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Sharine tilts back her head, sun catching the sheen of her face. On the fare corner of the plaza, small flower basket looped across her arm. A fragrent round of wheatbread, wrapped packege of cheese. Talking to a merchant in a quietvoice, gentle but persistant haggling.
There is a murmur of activity to the south of the oval. The crowd begins to part in the face of a patrol of Aiel Maidens of the spear, who stalk warily through the plaza seemingly looking in all directions at once. Behind them are two men on horseback. The first is quite large, looking to be Aiel, but dressed as an Andoran lord. Rand gazes coldly around the plaza as he follows the maidens on his horse, looking perhaps just slightly impatient at the slow pace. He shoots a glance back at the second horseman and says in a cold, sharp tone,'Stay alert, Dashiva.'
A small group of Guardsman stalk in from the east, their cool eyes searching wildly over the plaza as they enter. At the head of the group is a large Borderlander who seems a truly hard man despite his youth. Kaliendrick's eyes hold on the large group to the South as he leans to his side to speak with Benedict for a few seconds. Pulling away from the man, he proceeds toward the group followed closely by two Guardsmen
Sharine turns with the crowd, body jostled a bit as other people crowd closer to the merchant to make room for Rand and his group of protectors.A low word to the merchant. steady gaze following this appearnce of the Dragon after such a long period of absence :). "I want three loaves of the cheese bread, fresh not yesterdays."
Corlan frowns slightly and looks around the plaza as he pulls on the reins of his horse and it slows,"Yes, Lord Dragon.." he moves his gaze over the plaza watching people nearest closely. Corlan's lips move quickly yet nothing is heard as he talks to himself.
Roufin looked up sharply at the words 'Lord Dragon', he stopped polishing his saddle as he glanced around, his eyes fell upon who he assumed to be the Dragon. Blinking uncertainly he looked around, his eyebrows drawn down, making small furrows in his forehead. Why was today going so bad? A fight, a reprimand by his commanding officer, AND being in the same city with the Dragon? He nervously resumed polishing his saddle.
As Rand's stallion passes near to the Guard patrol, a loose paving stone shifts under its front right hoof. Freakishly, the horseshoe gets caught on the edge of the stone. A sickening wet pop sounds as the horse stumbles and then lets out a terrified, pained neigh. Rand is throne from his saddle by the unexpected movement, landing in a sprawl near Kaliendrick's feet. The horse falls to the other side and lies on the cobblestones kicking and thrashing wildly, eyes rolling wildly as it continues to let out pitiful, wounded sounds.
Benedict nods as Kaliendrick speaks to him, then following close behind him as he approaches the group. His stride is nearly as unrelenting and stoic as the expression on his face as he follows the Captain. The only unnessiary movement he makes is an occasional absent-minded rub at the stump where his right arm used to be.
Aevar can't help but blink quite a bit upon seeing Rand here, in the flesh and everything. Perhaps it's a good thing that he currently is out of uniform, in a deep gray garb that could almost match with the stones of the streets and buildings. He says nothing, though his face more than hints that he knows Rand, and for quite a few reasons. That lasts only as much as it takes before he can seemingly casually turn south, from entering from the east, and heading away.
Kaliendrick halts abrutply, peering down at the man before him curiously, "Are you alright?" he asks in a deep voice.
Corlan frowns and quickly looks to Rand and his face turns to one of disgust as he watchs the horse. Corlan moves to dismount a bit aquardly and about falls over as his sword gets tangled in his legs, his hand moves to the hilt of his sword to keep it out of the way, he turns and starts towards Rand,"Are you well Lord Dragon?" he asks a bit gruffly, sending a glare at he downed animal.
Benedict look down at Rand with a slightly sick look on his face, the first show of expression on his face yet. He almost seems to feel guilty for the Dragon falling, as if it could be his fault. Benedict frowns slightly and sighs. "What does this kind of stuff always seem to happen..." He mumbles to himself, trailing off.
Sharine absently pays for the three rounds of bread, not noticing thaty they are garlic and not the cheese she had insisted upon."so.." low to herself. The crowd surges closer, jostling and shoving to make room fro the thrashing horse. A coin handed to the merchant, wash of the wave of humanity pushing the woman like flotsam on a stream. Yet this flotsam makes its way against all odds closer to the edge of the crowd.
Roufin set his saddle aside hurriedly, tucking the rag he had been polishing with into his belt, hurrying over to the horses side he frowned worriedly. Mumbling to himself about horses he sighed, sad, that such a fine horse would have that fate fall upon him. He suddenly noticed how close he was to the Dragon, he shivered nervously as he looked at the man laying on the ground, hoping he wouldn't notice him.
