A legend of brothers [Attn: Kiellan & Daelar]

[Sean]

The barracks teemed with men of all shapes and sizes. Most donned their Mountain guard uniforms, a simple attire made primarily of leather and deer pelts stitched together. Valadin saw few swords as he returned a firm back slap to a familiar face, but he knew the armory was in the cellar under heavy guard. Some cast wary eyes at longsword at his waist though none spoke a word of it. Whether they knew him personally or all of the Guard knew Valadin and the sergeant were as brothers.

Fodhr's office was as untidy as ever. Tomes and scrolls on military strategy lay strewn about. A clearly visible layer of dust faded the once bright polish of the windowsill's wood. The short grizzly bearded man at the desk had a stony expression when Valadin entered. The summons had asked for him to come in the later part of the hour, but he'd never needed appointments before to see his friend and mentor.

"Like tavern lightskirt sick with love, couldn't wait yer turn,eh?" Fodhr chucked, his voice raspy and harsh from years of shouting commands on the field of battle. Usually Valadin would allow the barb to pass unanswered, but today he noticed several young men standing at attention in the cramped room. Two of them were Dedicated. Kirllan Valadin wondered.

The young man he'd initiated into the Tower had progressed well, the Sword pin upon his black coat a symbol to diligent effort Kiellan made towards his studies. News had only reached Valadin's ear a fortnight ago and Master Elonid's increasing demands had kept him from giving proper congratulations to his former pupil. As it were the lad's presence here was a mystery.

Study the second Dedicated with a quick glance before taking his place amongst the other Valadin found that he did not know this man. His eyes to blaze with a fierce energy, but whether it was excitement or fear that fed the inferno was uncertain. The other were of the Mountain guard, some he knew. In all they stood ten able men summoned for an unknown purpose.

"Well this weren't 'posed to 'appen like this, but burn it. Introduce yerselves one by one. Go head Val."

Still unable to opine any meanings from the gather Valadin announced himself, "Dedicated Valadin Manelle of the Grey Tower."

From the other Guardsmen gave roll call. Tannis of Altars, Melita of Arad Doman, and Yeltis of Illian were among those who knew Valadin well. His frequent visits had made him an honorary brother in their eyes which often led to embarrassing him as a show of affection. The ones Valadin did not know were a serious lot. No more than any of the other Guardsmen or women, but their clipped introductions obviously differed from the others.

Finally all that remained were the two Dedicated. "You, boy," Fodhr growled at Kiellan as an inkwell tumbled from his desk and into his lap. "Mother's milk...what's yer name?!

[Teddy]

As bad as the Barracks were, Kiellan didn't care. The office he was in currently was preferable over the rest of the building, but even in here, it was crowded. About a dozen grown men sweating didn't make for a great atmosphere, especially if those men looked more like war machinery than man, and they all seemed to know one another, while he was there alone. Still, all he could feel was happiness, mixed with a tinge of excitement. He had only barely managed to not hug the Aes Sedai who had passed the summons on to him this morning. Today was the first day in all the years that he had been in the Grey Tower that he had been allowed to leave the Tower Grounds. That was one of the perks of being Dedicated, most likely. Sometimes, the increased freedom almost made him forget about the hard parts of his raising. Almost.

So, here he was, for unknown reasons, surrounded by unkown men. The only man in the room Kiellan had seen before sat right next to him, a brown-haired Seanchan boy who had also been a Soldier in the Tower, although Kiellan had heard that the boy had been raised at about the same time as himself. He couldn't help his instant dislike of the boy. He still remembered the Seanchan threat back home, with their winged demons flying over the city from time to time and their enslaved Aes Sedai ravaging the countryside. He tried not to let that get out of hand, though. Perhaps the boy would prove himself different from the rest of his people.

