A Matter of Urgency [Attn: Valadin & Riahana]

[Sean]

“Life’s choices are often simple, but they’re never easy.”

Venturing into Tremonsien was like strolling through childhood memories. On either side of the dividing dirt road, buildings comprised of thatch and wood rose up in an uneven arrangement. The Square was a barren little patch of dirt in the hilltop’s center, its ground trodden smooth over the course of years. As the soldiers led Valadin and company towards the largest building’s stables the boy remained inseparable from Nykk, hand never straying far from the hem of the Sister’s skirt.

Dismounting with a groan Val rubbed soreness from his back as boys not much older than fifteen winters past their name day emerged from nowhere to attend the horses. There was a mechanical lack of emotion as they took the reins from the new arrivals, but anyone who lived in a small town understood such things. Life can’t be excitin’ fer all o’ us. Be thankful to have yer peaceful days. Turning from the roan who happily accepted the transfer of ownership Val surveyed the settlement and its people as the weight of his packs rested firmly on his shoulder.

With harvesting time coming on there were few idle hands about. The inn, which was named The Nine Rings by an ancient looking hanging post, housed the town’s few horses, but was otherwise sluggish despite the homely ambience its exterior design projected. The busiest establishment was fronted by a fairly large gathering of people with various infirmities and the elderly.

“That’s the Wisdom’s hut. Lately the Tar Valon Sisters have been providing ministrations and Healing for the more dire cases,” one of the soldiers supplied after noticing Val’s gaze. “Good timing too. Our elders and young had been hit hard with some ill a few months back. Aid from the capital was…slow with the ascendency of the throne in question.”

The bitterness behind the words brought Val’s head around to find that it’d been the ranking officer speaking. The question on his tongue died as the man’s attention abruptly shifted towards an oncoming unit from the far side of town. These were off-duty or at least were dressed in casual military attire. Most were unarmed, but a few donned short swords at their hip. Their laughter was a stark contrast to the grim silence of the villagers. One of the group noticed Val and the others from afar just as the last of the steeds was stabled. Immediately Val began considering the long sword holstered amongst his things. Through the Emptiness he envisioned how quickly he’d be able to bring his blade to bear should the need arise.

Not fast enough. The conclusion left him on edge and his mood had already been foul from the cloying jealously of not getting to be at Nykk’s side for a majority of the trip.

“Greetings Under-Lieutenant Gamal!” a stocky man brayed affably when the two parties were within striking distance of one another. He stood at the forefront of the men and his bald pate reflected the dull light of the midday sun. “Who might our guests be? Some of ‘em are rather fetching…” the fellow murmured, a general agreement from the men at his back supporting the statement, as Miahala Sedai and the Lady Gaidar were noticed. “…others not so much,” he finished as he looked to where Nykkolaia and the boy stood.

Red rimmed Val’s vision and the drum beat of war thumped in his ears, making his heart quicken. Nykk would weather the insult—he was sure of that—but the calm of Aes Sedai and Asha’man was a skill that yet eluded him. Only the Under-Lieutenant’s timely intervention spared a fray that might have done the mission’s success harm. From Gamal’s rigid stance and tight-lipped visage it appeared he had no love for this lot.

Turning his back on the bald man and his cohorts, he addressed the Grey Tower group. “For the night you’ll stay here at The Nine Rings. Your expenses and arrangements will addressed by Officer Torsh. Please explore the village and acquaint yourselves with its good people as you will. If you have any Healers among you it would do us a great service if you could provide our Wisdom with additional aid. Otherwise I can be found in the left rear room of the inn. Innkeeper Madwen will show you the way.”

Without so much as a glance at the grinning gathering of men, the under-lieutenant headed towards the inn’s entrance. Just before stepping into the common room, which from where Val stood looked as desolate as the rest of Tremonsien, Gamal stopped.

