The Burned Threads (A WoT Game)

[A'den]

"The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose around the alabaster spire known as the White Tower." -Robert Jordan (Brandon Sanderson)

South and west the wind across a broad sweeping river and past the frigid heights of the Dragonmount, it turned sharply south across the ailing lands of Cairhien where crops failed to sprout on the verge of the new spring. South and west the wind gusted around the golden spires of Caemlyn where a new queen began her reign. South the wind blew across the Hills of Kintara around the winding slopes and down into the river valley of the mighty Eldar.

The wind blew threw a column of steam rising in evening twilight outside the small town of Longcrossing. A town of farm and trade that met where the Illian-Lugard road crossed the River Eldar. Tradesmen from Illian and from the North and West traveled in caravans through the small town.

Sven Tarek was one of those men, after a fashion. The seat he sat on vibrated occasionally as his wagon train churned down the road. Dust kicked up in a long wave behind his traveling caravan. The evening torch lights were already lit in the windows of the town's small homes, taverns, and inns. Just beyond the Western horizon that last slice of the sun cast red light against the evening sky as it sank behind the jagged mountains far to the West. Wrapping his hand around a wooden handle Sven pulled down on the hanging pulley a loud whistling scream broke the evening peace as the metalwork that rest in the wagon bed behind him sent another whistle of steam into the air as the metal engine belched a column of smoke. Sven wasn't only a trader but one of the steammen.

The wagontrain over forty wagons long rattled to a stop along the roadway that split the town of Longcrossing neatly in two. Just outside a tavern called the Caw's Nest. The great steamengine was twice the size of a normal wagon with rounded steel studs hammered into the wheels, where the normal horse hitches for a wagon would be metal shafts ran up to the bench, the great shafts run up and down in the middle of the wagon, a large steel furnace with a tubes and a whole multitude of pipes and gears rumbled in the back like the growling of a mountain wolf. Behind the engine a wagon full of black rock trundled on, behind that eight shuttered wagons with well lit windows followed full of passengers, guards, merchants, and nobles, who were delighting in the novelty of trying a new thing. Beyond that tall woodsided wagons full of cargo creaked and groaned in the night as the wagontrain took time to stop. Occasionally a torchlight flickered standing above the wagons guardsmen with heavy crossbows bobbed with the motion of the train.

Sven jumped down from the wagon bench, heavy boots kicked up the dust and he walked towards the tavern, mud and dark stains ran up and down the front of his leather overalls. Big hands lifted glass goggles up to his forehead as he wiped a dirty forearm across the sweat on his forehead smearing more dirt across a face covered in soot.

"Where's the bloody ferryman."

The big man muttered, he rounded on his passengers ready to say something about not staying long but as if recalling something at the last minute closed his open mouth and went for the tavern. Several of the passengers make their way to the tavern while others begin wandering into the town. The sudden arrival of the steam engine and almost a hundred travelers drew several of the local folk away from their evening meals and into the street. Some even with a few trays of drinks and snacks for sale.

Hanging limply from the steamengine's tallest rod is a fluttering white pennant that depicts a sinuous gold and ruby serpent, with a golden main, and four clawed hands.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar sat in the Tavern, surrounded by patrons. He was a Gleeman, a rare treat even at a Crossroads Tavern like this. And not just any Gleeman. He was a Agar Donellin, whether his audience knew it. They wouldn't find a better musician in all the Courts of the Kings. He was one of the greats, and not to shy to admit.

"Nary was a shadow across the Forth as the Lugard boat pulled out,
Over the gress and the solid earth the mist lay all about,
And a rising wind from the Haddon Mirk o'er the ruffled waters strode,
And blew us a clear Tammaz day to ride on the Illian Road."

The Handsome Young Gleeman sat on a pair of tables he had converted into a rudimentary stage, his green eyes laughing as he sung the old Song, his hands swiftly moving quickly across the Lute with unerring skill.

"The Illian Road's been sung before and will be sung again,
So long as singers give thanks for good in the way of honest men,
Let him who will be contrary, the wise man will agree,
And sing again the Illian Road, the Illian Road for me."

His head looked about, trying to find his travelling companion for the moment, a pretty young Noblewoman from Ghealadan. She seemed pretty naive. A little bit of probing had gotten her story, which was one that might raise a couple eyebrows. Agar wasn't trustworthy, at all, but he wasn't about to lower himself to the point where he could take advantage of it. But still, it was worrisome. He continued to sing, ending the song with another rousing chorus.

"The Illian Road's been sung before and will be sung again,
So long as singers give thanks for good in the way of honest men,
Let him who will be contrary, the wise man will agree,
And sing again the Illian Road, the Illian Road for me."

With that Agar swept of the Tankard Ale he had alongside him, before continuing along, his voice beginning another favorite "Bottom of our Glass." The Tavernkeep would be pleased with that one of course.

"We're going down, we're going down
We're facing our way, our feet back on the ground
We're going down, we're going down
There's no one who can really stop us now
And if you think that night comes to an end
Then let us sing once again:
We're going down, we're going down
We're going down to the bottom of our glass!"

[Shyftir]

He heard music.

It was not the music of the spears, solemn and stirring. Nor was it that wild music he felt pulsing in his blood at every full moon now. No it was the common music of these wetlands, sweet and light and full of energy and camaraderie.

Human camaraderie.

He missed human camaraderie. He had left clan and society only to see his so-called "refuge" become far worse than the reason he had left in the first place. Cutting himself adrift, he became alone in a very real way. He was truly mera'din now. Or at least he would have been, had his new brothers not found him.

I go now to my own kind, brothers. I must find a balance. I do not reject you.

Of course such concepts meant little to them, only that which could be felt truly registered to them. Yet they were good and simple and clean, unlike humanity, his own kind.

"Well, Rhaad, time to meet some wetlanders." he sighed then broke out of the chilly winter forests of Murandy and onto the road.

It was near to dark and with the strange contraption in town no one noticed the quiet shadow in green and brown. At least no one until he entered the tavern. His dress and weapons marked him as surely as his height and coloring, and were that not enough, all knew the significance of the black veil that hung loosely around his neck.

There was a sudden hush, during which his cold blue-grey eyes met each pair that stared and forced them away. Until he turned to the Gleeman.

Rhaad understood gleemen and he latched onto that small familiarity. He reached into the pouch hanging at his belt and removed a brightly sparkling silver coin. "Keep singing friend gleeman, I did not mean to interrupt." he said in an even voice as he flicked the coin to the singer. "Innkeeper, a drink please whatever the Gleeman is having will be fine." he hoped he had gotten it right. A peddler had explained taverns to him when he had over heard the man complaining about the lack of them in the Three-Fold Land, and he thought what he said was right, it had been a long time.

Rhaad made his way to a small table that miraculously cleared as he approached. These wetlanders' ways were strange. He sat and listened, paying the innkeeper another silver coin and asking for a meal when his Ale arrived.

[Ella]

Ainor looked into her mug of spiced wine, from her chair facing the gleeman, finding the scent and the colour of the drink far more appealing than the taste. The ambience of a common tavern full of people relaxing and listening to the fine singing of her new friend the gleeman had its appeals.

One of the most appealing features was the fact that she was incognito, wearing rather fine travelling clothes she had specially purchased in the hope of blending into the crowd better. On the road she was finally liberated, no one had expectations of her. As the the travelling companion of such a fine gleeman she did not even have to worry about people being overly curious about her identity, she was far less exciting.

Ainor sighed, and ran her fingers through her hair and took a sip of her spiced wine. While it was exciting travelling with a gleeman, hearing old stories and songs and letting someone else make the major decisions there was no real adventure in it. However that might change soon, she had heard this town had nobles in residence and visiting them might provide some entertainment and if nothing else visiting them might provide her with some new contacts. All she had to figure out was how best to make herself known to them without raising any suspicions that she was playing Daes Dae'mar.

Ainor turned to look around the tavern, looking for likely candidates for information on the local nobles, she notices an aiel savage drinking alone and makes eye contact, but no one with the look of being a local notable. She sighs again and waves to a serving girl preparing herself to order a meal and ask about what bathing facilities are available in the tavern.

[Goonthegoof]

Stalking through the town unnoticed by the inhabitants who kept their eyes on the ground and walked unusually quickly for wetlanders, Juranc hears the sounds of an inn and decides to take a look. Ducking into the shadows behind the building, Juranc weaves disguise(2), changing himself to look like a tall (for a Cairhenin, incredibly short for an Aiel) black haired man of Cairhien

Mumbling to himself trying out his accent, he walks into the door to the tavern and the weave wavers for a split second as he notices with shock that there is already an Aiel in the tavern. Deciding that introducing himself would not be the greatest of ideas, he moves to find a table far away from the other Aiel but to his dismay finds that the warrior is the only one with any space at his table, and indeed the table is empty apart from him. Knowing that it is a bad idea but unable to resist having not seen another Aielman for months he slides into a chair on the opposite side of the table.

So, ah... Come here often?

Edit: Forgot about the lust block. Assume he was looking at a pretty hot townswoman and that he tied off the weave once he got it back under control. I'll make sure to remember the block from now on.

[Shyftir]

Rhaad sat at his table eating his meal and saying little, for a brief moment he caught the eye of a pretty young wetlander but neither he nor the girl held their gaze and the moment was over with no more than a nod of the head and a ghost of a smile.

The people left Rhaad alone for the most part which brought the young Aielman a mixture of relief and annoyance. In fact everyone seemed slightly afraid of him until a tall man with black hair approached him. At first glance Rhaad bristled seeing a tree-killer. But after a moment's thought he decided the man was simply to tall to be one of the hated Cairhien. "No, this place is far from where I normally spend my time. My name is Rhaad, wetlander. What is yours? and Why do you alone of these people not fear to speak to me?"

[Goonthegoof]

Keep in my my other languange is Cairhenin common (which is why I'm pretending to be Cairhenin) and the Aiel would know what that sounds like...

As Juranc speaks his voice rapidly changes as he desperately tries to emulate a non Cairhenin accent*, ending with something Andoran sounding.

My name is Matrim, Aielman. And it is not my fault that the wetlanders huddle together like sheep whenever an Aiel approaches.

*I'm not the dm so it's not my call as to whether this is the case, but you could probably make a listen check (probably around 10-15) at this point to notice the underlying Aiel accent.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar had faltered when the Aiel entered the Tavern. An Aiel, here. He knew they had come over the Spine, of course. They were thrashing around up North, and had upset the world quite nicely. But he hadn't expected to see one here.

There's a Kandori proverb, if I'm not mistaken. "Don't fear the one Aiel you see. Fear the several hundred you don't."

