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Corvanther leans against Blaze and shakes his head slightly. "If you couldn't ride you should have told me. We could have stopped more. You are going to be hurting tomorrow you know."
Lauriana walks into the small clearing, a tall lanky woman with long blond hair that hangs freely around her shoulders. She carries a small basket in her hands, and a large pouch on her belt as she stops every few paces. Bending down, she seems to be looking for something, pushing aside a few leaves and digging into the earth. Her eyes do not wander and she doesn't seem to be paying attention to where she is or who is around her.
Shemia looks to Corvanther and smiles. "I will no admit that I cannot ride a horse. Sore or not, it must be done." She begins to rub her legs, pain on her face. "It does not hurt and we must be away. I am thankful to be out of the Inn and the city." Eyes turning around the area, she jumps at the sight of the woman and almost begins to cling to the horse.
Alton is close to Lauriana, a shortbow held in his left hand, though no arrows are notched. There is a quiver at his right side within easy reach. His gaze never rests a second as it continually scans for any sign of danger. He bends down and whispers to Lauriana. Looking the in the direction of Shemia and Corvanther.
Corvanther watches the people come in and he frowns, resting a hand on the sword strapped to his horse. He dosen't draw the large two hander, but he does watch the others most carefully. The warhorse swings his head about to look at the newcomers as well.
Adrian trails about a dozen paces behind Lauriana, left hand absently polishing the topaz set into the pommel of his sword. His right hand brushes against the yellow silk panel in the middle of his coat as his gaze swings sharply back and fort, his dark eyes seeming to take in everything around him. He moves in a sort of lazy stroll, almost radiating a casual arrogance.
Lauriana lifts her head and looks at Alton's words. She smiles and nods her head and then turns to look for Adrian. Lauriana stands slowly and turns to the people, her voice soft but carrying over the distance, "Good day to you, I'm sorry if we frightened you. We mean no harm and will leave if you want."
Shemia leans away from the horse a few inches to bow her head in respect and says, "Good day to you" her voice tight. Her eyes seek to find Corvanther without expression. Eyeing him closely for a minute, she returns to look over the gathering of people.
Corvanther dosen't remove his hand from the sword, but nods and says in a polite tone. "Fair day. You can undoubatbly understand our caution with the events of the recent day. The roads are hardly safe to travel and one must be careful at all times." He watches Alton and Adrian.
Alton eyes Corvanther, notching a arrow, just to be on the safe side. He stands tall and strong, eyes narrowed on the couple. Face expressionless as he watches them.
Lauriana nods her head slightly again, the smile widening upon her face, "I can understand your concerns, that is why we will leave if you wish it so." She gestures to the basket in her hands, "I'm just out collecting this and that.. to take it back home and what I was looking for only grows around this area."
Adrian slowly closes the distance from Lauriana to about three paces as she stops. His gaze takes in Shemia, then quickly dismisses her before moving to linger on Corvanther for a long moment. He nods a bow towards the man and smiles, although there is nothing friendly or humorous in the expression. His right hand slowly lowers to his side, thumb rubbing idly across the sword callous on his palm.
Shemia relaxes a bit and looks to the basket. "If what you seek only grows here, then search. I will not prevent you from going about your duties." Straightening her divided skirts, "What is it you are looking for, if I may ask?" Looking to Adrian she offers a small shy smile then she looks back to the woman.
Corvanther edges Blaze along so he is before Shemias horse before turning to face the small group. "Are you a wisdom then? There seem to be quite a few of them in the city." He watches Adrian for a moment after his greeting, returning the nod, then looking back at Lauriana. "I hope our horses did not squash what you needed."
Lauriana chuckles softly and then shakes her head as she addresses Corvanther first, "Do not worry about it. If it was crushed, then it will grow back. What I seek grows abundantly." She turns to Shemia and offers a slight bow of her head, "I'm looking for a bit of willowbark, a bit of cloverlich and some speckled mushrooms. I think the nearby stream and then climate is what makes it grow so plentiful here."
Alton stands there quietly, eyes still scanning the area, always alert. Though more attention is givne to the pair.
Adrian moves slowly forward to stand a little ahead of Lauriana and to her right, not truly between her and the strangers, but such that a single step would put him so. He says nothing, however, seeming content to let the lady speak for the group.
