The Grey Tower

Sojin had been a soldier most of his adult life. His foster father had turned a clumsy boy into an expert swordsman, years on a horseback into a tactician and the Yards had tempered him into a living weapon.

He moved with such grace that rivaled most fully-raised Warders, his blade taking advantage of the disruption that Miahala Sedai caused.

Whatever skills the remaining attackers possessed, he was better. Sword sliced throat or parried whatever blow came his way.

When he felt the earth shake, he compensated. He pushed forward, his body transforming into a roll. One of the masked Tower Guard wasn't entirely unprepared, and his sword sliced through cloth and a bit of flesh as steel grazed Sojin's side.

The silver haired Warder didn't notice from within the Void. His pommel collided with the man's face and the man crumpled like a paper doll, unconscious.

The Dreadlord was outmatched, he knew that much. He struggled against the shield the woman had placed over him, but to no avail.

But he grinned as the remaining soldier advanced on the unprotected Aes Sedai. What was a woman to do against a Tower soldier?

“She who died, will die again, and the Mistress shall move forward, “ he said with some arrogance.

Sojin merely looked back at the man advancing on Miahala and smirked, before his eyes turned on the Dedicated leading what was obviously a suicide mission.

The flash of abject disappointment on the man's face was verified by the last attacker's attempt to scream. The Warder didn't even look as he lifted his bloodied blade to the man's throat.

“The Freak's whore will …” A hard punch to the man's jaw halted any more speaking. The man spat out a tooth.

“Dedicated Jonah Cerwyn, you will refrain from using such language to describe the Lady Miahala,” Sojin said politely.

The man's eyes were on fire. He was a plain man, with bland black hair and a pair of brown eyes that lacked any sense of life behind them. Well, other than the rage.

“It's Jonath, you goat-kissing mule!,” he said. “You're as bad as that half-witted savage Aiel lightskirt ...” The man received a second punch, much harder.

“As I said, language,” Sojin muttered. “And you really should not talk about my sister like that. Or any woman, really.”

Of course he didn't know that much about the runaway Aiel Novice he and Zae had retrieved months ago, but still, she was his sister.

The man laughed, spitting blood on Sojin's shoes. “She will come, my mistress, and when she does, your Aes Sedai will pay for robbing the Great Lord of such a prized soul to torment.”

Sojin looked back at Miahala and tilted his head briefly before kneeling over one of the dead men. He wiped his sword clean and asked, “Had you ever thought that perhaps your mistress doesn't like you or your compatriots very much, or that you did something to upset or draw attention to yourself?”

The man blinked, as if considering his response and the question. “I mean think about it, attacking in the middle of the Tower, in the morning, with just a handful of men to capture or kill a very powerful Green Aes Sedai. Not the brightest move. Me, if I wanted to kill a channeler of her strength, it would be …. well, I'd probably not be an idiot by attacking with just five men ...”

Sojin trailed off as he stood, the tip of his heron-marked blade pointed at angle ready to take the man's head off if need be. “But as I said, you owe my Aes Sedai an apology.”

“I will not apologize to this abomination, she who took to bed with the Freak,” he said, his eyes now on the Green Aes Sedai. “You who failed to protect your own children, who had her own son stolen when she could not see the threat in front of her own eyes, she who helped end the Fiery Serpent, a M'Hael who would Heal this tower of its cancer. And more of her brood will die at the Mistress's hands before the year is out ...”

The Gaidin looked at the Aes Sedai and sighed.

“Whatever wine you were drinking when they recruited you must have addled your brains, son, because you don't threaten any mother's children,” Sojin said. “He's all yours, Miahala Aes Sedai.”

He looked at his coat and shirt then, examining the ruined and bloodied garment. "Of course, if you decide to skin him, would you please inquire as to whether he knows a good tailor before he meets his Great Lord," Sojin said simply. He winced at the wound when his finger grazed it. It was a little deeper than he initially thought, but nowhere near gushing blood. "This was my favorite coat. Oh, and his tongue. For Creator's sake, if he doesn't have anything useful to say, I beg that at least let the poor souls waiting to be rewoven have some peace and quiet."