The door opened once more, letting another man in the already overcrowded room. Surprisingly, Kiellan realized he knew this man, although it was one of the last people he had expected. His face quickly turned into a broad smile at the sight of his former teacher. Kiellan hadn't had the chance to go see Val the past weeks, and he realized this was the first time that they met as equals. That was strange. Ever since his arrival, Val had guided him, had trained him and taught him, and now, they were peers as far as the Tower was concerned. That would probably take some time to get used to. To Kiellan's surprise, Val didn't seem as lost in the small office as Kiellan. Apparently, he knew most of these men, and the captain even made what seemed like a friendly joke.

He didn't have much time to think about it, however. As soon as Valadin sat down, the captain started. Kiellan tried to take in as many of the names as he could, but he didn't think he could remember more than two when it was his turn. He was second-to-last, he noticed. Only the other Tower boy was left, besides himself. Kiellan decided it would be best to imitate Val's introduction. "Dedicated Kiellan Lomore of the Grey Tower," he said, trying to sound confident, but he wasn't sure if he succeeded. This group certainly was intimidating. Hopefully, someone would tell him what all of this was about, sooner rather than later. With that thought, he turned his gaze to the boy next to him.

[Julio]

Why are we here at all? Daelar wondered. There were eight leather clad warriors, and he was sitting next to another Dedicated, an Altaran, who was giving him dark looks. Daelar didn't really care. He was used to it; everybody was always suspicious of Seanchan. Not that it would help if any actually tried to kill them. They are evil though, I know.

Daelar's arches were fresh in his mind; he had seen his best friend killed by Seanchan. He had seen the Hall of Sitters demolished. He had declared war on them... but that wasn't real.

As he waited for something to happen, his eyes wandered. On the wall there was a very dusty shield, next to a nicely polished axe. A book about historic battles, not surprising, but what was surprising was a rose very carefully placed in a water filled glass. Whoever gave it to the captain, she must be special!

Daelar's eyes snapped up as the door opened. In walked another Dedicated, one he didn't recognize. He seemed to know everyone, or at least all the friendly people.

At the jovial bark of their commander, everybody started introducing themselves. The Dedicated that had walked in just now was named Valadin, one of the warriors was named Tannis, and the Dedicated that didn't like him was named Kiellan. Calming himself, he went through everything Asha'man Cheiron had taught him. He stood up straight, saying calmly, "I am Dedicated Daelar Ralead. As you all probably noticed, I am Seanchan."

That didn't seem to phase anyone. They must either have known already, or Hama Valon saw enough strangers that even Seanchan weren't surprising.

He flexed his fingers, running his hand along his belt. His Grolm whip wasn't there; he was better with his hands and feet, and he didn't want to lose it. Instead he had the Ter'angreal he had made two days ago. Quickly lighting a fire might be useful. Then again, it might not.

The Captain stood up. Finally, I'll learn why I am here!

[Sean]

The palpable tension of the room reached its zenith as Fodhr rose.

“Been ages since we sent a patrol out to the mountains,” the sergeant began though Valadin saw something behind the stoic bravado of his teacher. Uneasiness wormed its way into his thoughts as he listened. “…you lot’ll head out to the pass an’ make sure the lands ‘er free o’ bandits, outlaws, an’ the like. Hopefully no one gets eaten by mountain cat though…I pity the poor beast if it has to settle fer any of you for a meal.”

Some of the Guardsmen chuckled at the dark humor. Valadin couldn’t see what there was to laugh at.

“Sarge, if it’s as simple as you say, why are there three of the Dedicated coming along with us? Valadin sure, but these other lads don’t look like they’ve marched in any units before.”

Without delay Valadin cut a quick look at Kiellan, shaking his head slightly to indicate the young man hold his tongue. Time spent amongst Gaidin and the Mountain guard instilled a respect for a fellow brother’s view even a dissenting one.

“Aye, these two I ain’t too sure on, but they come recommended by the Master of Soldiers an’ truth be told we could stand to get know some of the other channelers at the Tower. Creator knows we’ll be fightin’ longside them when the Last Battle comes ‘round.” The statement brooked no argument. Among the Guardsmen, the channelers and Gaidin of the Tower represented the greatest weapon that humanity had against the Shadow; they considered by many to be swords of the Dragon Reborn himself. “Besides, this’ll go smoothly enough; Vally here’s going to be headin’ this expedition.”

