The Grey Tower

She used the back of her hand to wipe her forehead, it was hard to remember sometimes how hot it could get once the sun was up near its zenith. Betrys snorted at the thought thought and then looked towards the entrance of the gardens, she had some free time available to her - not much though.

Thankfully, Betrys had a valid reason for dallying in the gardens or at least a sound excuse.

She checked around though but not seeing anyone obviously, she picked up a bag of the fertilizer used in the gardens and headed on inside. It was perfectly reasonable and her face had started to be recognised as one of those assigned to tend to such matters as were required in them, Betrys was very glad she had mentioned her previous experience in such matters. Heading to the large section assigned for herbs that needed the outside environment to grow better she settled down.

It was one of the sections that didn't see as many casual strollers and she liked it that way.

Reaching out she gently touched the plant, smiling as she check the leaves for any sign of illness or (Light! forbid) mites and other insects or fungi - none of which she wanted even if the experience would be probably turned into a sound learning experience for them all after the main crisis was handled.

All in all she was happy, relaxed and completely focused on what she was engaged with.

The Gardens stretched in endless corridors that wound around and twisted back on themselves in a maze that spawned headaches just thinking about it. Avoiding the more heavily traveled paths, Valadin found himself admiring the flora as he’d often done in past days. As Dedicated time away had proven too little so he savored the spare moments he did have.

As always the sun bore down on him, inflicting wanton rays of sweltering heat which he weathered in the thick black Asha’man coat and dark dyed breeches that were expected of his ilk. Despite the rivulets of sweat and the serenity around him, the Emptiness moved his body in the unhurried manner of a Warder searching for danger. Though it required concentration to maintain each step rolled into the other, his center of gravity always in control as he flowed like water through his surroundings. Can only imagine what it’s like for those who manage it without a thought, he considered with half a mind before stopping to admire a Siera bloom along the cobblestone path.

He’d been about to reach down and feel the softness of the petal when he noticed a girl not much further down the walkway studying a flower with equal enthusiasm. Something inside Val chafed at the intrusion of one his secret sanctuaries. Most didn’t travel along this route, the falls and the square housing the rendition of the First Grey Tower Amrylin Seat being of higher favor among the Garden’s visitors. It had been the reason that Val abandoned both sections and sought after more solitary settings like this one.

Jus’ walk away. No need to make trouble o’er it. Ain’t nuthin’ to be done and you’ve work to be about, was what good sense told him.

Swiping the back of his hand across his brow he strolled to where the girl knelt admiring the plant, a bag of fertilizer beside her. Guilt bit at his conscience for his early thoughts; it seemed she was nothing more than a tender of the fields. “Beautiful ain’t it?” he asked, letting his eyes study the girl’s appearance brazenly.

He’d become used to such privileges and the girl was quite homely save for…A Novice? he realized abruptly catching sight of the plain white skirt hems that spread over the girl’s feet. Immediately, Val’s expression hardened, “I’d guess that t’aint free hours for Novices an’ Soldiers so how’s it you find yerself in the Gardens?”

She had lost herself in the care of the plants, careful with each of them as she worked out exactly what each of them needed.

Yes, it was work - or could be called work if anyone was going to ask. Not that she was about to believe anyone would bother here, not in this location. Betrys knew it was probably wrong given that she was both new here and among the least of those who called it their home. A word that still found itself in a strange place in terms of her own relationship. Both her village and family had more of a connection to it than this rather cool and distant place but Betrys was starting to believe that it might be possible for her to change that opinion.

The voice intruded, carrying similar sounds were at once comfortable and yet also suddenly chilling.

"Yes, yes...umm...I like it here. I's like to work with the plants. They...I like them" she flushed, the warm pink color dominating her appearance as she dipped her head and avoiding eye-contact. She was not worried as such, work was a valid reason but Betrys had of course stolen this time ahead of her other chores but he couldn't know that. Not to mention wouldn't unless she let herself slip out and reveal it out loud. She wasn't actually that daft.

Even if the man was tall, handsome...and something, there was a definite something about him that made him much more appealing than she should probably allow. Betrys had received the same long list of rules regarding Novices and how they were allowed to interact and fraternize with members of the opposite sex.

Betrys looked up, the light catching those startling and started grey eyes "Would...I's can be going tae leave ya be if ya'd like?" she stumbled slightly, but avoid an actual stutter.

The girl’s response was affable if a bit a naïve. Surprise to have that comin’ from the likes o’ you, Val chastised himself.

With a sigh he shook his head. “No…no need fer that. Jus’ unused to seein’ folk other than myself in this corner of the Garden,” he explained. Noticing the coat of grime on the Novice’s hands he grew curious, “You grew up on a farm?” he asked though he sensed the familiar incorrectness of words on the girl’s tongue.