If the Aiel were here, it was best that make himself scarce, along with his Noblewoman travelling companion if she had the good sense.

Tomorrow.

The Aiel instructed him to keep playing, getting a smile from Agar. He knew that Aiel knew what Gleeman were. He'd never been through the Waste himself, but he'd spoken with practicioners of his craft who'd made the journey. Aiel or not, everybody loved a Gleeman.

"Thank you, sir."

He gave a large bow to the Aiel, noting what appeared to be Cairhienien approaching him.

...there will be blood come of that, if he isn't careful.

However, that mattered little to Agar. He couldn't, and didn't want to protect everyone, and if a Cairhienien was stupid enough to goad an Aiel into killing him, that fell on his shoulders.

"Sorry for the interruption gentleman."

Agar was well aware he no longer had his audiences full attention. A Gleeman was a rare treat. But an Aiel was rarer, and less likely to be a treat, and more likely to bring death with him. However, Agar could fix that. He was the best, and he'd have their attention quickly enough. His fingers picked at the familiar strains of another song. He'd start story telling as the day fell, and do some juggling as well if he felt it needed. He scanned the Tavern, giving Ainor a large wink and a smile, and paying attention to the Aiel and the Cairhienien.

[Ella]

Ainor chewed slowly on a piece of chicken, lost deep in thought.

Is this even chicken? I mean, I know its white meat, but it tastes distinctly of beef, how is that even possible? And how come the vegetables taste slimey.

Ainor slowly drained the rest of her glass of spiced wine, and waved to Agar. She then stood up from the table, gesturing to a serving girl that she was ready for her ablutions, following the girl upstairs to the washroom, and starting to plan how to best make a courtesy call on local nobles as she turned around and held out her arms waiting for the serving girl to undo her dress.

I could send them a message, surely someone would be willing to take it to them for me or I could just show up, but that would be absolutely ghastly of me It would give them no warning to prepare a proper reception. I should definitely take the gleeman with me, he is more than talented enough to pass off as my bard, but just what should I wear to make the best impression.

As her clothes slipped to the floor Ainor reached down to and found a silver coin in her purse to give to the serving girl, before walking forwards and climbing into the bathtub, and lying back soaking in the hot water.

[A'den]

The crowd paused in their drinking only for a few seconds as Rhaad entered the Gleeman's song had their senses ensnared and quickly emptying their pitchers. The serving girl, a plumply pretty woman with dark hair threw the Gleeman a dirty look as she rushed around refilling everyone's drinks. The heaviest drinkers were the wagon guards who sat near the Gleeman while the rest of the farm and village folk seemed to be in the spirit but without as much gusto. The heavyset barkeeper only grins as the copper pices and bits of silver begins to pile up behind his bar.

As Juranc heads towards the tavern, a large sign above the door displays a Sea Bird's rancid Nest ontop of a ship's mast. The crowd of people in the street pay him no mind other than the occasional glance. A few women of questionable nature talking to a few of the wagon guards do look at him more than once. Several of the wagontrain passenger have hoods and cloaks up and on against the sudden chill to the air.

The evening's music and festivities had blocked out the sounds of the steamengine's arrival but only seconds after Juranc enters the tavern the door opens and stays open as a the tavern just off the road is flooded with patrons. Quickly almost every seat has a group of thirsty travelers seated. The pretty serving girl almost dances to keep with the drink demands. Two men enter the bar followed by a woman in hooded cloak, they discuss something at the door and the woman leaves.

The two men lower the hoods of their cloaks and find a table to sit by themselves next to the Aiel and Cairhien men. A small bubble of space seems to fill the room around the two men. No one needs to look twice to know the bad blood could erupt again on the floor right there. The barkeeper eyes the two nervously but says nothing, he's too busy and respects the money too much to kick them out.

Of the two men that sat down they wear drab brown and green woolens that go with their worn brown travel cloaks. Each wears a sword at his side something not unnoticed by the patrons near them. The first man is of average height with pale features and dark hair. While the other is tall broad chested with blond hair and blue eyes.


Spot Checks from All

[Goonthegoof]

[roll0] Spot check time!

[Shyftir]

Rhaad found the man to be generally annoying and his speech patterns sounded a bit forced. But then again, if the man was part tree-killer, as he appeared, he'd rightly be nervous around an Aiel. (Listen check: [roll0] "It is good to see someone with spine, Matrim." He spoke softly, "Too many of you wetlanders..."

His comment was cut off by the arrival of the other armed men. His senses flared at their entrance; they struck him as just not quite right. He attempted to scrutinize them without seeming rude. (Spot: [roll1])


The Dice Roller here REALLY hates me... This rolling of 1s on every check of any importance is likely to go on.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar noticed the men entering. Whether or not they were trying to hide it, they were obviously trained fighters. Agar had spent his time around some of the best Warriors in the world, and had gotten some training from some of them. Those two were dangerous. Not just normal Soldiers. But that didn't concern him. He was good, maybe even one of the best, as far as Gleeman. But the kind of people that got men like that after them were of a different level entirely.

...Ainor...? Nah. Ghealadan is way to busy to start chasing down missing Noblewomen.

He might have someone after him, sent by his 'friends' in the tower, but they'd send a cut throat if they wanted him dead. He was an annoyance, nothing more. However, their presence put him in a different mood. He put down the lute, and smiling at the boo's he got.

"Don't worry good folks. I just need to rest my voice for a moment."

With that he pulled the balls out of his bag, and with an odd flick of his hands, threw them into the air. They began to trace their patterns as he juggled, every once in a while circling in the air, kept up by one hand while the other held the tankard to his lips.

"Barkeep, another if you would? Bit stronger stuff. If I can still do this..."

Agar started juggling the balls behind his back, one hand still holding up the Tankard.

"...I'm not near drunk enough."

[Goonthegoof]

I weave sense shadowspawn as a level 0 weave. (Sense range 350')

[A'den]

((Juranc senses no Shadowspawn within the radius))

((Agar perform check for one handed juggling and drinking.))

The taller of the two men who sits with his back against the wall seems to ignore the two of you completely. While the paler of the two smiles at Juranc when the weave is cast. He opens his mouth to speak but at that moment the front door slams open again. A heavy set man with bull doggish shoulders enters the room, he has quite the odd appearance compared to the farmers in their woolens and lines. He wears heavy boots with leather overalls and goggles on his forehead covered in head to toe in dust and soot. His eyes run over the room before settling on the two men next to Juranc and Rhaad.

"I thought I told you two, no dawdling the. The Ferryman says he won't go over in the evening go help the others get settled." The man's voice booms with the sound of a seasoned bannermen cutting off the chatter in the room for a minute as everyone turns to look at the two men he spoke too.

The two men rise from their seats next to the Aiel. The tall blond man walks out of the room without a glance at them but the younger man speaks but up looking at Juranc but ignoring the Aiel.

"Ditch the Savage and meet me outside later, you have potency but not much finesse." His voice as the lilting accent of a Cairhien man, he pats Juranc on the shoulder as he departs. The large man who ordered them out frowns at Cairhien as he dawdles but takes no action to reprimand him other than to sit down at the bar and drag the barkeeper over into a conversation.

Slowly life returns to the room and the men are drinking and dicing with tenacity again.


((Rhaad Spot Check))
((Juranc Weavesight Check))
((Juranc you notice a woman dart in the room behind the Steamman and head upstairs.))
NPC Gather Information [roll0]
((Ainor Listen Check))
((Agar Spot Check))


Upstairs Ainor hears a knock outside her door.

[Ella]

Ainor lay back in the elegant old copper bathtub, soaking in the warm water and watching steam rise lazily into the air. Emptying her mind of everything except how good it will feel to be clean, and rid of the smell of horses, even just for a little while.

Reaching for a cloth and soap, she begins to scrub herself, working off any dirt from travelling. As she runs the cloth over her body, she shuts her eyes and tries to listen downstairs for the gleeman's songs, as a way of keeping track of time far more efficiently than just waiting for the water to cool.

Listen Check: [roll0]

[Goonthegoof]

Noticing the woman trying to slip by unnoticed, Juranc mutters an excuse to the Aiel next to him and follows her upstairs.

[Ella]

Ainor hears knocking at the door accompanied by a stop to the gleemans music.

"Who is there, if the tavernkeeper sent you up here, you can let him know I didn't drown.

She speaks loudly, as she sits up in the bathtub and slowly starts to climb out of the water, trying to use her voice to cover up any noise from her movements.

Ainor considers that someone disturbing is disturbing her relaxing bath and finds the whole idea horrid, particularly when she was expecting no guests and is travelling incognito. Perhaps it could be Agar, the music did stop after all, but best not to be foolish.

Move silently:[roll0]

[Goonthegoof]

Hiding round the corner I make a listen check to try to hear what's going on.
[roll0]


FAIL, I was more trying to have my character hear her sneaking. Oh well, with a 20 I'll still probably know what the mystery woman is doing

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar spooked a little, though no one but an exprienced observer would have noticed it. Fighting men were one thing. Alone, they were unlikely to take any special interest in him. But he saw that Aes Sedai, and that changed everything. Either of the men, both, or neither could be her warder. But she was here, and chances were she would recognize him if she saw him.

Chances are it is just chance. The Aes Sedai are too busy trying to kill each other to be chasing after me.

Agar considered his options. He could just run for it, sweep up his things, make for his horse, and ride off. He'd lose his travelling partner, but that was better then some of the alternatives.

No, there are other options, better ones.

He could dash off he needed, but there wasn't any need. Running off would mean leaving Ainor, and the poor girl would likely fall in with someone not as forthright as him next. And it would mean a night spent sleeping under a hedge.

Which one is worse, I wonder.

Agar keeps juggling throughout this, easily passing the balls between the air and his hands, tracing their trajectories through the air as his mind traced its trajectory as well. When his decision was made, he took action. Agar kept juggling, beginning to sing as well. He would speak with the Aes Sedai later. There was danger in that, as there was danger in everything, but he could deal with it. The Aes Sedai might know something of the reason he was here. And if nothing else, he made a habit of tweaking the collective nose of the Aes Sedai. Sometimes they got far to complacent, believing everyone would be as compliant as their Warders. Agar liked to prove them wrong. He certainly wasn't doing anything to the contrary now. He was singing a song of a foolish young lad, and his mother. It detailed the Mother's attempts to manipulate the young man, and his inevitable rebellion, in a fairly humorous way. Only someone from Tar Valon or with knowledge of history would know that the song was truly about Artur Hawkwing and the Aes Sedai, and was particuraly flattering to either of them. It had been composed in the Taverns and Inns of Tar Valon, while Artur Hawkwings armies besieged the Island it stood upon.