She enjoyed the fight. The battle, the blood. She felt like she had been born in the one and anointed by the other, though she loathed the betrayal that was rank in the moment...a Dedicated and Tower Guards, here in the very Tower. It was insulting, among every other ill and evil that it was. Then the Shadow had never been particularly considerate, had it?

The Dedicated struggled against his bonds, but he was weak before her. Pathetic. Her ire rose and drove her contempt.

Sojin most skillfully dispatched two more while the last advanced. He honored and acknowledged her abilities by not thinking he had to jump in on everything, and he left his focus to the man tied little better than a hog in the dirt. While Mia watched the other Soldier approach, tilting her head like a predator whose prey decided to advance.

He was brave, she'd give him that. Or stupid. How often did those two dance together, after all? He rushed her, blade held up to slice her head off. He was a little taller than she, but not by much.

Mia was too old and too skilled a channeler to need hand gestures to focus her channelers, but sometimes it was just fun. The cords of Air were already alive when she lifted her hand like she'd grab his sword-arm, and she did--just with Air--and then pushed her other hand forward, palm open, shoving the Air blade into his gut.

His scream was short-lived before he collapsed, gurgling, to the ground. She watched him go and then stepped over his body, approaching Sojin and the Dedicated. His jibes drove at her again, but could do nothing more to cause her pain in her soul than she had already done a thousand times since her return to life.

He had no power over her. To insult, to injure, to kill... She was untouchable.

For a few moments, she let Sojin speak as she approached Jonath. She used the Air to force him to the ground, without moving a single muscle but the following of her eyes on his descent. She knelt beside him. "Unlike you, I am bound by my Oaths. Which means that I am forced to be more creative than the ones who have forsaken themselves."

A faint smile tinged her lips as she pressed a cord of Air against his mouth, binding him from speaking his venom any further. She pulled the knife from her boot, pointing at him with it. "I won't kill you, for now. You'll serve better brought before the Hall...or whatever they choose to do with you."

The mother in her wanted him to suffer, but she was a child of the Light. If they could make him talk, it could serve her Tower and thus her children far better than her righteous indignation now.

Ignoring the minion now, she lifted her eyes to the warder and saw the blood on his coat and the faint wince to his expression. "Are you well, Gaidin?"

Sojin fingered the hole in his coat and shirt, frowning ever so slightly. It had been a gift from someone close.

And now it might as well have been a rag.

And then he looked up at Miahala when she asked after his wellbeing. "Nothing that a Healer can't see to, or a good needle and sinew can't fix," he murmured.

His sapphire eyes studied the woman for a moment, as if she was coming down from a high that came with the rush of battle.

"I admire your restraint," the Warder said, pointing at the downed Dedicated with his broadsword before he sheathed it. "He'd be dead in a heartbeat if someone else was here, and his son threatened."

Sojin cocked his head and muttered. "Actually, his Warder might be the first one to kill him. My little brother has a pair of lions for his parents and I wouldn't want to piss off that woman."

The Dedicated attempted to move, or mutter something. And Sojin politely kicked him in the face. The man fell limp, unconscious to the world.

"Quiet you. You'll have plenty to say when you start singing like a canary before whomever takes up your interrogation."

Sojin's eyes returned to Miahala and took a step toward her. His mind was already flashing over the seconds that led up to the brief assault.

And his eyes lingered on the mark he had planted on her neck.

He touched her neck and murmured, "Usually I don't ... um ... yeah ..."

Oh for the love of Light, but he was a flaming fool.

He kissed her hard, passionately, his lips lingering on hers for what seemed like a long time.

When he parted and pulled away, he murmured, "I would apologize for the kiss, both of them, but ... I'm not. The bite ... well ... yeah, you'd be surprised what ..."

Normally one for talking smoothly, the Warder felt like a crushing hard on a childhood love. It was no wonder that the Red Ajah of his city didn't entangle itself in affairs or matters of love.

Obviously they were right about one thing: some things were complicated, including passion.

He almost kissed her again when he heard shuffling and the sounds of boots.