In his earlier years he’d been little better than she when it came to making conversation with the learned nobles and educated scholars of the Grey Tower. Many would mock him whilst his back was turned or openly berated him for being an ox-brain. The worst had been those that would give him a pitying, silence stare as if his illiteracy marked him for a destiny that made him nothing more than an animal. It hadn’t bothered him then—at least he’d believed it hadn’t—and after he’d learned to read and write it mattered even less. His speech had improved though the task of learning new words was tedious and he could match most Sister and Brothers wit when he tried, but it had been a long road to reach this point. He’d faced many struggles and seeing the young girl’s telling innocence made the earlier rebuke seem overly harsh.

“I hail from Andor meself,” he added, setting down alongside the path where the girl was working. “Erm, dunt let me stop you. This is as fine a spot as any to set down. I’ll be out of yer way in short order.”

The stone was cool beneath him. Around him the comingled scents of plant feed, flower buds, and soil mixed into a strong perfume that didn’t sit well with Val. Keeping discomfort from his face he eased the tension from his muscles and bones, the Emptiness oozing through his veins like elixir. Fodhr had chafed at the idea of meditation being useful. ‘Nothin', but Gaidin tripe. All ya need is a good sword arm an’ a tankard of ale to get ya through a hard day’s battle’ the man had boasted. Whether the grizzled Mountain Guard sergeant was right or not, Val enjoyed the peacefulness that came with holding the Void closely. His sleeplessness were less so after a fine hour’s contemplation of the day’s events. Most times he came to no profound conclusion, but it was relaxing all the same.

Now he reached for that serenity with legs folded beneath him. His Raising was nearing and already many had approached him for insight into his Ajah leanings. Nykk hasn’t, he thought, but gently placed the box at the back of his thoughts. For the time being he tried to put thoughts of Ajahs, Nykkolaia, and the Novice girl working beside him from his thoughts as he let his senses become one with the world around him.

As she waited for him to reply, a number of possible outcomes ran through her mind and very few of them were either good or positive. Which was why it was such a surprise to discover that apparently her excuse had worked. Betrys was amazed that he'd not pushed any further on what she'd told him but perhaps he merely wanted to see the good in her statement without believing she would actually lie so boldly to a more senior ranked personage.

Although Betrys had to admit she was impressed she'd managed that at all. This was the first male Channeler she'd ever met "...I's grew up where farm work was needed for all tae be accomplishing. I like this place, this section...it has more peace here" she answered softly and looked down again, searching the ground for more confidence and reassurance about everything. Betrys hadn't spoken to a man before, or at least not a man like this. It was different than the few conversations with the boys of her own age back home and perhaps that was the point - they'd been boys and not men? It certainly made her emotions and hormones rush around all over the place.

But that sort of thing was forbidden.

Even worse than being caught Channeling outside of the classrooms and definitely far worse than ending up being caught in a lie.

"Really? Ya from Andor...where?" she asked before realising that he probably didn't want a Novice like her bothering him with meaningless prattle about his life before the Tower and all that. So, she swallowed "Sorry, I's the one intruding..." she muttered, starting to gather up the various things she had originally brought with her, as Betrys tried to stand she over-balanced herself and ended up emitting a cry before landing on her behind the bag of fertilizer spilling itself down over the top of her body.

She hated being so clumsy, although it was hardly the first time her clumsy nature had ended up with her having an accident, at least this one should end up resulting in any sort of lasting scars or permanent harm.

The girl's harmless simplicity reminded Val of days back in the Four Kings. Watching her tumble back he saw much of himself in the awkward days of his youth. In spite of himself a small chuckle escaped him as he moved to lend aid, “Dunt leave on my account."

Taking her by the hand, he lifted her to her feet with surprising ease. Since coming to the Tower long days of training gas nourished and toughened the lanky slave boy who knew naught about the world or himself. Now as he helped the Novice, lightly patting away the pungent smelling fertilizer from her dress, he felt sure of himself. At least more'n I did a year back.

“There now," he grunted, thumbing away a renegade smudge from the girl's cheek. This close he could feel the heat of her breathing and the sharp grey of her eyes made him pause uncertainly for a second before he moved to a respectable distance. “I...uh...I hail from the Four Kings. Were't much to look at. Worked fer ole Samhl at the Dancin Cartman. Tended the horses mostly..." he replied to her earlier questions.

“I never looked fer adventure, really. Was happy enough in those stables. Most days were interesting. All sorts o' folk hsed to come down Caemlyn Road. Light, I met a traveler said he'd gone to the Spine where the Aiel live. Didn't believe'im then..." Val laughed more to himself. “...didn't think those places was real outside o' stories. Bet it's the same fer you, innit...uh?"