Oddly enough, the song isn't sung very often in Tar Valon these days. Wonder why?

Agar's smile took on a little of a sardonic tone, continuing to sing and Juggle for the crowds pleasure.

[A'den]

((Oddly Juranc hears nothing, oddly absolutely nothing.))

((Ainor is so stealthy the person heard nothing of her moving around or water dripping from her body, and might of gone away if she hadn't spoken. The lock on the door (a simple latch clicks) and a woman in a cloak sweeps into the room.))

She is taller than Ainor with a Tarien build and high cheek bones, the woman pulled down her hood revealing an ageless face that has a simeple lopsided smile. She holds a hand to her chin tapping a finger to her bottom lip as she gazes at Ainor. Her green eyes seem to weigh and measure the young woman.

"If I was just a little younger," The red-headed woman begins to mutter, but pauses, "Put some clothes on child."

She has the air of someone who expects to be obeyed without question. If Ainor remembers correctly the woman was a rather stern tutor she had in the Tower before being put out. Gwenith Sedai, her red silk dress had seen better days but she was still every bit the tiger she had been to her pupils since those days a few years ago.


Ainor Weavesight Check
Juranc INT Check

[Goonthegoof]

Hearing absolutely nothing make Juranc suspicious, and he turns around the corner and creeps to the door to Ainor's room, flattening himself to the wall and listening intently to try to work out whether the occupants are merely being very quiet or if something power involved is going on.

[Ilena]

Sitting in the inns common room near a more secluded back corner. Kira, dressed in a plain riding dress and a cloak with the hood still drawn up, watches the commotion going on as the aiel enters, the men entering and leaving, and more.

She feels that ball of emotions in the back of her head, a completely new and wonderful experience. Its odd being alone in your own mind for many years then suddenly there's someone else there. Suddenly your not alone, definately going to take some getting used to. She plays over the bonding in her mind again, the sudden realization that she can tell every single ache and pain of the man, know if hes tired or hungry, and more. Then realizing that he can feel the same about her, definately take some getting used to.

Coming back to the present, and enjoying her cup of delicately spiced wine, she watches as noble woman walks up the stairs, and soon after an aes sedai follows. Curious she gives them a few minutes until she finishes her wine.

[Ella]

Ainor freezes with panic, how dare she enter without waiting for permission, how dare she make demands. Ainor looks closely at Gwenith Sedai, looking closely at her, noticing how rough she looked, with her dress damaged and dirty a far cry from her usual immaculate appearance.

Weavesight:[roll0]

Ainor walks over to the her clothes and starts to put them on quickly, careful to make sure she doesn't reveal either of her daggers within her clothes to the Aes Sedai.

"So how may I assist you Gwenith Sedai, ask your questions"

Ainor moves quickly in getting dressed, keeping her eyes downcast after the initial look at her former tutor. When she gets up to puting her boots on she stamps down in them heavily.

[Goonthegoof]

So can I not hear anything at all from the rooms?

[Goonthegoof]

Ok, Juranc decides to go in and see what's happening.

I really wish I'd taken Ward Bore, could just blow a hole in the silence.

[A'den]

"You can assist me with this."

Invisible weaves suddenly ensare Ainor's senses like a web, the room seems to white out in Ainor's eyes. (Will Save For Ainor Only)

As Juranc turns the corner the hallway stretches down before him, three doors on the left side of the hall. The first door on the left is open as is the third door. The second door on the left is shut tight. All the doors on the right are open. You can see two people conversing just inside the door on the right but cannot hear what they say. A maid bustles in and out of the last room in on the left will a dolley of fresh linens.

Spot Check For Juranc, The Door to Ainor's Room (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6136/mapwot.jpg) appears only as Smooth Wall a mirror of the wall on either side of it.

The barkeeper comes over from around the counter towards Agar with a platter of food and a wine glass full to the brim. The steamman behind him at the bar frowns into his drink before heading outside. The barkeep sets the platter down on the stage.

"Can't expect you to perform all night without a bit in the way of vitals." He speaks jovially even with all the strangers his bar is packed as it is on any holiday.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar nods, smiling at the mans kindness. Innkeeps, and Tavern Owners were a diverse lot. Some expected a Gleeman to work himself to death, just to earn a place to sleep. But this fellow didn't seem to bad.

"True enough, my good man. Doesn't stop some from trying though."

Agar laughed, and caught the Juggling balls neatly, stowing each one away in his bag in a flash.

"Good time of year, for you it appears. And, me of course. Good Times for Tavernkeeps are good times for Gleeman."

[A'den]

"Aye, good for now. Still strange times." The barkeeper lowers his bulk into a chair next to the stage, as most of the room returns to their meals. No one was willing to call for more performances, the owner of the Caw's Nest had been known to throw out any rabble rousers rather roughly and the Town Guard didn't have much pity for drunks or rabble either.

The man leans a little close a bead of sweat appears on his brow. "That odd fellow over there, calls himself a Steam Captain. Anyways hes looking for good men, fighting men, to work on his train. Not that it seems much your job, but a Gleeman can make good money riding a train and keepin wagon traders happy at night. Fellow can keep the peace well enough he sent those two toughs in here earlier back to work easy enough probably be a cushy job for a travelin folk like you. Makes a man think about getting back on the road again even myself, what with the Seanchan and all.

The spoken about Steamman stood with his earthen ware mug and crossed the room. The conversation trailed off for a moment as the large man sat down at the table with the Aielman. The room remained quiet for a moment waiting to see if the savage flew into temper but when nothing happened the talking resumed.

The big man scratched the top of his head for a moment and looked at the Aielman that ate his meal quietly across from him.

"I see you, Aiel."

[Ella]

Ainor sees a bright light flash before her eyes, and then nothing but the whiteness. She feels a moment of pure panic.

Will Save:[roll0]

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar considers the man's words for a moment. He's probably right. Ainor could get some rest, and he bet he could get them both free passage. A Gleeman and his pretty assistant. It was a perfect set up, something no one would be able to resist.

"You are probably right. I think I'll go speak with my travelling companion. Tell my lovely audience I'll be back in a few minutes."

Agar walks up stairs, nodding toard the Cairhienien swiftly, looking for Ainor's room. He was fairly sure he could convince the pretty young Noble. Agar was very good at convincing people of things.

Spot Check

[roll0]

[A'den]

The whiteness fades into a sense of supreme bliss that drowns out every other sense. Then everything goes blank.

Ainor awakens in her bath, her clothes neatly folded on her dresser by the bath maid before she left, the water was hot and she felt wonderfully clean.

She was no memory of the Aes Sedai entering the room, and awakens in her tub as if she dozed off in the hot water from travel weariness. Any sign of the woman's presence is gone as with any memory of her.

Outside in the hall Juranc sense of hearing suddenly returns after what could of been a few minutes though without the Gleeman's songs there was no telling how long it had been. But he can suddenly hear the two men speaking in the first room on the right.

The man who faces in his direction in the doorway curses as he suddenly notices Juranc standing in the hall and pulls his fellow inside and slams the door shut. The sound is quite audible.

From the sound of things the Gleeman had stopped playing below Ainor must of dozed off for longer than she thought.

The maid down the hall who had been observing Juran quietly frowns. The woman is young and willowy with locks of ash colored hair secured back by a carved wooden hairband.

She walks down the hall and stairs at Juranc accusingly, "If you think you can just stand outside the Mistress's door all evening until I move about my work you can plum forget it. I'll not have any perverts disturbing the Mistress on my watch. And you should know Master Kalric cracked the skull of the last pervert we caught around these parts. I prepare all the beds here and I'd know if you had a room so unless you want me to scream you can just be about your business down in the common room."

As the maid gestures at the stretch a wall Juranc had been looking at before searching around the hall there is suddenly a door. The maid acts as if the door has always been there. The door didn't appear but when Juranc had looked away for a moment from the stretch of wall and swept his gaze the door is there as is a numeral plaque on it. The number 1.

[A'den]

As Agar comes upstairs a Maid appears to be sternly telling off the Cairhien man. When he sweeps his gaze over the wall his slide down the hall towards the other doors, when he sweeps his gaze back a stretch of wall suddenly has a door in it.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar walks over to the door, he knew Ainor was behind, letting the Maid deal with the Cairhienien. He rapped on the door sharply, calling out to let Ainor know it was him.

"Lady Ainor, might I request a moment of your time?"

Agar's voice and face both held the smallest overtone of sarcasm.

[Ella]

Ainor smiles at the sound of Agar's voice, particularly the traces of sarcasm held within it.

"Agar, I'm not decent, if its important you can wait there, otherwise I will meet you downstairs once I am done."

She lay back in the suprisingly warm tub, normally when she fell asleep in a bath she only awoke when the water started to get too cold. She runs one hand through her hair and smiles.

Ainor reaches for a towel and starts to get up, wrapping it around herself before walking over to her pile of folded clothes. She starts to dry herself while contemplating the pile of clothes.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar sighed, and shrugged just leaning up against the wall. Agar started to whistle softly, waiting for the Noble. He wasn't one of those men who begrudged women the time it took them to get ready. Frankly, he'd been with enough to know what exactly they were doing, and why it took so long.

One of the problems of being worldly. Mysteries stop being mysterious.

He just continued Whistling, waiting for the Pretty Noble to finish up.

[Ella]

Wearing just her tunic, undergarments and signet ring Ainor reached over and unlatched the door.

"Come in Agar, so what is so important that you would be deprive your adoring audience of your presence to whistle outside a ladies bedroom?"

Ainor gave Agar a patient smile, and waited to hear whats going on.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar raised an eybrow at her attire, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him, just in case the pervert was still close by.

"Lady Ainor, I'd stand outside your door and whistle all day if it would get me into your bedroom."

Agar gave her a wink, plowing forward quickly.

"But you should be more careful. The maid caught a pervert, sneaking around this floor as I came up here. With the Dragon loose, men are feeling if all sorts of bounds have been lost, even those dictating the proper way to treat a lady."

Agar shrugged sadly. These were the time they lived in, he supposed.

"Not me, of course, but I am a rarity. However, I come to ask you a question. If you hadn't noticed, that great monstrosity of a Machine is heading our way. Now as much as I treasure our time alone, I think riding it would be easier then taking our horses all the way South. So I propose we sign on. And I'm willing to bet we can do it without paying a dime, if you will follow my lead."

[Ella]

"I am interested Agar, but what will my part be in this, it might be easy for a gleeman to ride for free, but how will I be travelling?"

Ainor starts to grin with excitement, if Agar was thinking what she was thinking it meant there was definite adventure on the near horizon. The mention of perverts worried her a little, but at the same time she was more than confident that she could handle a man too scared to approach a woman openly on her own if necessary.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at Ainor's question, and just chuckled.

