A Matter of Urgency [Attn: Valadin & Riahana]

[Sean]

“Hardship very often breeds indifference.” Valadin Manelle

Valadin marched through the halls with determination etched hard into his face. Most days were now spent moving in the Emptiness, his instinct attuned to the body’s every motion whether a sword was grounded at his hip or not. Months upon months of practice had crafted the rolling walk of the Gaidin into his gait until it became as familiar as breathing. Not only did it aid in quick response during a crisis, but it made intimidating Soldiers a much easier endeavor.

Without fixing a hard stare upon anyone in particular, he moved through the indistinguishable corridors of the Grey Tower unmolested as Soldier and Dedicated alike stepped quickly from his path.

Usually this reaction left him feeling uneasy inside, but today his estrangement mattered for nothing. The missive he’d received just after Midday meal clenched in a fist, Val hurried towards the stables. This must be what Nykk spoke of earlier—Light, didn’t think it’d be so soon. I wonder if she’ll be there…will we be alone?

Questions rattled about his head though the only indication of any anxiety was the stormy expression he wore. Soon the smell of the stables welcomed him as Master Ranen greeted him with a clipped grunt. Valadin returned the gesture with a respectful, but curt nod before moving towards one of kennels where a leggy roan peered out at him. Didn’t even have time to change into somethin’ more appropriate. Least I got to pack, he groused inwardly while opening the stall and easing the horse out in the stable yards. If the creature objected to his touch, it showed no signs of it as Valadin expertly saddled and set his gear in proper order. As any man with horse-sense would, he checked the steed’s shoes and found that they’d been changed as recently as this morning.

Ranen, Valadin smiled to himself. The old Master of the stable yards was an ornery sod most days, but Val had come to regard him with great respect. If it hadn’t been for the Borderlander’s hard ways, he’d likely never had it to Dedicated. Feeding the horse oats before leading it to the traveling grounds seemed to cement the perilous relationship Val had with it. At first it’d been difficult to get the beast to eat anything, but a few minutes of coaxing soon found him petting the aged runner as it ate heartily of the treat from his hand. Waving farewell to Ranen earned him a scowl, but that was as good a sendoff as he was going to get.

The travel yards were always a busy affair. Grey Brothers and Sisters flitted about, their faces stern as they handled the unspoken duties of their Ajah. Valadin still didn’t understand how that worked, but he didn’t question their devotion to creating the Gateways through which people Traveled. Leading his mount carefully through the chaos, he grounded the Tower-issue one-hand sword in its scabbard, the weapon’s weight offering him inner peace as he made for the small gathering Nykkolaia Sedai had around her.

Even in the predatory serenity of the Emptiness, Val still felt his entire world unsettled at the sight of the Blue Sister. She didn’t see him at first. He approached slowly from her back in part due to the unfamiliar face that in the group she addressed—he could make out Lady Ives and the female Gaidar whose name he had trouble remembering—but knew nothing about the looming giant that accompanied the Gaidar.

Swallowing down the lump of emotion in his throat as he joined the party Valadin paid his respects to all those in attendance. “Li-light shine on you, Miahala Sedai…erm, Lady Gaidar. You as well.”

He spared only a polite nod for the large man though it was accompanied by a searching gaze that yielded little knowledge of the man’s affinity; Val had never had a talent for reading people…much less remembering their name unless he’d met them numerous times or they had a profound impact on him.

Saving his last greeting for Nykkolaia, his eyes fell on her and instantly a ravenous hunger gnawed at his self-restraint. In the light of day he loved the way her hair seemed to glow like the precious metals of the earth or the way the tassels would fall, half-covering the scars without her knowing.

“W…well met, Ny—I mean Zevran Sedai,” he stammered, his tongue tripping clumsily over the words as memories of their lips meeting drew a fresh prickling of perspiration to his brow. Turning from her as red colored his cheeks, he stared into the silver-lined Gateway that had already been opened for them to step through. Can’t believe this is really happenin’…

His first Tower mission was about to begin.