Shemia begins to look along the ground with a small frown. "I fear that I can't help you in your search, I am not familiar with herbs." Catching sight of Adrian's movement, she starts in the direction of Corvanther. In a voice almost a nevous stutter, "What is it.. what.. do the herbs do?"
Corvanther rises his glance from the men and comes around the othersiede of his horse. He checks the buckles on the saddle and moves closer to Shemia. He says something quiet to her before comeing back to the side of his horse nearest Lauriana's party.
Alton slides forward a step and to his right. Standing about the same as Adrian, yet to the other side. He says in a low whisper so only Lauriana and Adrian can hear. "Slightly suspicious if you ask me"
Lauriana glances to Alton and then to Adrian, her lips pressing together slightly before lifting her blue eyes to Shemia. She seems to be the only one at ease, stooping slightly to put her basket down. "Well the Willowbark helps to ease pain with women in labor and other highly painful situations. The speckled mushroom helps to ease anxiety when mixed with a tea, useful in easing the patient to make treating them easier. And the last, I haven't figured it's use yet. Still perfoming tests."
Adrian nods slightly, as if to himself, then flashes a broad, friendly-seeming grin towards Corvanther. He steps forward and extends his right hand towards the man, left still resting on the topaz on his hilt. In a soft voice, the musical accent of Cairhien very evident, he says,'Well met, neighbor. I am Adrian Noreane of Cairhien. I apologize, but I could not place your accent..'
Shemia sucks in air while staring at Corvanther with large wide eyes. Hearing the woman's voice describing herbs, she raises a hand to her stomach and nods to her. Licking her lips, "I failed to realize that herbs could be so useful." The horse is moving back slightly as she leans closer to it fiddling with the reins. She almost flinches as Adrian moves toward Corvanther.
Corvanther takes a half step forward, within easy reach of his sword and takes the man's hand as it is offerd. "I am Corvanther Starchaser. I am from the Borderlands." Stepping back again he seems to consider. "They can be used for many things. Do you wish them to know your name?" He addresses Shemia, but dosen't turn towards her.
Lauriana smiles faintly at Adrian, pushing a stray hand of her hair behind her ear. She takes this moment to look at Shemia and Corvanthar, studying them briefly. Her hand drifts down, perhaps showing a bit of nervousness, wiping her palm on the fabric of her pale yellow dress.
Alton steps forward a pace or two, standing between Lauriana and Adrian. Eyes still gaze at the pair, weighing, judging. The arrow has been put back in its quiver and the bow strung on his back. Though his hand hovers near the sword at his left hip.
Adrian squeezes the man's hand and then steps smoothly back. He raises his palm to the center of his chest and bows a half bow to Corvanther. As he rises his smile twitches briefly wider as if he is holding back some amusement. In that soft, musical accent he says,'Peace favor your sword then, as they say in Shienar, I believe. Would that be the particular borderland whence you hail?'
Shemia takes another step back as she timidly speaks, "I am Shemia Todaneas." She turns back to the ground, searching it carefully, not looking to the others. Every so often, her eyes flicker to the woman. Each time the her blue gaze rests to the blond, it is hurriedly turned on something else.
Corvanther shrugs, then nods. "Fairly close yes. Your greeting is correct, however of late it has not and more then likely will not. We have quite a long trip ahead of us and that will not be easy in this time."
Alton moves closer again to Adrian, eyes moving around then back to the couple. His top-knot swaying slightly from side to side. Looking up at Corvanther he offers his right arm "I am Alton Tal'Ran, of Fal Dara, Peace Favor you Sword." He nods to the mans words "These are troubling times, times of great uncertainty"
Lauriana hmms softly to herself, almost as if deciding on to speak again. She sighs faintly and gives a slightly shrug. One hand goes to her skirt, lifting the hem slightly as she gives a short but low curtsy, "My name is Lauriana al'Veren.. ", her words drifting off as she leaves off where she is from. Quickly, her eyes dart between those around her as she sighs again, "Well.. Where are you headed off to, if I may ask?"
Adrian half turns towards Lauriana as she speaks again, then turns back to face Corvanther, his expression open and questioning as if he also waits for the response to the woman's query.