"Lady Ainor, how would you feel about becoming my Assistant for a little while?"

Agar's face was alive with glee at the idea.

"I introduce you as my pretty assistant. Some Gleeman have them. Most of them are something other then assistants, but that isn't something to be discuessed in polite company. I claim to be teaching you the tricks of the trade."

Agar was still giggling, liking the sound of this deception more and more.

"For some Gleeman, they might ask for you to pay. But I'm good enough to get both. Don't worry about that. Don't worry, this will be fun."

[Ella]

Ainor leaps forward fast and gives Agar a tight hug.

"So I get to be a gleeman's assistant, while travelling somewhere new, and perform infront of a crowd of admirers just like you?"

Ainor's eyes glaze with excitement, just thinking about the life of a gleeman, no responsibilities, adventure at every turn.

"So when do we leave? What should I wear. Do I need a new name. Will I be too identifiable. Where are we heading? Do I have time to get a new dress?"

Suddenly Ainor takes a step back, and a deep breath finally cutting short her list of questions and looks Agar in the eyes.

"So what will I actually be doing?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar clapped, still greatly amused. He was very glad Ainor shared his sense of amusement at this prospect. She was a better travelling companion then most he had.

"Hmmm. Tomorrow, anything that makes you look attractive, not unless you want one, not really, Illian, and probably not."

Agar kept count on his fingers to make sure he hit all of her questions.

"As for what you'll do, look attractive, hand me things, maybe help me with a couple of tricks. Not much at all. You would just be my assistant and my apprentince, not a Gleeman... Gleewoman? yourself."

[Ella]

"In that case, it will have to be my silks but without my jewels. So how about you get downstairs to your adoring public, and I will finish getting dressed and come down and observe how a gleeman behaves"

Ainor gestured towards the door before turning back to her pile of clothes and finishing getting dressed. After dressing Ainor looked outside the door for a maid, and beckoned the girl to her.

"Could you do my hair for me please, I need it braided tightly and then the braid coiled. I am travelling tomorrow, and you know how it is if you keep your hair loose, absolutely impossible to take proper care of it. And once you are done dear child could you get someone to empty the bath, I am done with it for now."

[A'den]

The maid bobs her head carefully before glaring one last time at the man. She follows Ainor back into the room and has her sit before the mirror while she hums to herself and neatly does up Ainor's hair. Apparently lost in task at hand.

Fifteen minutes later she has Ainor's hair braided and with a deft placement of two long enameled hairpins taken from Ainor's clothing has the braid done up and out of the way. Two stray locks hang down on the right side of Ainor's face in a semblance of local fashion.

"I'll send to have some men draw and take the bathtub out."

Five minutes later two burly men enter and at the maid's direction remove the tub from the room without spilling a drop of water. The task is routine to them. Dropping a curtsy she leaves.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar bowed at her instructions, still smiling. He withdrew before she began getting dressed. Agar, despite his many faults, wasn't a peeping tom. He just didn't see the point.

"As you wish."

He withdrew, heading back downstairs quickly, still whistling. He was in a good mood. He was about to decieve a Caravan full of people, and get a free ride to Illian. It was a good day. He swung up on to the stage, and bowed to the crowd once more.

"I apologize for the intermission, Ladies and Gentleman. However, I have a suprise for you all. My Lovely assistant, Ainor, has decided that she will join for this evening. Now, I would ask of you all a favor. When she comes downstairs, I will give you the signal, and you will all begin clapping and cheering. The Poor Child needs a bit of a confidence boost."

Agar gave them a winning smile.

"However, without further ado, tonights performance will continue."

Agar sat down, picking up the loot and began playing. It was a slower song, more tired and older then those he had played before. He didn't want the crowd to worked up.

Take ten on both checks.

Diplomacy: 27
Perform: 28

[A'den]

The crowd responds positively, amicable to the game. Though a few seem to a bit confused about the signal. A couple of the drunker wagon guards begin cheering at that moment before being hushed down by their neighbors.

[Ella]

Ainor walks calmly out of the room and headed for the stairs, determined to go downstairs and enjoy the performance, and maybe another glass of that spiced wine. She shook her hair, testing out just how well tied up her hair really was, and found it to be tight enough not to move too much.

As she reached the top of the stairs she noticed a few of the patrons in the tavern watching her, which is really unusual when you are in the same room as a gleeman. She paused, concerned about just what was so interesting, she was dressed, she had her hair done.

[A'den]

The room erupts in drunken cheering and good natured laughter, applause breaks out and for a few seconds the room is nothing but cheers. Then people quiet down as they begin drinking again, a wolf whistle or two breaks out before the crowd resumes its usual hubbub but a man or two still calls out for a song occasionally.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar saw Ainor coming down the stairs, and put his Lute away with a flourish. Then he stood up, and started clapping and cheering, motioning for Ainor to come forward, and the rest of the crowd to start.

She wanted to know what it is to be a Gleeman. I guess I can show her what the payoff is.

Agar was still smiling as the cheers died down, and he kept motioning for Ainor to come down. When (if) she did, He smiled at her.

"You wanted to see how a Gleeman behaves, what it is to be one. That's the best help I can give you. That's what we do it for. The rest that comes to us is just side benefits."

[Goonthegoof]

OOC
Nothing happens for days and when I stop paying attention for a couple of days the thread doubles in size, great. From what I can tell the Aes Sedai used compulsion on her and disappeared (probably travelling) because there was no mention of her leaving the room. Was there a mention of her leaving the room?

[Ella]

Ainor takes a deep breath, and starts to descend the stairs, smiling and waving at the crowd, and starts to gracefully walk down the staircase, taking it slowly, savouring the crowds cheers.

When she reaches the bottom of the stairs she looks away towards the wall for a second blushing, before turning to give Agar a quick smile, and walks towards the stage.

"So Agar, what entertainment did you have in mind for this fine crowd this pleasant evening?"

[A'den]

There is an OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7689564#post7689564) Thread, I was at my Fiance's. Can't post all the time. No the Woman did not leave in any method that Juranc could observe.

[Tackyhillbillu]

OOC:
Nope

Agar smiled, nodding at the, and sits back down at his seat, pulling out the Lute. He speaks to her, his voice a quiet whisper.

"I believe I shall play for a while, till the Tavern clears out, and then go to bed. Stand up here beside me. Sing if you like, though not to loud. Unless you've had some training that I don't believe you've had, you are just an ornament as long as I'm playing."

Agar began to pull his hands across the Lute, his hands picking out another Old Aire. He wasn't feeling the more rambuctious music at the moment.

"Apologies for being blunt about it, but it is true. You possess many talents I lack, but here on the stage, few of them matter."

Agar finally steps it up pausing only for one moment more.

"You are an excellent ornament however."

Agar gave her another wink, and the began to sing, his voice raising in pure, bell like quality, sweet and innocent, even if the singer was most definitely not.

Take Ten, you know the drill.

[Goonthegoof]

Having seen Ainor leave but not the woman, Juranc gets really suspicious. Juranc enters the room to try to find the woman.

[A'den]

The room is like any other Lady's room, several of Ainor's possessions lay around the room.


Search Check
Listen Check


The crowd responds quietly nodding along with the music the hour is later than most of noticed and already some farmers are calling it a night but the tradesmen and other folk seem to be for more.

[Ella]

Feeling a little self conscious Ainor strutted up to stand a pace back from Agar to his right and gave her most winsome smile to the crowd. She pulls her shoulders back and raises her head, doing her best to convery absolute confidence through her body language. She leans forwards and whispers in the handsome gleeman's ear.

"Just let me know if there is anything you need Agar"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar doesn't respond until he finishes the song, never even looking at Ainor, focused on what he was doing. After the song was finished though, he took a swift break, taking a breath.

"You should never ask a man that question. You might not like the answer you get. Go ask the Tavernkeep for another Tankard of Ale."

With that, Agar was off on another song, his voice sad now, singing of events that people probably didn't know about. It was about the opening stages of the Trolloc Wars, a time few still remembered, outside of Aes Sedai, Scholars, and of course, Gleeman. It was a sad song, though not the saddest he knew.

Wonder what has put me in this mood.

[Ella]

Ainor heads down to the tavernkeeper, continuing to smile at the crowd.

"A glass of ale for Master Agar please, it would seem all the singing can stir up quite a thirst, and a glass of spiced wine for his assistant."

She turns her head to watch the gleeman, and contemplates her situation.

The fool man thinks I am interested in him, while admittedly he is charming, he worries too much, sometimes when the light hits him right I wonder how on earth a man his age has managed to do so much worrying.

She turns back to the tavernkeeper and collects the drinks before heading back up onto the stage placing the drink on a stool within arms reach of the gleeman without it being in his way during the performance.

Handsome, charming and and seems to be worried that I have all the morals of a Cairhienin streetwalker, fondness is a far step from that, which I have no intent to even consider until I am ready to settle down, return to Ghealdan and set about populating the manor nursery with some nice young lord my father and brother agree is appropriate. No matter how much I get to enjoy adventuring, I know my duty.

Ainor looks into the crowd smiling and making eye contact with various patrons within the tavern and starts to focus on listening to the stories in the song. Thinking about all those larger than life characters, and how desparately the world could use them now.

[Ilena]

Curious, watching the stairs for the aes sedai to come down, and figuring that the crowd is distracted enough not to notice, I decide to take a walk upstairs.

Leaning over to Rayne i say, "There is an aes sedai upstairs, i wish to speak with her about a few matters ...."

I stand up, hood of my cloak laid back, and head towards the innkeeper. Approaching him i ask him quietly but straight out, "Good evening to you, My name is Marie, i would like to have a room for myself and my companion." Having just arrived and definately in need of a good warm bath. But still too curious for my own good about that other aes sedai.

[Shyftir]

Sorry got a bit distracted...

The Aiel watched the big man as he walked over to the table and said nothing. That is until the man sat down and greeted Rhaad properly.

"I see you, Wetlander." Rhaad answered formally. "You have good manners, Wetlander. What is it you wish from me?"

Rhaad showed respect as it was shown to him. Respect was a vital part of ji'e'toh, as any Aiel child knew. Rhaad was intrigued, this man might just be his road back into human company.

[A'den]

The innkeeper bobs a nod with his head and doffs his apron. He looks around a moment to see the bar is in order calls over to one of the maids to watch the bar before turning back to the hooded woman. If he recognized an Aes Sedai face he gave very little reaction, things were simply to strange these days even in a town as out of the way as Longcrossing. He places a cup of heavily spiced wine and a tankard of ale on the counter top, strong spices have been popular lately.