[Bella]

Miahala Ives Sedai It was hard to miss someone of Gareth's size when he approached, especially over an open plain such as the area surrounding the traveling yards. His broad form moved towards them with deliberation, and one would certainly never guess that he wasn't a Gaidin, just by his looks, or a Green. But once you got to know the Yellow, you learned that he was a rather gentle creature and really wanted nothing more than to help others. It brought her warmth to see her great-granddaughter happy.

"It seems odd to call you 'brother,' even if you area an Asha'man," Mia said by way of greeting, that warmth in her eyes as she smiled at him and inclined her head with respect.

He chuckled, the mountains in his voice shaking with the sound. "I still have yet to get used to most of the Tower calling my brother, since many I don't know." His pale eyes reflected mirth.

The levity was cut short, however, by the sight of another coming into view. This time, it was Nykkolaia Sedai. Mia had only ever met the Blue in passing, but it was hard not to know who she was. The scars on her face were connected to her very being whenever anyone spoke of her, and they certainly made her recognizable. Mia had her scars too, but hers looked like the work of juvenile wolves--they were chaotic, random, wild. Nykkolaia's looked...by design. And somehow that made it all the more chilling.

"Sister," Mia greeted. Again, she inclined her head just a little, keeping her eyes on the Blue's. It was a show of respect, but not subservience. Miahala was, after all, submissive to no one.

The Blue was just as composed as Mia, even though she was younger. Her face was a wall of ice, except--to Mia's eye--it wasn't as naturally impassive as Mia's had attained. The agelessness had not yet fully taken hold of her, and to a degree would never do so with that scarring, but she was clearly working on her icy front rather than the look of easy emotionless look that Mia's porcelain veneer had adapted to over the many, many...many...years.

Still, she comported herself well as she looked to each of them in turn. (Quite the little thing inside this bunch. Gareth towered over Mia and Ria both, and neither of them were short women.) "You honor me with your attendance, Miahala Sedai, Gareth Asha'man and Riahana Gaidar. We are awaiting the presence of one more."

"We are pleased to aid a cause of the Tower, Aes Sedai," Gareth said, falling into his "proper" role as well.

They did not have long to all stare like statues at each other before they were joined by the "one more" of whom she spoke: the Dedicated Valadin Manelle. Mia had now met him on more than one occasion and she found no fault with him, although she would have wondered at his presence in this particular company...had it not been for the way he looked at Nykkolaia. Mia had spent too many decades watching people and being observant.

He did better than most to keep it to himself, but his stammer and slip in particular, and that look in his eye... Well, she could guess after his being along. The Blue hid herself much better, but Mia thought she caught a brief glimmer of something there as well.

"Good day to you, Dedicated," Mia greeted, not letting on that she had noticed. That would just be cruel.

I remember being looked at like that, once upon a time...

"This is us all then," Nykkolaia said. She turned her head in the direction of the gateway that had already been opened. Mia was among the first to mount up, since when did she ever hesitate to be in the saddle? But the others followed suit quickly enough and she ceded the lead to the Blue, for it was her mission, but like any good warder, it was Riahana who entered the gateway first to assure there was no trouble on the other side. None expected, but who really ever did when it found them?

After waiting the appropriate time, the channelers followed and the gateway placed them not in the city--of course, no gateway ever did--but not too far outside it. Once they were all through, the gateway shut.

Mia saw the light of Saidar fill Nykkolaia and a ward wove around them a moment later. The Green caught her eye, but said nothing, as she rarely objected to caution. It looked to be just them, but it never hurt to be sure. Apparently, there was information to be imparted that the other Aes Sedai did not want anyone else to potentially eavesdrop on. Who knew who might be hiding where they could not see?

"Our information is not broad at this time," the Blue began right away, getting right to business. Mia appreciated that. "The Blue has received a request for aid. There are rumors that Masema has been resurrected." The younger woman's eyes flitted briefly to Miahala, clearly unable to control herself, but the Green did not blame her. The word 'resurrect' stood out to her as well and made something deep inside twinge. She ignored it.

"These are unconfirmed, of course, but as you can imagine, there is trouble. There has already been some violence, which is why I requested the presence of a Green and a Yellow." The relevant Green and Yellow nodded. Nykkolaia continued, "We are to investigate these rumors, and aid where we can. Not enough is known about the situation, and so we must rectify that."

