The Grey Tower

Elia smoothed her skirts for the umpteenth time, then rechecked her braid, then brushed loose hairs from her shoulders, then started the whole process again. To say she was anxious was a gross understatement. A confluence of events were coming together all at once. Principally, she was going to an Aes Sedai to learn about the Red Ajah. Whilst the Indigo Ajah seemed the most promising and her self-evident choice, a degree of prudence suggested that she should examine other options. Today, this meant learning more about the Red Ajah and what they did on a day-to-day basis.

That was the simple bit. The woman she was meeting was Kaia Sedai. Not just a Red sister. Not even just the Head of the Red Ajah, as if the First Inquisitor deserved a just. But Kaia Sedai had also recently been made the Keeper of the Chronicles. That placed her a step below the Amyrlin Seat herself. Then, if that wasn't enough, was the small matter that Kaia Sedai, First Inquisitor of the Red Ajah, Keeper of the Chronicles, was also her brother's bond holder. So many things to make her uneasy. So many, many things.

The descent into the basement of the Grey Tower was made on shaky legs. She had been down these stairs once, on her way with Mirin Sedai to her test to become Accepted. In the belly of the beast, a cruel silver ter'angreal sat. Stepping into the object had been torture; stepping out had been worse. But it had also shown a possible path to redemption and salvation for those trapped inside. She twisted the ring on her finger, the Great Serpent eating its own tail. Somehow I will temper and control those arches. No other son or daughter of the Tower would fall victim to its snare.

Slippered feet made their way along an uncertain corridor, following directions given out once in a stern voice. Nothing living seemed to stir. The crackle from lantern and torchlight was the only voice in these repurposed hallways. Working off memory, the beautiful Accepted stopped outside a door that looked like all of the others, and knocked uncertainly.

Kaia glanced back and forth between the two other figures seated oh so very casually in the shared study space alongside her. Jaryd was pretending not to notice her gaze on him, the bond prickling and shivering with his amusement. The Asha'man was nonchalantly cleaning his nails with Watari, lounging indolently in his chair behind his desk as if he had not a single care in this world. Even without their bond to tell her otherwise, the beautiful Aes Sedai knew that it was merely a front that the Altaran put up.

Ravak had taken up residence somewhere off to her right, the calm that he outwardly portrayed at odds with the feelings that buzzed through that bond. Anticipation... excitement... caution...? Emotions not her own flowed over her from the two men and she let out a soundless breath as she sought to find her center and stillness.

The two separate consciousnesses not her own nestled side-by-side inside of her mind were so very near and so very present. It was... almost overwhelming. Her lover and the Gaidin rarely shared the same space together with her and the petite Domani could only guess as to why both men had suddenly decided to grace her with their combined presences. Ravak because of who was due to arrive? Jaryd because... well, he was Jaryd.

She paused a moment, letting the rich scent of kaf wash over her. The Red Sister had not wanted tea today, seeking something both stronger and smoother. She rarely indulged in the exotic drink, but when she did, she found it curious that something that smelled so good could taste so very bitter. But that was what the ample supply of cream and sugar was for. Honey too, she supposed, though the Aes Sedai did not think that the taste of honey in kaf meshed together very well.

Kaia shook her head inwardly and turned her attention outwards, full lips curving upwards as a faint chime sounded in her ear. Inverted and tied off, the ward was a simple thing but it served its purpose well enough. Emerald eyes watched the door expectantly, both men reacting differently to what she was feeling. Soon enough, there came a quiet knock and she rose gracefully to her feet. A brief touch of saidar and the door swung open, revealing Accepted Elia Darrow.

Ravak's bond surged a little and without thinking, Kaia's expression smoothed out, perfect features serene. “Come in, lovely child. I have been expecting you.”

Elia was unsure what to expect from this meeting with Kaia Sedai, but of the many possibilities that had darted through her mind, none of them met up with the reality. First and foremost, the First Inquisitor stood patiently behind a desk, neither the stole of her office or the shawl of her Ajah present on her petite shoulders. Her hair was raven-black, set into a bun and held in place by a myriad of beautiful pins and combs. The ageless face of an Aes Sedai may not reveal the true age of the wearer, but her beauty was in evidence. She was beautiful all over, in fact, although that was only a small thought in her mind. The Keeper of the Chronicles held herself with a self-assurance that made Elia feel small and uncertain in comparison.

