who he is. ... And you know... that nice deep
breath of fresh air just didn't turn out exactly how it should have. Yuck.
He looks around and sighs a little. Should have figured they'd walk in on
something like this. He draws out his sword (not a huge monster thing like
Varcel's, but certainly useful enough) and looks around, waiting for the
ladies in charge to speak what they wish to do.

Helios gasps as he wlaks through. "Blood and Ashes!" He hisses. "Things are
not going according to plan!"

Keay snaps a look at Helios, "There's a plan? And what have we walked into
here? Should we just move on to the Cavern?" Her poor Brown brain is trying
to process everything at once.

Delila finally bothers to really look at where they have arrived. The dead
bodies cause her face to scrunch up in an expression of disgust... Delila
was fairly perceptive and looking closely at them...touching them assured
her it hasn't been long. "It wasn't long ago.." she muttters. Then she lies
her eyes on a Trolloc and 'gyas' in disgust. "What -is- this?" she says in
a worried tone..staying close to the group now.

Michael slipping into the void, Michael turns from the gruff half joking
Gaidin, into the wolf Varcel intends to be. Flowing forwards the color
shifting cloak snapping at the quick speed of his graceful glide he kneels
next to one of the trolloc bodies. " Still warm," he mutters checking the
Insignia, " The Dark Forts...no fighting eh?" Spitting onto the body of
Fade, he straightens looking from the direction of the town to the Cavern.

Espiria winces at all the blood, eues widening as she looks around,
"Oh..my..Light. It seems we are not the first to arrive." She glances to
everyone, "This is very recient."

Varcel loosens his blade in its scabbard, but leaves it sheathed for now.
He rests a hand lightly on Espiria's shoulder, but keeps his gaze outward.

Helios studies a dead human a moment. Not like he knows anything about
non-human anatomy. "I think there should be space between whoever went
ahead and us." He looks to Michael. "You'd know better than I. Do you
agree?"

Kyleigh clasps a gloved hand over her mouth, green eyes staring at the
bodies littering the ground. Oh ash. She's seen death, and smaller scale
battles before but...she certainly wasn't expecting this! She fights the
urge to lose her lunch. "Helios... are we too late," she asks in little
more than a whisper, barely even looking at him, her eyes instead riveted
on the carnage. So she doesn't quite notice that he's a little distracted
himself. After a moment though the cactus actually looks up at him
fearfully, and normally would smack herself for being so... damsel in
distressish, but give her a break, she's had a hard week and it's only
looking to get worse.

"'ey ne'er seem t' go 'cordin' t' plan." Neelkan mutters to the male
channeler as he looks around the bodies and what not. Hmmm. This certainly
isn't going to be easy as they were thinking. He always knew it wouldn't
be, but still, he isn't gonna say that he told them so, because he didn't.

Michael nudges one of the Trolloc Bodies with a boot, the intestines of the
creature jumping slightly from its slit stomch. " Bout a half an hour, give
or take five minutes," he replies. Shaking his head slightly he turns
towards the others, " If we need to get in the cavern I suggest we do so.
We are sitting ducks standing out here. Not to mention the carrion birds
will be here soon."

Keay nods, "That being the case let's go. I'm not a military genious, but I
know the term sitting ducks. Everyone in the cavern now."

Delila watches the other novice that came with them out of the corner of
her eye. She didn't look so good. She offers her a half smile, like it
would help and looks away. She was familiar with violence but not at this
scale and it would be no good to lose it now thought she wanted to. Her
eyes look towards the cavern. Delila wanted a dagger too; at least to give
the illusion she was safe.

Espiria bites her lip slightly, nodding toward Micheal as she listens to
Keay. She nods again, glancing toward everyone else surrounding her as she
motions toward the caves. "We should hurry then.."

Varcel looks to Espiria with an eyebrow raised in mock exasperation,
waiting for her to go and stop talking about it. Assuming she does in fact
go, he'll come along, flanking her a bit. Obsessive, ain't he?

Michael pauses to glance around for a moment, before looking to the group,
" Anyone a decent archer?" He also glances at there armment, noticing
Neelkans armor, and Delila unarmed. Pulling a heavy steel dagger from
beneath his cloak he hands it to Novice, " Here," he says before looking to
Neelkan, " Strip off what armor your not comfortable in. We may need to
move quick."