Rubbing her horse's neck in gentle manner, "We are heading south, my Lady." Throwing her head back and to the right, Shemia flips a small amount of light hair over her shoulder to drift down her back. "I did not find Caemlyn to my liking" is the most she makes herself let out.
Corvanther steps forward and takes Altons arm in greeting before steping back, keeping himself between the other party and Shemia. "As she says we are heading south for now. Perhaps when we get there we will pick another place to go."
Alton takes Corvanthers arm in a firm grip then steps back "Things do not fair much better to the south. Lugard is worse off then Caemlyn some say." Eyes move between the to.
Lauriana licks her lips and falls silent. She appears to be impatient as she shifts and looks to Adrian for a long moment. The expression on her face is unreadable, tilting her head only slightly.
Adrian rolls his shoulders in a lazy shrug, thumb of his right hand still rubbing the callous on his palm. He says in that soft tone,'Things are much the same all over, neighbor. If you think Peace shall not favor you, perhaps you are correct. In that case, may grace and fortune favor you, as they say in the City.'
Shemia watches the exchange between the men silently. Her breathing is deep as one can easily notice the rise and fall of her chest. Reins still in one hand, her other has fallen to her side with the ocassional twitching fingertips.
Lauriana blinks for a moment and then turns to Shemia, a strange look upon her face. Her voice sounds, soft, caressing, "Can it be.." Her eyes widen slightly and she turns to Adrian, "It seems we need to make more trips to Caemlyn, my dear Gaidin." She takes a step forward towards Shemia, her hands lifting the hem of her dress off the ground. Another step is taken, drawing herself closer to the pair without even a thought.
Corvanther appears to consider the words. "I have had some small share of fortune lately. As for things to the south being worse I am not so certain. The turmoil in the north concerns me..." He stops at the word Gaidin and says quietly. "I knew it." He reaches for his sword and it comes clear without sticking at all. "To horse Shemia. You tower deamons won't take her, I wouldn't let the other ones do it and I wont let you." He grips the sword swinging it with both hands at Adrian. A plain vertical, full powered slash from his left to right. "Stay back witch."
Shemia jumps back as the woman comes closer. She releases the grip on the reins to turn a full circle looking for any other place to be than this one. Watching the slash she seems to freeze in place with a look of horror on her young face. In taking another step back, she trips on her skirts landing with a thud and jerking the head of her horse down.
Adrian's casual, lazy posture evaporates as Lauriana moves closer to the strangers. He does not really move, just tenses, much like a spring being wound. His smile fades away, gaze going wide as if trying to watch as much as possible at one time. As Corvanther draws his sword, Adrian steps lithely back, two full steps towards Lauriana, eyes not even blinking as the sword bites into his right bicep before he backs out of the range of the blow, his coat sleeve quickly going dark from the blood. Without a word, he pulls out his own sword with the soft scrape of metal on leather and slips lightly into a ready stance, hilt held out in front of his left hip, blade angled up and out from his body such that the point hovers well in front of his right shoulder.
Lauriana blinks in suprise, gasping softly, "What are you doing?!?" Her hands move from her dress as in a flash, she steps back away from Adrian and Corvanther. A glare is directed towards the offending man and then to Shemia, teeth clenched, "Call your man off if you don't want him to die." The young woman can see a soft golden glow surrounding Lauriana, sure sign that she has grasped the power and is ready to use it.
Shemia sucks in a large amount of air and strangles out, "Give Corvanther." Her face is looking no less scared, no less horror in her eyes. Dropping her hands with a tear leaking out of the corner of her eye, "We can do no more." Bringing her knees up to her chest lets her head fall forehead to knee.
Corvanther shakes his head. "I promised they wouldn't take you when this happened the last time. My life for yourse Shemia. I don't have to win." He smiles slightly keeping between the men and her. "I just have to keep them busy. Take to your horse and go."
Lauriana glances down at Shemia, her gaze softening, "So you know you can channel? What makes you think that we are going to try and take you?" She quickly glances to Corvanther, her eyes showing no emotion, "You will hurt her more by dying. If you dye over something as foolish as this, who will protect her when she is really in danger?"