Sojin turned, the heron-marked sword half drawn when he saw three Gaidin and two Dedicated led by an all-too-familiar auburn-haired Aes Sedai.

"Zae Sedai," Sojin murmured, eying the small army. She might have been a friend, but at the moment he couldn't take the risk.

"There were reports of swords clashing and bodies falling," the Indigo Aes Sedai said, clearly scanning the area.

He nodded toward the unconscious Dedicated and the five masked dead men.

"Dedicated Jonath Cerwyn, sworn to the Shadow, has been bound by the Light," Sojin murmured. "Well, and one irritated Green he tried to kill. Seriously, what idiot thought it was a good idea to run him through the Arches and not just teach him a lesson?"

The Indigo smirked. "Your sister did that twice. A broken nose and injured family jewels. I heard she tried to set him on fire once. Is that why she was sent to the Farms? As for the idiot, I think your father actually accomplished that feat four years ago."

She gestured for the two Dedicated to attend to the downed Dreadlord.

"Miahala Sedai, I assure you that the traitor will be interrogated as to why he attacked you, and if I have to enlist his help, I will do so," Zae said.

She smiled politely and moved closer so only Sojin and Miahala could hear.

"Break his heart and I break your legs," she murmured. "He's one of my dearest friends and I swear you won't have a chance to channel one lick before I get to you. His father trained me whilst I was still a newly raised Aes Sedai and he still a Dedicated, and he had the best Aes Sedai tutor me in the Power. I swear you'll wish you were a child in pigtails wishing for her mother, father or whomever raised you. You might be powerful, the best in the Tower, but he is better, and I really don't care if you're under his protection. This Warder is one of the finest the Yards produced, and a good man, as good as my husband was."

She smiled sweetly as she looked at Sojin. "I've tried to seduce, persuade and get him drunk to try to convince him to let me bond me, but he's particular these days about whom he protects, and that someone might be you. As I said, broken heart, broken legs."

"Bond this one, Sojin Majere, for she is worth it," she looked sideways at the Green as she moved past her. "She has a nice rear, and well, she's a flaming legend. What is it about you knowing legends? And Light, biting her on the neck"

Then she was barking orders, leaving the Gaidin and the Green to speak.

Sojin murmured, "I will not ask for a bond. I will watch your rear as needed, but only if the situation demands it."

It was turning out to be an interesting morning.

Mia's heart came close to skipping a beat when he kissed her the second time, since it had the chance to do so now; there was no deadly risk lingering around the corner this time, although she knew that it was a stolen moment. She let that moment make her breath tremble in her lungs just at the feeling of a man pressed against her again, and the salty taste of another's lips... It had been too long.

Almost an eternity, if one considered it. Perhaps in her mind's eye, her death had only been a blink...but it had also been a forever that she never could've contemplated. That she never would have wished to contemplate.

Then the moment ended, and there was a new presence on the scene. Saidar remained washing through her and she had a dozen weaves dancing at her fingertips as she watched the Aes Sedai-led minor brigade. Their appearance was not really a surprise, but even if it was, it's not like anyone would have known. The Green just stood and watched their approach, not embarrassed by anything that may have been seen.

She had never asked anyone's permission or begged anyone's forgiveness for any decision she had made in her life, and she wasn't intending to start now...

...although the leg-breaking threat that came from the Indigo did come as a slight surprise. It wasn't many that dared to threaten the Green these days, excepting the Shadow, and she couldn't say she liked it. Nothing shone in her unblinking blue-green eyes as they fixated on Zae, but inwardly she did contemplate the things she could do with the One Power that wouldn't precisely violate the Oaths.

It had been a threat against her life after all.

Miahala restrained herself, however, but neither did she dignify that statement with a response. Her life was, always had been and always would be, her business. Besides, it wasn't Sojin's heart that was at risk. Not that she felt herself at risk of it, but she did not break hearts; only had hers broken. Again, and again, and again... The weight of the wedding rings hanging between her breasts reminded her of this.

