The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

The World outside the Grey Tower is a vast place.
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Bella
Female Channeller Representative
Posts: 5615
Joined: April 14th, 2015, 11:28 pm
PC: Miahala Darrow Sedai
SC: Lysira Viathene Gaidin
TC: Gareth Tomosan Asha'man
QC: Natlya Cade Gaidin
QC: Andraste Alhandra Sedai
Location: New England

The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Bella » April 16th, 2021, 11:28 pm

"Why didn't you bloody tell me this sooner?!"

Few were...privileged enough--yes, that's the word we'll use--to see Mia emotional. With almost everyone else on the planet, she was fully in control of herself and anythin shown was carefully chosen and allowed. There was, of course, a small number that saw her unmitigated emotions. Those she was married to or had given birth to were the only ones, with the rare exception of one married to one she birthed. (Either way, it all kept to a theme.) The one standing in front of her now fell into the "Gave Birth To" category.

"I am an adult, you know," Haeden pointed out, stoic in the face of his motehr's outburst. (This should not be mistaken for being unaffected. No matter how old he was, he still didn't want to make his mother angry.)

"Someone tried to kill you, son, and you don't mention it until now?!" Mia said sharply, one brow arching with centuries of practice to look remarkably angry with the minimum of motion. "And why, do tell, are you blessing me with this knowledge now?"

The Gaidin rubbed the back of his neck. He wasn't sure he wanted to tell her anymore... "Because we want to go back and set matters right. We would like your help."

Mia heaved the long-suffering sigh of the mother and rubbed her temple. "When do we leave?"
* * * Haeden was the first to wake that day. He moved quietly about the apartment he shared with Liaran, gathering his things in preparation for the trip back to Arafel. This time, he wouldn't be caught off-guard. He'd also have backup. His things were few that he needed to gather, including his father's heron-marked blade--his now, earned in blood--so all he had to do was wait for Liaran to awake, then they'd both get ready and head to the stables.

Alianora
"The Path of Daggers"
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Joined: May 2nd, 2016, 8:32 pm
PC: Liaran Sedai, Blue Ajah
SC: Amaranie Sedai, Indigo Ajah
TC: Kalyan Rihera, Yellow Ajah

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Alianora » April 26th, 2021, 8:02 pm

Liaran Sedai
Liaran did not keep Haeden waiting long. Very shortly after her Warder woke and started moving around, the Aes Sedai was also out of bed and getting ready for the trip. Wearing one of her simple dark blue riding dresses, Liaran took very little time to pack what she needed to take. There wasn't much; she had always traveled light, and expected that they would not be gone for long. After putting her boots on, she left her room and joined Haeden where he awaited her.

Standing beside him, Liaran gave him a concerned glance and laid a hand on his arm. "How are you feeling?" she asked quietly. The bond between them carried the sense of a range of emotions, too many for Liaran to accurately follow. She moved closer to his side, knowing even without an answer that the journey to confront his treacherous family was likely to be difficult for Haeden. She meant to offer him whatever support and strength she could, in any way that proved to be necessary.

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Bella
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Posts: 5615
Joined: April 14th, 2015, 11:28 pm
PC: Miahala Darrow Sedai
SC: Lysira Viathene Gaidin
TC: Gareth Tomosan Asha'man
QC: Natlya Cade Gaidin
QC: Andraste Alhandra Sedai
Location: New England

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Bella » May 15th, 2021, 10:54 pm

Haeden turned to face her fully and smiled warmly. Before he replied, he leaned down to kiss her lightly. When he leaned back, his smile faded slightly into something a little more melancholy. "I'm not really sure I know. I am...eager to get this over with and maybe put it behind me, but there's other things in there. The betrayal by family, even if distantly related. Fear for what might happen to you." He brushed her cheek gently.

"Worried my mother will burn down the entire Arafellin countryside," he added with a touch of humor, if a bit dark...and still with a hint of truth.