Helios assumes the Void, nodding. He may need it. Looking to the Keeper. "I
suggest we get inside. But first, I must tell you all this." He raises his
voice and addresses the whole party. "I realize taht you are Aes Sedai and
I am not - I am a male channeler, in fact, a prisoner. But inside here, you
will listen to me. If I say to do something, you will do it immediately and
without hesitation. One wrong move inside the Caverns and all of us can
die. There is a trap that collects and projects the Taint on Saidin into
any nearby living thing, causing madness and even death. Another imbues a
person with a htred of anotehr so strong they try to kill that person. It
is very dangerous within, and I seek only to protect alll our lives. If you
do not agree to this, I cannot lead you inside, for you will cause
everyone's death."

Smiling widely at the words of Michael, Neelkan quickly starts to remove
the bulky pieces of armor, until he's just wearing his normal, rumpled
clothing and seems /much/ more comfortable. This young man was certainly
built more for speed then armor and strength. Varcel can keep the strength
bit.

Keay nods, "May I suggest this arrangement? Helios you lead. I'll come
behind him, with the men forming a protective circle around we womenfolk.
Novices on the innermost." She then whispers something quick to Espi and
nods to Helios, ready to begin.

Delila takes the dagger as if she would not live five seconds later without
it. "Thank you...thank you very much." Delila looks up at him with sincere,
grateful eyes. She eyes the daggar, twirls it about in her hand a bit and
nods. It would have to do; she's used one before. -Now- she was ready to
continue she nudges herself in between all the other people.

Helios nods in reponse. He did not like ordering others, especially Aes
Sedai, but it must be done. He begins wlaking toward the exit. "Oh. I might
warn you. The Aes Sedai who hid the Cache here a thousand years ago had a
strong Foretelling. People inside have sometimes found... personal messages
written from her to them."

Michael glances to Keay, " Let the trainees guard the others, if battle is
joined you will need me at the front more than the back." That said Michael
slings the bow across his back before pulling the power forged heron marked
blade from the scabbard at his side. Looking to Helios he motions to the
cavern, " Lead on when your ready."

Espiria darts a glance at Helios, shivering for a moment as though from
something she will not speak of. She glances to Keay, nodding and motioning
toward Varcel to go to her outter side and to stay close to her. She leans
over to Keay, whispering to her softly as her face goes slightly pale.

Varcel does so promptly and without verbel acknowledgement. He does go
ahead and draw his blade smoothly, resisting the urge to glare at Helios.
Arrogant sunnva...

Ack! But I don't want to be on the innermost! I want to be next to Helios
where I can protect him! Er.. well that's her thinking. Whether it's sane
or not, you be the judge. She sticks close to him as long as she can and
get away with it, and sulks even more furiously than before. Eh? Personal
messages? Gulp. Kyleigh would rather not have any personal messages from a
dead Aes Sedai, though she is a little jealous of such strength in
Foretelling.

Personal messages? What's she gonna tell him? Neelkan, you need to keep
your sister from that jerk Tamon? Heheh. Ahem. He's going in, really.

Espiria glances over to keay, nodding before she enters the caverns.


Caverns

Endless caverns, emersed in total darkness since the Breaking, stretch for
hundreds of miles beneath the Eclepso Mountains. Artificial light by
intruders to this quiet place reveals forests of stalactites and
stalagmites. The only sounds to be heard, not of the intruders own making,
is that of water. It drips constantly off stalactites, and sometimes just
off the ceiling. There are underground streams here, and lakes. Their
contents reveal the resilence of life; strange fish, clear and eyeless,
swim about the water. Other things, creatures too odd to describe, live in
the water, and weird fungus grows at the banks. Sometimes, one can hear the
flapping of a bat. A few individuals, with good enough hearing, might even
hear a screech. But those sounds are very very rare, and only present at
twilight and dawn, if one could judge such things in this eerie world. At
all other times, total silence is present, save for a constant dripping of
water. That is, unless a party happens along one of the traps...


Not an overly tall man, standing at perhaps five and a half feet tall at
most. His face is thin and angular, framed by medium-length, unruly black
hair. It is not uncommon for his hair to be found sticking up in strange
spikey patterns, no matter how much he tries to keep it in place. His nose
is short and straight, drawing no attention to itself or to thin, slightly
pale lips. His eyes however, tend to draw attention. They are very pale,
and on close inspection seem to be almost lavender in shade.

His body is thin and angular like his face, though he moves with a
smoothness of motion indicating that he is at home with the motions of his
body. His clothing tends to be asture and chosen for functionality. A
simple long sleeved tunic which is a deep sort of grey/blue sky in color,
and trousers of the same cloth and color. The ensemble is completed by
soft, supple leather boots dyed the same color, though a bit faded with the
dust of long travels.

Jaq'als group is deep in the caves. All is silent. "This way." Helios leads
them through the passages.