Kaia was not the only Keeper in the room, although the presence of Jaryd Asha'man was somehow not as foreboding. He seemed well at ease behind his own desk, close but separate from Kaia's. Something flashy was in his hand and- Oh! The foreboding returned like a wave crashing into her gut. He handled a wicked dagger in his hands with such coolness, it was clear he was trained to kill with it. And he's using it to trim his fingernails? The Keeper of the Archives was not a man to cross, clearly, and that was before considering what he may be capable of with saidin.

The third form in the room was a comforting one, although Ravak was not as relaxed as he normally seemed. He sat forward with his elbows resting on his knees, in a chair that was surely too utilitarian for his liking. The fancloak encompassed most of his form, masking him from a cursory glance around the room. His face was set in stone, grey-blue eyes hard and piercing beneath the ever-present mop of shaggy red hair. His gaze was strangely not focused on her, but darted between Kaia Sedai and Jaryd Asha'man. What does that mean? She swallowed hard without thinking, which made her cough in an entirely unsubtle manner as she entered the cramped office. All six eyes fell on her in that moment.

She would have frozen solid, if not for Kaia Sedai's inviting words. The Red sister had a soft voice that definitely had to hide a hard edge. "Come in, lovely child. I have been expecting you." Elia curtsied thrice, once to the sister, once to her deadly compatriot, and somehow in all seriousness to the bearded redhead that she had shared a room with for countless years. The reaction from both men was one of indifference, but a bemused smile came over the Aes Sedai's features. She gestured to a solitary seat that sat opposite her own. "Come, sit."

Elia made her way as smoothly as she could to the chair, but her legs felt like wet mud. The Keeper's presence was intimidating enough, without the need for the other Keeper and the Master of Training to cap it off. If she could have wished herself away, she would have done so in that very moment. Instead she roughly dropped into the chair, and offered the best smile she could muster. For her part, Kaia seemed to ignore the Accepted's lack of grace, turning her focus instead to teapot that sat on a silver tray on the desk beside two cups. Were the men being intentionally excluded from this event? If so, their presence in the room very much worked against that.

Kaia poured a cup of something for herself. Elia had been working off the logical basis that the teapot held tea, but from the smell and colour of the liquid, she had been mistaken. The Aes Sedai spooned a liberal amount of sugar into the cup, followed by plenty of cream. "If you haven't had kaf before child, I would recommend adding plenty of sugar. It can be an acquired taste." Elia nodded appreciatively, but made no motion towards the teapot. She didn't quite trust her motor functions yet, and the teapot looked too expensive to risk dropping.

The younger Darrow watched the two women carefully and openly, although neither of their eyes were on him. Elia was as pale as a sheet, which seemed strangely fitting based on her last encounter with Kaia. Her bloodless tone then had been due to the indelicacies of an axe lodged in her back. Now it was just graven fear that made the normally exuberant Accepted uneasy.

He pushed off from his knees, resting himself against the back of the chair in a vague attempt to lessen the tension in the room. Not that there really was much tension, although why Jaryd was here was a little bit of a mystery. The two Keepers were more often than not in their shared office at the top of the Tower, instead of in the basement. But the Gaidin couldn't very well question the Asha'man's habitation of his own office.

Amusement trickled along the bond from the Red sister, no doubt taken by Elia's lack of composure. The Domani cut a very intimidating figure when she sought to be. That was all very well when it came to questioning those in the service of the Red Ajah, but did it also have to be the case for his sister's introduction to the Ajah's work? Was it not possibly bad enough that Elia was about to be dragged out to Hama Valon? Not that she knows that yet. Rav began to twist the golden ring on his shorn finger nervously, as he watched the situation unfold.

Mirth that was not her own battled against nervousness that was not her own.