Alianora
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Joined: May 2nd, 2016, 8:32 pm
PC: Liaran Sedai, Blue Ajah
SC: Amaranie Sedai, Indigo Ajah
TC: Kalyan Rihera, Yellow Ajah

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Alianora » May 21st, 2021, 10:27 pm

Liaran Sedai
Liaran smiled and shook her head. "Surely she wouldn't do that," she offered, though she couldn't help thinking that if fires needed to be started, she herself probably wouldn't be far behind Miahala in lighting them. Moving her hand to Haeden's back, she pulled him closer to her, then looked up at him. "Don't worry about me," she said softly. "I will be fine...this isn't about me."

She let go and stepped back, still gazing into Haeden's eyes. Reaching out, Liaran laid her fingers on his hand, intending to hold hands for a moment if her Warder wanted. "Are you ready to go?" she asked.

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Bella
Female Channeller Representative
Posts: 5615
Joined: April 14th, 2015, 11:28 pm
PC: Miahala Darrow Sedai
SC: Lysira Viathene Gaidin
TC: Gareth Tomosan Asha'man
QC: Natlya Cade Gaidin
QC: Andraste Alhandra Sedai
Location: New England

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Bella » May 30th, 2021, 5:46 pm

"How is it that your family always manages to find trouble everywhere they go?" Ravak asked, looking over the withers of Impala at the Green.

She looked back at her warder-husband. "Probably the same way yours does," she returned just as easily.

Really, the Sha'hal/Machera/Jolstraer/Ives line and the Darrow line both had this uncanny knack of it, although Mia was particularly offended by someone trying to kill her son. It seemed that the Shadow had had it out for that boy since he was born, brought forth of two such adversaries as Caden and Miahala had been in their day. Kidnapped as a child, abandoned as a boy when the darkness took his parents, and now a relative outright trying to kill him and with his own father's sword?

Whoever was weaving this tale needed to learn to be less nasty about it.

They had just finished tacking up their horses when Haeden and Liaran walked into the stables. Miahala couldn't help a small, warm smile at the sight, despite all the other emotions raging through her about what had happened and what was about to happen. Even in this turmoil, she was proud of her son for all he'd overcome and all he'd achieved. The life he had built for himself, despite everything.

"We are ready when you are," she said, keeping any embarrassing shows of affection inside her mind for the time being.

Haeden offered a sparing smile and nod to his mother and her husband before he nodded to Liaran and said he'd ready their horses as well. Mia looked at her daughter-in-law-to-be. "Well met, Liaran," she greeted kindly.

OOC: Ravak is along for the ride with me NPCing him sparingly, with Craig's permission.

Jack
"Lord of Chaos"
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Joined: May 25th, 2015, 9:01 pm
PC: Malcym Ashe

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Jack » June 3rd, 2021, 6:16 am

Jerid Walker waited in the shadows, waiting for one other. The cloaked and hooded Indigo Asha'man was well concealed, both physically and in a state of mind. His breathing was low, his clothes a mix of molted greys and greens over hunters' leathers.

Behind him, his sorrel mare quietly nuzzled him, waiting to move. Otherwise she didn't put up a fuss. The Indigo had chosen his mount well in the time he'd returned, one born of Saldaean stock.

Two simple long knives adorned either side of his hips. But it was the fox-head cane that seemed more natural — and lethal — in his hand.

His gold-green eyes observed as the Warder and his Aes Sedai entered the area they would depart from. They spoke ... and he merely observed, respecting their privacy. A simple grasping of saidin would have allowed him to eavesdrop, but some things were sacred. Conversations between Warder and channeler ... or between those bound to marry.

Besides, he knew the stakes. Miahala had provided just enough information to him ... and he had discussed with Lysira over dinner just shortly after their son had departed from a rare visit to the Grey Tower.

From his observation, there had been no debate, no hesitation. Miahala was family to both of them, and so was Haeden. As a Dedicated, Jerid Walker had ridden out with his parents in a small party to rescue him from a Dreadlord disguised as a Whitecloak ... and Lys likely knew him better.

When family needed help ...

... he felt more than saw his Warder-wife near, and when he could hear her breath and the subtle sound of her horse's hooves. He reached out and gripped her hand briefly before releasing it and looking at her.

Challenges and years and fights had been between them, but in all his long life he could not ask for a better Warder or a better partner in crime.

He smiled briefly beneath his hood and his hands flashed in her silent language. Here we are yet again. He paused briefly, hands resting as if thinking. For family he said simply.