Ya know, it's a good thing Neelkan isn't claustrophobic. "Blood 'n ashes, I
hope 'at Tet guy ain't gonna be 'ere this time." Last time he was in a
group fighting in tunnels he had to fight Tetrarch and ended up losing one
of his necklaces to a sword slash. It wasn't fair, I say. He's rather fond
of his necklaces. He follows after the male channeler guy, looking around
at the walls and searching for a personal message or two. He's just
curious. The Wheel seems to like kicking him in the shins, so he's almost
hoping it'll leave him alone this time.

Keay follows behind Helios, the saing may be keep your friends close and
your enemies closer, but she's got no room for enemies this day. She keeps
a light grasp on Saidar to heighten her senses.

Delila walks dead in the center of the group, getting stepped on each way
around. She keep her dagger tight in her left hand and looks around
curiously herself. SHe did not believe that anyone would leave her a
personal message. Well, not unless it said 'You are dirt'. She was used to
that. "Kinda of dark in here," she whispers.

Tetrarch? Who needs Tetararch when you have Jaq'al? He's twice as scary!
Muahahahahah! And he has a very deformed... person... I think that's a
person, on a leash who is walking beside his horse. Any conversation
between him and his guide is kept to a minimum and for the most part he
just lets Endymion do his thing. And Izual do his thing, and Basimah do her
thing... it's a free for all in the dark camp. They're just all going the
same direction.

Espiria shivers a bit, keeping her eyes open and watching for anything that
could be determined as being 'One Powerish'. Her eyes as well keep Varcel
in her sights as well as Neel and Michael. Always good to have strong men
around, right? Especially in dark damp places underground. She frowns,
shivering in spite of her trying not to as she walks along with the rest of
her group.

Basimah frowns and moves closer to Jaq'al, shaking her head the entire
time, "There's something there..." She shakes her head, and seems to almost
be squinting to see what it would be... normally she's not one to care much
about anything... just sort of goes along... so this must be something...
She points ahead towards a ledge, "There... can you see it?" She frowns...
she doesn't seem to be quite right... quite odd for the Dreadlord.

Deeply emersed in the void Michael drifts forward like steel clad wraith,
the long hilt of the power forged blade filling his right hand. He moves
near the front of the group, Helios, Keay, and Espiria trusting Varcel and
Neelkan to watch the rear. The color shifting material of his cloak wrapped
loosely around him and making his appear almost part of the cavern itself.

Endymion is the very-deformed, leper-like, insane, childlike, gentled,
massachist guy who's leashed to that sicko Jaq'al. He fawns adoringly up at
his torturer every now and again.

Rianna sticks close to Izual, though she doesn't look overly happy about
the situation. She struggles to carry a rather awkward bag, though it's not
too heavy for her to manage, just...awkward. She sighs quietly when she
occasionally catches sight of Endymion, but she doesn't stray that way.

Jaq'al glances at Basimah. "Can you be more specific?" There is just a hint
of sarcasm in his voice, but for the most part he's as stoic as a statue.
Blue eyes glance the direction Basimah is looking and he peers into the
darkness, seizing hold of Saidin slightly to enhance his own senses.

Taking up the rear is Neelkan's job, and that is exactly what he does,
grumbling softly under his breath as he moves and glancing back every so
often to make sure that no one is coming up behind him. He's rather
stealthy and silent, or would be, if he would stop grumpling.

Yes Basimah...there is something there. And yet there isn't. Nothing up
there but a ledge and air and darkness...and perhaps some mold growing on
the cave wall. Yet you can feel something there...watching you as your
party passes by at a fair distance. Then...well...it must be nothing. Izual
for his part has moved closer to the group, hobbling along leaning on his
cane as best his old bones can manage. Rianna is of course kept not far
behind. An invisible leash formed of spirit that she cannot feel connecting
her to him. Can;t have her wandering off now can we? As jaq looks to the
spot where Bas pointed...he could likely come to no other conclusion then
her eyes are playing tricks on her.

Basimah points still shaking her head, "There" She acts as if anyone should
see it, but... she doesn't sound certain that she can see it either...
"It's round.... straight ahead by that ledge...." she points up too... "I
can't tell what it is... Just that it's something..." She doesn't seem to
know what on earth she's looking at though.... but... she knows it's
there...

Goku moves quietly, testing each step carefully so as not to make a sound.
His eyes sweep from side to side and all his senses are alert for the
slightest change in the world around him. Occasionaly his skin prickles in
a way it never has before, but he ignores it. He was given a mission, and
the mission comes before anything else.

Rianna glances around uneasily, finding herself hesitating, then that silly
leash of spirit pulls her forward without her even realizing what it is. "I
don't like this place." she mutters under her breath.

