Tarnished but not Broken

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne Curious.

The light upon the Grey Tower transcended to the morning hours and the woman dressed in traveling clothes and seated upon a horse the color of dirt arrived upon the crest of the Grey Tower between it and Hama Valon. An odd and peculiar name for a city, she decided, not lingering on the familiarity of is despite having never traveled this way before. Having spent time in Cairhien and then in Caemlyn, the trip to Hama Valon and her Tower had been a long one. It had been a long time since she could not longer Travel with a gateway, and riding again had given her saddle sores just getting to Cairhien from Tar Valon.

The woman's heart ached with the thought, an emptiness within her a constant reminder of the betrayal of her own Ajah and the lose of a lifetime of work. Her one solace that all her work was out of the reach of those that wanted it from her. Believing that once Saidar was removed from her, the decades of work would be retrieved easier. Fools. The explosion that nearly riped a hole to the outside of the White Tower made for some curious stories told in place. Some that did not know of the occurrences assumed that she had been working with Ter'Angreal, as she did daily, and it had caused such chaos. The truth was worse. At least to her. Stilled, her work went up in flames as the trigger could not be maintained. Some Ter'Angreal would likely be recoverable, but none of it could be duplicated. At least her Wells, and the small Angreal she had kept to be able to Travel, would melt in the heat.

A lifetime of work, gone.

The woman guided her horse up past the open gates, her face no longer showing any agelessness but also a rather youthful face far younger than her age passed on a smile to the guards. Her rats nest of brownish black hair trying to escape its ties as the wind tried to tease it. She could no longer channel, so on that she wasn't even a threat. The Sword at her side wasn't just for decoration, but she did not have the skill of the Warders. At least the spectacles on her nose allowed her to be able to see. She had kept a few extra in Cairhien, thankfully. The were precious to her as they were the only way she could see anything in the world. Saidar could no longer allow her the gift of sight. Her hope that it would not be permanent.

Dismounting, the woman could not help but turn her brown eyes to gaze up at the Grey Tower in awe. It was rather an impressive building, structured like none other that she had ever seen. Someone approached her, one dressed in Grey, and offered to take her horse to the stables. "I am here to Petition the Yellow Ajah." She said, and the woman in grey pointed to the Tower and gave her instructions of where to find the Infirmary. While she placed the instructions in her mind, she had a different plan. Questions. Thanking the individual, she carried on until she noticed a girl in the Novice White. At least that was familiar.

"Excuse me, Child. Could you escort me to the Yellow Ajah Infirmary? I don't see well, and I would not like to get lost."

[Bridget]

For the first time in the past few weeks, Rhyka felt calm. She should have visited Lydie Sedai sooner. That awful, vapid little wretch, Elysianne, seemed to be absolutely everywhere. She had gone to see Lydie Sedai as an act of self-preservation; Rhyka was so close to simply bashing the girl’s smirking little face in, and she doubted the Mistress of Novices would find it as well deserved as she did. Lydie Sedai had just laughed, amused and indulgent, at Rhyka’s retelling of the whole farce. Of course, she hadn’t let Rhyka off easy over the whole affair, but she hadn’t expected the Yellow sister to. And Lydie Sedai was right; it would have been far smarter to keep her mouth shut and take her revenge in a quieter way. Elysianne wouldn’t have known who to blame if she had, say, simply snuck into her rooms and soaked all of her dresses in a full chamber pot. If Rhyka had had the presence of mind to think before her quick actions, she wouldn’t have such a mess on her hands. But the girl deserved a chamber pot to the face.

It was an empty hallway, so Rhyka turned as gracefully as she could to face the Accepted or Aes Sedai that called for her help. Only… if that woman was even an Accepted, Rhyka would eat her ugly, white dress. Her lips twitched into a scowl for only a moment before she assumed the blank face Lydie Sedai had been unsuccessfully trying to teach her for months. “Miss.” She responded shortly, dropping into a small curtsy, just skirting the edge of rudeness. Who was this woman, to call her child? The silly chit wasn’t a day older than she was. Rhyka could stomach that word from the mouth of an Aes Sedai with ease, but even hearing it from an Accepted was sometimes too much to bear. Rage simmered, deep in her belly, and she clenched her fists without thought. This blind cow needed to be taught a lesson.