[Sean]

“Pain has a curious effect of making time become infinite, every instant of agony prolonged to the ultimate.” Valadin Manelle

The prickle of a female channeling immediately pulled Valadin from his revere of enjoying the countryside. Farmland stretched on as far as the eye could see and this early in the day the land’s tenders would be out in the fields. Living most of his life in a hamlet similar in style, pangs of homesickness pulled at the strings of the Emptiness forcing Val to make a conscious effort to squash the emotion down lest it ruin his concentration. Letting go of the distraction in a soundless breath he fixed his attention on Nykkolaia as she addressed everyone.

Hearing the reason for the excursion at last, Val felt uneasy.

As Dedicated he was the lowest of the group which suited him fine; he didn’t want the expectation that came with high ranking. What troubled him was the fact that his skills may soon prove inadequate to ensure Nykk’s safety. Even now as she briefed everyone on the uninhabited dirt road in clipped, reserved tones his mind leapt back to a few weeks when they’d last shared time in each other’s arms. Back then the intrusion of another Aes Sedai had shaken Val, but Nykkolaia Zevran was all ice and fury, her words cutting deeper than a Gaidin’s blade stroke. She was strong, Val knew, but they were venturing into foreign land and…

Everyone’s gotta shoulder their duty, he thought sourly. He found his eyes drifting to the lumbering giant of a man whom the Gaidar spent most of her time talking to in hushed tones as they began their travels towards an unspecified meeting point. So far Val had been too lost in his own thoughts to discern the man’s name or even what his part in the mission would be. Beneath the stretched Asha’man coat was layers of muscle that spoke of someone used to hard labor—whether that was chopping trees or something else Val couldn’t tell. Whatever the case the man seemed as ease with the Gaidar despite the gloomy nature of their purpose, laughing in deep, rumbling rows at jokes that no one else was privy to. The Emptiness trembled with…jealousy?

Urging the roan forward Val thought to speak with Nykk. She’d never admit it, but perhaps the comfort of his closeness might offer reprieve from the strain of bearing the burden of leadership. He made it halfway before losing his nerve and deciding it best to leave the Blue Sister be. She ent gonna appreciate ya bein’ all milk-hearted when there’s work to be about. Light…maybe Miahala Sedai has a better make of things. I sure as day dunt.

Falling in beside the regally quiet Green, Val felt some his tension bleed away. Miahala Ives was a paragon of self-control. Her face and her steed both exuded a steady strength that made those close by either more comfortable or even more unnerved at her presence. For his part, Val had always found the woman to be a fountain of wisdom—something he sorely lacked at the moment.

The sun was just reaching its zenith when they came in sight of a village. With the flat lands giving a clear eye-view of everything around them it was easy to make out the settlement at the top of a hill that jutted out like a sore thumb from the vast greenness. “Miahala Sedai?” Val whispered softly after traveling some time at her side without saying anything.

Casting a quick glance ahead, he found Nykk was still at the head of the group. Her face was shadowed and her horse gave off as little emotion as she as far as Val could tell. That troubled him for some reason.

“I’m ain’t exactly certain what help I’ll be here. With you an’…” he trailed nodding towards the Gaidar still enjoying a conversation with the large man, “…what am I really doin’ here?”

What he wanted the Sister to say he wasn’t certain. As it was he kept his eyes down, his attention seemingly focused on stroking the soft hairs of his horse’s mane. It seemed the only comfort he’d enjoyed on his first journey to Cairhien was the rightness that always came whenever he was astride a horse. The roan had proven to be more forgiving than some of the mounts he’d had. Best reward her when next we stop, he noted. Of course the thought was only a distraction. Truthfully he hadn’t wanted Lady Miahala to see the uncertainty in his face.

He was Asha’man…or was going to be soon. He was a student of Silas Malkom, had trained with Gaidin and Gaidar that now respected his skill with the sword and even found himself in close company with heroes like Miahala Ives and Durent Antian. Light, he’d captured the heart of an Aes Sedai!

At least you think you ‘ave… his inner doubt mocked, knowing always just where to jab to inflict the maximum amount of pain.