The young Maiden nearest to Rand's horse steps forward and with one quick thrust and a twist of her wrist ends the animals misery and silences its cries. Rand scrambles to his feet, glaring around him angrily. He shoots Corlan a harsh look and snaps,'I am fine.' As he turns to face Kaliendrick his gaze passes the dead horse, pausing only for the briefest of moments before dismissing it. He gazes down at the officer and then slowly takes in the other guardsmen with him. His eyes return to Kaliendrick. He notes the man's insignia and then looks him in the eye,'I am well, Captain.' His eyes narrow slightly and he adds,'You are in charge of the Guard here?
Corlan frowns and steps back and sends Roufin a scowl, his eyes narrowing as he watchs the boy,"I suggest you go back to what you were doing boy.." he barks, before moving his gaze to another person fully expecting Roufin to move.
Kaliendrick looks up, meeting the man's gaze eye to eye the nods, "I am." looking past Rand to the maidens, then to the dead horse, the back to Rand, "What can I do for you?"
Sharine pulls her arm about in front, small basket settled in front. Her other hand joins, threading the hoop, comfortable grip. A wrinkle of her nose, spicy scent of garlic quite pungent. Coming ot a halt in the crowd, not far from Rand and the entire group of people yet within the very edge of the gaping crowds who peer and whisper of the Dragon."I do hope that he is not going to leave the horse here." fat woman whispers to a neighbor, rather loudly, behind Shar.
Benedict blinks at Rand's question, but remains silent. He puts his left arm under his stump, as if he were crossing his arms, had he two, and purses his lips in thought. He moves over to Kaliendrick's right side slightly, though still being a few inches behind his shoulder.
The Maidens nearest to Rand and Kaliendrick glare at the captain for no apparent reason, then begin flashing hand signals at each other. Rand nods slowly to the man and says,'I do not believe I know your name, Captain. But I am sure you are aware who I am.' While he awaits a response, he digs out a folded piece of parchment from his coat pocket.
Kaliendrick nods simply, still glaring at the man as if were his equal, "I do" He inclines his head to Rand, "Forgive my rudeness, I am Captain Kaliendrick Setamore"
Benedict watches the interaction between his Captain and The Dragon with obvious interest. Rubbing his chin in thought, he studies Rand the same way he would a suspect, trying to decern his intentions and predict his next move.
Roufin frowned as the horse was killed, but didn't say anything about it, since that was the most logical thing to do. Standing back to his feet he nervously tried to edge away from Rand, glad that the Dragon was involved with important matters. Sighing down at the horse again, he held his breath as he passed by Rand, imagining he could almost feel the dark one's taint rolling off him.
Sharine sniffs once more, basket stared down to."Fool merchant." murmured to herself low. Garlic nice and strong, very fragrent. Listening in to the conversation, body solidly in its place despite the movement around her."I am sure he will dispose of it somehow." speaking to the fat lady and her neighbor,"probably eat it. You know how he does like to eat ...freshly killed meat." voice dropping to a whisper, making the two liesting woman gasp. eyes rivit to Rand, as if expecting him to jump on the ead horse and start gnowing on its harry hide
Corlan glances back at Roufin stepping somewhat closer to Rand, yet his attention is on everyone else and not the Lord Dragon. Corlan's left hand moves to rub the back of his neck and pull a little on the collar of his shirt.
Carson walks in from the north, his hands are clasped behind his back as he makes his way to some of the local merchants booths. Picking up some jewlery and looking at it, Carson smiles at the vendor and makes his way to the net. Smiling at the vendors he visits, he finnaly turns to the fountain and makes his way over towards it.
Seara is walking fast, almost running as she enteres the oval. She stops looks around then walks slowly to the fountain. She sets on the bench and places her little hands in her lap. She crosses her right foot over her left and begins to swing them back and forth. Her small grenn eyes are bright and full of spirit. Her smile large and warm. She sits and waits.
Rand glances at the parchment, then roughly shoves it back in his pocket. He looks back to Kaliendrick, smirking slightly at the man's attitude. The smirk slowly fades, his face going hard as stone. He says in a cold, harsh tone,'Some disturbing things have been brought to my attention, Captain Setamore. It seems that Caemlyn has become a refuge for every criminal and malcontent this side of the Dragonwall. Whitecloaks harrass honest citizens in the streets, thievery is commonplace, and kidnapping seems to have become the favorite local entertainment.' His voice seems to grow even colder as he adds,'This is not the state I wish the city to be in when Elayne Trakand reclaims her throne.'