It was then he realized, that she had never given her name to him, nor he to her. “Dedicated Valadin Manelle. You are?"

She knew about and of Four Kings but it had been another of those far-off sort of places, not somewhere that Betrys would have ever imagined going to visit or even ending up meeting someone from there. Since coming to the Tower so much in her life had changed and in surprising ways but mostly good ones.

"Ya sure? I's...t-thank you" she mumbled as he helped her up and even took the time to dust off her clothing. That hadn't be necessary and it certainly encouraged Betrys' change in color and complexion at this degree of focused attention on her person, it was also the closest she'd been to male since arriving here and it felt strange to do so while dressed in her Novice whites. Rules, rules and more rules. Betrys didn't exactly object but she also didn't fully understand why they were truly necessary "Ya very kind" her voice spiking a little higher than was expected or normal under more typical circumstances.

She felt herself smile as he mentioned horses, stories, adventure. Betrys could recognise a lot of her self in those words and part of her started to relax as a result "I's...yes, it has been. My people were brewers, less keen on horses. We didn't see many in my village, barely even had much of a name either" Betrys admitted. As he carried on, she felt the blush return with a rush like a speeding bullet "I's sorry...I'm Betrys Cadawallder, ummm Novice Betrys, if ya please" the reply given softly due to the embarrassment over missing that point of courtesy and respect. That was the last thing she wanted to do.

Although given everything that had already happened she was pretty sure the first impression hadn't gone very easily. Shuffling slightly she attempt to maintain eye-contact and even managed another smile to off-set her mistake as much as possible "I's...thank you again. Do ya miss that life?" she asked, not mentioning anything relating to time but curious all the same.

Had he ever gone home again?

If so, what had been like? Betrys worried about that most of all. Conscious that the Wheel really only turned in one direction and that going backwards wasn't really any sort option in her own life as much as it might be appealing to have that happen. Besides she did like her life here, even if it was rather different from the one she had known before.

In every way this Novice girl cruelly brought back memories of time gone past. Her questions pricked upon something that Val had thought forgotten, a scabbing hurt that he’d buried with studies and training, yet it still remained. The smile that graced his lips then had been intended to be affable, but instead came across as a tight-lipped grimace.

“Ent no life beyond yer duty to the Tower. The Last Battle’s comin’…talk o’ returnin’ home an’ missin’ yer old life—leave all that behind ya. Only way t’go is forward now.”

He stood unhurriedly and started down the path, keen to be moving—anything was better than setting down and rehashing bittersweet matters. A wall of flowers and greenery separated the pair from a group of women chattering on the other side. The maze-like corridor of the Gardens made conversation a perilous endeavor, words best shared in secret usually finding wings despite the charade of privacy. “Novice, err, Betrys?” he said, turning after a few steps. “Would ya…” he started to ask before frowning.

“Walk with me.”

Not pausing for a response Val set down a meandering path that would take through the courtyard where the fountain statues gurgled water in a display of sparkling sprays. Usually the sight of the Gardens beauty eased the concerns of the day, but Valadin found no solace in them as he continued to lead them on at a brisk pace. Little shade covered the courtyard exposing them to the heat of the sun and by the time they’d reached another section blotches of sweat darkened Val’s coat collar. The burned thing cooked him from the inside out most days, but the Sword pin clipped to its lapel was worth the trouble for it paid homage to those he’d met and lost in the time he’d been a Soldier. Yer likely to lose more if you don’t get stronger, his doubt warned, but the thought was cast aside. There was enough to feel low enough as it was.

Soon the rumbling thunder of the waterfall overcame the chirping robins above and the smell of rushing water purified the air as Valadin came to a clearing. The space wasn’t much more than a patch of grass set a ways off from an overlooking ridge. From it, the falls were visible, the sight of the endless crashing torrents inspiring fear and awe even after seeing them many times over. Letting go of a breath he’d not known he’d been holding he leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

This was where he’d met Asha’man Durent and Maegan Sedai as a Soldier. He’d been awkward, uncomfortable, and the sight of his betters casually lounging about had set his skin crawling, but the experience continued to be treasured among all his time in the Tower. Much had changed since then. Muscle grew on him like tough oak and he was quicker—more lethal despite never having taken a life; at least not willfully. Obedience was something that soon became expected when he spoke to the lower ranks and when demands went unmet Val no longer hesitated to administer punishment. Soon he’d be an Asha’man. Most expected him to join the Green due to his affiliation with many of its prolific members.

Still…so much remained the same. “I once met a Asha’man an’ a Sister here,” he said as he heard Betrys approaching. “They looked like folk ya’d hear about in legends…cool an’ poised. Jus’ settin’ here—two of ‘em like regular people; didn’t believe it then. Thought it a trap o’ some sort.”