He but waited for a response as they observed Miahala and Ravak entering the area. The time was short and he but looked to Lys for a nod before the pair stepped forward, into the light.

"Sister Liaran, Gaidin Haeden," he murmured respectfully. His eyes briefly landed on Mia and Ravak and he nodded just as respectfully, "my dear and oldest friend, Ravak Gaidin. Lysira and I ... "

The old fox could have spun an honest but inconvenient excuse, but gone were those days. Most days it was an internal struggle between the Demon of Ebou Dar and his one simple nature. So ....

"Haeden, you and Miahala are family," he said. "Members of that family go into danger, so we go with them."

Not mere seconds later came a third voice, with her own horse. A slim, short red-haired woman dressed in hunter greens and mail-and-leather armor, armed with bow and slender sword entered the area. The young woman bore a similar resemblance to the Indigo Asha'man, down to the determined attitude in her green eyes. Liana Calin Gaidin was much like her father, ready to risk everything for family.

And the Asha'man knew better than to question the discussion. "An extra sword won't hurt," he muttered with fatherly approval.
Jerid Walker Asha'man
"We all suffer. It's how we move past it that defines us."

Alianora
"The Path of Daggers"
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Joined: May 2nd, 2016, 8:32 pm
PC: Liaran Sedai, Blue Ajah
SC: Amaranie Sedai, Indigo Ajah
TC: Kalyan Rihera, Yellow Ajah

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Alianora » June 6th, 2021, 1:56 am

Liaran Sedai
Liaran's eyes followed Haeden as her Warder went to get the horses. She'd learned that it was easiest to allow him to take care of that task for them both, but she still often felt as if she were being lazy when he did. She forced herself to stop watching him and turned back to the pair who had been waiting for them. "Miahala Sedai. Ravak Gaidin," she said with a polite nod of acknowledgment for each of them.

She had expected only the four of them, and when two more people moved into sight, Liaran blinked and took a step backwards. The small, dark haired woman matched the description of a friend of the family Haeden had mentioned before, but the man was not known to her at all. It took her by surprise when he addressed her by her name, surprise she did not show but that Haeden might have noticed. Liaran watched him as he spoke, deciding that it did not matter who he was, or how he knew her name. If the pair considered Haeden part of their family, she would welcome their company. The Aes Sedai looked away from them then, glad to know that the man she loved had such support around him.

She had thought the surprise arrivals ended, but found herself turning towards the door again when it opened to admit a redheaded woman who she guessed was most likely Gaidin. Another stranger, nobody she'd ever met or even seen before, one who said nothing to any of them. Liaran had never been fond of large groups, especially those made up of people she did not know, but she told herself firmly now was not the time to let that affect her. The comment she overheard the unfamiliar man make was very true. Each additional person present increased their chances of successfully dealing with Hiron Ives, and for that, she would just have to force herself past her natural tendency towards shyness. Liaran raised her head again, looking into the eyes of each of the strangers.

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Bella
Female Channeller Representative
Posts: 5615
Joined: April 14th, 2015, 11:28 pm
PC: Miahala Darrow Sedai
SC: Lysira Viathene Gaidin
TC: Gareth Tomosan Asha'man
QC: Natlya Cade Gaidin
QC: Andraste Alhandra Sedai
Location: New England

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Bella » June 13th, 2021, 10:53 pm

Haeden had not expected his near-sister (as he considered her) to attend, but he should have. He offered a rare warm smile to them both, and then quickly made introductions to Liaran of those she would not have met yet and affirmed her likely guess as to who Lys was. He knew his blood sister would have joined them, but someone needed to watch his little brother.

"It'll be roughly a day's ride once we exit the portal," Haeden explained once all was done, the horses tacked up, and all ears within reach of his deep voice. Bella is pretty sure that's how long it took from portal to manor, but she's too lazy to go look it up so that's how it is now. "It has been some time since Hiron's attempt on my life, so I hope he will think I've chosen not to return. But we must act as if he is expecting us. We cannot approach from the front like Liaran and I did when we went last time, so I am hoping that my sister's particular skill at scouting will be available to us."

The Gaidin's green eyes flashed with amusement since he knew they would, of course. Lysira just smirked and inclined her head in acknowledgement. "Let us ride now for Arafel, and once we know more about the other ways to approach the manor, we can plan more."