To feel as lost and helpless as he did now seemed a poor reflection on those who’d come to know him, “I…I jus’ dunt want to be a failure,” he added after a moment, finally looking up to meet the hard, blue-green gems of Miahala’s eyes. The admission felt like sacrilege, a betrayal to the Emptiness which he couldn’t muster now.

So much for being a warrior.

OOC: Giving Ro-Ro some time to keep up with the story here. Probably in the next post or so something’s gonna happen though! Be prepared! The adventure begins!

[Roan]

Riahana knew her duty as the lone Warder of the group, and went through the Gateway without hesitation, her bow strung and at the ready and the Void pulled close about her. Fast travel through such gateways was nothing new to the Gaidar Captain, though she preferred the journey as much as reaching the destination. Of course, the current journey was not one of pleasure, but business.

Giving distance to the gateway, Ria urged Lex forward ash she scanned the immediate surroundings. Letting each of her senses pick up what they might, she hunted for any threat to her or her companions. When no threat presented itself, she remained alert but relaxed as much as she might dare. It did not take long for the others to join her, and she looked to Gareth with a sly smile before turning her attention to Nykkolaia Aes Sedai as she explained the purpose of their journey.

Hearing of trouble. . .of violence. . .explained why Gareth had been summoned, as well as help from the Green in the form of her Memma. She wondered what would await them as the group continued on their way. As she and Gareth rode on and conversed as a bonded pair might, she couldn't help but notice the Dedicated Valadin ride up to speak with Mia. She shared a sly smirk with Gareth, as she was fairly certain the younger channeler did not know the family dynamics of the group he was a part of. . .for that matter, did the Blue?

The Gaidar reached down and adjusted the quiver she had strapped to her right calf and couldn't help but comment to Gareth, "Dedicated Valadin likely has little or no idea the family dynamics of this group. Not that it matters, mind, but it is something that amuses me for some reason."

[Bella]

Gareth Tomason Gareth looked at his wife and couldn't help but chuckle. "I very much doubt he does," he agreed. "It's the nature of having any innocuous secret, I suppose." He smiled.
Miahala Ives In truth, Miahala didn't exactly know what he was doing with the group. It wasn't that she had a doubt in him, but simply she didn't know all of his skills well enough to be detailed about it. She had a suspicion, however, that it had something to do with the look he had given the Blue...since Nykkolaia was the one leading this mission. It would have been her choice, and she was without a warder.

So was Mia, but Mia knew she didn't need one. She didn't know that for the Blue, one way or the other.

Turning her attention to Valadin, she offered a faint smile. It wasn't much, but there was some reassurance to it. "You will never learn if you do not try, yes?" she pointed out. "You need to get out and aid such missions to learn what your skills will truly be, how you will best use them, and how you will face the things that are put before you. To have ones such as us with you is a blessing. It does not make you insignificant to our purpose, but gives you people to learn from."

She paused and let that sink in. She heard a soft rumbling chuckle from Gareth behind them, but didn't give it much mind. "Do not let doubt cloud your mind, because then your usefulness will be hindered. Don't go so far the other way into arrogance, as that helps nothing either. Know that you have purpose here, and work with the group to achieve it. And you will. You would not have made Dedicated if you did not have the ability to do so."

She might not have been the warmest of souls to everyone, but the woman who had been Mistress of Novices--encouraging and teaching when needed--still lived her and came out when she chose to allow it. There was something about this young man she liked, though she couldn't name, and she wished to aid him.

[Sean]

“Time is as much a delusion as one’s hope. Look into the void and see the vastness and smallness of everything at once, in an instant of terror and wonder.”

Lady Miahala’s words fell on Valadin like a reassuring blanket. He hoped the firm nod he gave in response conveyed his gratitude. I can see why they say she’s a legend. Woman’s like none I ever met. Half believe she could win the Last Battle if she had a mind to.

