Homeward Bound (ATTN: Betrys)

[Prew]

As night darkened the cloudless sky a gibbous moon more than provided enough light for Prewtez to keep watch on their surroundings. Enveloped in the Emptiness, a form that was now second nature, he slowly patrolled the perimeter of their campsite. Ever alert he still allowed a part of his mind to contemplate the young woman he accompanied. In some ways she was quite different than what he had expected from an Aes Sedai. Of course his knowledge was limited, he had not spent much time in the Tower proper, around those men and women who could channel. The Warder Yard had occupied most of his time and attention. Oh, there was Marissa Sedai, the Green he had accompanied into the Blight, but she was a far cry from Betrys. Loud, self-centered, and a blood thirsty tease, at least he hoped she had been teasing. Betrys, on the other hand, was a bit self-effacing in an appealing way, but showed a deeper understanding of the world than the superficial Green had ever done.

The night remained still as the hours passed, perhaps too still. Not a hoot of an owl, a rustle of grass as some small animal might cause, not a sound reached his ears. That in itself caused him to increase his wariness, but no threat manifested itself. At last, about two hours before dawn, he awakened the Aes Sedai.

“If you’re sure you don’t mind, I’ll grab a couple of hours of sleep. I’d like to be back on the road with the sunrise.”

[Astarte]

She'd never been one to sleep deeply, her early life had begun that habit and the demands of the Grey Tower had ensured the rest as a matter of course. So, while she did sleep - reasonably well, given the ground as her bed - it was a relatively polite awakening that announced her turn to stand watch "Of course, rest well" she murmured. Betrys had made the offer without thinking, Prew had already done a good deal for her and it was hardly an issue to then share the burden between the two of them.

"Sunrise works for me! she definitely had no issue with starting early, although it would mean a poor breakfast for the two of them. Betrys maintained an eye on things, calling on the One Power as she sunk into the ground to have an understanding of the limited wards as well as what the earth could actually reveal. Betrys was no less conscious of her surroundings though. As the dawn approached, Betrys put on a kettle with some water. She had packed travel biscuits, made with oats, raisins and honey and fried in bacon grease. They were packed with energy and should be reasonably pleasant to eat but she knew she'd appreciate a hot drink and having the kettle seemed to be sensible as a response. Betrys didn't start packing things away as she didn't want to disturb his rest.

Instead she circled the area, checking the appearance of things and listening, trying not to let herself become too unnerved by shadows and strange sounds. As she finished one more round, Betrys noticed how cold it was in the early morning light before she reached out to gently disturb Prew "I hae made tea if yer like some?" she offered.

[Prew]

Prewtez

Being unbonded, Prewtez did not have the advantage of extra endurance that the connection with an Aes Sedai provided Warders. Still, years in the field in service of the Queen had made him a light sleeper. When Betrys gently touched him he was already awake and smelling the fire.

“Tea would be nice, thank you, Betrys,” it was becoming easier to dispense with the ‘Sedai’ honorific. He would be with this woman for weeks if all went smoothly, no sense standing on formality unless she wished it. She did not strike him as one who would.

As usual, the tea was excellent. Prewtez doubted that was the result of channeling. One never appreciated the simple things such as a well brewed cup of tea while living in a Noble House, and one never got such while serving in the Queen’s Guard Horse. And the stuff they brewed in the Warder Mess wasn’t much better than what he drank in the service. He savored the aroma before each sip while contemplating the journey ahead.

“I reckon we shall spend one more night in the mountains and should reach Baerlon in two days. An inn will be nice though I doubt there is one that could equal your tea,” he laughed as he rose and began the process of saddling and bridling the horses. His timetable should work if there were no distractions along the way.

“Did you notice anything while on watch last night, Betrys? Anything of which I should be aware?” he slid his bow under Albion’s girth and attached his quiver to the cantle. Perhaps tonight he might be able to add some fresh meat to their diet.

[Astarte]

So far this journey was shaping up well, however, it had only been a relatively short period of time. Still, it made Betrys feel positive and hopeful about the future and what it would mean for the pair of them, even with the sensation of strange that was associated with everything about this current moment in time.

