The Grey Tower

He had vacated his seat to move around once more, enjoying the atmosphere and beginning to feel the tingle of the alcohol's effects upon his cheeks. He was merely holding a brandy now instead of drinking it, to show willing more than anything. He had started to think to himself about future events, whether anyone would listen to him if he suggested that they hold them more often. Not weddings of course, he could hardly get people married every few months. Still, something to try to unite people and cause joy instead of only uniting against the Shadow - there was a compelling argument for that, he thought.

Or maybe it's just wishful thinking. I can't get Drin to stop fighting with each other let alone organise a ball he chided himself gently with a grin.

He was so lost in thought, slowly making his way toward the stairs - perhaps to check in with Tia and see how she was - that he didn't notice the Aes Sedai as she stepped out into his path. Only at the last moment did he realise and step aside, losing his drink upon his jerkin in the process but at least not hitting her. Unfortunate, he knew, but not as bad as it could have been. He brushed the excess off and knew he'd reek of the stuff for the rest of the day. Then he caught something unusual - she was apologising.

Usually they try to blame me. Must be new he told himself as he looked up at her and found she felt familiar but he had never met her. Something about the cheekbones perhaps, or the jaw line.

"It's fine, probably shouldn't drink it anyway. It is apparently a bad thing for Gaidin to get drunk," he shook his head with a wry smile, "no harm done. I should have been looking where I was going. A poor Gaidin I am, almost running over those I'm supposed to watch over" he looked around and saw the spare space was slowly contracting, vanishing.

"I think the mood will probably lead to more dancers. I was about to try to retreat upstairs if you'd like to join me" he offered, placing his now empty glass upon a passing tray.

"Unless, of course, you'd care to join them? We'd have to be acceptably average though, wouldn't want to outshine the couple on their big day" he realised he was probably being a bit too forward but then again if he had stopped being himself he'd never have made it as far as he had.

"Alas for the many talents of the Captain General" he returned, blinking at the revelation out of curiosity more than anything. He was starting to think he had a knack of making these Sha'hal lines appear.

Ah, I am caught once more. I really need to sharpen my mind a bit and remember the face type he told himself privately as his mouth took over.

"How many of your family are there, can I ask? I seem to bump into them often," he asked aloud with a slight smile, "or perhaps it's me. At least this time I don't have to worry about losing a descendant along the Blightborder and not being able to come home" he took another drink from an Asha'man who was so desperate to dance with his partner he simply gave it up.

"Thank you, I think" he chuckled an raised his eyebrows slightly at his new companion.

"I'm sorry, you did say daughter, didn't you?" he tilted his head in calculation, "that must make Riahana a....cousin perhaps? And Tia...I don't even know. Either way the blood seems to make good people"

"I am Alrim, of the not so noble but probably much rarer Farshera," he inclined his head slightly, the space not allowing theatrical bow, "may I ask your name?"

"I dare not ask about the ones outside of the Tower, I fear we may be here for a while. Perhaps one day I will go on a tour" he chuckled and shook his head, "I know Haeden by name but not the man. I suppose as the eldest of her children you watch over the others. A difficult task given who they are" his eyes twinkled with amusement.

He had listened intently and politely but had she asked him to repeat it all he would likely have gotten it wrong. Still it had interested him, to see so many of the same family in one place and of differing stripes. Some channeller, some Gaidin and of those each a different colour and purpose - for the most part. He supposed it was what happened when one who could use the One Power lived a long and interesting life. He couldn't very well expect them to be celibate for their lifetimes. Though it did make him wonder whether their dynasty would one day rule the Tower by default.

"But no, I am not sorry. I than you for pointing them out in fact. Recent events being what they have been it eases my mind to know who the good ones are, Sadira Jolstraer Sedai. Besides which, you have saved me from being surprised by each one in turn when they tell me who they are. I can pretend that I am smarter than I am. I will have to find a way to repay you"

It was true, of course, he had marked them all in his memory. Still, whether he ever met those Sadira had pointed out and how such relationships developed were a concern for another time. Ria and Tia seemed to like him well enough, in their own way, so he was sure all would be well. He stood for a few moments, his own mischievousness trying to hold sway. He was not so foolish as to let it win, he would not ruin such a day with pranks. Still, some part of him wondered if Ravak knew what he was getting himself into and made a note to look out for a tactical retreat.

"Light send that you all live long and happy lives," he said with full feeling, certainly hoping they lasted longer than his own line had, though technically it was not finished just yet, "but I have spent all evening on the outskirts of this gathering, worried it would go wrong. I think it is time to have some fun. I would be honoured if you would join me upon the floor" he held out his arm.

There was still a little room and he noticed that the bride and groom had now vacated the floor, for a time, and so they could be as good or bad as they so wished. Truthfully he felt too tense for a celebration. He had worried over nothing, it seemed, and he meant to make up for that now.