Adrian smiles mirthlessly across at Corvanther. He bounces lightly on the balls of his feet, tip of his sword wavering back and forth as his coat sleeve continues to darken with his blood. In a soft voice he says,'Decide quick, neighbor. I can ill afford to give you a long deliberation. If you lower your sword now, you will live. If it is still up after a slow count of five, you will not.'
Shemia looks up to Corvanther and Lauriana both with a pleading look in her eyes. Blinking back tears, "Corvanther, there is nothing left to do. Do not do that which is foolish." Standing up slowly and cautiously, "I am aware that I will die if not taught. I would rather that happen than go to the Tower." She moves closer to Corvanther and says to him very quietly, "Give. This is not my wish."
Corvanther frowns and stands there a few moments more. By the look he has more the prepared to give his life to let her get away. "Very well. I will do as you ask Shemia." To the men he says simply. "What would you sacrifice to save the ones you protect?" The tip of the large sword touches the ground, he only holds it by one, definately not enough to swing it with.
Alton lowers his blade, off to the side 'I'd sacrifice everything, but not foolishing lad. We are not in the business of kidnapping people.' Alton still looks ready to spring into action even though he's relaxed some.
Lauriana sighs softly, her eyes going back down to Shemia, "We were not here for you. We were here for the reason that we said. We do not, as Alton said, take people against their will. It is not our way." She puts her hand up, moving to touch Adrian's back. "Stand back, Gaidin. Let us be on our way and leave these people to their journey." A moment passes before she speaks again, thoughtful look appearing on her face, "Just remember, Shemia. The longer you go without someone teaching you how to handle the power you hold within you, the more chance of you harming yourself or those that you care about around you."
Adrian steps back and slowly lowers his blade. He still holds the hilt in both hands, his sleeve wet down to the elbow now. The glint in his eyes seems to hint that the hand on his back and the soft voice behind him are all that holds him in check.
"Where am I to learn such things?" Shemia's voice is resigned as she continues, "We travel south looking for those that can teach." Looking straight to the woman, "Where is there help beyond the Tower? There are rumors.." voice trailing off.
Corvanther glances at Shemia and backs away from the men. He reaches out for the empty scabbard that is tied to the horse, then lifts the sword. Slideing it back into the sheath slowly as not to alarm. He faces the party and folds his arms across his chest, looks to Shemia and sighs. Going over to her to help her to her feet.
Lauriana stiffens slightly, "Yes.. there are others that can teach you beyond the Tower. But it's something that I am not at liberty to just speak to a stranger about, I'm sorry." She glances down to Adrian's arm, her face paling and a touch of anger in her eyes as she casts an accusing glance towards Corvanther, "You didn't have to do that.. " A pained look touches her face for a brief moment and then the unreadable expression springs back.
Alton sheaths the sword at his side in a quick fluid motion. His eyes still glint with the threat of death in the case a problem should arise. He moves back over by Adrian and Lauriana.
Shemia looks to Corvanther then drops her eyes to the ground. "I see. It is better to keep secrets than help a girl destined to die?" Her voice is flat as she turns her face to the sky before looking to her horse and offering a gentle stroke to the animals neck.
Adrian lowers his right arm to his side and carefully resheathes his sword using only his left. His glaring eyes never leave Corvanther as he does this.
Corvanther shakes his head at Lauriana. "He is a warrior. He was also a threat to the one I protect. I offer no aplogies. I am sure he understands, if he does not the other will explain things to him." To Shemia he says. "We will find them. I won't let you die. Aes Sedai keep secrets in secrets Shemia. If we do not find them they will find us when we get close."
Lauriana shakes her head slightly, "No.. you can receive help if you ask. But as I said, we do not take people prisoner and we do not force people to be taught. There is an alternative to the White Tower, for now. You can find the help that you need if that is what you want but I cannot tell you where to find this help unless you are ready to accept it. Else I have to fear that you will turn around and tell someone that shouldn't know and that alternative will be no more."
"I seek that help, I want to find that help. There are those that do not give choices." Shemia's voice taking on a sound of mumbled meekness, "If you can take me to those that will guide me, we both shall go." Raising a hand to her head and lowering it slightly as if in frustration, "I accept help from those that I can trust."
