The First Age

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Amelia Thorne

Amelia had been traveling with the Andoran army for a few days. They were heading north to Shienar and since that was her direction, it only made sense for her to travel along with. She told no one she was Aes Sedai, but spent her time among the women who took care of the camps day-to-day routines. As a result, she remained pretty inconspicuous. After all, what Aes Sedai would spend her time cleaning dishes or washing clothes. It wasn't an odd thing for the Blue to do. She worked in charity, and you did what needed to be done.

Still, rumors were beginning to leak that they had an Aes Sedai in their midst. She couldn't hide the ageless nature of her face, and someone was bound to recognize it somewhere. Her decision to remain hidden hadn't been one of deception. It had just been what she had needed at the time. The name of their leader had been one that had got her attention, and had an effect on her personally.

Lord Taravin.

It was a name she had been familiar with for a long time. Her best friend growing up in Caemlyn had been of House Taravin. They had met again as Novices in the White Tower and had built a friendship there. They had studied together often and when times got rough as they often did for Novices and Accepted, they had found comfort in each other's arms. The name had provoked memories - from childhood and novicehood, the pride she felt when her friend had been promoted to Keeper, and the sadness she had felt with her death. The name had stirred something within her, and she had felt the need to keep herself more anonymous as she remembered her friend. As she remembered Corele.

But with the rumors, she couldn't remain hidden. It was best for her to let the Lord know that she was in her midst and to offer her services to the camp. Aes Sedai were after all servants of all. Likely he would read more into this than she meant. That was the great game. Bloody politics. Amelia approached a guard whose eyes met her as she approached. She had changed into a different dress - a blue one fitting for an Andoran noblewoman. Her attire before had been more subdued before. Her Great Serpent Ring was prominently displayed on the third finger of her right hand.

She approached the guard who opened his mouth to speak. "I am Amelia Thorne, Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah, and I would like to speak with your Lord to offer my services."

The guard's mouth remained open, but he recovered quickly. Amelia hid her amusement under a serene face. "I will inquire right away, Aes Sedai," he said with a bow. "Please follow me." Amelia gave him a polite nod in acceptance as she followed him.

"Nicole Candraed”

Corele had heard the rumors slipping through the camp like smoke in the wind. An Aes Sedai was hidden among them. Light, let it not be true. If it was the Black Ajah…

She tightened her cloak with white-knuckled fingers, eyes tracking Leodon across the firelit field. If it was Black Ajah, they wouldn’t just kill him. They’d do worse. Corrupt or seduce him. Destroy from within. Bring down the army before they even reached Shienar. So for these past few days she watched him like a hawk circling above a hare, and when the gossipmongers began whispering about her early visits to his tent, she met their glances with cold silence. Her reputation could burn for all she cared. Leodon was all that mattered.

Still, the camp had needs. Even fear could not excuse her from duty. Nicole was currently bent beneath the slosh of heavy pails, grunting as she poured water into the cookpots. You’d think, after years of hauling her life across half the world, her shoulders would have grown numb to the weight. But no. Each trip tugged at old muscles, and each time, she swallowed a groan and moved faster.

The steam from the pots curled into her face as she stirred, lost in thought, until someone dashed up beside her, breathless.

“There is one,” the woman whispered. “An Aes Sedai. She came to Lord Taravin’s tent. Said she had a message from the Tower.”

Nicole froze, spoon in hand. A thousand thoughts thundered in her head. Aes Sedai. Here. She masked her shock, but her voice was too calm for the tension she felt inside.

“Did you catch a name?” The answer struck suddenly, and she was cold all over.

Later, she stood apart from the others, cloaked and hooded, shrinking into the shadows along a row of tents. It wasn’t hard to make herself small. Dirt and sweat clung to her skin, and weariness draped her bones like lead. Travel without the One Power was always harder. Still, her eyes, half-hidden beneath her hood, watched the tent from a safe distance.

Lord Leodon Taravin

Heir to the High Seat

The map of Shienar was spread across the table, held down at the corners with stones and a half-empty wine cup. Small carved tokens marked potential troop placements: some real, some meant to mislead if eyes untrustworthy happened upon them. The tent smelled of oiled leather and dry lavender.

Leodon stood at the head of the table, a gloved finger tracing the spine of the Drakon Ridge. “We make for Fal Moran initially,” he said, voice even.“But we can divert when we learn where we are needed most. General, train your scouts to watch for shadow spawn north of the Blightborder. They have to learn the signs.”

A murmur of assent passed around the tent. Commanders leaned in, discussing supply lines and fallback positions.
Then the flap of the tent opened.

A lower nobleman, member of Leodon’s entourage, gave a quick nod. “Apologies. A woman has arrived at camp. She says she is Aes Sedai.”

The tent fell still. Leodon straightened, smoothing the front of his coat. “Invite her in. With respect.”

Leodon turned to the gathered officers. “You are dismissed. We will resume after.” No one questioned him. By the time the last man stepped out, Leodon had moved to stand beside the carved chair near the fire.

When she entered, he bowed, not exaggerated, but enough. Enough to make clear who she was.

“Aes Sedai,” he said, voice resonant and sincere. “You honor my humble camp with your presence. If I or any under my banner can serve the White Tower, command it, and it will be done.”

Amelia Thorne

Amelia earned some looks as she followed the soldier through the camp. She heard the whispers of “Aes Sedai” as she passed. This had been expected. They had confirmations that the rumors were true. By nightfall the entire camp would probably know she was here. They arrived at Lord Taravin’s tent. Some people watched, their eyes going to the Lady wearing a blue dress in an Andoran cut. The soldier excused himself to go into the tent to alert Lord Taravin of her arrival.

Moments later, officers exited. She moved to the side to allow them to pass, taking in their nods and respectful utterances of “My Lady” and “Aes Sedai.” The tent flap was being held open and she entered when indicated.

Lord Taravin was a handsome man with bearing as well as formal and polite. He gave her a bow appropriate to one of her station. It was returned with a curtsy and a bowed head. ”Lord Taravin,” she said before rising to meet his eyes. ”I am Amelia Thorne, Aes Sedai of the Blue Ajah.”

Amelia stood tall, befitting that of an Andoran noblewoman, her hands clasped in front of her as she walked closer. ”The honor is mine, my Lord.” she kept her face serene, but a smile came to her eyes. ”When I was a child, House Thorne and House Taravin were friends. I’m glad to see that friendship has lasted.” Both houses had stood for House Trakand. She continued forward, stopping an appropriate distance away from Lord Taravin. ”Lord Taravin, I’m sure you have much to do, so I will not take up much of your time. Aes Sedai means “Servant of All,” and in that spirit of that, I come to serve you and your camp.”

Emily Shale-Vanders

Colette Moreau

Carter de Volthström

Emily Shale-Vanders