A Journey North

[Nesrin Aziz]

"Lady Eisheth"

She shared her tent with Nicole, which afforded plenty of privacy given where the woman naturally spent her nights. The Lady Eisheth’s status as both a genteel member of the nobility and a widow meant no one was inclined to disturb her when she retired of an evening. In the quiet and darkness, Lilis made the most of her softly spinning webs. Nicole never stepped into the dream so far as Lilis ever saw, though the ability had nothing to do with her otherwise burned powers. But her dreams were no longer protected as they once were, and unlikely the woman even knew. Fortunately for her, Lilis maintained what Lythia had abandoned when her allegiances were Turned. And so she would continue, for as long as she believed Nicole might be of use to her.

The journey had been largely unremarkable, just tedious in the way of much in this Age. The slow-moving army remained almost completely unaware of the way the world around them was spinning faster. Lilis felt every point of pressure though. She had wanted this time to soften Nicole into true friendship, and inroads had been made to that end, but she was no longer sure she had the time to spare on such subtlety. Whatever had silenced Arikan for many long years was ending; once more, he had begun spreading his dark wings.

Lilis completely avoided the other Chosen and their machinations, in both distaste and fear, but it would only be a matter of time before instruction arrived from the Nae'blis now. Eshamir had ever been obsessed with Asristin, even though both of them wore few faces.

The recent arrival of the Aes Sedai had also been deeply unwelcome. The woman did not announce herself as such of course, at least not at first, but Lilis knew the moment she stepped her little light-fearing feet into the camp what she truly was. None of the Aes Sedai knew how to mask the aura of saidar, not to mention the pure stupidity of each having bound themselves like common criminals: it was writ on their very faces, even when they thought themselves clever by hiding the serpent ring. Lilis considered it little more than the inconvenience of a nosy child at first, then worse when she observed Nicole's quiet reactions both to the infiltration and the woman's name. Amelia Thorne. The former Keeper must have a deep familiarity indeed if she feared being identified, for there had been no shortage of Aes Sedai in Caemlyn's court. Nicole barely resembled the woman she had once been.

It might make worthwhile leverage. Especially if Amelia could be used to push Nicole in a useful direction: to recapture whatever fortitude had once pit her against Arikan, and allowed her to prevail against him. Or perhaps the association would be a thread to be snipped, should Amelia prove the catalyst which might unravel all Lilis's efforts here.

She casually watched Berin leave Leodon's command tent, and Nicole's flight into obscurity. No one paid much attention to her, and her fondness for young Nicole was well known. Eisheth’s friendship was a soft thing, motherly in its aspects at first, but something more akin to a sister in arms now. Lady Eisheth’s noble husband was dead, after all, and she was gently protective of the doomed love story unfolding between here and Shienar.

Lilis moved with gentle persuasion to where Nicole crouched amidst the supply wagons, most unladylike in the snow. Though Nicole's face was presently buried in the lining of her cloak, Lilis's expression was warm as she held out a mittened hand. "Berin has gone," she said softly. "Sweet Nicole, whatever is the matter?"

[Emily Shale-Vanders]

Amelia Thorne

Amelia watched and listened. Graciela shared her story with enthusiasm even as it sounded rehearsed. It was more likely this was a story she had told several times, merely adding to the end as necessary. She had likely expected the question from the Aes Sedai as well. Aes Sedai serenity cloaked her features. She wouldn’t speak ill of the Amyrlin Seat, and she wasn’t lying. The Tower’s resources would be stretched thin and they were probably more worried about the Seanchan than the Blight. It was part of what made Amelia’s hackles rise. 

Beren returned and announced that he couldn’t find the Lady Nicole. Her eyes went to Lord Leodon. There was a moment where he seemed worried and maybe a bit hesitant in thought. Amelia would have overlooked it if he hadn’t hesitated when Lady Nicole had been mentioned before. She filed this information away as well, wondering what the relationship between Leodon and Nicole was. 

The conversation moved along and she was to receive accommodations. It wasn’t surprising. Anyone Lord would do the same for any Aes Sedai. She felt the sting of pain in her heart at Leodon’s mention of her warder, but kept her face stoic. To her surprise, Lady Graciela offered her own accommodations. It wouldn’t be necessary, but acceptance would be expected of an Aes Sedai, and may offend the other woman if she refused. Amelia really hated politics.

”That is very kind of you, Lady Graciela. You have my thanks,” she said, bowing her head slightly before turning to Leodon. ”But accommodations are only needed for me. My Warder passed several years ago.”

Her heart wrenched at speaking of Eavin, but she continued the mask of serenity despite it. The pain she had felt at his death had been the worst she had felt. He died as few wardens did: peacefully in his sleep. He had always been such a kind man. She missed him greatly. 

[Olivier de Volthström]

Captain Daveth Thorne

Daveth retrieved his arrows, inspecting each one as he replaced them in his quiver. Practice was essential to maintaining skills. It was something he had instilled in many of those under his command. They were heading to Shienar in order to assist with the defense of the Blight Border. With his Lord Father’s permission, Daveth had offered a contingent of Thorne archers to the army. With that - they were on their way. 

Daveth made his way back to the camp, and was very quickly approached by Duncan, a young cousin of his, but skilled. ”Captain!” his voice was excited and overeager, and he quieted when Daveth raised a hand to calm him. ”There is an Aes Sedai in camp.”

Daveth sighed. He had heard the rumor. ”Duncan, rumors are like weeds - especially in an army camp. Don’t believe everything you hear.”

Duncan smiled. ”It’s not a rumor, sir. It’s Amelia Sedai. She’s talking to Lord Taravin right now!”

Amelia Sedai! Duncan didn’t need to say more. That could only be one person. One of the few Thorne women sent to the White Tower. They were related - she was a great great great aunt or something like that. He wasn’t entirely sure. Daveth had met her when she had come to Caemlyn during the succession. He had been assigned to be her guard since she had no Warder. A strong woman. Daveth also happened to know she had a kind heart. 

”Thank you, Duncan,” he said, mind in thought. ”Please let me know when you find out where she is staying. I would like to greet her.” He ordered. It was received with an enthusiasm Daveth had come to expect from Duncan. He should greet her, but he wasn’t going to interrupt her meeting with Lord Taravin.