Despite urging Kiellan’s silence Valadin opened his mouth in protest—along with a few others in the room—but Fodhr held a hand up cutting their complaints short. “You’ll all do as yer told. That’s an order. Master of Soldiers put his name up an’ it was the only thing that I we agreed on so it’s done. Understood? I said—Understood?!”

The rebuke snapped the Guardsmen to obedience. Most knew Fodhr’s current tone meant no further debate would be tolerated. Despite being one of the smallest men in the guard, the sergeant’s temper had become a thing lamented between mugs of ale.

“Now out with you lot. Yer to set out tomorrow. The quartermaster will see you fitted.” Turned to the three Dedicated in the room. “You lot…I guess yer on yer own in yer preparations, but the Guardsmen will be ready at dawn. Val, no late night sips. Dismissed.”
As the last one to enter the study Valadin waited for the Guardsmen to leave first and then quickly followed the pair of Dedicated through the barracks until they were on Tower grounds once more.

“Kiellan! Kiellan!” he called, getting his former pupil’s attention. As it were the other Dedicated paused as well. The man had the look of a foreigner, but from which nation Valadin couldn’t tell. “Greetings to the both of ya,” Valadin began sheepishly. Talking had never been a strong suit of his.

“Uh…I take it this is yer first time out on a patrol? Shouldn’t be too bad. Been on a few…been to the Blight fer Light’s sake. This’ll jus’ be a quick run to the mountain an’ back. No need to worry. Kiellan, I know, but you…” Valadin said turning in the direction of the shorter Dedicated who’d remained quiet throughout the meeting other than to speak his name.

Brown hair and brown eyes were striking traits this far north of the Westlands, but not uncommon. Most of Hama Valon had immigrated from somewhere. Still, the unknown young man carried himself with a self-importance that quickly reminded Valadin of Soldier he’d not seen in quite some time. I’ll be sure to check on him when I get back, he decided.

OOC: After this round of posts we’re going to get to the actual patrol. Don’t want to spent too much time with intros and preps so if you like we can continue this conversation, but I just wanted to let you both know so you’re not surprised by the fast jump into the thick of things.

[Julio]

So. A patrol in the mountains. Well, it is nice to be out of the Tower. The Tower was in no way bad, but nevertheless a change of scenery was nice. Seeing more familiar sights, cities and carts, taverns and farmers, was nice after the imposing and regal Tower.

Why did they laugh at such a strange joke? It wasn't nearly funny. Why would laugh about being eaten? Well, they were used to living in deadly peril. Joking about things probably made them less frightening. And really, why did they need three dedicated for such a simple mission?
So. This Dedicated, Valadin, was going to lead the patrol. If the Sergeant trusts him, then he must be capable. He doesn't seem like the kind of man to throw away lives. His soldiers all seem to respect him; that must mean something. But Vally. That was a strange nickname. Nicknames had taken Daelar some getting used to; they were not used in Seanchan. It was rare enough for people to actually call you by your personal name. Nicknames were very unnecessary.

After they were dismissed until dawn, he walked out directly next to the Dedicated. Dedicated Kiellan, his name was. Well.

"Kiellan! Kiellan!" Daelar turned as well. No reason to become separated. It was said that you should keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. This man was neither, but he was an ally. Staying close would help. Valadin didn't seem very comfortable with his talking. He seemed to forget what he was saying from time to time. If he wanted to be an orator, he would need some practice.

Daelar bowed slightly to Valadin. "Greetings."

Valadin finished, and Kiellan didn't seem likely to say anything right now.

"Yes, this is my first patrol. It is natural that you wouldn't know me, as I was given my sword pin quite recently."