“Forgive my forgetfulness. I neglected to explain that these are guests from the Grey Tower of Hama Valon. They’ve been requested at court on the morrow along with the White Tower envoy. I’m sure a mercenary commander of good standing will receive our guests with the utmost grace. Correct, Commander Assur?”

Whatever the exchange implied it seemed that Gamal had gotten the best of it. As the officer stepped into the inn, Assur studied Val’s group quietly a moment before signaling to his men that it was time to leave. Where they contrived to go was a mystery in such a small town like this, but Val was just grateful they were gone. Letting out a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding he pondered the mission’s scope and his usefulness, A mercenary commander in a village? Light…what else awaits us on this bloody mission?

Torsh, the soldier who had drawn the Lady Gaidar’s arrow fire now called everyone’s attention with a cough. “If you wish you may rest for the remainder of the day. In that case simply follow me and I’ll ensure that you’re needs are met. If not you’re…you’re free to do as you please. Take care not to stray too far from town. Assur’s men tend to drink heavily to pass the watch hours during patrols.”

Leaving them with that advice the young man headed into the inn.

OOC: Wanted to slow things up just cause everyone’s busy, but I figure why not just push through what we can? From here on out the ball’s going to rolling full speed.

[Roan]

Riahana reluctantly allowed one of the stable hands at the inn lead Lex away, but made sure she grabbed her pack from the back of the saddle. Her bow was still slung across her back, and her sleek blade rested in its scabbard. The Gaidar observed everything around her as they approached the front of the inn known as the Nine Rings. She also noticed the easy manner of the so-called soldiers that approached.

Watching the exchange between Assur and Gamal was interesting, to say the least, and gave Riahana slight insight into the relationship between the Mercenary Commander, and the city watch's under lieutenant. One did not need to be an expert at reading people to know the rapport between the two men was strained, at best. Was it just because mercenaries tended to be less disciplined than conscripted soldiers like those in the watch? Or was there something else to the tension Riahana sensed between the men?

Assur's innuendo regarding her and her Memme, and the slight against the Blue Aes Sedai did not help Ria's initial opinion of the man. Instinct suggested not to trust him, and when Torsh issued what seemed like a warning regarding Assur and his band of mercenaries, Ria suspected her instincts were on the right track.

If anyone was to ask Riahana if she was good at Daes Dae'mar, she would laugh. The Gaidar was a cut and dry woman, who preferred a direct approach to games of words, but she did not give herself as much credit as perhaps she deserved. While she may not be a master at Daes Dae'mar, she had a way of watching those around her, and picking up on inconsistencies. Once Gamal had left the group, and Torsh disappeared into the inn, Riahana noticed the third man of their 'welcoming party' seemed to sneak off without a word to either Torsh or Gamal.

Uncertain as to why the man's departure didn't sit well with her, Riahana looked to Gareth and Miahala, and spoke softly, "The third of our welcoming committee seemed to sneak off. . .while it may just be me being the paranoid Warder, something does not sit well with me." She saw the man heading back along the main road, and paused for a moment before continuing, "It may be nothing, but my instincts suggest otherwise, and I feel it prudent I scout it...and perhaps him out...keeping my distance, of course."

If she was going to follow him, Ria was aware she needed to make her move quickly, lest she lose him. She looked from Gareth to Mia, "I'm hesitant to leave the group, though, as I am the only Warder among us."

((OOC: OK, so, yeah, she's going to likely follow the guy, but didn't want to just up and go without getting some sort of ok from those she feels directly responsible for...)

[Bella]

Miahala Ives Sedai Since drawing near to the town, this had been one suspicious moment after another. Little was missed by the Green's keen attention, but she tried to not draw any conclusions about it. Except for one: she didn't like it. The idea that there was a passel of White Tower sisters about had her unsettled as well. When she had come to the Tower, their male channelers still suffered from the taint on Saidin and she'd felt an amount of protectiveness toward them against the Reds of Tar Valon. Thus all of the White Tower had felt...adversarial to her.

She didn't feel any better about them now, and it only added to the tense undercurrents here.