Izual walks on quietly. he is having a fair bit of difficulty negotiating
this uneven terrain. he is managing though. "Oh really child? WHat about it
specifically is causing you the troubles? Or do you just not like dark
caves?"

Suddenly, to Tetrarch's and then everyone's group, the ground becoimes as
fluid as water, the wold spinning like a top. The ground opens up, or the
walls, and people are pulled through by invisible hands, down to an open
plain. Everybody is tehre at once, Darkfriends and Light-affiliated,
Tetrarch and Jaq'al. A spinning blue orb that distorts itself as it twirls,
as if it were made of water oddly seems to be causing random spells of
dizziness, and an ivory hand pulling people towards it with air. Those need
to be destroyed, but there is anotehr problem. The Ivory Hand was
indiscrimante - everyone is with everyone else.

Rianna starts a bit as Izual overhears her. She flushes slightly, but still
keeps looking around herself. "I don't know, Blessed." she says in a quiet
voice. "I just don't like it. I feel like..." she doesn't finish as the
world suddenly goes insane.

Izual now begins to share Rianna's feelings on this place as reality around
him seems to distort itself. Err...Hmm. WHere did all these people come
from? He siezes hold of saidin, pulling it through his angreal to form a
shield around himself...and as luck would have it, RIanna. it's doubtful
that that was a conscious effort on his part though.

There is a loud neigh as Jaq'al's horse falls out from under him. Well,
another interesting development. Hopefully Endymion won't land under the
beast, thus ridding him of his guide. He weaves Air to cushion his own
fall. Ew... why by the Great Lord is he suddenly dizzy? This simply will
not do. The void and Saidin shield it from some of it, so he's not in
danger of throwing up or anything, but he still feels it to a certain
degree. The realization that there are others besides his own group here is
quick and he's on his feet in an instant, pulling in even more Saidin, but
waiting to use it, just for a moment.

Goku blinks in momentary confusion, cutting loose with a storm of curses
that terminates in what sounds like the words "Not Again". Oh well at least
there don't appear to be any demented mirror-people this time. That awful
prickling in his skin has kicked up even worse however and trying to push
it from his mind his fingers slip inside one of his sleeves, emerging with
a slender throwing blade held at ready.

Zashta drops to the ground and rolls, out of instinct more than anything
else. She's on her feet before her vision fully returns. Uh oh. There are
an awful lot of people here. Great. Terrific. Where the heck is Tet,
anyway? She maintained a hold on her sword, however. That's good news.

Espiria widens her eyes and feels the heaving of the earth. She closes her
eyes though, feeling out with her other senses since one can never know
just by appearances. She winces just a bit, shaking her head as she looks
over to Varcel and Neel. Ohboy..this is fun, isn't it? She scowls, swaying
on her feet as she nearly smacks into the wall as her legs are fooled by
the grounds motions.

"See!" Basimah points in front of her, though she seems to be having a hard
enough time at that, as she closes her eyes periodically... Quickly enough
she draws on Saidar, as she notice more people... not a good thing...
Definatly not a good thing... I bet she wishes she was in her nice bed
right about now...

Ack! Um... did Neelkan ever mention to those present that he's afraid of
water? Or more acurately, water over his head? He starts to struggle
against the hand and against the "water" itself. And he loses his sword in
the panic too. Sorry. There are few things he truely fears, and suffocating
and water is one of them. Give him solid ground any day. When he gets to
the solid ground again he coughs a bunch of times and keeps his eyes
closed, trying to orient himself. And stop shaking. (He is not shaking,
burn it!)

Tahei falls to the ground in the disorientation, and frowns, if only to
himself. He grips his angreal more tightly and sighs. "Another great day."
and he just closes his eyes, grits his teeth, and bears it until the
disorientation wears away.

Rianna ends up in a ball on the ground, curled up around Izual's bag, her
arms over her head. It's really nice of Izual to shield her too and all,
and she'll try to remember to thank him for it later...maybe when the world
decides to return to normal or so...

"Zashta! How good to see you again." Jaq'al just throws her a cold smile
though and isn't too worried. The channelers are more of interest to him,
ah, and Espiria is here too. The cold smile is offered her as well as he
casually sends a fire weave her way, maybe just to sing her dress for the
smalles of taunts. Just be glad it's not like what he's done to poor abused
Endymion. Sudden, the ground starts to shake and form cracks, almost
actively sucking people down. Those people namely are Tahei, Goku, and
Izual. Aren't they lucky? Meanwhile the roof starts to cave in, cutting
this particular cavern in half and sending the ground to a steep upward
slope. Those cut off by this mass of falling rock are Zashta, Esiria, and
Basimah. Which leaves, Rianna, Neelkan, and Jaq'al still in this room.