Rhyka opened her mouth to speak, then snapped it shut. This was exactly what Lydie Sedai had been talking about. She took a deep breath and pasted an insincere smile on her face. If this disrespectful little sow was asking the Tower for sanctuary, there would be time enough to clandestinely educate her about her error. Lydie Sedai would be impressed by her self-control; perhaps she would be willing to offer up a few ideas. Lydie Sedai always had the best ideas.

“Of course. Follow me, please.” Rhyka’s voice was calm, her head filled with visions of orchestrated public humiliation. Coming up with something good for this goat fathered ninny would be good practice for her. It was enough to keep a vague smile on her face as she lead the wretched woman toward the infirmary.

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne There was something in the way the girl hesitated in her voice, and the mockery of the movement of her skirts, Maegan had insulted the young Novice. She may be blind but she wasn't oblivious to the way sound and other expressions were exhibited outside the range of sight. Had she changes so much physically that she did not look to be Aes Sedai? The affects of the oaths wore on a woman's bones gave that agelessness, but without its weight Maegan couldn't help but wonder. It was an effect that made her itch to play with such a dangerous Ter'Angreal, and yet there were some things that even she felt should never be tampered with.

Instead Maegan smiled easily, allowing her gaze to wander a little as the moved through what must have been grand corridors. Her spectacles helped, but they lacked the touch of Saidar that now sat painfully out of reach. Instead of helping the girl see, Maegan decided to just enjoy the situation for what it was. The girl will learn painfully soon enough just how judging a book by a cover would get her. Some lessons were better learned the hard way then being told to the face. Maegan never missed a chance to teach the young, or in this case the judging.

"It looks quite lovely here." She said wishfully, the truth in her voice. "I hear the Gardens are quite lovely and the Library is quite extensive. Is it as they say?"

[Bridget]

Part of Rhyka softened at the woman’s words. The Grey Tower was her favorite place, and she could not help but feel a little kinship to those who felt the same way. The Tower had whisked her away from the world; dropped her into a beautiful bubble of learning and safety and delivered her to the hands of her dearest mentor. Fool girls like Elysianne did not understand the worth of the Tower. Still, she by no means liked this disrespectful, milk-faced girl- but she was not as bad as Elysianne.

“Yes, miss.” She responded, her voice much more sedate, although she only added the ‘miss’ because of the watchful eye of a passing Accepted. Helmina was a bore, and quick to hand out chores with the slightest provocation. Rhyka loathed her.

Rhyka caught the blind cow’s elbow, tugging her none too gently away from the hazard of a harried looking novice. Light, but she was glad that her vision was sharp- the girl did seem like nothing more than a bumbling and graceless cow. “It is said that few libraries are as large.” She did not mention the obvious; that the White Tower was one of those libraries. Lydie Sedai was quick to show her dislike for the White Tower, and Rhyka accepted her mentor’s judgments. “And there is nothing better than reading in the gardens.” She continued, after a pause. It was true, although she was uncertain how this girl would ever be able to enjoy such a thing- she seemed as nearsighted as a bat.

“Here we are.” It was a relief to reach the infirmary. Rhyka might only be a novice, but she had much better things to do than lug an ungrateful girl about the Tower. “Is there a particular Aes Sedai or Asha’man you wish to see?” She asked the question only for the virtue of its unkindness, for there was simply no way that this girl could know anyone of such importance.

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne 'Yes, miss.'

A humorous chuckle escaped her, it had been many centuries since she was last referred to as 'miss' which lead to the conclusion that the release of her Oaths really had change her physically. Dismissing the thought and perhaps a reply, Maegan just gave a nice smile like one young girl to another as if sharing an inside joke even if Maegan was the only one that understood.

