The Merchants (Attn: Kenneth)

[Craig]

Sabine

Sabine nodded politely, but inside her thoughts sourly. A bargain for a man's life. That is how she perceived what had happened with Taesh's encounter with this Asha'man. Some time ago, Sabine used to think of the Towers, at least the Grey and White, as benevolent forces in the world. She knew better now, that they snatched up anyone they could and forced them in novice whites or soldier blacks. Her own eyes had borne witness to political machinations in work between the Aes Sedai and Asha'man. They were not benevolent; they were self-serving.

Finally she spoke, her voice soft and concerned. "I mean no disrespect, but that sounds a poor agreement if you are unaware what your freedom has been exchanged for. But then, you would have been taken to the Grey Tower with or without your blessing." She bit down on her lower lip. "I know I was."

Sabine turned her attention back to the map. How useful would it be, cataloguing all of these towns and villages lost to time? When would she get her opportunity to explore the world unhindered or untethered? Never was the probable answer, but there were Asha'man and Aes Sedai who lived outside of the Tower. Maybe she could be one of them, far from the physical Tower if not its influence.

She dipped her quill into the inkwell. "Taesh Calm Seas? I hope your journey is a smooth one."

[Kenneth]

Taesh was good with reading other's emotions. He had to be, growing up on a ship with a hot-headed Cargomaster as a father. In order to end a fight before it began he had to be able to perceive the emotions of those around him. It was this skill that let the Atha'an Miere know that he had touched a nerve with the Novice. He was not sure exactly what had happened, but she clearly did not feel at home in the Tower, or somehow restricted.

Flashing his most genuine and off putting smile, the Atha'an Miere nodded to Sabine and then shifted his attention to the map. "I hope that the current leads you to the place you most desire Sabine; and may the place be the resting place of your desire Horn as well."

The Atha'an Miere had no desire to press the issue at this time. He did not truly know the Novice to understand how she would react to Taesh suddenly wanting to know about her feelings. He mad a mental note though to try and keep tabs on the noble turned Novice. If nothing else the Dedicated did not mind offering the hand of friendship to make her stay in the Tower more comfortable. He did not know exactly what had brought her to the Tower, but while she was here she should at least be happy. Or as happy as a Hunter of the Horn could be while restricted to the Tower grounds until their training was complete.

I apologize for the delay in responding, work swamped me

[Craig]

OOC: I think we're at a natural enough end here.