Jaryd and Ravak's wildly different emotions prodded at her for acknowledgment. The swarthy Altaran wanted to laugh. The Shienaran was wary. Kaia knew why Jaryd was entertained. She did not understand why the Gaidin felt as he did though. Light, I am not going to sprout another head and devour your precious sister dear boy, the petite Domani thought irritably. She then went to suppress both of them as best she could, gracing Elia with a serene look that betrayed nothing of what the Aes Sedai was actually feeling or thinking. Perhaps she should send the men off somewhere into separate corners of the Tower.

The amusement she felt at that was hers. She could only imagine the kind of reaction that would bring.

Flawless emerald eyes noted that the Accepted made no move towards the silver pot, the high sloping edges and intricate fluted design something of a novelty to the Red Keeper. She had found it sitting on a shelf in a empty room not far from this one and had immediately claimed it for herself. Neither Jaryd nor Ravak had been included in for the drinks; they did not seemed to care for kaf and it really was something of an acquired taste.

“Given the reputation of the Red Ajah, I am curious about something Accepted,” she began without preamble, the luscious velvet of the raven-haired woman's voice filling the room like a living, breathing thing. “What have you heard about us? What made you decide to approach me?” The grin that came to the coppery face was small, but genuine and she smoothed at the nearly translucent red silk and lace that draped over her knee. “Be honest, Elia. You will not offend. Between Jaryd and myself, we really have heard it all.”

Kaia stirred her drink, taking a sip of the kaf before settling back in her chair. The urge to kick off her slippers and tuck her legs beneath her was nearly overwhelming, but she folded her hands neatly into her lap instead, expression openly amused as she studied the girl seated across from her.

The Keeper of the Chronicles thrust straight into the heart of the matter. "I thought it was prudent that I explore every possibility, Keeper. I intend to meet with a sister of each Ajah, if possible, to assist me in making the correct choice." Elia glanced towards her brother momentarily. "As for why I approached you, my bro- er, Rav- ah!" She cringed, making an exasperated sound at herself. Taking a moment to regain composure, she replied carefully. "There was, of course, what happened in the Warder Yards. And the Master of Training speaks highly of you, Kaia Sedai." The red sister's grin broadened if anything, although neither she nor Ravak looked at one another. From the edge of her vision, he had produced a book from somewhere and was reading. You could at least pay attention! His ears needed a thorough boxing.

Elia continued after the momentary pause. "The Red Ajah hunts down abusers of power, whether mundane or with the One Power. I assume this includes nobles and rulers who accumulate wealth or possessions for themselves whilst letting their subjects suffer. I'm guessing this also extends to servants of the Dark One. I'm aware you hunted down a Dreadlord in the Blight." Her eyes shifted to Ravak again, already deeply engrossed in his reading.

Sweaty palms moved over her dress, and she bit down on her lower lip. Kaia's assurance that the two Keepers would not be offended didn't give her much comfort about what she was going to say next. "I'm aware that you don't care for justice, like the Blue Ajah. But I'm not quite sure how you differ from the Greens, aside from not being focused on Tarmon Gai'don and bonding multiple Warders. Or is that the only separation between the two Ajahs?"

A raven eyebrow arched at the question, Kaia easing further back into the comfort of her armchair. She herself held two bonds; as far as she knew, her predecessor had set neither rule nor precedent for how many any member of the Red Ajah was permitted to have and the petite Domani was content to leave that well enough alone.

“The Green Ajah has adopted a very specific purpose: to be the counter to the Dreadlords once the Final Battle happens. As it has yet to occur, their role has taken a more passive, reactionary one. They train, they prepare, but I find that their focus is more on combating the Shadow. The Red Ajah makes no such distinction. We have taken on a more proactive stance.”

The Red Keeper smiled, but the expression did not touch her green eyes. “It is as you said earlier, Accepted. 'The Red Ajah hunts down abusers of power, whether mundane or with the One Power.' If we are sent out, we do not differentiate between a noble, a merchant, a Dreadlord, or King. One does not have to be a Darkfriend or sworn to the Shadow to bring harm to others.” Copper fingers made a curt gesture. “Hunting down Dreadlords in the Blight, while certainly within our purvey and cause for some excitement, is not quite the usual fare.”