"Two days?" it was a question even as Betrys nodded slowly in silent agreement, it sounded right but she wanted to make sure that everything made sense in her own mind and saying as much out loud helped that to happen "I dinnae see anything but it..." she shrugged, finishing packing away the tea things and other essentials back into their appropriate pack "I dinnae like the way some of this feels - like a cold. It reminds me of that bubble and that ain't nae good thing" Betrys had memories which were not at all welcome or pleasant it was only fortune and some measure of skill that had brought them all out of that mess.

However, Betrys really didn't know if she should be proud of that being the case "What about yerself, did you ken anything while I was sleeping?" it might have been best to ask when they'd watched but Betrys had trusted him of being capable of speaking about such matters at the time but now the dawn was approaching and it was time to ride, better to exchange even the smallest details. As she waited for an answer Betrys continued to finish up and moved to mount her horse.

[Prew]

Prewtez

Climbing into Albion’s saddle, Prewtez assured the Aes Sedai that he had noticed nothing untoward during the night. “It might just be these mountains that are making us anxious,” he told her with a smile as they took to the road again, “Some say they are haunted, though others claim that is simply a rumor started by the miners to keep thieves away. Regardless, one more night under the stars and we should be coming close to Baerlon.”

Whether he was trying to put Betrys at ease or was reassuring himself, Prewtez kept a wary eye on the trees that line this part of the road. They were still climbing higher into the mountains and the vegetation was changing with the altitude. At least there did not seem to be any more ravens about. Actually, they were making good time as the sun approached High. It was then that he noticed something up ahead.

“Wait here, Betrys, I’ll check this out,” he spurred Albion forward and within minutes came upon two wagons. Two men, merchant guards by the street thuggish look of them, were just finishing covering with dirt what appeared to be a grave. A woman of middle years, long black hair, in a high-necked dress, heavy with embroidery of flowers and birds on the bodice, shoulders, and right up to the chin, stood beside them. The merchant herself, Prewtez thought. Upon hearing his approach, the woman turned to confront him.

“A Warder?” she exclaimed in a voice full of relief, “Please tell me you are with an Aes Sedai.”

Prewtez’s fan cloak marked him for a gaidin so he was not surprised at her assumption. “What seems to be the trouble, Mistress?” he asked, keeping a wary eye on the two men with shovels. He had once been ambushed in just such a situation and might have died if not for Albion.

“It is my husband, sir. We were ambushed by bandits,” the words rushed out as she wrung her hands, “We were able to drive them off but one of my men was killed and my husband took an arrow to the chest. I was hoping, thank the Light, that perhaps a healer might happen along as we are on the road to the Grey Tower. Please tell me it is so.” Her clothing indicated she was from Far Madding and, if that were the case, she was no doubt in charge.

“A moment,” turning Albion he rode back to Betrys and explained the situation.

OOC: I thought to add a little diversion. Still feeling a bit sick so this probably isn't my best post

[Astarte]

Perhaps both of them were seeing and feeling more than was really present. Not that it was a great comfort, Betrys could still feel the strangeness of what had happened during the bubble episode and while nothing about these present circumstances made her believe they were connected she did know how quickly safe and ordinary could become dangerous and surreal. Hopefully, that wouldn't happen in this case, Betrys certainly looked forward to an uneventful and even...dull trip home. That would suit her just fine. However, the wheel turned as it wished and she would simply have to adjust to whatever happened.

At least she had a gaidin who was capable with her on this trip. It never hurt to be prepared after all and Betrys was glad that she had chosen to have one accompany her on this particular journey. Although that had also been easy as a choice to make, she needed someone to help her find her way back. Betrys hadn't left the Tower before now and until she'd left her village in the first place she'd also never gone more than a mile or so from it. So, someone familiar with the local geography on a personal level was a real benefit.

Betrys had settled into the ride with the ease of her familiarity with the exercise. She was very glad that she'd chosen to take the class in Horsemanship and looked forward to seeing if it really helped out in the long-term "Well, there is nothing wrong with another night out in the open" she admitted, a chance at a real bed was definitely something to look forward to though. Betrys looked at some of their surroundings as they passed, not really picking up on any specific details that suggested she needed to be attentive in anything more than a passing fashion as they both continued onwards with the journey.