The ride continued uneventfully, the sights of the countryside offering little difference though they did come across a caravan of Tinkers. Clothed in bright colors that made the eye ache when looked at directly, the Traveling folk regarded the Tower band warily. Coming from the direction of the capital, Val thought they might’ve been a valuable source of information, but the Traveling People steered their wagons wide of the group and Nykk didn’t pursue them. When Val and others came to the foot of the hill leading up towards the village they’d seen earlier, the sun had crossed the sky marking the day half gone. Meals were eaten in the saddle, yet no one complained as if it were expected during any long journey.

It was then that commotion from uphill drew Val’s attention.

“Help! Help! Help me!” a small voice cried, breaking the peaceful ambiance of the farmlands.

A small boy raced barefoot down the dirt pathway from the village. Even from afar he was dirty and his clothes worn after the fashion of those working long, hard days in the field. The lad had made it to the base of the hill where Val and the others watched the scene when three horseman burst from the village above, the chargers braying hoarsely as the riders goaded them to breakneck speeds. “Please! Travelers! You have to help me! I beg you! They-the woman—she killed my mam an’ pa! Th—”

“Ho, there!” called one of the men. Up close the men were obviously soldiers. The uniforms beneath the polished breastplates were dark blue and ivory lace poked through the collar as well as adorning the cuffs of their sleeves. Peering closer, Val noticed that the men’s gauntlets possessed engraving and shared the same shined appearance as the rest of their armor. Even the bell-shaped helmets set atop their heads shone so brightly that the dipping sun made them appear to have crowns of pure light. “Come along now, boy, we’re taking you to a place where you’ll receive care and a warm bath. You’ve been through a lot.”

Upon the arrival of the armed men—Val realized he’d missed the sheathed swords at each of their waists at first glance—the child had pressed himself near Nykkolaia’s horse. Each advance of the leader resulted in a subsequent retreating step from the frightened youth. Can’t be old enough to have even been promised to anyone yet… Val noted, but kept his face still as he watched events unfold impassively beside Miahala Sedai. Duty comes first. Dunt be arrogant—don’t doubt yerself; Lady Miahala told ya so.

As confident as he tried to appear, his hand instinctively reached at his back to brush against the hilt of the sword housed there. He prayed there’d be no need to use it, yet yearned to feel its weight tossed about in the throes in battle.

“No! Stay away from me!” the boy spat, ragged, dark tassels dancing wildly in his vehemence. “Milady,” the boy stammered turning to stare up Nykk in her saddle, “Please…these men. They work fer this woman—says she’s from the ‘Tower’ an she come to help the sick and the weak only…only since she came all our old an’ sick been dyin’ ever since they saw her. She’s killin’ ‘em! We all know it!”

“Silence!” the commanding officer snapped, his horse snorting agitatedly as if agreeing with its rider’s anger. For the first time the man looked up from the boy and studied the group of Aes Sedai, Gaidin, and Dedicated. If he recognized them for who they were he said nothing, his face reserved and calm as he addressed Nykkolaia.

“With respect, milady, as a man of the guard, I’ve got to ask you of your business here, but first I’ll have the boy. He’s no concern of yours…”

Val twitched when he caught one of the other men staring directly at him. In a heartbeat the Void enveloped him and his thoughts became logical as he coolly returned the gaze.

“Know that you have purpose here, and work with the group to achieve it,” Miahala’s words rang in his ear as everyone waited for Nykk’s response, “…And you will.”

Yes, Miahala Sedai.

OOC: Be prepared. Some of you will get character-specific prompts so you'll actually be seeing things that the others won't be. It's up to you to react to them. Just a heads up.

[Roan]

Riahana was ever alert as the group made their way along the road. She made quick work of her mid-day meal, wanting to keep her hands free and ready. . .just in case. The Warder's role was to remain ever alert, ready to react to any challenge that might present itself, and, perhaps above all, protect her Channeler. Being the lone Warder with the group might well have put an extra weight of responsibility on her shoulders, but the Gaidar Captain took it all in stride. It helped that the group consisted of Mia, who could hold her own, and Dedicated Valadin, who was at least a match for Riahana when it came to sword.

If she were to admit to it, Riahana had been considering her traveling companions since they left the Tower. She liked to know where they might stand if they were faced with a fight. She hoped their quest would not come to that, but given there were already reports of violence, she suspected her hopes would be dashed.