A few moments later, he continued. "You seem to know how to wield your sword. You likely will have no need of a trip to the armory. I cannot wield any weapons, so a trip there would be futile for me as well."

He could defend himself just fine with his hands and feet, but that was unnecessary information. He glanced at Kiellan. He still looked angry and guarded. Few people changed their minds quickly.

"There is some time still before dawn. It seems foolish to stand here and do nothing."

[Teddy]

Kiellan was surprised by how lightly these men spoke of deaths. What was their problem? They certainly looked tough, but he hadn't thought they were suicidal as well. Light, his first time outside of the Tower in years and they sent him out to patrol with a group of suicidal maniacs. Fantastic.

He had already opened his mouth for a reply, but unhappily closed it again at Val's look. How dare that man? He was right, of course, but that didn't give him the right to be so condescending about that. One thing he despised about the Tower was how all the Aes Sedai and Asha'man seemed to treat him like dirt, but he hadn't expected that from simple guards. Kiellan might never have been in a unit, and he might never have killed anything, but he had been in plenty of fights. He didn't think the guard had ever had to struggle for survival the way Kiellan had had to. He also knew Val was right, however. It wouldn't do his position in this group any good to pick a fight with one of them before they had even left.

The leader's next reveal was surprising to Kiellan. They put Val in charge? Kiellan knew that his former mentor was sort of a regular visitor at the barracks, but this was strange. But strange as it might be, it was also comforting to know that he would be put under the command of someone he trusted. He was still having nightmares from his adventure through the Arches, and a mountain patrol reminded him far too much of the fears he had to face there. He was constantly afraid that those fears might come true, that he would one day be unable to control his own anger or that they would be ambushed by Shadowspawn, but if there was anyone he trusted to help him with those fears, it was Valadin. The man had helped Kiellan control his own ability, and from that day on, Kiellan had trusted him completely.

He was glad when the captain told everyone to leave. As much as he had liked being outside the Tower, the small, overcrowded room had begun to seem confining, and Kiellan could feel himself getting uncomfortably hot. The fresh air felt good, even if it was the same old Tower air he had been feeling all that time.

He quickly turned around when he heard his name, and walked over to Valadin. Unfortunately, he saw the other Dedicated pause as well. Even though he knew the boy hadn't done anything to him, Kiellan couldn't help himself. He disliked him. He was Seanchan, after all, so how could he be trusted. He only grew angrier as he hard the boy speak, playing innocent.

"Don't trust him, Val, he's Seanchan." He hadn't meant to say that. He knew he shouldn't have, but at least it was out now. "I mean, you know how they think about channelers. They only seek to enslave and subjugate us. It's happening in Altara right now." Kiellan knew he probably sounded silly, but he didn't care. He had to let Valadin know, before they went on patrol.

[Sean]

Seanchan. A name earmarked in military history for their supposed descent from Artur Hawkwing; a claim few scholars placed faith in. Rumors claimed they had returned after centuries of absence. Their arrival was being used as another sign of the Last days.

For himself, Valadin had journeyed to Altara and learned of the occupation in Ebou Dar through the Dream. What he saw were a people with strong conviction and the strength to back their asserted right to rule the Westlands. If there was tyranny evident there was little sign of it in the dreams of the Ebou Dari citizens.

Looking upon this Daelar there was nothing ostensibly hostile or dangerous about the man. Of the three he was shortest, barely reaching either Valadin or Kiellan's chest, but there was a stubborn pride in his carriage; restraint carefully held back the fierceness that lay within.

"Enough, Kiellan, " Valadin said, eyes never leaving Daelar's face, "we all become one blood when we fight against the Shadow. Dunt matter none where ya call home."

Looking down at the shorter Dedicated's hands it became apparent that the comment of not needing weapons hadn't been a boast. Bruises formed a tough layer of bone and skin above the ridges of each knuckle on both hands. "Well...ya heard 'em, we leave at dawn. Get yer rest an' meet at first light on the edges o' town. Pack a few days worth o' rations. Beyond that a hunting knife will do some good...I think."