The crack towards her and her great granddaughter and the slight again the Blue were also noticed. She envisioned what she could do to him for a few moments and that helped keep her mind easy.

There were other feelings as well... Saidar was alive, and close by. She felt sure from the wisdom's hut, and thus she felt she knew where the Sisters of Tar Valon were. There was something else, though, hovering at the edge of her awareness that tried to lure her, but she felt stronger about being here. When Ria leaned in and spoke to them, a faint smile curved half of her mouth. "I think I can make a sufficient warder for your husband for a short amount of time," she said with wry levity.

Gareth looked between his wife and the Green. He managed to keep his face impassive, but she ventured to guess that he wasn't enthused by her going off on her own...but he also knew she was capable. "If you feel that strongly about it," he rumbled, then looked at Mia and joined her smirk. "I'm sure she can protect me. I'm going to see if I can lend the healers any aid."

Mia looked at him and gave a single nod. "I have some ability with Healing myself. I will also help." And perhaps find out what the Tar Valon women were up to here.

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Sedai Such comments had long since ceased to bother Nykkolaia, and so she barely noticed. She simply waited until it was sorted, but she would not forget these...mercenaries. Their presence, and the comment about staying close, were hard to miss and it did nothing to ease her mind about how things were going. My first mission out since returning to the Tower does not seem to be going well...

When the city guard walked off to the inn, Nykk took note of the others. Riahana seemed intent on pursuing something, and Mia and Gareth were going to help the healers. That left her and Val...

...and the child.

Now on her feet, she was closer to him than she had been. He didn't seem very old, but she was rather small and he came up roughly to her sternum. She nodded at the others as they disbersed, and then looked to Valadin. "I would like to give him a chance to calm down and clean up, perhaps some food," she told him. "If you would assist?" Truth was, she didn't feel like being on her own at present. This place had her nerves sparking.

[Sean]

“Killing steals a bit of humanity until a murderer is nothing more than an animal.”

The Lady Gaidar’s observation brought a myriad of responses, Sister Miahala and the rumbling giant exuding impassive apprehension. Even Nykk seemed unfazed by the news.

Valadin blinked away his confusion as the Gaidar’s course was set and everyone began drifting towards their interests—which he noticed steered away from the inn. Curiosity pulled him after the Warder who had already stalked towards down the hill after her quarry. Hand already clutching the hilt of the longsword at his waist, he was in mid-decision about whether to follow suit when Nykkolaia’s voice brought his attention to her and the child once again.

Disregarding the disheveled child Val kept met Nykk’s request with a resolute nod. As he moved closer to Nykk and the boy, the small urchin clutched ever tighter to the blue skirts of the Sister fueling Val’s vexation. The mercenaries had left him ill-tempered…but as far as he was concerned this little whelp was the source of all the mission’s woes thus far.

Mid-day had passed, the sun making its slow descent towards the horizon. The square had become somewhat lively as the townsfolk—mostly the firstborns seeking a treat—took a break from harvesting. With the arrival of people came hawkers. These were gentlemen dressed in slightly finer clothing than the worn hide skins and cotton the farmer’s children donned. Soon the air was heavy with the scents of spice and meat. Even with the seriousness of the earlier events the thought of food tugged at Valadin’s attention; it had been some time since he’d had a decent meat pie. Sahml usually got donations from the town wives so the inn’s larders were usually endowed with more than could be peddled in the course of the day. Usually the leftovers went to stable boys, summer proving to be the best times.

Taking a final look at the retreating forms of Lady Miahala and the large Asha’man Val held the door for Nykk…as well her ward, who leveled a suspicious glare his way; the sentiment was shared between them.

Once inside they were welcomed by a wide-hipped, thick-armed woman. An apron soiled with grease spots draped done her front and the sleeves she wore were rolled up to reveal brawny forearms from the day-to-day activities of a small town inn-keeper. It all might have been intimidating had the impish grin beaming from her round face not been so disarming, “Ho there, travelers! Welcome to the Nine Rings!”