The voice of a child broke the silence, and without a second thought, the Gaidar grasped the Oneness and was on high alert. The small boy seemed drawn to Nykkolaia Aes Sedai, and begged for help.

The Gaidar Captain's attention, though, was drawn to the three horsemen who were galloping towards the group. None had their weapons drawn, but something in their manner suggested they would not be friends. She considered drawing her bow, but realized such a move could be considered an open act of aggression. Instead, she remained alert, and ready to react if the moment called for it.

Soldiers, Riahana thought. She scanned each of them, and noticed she'd come to the attention of one of the three. He glared at her, as if to pierce her with just his gaze. With calm detachment, Riahana matched the man's stare, though she only looked at him while he glared on. It was almost as if he were challenging her, and while she was aware of the other two soldiers, she did not drop her gaze.

Moments passed, and the man sneered as he turned his attention towards the Blue Aes Sedai. She watched as his hand went to the hilt of his sword, and he began to draw his weapon.

With a detached calmness, Riahana had her bow in hand not a second later, and without hesitation, let loose an arrow that sunk into the ground at the hooves of the aggressor's mount. She nocked another arrow, and never took her eyes off the man, "I would not draw your weapon any further if you hope to breath another breath."

Three of them, five of us. If they wish violence, then they are fools, she thought to herself. The world was full of fools, though, and she hoped the leader of the three had just a little bit in the way of common sense.

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Sedai This is already off to a wonderful start... Nykk thought sardonically as she heard the racket heading their way and then saw the child with his three pursuers. The sight of the child instantly touched that one place in her soul, while the sight of the ones that chased him instantly forced every muscle in her body to tense and vibrate.

Her face maintained her Aes Sedai serenity, however...or, at least, it's stony impassivity. She's not sure she had ever been serene.

She did not reply as her instinct wanted to, because she knew that political situations always came about whenever...well, whenever you dealt with other people. She needed entrance to that city, and she didn't need to have any of the guard put her on their "bad side" list. With a long slow inhale, she looked down at the boy's pleading eyes and tried to calm her thoughts.

"We are from the Grey Tower and have been invited," she replied honestly, although she did not expound. There was no hiding that they were channelers with Miahala Sedai along, and even Gareth was showing the tell-tale agelessness although he was clearly younger. The Gaidar looked...well, like a Gaidar. "We would be happy to relieve your trouble and escort the boy back into the city with us."

Deep down, she didn't like the sight of the men nor that they were chasing a child like a criminal. The mention of another woman from a "Tower" however was an intrigue that would require deeper thought, especially if the boy was right, although she knew children to be fanciful and wouldn't put all her stock upon it. Still...she didn't want to give him to these men until she knew more.

[Sean]

“Sometimes a man's highest calling is simply to stand.”

Valadin flinched in his saddle as the hissing arrow struck its mark with unnerving accuracy. Not knowing the reason for the warning, he could only affect impassivity as the female Gaidar’s words accompanied by the ease with which another arrow was nocked provided ample reason for the soldiers to tread lightly.

Nykk’s introduction of them went on as though she didn’t notice this sortie, her words short and expectant of adherence. It still took getting used to listening to her when that cold edge touched her words; Val wasn’t certain that she was same woman he knew when she got like that.

Three swords jumped free with a metallic ring in chorus—Valadin smoothly unsheathed his with Unfolding the Fan as the two junior soldiers drew theirs with little grace. Beneath him, the mare tensed in reaction to its rider’s sudden aggression. At a moment’s notice Val could be between the men and Nykk, his blade ready to spill blood in her protection. Sure ‘bout that? Grinding his teeth, he drew the Void and observed the world in cold rationality, always acutely aware of distracting emotions. The man who’d given offence started towards the lady Gaidar, the face beneath the helm a mask of cold fury. “You bloody—!”

“Hold, soldier!” the commanding officer demanded sharply.

“But, ser!”

“You will hold!”

There was a tense moment where the attack looked as if it would still come, but already the other subordinate was grounding his blade at his hip and the lack of support served to quell the hot temper of the aggressive man. Jus’ as well…doubt this lot would have much chance against the Gaidar with blade or bow. “Forgive my men, they still aren’t used to such elevated company. They tend to forget themselves and cause undue shame upon their commanders as well as themselves.”