Still, she said nothing until they had carted off the bound and gagged Dedicated, making their departure as well. She said nothing as he spoke, then finally turned her head to look at him. "No warder should wish to bond me," she said simply. "No warder ever dies happy in battle or old age with me. I do not think I should want to curse another." She paused, tilting her head and allowing a faint smile.

"Other things..." She trailed off at that. "Well. Don't feel you need to apologize for the bite. I did not mind."

Zae and her small band were quick in their efforts, especially when the former knew she wasn't welcome in this moment. She approached Sojin, saidar flooding her as she touched the Warder. He felt the Healing weave jolt his system for but a minute.

"You're always getting into scrapes, Gaidin, or some other scenario that gets you bloodied," she muttered before taking her leave. She paused and looked sidelong at the Green. "I meant what I said to him, Sister, it's worth having someone around to watch your rear. It's a fine one indeed."

Then the two were alone and the Warder listened to the Green.

Sojin evaluated Miahala silently for a long moment, considering her words. He also considered Zae's more closely. Light, but the woman had become more "blunt" in the 25 years he had known her.

Was that what he sounded like when he disregarded any offers of a bond? Light knew he had avoided a few since his return, and even before.

He took a step forward and murmured, "That is the life of a Warder, Aes Sedai, whether it ends in old age or in battle. A few channelers had to have it drummed into their heads that it's a foolish consideration to think they are protecting Warders when all they are doing is harming themselves in the future."

He cocked his head, recalling a saying from a very wise man now long dead. "All of us have different purposes, Aes Sedai, but we all need someone, even those who would think they are protecting others by keeping away from a viable bond or partner."

Sojin raised a calloused hand to the Aes Sedai's face.

"If you are to go into battle, you need someone to watch your rear, and that's not a curse, it's common sense," he said. "You died once but spit in the Shadow's face, Miahala Ives, so don't let it get a second chance. Live and be a thorn in its side, but be a thorn along with others."

He was close now, close enough to feel her breath, aware enough to know his own heart was starting to speed up.

He kissed her a third time, this one short and fierce before he pulled back to whisper, "As for living, and biting, there are ways in which one can enjoy the small moments ... " Sojin's lips curved slightly as he whispered some not-so-subtle examples that might make a Domani blush and a Tinker pause in contemplation.

After all, passion in a soldier's life shouldn't be found just on the battlefield.

Maybe it could make a Domani blush, but not Miahala... She had lived too long and was a long way off from that blushing young woman who had come to the Tower, full or fire and seeking purpose. Memories flooded her then, all the way back to being just sixteen... If she had still been home in Saldea, she probably would've been married already, but instead was a child of the Tower.

She had kissed a tall Malkier warder-in-training and had him run off like she'd committed some grave error. When he'd returned to show the truth of it and kissed her again, she made sure he bloody well knew that she was no twitch-skirt.

She had married him. Bore him a son.

How the decades had rolled on after that. Four lovers, three who became husbands and all husbands gave her children, although only Darien had ever seen her deliver more than one. The twins had nearly killed her, the one "hiding" behind the other. The blood loss with Haeden had also nearly taken her. She could hear that coarse grating of Caden's voice, which may as well have been music for her... A call to come back from the edge.

Had he been any other man, she likely would not have allowed him the liberties she had...but she knew him, enough, and felt that woman buried inside the statue... She had always gotten Mia in trouble, when allowed rein.

"You have an interesting sense of timing, Gaidin," she said, her eyes glittering with the teasing tone in her voice. "I have little desire..." Her pause equally teasing, because the ardor of battle had heated her blood...maybe other things had too. "...to further elaborate on this here in the middle of the gardens. If you wish you discuss those matters in a better setting, I would be amenable."

The topic of the bond, however, she chose to not pursue her opinion of. That...was an idea still too freshly bloody in her mind.

Sojin's lips curved in a slight smile. It had been a very long time since a woman like this had made him feel ... well, like this.

His mind was already considering certain areas, or times in which the two could share a few moments alone.

"Perhaps you are right, Aes Sedai," he murmured as he politely gestured toward the Yards. "Might I interest you in a glass of wine or tea. I have a bottle of Andoran whiskey as well ..."