“Maglin Madwen…Maggie, if you would. Torsh told me ‘bout the guests visitin’ Cairhien. Told ‘im sounded good to me s’long as it’s silver in my pocket! Please come on in! Seat yerself…well anywhere really. Most folk won’t come in until after sundown anyway.”

With that the innkeeper busied herself with the distractions of running an inn despite the desolate atmosphere that loomed in a ball of pent-up worry and exhaustion. Carefully picking his way through the forest of unoccupied seats, Val headed towards the back of the common room where a curtain marked an entertainment area for more prominent guests. Well-to-do merchants and nobles holding out of the way gatherings would use such room at the Dancing Cartman. More than once Val and the lads had gotten their hides tanned for trying to steal a peek inside.

Nerves set on edge, Val held the Emptiness close to him. His senses tingled as he took in the surrounding environment, Saidin’s beckon promising to offer him even greater clarity if he only he took it. Ignoring the One Power’s temptation he turned to Nykk…and the boy while probing the room, “Not many people in here, but if I know farmers an’ the like they’ll be lookin’ fer a drink soon. Best take a private room or head to our personal quarters upstairs.”

It felt odd voicing his opinion to an Aes Sedai especially Nykk. She remained unflappable in all thinks, but instinct urged him to do…something in this situation. When his arm brushed against his sword he couldn’t deny the comfort the weapon’s presence gave him. Away from the Tower on his first mission besides Nykk it was the only thing that felt like home.

A lithe young man emerged from a backroom, hair disheveled and eyes bleary as they roused to wakefulness.

“Maggie, some warm wine…something with taste this time.”

Val didn’t hear the innkeeper’s heated barb instead looking to Nykk while the conversation continued.

OOC: Ro-Ro you can go ahead and post Ria heading to the main road. I'm going to make a post for you right after that.

[Roan]

After Riahana handed her travel bag to Gareth, she turned and followed after the third member of their welcoming party. She kept her stride collected, and did her best to appear calm, cool and relaxed. Her aim was for those who saw her to think she was doing her duty as a Warder to study their surroundings, and see what, if any, threats might be about. She did not sprint after the man, as that would bring unwanted attention to her.

A small group of children were playing along side the main road, and they all stopped as they watched the Gaidar stride past. She heard one proudly proclaim, "One day, I will grow up to be a Warder! My great uncle went to the Tower and was a Warder...he gave his life protecting his Aes Sedai!"

One of the other children teased, "You have said that story a hundred times in the last few days. Yer mam says yer full of it. Yer great uncle ran away, leaving his wife fer another woman...nothin' as honorable as yer story, Ger."

The children's voices faded as Riahana continued to trail the man. Keeping the man in site while appearing not to follow him was proving to be a bit of a challenge. Ria, though, continued on her personal quest. She did not earn the Fancloak by walking away when things proved too difficult. She did wonder, though, where the man was going, and where they might end up if he continued on his current path.

((OOC: Not my best but...there you go.))

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Sedai Although it couldn't be said that Nykk was the most perceptive of women when it came to emotions, either her own or others', but she thought she sensed...something between the boy and Valadin. But even though she could sense it, she couldn't understand it. The boy was just that, a boy. He was a child. What problem could Valadin have with him? And Valadin certainly hadn't done anything against the child...

She couldn't spend too much time on it, she knew. One thing at a time, they entered the inn and met the inn mistress, who seemed to be a pretty typical one for her breed.

After that, she took in their surroundings with her usual impassive gaze while she felt the child clinging to her skirts. The young man exiting the room and making his demand was noticed but not granted much attention as she turned to Valadin. She didn't mind his advice, feeling like her mission was already not going very well. "A sound suggestion," she said, although the idea of personal quarters suddenly sent a bolt of...something, she didn't know what it was, but something uncomfortable through her.

Not that she understood it at all. Was it the idea of being in the room with Valadin? ...or having the child there while they were?