Though the man didn’t look back, his men scowled scornfully though their rage seemed completely tempered by the admonishment. Some part of Val was impressed by the entire exchange though the emotion skittered across the Void’s surface and vanished into an abyss. His entire being was devoted to moving swiftly and brutally when the time called for it.

“Grey Tower, you say?” the commanding officer continued, “Interesting…I know little of Hama Valon though we’ve often seen envoys traveling towards the capital on business. Recently our very own Tremonsien has been hosting a number of Sisters from the White Tower, who also have business in the capital,” he explained reservedly, eyes unblinking as they studied Nykk. “Actually we’re of the city watch. These men—and a few others temporarily garrisoned in town—were tasked with escorting the Sisters into the city on the morrow. It’d be no trouble to have your people along.”

The lack of flexibility in his suggestion was lost on nobody when the man added, “Of course I believe no trouble would befall us if the boy were to remain in your care for the time being.”

At the suggestion, the boy’s face lit up hopefully as he stared up at Nykk with a toothy smile.

Noticing that his longsword was still at the ready, Val swallowed as the officer’s brow lifted quizzically at the sight before continuing to take in the entirety of the group. There’s only one leader in this group…an’ it ain’t you mate, he thought biting back a stream of curses. “An’ if we dunt?” he asked, breaking the heavy silence as attention centered on him, “I’m…I’m sayin’ if we dunt follow you lot back to town; what then?”

The curious expression hardened into the same face that had stilled the men for disobeying orders. The Void shuddered with uncertainty as the officer fixed Val with a stern look.

“If you were invited to court then it would be a poor way to make an entrance if there was unnecessary trouble, wouldn’t it lad?” the officer replied. Nearly reddening, Val holstered his sword, but kept the Void about him as he met the man’s gaze. Foolish he may be, but he wouldn’t be made out as a coward.

[Bella]

Miahala Ives As soon as tensions rose to the level of pulled swords and arrows flying, though Mia felt a surge of pride at her great granddaughter's quick reflexes and cool head, the Green had embraced Saidar with the same efficiency that might come of breathing. No one would know that she had, aside from Nykkolaia and perhaps a tingling upon Gareth's arms, because the woman sat as still as an ivory statue. Her eyes were alive with her inner fire as she peered closely at the city guards, ready to level them into the ground if they gave her cause.

The commander had more sense than his men, though, and cut the moment short before it could begin. She knew nothing more than this of him so she didn't warrant much about him in general, but she appreciated he had more foresight. The young ones usually thought with their egos first, after all.

Her head turned to coolly regard the young Dedicated when he spoke, curious as to what had prompted him to do so. It was not an admonishing thought, but simply a curious one. It didn't seem to do much for the commander's mood, but the city guardsman still kept his head, even if his tone was a tight one.

"The Grey Tower recognizes the aid and honor of the city guard," Nykkolaia said smoothly from the head of their party. Miahala noticed that the younger Aes Sedai had lowered her hand for the boy to take, without having shifted another muscle of her body or relieve the guard commander of her emotionless but intent gaze. "We will attend your escort into the city." The girl was smart. They didn't need to start this off on any worse foot than they already had.

If it came to a fight, would the Tower envoy win? Of course. Mia alone could take out all those men if they made enough threat to allow her to use the One Power; or her daggers could take out a couple on their own. But even if she would prefer to take action than linger in the murk of politic manners and correctness, she understood the need for it and its place in their dealings. What they would do would, in fact, reflect back on the Grey Tower and would impact their mission.

They needed the cooperation of the city to ease their mission, she knew.

She was very curious about the envoy from the White Tower being here. She supposed it made sense, as such a matter as they had come here on would draw the attention of Tar Valon as well...but what the child said was interesting, too. Did he speak the truth? His terror seemed in earnest enough. Time would tell. The guard had relinquished him to their care, so hopefully they could talk to him and find out more once certain prying ears were gone.

"We will be happy to attend to the child," Nykkolaia continued. "And we thank you for your diligence. For now, may we pass into your town?"