"Right this way Mistress Marie." The innkeeper a little overweight he shuffled around the bar and lead the courtly looking woman up the stairs. Past the first room and into the second room on the left.


Marie Listen Check
Juranc Stealth Check


The room is furnished for a well-to-do merchant if not the best room at the Caw's Nest. A long bed with feather pillows had the sheets tucked tight a comforter embroidered with birds and flowers. A dresser and a mirror sat on the opposite wall with a bowl for wash water. A tall closet stood next to the door.

"I hope this suits you well Mistress Marie, I'll have two men bring up a tub and hot water in just a few minutes." The innkeeper waits for her approval his eyes on the ground.

Downstairs...

The big man seated across from Rhaad nods, "Aye well many more of your people travel the wetlands than ever before, your ways are not so foreign."

The man did not enumerate how he knew their ways but simply kept speaking.

"I am on my way South for the Car'a'carn from the sound of things the roads are even more dangerous and extra set of spears would be useful. Of course if you are an Aiel who has picked up some wetlanders ways, as I picked up a few Aiel ways I have gold for those who work for me. Fair share for fair work, water, and shade."

The crowd around them seems to float along with the gleeman's songs as he sings. The somber songs have more than one man yawning at the end by the end of the second song only a few tables of patrons remain in the room. Though the men leaving drop small tips at the bar, they have earlier mornings not expensive tastes.

[Ilena]

I grace him with a smile, "Yes this will do nicely, thank you," I browse around the room for a moment while he leaves and fetches the bath men.

[A'den]

A few minutes later two men carrying a large copper bath tub walk in bent double from the weight of the water in it. The water steams with whispers of vapor coming off the surface. The two men bow themselves later, the same willowly maid appears in the door with a bucket, a scrub brush, and a bag with scent of soaps coming from it. She waits furtively after the doors closes.

[Ilena]

Wanting to get a look at that room, to be looking for the aes sedai, I wave the maid out saying, "I will take my bath in private please,"

Waiting for her to leave, mentally counting 30 before leaving my room and checking out room 1, where the weaves were done. I consider for a moment if i should hold the power going in but decide i best not alarm her as i dont sense her holding it.

Approaching the door slowly and noticing that it is actually open. I hold my breath for a moment, compose myself and push it open.

[Goonthegoof]

Is she entering the room I'm in? This got a little confusing >.<

[A'den]

Yes thats the room Juranc is in.

The maid bobs a curtsy and leaves heading back down stairs.

[Shyftir]

Rhaad sighed. It seemed he could never escape the presence of Rand Al'Thor even if only in the company of his followers. He answered the big man.

"Well as for the so-called Car'a'carn, I'm still not sure how I feel about him, but I suppose I have picked up a few wetlander ways at that. Alright then, I will go with you. Water, shade and food will be enough, but I'm not opposed to a coin or two at that."

Rhaad shook his head as he said the last part; these wetlands were changing him whether he liked it or not.

He quaffed another swig of ale and nodded to the engineer, waiting to see if the man had any more to add.

[A'den]

The big man shifted for a second, it was rare to meet an Aiel that wasn't a fan of the Lord Dragon that wasn't trying to stick a spear in every wetlander he came across.

"Agreed. I plan to move as soon as the ferryman can rousted from his bunk at first light."

[Shyftir]

"I will be there. May you always find water and shade," Rhaad hesitated for a second and then went on. "You never gave me your name, wetlander. Mine is Rhaad, once of the Nakai Aiel, now brother-less."

His mind was already moving ahead to what the next day might bring. He thought he might try staying at the inn like a wetlander. He had all of his possessions with him, so it was merely a matter of being awake. No struggle for a former Rahien Sorei. The Dawn Runners tended to be up early to do just what their society name implied.

[Goonthegoof]

Deciding that the woman entering the room must be an associate of the mysterious disappearing woman, Juranc decides to take the initiative and shield her.

Rolling initiative if that's necessary, though I'm pretty sure it isn't because there's no reason for combat until I act [roll0]

Anyway: I overchannel a third level weave slot, treating it as a fifth level weave slot.

I channel Shield as a fifth level weave (+1 opposite gender, +1 no affinities, -2 target is not embracing the source)
Overchannel roll, need 25 to overchannel +2: [roll1]
If the roll exceeds 25 and the target is the same channeler level or below as me she is prevented from accessing saidar, will save 19 negates.

[A'den]

As Kira enters the room a man (Juranc) leaps from the window with agility into the night. Shocked for a moment she reacts too slowly to catch him and he disappears into the night air to may or not be heard again. The room is slightly disheveled but she still sense the lingering presence of Saidar.

[Goonthegoof]

That's actually what I planned to do anyway, the DM must have taken a level of psion

[Ella]

Ainor took a sip of her spiced wine and leaned forwards to whisper to Agar.

"So have you actually booked, or is this something I can actually do to take a break from standing here ornamentally?"

[Ilena]

Walking into the room, being as stately and composed as possible sees the man jump out of the window. She rushes over to it, intending to freeze him in air and question why he was in this room but he was gone. Feeling very disturbed by everything, no aes sedai here, a man, possibly a thief.

Seeing noone else here and feeling very disturbed by everything, she turns on her feet thinking it best to inform the inn keeper about this and find out who exactly is staying in this room. And why would a thief try to rob her, her being obvious from the womens cloths piled neatly on the stand.

Striding down the hallway and stairs in a hurried pace, at least a hurried pace for an aes sedai. Approaching the inn keeper, she gathers his attention and says quickly and calmly, "There was a man in the room beside mine, I believe he was a thief as he jumped out of the window as soon as he saw me, who is the poor person who was being robbed?"

Thinking to herself,"Something just doesnt feel right, something happened in that room, i wonder what it is."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar wasn't about to let Ainor conduct the negotiations herself. It wasn't that he didn't trust her, or believed she lacked the skill set. She was probably almost as good at such things as him. After all, she was a Noble. But she didn't know how the negotiations worked, and didn't know how much to ask for. Of course, he wasn't about to explain that either. Waiting until the next logical pause, he grabbed a drink of his Ale, then spoke quietly to her.

"It is probably time to take care of that. I can't let you conduct the negotiations, I fear. You might be of a higher rank them me in reality, but in this fellow's eyes, remember, you are just Ainor, an apprentice to a Gleeman. He could be insulted if I send you to speak with him, instead of doing it myself. Implies that he is somehow so unimportant that I can't spend anytime on him."

Agar was proud of that reasoning. It was true, even if it wasn't really his reason for doing so.

"But you can do something. Can you ask him to come over and speak with me? Stay vague about what is it about. You are probably as good at this game as I am, so just play it as well you are able. I trust you."

Agar was being honest... up to a point. He didn't trust anyone fully. It had been years since he had been stupid enough to do that. But from watching and listening to her, Agar believed her to be quite skilled at things within her area of expertise.

[Ella]

Ainor smiled, finally something she could actually do to make herself useful, while she enjoyed the role of gleeman's assistant a lot, the simple fact was she had no actual skills in the area, but that didn't worry her, the majority of people would make certain assumptions about the relationship, and that would make travel all the easier for her.

She sauntered away from Agar, and headed down towards the nearest wagon guard and stopped to ask him.

"So who is in charge of the wagon train, the master gleeman would be interested in making his acquaintance."

[A'den]

The man leered at her for a moment to let her know exactly just what he thought she assisted the gleeman with before pointing across the room where the head steamman, a tall broad shouldered man with dark hair, sat with the fierce looking Aiel.

"Don't get to close to em Aiel, get pricked with those stubby spears they has." He speaks up with a laugh for his companions whom all start laughing again and bang their mugs for another round. As the barkeep hurries over he throws an apologetic look at the noblewoman.



As Kira searches the room she finds along the mortar of the wall the faintest hint of a line etched into the floor and the wall no wider than half the width of her finger. It runs across the grain of the wood floor. The presence of Saidair is strongest here though she can sense other residues in the room also. The way it feels as if someone hastily picked out embroidery more concerned with ruining whatever pattern there was than getting rid of all the trace threads.

[Ella]

Ainor gives the wagon guard an amused smile before heading towards the head steamman, she looks at Agar waiting to make eye contact and then sticks her tongue out at him.

When she reaches the head steamman she pauses for a second, before she speaks.

"Good evening, I have heard you are the one incharge of the wagon train to Illian, I am coming to you on behalf of that gleeman currently performing, and he would quite enjoy talking to you."

[A'den]

"Sven, I'll be at the engine; the first wagon in the train, in the morning." Ainor can hear the man say as he stands up from the table wit the Aiel. As she starts speaking he is caught half out of his seat, a drink order on the tip of his tongue until he notices the cut of her clothes. Not a maid at all. His brows lower for a moment as he keeps his eyes from straying any further than noticing the cut of her clothes he seems caught off guard by her formality in a common room.

"Aye, let's hear what the gleeman has to say then." He waves for her to lead on over to the table. A shade of weariness in his hazel lights his eyes as they move over to the table and he takes a chair opposite the man.

[Ilena]

Kneeling down and fingering the lines in the floor and wall, seeing them match up perfectly with each other, Kira thinks to herself, "So thats where the red went, i wonder what she was doing in here .... hmmm definately a puzzle to remember,but there are more important things to attend to, best be moving."

Striding out of the room, and towards the inn's common room, her mind is in a flutter, thinking, "What could a red be wanting here, she had to have been here for awhile to learn the room so quickly, possibly even stayed in that room at some point, and what about that man, possibly someone who was working for her? Cleaning up evidence? Another thing to consider indeed."

Approaching the inn keeper, she gathers his attention and says quickly and calmly, "There was a man in the room beside mine, I believe he was a thief as he jumped out of the window as soon as he saw me, who is the poor person staying in that room?"

[Ella]

Ainor walks back up to Agar and returns to her position just out of his way, but close enough to hear him should he ask her for anything. She speaks softly just for the benefit of the gleeman's hearing.

"It is done Agar, he will come and talk to in his own time."

She puts on a smile, but lets her mind go vacant, just standing there, listening to the music, entirely relaxed within herself she allows her mind to drift, visualising the elements of the song. She loses herself in the moment, the music and the atmosphere of the tavern.

"You know Agar, you are talented enough that you actually make me wish this is how I had originally heard the stories and songs of Garen's wall this way."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar's only reaction to Ainor sticking out her tongue at him was to raise his eyebrow questioningly. He kept playing, not skipping a beat. He kept an eye on her, but was focused elsewhere. He smiled and gave an imperceptible nod. Again he waited before responding, finishing up his song, putting away the Lute.

"My dear, if you'd like to hear the tales of the defense of Garen's Wall by the General, I'll gladly tell them. It matters very little that you have heard them before. I am without peer, and we'll easily make them seem like new."

