The journey to Tear had been a good one for Kira. It had been 14 years since she had left Tar Valon and explored the world, and being Aes Sedai granted her certain freedoms that she hadn't had. The chance to go back to Tear (she no longer thought of it as home) was part of a journey that she had needed to do. Letting go of what her father had done to her so long ago would allow her to focus solely on the work of the White Tower.
The journey there had been relatively uninteresting. She had journeyed with a caravan, so at the very least she had company. It turned out, her father, although not well off had left her some money and with the stipend she got as an Aes Sedai, she had bought some new dresses and a blood bay mare she named Melody. So she had rode along side the caravan, oftentimes tending to the ills of those who traveled with her - scrapes, illnesses, or any other injuries travelers would likely get. This, and her status as an Aes Sedai, often earned her food for the trip there. She had also brought her harp along. As had been promised, the harp had been taken care of until she had gained the shawl after which it came back into her possession.
Her return trip she traveled with another caravan until she reached Caemlyn. It was then that the caravan turned west to head towards the Two Rivers. She was left alone to continue her journey back home - at least for now. Kira smiled as she thought of Tar Valon, remembering when she had first arrived how little she had wanted to be there. Now it was her home. She had sisters there and those who were more than that. It had been good to get away, but would be better to get back.
Lost her in own thoughts, she didn't notice the two men come out of the woods. It was Melody's hesitation that got her attention. One man grabbed Melody's reins, trying to hold the horse still as the other grabbed for Kira. Melody whinnied in protest. Caught off guard, he pulled her off. Kira acted with instinct, embracing Saidar and using a weave of air to cushion the blow as much as possible. It was still jarring to hit the ground, but she was unfazed, although she let out a slight scream. The man who had pulled her off began to search for her pouch - nothing more than a common thug. She began to form a weave to defend herself - more to scare the bandits than actually hurt them, but movement caught her attention and she hesitated, thinking she wouldn't have to.
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Ignis had set up his camp for the night. It had been some time since he had left Arafel, and he had seen much of the continent, avoiding only Arafel. He couldn't go back there. He might never be able to go back there.
Ignis put his swords on his back and grabbed his bow and some arrows. It was getting close to dinner time and he needed to hunt. It was a skill he had picked up in his travels. Getting a couple of rabbits, he began to head back to camp when he saw the two men. Ignis felt uneasy about them. They moved in a way that left Ignis feeling they were up to something. It could be nothing, but still he followed them.
The men went to the road and began to harass a woman on a horse, pulling her off. That was enough for him. Ignis stepped out. One man held the horse, and the other appeared to be searching the woman for valuables. Perhaps they simply were desperate. If that were the case, Ignis would have gladly offered them a share of his food, but they lost that right the moment they pulled a defenseless woman off her horse to commit petty robbery.
Ignis stepped up, drawing his blades. "Leave her alone," he warned them. The one harassing the woman stood and drew a blade. His attempt at a stance told him this man knew nothing of combat. He was indeed desperate.
"I don't know - we should just leave. This guy looks like he can fight."
Ignis held back from laughing.
"I'd listen to your friend," Ignis said. There was no arrogance to his voice - it was a warning to get out.
The apparent leader of the party elected not to listen, and approached Ignis swinging. It wasn't much to block the attempt at an attack, move in and give the man a quick cut on his arm, causing him to drop his blade. With a booted foot, Ignis kicked the man back and he fell to the ground. The second began to approach and Ignis gave him a warning glare. This one, smarter than his boss, raised his hands showing he had not armed himself, and gestured to his friend and indicated he was going to flee. Ignis nodded, and he collected his leader and left.
Ignis had no desire to follow them. They had been sufficiently cowed. The woman was the more important issue. Ignis sheathed his blades and headed over to her. She wore a bright yellow dress, skirts divided for riding and had the appearance of one who was rather well off. Except for being a little dirty, she looked no worse for wear. He reached out a hand to her, offering to help her up.
"My lady, are you alright?"
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Kira Valyrios
The soldier came to her aid and as he dealt with the bandits, Kira slipped off her Great Serpent Ring and slipped it into her pouch. The soldier appeared to know his way with a blade - well - two blades. Kira certainly hadn't been looking for a Warder, but she had a good feeling about this one. She wasn't going to make a decision on the fly though. She needed to get to know her "rescuer" better before she did.
The bandits were dealt with quickly, and to her delighted surprise, the soldier didn't chase them, instead he was more worried about the woman he had come to aid. Kira took his offered hand and came to her feet, dusting off her dress as she could. "Nothing damaged except my pride. I'm very fortunate you were nearby. Please excuse me for a moment as I check on my traveling companion." she said before turning to her horse.
Melody seemed rather calm - a testament to the people who trained her, but she still tossed her head occasionally in anxiety. Kira approached slowly, clicking her tongue as the horse got her scent and began to calm down. She went to her saddle bag, pulled out a carrot and offered it to the horse who accepted the treat with a whinny and nuzzle of her hand. A quick look showed the horse uninjured. "Good girl," she said stroking the horse's nose.
Kira turned once more to face her rescuer, he stood by silently, waiting for her to finish. "I thank you, Sir, for your aid in my time of need. Please tell me what I may offer you to repay your good deed?" She asked, smiling.
Ignis Caleum
Ignis waited while the woman went to check on her horse. As she did, he shook the blood from his blades and re-sheathed them. She was indeed okay and the horse seemed well trained as well. It was a little spooked, but responded to its owner with trust. She turned to face him, asking what reward he would request. It was an understandable question, but not a necessary one in Ignis' mind.
"Nothing, my Lady. It was my honor to assist," he said with a slight bow. "And please, call me Ignis. Ignis Caleum is my name."
Ignis saw her lips turn into a quick smile.
"My lady, even the roads are dangerous for a lone traveler during these times. It might be best for you to return to town and travel with a group. Bandits and those desperate enough to take advantage of a lone rider won't usually trouble themselves with a caravan."
Ignis Caleum
Ignis sighed. Light this woman is stubborn.
Ignis couldn't believe it. Did this woman care nothing for her own safety. These bandits had been nothing, but there were those who would take advantage of a lone woman traveling. Some would even want more for money. Ignis thought about it. If she refused to travel with a group, he knew what he had to do. His honor required it.
"Then would you permit me to go with you, to keep you safe?' He had no idea where the woman would be going, this could be months. He wasn't sure he wanted to do it, but honor could be quite a burden sometimes.
"How do I know that you are sincere?"
The woman's words echoed in his ears. Perhaps she was smarter than he gave her credit for at this point. "Other than what you've seen here today, and my own oath that I will do what I can to protect you until you reach your destination, you don't," he said truthfully. There was no beating around the bush on it. It was the truth. "As for that oath, you have it - if you would permit me."