The Wheel Weaves A Chance Meeting

[Cadence]

Kira Valyrios

Kira was amused by Shiro's interaction with Ignis.  Shiro was of course being the protective fatherly figure that he was.  Shiro was a good man, and had helped Kira overcome her trauma of abandonment when she had arrived at the tower.  He had introduced her to Aranea Sedai, who had pursued her mental healing as much she did any of her patients in the infirmary. Kira considered Shiro to be one of her closest friends - behind Faedre.  Inwardly, Kira smiled at the thought of sweet Faedre.  She would have to find the other woman soon to catch up.  Kira missed her.

Shiro led Ignis to the practice yard and Kira found a spot by the fence that surrounded the area, ready to watch her Warder in action.  She could feel the bundle of emotions that was Ignis inside full of excitement and anticipation.  It had been long since her Warder had fought what he would consider a worthy opponent.  Of course, Kira understood this was no mere spar. Shiro was testing her Warder and seeing if he deserved the title of Warder.  The potential of a spar with a newcomer collected the attention of a crowd and Kira saw some beginning to pull out coin purses and wagering on the outcome.  A woman in a yellow dress approached and Kira looked that way to see Aranea approach.

"Aranea Sedai," Kira said, bowing her head in deference to her Yellow sister. "It is wonderful to see you again."

Aranea smiled. "To you as well, Kira Sedai," Aranea took the spot next to Kira to watch her Warder test Igins. "Tell me Kira, have you heard of the flame and the void."

Kira nodded, but kept her gaze on her Warder as he got into a fighting stance. "I have," Kira answered.

Kira's attention was drawn to the fence post as she heard a coin clink on top of it.  Aranea's fingers moved to reveal the Tar Valon mark she had placed on the fence post. "A mark says Shiro breaks him."

The bet had surprised Kira even if the wording on the wager did not.  This wasn't a fight about winning - it was a test - and as Shiro tested Ignis, Aranea was testing Kira.  The bet spoke of Aranea's true question - would Kira stand behind her Warder as she expected her Warder to stand behind her.  With a brief smirk Kira pulled out a mark and placed it next to Aranea's as the spar began.