When he turned to Betrys his face was wrought with confusion. “I c’mere often wonderin’ if I’ll ever be able to jus’ set down an’ enjoy anything the way the two of ‘em did. That’s what Tower life is like. Ya spend yer days wonderin’ when you’ll be regular again—if you’ll be regular again.” A weak chuckle followed the statement. “Then again, when ya learn that ya can channel, wonderin’ is all yer ever likely to do.”

She felt her heart skip slightly, for a moment she had believed utterly that someone she had just offended him in some deep and highly personal fashion. Betrys hadn't intended that, although as the thought occurred to her it seemed a rather pointless one. After all, unless she was somehow particularly cruel or vindicative that was not the sort of thing that she was likely to ever do on purpose.

Betrys felt her mouth open and close, before she found herself nodding slowly.

"I's...yes, that is true" she conceded, looking very worried about having somehow overstepped the bounds and then, then he asked her to walk with him. Betrys knew her expression would end up being a telling one, she'd never had that much control over her facial expressions, at least not enough to completely manage to avoid having it betray the majority of the details about her inner thoughts and the emotions that were associated with them "Yes..." she stopped suddenly in saying anything and instead just nodded her head in agreement with him. This might end up causing trouble later on but Betrys doubted that punishment would be given he had been the one to ask...right?

Still wondering what was happening, Betrys didn't ignore the beauty of the garden. It had manged to captivate her from the beginning and nothing had changed. It was different to experience it walking with someone else.

As she reached him, the distraction that normally happened as a result of her being around the waterfalls and the endless green wasn't quite as intense as normal, instead the bulk of her focus and attention was on him "Don't mean that ya couldn't find it eventually...that regular folk moment? I's means...if ya want?" she shrugged, not completely sure what to say but she wanted to help as much as possible.

After all, he had been kind enough not to yell at her or at least not hold onto the anger he had seemingly shown previously "It's different and I's suppose if I can't go back then at least I'll have folks tae go onwards with. I wouldn't ever dream of something like this happening to me, but as much as...I's guesss it is good tae know that we aren't alone in what is ahead" Betrys added gently "Ya kind tae me, I's appreciate that a great deal" she admitted.

Val wanted to say that she was wrong—because she was. Becoming Dedicated implied just that; one sacrificed all in the face of the war against the Shadow. Each sweltering morning was a reminder of that. Every time bread rotted in one’s hand seconds being eaten spoke of dark tidings ahead. These were things that people wanted to forget with the Dragon Reborn rising, but there was more to it than that.

Instead he let his gaze fall on this Novice Betrys heavily. Once more the impression of plainness and simplicity came to mind, but behind the freckled skin and the single braid trailing down to the middle of back was an innocence that recognizable. It felt like ages had passed since he’d held the world in such simple terms. Now life was about moving pieces on a board that was too vast to see the whole of it and too complex to comprehend it any further than a few steps ahead. Val’s world had changed as hers would as well, but in the moment his curious eyes held hers and those credulous pools of grey threw his reflection back at him, he wished that her world would not become as cruel as his.

A small amount of spray provided blessed relief from the heat, unseen sprinkles cooling the ledge where they stood. Here the din of conversation was much dimmer. Only vague whispers could be heard unless someone happened to pass right by the clearing. Never brought Nykk here…wonder why? he thought distantly while watching water churn over the cliff with frenzied power. Thinking of his beloved soured the amity of the scene and his scowl returned when he next addressed the Novice.

“Ya know it ent proper to be off with whatever man asks to take ya to some unknown place outta the way. Dedicated or no, be wiser to tricks in the future. Not everyone at the Tower has good will at heart. Might find a fella lookin’ to dandle ya over his knee if ya let ‘im.” As ever his temper was mercurial in its coming and going.

Only moments ago he’d been admiring her kind heart and now he berated her for being too trusting. Light…she must think me a goat-fathered farm boy ventin’ his anger on her. Bah! She’ll learn. Ent my job to be watchin’ out fer every goose-eyed recruit that stumbles through the halls. The words remained unconvincing even to him and the uncomfortable silence stretched for longer than it should have before he finally added, “Dunt mean to be ornery…jus’ offerin’ wisdom where I can.”

That was as far as he dared towards an apology. Squinting up at the sun which had passed its zenith Val saw that soon he’d need to report to the Channeling Yards for his personal studies. Strangely he found that he wasn’t ready to leave Betry’s company yet. Deciding that this stemmed from the fact that she stood where he previously had he saw no harm in walking back along the way they’d come.

“I’ve got to be gettin’ on soon—but tell me about yer ma and pa while we walk back to where ya were workin’. Were they good folk that ya want to go back to them after all this is over?” he asked while moving to leave the clearing.