"Of course, I'll be here" she responded, nodding her head and pulling Advent up to halt the horse as she waited for his return. While she did so she leaned forwards slightly and patted the animal's neck. When Prew returned and revealed what was happening she nodded slowly "I will help, though it may nae be enough" she added, the injury sounded severe and of a nature that even with the use of saidin might not be sufficient to result in a positive outcome but she would try, that was all she could offer. Digging her heels into the side of her horse she urged it on to the meet these travellers, after first asking Prew whether he believed there to be any risk to her choosing to assist "Where is the patient?" she asked, arriving on the scene and moving to dismount at the same time.

Don't worry about it, I hope you feel better soon!

[Prew]

Prewtez

Having spent the better part of the past thirteen years feeling responsible for the safety of others, protecting the Aes Sedai was not burdensome. What would have been the point of all his training in the Warder Yard if he wasn’t able to handle the three people before him? Of course there was the possibility of an ambush. The lead wagon was much like those of the Travelling People, a little house on wheels. It was in there that the merchant’s husband supposedly was. Or was it an elaborate trap?

“A moment, Betrys Sedai,” he spoke formally in front of these strangers as he dismounted. Hand on sword hilt, Prewtez moved to the rear of the wagon, climbed the single step and opened the door. The wagon was empty of anyone save a man lying on the bed that was attached to one of the walls. Stepping up to the bed, the Gaidin pulled back the cover on the unconscious man and saw immediately the problem. A deep gash ran from the man’s shoulder to just above his breastbone, the type of wound probably caused by an axe. The man had already lost a lot of blood and his bandage was almost soaked through. Light send that Betrys can help this poor man!{/i] Gently replacing the blanket, he stepped back outside to find the merchant busy explaining to Betrys what had happened.

“In my city there is a saying, ‘Small hopes can grow surprising fruit’ and so it is, Aes Sedai. Thank the Light that you should happen along as you did,” the woman curtsied as she pushed hair back from her face, “I am Celine Celine, a small merchant from Far Madding, Mistress. We encountered no trouble in our journeys until reaching these mountains. Ever since we have been dogged by a band of brigands I believe. Just a few hours ago, they actually attacked, though not our wagons. My husband and the other wagon driver, Faro, they… they…” she began to sob, “Forgive me, Aes Sedai, but… they went into the woods to gather some firewood…. We heard screaming… when my men checked, Faro was dead and Asbert, my husband, badly wounded… he is in the first wagon…. Please… can you help him?”

“The wagon is safe, Betrys Sedai, and I shall stand just outside the door to be sure it remains that way,” Prewtez gave the two guards a steely glare while resting his hand on his sword’s hilt.

[Astarte]

While she hadn't planned for this exact encounter, Betrys had not left the Tower without being moderately prepared for the possibility of some injury. It was true that she couldn't use a bond to assess the health of the gaidin who'd been sent to accompany her but it didn't matter, the chance of one of them taking an injury had always been an option, even if it was an unwelcome one.

Betrys had packed several pre-made teas, some jars of poultices and even a few ointments and tinctures. None of them would be able to resolve what injury the man held but they would help. That would be enough for a beginning. At least Betrys was hoping it would be the case, relying solely on the One Power would be a mistake, although it might be the only way to resolve a suitable chance at the man being restored to some semblance of health. If not a full and complete recovery "The Light guides us all, albeit unknowingly; I am fortunate to have this opportunity to render aid to yourselves - these brigands do you have some idea of their number or their goal? Attacking so randomly cannot be a common action on their part..." she spoke simply enough, though her accent was controlled as was usually the case when she addressed others beyond the Tower and became an Aes Sedai, wearing that mask about her person and directing herself into a far more dignified poise and manner than was her normal custom.

She had dismounted and nodded to Prew as he left to assess things, listening to the outcome to her own query before she headed for her patient, making sure to carry one of her bags with her at the same time. Betrys knew whatever the outcome she'd have some need of it before the close of the day "I will do all I can...." she replied, before stepping up and inside the wagon, once more nodding to Prew as she headed over to check on her patient properly.

It was hard not to swept up and away with the awareness of the blood and how much he had lost. Betrys immediately removed a tonic that would help in strengthening him as well as supporting the blood loss in terms of a swifter recovery once the injury was dealt with. Seeking the interior she located a water bladder and bowl and poured out the contents, washing her hands and then rolling up her sleeves before pulling out and apron and putting it on. They were familiar tasks, helping to settle her mind into what had to be done, even as she knelt down, using her shawl to soften her knees on the hard wooden floor and then proceeding to check what lay under the crude bandages.