A flick of her wrist and a fold of red lace and silk cascaded over her knees. She reached for another sip of the kaf. “Do you have any more questions? If not, then I have an excursion planned for you outside the Tower walls within Hama Valon.”

An excursion? Planned? Elia latched onto her brother, a green fire blazing in her glare. Did you know Ravak? He stared back from above the pages of his book, his grey-blue eyes mirthful. Of course. It was likely your idea! Behind his veneer of surliness was the wild, carefree boy he had once been, jumping before he looked where he may land. The beautiful Accepted didn't want to go out on a trip with the Keeper of the bloody Chronicles and her flaming boneheaded Warder. Her breathing was unsteady, anxiety creeping up on her. A clammy hand slid its way up her throat, fear threatening to consume her. Black spots sparkled at the corners of her vision. The candlelit room seemed to swim uncertainly.

Something firm grasped her shoulders, and she felt her head rock back and forth as the force shook at her. Garbled noises, like someone shouting through water, mixed with the swimming darkness. Her thoughts seemed distant, her mind curling up and hiding away from itself. The pressure on her shoulders moved to the side of her face. Something tugged open an eye, and a vague impression of a face floated in the inky void sat before her vision. Her other eye was opened, and her sight centred on the expression of a young bearded man with a sympathetic face. Something pressed against her lips, and something hot and bitter ran across her tongue. Swallowing on instinct, the heated liquid snapped her back to reality as she spluttered out the rest of the foul-tasting medicine.

Ravak set the cup back on the desk, his other hand remaining on her cheek. Elia blinked uncertainly, pulling her hand away from her neck. What? Her brother answered softly. "You were having one of your fits, El." His hand lowered, squeezing her shoulder reassuringly. "Shall we get you some air?" The Accepted nodded weakly, her head feeling strangely light and airy. As Ravak pulled her out from the chair, Elia spotted the two other people watching her. Jaryd Asha'man's dagger was still, but otherwise the Altaran's outward expression was unchanged. Kaia Sedai's sight flickered between the two of them, a touch of concern showing on her sun-darkened face. "We shall meet you outside, Kaia Sedai."

As Rav helped his sister back up the stairs from the basement of the Tower, he wondered what had come over her. "You haven't had a scare like that for a few years," he commented, his voice filled with concern, "Unless you've been hiding it from me?"

Elia's braid swayed as she shook her head. "Not since I came to the Grey Tower. Oh Light Ravak, why did I think this was a good idea?" She felt limp in his arms, like a ragdoll. He held her around the waist, the other arm keeping her hand on his shoulder. "Why did you have to bond the bloody Keeper? She was already bonded." There was some heat to her words, a clear signal that her strength was starting to return.

"Duty," he replied lightly. There was no point getting into the fact that Kaia being Keeper was a factor in agreeing to bond with her, although why that affected Elia he did not know. Her skin was still quite pale from whatever had given her fright. It had to be some dreamed up figment of her imagination that caused this. Kaia had been nothing but civil, and neither he nor Jaryd had done anything. Maybe the air in the basement? It was stale, and had a strange taste that incense did not do enough to clear out, but... "What happened?" It was just easier to ask.

"Keepers," was the meek sounding response. "And you. Why did you all have to be there? Why is there an excursion?" Elia was working herself back up again... "Can we just go back to before I thought this was a good idea?" ...or maybe not.

"No." His voice was remarkably cool, considering his big sister was holding onto him for strength. "You said you were going to meet a sister from each Ajah? Who better than Kaia?" Rav heard Elia draw in breath to speak, but he continued on. "I don't understand why what happened happened, but if you're intimidated b-" Elia's head whipped round to face his, her face contorted into open worry. "You. You are intimidated? But why?"

Elia sighed loudly before responding in a pointed hiss. "She's the Keeper of the Chronicles? She may as well be the Amyrlin Seat!" Her vexed expression was familiar. It had said that he wouldn't and couldn't understand what she was speaking about. That was also the truth of the matter. But the Domani Aes Sedai was not all that frightful, once you got to know her.