He knew this time of day, right at the moment, there weren't many people in the Warder living quarters. And even if anyone did see a Green in the Yards, it was not an uncommon sight.

The silver-haired Gaidin moved silently, a hand not far from his broadsword.

He was quiet, his mind whirling on his sudden forwardness. He knew enough of Miahala Sedai, fought beside her now on two occasions and heard several stories about her, enough to know that he would likely be on a cot for the words spoken if she so chose.

Oh, he had faced a Green Aes Sedai's wrath in the past, and the result was a broken jaw.

Their way was remarkably free of people as they moved from the Gardens toward the Warder Yards. He knew the Tower well, even after years away from it. He had taken a cue from his father to know the ins and outs, the hidden spots, and the routes in which one could slip from this place undetected.

Well, at least as undetected as possible, given the various eyes and ears people placed on various people.

Upon reaching his quarters, Sojin produced a key unlocking the room and promptly entered, scanning the area with a hand on his sword hilt. In his life as a soldier, as a Warder and as a High Seat, there were some things he never took for granted. One of them was to never assume his quarters would be empty of any threat.

And so they were this time around. The large room was enough to accommodate an unbonded Warder, with a small fireplace, desk, assorted furniture and a bed near the window.

The Gaidin motioned for Miahala Sedai to enter and closed the door, locking it promptly.

The room itself was moderately decorated. A map of the Westlands was posted on one wall, depicting the Ten Nations following about three hundred years after their founding. Another wall held a carved wooden panel depicting the Battle of the Lights, a conflict Sojin was too young to know about.

A mannequin stood in one corner, dressed in a suit of chain-and-leather mail. Next to it was a well-made and old saddle meant for a warhorse. A rack of weapons was nearby, including a jian sword, an ancient ashandarei with a the engraving of a fox on the blade, and a few other blades. His desk was littered with papers and ledgers. And an old, leather bound journal.

The modest table in the center of the room held a ceramic jar and two glasses.

Sojin turned his eyes toward Miahala Sedai and murmured, "I promised you a drink ... "

Oh flaming blood and ashes.

He closed the small distance between them, wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hard. It was one born of fire and intensity, of passion.

With a single nod, she agreed to walk with him. After all, their...morning's interruption had been handled and disposed of. There was nothing left for them to do but move on. Of course, only a Gaidin and a Green could stroll through the gardens with blood decorating their clothing and not think twice about it.

No, her thoughts were not on her clothing. That is, not about the blood on them. The ardor of battle still coursed through her veins, although she kept control over it like she did over everything in her being.

She did not now second guess, or doubt, herself because it was not truly in her nature to do so. It hadn't for a very long time, except in the rarest and most dramatic of situations. So no, she was not doubting herself now, although may have been casually wondering about what it was she was doing. She had just gone for a walk in the early morning hours and now walked with a man to his quarters.

Then again, it wasn't like he was unknown to her. She may not have known him well, but she knew him enough and well knew his father, who he seemingly shared more with than he probably would wish to admit. They were both adults, after all, and alone... At least, she knew that she was alone, and he seemed to be...so why not?

Well, she could perhaps come up with some reasons, but none that struck her as that important right then, compared to the loneliness of her mind.

Am I not human? A pained question from a Dream some time past returned to her, and she recalled that she was indeed human. She needed people like anyone else did. Which was what found her walking through the Warder Yard halls with Sojin Majere, waiting patiently while he checked the room, then stepping in after him.

She did not feel fear or trepidation like she once had. There were things she could come up with that would make her afraid, but this was not one of them. So she simply stepped into the room and looked around, both in her usual needful observation and also simple curiosity, because one's quarters would tell much about them.

Miahala had turned to him just as he mentioned the drink, but then he was crossing the short span between them. She turned her body to face him fully, just in time for his arms to circle around her and his mouth to again crash against hers. At least this time it's not a rouse to fool our attackers... A silly little voice in her mind said, just as she put her arms around him as well and returned the kiss in kind.

The kiss was passionate, and roused again that which until less than an hour ago, Mia had thought dead. Her slender fingers wound into his silver hair, holding him as fiercely as he held her.