01-13-2018, 07:04 PM
Nythadri seemed on the verge of fading, walking in and out of visibility through what little light streamed on her. Lythia thought she'd lost her more than once, but she was encouraged the Accepted's attention returned upon mention of the Black Tower. Further when Nythadri's initial answer was followed by a long period of thoughtful silence. It was a cool response, admitting to nothing except the potential to have participated. Neither was she proclaiming innocence nor admitting to the conspiracy. In fact, her response was clever, and until now, Lythia had not considered it a possibility. Did she want the trail to lead back to her? While Nythadri pondered her options, Lythia tilted her study anew. As though looking upon a fresher face than what previously occupied her guest.
If so, it implied much. Nythadri would have had to coordinate just enough of a scent left behind that only the right people, Aes Sedai, would make the connection. It was no secret the Greens were the most well informed when it came to the internal affairs of their Black Tower brothers. Hmm. Possibly, but it seemed a stretch, even for Nythadri. She couldn't rule it out of the question, though. Especially when the Accepted returned with such an honest expression. If she were more invested in the outcome, Lythia might have been taken aback by it.
Hmm. More curiosities. She'd not expected the abstract talk about 'him' to transform into an identity so soon. Nor with so much formality, but then again, to edge the boundaries of formality fit with the picture that was Accepted Nythadri. She rarely behaved contrary to established norms, even if she skirted the edges with her flippant comments now and then. Only one word, indeed. Lythia had to swallow a smile at that.
"Oh,"
she began off handedly. She had absolutely no intention of explaining the full extent of her knowledge in response to one innocently posed question. What has he done. She tried to imagine 'him' walking the streets of Caemlyn. Of course it was a shapeless image, as she had little idea what he looked like beyond faceless facts. Facts, though, she had in abundance.
"An Accepted's general studies would include recognition of House economics. Probably any number of Accepted would recognize House Winther, if she may not be so sure of the particulars of their power. I don't imagine such is the same with you."
There was little gaming in her initial response, other than to position the relevant knowledge to the forefront of Nythadri's mind. Letting her string together the understanding that Lythia was not ignorant of her background, but only because her desk in the adjacent room was strewn with the reports she'd immediately requested. House Winther's enemies, public and private alike. Their stake in the claim to the throne, if future Wars of Succession ever arose again. Allies forged on deals that might have turned ill in recent days. Every bit of information she could piece together about the man in question. "The High Seat is surely released by now. Even the Queen cannot command so highly ranking a nobleman to imprisonment in the absence of violent charges. I imagine the Grays are quite excited over all of it."
Lythia spoke of the Grays with a sweet sense of amusement. Grays were natural allies with the Greens, but negotiations never lasted indefinitely. As permanent as the Grays would lead everyone to believe they were. "His defense should not have held such sway with Elayne, nor struck so close to the heart of Andoran court. Since the Dragon Reborn renounced his desires for taking the throne himself, such should extend to his Asha'man. But Nobles are touchy, and Lord Winther is a well-spoken orator, and then of course he has a witness."
Lythia swung her head thoughtfully side to side. That was the err, leaving someone who could claim the use of channeling against them. One simple encounter could escalate from debacle to ruin very quickly. She banished the sudden manifestation of faces before her. Byron would succeed. He had to.
"We have the Three Oaths to protect the White Tower from such allegations.."
she paused to let their wordings cross Nythadri's mind. "They have no such buffer. Only the hungry beast of rumor wherever they go."
The M'Hael and Lythia were close enough she could speak with him, if she wanted. It was no guarantee he would listen, and mercy was not in his character. However, protecting Nythadri's young Asha'man was not necessarily the 'interests' Lythia mentioned; she glanced at Nythadri's collar as though imagining a glint of gold under the gown. She couldn't fathom the desire to save one's family from turmoil given Lythia's lack of such a dynamic when she was in the same rainbow hem. However now she was blessed with sisters, and for them, she could fathom much. Such as now. Nythadri's interests were sweet, and Lythia appreciated the touch of vengeance to them, but Accepted would eventually have to leave such things behind if she were to be Aes Sedai. Or at least better cover her tracks.