Either way, she decided that a private dining room--every inn had at least one or two--would suit better if they could arrange it, and so she gained the attention of the inn mistress again. Speaking quickly and quietly, she made her inquiry and was told that there was a single private dining room and it was available, for a fee of course. Nykk paid it and was escorted, with Valadin and the boy, to the room towards the back and down a short hallway.

Once inside, Nykk unlaced her cloak and began to pull it off when she found the boy hadn't released her. "You're safe now, child," she said kindly. "Take a seat and tell us what this has all been about. We'll have some food and drink brought." A bath looked like it might be in order for the little one as well. But for later. Now, she wanted information.

[Sean]

Gaidar Captain Riahana Ferria. Near Tremonsien. Off the Main Road.

Huffing through the stalks of tall grass along the countryside Garm swore as sweat stung at his eyes. Had discretion not been important he’d have sawed off the whole of these farmer’s crops on his way to meet the mercenary, but the Lady had impressed the importance of drawing no attention while in Tremonsien. So far he’d been careful. Overhead the sun had dropped considerably low and would soon be setting which meant he’d been circling about for more than an hour since he left the village. While it was unlikely that anyone would take an interest in following a low-ranking officer, caution was why he’d been chosen to act as a liaison for a Cairhienin noblewoman and the Under-lieutenant. That an’ a unscrupulous moral character, he laughed inwardly.

Bitemes had nearly picked him clean by the time he came to a clearing well-off the road. Faded outlines of stars above signaled the evening’s beginning and Garm was glad he’d made it to the meeting ground before night had fallen. The mercenaries were bloodthirsty lot and while they respected the Lady’s orders it wouldn’t take much for them gut him like a goat. Peering over his shoulder one last time he walked around to the backside of a cottage placed seemingly in the middle of nowhere.

“Rather late, aren’t we?” a viperish voice said to him when he rounded the corner. Frozen in place the officer searched about the voice’s owner and reached for his sword when the thud of feet landing behind turned him around. “Too slow.” Radagin tutted, knife point already pressed against the underside of Garm’s chin.

Radagin was a lean man whose skin stretched painfully over bones. More sinew than flesh nearly tall as an Ogier and took wearing loose-fitting hunting clothes no matter the occasion. What Garm found most disturbing about the villainous looking fellow was his face. Where bony described the rest of the man, Radagin’s head was the perfection imitation of a skull with loose bits of skin pulled around it. Sunken eyes and slits for nostrils made him seem as inhuman as he behaved. Of the bloodthirsty dogs that most of these mercenaries were, this man had insatiable taste killing that was apparent to any who met him.

“I come with news for your Captain,” Garm sneered trying to keep the terror from his voice, but the words had come out shriller than he would’ve liked. “Important news,” he insisted.

“You could tell me, friend. I’ll be sure to get it to the Cap’n.”

“No. The Lady will want to know his plans when I return on the morrow,” Garm answered hotly. A small yelp followed a tear of crimson slid down his neck and dotted the color of his tunic.

Just when it seemed there was no avoiding bloodshed, the knifepoint was gone and Radagin was heading towards two horses stabled not far from where they stood. “Fine,” he sighed, waving Garm forward, “Take one of these horses. The camp’ll be where the smoke stack is rising.”

“Your company is bloody camped in the countryside and you’re lighting fires?!” Garm snapped incredulously. He still held his short sword in hand. If he thought it’d have been any use he would ran the filthy degenerate through right there before razing the rest of his ilk within the evening. Unfortunately their forces were needed for the Lady’s plans. Of late Garm knew less and less of what this meant of the promises that were made to him.

“Don’t worry that little head of your, Officer. Most people’ll assume that it’s hunters or farmers out for the evening. Not to mention we’ve got scout across the countryside enough to warn us of anything serious…such as a group of channelers visiting the little hilltop village.”