Agar shook his head, and stood up, taking his Ale and moving toward the Table that the Engineer had sat down at.

"But first, business. Come along."

Agar sat down at the table, smiling at the man.

"Thank you for speaking with me, good sir. I'm Agar Donellin, a Gleeman by trade, as I'm sure you know. The beauty who accompanies in my Apprentice, Ainor."

Agar offered his hand to man, smiling congenially, motioning for Ainor to sit down beside him. He had a number of reasons to want her to do so, and only a couple of them were purely selfish.

[Ella]

Ainor follows Agar's lead, and curtseys before she sits down beside him, facing the head engineer and gives him her most gracious smile.

She keeps quiet to allow Agar to speak, she feels nervous because like quite a lot of things recently they have put her out of her own element. So while she was enjoying herself, she did feel a little uncertain of herself, not entirely sure how she should behave in her new role as a gleeman's apprentice.

[Ilena]

Kira watches the gleeman and the woman who is obviously attached to him in some way as she approaches the inn keeper. Though a good player, one of the better she has heard in a long time she puts them both out of her mind at the moment, at least until she has found who is in that room.

[A'den]

The innkeeper locked up with a shocked expression, "Damn't that's the third time this week, I'll go get the guard."

Without further ado the innkeepers puts the glass he was polishing down and hurries for the door.


Looking back over his shoulder for a moment the steamman watches the innkeeper leave before turning back to the gleeman and pretty woman before him.

He shook the gleeman's hand with a firm shake, his hands were thickly calloused.

"My name is Sven Taldor, the lass, said you wanted to speak, gleeman Agar." Sven's hazel eyes had a piercing quality to them, the way he spoke Agar's title seemed to hold a slight contempt for the man. He gave no recognition of Agar's name.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar still smiled, appearing to take no notice of the Wagonman's contempt. Of course, Agar internally bristled at it, but there was nothing to help it.

"Ainor did indeed. I've noticed your contraption appears to be heading for Illian, and my apprentice and I are heading that way as well."

Agar took a swallow of ale before continuing.

"I've never ridden on one of those things before, and I'm curious. So I'd like to make a deal with you, my good man. You allow Ainor and I passage, room and board, along with our belongings and animals, no charge. In exchange, I'll do for you what I do for this Innkeeper. I'll play and sing, and juggle. I'll keep your passengers and your crew entertained and happy."

Agar drained the cup this time. He was on unfamiliar ground here. If this was a Ship Captain, he knew exactly what he would be getting into. But this Wagontrain, he didn't know how valuable his services would be.

"As well, if it comes to it, I'm handier in a fight then you might think. So Mr. Taldor, do we have a deal?"

[roll0] Diplomacy

[A'den]

Sven took a moment to elaborately stroke his beard before replying. "A long day in the train won't mean much time to listening to ya pluckin strings, in fact I expect to be in Illian sometime the day after tomorrow or that evening. I'll take ya along for two silver pence a day for the food, and maybe you get some back if you live up to your claims."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar thought for a moment, considering momentarily. He wasn't happy with that deal, of course. No one ever was with the first offer.

"Hmmm. No I don't think that will do. How about this? 1 Silver pence for each of us. I've known Nobles who can become discontent even lacking a single nights entertainment."

Agar didn't know the agon Trains moved that fast, which definitely reduced the strength of his bargaining position.

Curious though.

[roll0] Diplomacy

[Ella]

Ainor sat quietly beside Agar, and took a tip of her spiced wine. She knew she had nothing to add to the haggling over price, but had an idea about how she might assist in the negotiations.

"So is the device dangerous for your men to operate Sven? I know it must sound a silly question, but it just seems to large and powerful, it cannot be easy to operate."

[A'den]

Sven opened his mouth in reply there was definitive frown beginning but as Ainor spoke he seemed to shift track mid speech.

"Well it can be a bit dangerous but the fuel wagon seperates most of the passenger and goods from the engine so IF anything did go wrong there wouldn't be any danger to ya lass."

He chuckles for a moment almost forgetting the gleeman.

"It runs on boiled water see compressed gases turn the mechanical parts and..." He showed more emotion for a moment as he realized he was beginning to natter on.

"Well its quite complicated but once you get the hang of it its not that difficult."

He turns to the gleeman looking much more amicable.

"Well aye a Silver pence should do a day, I have enough guards to handle most things short of the Seanchan crossing the boarder again. Though strange sights these days, strange times."

Sven shutters for a moment and then suddenly stands looking all business again.

"I plan on leaving at first light once my wagons have been transferred across the river, so make sure to be on the far side of the river just after dawn. Light preserve us it will be a safe journey as I can manage."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar was unhappy with the result, but at least the fellow wasn't demanding a cut of his tips. He was going to have to pay for Ainor's share, or at least appear to. She was much more wealthy then he was, but this deception require that he appeared her master. And that meant he paid.

"We will be out there at first light then, Master Wagoneer. With our belongings, and your coin."

Agar gave him a smile. He wasn't about to do anything foolish like pay coin without getting on the Wagon Train.

"For now, I think I will retire. I have to devote a little bit of time to my apprentices instruction after all. Come along, Ainor."

He stood up, walking back to stage and picking up his Lute, before heading for the Stairs. They needed to have another talk, and this one would be better conducted in private.

And this time I won't be distracted...

[Ella]

Ainor rose from her chair next to Agar and inclined her head slightly to the chief Sven as a sign of respect. She was starting to feel a little bit excited about learning some gleeman's tricks from Agar, of course in the time he had she had no expectations to learn a great deal but surely there was something to be learnt.

"I am coming Master Agar"

She turned and followed Agar up the stairs.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar walked into his own room, which was quite a bit smaller then Ainor's, motioning for her to follow. Then again, she had paid for it, and he had gotten his free of charge, so there was. He set the Lute down in the corner, near where the unstrung Longbow, and the Quarterstaff lay. He took a seat on the bed, leaving her the option of standing, using the room's single chair, or sitting beside him.

"That didn't go as I had hoped, but not as badly as I feared, either. We have our transportation, and it appears we'll be reaching Illian sooner then I thought. I'd prefer our deception not get revealed though. These are the Dragon's men, evidently, and I feel no need to get that one angry, the Light perserve us."

Agar danced through life, aiming to avoid the events that were swiftly entrapping the world, but even he knew annoying the Dragon was a bad idea. While the Wagoneer probably had little enough to do with the man, it was always better safe then sorry.

"It'll be fun, though. Pulling off deceptions like this always is. Just stay close to me, and agree to with what I say."

He gave her a large wink, still grinning. He was playing a game, but then he always was. He didn't think the risks were to great in this one, but then again, he had thought that before as well.

[Shyftir]

The hour was getting on a Rhaad was very aware of how quickly dawn comes. He sat a few moments then stood a resolute look on his face.

"Innkeeper," The word felt strange in his mouth. "I'd like a room, nothing too large. What would your price be?" He drew himself up and attempted to look intimidating hoping it would keep the innkeeper from over charging him.

Intimidate [roll0]
With myth-weavers down I have no access to my sheet please add appropriate modifiers when it comes up. TYVM.


After paying, Rhaad had every intention of going to sleep immediately, if he could in a strange wetlander "bed."

[Ella]

"Just one day to get to Illian, can you imagine the speed it must go Agar, I don't think I could do that if I had so many horses that I could switch every single time one tired the slightest."

Ainor looked around the room, trying to decide where she should sit, before moving the chair to be just across from Agar and taking a seat.

"I will stay near you, and do whatever it is you say Agar, but only because I trust you not to get us into trouble greater than I would manage if I took the lead. Who knows maybe someday the bluff will be reversed, say perhaps in Illian, perhaps we could attend a ball."

Ainor shifts her weight in the chair a little uncomfortably and turns to look at the gleeman's equipment.

"You know Agar, I think you should teach me a basic skill of some sort so that I can at least perform badly like say a newly apprenticed gleewoman."

Ainor chuckles.

"And how silly does that word sound."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar nodded at her comment on the Wagon Trail. Frankly, he was more worried then anything. He was a traveller by nature, and he had a great deal of fondness for seeing the road stretch before him. But, if these things became common, what would happen?

A worry for another time.

Agar nodded at her words, keeping to himself. He didn't reveal that he was willing to bet he could handle himself just as well as her at a ball. But he could keep that a secret.

"You wouldn't be the first. It happens every once in a while. There aren't many, but that probably helps out. Being an oddity just makes you more interesting."

Agar had only ever met one. Pretty thing, she'd was about 7 or 8 years his senior when they met. She was an overly competitive sort. Challenged him to juggling. He'd lost intentionally. She was a pretty sort, and Agar had still been young enough that a pretty face could set his knee's to water. She'd broken his heart, of course, but he wasn't angry. He'd gone on to do it many times himself.

"...well, if you would like to try, I'm willing to teach. What would you like to learn? To sing, or to juggle? Those two are where all apprentices should start."

[Ella]

"Singing sounds like a good idea to me, a bumbling juggler is thought a fool while a talentless singer just will always find admirers once they drink enough. So I think that singing makes singing far more dignified."

Ainor smiled to herself, singing was after all a courtly art and one that her father would actually approve of her learning, even though she was far from home she often thought about what he would think.

"So where do we start?"

[A'den]

The innkeeper returned with a guardsman behind him. The man had on a white tabard over chain mail, a long slightly curved sword sat at his waist. Dark green eyes sat above hair the color of dirt. He eyed everyone in the room looking annoyed.

As the Aiel spoke to the Innkeeper the guardsman shot a glare at the Aielman, "Keep a civil tongue Aiel."

"Now where is the witness?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar seriously doubted most of Ainor's audience would ever boo her. The Male portion of it was pretty sure to act like they liked it, no matter the quality. However, he held his tongue, and smiled.

"Alright. Do you want to learn the proper way? Being a Gleewoman, if that's what you want to call it, is harder then you might think. I can teach you like I would a real apprentice, or can just do what I can for right now."

Agar looked at her, curious. If this was just about the short time subterfuge, he could cover up her lack of skill. If she wanted to be truly good, though, now that would be fun.

[Ilena]

Watching the bard and his woman return to their rooms Kira awaits the inn keeper and the return of her warder thomas from his mission. Letting her senses stretch out, feeling him come closer to her, his mission surely must be done.

Wondering what news he will be bringing, Kira is interrupted by the arrival of the inn keeper and guard. She stands up from her seat and approches them saying, "I am the one who discovered the man in the room, he jumped out the window and into the back alleyway when he saw me, do you have a common issue with thieves perchance?" I turn to climb the stairs and say, "Well gentlemen, are you coming?"

