A Return

The hooded figure on horseback approached the gates of the White Tower slowly. Guards halted the animal, before noticing the great serpent ring encircling the woman's right ring finger. Upon closer inspection, they clearly saw the ageless features hidden in the shadow of the cloak and let her through without hesitation. Most had never seen this Sister before, which was just as well. She had left Tar Valon long ago, and was returning for the first time. There were matters to be taken care of.
After stabling her horse, the woman turned hard eyes on the walls of the White Tower. They were as imposing as ever, but much had changed within her in all these years. She saw it differently now. No more innocence, although she hardly had any when she left.
With hardened resolve, she stalked through the corridors, scarlet skirts swishing behind her and cloak billowing. Various Novices and Accepted hurriedly moved out of her way. They were so young. No doubt the girls she had helped to train were Aes Sedai themselves now. She was especially interested in one such girl... but now was not the time to find her. Other Sisters eyed her with curiousity, as her face was still hidden. Most would be surprised to see her back... some would not be happy. They would all find out sooner or later, but for now she wanted to remain incognito. Until she found who she was looking for.
She found her way to the Hall that housed the Red Ajah and made her way to Dallah's office. That office had once been hers, but she certainly didn't begrudge it. She wondered briefly if the Red Ajah had improved its membership since she had been away before coming to the heavy door. Her knock resounded through the empty hallway.
It opened to reveal the Head of the Red Ajah. Dallah hadn't changed much at all, but her face had bcome more mature in its agelessness, and the eyes had become wiser. The Red Sister couldn't see the person who had come to her door, and opened her mouth to question. But before she could, the woman quickly slipped in and closed the door behind them. Dallah's face tightened in annoyance, but quickly turned into shock as her mysterious visitor pulled the hood away from her face.
Daelin Tieranatsu Aes Sedai stood there, ageless face emotionless. Inside, amusement began to bubble at seeing Dallah's shock. Dallah may be the most powerful of all the Reds, but Daelin had put her there. She had been a mere Novice when Daelin held in her grasp all of the Red Ajah.
"Hello, Dallah. Surprised?"

Laurya stalked up the hall toward the Head's office. This was really a world-class BAD day. She had stubbed her toe on Daelin's playpen, which had set the baby crying, she still smarted from Michelle's insult, and she hadn't gotten any sleep last night. This was probably the only time in the next week or so that she'd find the gumption to say what she planned to say to the Head.

In her usual manner, she neglected to knock, but instead pulled open the door. She walked inside, and up to Dallah's desk, next to another woman.

She glanced at the other woman, and grunted. Embracing the source, she said, "Excuse me, sister. I must speak with Dallah." She turned back to Dallah, and raised her voice. "I have just..."

She turned again to the other woman, now white as a sheet. She lost her hold on Saidar, but hardly noticed. Backing away unconsciously, she murmured.

"You... you're dead!"

Jaw snug against her chest, she bumped into the wall, yelped, and spun around, striking said wall with her fist. She howled in pain, then turned to face Dallah and Daelin. Her face broke into the largest smile she had in ages, and she launched herself at Daelin, crying in joy.

"DAELIN! ALIVE!"

Daelin stood shock still as Laurya embraced her. This was what she had feared. But she knew it was coming, and she accepted it without question. Instead, she looked down sternly at Laurya as the embrace broke.
"Sister," she said steadily. "Remember that you wear the shawl now, and must act according to your station. Uncontrolled displays of affection are hardly called for at this time."
Placidly, she turned back to Dallah, who still looked slightly disbelieving. So they had thought she was dead, did they? She supposed that was the assumed fate of all Aes Sedai who left the Tower and didn't return. Ah, but she was not dead. In fact, she was more alive than she had been in years, which said quite a bit. Streaks of gray were beginning to show in her hair, marking her as one of the oldest Sisters in the Tower.
Laurya and Dallah were still gaping at her, and Daelin sighed in resignation. With the regality of a queen, she sat in one of the chairs and folded her hands in her lap, and calmly waited. They would hear what she had to say, but she supposed it was best for them to get used to the idea of her being here. After all, one could only take so many surprises at once.