Betrys no longer needed to think about touching the One Power instead she opened to it's embrace and wove the Healing Weave tight and true before sinking in to his body in order to assess his wound with far more depth than her eyes could allow. She was slow in her efforts, using the power delicately as she slowed blood flow and corrected the inflamed muscles to fall back together, knitting the worst parts into a whole once more. Betrys was so slow because she could sense the heart and breath of the man failing from the enduring shock of his injuries and she wove a new Weave for those great organs sinking down to send energy that she hoped would help before she pulled back, swaying a little and grabbed a bottle to open and pour down his throat careful to avoid choking him.

It was the last thing she wanted to do, while the injury wasn't healed completely, the ashen quality to his features had lessened and there was a more regular movement to his breathing as well. It was...better if not whole and Betrys felt drained, even as she noted that a good deal of time had passed if her judgement of the shadows were anything to go upon.

Now though she needed to focus on sealing the cut. Taking needle, delicate thread (which soaked first and then applied a Weave of Air and Fire to purify) before she applied it to his flesh. Trusting him to remain still due to the injury and the drug she'd given him as she slowly bound the flesh together with a series of knots. It would need further care but as she finished and stood up to ask about new bandages, Betrys hoped it would be enough "I...need new cloth for bandages" she stated, leaning against the door frame but attempting to avoid it being too obvious that it was the case.

[Prew]

Prewtez

Prewtez listened as Celine Celine responded to the Aes Sedai’s query, and the woman’s answer was troublesome indeed.

“Aes Sedai, I cannot say how many as no more than one or two ever appeared at a time, stalking us it seemed they were. And when Asbert and Faro were attacked, my husband was in shock from his wound and Faro…” her voice trailed off as she succumbed to another sobbing fit.

There was something not right about the entire situation, Prewtez had never heard of brigands ‘stalking’ their target, and if they were indeed out to steal the merchant’s goods, why had they only attacked two men away from the wagons? It simply didn’t make sense, but a good reason to be on his highest alert.

As Betrys entered the wagon the Gaidin kept close watch on the two guards, the usual collection of broken noses, scars, and bad teeth. They, in turn, kept their distance but continued to stare at him. While he did not suspect them of any complicity it would not surprise him if they suddenly disappeared. Men such as these would gladly take a merchant’s money but would bolt at the first sign of trouble.

After quite a while, Betrys came to the door of the wagon, asking for bandages. Celine Celine hurried to the other wagon to retrieve some while Prewtez eyed the healer.

“Do you need support, Betrys? You look exhausted.” He didn’t know much about the healing art but he had seen Aes Sedai working on soldiers often enough to understand how tiring the work could be.

OOC:I really enjoyed reading your last post and following the healing process. I hope you had fun writing it!

[Astarte]

While it would have been far more beneficial if some reason or logic could have been presented behind the attack, Betrys hadn't honestly thought it would be possible. It still caused her brow to furrow slightly, she was worried her though, however, this was not the time to admit that was the case. Not in front of these others, as much as she empathise and had her concerns about the matter, showing doubt or even fear would undermine everything which she hoped to accomplish during the (limited) time that she would have with them.

She might have commented upon the attack but the need of the patient had made it more than appropriate to focus on that before anything else, even if it remained a present echo in the midst of her thoughts about the whole matter, as the woman...Celine Celine, if her memory still served her in the recollection of her name left for the bandages she turned to her companion and shook her head "I am well enough, the injury was severe but with time and some good fortune I believe the worst is behind him..." it had cost her personally but Betrys had long since accepted that the nature of her role would demand those sacrifices from her, which really were so small in terms of what other had to surrender as they all prepared for the time of the final Battle with the Evil One.

"Thank you. Come and I'll show you how to apply them, they will need to be changed daily as he continues to heal. You should expect him to wake some time tomorrow and I have a tonic and medicine for him when that does happen" right now the best thing for her patient was sleep and she certainly hoped he would have the chance to do so; walking inside Betrys explained the matter with the bandages as she tended to this last section, showing Celine Celine what to do and explaining how to give the medicine and the tonic as well.

As she finished off, Betrys came out, allowing her some privacy and she took her time to descend, approaching Prew. She wouldn't lean on him but it was tempting "I'd appreciate some water..." she stated softly.

OOC: Thank you for the compliment and your patience!