Climbing the stairs, she also mentions, "I am in need of quick transport to Illian, do you know perhaps if that odd wagon is heading anywhere around there?"

[Calenestel]

There had been some kind of trouble at the inn. He had felt it.

Shortly after the guardsman's arrival another fighting man enters the commonroom.
He is dressed to blend in with any crowd, with clothes neither too fancy to attract attention nor too rugged to single him out at anything short of a formal ball or high court. High riding boots, brown pants, a simple, white shirt and a green coat withouth embroidery under a simple brown cloak. His clothes are simple, even plain, but of obviously good quality and would fit a moderatly successfull merchant.

Except that he is no merchant at all. He is a fighter and most would suspect as much at first glance.
He walks with the kind of grace and confidence that comes of many years of hard training as a warrior and he quickly scans the commonroom for potential threats the moment he steps through the door.
Few would have thought him anything but a warrior even if he went unarmed; but of course he is armed.
Right inside the door he takes of his cloak, folds it neatly over his left arm and reveals that buckled over his green coat is a long, slightly curved sword in a plain scabbard, hanging from a broad swordbelt showing the marks of many years of constant wear.

The man himself is young, around 25, quite long and slightly built with a shock of sandy brown hair. He is rather good looking but the experience evident in his green eyes is well beyond his age and has a hardness to it that partly steals away his beauty. His gaze never really rests, continually searching the surroundings as he quickly tucks his thumbs behind the swordbelt and heads for the stairs.

Edited for atrocious writing.

[A'den]

The guard hesistates a moment looking at the fighting man but then shrugs and follows Kira upstairs with the Innkeeper.

The Innkeeper, slightly pudgy from his trade, responds to her question, "Oh yes there is a steamwagon in town Mistress, though I can't see how you didn't notice it when it arrived. The man Sven in the odd clothes is the one to talk too."

He flushes red for a moment in embarrassment. "Not usually Mistress but, uh the times. The times. You can say what can happen when the Dragon walks the land."

He makes an obscure hand gesture.

((Rhaad has a room for the evening))

[Ella]

Ainor stopped to consider her options, she could take the lessons seriously, or she could just learn enough to pass as a gleeman's apprentice. When she thought of Jehannah and visiting the royal court the answer was simple.

"I want to learn Agar, like a real apprentice, and then someday, when the world is at right again. I want to go to Jehannah and be able to demonstrate just how well the finest gleeman in the western kingdoms has taught me for the assembled notables. I want you to treat me like a proper apprentice."

Ainor muttered under the breath.

"And if I break every heart in the kingdom, so be it."

Ainor took a deep breath and looked the gleeman in the eyes.

"So shall we begin."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked at her for a moment, and then nodded. If she wanted to do that, she could. He'd do his best, but for her, it mostly had to come from within.

"Lass, you can't break every heart in the Kingdom. After all, you still have to account for me. If you ever make that dream happen, I'll be expecting an invitation. And when it comes to heart breaking, I'll lose to none."

Agar gave her a smile. He was curious enough. There might be a tale in this. A Noble, a Gleewoman, and more, all at once. He was certainly curious enough to stick around.

"It'll take time, and commitment. If you really want to do this, there are some things I should probably tell you. But first, do me a favor. Sing something for me. Whatever you like. The most regal ballad, the most mournful dirge, the bawdiest tavern song, don't care."

[industrious]

Dedicated Hayek Maynard

Outside the inn, a thin thread appeared over the ground, rapidly expanding into a square gateway. Stepping through it was a young man, quarterstaff-thin, with black eyes and unruly hair. Muttering to himself as it closes, a listener with a keen ear would be able to hear him.

"Go to Illian, they say. Can't be trusted with Traveling, the M'Hael says. Just because I can't stand the man doesn't mean I shouldn't learn the flaming weaves. Where in the name of the Light am I, anyway?"

The man is dressed in a plain black wool coat, with a high collar in the Andorean fashion. The only decoration he has is a single pin in the shape of a silver sword on his left collar. Still muttering himself, he enters the inn, clearly furious with his lot, and not taking notice of the reaction the presence of an obvious male channeler in the building. He holds out a coin.

"A glass of Ale, innkeeper."

[Calenestel]

At the foot of the stairs the sandyhaired fighter suddenly stops. An itch between the shoulderblades, a sense of danger or warrior's intuition makes him turn around and look directly at the Dedicated. There is instantly a level of dangerous calm to his eyes and his face turns so passive it could be a mask. But behind the hard surface his mind races while he silently gauges the Blackcoat.

Oh, blood and ashes. An Asha'man! Here! This could turn ugly.

His right hand twitches slightly as if it wants to leap to the hilt of the sword but aside from that he studies Hayek passively for a couple of seconds, Then, abruptly, he turns on his heels and mounts the stairs, two steps at the time. Kira must be warned! Ahead of him his feelings passes along the bond. Danger.

[Ella]

Ainor blushes a little trying to think of an appropriate song, seeking to show Agar that she was capable if only slightly, and at the same time being highbrow enough to impress him.

She failed to come up with something appropriate on the spur of the moment and instead started to sing a song of her childhood. Her father used to sing it sometimes, mostly when he had too much drink.

Ainor takes a deep breath and starts to sing the song of Garen's Wall.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar listened, giving no reaction to her choice, or the way she sung it. He just stared at her, giving no sign of his opinion. Once she was done, he nodded.

"...that'll do for a start. You've heard yourself do it. Now listen to it properly done."

Agar wasn't doing this to be mean, or show her up. She'd choosen the piece, and he was going to work with her voice on it. But first, she had to understand what it sounded like properly.

"Forget the words, or anything else. Focus on the tone of my voice, the sound of the song, the pitch."

Agar nodded, and sung the song. He knew it of course. Garen's Wall was fairly famous. It wasn't an overtly complicated Tune, and he sung through it, watching Ainor carefully.

"Now, the fun part begins. Merge your voice into mine. Make it so they sound the same, so you can't pick out two seperate tones."

Agar began holding the first note of the Song, showing no difficulty as he waits for Ainor to join in.

[Ella]

Ainor closes her eyes and listens to Agar singing.

She waits til he reaches a chorus before she joins in, concentrating hard on the notes rather than the words.

As she sings with the gleeman, she slowly starts to get her voice closer to his.

[A'den]

Perform Check Ainor
Innkeeper : Listen [roll0]
Ainor: Wisdom Check


A knock comes from the Gleeman's door and the innkeeper's hesitant voice can be heard. He's quite nervous with a guardsman, an Aes Sedai, and now what appeared to be her Warder, it was all rather much for the man. Also the maids were buzzing the Lady had taken residence in the Gleeman's bed chamber, oh the rumors that were flying in the kitchen turned his cheeks red.

If his wife was still alive she would of been up here saying something fierce indeed.

"M'Lady Ainor are you perchance in there?"

* * *

Downstairs the room goes deathly quiet as the Asha'man walks in. No one in these parts exactly knew what one meant but they all knew what a black coat and a sword pin meant, this place hadn't been that far from the Lord Dragon's first campaign against the Seanchan after all.

The maid at the bar is a pale shade of white and almost breaks the clay jug as she pours the Asha'man a drink.

The stories said they were seven feat tall and shot lightening out their arse but the man in the room seemed real enough for the villagers present. Most of the customers left slowly filtering out except for the wagoneers and Sven, they gave the Asha'man wide berth though.

[industrious]

Hayek blinks as everybody leaves. Taking a swallow of his ale, he shrugs as everybody leaves. Turning to the barmaid, who by now must be about to faint, he tries to assume a more light-hearted tone, raising his glass as he does so.

"Sorry for scaring away your customers, madam." A little politeness never hurt.

[Ella]

Perform Check:[roll0]
Wisdom Check:[roll1]

Ainor gives Agar a questioning glance, and then responds to the voice.

"I am indeed, may I ask who is looking for me?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar shrugged at Ainor's question, unsure. He didn't like the sound of the Innkeepers voice. He sounded worried. Agar picked up his Quarterstaff, keeping quiet. He didn't brandish the weapon, just wanting to be ready.

...what's going on?

Agar looked toward the door, waiting for the Innkeeper to open the door. They might draw an implication from Ainor's being in his room, but that wasn't really his concern.

[A'den]

Ainor and both have a circumstantial increase of their Reputation +2 within Longcrossing. Active while with in Longcrossing.


"Umm, errr, a thousand apologies M'Lady, but it appears your room was broken into while you were in the common room, there are some guardsmen and witnesses here that would like to check that you had nothing stolen." The innkeeper sounds more embarrassed about having his in broken into than perhaps dropping in on Agar and Ainor.

* * *

The maid, a willowy woman with locks of brunette hair smiles for a moment at the Asha'man not sure if he's telling a joke or not. Though she is still pale she doesn't seem in danger of fainting. Though she does seem slightly offended that the room is cleared out by him before remembering to appear meek.

"It's two silvers for a beer."

* * *

Sven leans forward on the table carefully examining the new comer, an Asha'man from across the brim of his glass. He waits for the man to notice him. Despite trying to remain casual his face betrays a hint of intense curiosity.

[Ilena]

Feeling danger radiate across the bond like a white hot flare, Kira quickly takes hold of the source, feeling the joyous calm river of saidar rise to fill her. She could never imagine what its like for someone not able to touch the source.

Awaiting her warder to arrive, wondering what caused him to send such a clear feeling of danger, perhaps dark spawn? No ... no feeling of darkspawn, perhaps bandits? Thieves? Surely not here ....

Turning towards the stairs, the only outward sign of anything wrong, she hears the heavy pounding of feet climb the stairs. She gives Tomas a warm smile, having always enjoyed the sight of the man. Though she quickly gets back to busniess, "Whats the matter james?"

[Calenestel]

James. Of all the name she had to use that one. He never really got used to it and a flash of emotion traveled by the bond, a mixture of exasperation and amusement, but he is quickly back to stubborn focus. With one of the Dragons lapdogs below this really isn't the time for their usual banter. He does flash her an affectionate smile, though, as a wordless greeting between close friends. He makes a quick bow to each of the assembled, no more than a nod.

"Mistress Marie... Innkeep...
Not much. The last guest just seemed to clear out the commonroom quite thoroughly."
Standing protectively next to Kira he quickly bends over to her and whispers one word: "Dedicated". Concidering the previous warning he had given her by the bond that should suffice. Immediately after he flashes everyone a grin and offers the two men a shrug. "He seemed like a decent enough sort, ordered an ale and seemed more intent on getting some rest than making a bother. But I'm affraid most of the patrons realized that they were needed elsewhere."