For the foolhearty Asha'man, well, if the boy was half as he was described, Lythia would attempt to salvage what she could. It would be a terrible shame to see such a spectacular creature go to waste. She was still waiting for Nythadri's agreement.
If so, it implied much. Nythadri would have had to coordinate just enough of a scent left behind that only the right people, Aes Sedai, would make the connection. It was no secret the Greens were the most well informed when it came to the internal affairs of their Black Tower brothers. Hmm. Possibly, but it seemed a stretch, even for Nythadri. She couldn't rule it out of the question, though. Especially when the Accepted returned with such an honest expression. If she were more invested in the outcome, Lythia might have been taken aback by it.
Hmm. More curiosities. She'd not expected the abstract talk about 'him' to transform into an identity so soon. Nor with so much formality, but then again, to edge the boundaries of formality fit with the picture that was Accepted Nythadri. She rarely behaved contrary to established norms, even if she skirted the edges with her flippant comments now and then. Only one word, indeed. Lythia had to swallow a smile at that.
"Oh,"
she began off handedly. She had absolutely no intention of explaining the full extent of her knowledge in response to one innocently posed question. What has he done. She tried to imagine 'him' walking the streets of Caemlyn. Of course it was a shapeless image, as she had little idea what he looked like beyond faceless facts. Facts, though, she had in abundance.
"An Accepted's general studies would include recognition of House economics. Probably any number of Accepted would recognize House Winther, if she may not be so sure of the particulars of their power. I don't imagine such is the same with you."
There was little gaming in her initial response, other than to position the relevant knowledge to the forefront of Nythadri's mind. Letting her string together the understanding that Lythia was not ignorant of her background, but only because her desk in the adjacent room was strewn with the reports she'd immediately requested. House Winther's enemies, public and private alike. Their stake in the claim to the throne, if future Wars of Succession ever arose again. Allies forged on deals that might have turned ill in recent days. Every bit of information she could piece together about the man in question. "The High Seat is surely released by now. Even the Queen cannot command so highly ranking a nobleman to imprisonment in the absence of violent charges. I imagine the Grays are quite excited over all of it."
Lythia spoke of the Grays with a sweet sense of amusement. Grays were natural allies with the Greens, but negotiations never lasted indefinitely. As permanent as the Grays would lead everyone to believe they were. "His defense should not have held such sway with Elayne, nor struck so close to the heart of Andoran court. Since the Dragon Reborn renounced his desires for taking the throne himself, such should extend to his Asha'man. But Nobles are touchy, and Lord Winther is a well-spoken orator, and then of course he has a witness."
Lythia swung her head thoughtfully side to side. That was the err, leaving someone who could claim the use of channeling against them. One simple encounter could escalate from debacle to ruin very quickly. She banished the sudden manifestation of faces before her. Byron would succeed. He had to.
"We have the Three Oaths to protect the White Tower from such allegations.."
she paused to let their wordings cross Nythadri's mind. "They have no such buffer. Only the hungry beast of rumor wherever they go."
The M'Hael and Lythia were close enough she could speak with him, if she wanted. It was no guarantee he would listen, and mercy was not in his character. However, protecting Nythadri's young Asha'man was not necessarily the 'interests' Lythia mentioned; she glanced at Nythadri's collar as though imagining a glint of gold under the gown. She couldn't fathom the desire to save one's family from turmoil given Lythia's lack of such a dynamic when she was in the same rainbow hem. However now she was blessed with sisters, and for them, she could fathom much. Such as now. Nythadri's interests were sweet, and Lythia appreciated the touch of vengeance to them, but Accepted would eventually have to leave such things behind if she were to be Aes Sedai. Or at least better cover her tracks.
For the foolhearty Asha'man, well, if the boy was half as he was described, Lythia would attempt to salvage what she could. It would be a terrible shame to see such a spectacular creature go to waste. She was still waiting for Nythadri's agreement.