Corvanther closes his eyes for a split second and sighs. "You do realise that these are the ones we were going to find right Shemia? They aren't tower. A tower wouldn't let you go willingly. The last ones didn't. I suppose one can appreciate the irony."
Alton looks Corvanther, crossing his arms over his chest. "If he were allowed to come, he would have to dedicate his life just like you will be required to. You up to that lad?" He smirks slightly, before his face goes expressionless "But I tell you, once you take the path down this road, there is no turning back. Only forward."
Lauriana nods her head, licking her lips slowly. She lifts her head and look to Alton and then to Adrian, a soft smile touching her lips, "It will be alright. The Light has favored us on this day." She leans down and picks the basket up, settling it over her left arm and stepping back. "Do you wish to leave with us now, is there anything that you do not have on you?" The nervousness leaving her body and the color again touching her cheeks.
Adrian smirks slightly and beings to sing very softly, and not totally on-key,'But trust is the sound of a grave-dog's bark, Trust is the sound of betrayal in the dark, Trust is the sound of a soul's last breath, Trust is the sound of death.' He sways slightly as he finishes the verse.
Shemia to Corvanther she says, "I realize this now. I wish it would have been apparent before slicing the man though." Speaking to the Aes Sedai, "We both are prepared for travel and had started our journey as you approached." Blushing slightly, "It appears that I am not the best horse rider in the area, I hate to admit."
Corvanther reaches behind him for Blaze's riens. Turning to face Alton. "I was prepared for that when I met her and decided to escort her south. We are not strangers to dedication." To Shemia he says. "Yes, knowing that would have been nice. How were we to know they weren't tower?"
Lauriana chuckles softly and offers a quick wink towards Shemia, "You will not have to ride if you do not want to." She turns and walks a few paces away, not bothering to look behind her. The soft glow that has been around her the whole time, brightens to Shemia's eyes as a blazing line of light appears before the golden haired woman. It widens until it is enough for several men to walk through, shoulder to shoulder. A roped off clearing can be seen on the other side, wildflowers growing abundantly.
Alton looks at Corvanther, his eyes blaze with a deep internal flame. he says coolly to the man "You will not be allowed to speak with her for some time. You will be mine, to train and teach. I will break you and mold you into a weapon. You dedication will be challenged and strengthened. I ask you again. Are you ready for this?"
Adrian shakes his head slowly from side to side and turns his back to the gateway. He looks warily around everywhere but at the hole in the air as he waits for the others to enter.
Corvanther raises an eyebrow at the hole that appears in the air. "Interesting." Diverting his attention to Alton once again he nods. "She is safe and that is what matters. As to the rest I am not only ready I welcome it. I know it is going to be beyond hard. I am willing to go through it."
Shemia watches what only she can see at first, then gasps openly at what appears. Taking a step forward in curosity, she looks to Alton with a level stare. Turning back to the horse, she pulls gently on the reins and halts, waiting on Corvanther to walk with her to the opening.
Lauriana smiles and then arches an eyebrow, "Nobody is going to attack you on the other side, I assure you that there is probably nobody in that area unless they want to be split in half by a gate." She steps up to the gate, licking her lips and looking back over the others."
Adrian frowns sharply and says,'I hear someone approaching. Get through the gateway quickly if you do not want it seen.' Suiting actions to his words, he begins backing unsteadily towards the opening.
Alton steps through the gate like he's done before, many times.
Corvanther looks at the gate for a moment and then steps through it leading Blaze. Once across he leads the horse out of the way so the others can come along behind.
Gaudior , obviously seeing the gate from a ways off in the woods, grins slightly as he comes to greet Alton. He says, "Greetings Brother and Master Alton, fine day isn't it?" He waits till after the man is through to do so. He looks at Corvanther, saying, "New here friend?" He gives a little feral smile at the man.
Shemia pulls her horse in behind Corvanther, eyes wide with the sight of such a thing. She smiles to Lauriana as she enters.
Lauriana looks around quickly and then walks through the gate, her eyes missing a moving branch from the tree on the edge of the small clearing. The gate closes behind her quickly as she steps through and smiles to Shelmia, "Welcome to Salidar.. both of you." Her eyes move to Gaudior, blinking in suprise but not saying anything as she looks to Adrian.