Never one to tarry Valadin left them abruptly not even bidding them farewell as he strode away. His thoughts were already taken with the burdens of leadership. If they called him, he wouldn't hear for the mission loomed like a bad omen in his mind. No sleep tonight either...Nykk, do ya miss me?

So it was that sunrise came and the mission began. The cool mountain air was crisp as Valadin waited alongside the other Guardsmen. The leggy dappled mare stepped irritably beneath him, nostrils flaring with impatience. A stroke and a few soothing whispers did the trick...this time.

"Oi, Val. Where are ya mates?! Ent got all bloody day to freeze me hinter regions off," Yeltis groused yet again. A fine huntsman and an even better shot with a bow were the only reasons most were able to tolerate the man.

"They'll be here, Yeltis. My brothers understand the importance o' the mission," Valadin replied without turning away from a still sleeping Hama Valon. Still no sign of either Dedicated. I hope...

"Perhaps one of us should go retrieve the lost pups."

Chuckles rolled through most of the group at that. No one would ever say the men of the mountain guard were a patient lot.

Finally, thankfully , a silhouette appeared in the town square striding towards them. "See? They come!" Valadin called, a smile riding his lips. "Mount up, men! Soon we ride!"

[Julio]

Daelar picked up his rations, just as he had been told. The quartermaster had grumbled quite loudly about "These bloody patrols, robbing an honest man of a good nights sleep."
Nevertheless, he got the pack together with no real objections. "D'ye need any weapons? Seems bloody strange to go into the mountains without any weapons."
The quartermaster glanced back to see what Daelar thought, and noticed the black coat and Sword pin. He mumbled to himself, "Your like don't need any bloody weapons, d'you. You're weapons yerselves."

After Daelar had gotten his equipment, he started back toward the tower. As he walked, he hefted the knife. Not that he knew anything about fighting with it. He could skin an animal just fine, though. He decided to sit in his chair and wait. He'd be less likely to fall asleep there, but he'd still get some rest.

He must have dozed off, because the next thing he knew the sun had begun to lighten the sky. He leapt up quickly. It wouldn't do to keep the others waiting. He grabbed his bag, put on his boots, and ran out of the room. He was glad he hadn't changed. A few minutes later he was walking quickly toward the barracks. He was beginning to be short of breath as he hurried along. Thankfully, the sharp early-morning air kept him wide awake. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon as he ran up to the group.

He didn't say anything. He saw two horses standing riderless. One of the guardsmen saw him looking questioningly, and told him, "Take either horse. Don't really matter."

Daelar had some knowledge of horses, having grown up on a farm. He could ride them well enough, though he could hardly fight while on top of one. He quickly stowed his equipment in the saddlebags. As he swung onto the saddle, he heard one of the guardsmen call, "Where's yer other mate? He shoulda been here a good bit ago."

[Teddy]

Kiellan quickly grabbed everything he needed, cursing as he hit his knee against the chair. Bloody, flaming chair! He had been doing better with his punctuality after his Raising, but today, he was late again. He had simply been unable to find his warm clothes, which was unsurprising considering how messy his room was. As a Soldier, he had been inspected regularly -and punished in about the same frequency- but nobody cared how tidy the room of a Dedicated was, so he had fallen back into old habits of simply throwing everything on the floor. In Ebou Dar, that had worked, because he simply hadn't had enough clothes to fill the floor of the tiny room he shared with his brother, but the Tower had supplied him with a wardrobe big enough for his entire family.

Kiellan decided to skip his trip to the quartermaster. The man wouldn't have anything Kiellan could use anyway, and he wasn't about to embarrass himself with his minimal skill with daggers in front of Valadin. Besides, he had the Power, if it really came to that. Val had taught him something of fighting with the Power, and it would definitely be enough for the regular bandit or wolf. All he allowed himself was a quick run to the kitchen, for a glass of milk and some bread and cheese, some of which he wrapped up and but in his bag. All of it was fresh, and it tasted good as always. Feeling somewhat refreshed, Kiellan started walking to the stables for his final stop.