Roufin let out a heavy sigh of relief as he passed by rand, he seated himself back down beside his saddle. Staring over at the group of people. He just hoped that another freak accident wouldn't happen.
Benedict flinches slightly at Rand's accusations, almost as if he had physicaly struck him. Benedict frowns slightly and almost seems to sneer for a second, but soon the expressions disapear from his face, having regained his composure again. Benedict glances over his shoulder and sees Carson heading towards them. He turns back to Kaliendrick and Rand, giveing no clue as to his thoughs on Carson's arrival.
Kaliendrick lowers his head respectfully to Rand, looking the man eye to eye as he replies calmly, "Nor I....." His eyes grow cold, his voice growing deep and harsh to amtch his features, "The current Captain General is imcomptetent. He sits in his great manor, fornicating with his wife while we tough it out here trying all we can to keep this city from falling into completel chaos!"
Corlan's gaze moves to include Seara as she walks into the plaza rather quickly and he openly stares at the woman his lips tighten and he frowns before he finally tears his gaze away.
Carson finally gets to the fountain and sees kaliendrick adBenedict, making his posture better and standing straight, Carson salutes Kaliendrick and Benedict saying, 'LIght Illumine sirs' He turns to this strange man talking to them and says, 'Good day fine sir' He stands tall and looks to Rand, thinking of him as a noble, Carson dosent think anything of him as he turns back and waits for Kaliendrick's and Benedicts response.
Sharine lets the crowd push her to the side, her few words having the crowd near where she had been murmuring about how Rand Althor loves to eat raw horsemeat and that is why he had the animal killed. Taking a round of the garlic bread in hand she pushes back towards the merchant."These are the wrong one.." tone calm yet the merchant must hear something else. Sputtering his apoligies.
Roufin grumbled to himself as he stopped focusing on the other people's conversation, instead he resumed polishing his saddle, and wishing out loud, a little louder than he wished," Bah, Lord Matrim should get the band on the move soon...this city is getting worse every day.." He absently patted his injured leg, and sighed.
Benedict blinks at Kaliendrick's statement, but nods to show his approval of it. He also moves half a step closer to the Captain, as if to show his support for the man. He turns to Carson and nods in reply to him while returning his salute.
Seara sees Corlan frown at her and she smiles and then sticks her tongue out at him quikly before turning her gaze to see Carson walk closer She smiles and waves big at him. She overhears all that then men are talking about and she seems confused but it doesnt last long before she starts to hum a tune to herself as she sits.
Rand pulls off his riding gloves, exposing the tips of the dragon heads on the backs of his hands. As he listens to Kaliendrick he tucks the gloves behind his belt. His entire body tenses as if with anger at the comments about the Captain General and his wife. He lowers his arms, letting his fists clench at his sides and says in a low, angry tone,'The Captain General's wife is his business. And he is the regent's problem. It will be dealt with. As of right now, the city is now your problem.' He raises his right hand and punctuates the last comment by stabbing his finger in Kaliendrick's direction. His voice gets slightly louder as he continues,'The Red Shields also patrol the city, but I may have need of them elsewhere. My Asha'man are assisting as well, but they are not trained as watchmen. They are trained as weapons. The Guard is the best choice for fixing these things. As of right now you are charged with the task of doing so.'
Corlan grunts as Saera sticks her tongue out at him, he glances in The Lord Dragon's direction and wrinkles his nose as if he has caught the scent of something rotten, his gaze turns away to glance at the dead horse.
Kaliendrick glares hard at the man, his eyes cold against the light over the plaza, simply nodding in reply fearing ihs words may bring him trouble
Sharine waits for the new bread, the other three taken off by a apprentice."That is how you loose your customers you know. " head cocked so that the Dragon may still be heard. Focusing ion the conversation, Rand eyed from over the top of the crowd."A man, never can he make his mind up." shake of head, level gaze on the merchant again,"Where is my bread?" rounds being handed over now, six and not the three orginally purchaese.
Roufin growled as a weasly looking man passed by him and whispered in his ear to run far away, because the Dragon Reborn had just eaten raw horseflesh, while it was still alive. Shaking his head he set his saddle down beside him, wondering whether to return to the Ball and Hoop or stay around and watch the Dragon Reborn, he decided to stay, he watched the man's back, hoping he wouldn't turn around or use Saidin on him..or anything.
Desdemona walks casually into the plaza, surveying her surroundings with an unusually cool icey gaze for one so youthfull. judging from her expression as she adjusts a glove, she would rather be somewhere else.