Jack
"Lord of Chaos"
Posts: 470
Joined: May 25th, 2015, 9:01 pm
PC: Malcym Ashe

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Jack » June 19th, 2021, 6:28 am

Jerid’s gold-green eyes focused between Miahala, Haeden and Liaran, capturing all the subtle details. He’d been raised a thief despite a highborn heritage, and countless years later, such skills served him well. Miahala was beyond him, practiced in a way that only a few such as themselves could ever achieve.

It was the subtle actions of the Blue that he took notice of, the backward steps as he and Lys had approached, the increased ... caution when Liana appeared shortly after they had.

It made his decision all the more easy in regard to an asset provided by the Indigo Ajah.

After Haeden had detailed his hands but before they mounted, he raised a single jade-ringed right hand and with a scared, gloved left hand he withdrew a simple pendant from his cloak pocket.

“A gracious loan from the Vaults for our journey,” he murmured as he handed it to the Liaran. The pendant was a bright blue dolphin almost akin to topaz suspended from a leather cord. “An angreal for a female channeler to be loaned out on the stipulation it is provided to someone of the Blue Ajah.”

There was only the chance that Miahala or Lys would ever catch any dishonesty, but then Jerid Walker was known for never telling a lie. His Ajah had lent him the relic and left it to his discretion ... and in doing so, was conveying his Ajah’s expectations.

The angreal had originally been meant for Miahala, but ... a fractional look toward the Green was all that was needed in his mind. Miahala and he were among the most experienced battlechannelers in the Tower ... and she was the strongest channeler.

Maybe it would ease the young Blue’s apprehension.

“Treat this dolphin well and return him to the safe harbor of the vaults, for like a ship, he is alive,” he murmured. “Like a ship he will fight to keep you alive even after the sea has long since given him his own deathstroke.”
Jerid Walker Asha'man
"We all suffer. It's how we move past it that defines us."

Alianora
"The Path of Daggers"
Posts: 997
Joined: May 2nd, 2016, 8:32 pm
PC: Liaran Sedai, Blue Ajah
SC: Amaranie Sedai, Indigo Ajah
TC: Kalyan Rihera, Yellow Ajah

Re: The Hand of Justice [Attn: Liaran]

Post by Alianora » June 26th, 2021, 1:34 am

Liaran Sedai
Liaran looked up at the Indigo with wide, dark eyes before turning her attention to the item he held out towards her. The dolphin angreal reminded her of the ocean, her first home, as did his words. Briefly, the Sea Folk woman wondered just where he'd heard how her people spoke of their ships, but she didn't waste time thinking on it. Instead, she gave Jerid a small, polite smile. "I will," she said as she took the object from him. "Thank you." For a moment, she held the angreal in her palm and gently ran a finger over the curve of the dolphin's back. Then Liaran carefully slipped the cord over her head, tucking the pendant safely under the neck of her dress.

After that, she moved towards Haeden, took Seawind's reins from him, and led the mare outside. Mounting her horse, she waited patiently as the gateway to Arafel opened. She urged Seawind forward when it was her turn to ride through, settling into a place near the back of the group. With Haeden's patient instruction, she was now a much better rider than she'd been, but she still didn't want to expend too much energy on what would be a long ride for her. This was especially true when Liaran considered what lay ahead of them.

The Arafellin countryside rolled past her as she rode just fast enough to keep up. The Aes Sedai spent the time that passed working through her own emotions about what they had to do. It wasn't fear of the potential fighting that was nagging at her; she was no Green, but Liaran had been through war, faced what she believed would be her own death more than once, and accepted it as something that would happen one day. What had her twisting the reins with anxiety as she rode was instead the thought of what she might do if she wasn't careful, if she let emotion take her over.

Liaran still wanted to see Hiron Ives burn. She was very aware of that desire, knew she could easily set him ablaze herself if she let the anger she still felt control her actions. Knowing what she was capable of wasn't something she took any pride in. Rather, it was one of the few things that truly scared her. She took a deep breath and glanced at the others around her. They would see justice done, she reminded herself. It would happen, and she would not let any of her own petty feelings interfere.

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