Corvanther looks to Gaudior and nods. "Yes. New." To Lauriana he says simply. "Thank you." He looks around where he stands. His eyes comeing back to the men here on occasion. He rests a hand on the horse and pets it.
Alton nods to Gaudior 'Gaudior will show Corvanther around and get him oriented to the life of a Charge."
Once on this side of the gate, Adrian begins unbuttoning his coat with just his left hand. His only greeting to Gaudior is a frown of irritation which does not even slow the work on his coat. As he undoes the last button, he turns to face Lauriana, slipping his left arm out of the sleeve and then very gingerly sliding the ruined right sleeve off his bloody arm, then quickly presses the ruined fabric to the wound as he begins slowly walking towards his Aes Sedai.
Shemia looks to Lauriana and says a happy, "Thank you, Aes Sedai." Looking around the area, her sight doesn't lie to one person or twig very long. She continues to walk slowly still holding the reins. "My legs thank you much for not forcing them to ride." A smile plays her lips and she wrinkles her nose at a new smell.
Gaudior sees Lauriana, and bows deeply, saying, "Light Illumine Aes Sedai. And welcome to Salidar Shemia, as Lauriana Aes Sedai has said." He looks to Corvanther, and at his sword for a moment. Steepling his fingers a moment, moving to sit on a bench. He says, "Come, sit Corvanther, and we shall talk of what is going to be expected of you here. That is, if you feel like it at the moment, after your journey." His eyes beam a little bit, as if he is about to give a pet speech.
Corvanther looks between the men and looks to the ladies behinds him. "As you will. Should I not stable Blaze first? Not to mention Shemia's horse? My horse is trained to me and rather dislikes others messing with him. It can wait however if needed."
Lauriana licks her lips as the glow still surrounds her body, a softly lit halo. She walks to Adrian with a touch of concern etched upon her face. Her hand move to either side of Adrian's head as she weaves intricate web of spirit and water, placing it into his body gently.
A shudder passes through Adrian's body in time with the Healing weave. His hands spasm causing him to drop his ruined coat. The flesh of his arm ripples beneath his torn shirt sleeve as the deep cut knits itself whole again. As the tremors of his body subside, he says softly,'Thank you, Aes Sedai.' He sways slightly as he offers her a half bow.
Corvanther nods and approches Shemia. "I will put them both in the stable Shemia. Please take what you need off of him. I do not know what you are allowed to keep. Did you ever give him a name?"
Alton waits till Lauriana is finished healing Adrian to say "I shall take my leave no Lauriana, its been a while since I last ate. If you need me, you know where to find me.' He bows his head to Lauriana, smiling to her, before turning and heading off towards the Blue Lady Inn.
Shemia nods to Corvanther before removing her pack from it's back. "I simply call him Spiritdancer." Looking up to the man, she offers a warm and friendly smile. Hefting her pack over her shoulder, she turns back to the crowd and holds her head high seeminly very happy.
Lauriana lets her hands linger just a moment on Adrian's face, watching him carefully. Her voice a soft whisper, that only he can here for a brief amount of time and then she turns to the others around her, offering a smile and a nod to Alton, "Aye.. thank you for you time today, Gaidin."
Corvanther leads both horses away from the small group. "One small question if I may. Where is the stables so I can take the horses there? I do not know my way around."
Gaudior nods and smiles, saying, "I am sure that Lauriana will show you around. You have been made aware that... ahhh well, go to the stables if you would, just a little north of the Square, which is west of here, which you can't miss, and come back please, and we will discuss it." He then smiles at the man.
A young woman in white dress walks into the clearing. She walks over to Lauriana and curtseys deeply, "Do you need me for anything, Lauriana Sedai?" Lauri nods her head slightly, casting a glance to Shemia, "Please take her to a room, show her where she will be sleeping and have her wait."
Adrian sketches an unsteady bow to Lauriana and mutters,'As you command, Aes Sedai.' As he rises, he turns towards his coat lying on the ground, giving it a curious look for a moment, then shaking his head slightly and turning to follow Lauriana, leaving the coat where it is.
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