Carson bows slightly and salute to kaliendrick and benedict as he looks to Rand and nods his head slightly. Making his way over towards Seara, Carson says, 'Now, now are you behaving yourself today?' Carson smiles at her as he speaks, looking at the corpse of the dead horse and shaking his head. Looking back to Seara, Carson says, 'Well?' He ruffles her hair up slightly as he speaks, and waits for her answer.
Desdemona sniffs the air lightly, wrinkling her nose...Finally she glances towards the center of the oval and notices the carcass. With a disgusted intake of breath, she immediately buries her nose in her kerchief.
"Raw meat, I saw him take a bite right out of the horse." whispers to that effect echo amoung a group of the gawkers. Instead of making them stay back the crowd seems even more interested, like people who stop to watch a accident. Sharine simply smiles to herself when a child asks if it was true,
Desdemona mutters lightly to no one in particular, ' what foulness is this? '
Benedict's eyes go wide at Rand's words, his brow furrows in though, unsure of what to make of them. Benedict stiffens slightly, his back more ridged than ever, seeming to have suddenly been put under a burden, as any charges to Kaliendrick would surely trickle down to him as well.
Seara looks up at Carson and proclaims " Bubba" she jumps up and stands on the bench to give the man a big hug reaching her little arms out far. " I have been very good bubba. I always am. Can i walk on the edge of the fountain ? I promise not to fall in today. I promise." she asks him with a large grin on her face.
Desdemona blinks and offers a hard look for a man who speaks gossip of horse-flesh eating: both of them standing several spans from the actual scene. 'You, are a fool. The Dragon Reborn is not eating horseflesh here in Caemlyn...perhaps you'd like to add a boiling fade or two to that story? Or an ogier?' She chuckles mirthlessly as she strides away- walking closer to the crowd.
Desdemona grumbles to herself, "Trollocs, and Dragons, and Ogier, oh my."
Rand nods slowly, apparently satisfied with something, and slowly lowers his hand. He moderates the anger in his tone slightly,'Since the most alarming of the reports I have received are of abductions by Aes Sedai or rogue male channelers, I will be making available to you some people of similar talents. One of my couriers will deliver a duty roster to you in the morning.' He pauses a moment as he studies the young captain, then asks,'You do not have a problem working with channelers do you, Captain Setamore? If so I can find someone who is able to do as I command.' The muttering of the crowd finally penetrates to Rand as he watches Kaliendrick and waits for his answer. Over his shoulder he barks,'Dashiva, dispose of the dead animal.' Then he returns to his study of the captain.
Kaliendrick raises his hand to his neck, gently rubbing the skin of his neck as he clears throat, his features softening as calms returns to him, "No I have no trouble with that" he smiles slightly looking Rand eye to eye
Roufin's jaws cracked in a huge yawn, he glanced up at the sky, then back toward his inn, and then at the Dragon, he sighed then shifted in his seat. Wondering if something interesting would happen.
"He -is- going to eat it, tonight for dinner in the palace. I heard it from the cook." whispered words from a sweaty man to his current mistress. Like flame before the wind the rumor circulates through the crowd, the preperation for the taking off of the horse seeming the confirmatio of it.
Desdemona blinks at the mention of Aes Sedai, and openly gapes at the futher mention of male channelers. Reclaiming control over her features, she smooths her face in a Cairheinien manner- but her eyes seem a bit nervous still. She idly paws through her belt pouch as if looking for money.
Desdemona sits down hard onto a bench next to the fountain, appraising the situation unfolding before her with an anticipatory look of both fear and intruige.
Corlan jumps slightly as Rand disturbs him from his daydream walking over to the dead horse embracing the one power he weaves simple flows of fire and a slight bit of air together. The animal suddenly burst into flames, Corlan watchs it intently making sure to reduce the corpse to ashs.
Sharine loads the basket with the fresh bread, head turning about, slow leveled gaze taking in those who are seen. Restig to Rand and his 'escort'moving on to the others.
Carson shakes his head at seara and says, 'Not today Seara' He glances back over to Kaliendrick and benedict, knowing they wouldnt approve. He looks back dow to Seara and gets down on his right knee and says to her in a low voice, 'maybe once these people are gone' He smiles at her and ruffles her hair again before standing back up and smiling to her.
Desdemona irritably waves away a grimy old woman who pulls at her sleeve and starts babbling about the dragon reborn. The corners of her mouth twitch.
Desdemona abandons all integrity as she watches the flames- her eyes as round as the horse's must have been in it's death throws. Flailing her arms, she jumps to her feet. "Light! There's a....Light!"
Seara smiles at Carson. " Alright bubba. They had better hurry tho i am getting hungery . " she says to him with a slight frown on her face. She sets and waits again.