"Yes, although I do not know their name. Head of Ajah's are usually secret but I need someone who would be in charge of the Infirmary. Strong in the One Power or knowledgable of someone who was strong." Maegan, her voice put on age as with the weight of her expression. "I hope... they can heal something that is not normally fixed. But I heard... a rumor." She gave a shake of her head, "Do you know who I should ask for or where they may be?"

[Bridget]

It was only Lydie Sedai’s careful training that prevented Rhyka from looking like a gaping, country bumpkin. Someone strong in the One Power, perhaps the head of the Yellow Ajah, who could heal something that was not commonly fixed? She gazed at the woman with shuttered eyes, assessing. A girl who looked like this one would not know of Ajahs and would hardly hear rumors about Healing. She must be more than a lumbering, blind sow. Lydie Sedai was constantly warning her that someone was going to surprise her someday. Yet Rhyka was still surprised, and squashed her astonishment with what she imagined to be righteous anger. How dare this woman not simply be upfront about her knowledge and intentions?

“I see. Follow me, please.” Rhyka pushed open the door to the Infirmary, and held it open for the woman with thinly disguised impatience. There was some mystery here, and she would find out what this girl was hiding. She gripped the woman’s elbow, not trusting her to find her own way among the hectic bustle of the infirmary, and lead her over to a few chairs that served as a waiting area. “Have a seat.”

With that, she turned her back and plunged through the crowd of Accepted and Yellows. It was always busy in the infirmary. Rhyka visited often to see Lydie Sedai, and there was always some sort of crisis. Today was no different; there were several Drin with what looked like broken bones, and scores of petitioners here for a healing.

If the woman had not been so assured and mysterious about the whole business, Rhyka would not have dared what she was about to attempt. Of course, she knew the Head of the Yellow Ajah by sight; she spent much of her time here, although Lydie Sedai insisted that she would not teach her anything of Healing until she was an Accepted. But Rhyka had never dared speak to Seth Asha’man. He was far too competent and busy for the likes of a Novice, although Rhyka considered herself to be an exceptional one.

“Seth Asha’man?” She approached him with all the confidence she could muster, and dropped into her best curtsy. She would not let that girl get the better of her; Head of the Yellow Ajah indeed! “There is a woman here for a Healing, although she would not reveal what ailment she might suffer from.” Rhyka paused, to order her words. Blast the sneaky little sow, she wouldn’t come back with anyone less than the Head of the Yellow! “She mentioned that she requires someone with great strength in the One Power, perhaps even the Head of the Yellow Ajah, for the Healing of something that can’t normally be fixed.”

[Cheiron]

Seth Arcuraim

It must have been the Light's cruel joke to have Seth made both Master of Soldiers and head of his Ajah. If the work load from one wasn't enough, having to deal with everything from the other just seemed too much to bare on such young shoulders. Yet, there he was, watching as a Dedicated attempted to heal a bruise. Hopefully Seth would be able to allow the Dedicated to take on more difficult tasks, under supervision of course.

Seth made his own cursory delving once the Dedicated said he was complete, and with a pat on the shoulder, sent him away before heading off in the opposite direction. His direction of travel was short lived when he was approached by a Novice, asking for him by name.

When Seth turned to face the girl, she relayed what she was approaching him for. His curiosity was certainly a fallibility, and finding out why someone was asking specifically for the Head of the Yellow Ajah was certainly a pique of interest to explore.

"Can you please bring her to my office. I will see her there if she wishes to speak about why she has come in private," Seth replied. "I hope you know where my office is."

Seth parted from the Novice with a smile and swept through the Infirmary headed for his office to await the arrival of the Novice and the woman who was ailed by that which normally couldn't be healed.

An interesting start to an interesting story. I do hope to find out more before too long. I don't much like suspense unless I'm the one making it. Seth chuckled silently at his own personal humour.