The smile that graced that cruel skeletal face was enough to instill nightmares. Garm readied for a fight when Radagin turned to him, but the man raised his hands in submission. “No tricks. Promise. Head on out to the boss. I’ll have the boys make sure you weren’t followed.”

“I wasn’t…” Garm growled as he pulled himself into the saddle.

“Then we’ll have little work to do for the night.”

Eager to be away from cutthroat and his edged words, the soldier took off on the provided stallion at a gallop, making for the east where a tendril of smoke was barely visible in the setting sunlight.

Dedicated Valadin Manelle. In Tremonsien. At The Nine Rings Inn. In a Private Room

The boy glanced at Valadin once earning a glower, but released Nykkolaia’s waist enough for the Aes Sedai to remove her cloak. A ready-made table awaited them in the room which was lit more candlelight that seemed necessary.

Memories of another candlelit evening drew Val’s eyes to Nykk, a hunger in them that he couldn’t hide though he said nothing before stepping outside for a brief moment to have dinner brought to the chamber. The waiting servant was professional in his bearing, bowing carefully before disappearing down the hallway that they’d come by. When Val came back to the room, the child was seated at the small round table, legs swinging from his too-tall chair.

Though light brightened the room as if daylight were trapped in with them, there were dark corners and it was to these the boy’s eyes focused on uncertainly before looking down at his filthy hands. “A drink, then,” Val said after a time.

Along the walls were shelves stocked with earthen pottery and bejeweled goblets that were likely only used when entertaining guests of some import. A rug sewn with filigreed spools were at the feet furthering his suspicion that Tower envoys received the best of everything while away on missions. Grabbing three simply made mugs he set the table for three though he didn’t ask if Nykk wanted a drink. A pitcher of wine sat in the middle of the table and it was the sort of day that made drinking all the more appropriate.

Pouring the Aes Sedai first, Val filled his mug then sparingly added some drink to the final mug before sliding it to the miserable brat. The wine was rich. Not fruity like the Tower’s, but there was still a taste to it that made him appreciate the sophistication of it even if he wasn’t much of a connoisseur. Not the kind o’ drink a man can get right on, but it’ll do for the time bein’, he decided.

The silence felt as though it would stretch on forever and Valadin had no patience for games. “So this woman, ya gonna tell us what that’s all ‘bout, boy?” he questioned over the rim of his mug, brow arched expectedly.

A sound in the room made him think that perhaps Nykk didn’t appreciate his methods so he didn’t press further though the show he made of removing his sword belt and setting it close by—all while holding the boy’s eyes—seemed to make enough of an impression to get things moving.

“L-l-like I said. She says she’s…she’s from Ter…Vamon? Where the Eyes City come from,” the boy explained face shadowed by the straggly mane of hair that defied any semblance of order. “She come from there sayin—sayin’ that she’ll help us.”

“Help you how?” Val asked out of pure curiosity. This time he was certain Nykk was about ready to box his ears for cutting in.

“See, the old folk ‘round here were gettin’ all sick like this past winter. Most o’ ‘em dyin’ an’ the Speaker he…well he lost his wife. Weren’t much he could do, but he tried. Then them e-eye city? The Woman an’ her kind came an’ offered us Healin’ an’ such.”

The boy fell silent after this, tears choking his next words. Val should’ve felt guilty, but all he felt was annoyed. He took another sip of wine before finding a place by the door. Might be better to have Nykk sit at the table with the lad than him hovering menacingly.

“Me mam…an’ da…oh, da,” came the sad whimper after a time. “They got sick…so sick. They went to the woman hopin’ she’d help them. Everyone knew what was happenin’ to most people that went to her for help. So many children were left without parents an’ carted off to the city. To that new…new…poorhouse!”

An orphanage? Val wondered though he kept silent. Only the boy’s muffled cries filled the room now, but there was no room left in his heart for such suffering. Too much of his own hurt still lingered too close to the surface.