Desdemona flickers her gaze to Corlan, eyeing him like a viper as she edges towards the vendor stand...then switching her gaze to rand. She mouths "dragon reborn" silently, her face pale as newly cleaned bed linens.
Desdemona turns about and decides she really does not want to find out just what is going on in this particular part of caemlyn; holding her skirts, she starts into a trot....and bumps into Carson in her haste.
Desdemona stammers out an apology, her eyes darting behind her quickly. "I- I'm sorry..." She holds her skirts and makes as if to make her way into the crowd
Carson smiles as Seara and begins to walk away as Desdemona bumps into him, turning around ad catching himself before he falls, he turns to her and says, 'Sorry M'lady my fault, Im sorry' He smiles at her and says, 'Many apologies' He lowers his head to her in a gratefull manner before lifting it again and smiling to her. Watching her trot off like a mad cow, Carson turns back to Seara and smils at her saying, 'Be good now' He smiles at her and turns his back and begins to walk over towards Kaliendrick and Rand.
Rand nods slowly, a smile forming on his lips, cold and mirthless, but a smile nonetheless. He says simply,'Do not fail me, Captain Setamore.' He turns and motions for the Maidens to resume clearing a path to the palace. Pointedly ignoring the blackened spot that was recently occupied by his horse, Rand begins following the Maidens. Suddenly he stops and turns back towards Kaliendrick. A look of cold anger washes across his face and he says in a rough tone,'There was a rather gruesome murder a while back in the Half Moon Inn. Do not trouble yourself with that. I will be attending to it personally.' He motions sharply for Corlan to follow and resumes following his escort.
Sharine wrinkles her nose as the smell of burnt hair and the savory scent of cooking meat(albiet horsemeat) fills the plaza,"Couldn't he have waited to eat that animal at the palace." low sound of disgust, eyes sparkle with just a bit of mischief. Loud enough to be heard, others taking the words and warping them. This added to the other rumors about Rand and the hourse...and what they did before the horse was killed. Killed because the Dragon was hungry, Killed because he had a boil on his butt, the rumors are endless.
Benedict frowns as The Dragon turns to leave the oval. Walking up next to Kaliendrick as Rand leave, Benedict turns to his Captain, looking at him expectantly, but saying nothing.
Kaliendrick nods and smiles slightly, looking after the man just long enoguh to see him go before turning on to Benedict with anger written on his face, speaking at almost a growl, "The Captain General slacks off and I am left to do his job whiel he gets credit for anything i do to aid this city." HE slams his fist down onto the palm of the other hand, "ENOUGH OF THIS! it ends NOW!" He growls deeply, "Benedict the Captain General no longer exists to you, I am the highest authority to you, is that clear?"
Seara lokos around to see Carson leave her side. She stands up and walks over to the edge of the fountain. She places her foot on the edge and climbs up. squating she looks to make sure no one is watching her. She balances herself with her arms stretched out to her sides. She smiles and watching her feet , she places one in front of the other. She walks along the edge till she gets behind Rand and Kal and the other. She looks to see what that bad smell is and sees a burning horse. Screaming she looses her balance and falls into the water. Water splashes out of the fountain in a large wall toward all of the men. She sits on her bottom in the middle of the fountain crying looking to Carson saying " I am sorry. They hurt the horsey, Bubba. They hurt it." she sniffs
Corlan nods and moves to follow Rand, stopping to gather the reins of his horse and moves to keep up with the Lord Dragon, sending glares and frowns to any that dare look in his direction.
Benedict blinks slowly, "Yes sir." Benedict smiles faintly, trembling slightly with excitment. "Do you have any new orders, Captain General?"
Carson shakes his head as he hears the sound of someone falling in the fountain. He turns to the fountain and sees Seara fall in, shaking his head, he snickers slightly and says, 'SEARA!!!!! What did I tell you' He makes his way over towards the edge of the fountain to where Seara is and extends his hand you take her out of the water. Looking to her, Carson says, 'i know what they did, and there is nothing I can do to stop them' He smiles at her and says, 'Lets go get you out of those wet clohtes' He looks back to kaliendrick and Benedict. before looking back to Seara and waiting for her to take his hand.
Rand stops at the sound of the splash and turns to look in the direction of the fountain. His eyes light on the little girl, who seems to be all right. He shakes his head slightly and resumes his trek to the palace, shaking his head slightly.
Sharine forces her way out of the crushing crowd, Rand and his group watched from the backside as they start off.A tilt of her head, body still as a stone in a ocean of waves. Without much ado she swings her path towards the southern part of the square.
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