[Bridget]

She nodded and curtsied quickly to Seth Asha’man before turning away to find the stupid, blind sow. She had no words for Seth Asha’man- there had been no need for him to be so rude. Rhyka had shown him every curtsey he deserved for his station, and what had he responded with. I hope you know where my office is. As if she did not spend hours in the infirmary every week, assisting Yellows when she could. She had never felt so invisible since coming to the Grey Tower.

“Seth Asha’man, the Head of the Yellow Ajah, will see you.” She told the ungrateful girl, her voice short. The rude Yellow Asha’man had taken away any pleasure she might have felt for procuring the Head of the Yellow for this healing. Rhyka helped the blind little bat through the crowd with a perfunctory grasp on her elbow, letting go only when they reached the door to Seth Asha’man’s office.

She rapped on the door before opening it and escorting the bloody woman in. Rhyka wished wholeheartedly that she had not allowed herself to be roped into this nonsense. She had had enough of ungrateful girls and unnecessarily surly Asha’man. “Miss, this is Seth Asha’man. Seth Asha’man, this is…” She turned to the girl, waiting for her to introduce herself. Personally, she had no desire to even know the blasted girl’s name.

[Carra]

Maegan Ryanne There was a ridged edge in the way the girl spoke, command that spoke of expectation while something skirted the edge which Maegan wanted to put her finger on and correct. This child was broken somehow, but since she herself felt broken she could not be sure if it was projected or if the girl was simply bitter. She did not have to see the girls face to know she was scowling behind a smile. Instead of poking at the smoldering flame, Maegan gave a slight nod and followed the girl.

Maegan made an appropriate bowing of her head to the Head of the Yellow Ajah, as an Aes Sedai would to an Ajah Head, or as best as she could remember. As a former Head of Ajah, traditionally she was usually bowed to and none other than those in her Ajah knew she was Head of Ajah save the other Heads and the Amyrlin. It was a lifetime ago, but some memories still remained.

"Maegan Ryanne. I thank you for seeing me, Asha'man Seth. I have a bit of a dilemma that was rumored you or our Ajah could remedy for me. A certain kind of.. Healing." She spoke, turning then to the Novice, "Thank you, child, for your assistance." Wondering if she would stay, or if she wouldn't.

[Cheiron]

Seth Arcuraim

The large leather chair sat behind an equally imposing, dark stained desk. The man sitting in the chair was a stark contrast, and looked as a son would if he tried to take his father's place before his time. Seth had a reputation of having imposing furniture despite his demeanor being anything but, his consistent and constant smile making him approachable to all who saw him.

He smiled broadly to both women as they entered his office, and offered his thanks to the Novice before turning his attention to the woman who took her place directly before him. He didn't wave the novice away, he would only do that if it became necessary. Until then, it was good to have someone there that he could ask to fetch someone.

After the woman gave her introduction, Seth began to ask the necessary questions, and give the necessary statements.

"Well, Maegan. There are no guarantees that what ails you is curable, even with the one power."

He sat forward, placing both hands folded on the desk in front of him. He looked at Maegan's eyes, something in them seemed to contradict the face, but he couldn't place the feeling. It was clear that her sight was bad, but was that why she had come to him?

"There are Asha'man and Aes Sedai here at the Tower old enough to be my parents's parents's parents. With that said, it is possible that what you have come to have healed has had its cure discovered. Then again, it may not."

Seth pushed the chair back to get out, the legs making a distinct scraping, though thankfully without leaving marks.

I really need to find out if it would be possible to get wheels on these desk chairs, Seth thought to himself, not a single glimmer of his inward grimace marking his face.

Seth walked around the desk and sat on the edge in front of Maegan. He then stretched his arms out toward her head and seized saidin. He deftly threw together a delving weave and held it there.

"May I delve you to determine what ails you? Once I am done, you can tell me exactly what it is that you want healed," Seth stated.