[Roan]

An hour following this man, and we've done nothing but go in circles. He is either very paranoid, or has terrible sense of direction, Riahana thought. Light started to fade as she saw the man approach what appeared to be a small cottage. The Gaidar's suspicions about the soldier proved right when she heard another voice. Checking to make sure the hood of her fancloak was still in place over her head, she moved as quietly as she could to get closer and hear what the pair might be discussing.

Neither man spoke in specifics, but one thing was clear to Riahana. The third member of their welcoming committee had loyalties of his own that did not necessarily include the city watch. She wondered who the 'Lady' might be, and then how many men were in the company of what she suspected were mercenaries that were camped outside of town.

The Gaidar Captain faced another choice. . .attempt to follow the soldier, or return to her party and inform them of what she knew thus far? The man who met the soldier mentioned having men check to ensure he hadn't been followed. A red flag went off in Ria's head as she scanned the scene around her. Indeed, a scout was not far off, and headed in her direction. She did not have her bow with her, and the sword was a bit unwieldy to be stealthy.

Knowing she needed to get what little information she had back to her party, Riahana made her decision. It would be too risky to try and follow after the soldier any further, especially since she had no idea how many scouts were in the surrounding area. Getting away would not be easy, but then if she wanted an easy life, Riahana would not have signed the books to become a Warder. Looking down, the Gaidar saw a fist sized stone near her foot, and smirked.

Quietly picking it up, Riahana tossed the stone in a direction other than her planned escape route. The scout's head snapped in that direction, and he changed course. With the one scout distracted, the Gaidar made a break for it, hoping her fancloak would do its trick to help conceal her to some degree. It was time to rely on her fitness, and sure-footed nature as a Gaidar since the sun had fully set.

Behind her, Riahana heard a voice shout, and another answer. Someone yelled a curse and she suspected her distraction only fooled the group for a short period of time. Hopefully, it was enough to let her get away. She did not run in a straight line, but zig-zagged some what, looking for cover as she went. An arrow sunk in the ground to her left, and she knew the group was closing in. They didn't know who'd overheard them, which would prove somewhat of an advantage if she could get back to town before they managed to catch her.

Another arrow sunk not too far from her right, and Riahana felt as if someone was trying to herd her. Not one to give her pursuers what they wanted, she went right, instead, which was more in line with where she needed to be. The trees thinned, though, and she'd have a mad dash to the edge of the town where a good archer could take her down with a simple shot. Darkness was her friend, though, and the Gaidar made a mad break for it. She heard an arrow hit somewhere behind her, but didn't stop until she had a building between her and the field.

That was exciting she said to herself as she paused to catch her breath. She wasn't quite home free, yet, but she made quick work of ducking from one shadow to another until she found herself entering the Nine Rings. Safe, or somewhat safe for now she thought as she scanned the room to see if any of her party were in the main seating area. She was then met and escorted by a woman to the private dining room that had been acquired by part of her party. The woman left her at the door after telling her Nykk and Valadin were inside, along with the young boy who asked them for aid.

Not wanting to barge in, Riahana knocked and announced herself.

((OOC: Don't really want to get too far ahead of myself here, but a somewhat hungry and thirsty Gaidar is now at your service.)

[Bella]

Nykkolaia Zeran Nykkolaia listened intently to what the boy had to say. She wasn't annoyed with Valadin cutting in, as she wanted someone else's input, but she could still feel his undercurrent of irritation with the child and she just couldn't understand it. She glanced at him at one point with a faint knit to her brow, wondering what he could possibly have against a small boy...

She knew she couldn't ask now, however, with the boy sitting right here. "All of the children were left orphaned and taken away?" she asked gently, clarifying. That place in her heart opened up and she worked to keep it from taking her over. "What's your name, child?" she added after a moment of his not replying. She might have asked further, but she heard the knock.

Riahana, she thought. "Valadin, would you let the Gaidar Captain in?" she asked, feeling a slight strain in her voice that she didn't entirely understand.

OOC: This sucks, sorry. Wanted to keep it rolling. Will get a Mia/Gareth post done shortly...