Rav knew what to say. "Kaia Healed you, after that incident at the Weaponry Hall. Kaia helped me carry you to the Infirmary afterwards, and Kaia watched you as I found you new clothes to change into. Kaia sat over you when I couldn't, until you awoke. You truly have nothing to fear from her."

Elia's lips curled in displeasure. She didn't like what her little brother had to say, but she accepted it as truth. "And this excursion?"

"Nothing to worry about, I can assure you."

The raven-head canted to the side as Kaia felt Ravak's emotions like a dull echo, rippling outwards through the bond to touch her own. Confusion, concern, annoyance... defensiveness... and overlaid upon all of that, a strange sort of protective fierceness. The Aes Sedai pushed along reassuring warmth, allowing the fond smile on her face to sit openly for a moment before she turned her attention to Jaryd.

His emotions, she felt keenly, thrumming much like they were her own. The Asha'man was amused and disappointed. It was disconcerting, wonderful, glorious, and... when they each felt strongly, it was outright intrusive. It was not unpleasant, just... overwhelming. Every time it happened, it became easier and easier to deal with, but it left Kaia feeling disoriented, her sense of self reeling as it separated from the Altaran's.

"Be kind," she murmured softly, the fond expression turning exasperated. "That is Ravak's sister."

That only made him grin at her, her fellow Keeper placing Watari down in front of him. "I am well aware, mashiara."

The perfect coppery features drew together and she made a face at him. "I am aware that you are well aware, but you should still be kind. I do not think she is a fit for the Red, but the interest is good for us."

He spread his hands out in front of him, a wordless gesture of acknowledgment, bowing his head slightly. The amusement was still there, but it was tempered by... respect and regard.

The petite Domani smiled at him. "I am trusting you not to break any of my furniture while I am away, mi cueran."

----

A quarter of an hour later, Kaia felt the bond surge as she sensed Ravak approaching before she actually caught sight of him. The Red Aes Sedai was waiting patiently by the main gate beyond which Hama Valon lay. She did not wear stole, shawl, or ring, and yet there was still a noticeable circle of space around her. Those in the Tower knew her by sight, and by sheer force of presence, she towered over most of them despite the fact that she was small and dainty.

Flawless emerald eyes were contemplative; she wasn't sure if the infamy pleased her or not. The sheer crimson lace and translucent silk she wore blazed beneath the golden sunlight, delicate fingers adjusting the way the folds of rich fabric fell against her hip. She allowed the genuine smile to show on her face as she caught sight of the dear boy, his Accepted sister next to him.

Kaia gestured for them to follow her and it wasn't until they left the bustle of the streets behind that she motioned for them to stop, turning to face brother and sister. "I have been informed of strange incidents occurring near here, of empty cargo containers going missing, only to turn up in warehouses whose contents hold different items than listed. Over half a dozen shopkeeps have requested these odd occurrences be looked into." Full lips quirked into a smile as she looked directly at Elia. "Not a Dreadlord in the Blight, but the task is equally important. Order must be maintained and those within Hama Valon must feel safe."

The Master of Training had been told of this, the information shared and discussed at length. She had even showed him all of the related reports. The Aes Sedai gave Ravak a fond look, stepping to the side so he could take the lead. He would have insisted at any rate, and she was not about to contradict him in public, much less in front of his own sister.

Elia ogled the Keeper as they walked through the streets of Hama Valon. Her dress was so sheer and revealing, it was some wonder she could command any respect, or at least be able to hold the attention of any man from her... figure. Yet, at the same time, Elia was a little envious. She wouldn't have minded having some eyes admiring her. She was beautiful, after all. How did her lummox of a brother get someone like Sinead and an Aes Sedai like Kaia, and she had no-one. She did a poor job of hiding her frustrations, but fortunately for the Accepted, neither Ravak nor Kaia looked directly at her.

When they stopped away from the main thoroughfares, and the Keeper of the Chronicles explained their purpose here, Elia's envy was replaced by curiosity and anticipation. So this is what Aes Sedai do? It sounded a lot more interesting than sitting through another class on Andoran law, or a philosophical debate on the merits of royalty. And peace, please, not a Dreadlord. But Ravak had assured her there was nothing to worry about.