Now sitting on a large, brown horse, Kiellan finally arrived. He had no idea what kind of horse it was; he had little interest for animals as a whole. He never liked riding a horse. He never had before arriving at the Tower, and even here, he only did it if he absolutely had to. He had received a little training with horse riding, but he was in know way a good equestrian. It took him a minute to get a feel of the horse again, but he eventually managed.

A couple of minutes later, he finally arrived at their meeting point. The rest was all already there, unsurprisingly, waiting for him. Some of them Mountain Guards looked at him impatiently, and Kiellan was quick to apologize. He quickly rode to where he saw Val and the other Dedicated standing together. He was still distrustful of the Seanchan, he was bloody Seanchan, but he knew he would have to hide it better than yesterday. He also knew it was irrational, but that didn't help him get over it. Well, maybe this trip would change his mind about the boy. "Sorry for being late, Val. I was... Well, never mind that. Let's just get on with it. What are we going to do anyway?"

[Sean]

Once both Dedicated arrived Valadin felt the tension thicken. Unhappy grumbling came from the Guardsmen. Even those of a lighter temperament frowned upon tardiness whatever the reason; for soldiers lateness meant punishment and in battle it meant death.

Images of the Blight stirred up the fear and uncertainty that lay hidden in every bush, death waiting on every roadside. Mistress Ubriel, Light bless the woman, had been fastidious in her leading of their patrol back then. Valadin hoped he could match the effort by a half measure.

Shifting in his saddle to face both men, he schooled his face into a stern scowl. "Dedicated, we're of the same rank in the Tower. Know that we ent in the Tower anymore. It's into my hands that the mission's been given. I shan't be acceptin' any excuses from here on. Understood?"

In truth confusion clouded the customs held between he and his peers. Given that they all wore the Sword pin, they could not be equals...or familiars without binding the others to them. Mistress Ubriel had shown him that closeness needed to be held by all or none. No select few could be more important than the whole. Still it hurt Valadin to have to be so distant with his brothers. In his heart he prayed they understood.

Pausing just long enough to get the expected assent Valadin ordered the two horses he'd had prepared in the event the Dedicated had come without their own. One was a thick chested dun mare with the stocky build of a beast of labor, but seemed sturdy enough for long treks with uncertain footing. The other was a midnight black stallion. This one had a star shaped patch of white on its forehead and a mean disposition. The fractious creature hadn't let anyone, the Stable Master handle him. Already the soldier that held his reins looked strained with task. Both mounts were healthy; Valadin had inspected them himself.

"Jervis. " The soldier holding the stallion's reins looked to Valadin with a flash of deep-seeded scorn in his look that was winked out before it could be considered disrespectful. Another inward sigh. This was going to be a long mission. "See Dedicated Kiellan an' Dedicated Daelar into their saddles. Yer charged with makin' sure they stay with us while on patrol. I'll catch 'em up when we make camp. Won't take long with these lads; they're a stone's worth brighter than I am."

At this some of Guardsmen chuckled. Valadin had a hard head and coming from a life with not the knowledge of reading or writing made teaching him anything difficult. Many men and women had spent tireless hours teaching the basics of marching and soldiery. Now he had to lead them...Tis yer duty. Nuthin' else to be said 'bout it.

Jervis readied to protest, but never got the chance as Valadin urged his charger into gentle gallop, back turned upon the Dedicated and the soldier. They would be behind for first few days as Kiellan and Daelar were given essential knowledge to functioning within the unit. An endless carpet of green stretched before them and the sight seemed to enliven the horses. Valadin's charged tugged at its reins for release and he didn't have the heart to deny. With a shout that was answered by responding whoops of joy, he and seven of mountain guard raced towards the Mountains of Mist, their fates uncertain.

No one knew what lay ahead, only that their calling beckoned them to find evil wherever it rooted itself. After all, they served the Light.