As the Warder led the way, fancloak billowing between his scabbards, Elia kept close to Kaia. "So, do you believe that smugglers are shipping items out of Hama Valon? Illicit or stolen items? No, if they were stolen in such large quantities, then the town guard would know, thus the Tower would know, thus you would know. So, what's happening then?"

Kaia's smile was slight but genuine. "That is what we are here to discover, lovely child." Elia was able not to bristle underneath the term, coming from the Red sister as it did. It sounded affectionate, she supposed.

Ravak led the way, a few paces ahead of the two women, but still keeping tabs on the path behind them. His eyes seemed so focused and aware. Elia realised she hadn't actually seen Ravak being all... wardery until now. There was almost nothing of the boy that had left Fal Dara in that mass of muscles.

Close to a corner, Ravak held up a hand, bringing them to a halt. There were voices out of sight, Tairen and Cairhienin and Taraboner. Rav edged close to the wall, and slowly peered round. When he turned back to them, his face was hard, but his eyes told of concern. "We have one of two problems," he announced quietly. "Either these smugglers have got their hands on a lot of fancloth, or there are Gaidin at this warehouse."

Elia shared a concerned look between the two others. "Warders? Warders wouldn't smuggle anything, why would they?" Kaia made a clicking noise with her tongue along the top of her mouth, and Rav seemed to nod in some unsaid understanding. "Are we... turning back?" Elia asked, concern for her own safety paramount in her thoughts.

"Warders would not smuggle things out of Hama Valon," Kaia replied absently, her gaze locking with Ravak's for a moment. The bond showed that he understood her perfectly, their shared concern spiking as her attention turned to the young woman in banded hems that stood between them. Her next words were for Elia and the faint smile that came to the perfect coppery face held no trace of warmth. "At least, Warders from the Grey Tower would not."

As she let that sink in, emerald green orbs looked into eyes that were several shades darker than her own. She had immediately dismissed the Accepted's question. If they turned back now... whatever was happening here would be over soon. She would not be going back. Light, but she could not, in good conscience, drag Elia into whatever mess this was. Where there were Warders, there were Aes Sedai. And unless Ravak and she were grossly mistaken, White Tower Warders meant White Tower Aes Sedai.

What in the Light were they doing here? She felt her stomach sink. Would she recognize any of them? A chilling thought. Would they recognize her? She wore red... if they didn't, perhaps that would allow her to get close enough to ascertain what they were doing here without any fighting or bloodshed. Only... the Oaths. The bloody flaming Oaths. She could not lie. And anyone familiar enough with how the Oaths worked would know how to phrase their questions so she could not wiggle around the truth. A not-so-small part of her began to rattle and rage; she wanted the White Tower to suffer, as she had suffered. Kaia had to close her eyes for a moment, trying to exert control over those two warring desires.

I am Red Ajah. This is not about what I want. This is not about my personal feelings.

She pulled in a deep breath, her attention turning to the Gaidin. Or perhaps Ravak could get close enough? He would protest if she went, she knew he would... And he would be the first to tell her that it should be him. But he was just a boy. Who has earned the fancloak. Who is the Master of Training. And your Warder, a small voice reminded her abruptly, who might offer better options than the ones you're thinking of.

She was torn on what to do, and she knew that Ravak could feel her conflict as it pulled and tugged within her. Jaryd's presence pushed against her awareness, the Asha'man feeling as still and as focused as the Shienaran did. In the end, she cut down her pride and her voice low as she explained to brother and sister what her thoughts were, and why she thought so. Ravak's face became stone. Ultimately, she left the choice to the Gaidin as to what he wished to do... what he wished her to do; she had her duty and obligation, it was true... but so did he. And she was not about to try and take that away from him.

"Elia, no matter what happens, you are to stay behind myself and Ravak. You are an Accepted and they will not hurt you. I promise you that. I will not send you away if you choose to stay. You may even help, if you believe you can. But I will not have you going out and risking yourself unnecessarily, do you understand me? If you feel threatened at any time, I want you to run back to the Grey Tower and tell them what is happening here."

The petite Domani drew herself up to her full height. "But I won't be going with you. I need to find out what's happening and put a stop to it."