[industrious]

The Dedicated pulls out the appropriate coin, and lays it on the table. Taking another gulp of his drink, the man stares somewhat morosely at the dark liquid. It wasn't easy, being shunned and feared simply because of something that for him could be done as easily as breathing. He had run from his power for most of his adult life; only recently had he come to accept it. Training in the Black Tower, forced to use the Power for everything went a long way. The discipline and order took care of the rest. But still, there was a small spark in the man that remembered being ashamed of his ability. And when those innocents ran from the man who only wanted to help save them, that spark burned. Light help him, it burned.

Making his way over to Sven's table, Hayek's strides are clear and purposeful. Soldiers strides, honed by drills every morning by edict of the M'Hael. Taking a seat without asking, the man is clear and to the point.

"You didn't run like the others. Why?"

[A'den]

Sven leaned back as the man sat down. He sipped his own drink with a casual attitude and seemed to be completely at his ease.

"It's odd to see another one of you. Here I thought I had heard the Lord Dragon's orders were to send everyone up to Arad Doman, but I'm going to Illian now and here I have two of your kind already aboard. I didn't think my mission was this important enough to warrant all this attention. Though I have seen Raken scouting this side of the Eldar."

* * *

The innkeeper cringes, "All of my patrons? Master James?"

[Ella]

Ainor turned to look at the Inn Keeper sternly.


"I will come with you now to inspect my room to make sure nothing is missing"

She rose from the chair and started towards the door, before turning back to Agar and beckoning him with her hand. A knot of worry growing in her stomach, all her possession were for the time being all she had, if she was robbed seriously, she may have to return home and admit defeat in her quest for adventure, and once she did her father might never allow her to go again.

"Would you please assist me Master, I fear the shock might be quite upsetting."

[industrious]

The Dedicated pauses for a moment. "Two more Asha'man?" As far as he knew, he was the only Dedicated who didn't know how to Travel. Something was wrong here.

[Calenestel]

The armed man shrugs again, this time almost apologeticaly on the behalf of the patrons. Smiling inwards, but not showing any, he continues.
"All but a few, yes. Well, to be fair, there have been a lot of rumors about these Asha'man, especially in these parts of the Realms, and he IS dressed in black. But as I said, he really seem like a right enough sort. Most people really are jumping at shadows these days. He keeps a calm voice throughout, but the sense of possible danger over the bond do not lessen the least. The man seemed both sane and calm but Tomas' not going to trust him anyways, especially not with Kira. He didn't seem to pose a direct threat to the town but there was never any way of knowing how an Asha'man would react to an Aes Sedai. Like cats and dogs most likely.

[A'den]

The innkeeper bowed his head for a moment to Ainor then lead them back to Ainor's room. He put a palm to the down handle and frowned as the door creaked open it was unlocked and ajar from the last visit. Under his breath he can be heard to say, "I'll have to tell Cynthie to get the good rum out."]

* * *

"Aye. Though they don't wear they fancy uniforms likes you." Sven says with a curios look at the man, as if the Dedicated should of known there were his peers among Sven's men.

"Well it'll be the same charge for each of you as they paid,one gold crown for the trip. Though I recon I should charge you more but I don't want bad business between Black Tower men and myself. The two of your peers I knows goes by the names Seyim Narsha and Terok Merlo."


Hayek Maynard:
Knowledge Arcana (Asha'man Tradition / Personal)
Rhaad Spot & Listen Check

Optional:
Tomas Aysefia & Kira T'Jal: Disguise Checks
Kira : 1d20 + Core Channeling ABL
Ainor: 1d20 + Core Channeling ABL

Agar Donellin & Ainor Spot Check opposed to Disguise Checks by Tomas & Kira.

[/spoiler]

[industrious]

The Dedicated merely raises his eyebrow. "Done. Half when we set off, half at Illian."

If merchant won't agree with payment scheme:
Taking 10 on a Composture check for result of 23
Taking 10 on Intimidate for result of 28

While he hasn't heard of the pair before, he does view the news with some suspicion. What Asha'man didn't go out without his uniform?

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar had relaxed for a moment, before he noticed the other two standing behind the Innkeeper. Neither of them were being to obvious about it, but they were clearly what they were. That was two Aes Sedai, and one of them had her Warder in tow. He didn't like this.

On the other hand, I'm not going to abandon Ainor. Even if she is intent on walking into the Lion's Den.

Agar stood up, his Quarterststaff firmly in hand, and nodded at Ainor. He walked beside her, all the while, watching the Aes Sedai and her Warder. They weren't a threat... yet. If it came to it, Agar was willing to bet his reflexes were faster then those of the Warder.

...likely their purpose has little enough to do with me. As long as I take no action suspicious enough, they will take little enough interest in a Gleeman.

[Calenestel]

One a, seemingly, unarmed woman and the other an armed man - he was hardly going to underestimate the gleeman just because he was armed with "only" a quarterstaff. Granted, in his and Kira's "line of work" the noblewoman was probably the more dangerous foe by far. But taking care of her would be Kira's responsibility. "Actually... I wouldn't be surprised if they were from Elaida's usurpers and the whole gleeman act just a show to hide in plain view." In any case, the gleeman would be his counterpart.

When Ainor and Agar exists the gleeman's room he give them about just exactly as much of a bow each as he had made towards the innkeeper and the guardsman.
"Greetings, mylady. Well met, gleeman. I am James, and this is mistress Marie. The witness in question."

Naturally he sees it as his duty to lie for Kira, since she can't do it for herself. Not outright. And sometimes an outright lie is what is needed.

[Ella]

Ainor looks into her room at the woman, and almost immediately feels a sort of kinship, a familiarity, however she has no idea why this is, or what it actually could mean.

"And good day to you James, and to you as well Mistress Marie."

Ainor thought for a minute, trying to figure out why she felt she could trust the woman in her room despite the fact she was in all likelihood up to no good.

"My name is Ainor, and this handsome gentleman beside me is Agar, the finest gleeman in all the western kingdoms, as well as the man I am apprenticed to, and now we are introduced as is proper could someone please explain to me what is going on?"

[Ilena]

Slightly taken aback from learning that this woman is actually his apprentice, a feeling of suprise follows across the bond. Looking her over and then the gleeman, wondering if something else is going on between them and still holding the power within her, Kira replies, "Surely, I was leaving my room before i had my evening bath and happened to passby your room where i found your door slightly ajar. There was a man inside jumping out the window, surely something anyone other then a thief wouldn't do i informed our good innkeeper of it."

Feeling pulled in several directions at once, the desire to learn what that red was doing in her room, what she has to do with it, and what that dedicated is doing here she wants to get this done quickly.

[A'den]

Kira Weavesight Check
A note: Kira would recognize this bond they feel as the ability to channel.
Ainor should be able to see a glow or illumination around Kira from the Aes Sedai holding Saidair that was not apparent into the walked into the darker room as the hallways are well lit.


The innkeeper wrings his hands yet again at the mention of the break in he is not particularly pleased his place did not have that bad of a reputation. The guardsman coughed for a second.

"Perhaps an examination of the room."

With that the guard lead the players and the innkeeper into the room. Nothing seemed obviously disturbed except for the open window.

* * *

Sven shakes his hand, at last the man's composure slips a little bit when he looks into Hayek's eyes ands sees perhaps the spark of madness or perhaps simply the look of a man who means business and no trickery. The wagoneer swallows a second and leans back.

"I plan to leave with the rising sun so make sure your aboard the train before then, please, thank you Sir, I didn't catch your name?"

* * *

The willowy lass from the bar stares at the Asha'man's head for a moment before realizing Rhaad is still waiting for his room, she grins embarrassed.

"I can show you, your room now Master-Aiel."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar wished he had asked Ainor to keep his name out of it. If either the Aes Sedai and the Warder knew of him, that would just attract attention he didn't want.

What is done, is done.

It didn't appear that Ainor had noticed who the two were. Agar was rather suprised. She had spent some time in the Tower. He would have thought she would noticed the signs. Of course, Agar had spent more time in Tar Valon then her, but still he hadn't lived in the Tower.

Probably best she doesn't know. Especially because then I would have to explain why exactly I noticed.

"Greetings Master James and Mistress Kira."

Agar follows along. The Aes Sedai and her Warder worried him infinitely more then just some random thief.

[Calenestel]

I think Kira already passed her check, oh Mighty DM. She rolled a natural twenty. Heh.

Gah. I just realized what an idiot I've been. Never mind, nothing to see here, move along.

So... she was his apprentice, eh? Not very likely. He glances at Kira. She's torn and uncertain of what she should do, but there's also a fascination for the "gleeman's apprentice". Good, that means she has realized it herself too. Probably.

Again he studies Agar, cautiously but without any recognition or animosity.
And when the guardsman takes the lead he follows without a word.
Wait and see, and we'll see if we can find out more about them.

[Ella]

Ainor noticed strangeness in the behaviour of the people around her, Agar was holding back compared to his usual open and friendly self, and the strangers in her room had said very little too. So there were people in her room unexplained, plus another person who may have been in there and no real explanation forthcoming.

"Innkeeper, would you please send down for some tea, while I investigate if anything is missing from my room, and bring some more chairs up if you please, I would like to question these two about the mysterious intruder."

Ainor waits for the Innkeeper to leave the room, before turning to stare at the strangers.

"So how about you start at the beginning and tell me what in the name of the light is going on."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar was too busy watching the Warder and Aes Sedai to notice Ainor's discontent. He was trying to determine if they had realized that he had noticed that they weren't just normal Travellers. He'd seen the Warder looking at him, but that told him nothing. A good Warder studied everyone around them. He should know. He'd been trained by them after all.

This one can't be that experienced, though. His Aes Sedai hasn't picked up the face yet. He can't have spent that much time at the tower.

Agar smiled at Ainor's words, turning to the Aes Sedai with a smile on his face. He was playing a dangerous game, just to nettle an Aes Sedai and her Warder, but somebody had to do it. They'd made a right mess of the World, them and their crazier Dragonsworn counterparts. Normal men had to just keep out of the way, or get caught up in the mess. Agar wasn't one would call normal, however.

"Yes, why don't you tell Lady Ainor exactly what is going on Mistress Marie, and Master James."

The stress he put on the words was subtle. He didn't want them to know what he knew. He just wanted them to guess, keep them on their toes, on guard. That way, unless they were after him or Ainor specifically, they'd move on quickly enough.

But still, why in the name of the light are there so many users of the power here tonight?

[Ilena]

Being so close to this lady Ainor, Kira could feel the power in her. Not strong mind, surely not enough to become a full aes sedai but it was there. Poor child was probably put out of the tower.

"As i mentioned before. I was about to have my evening bath, and I noticed that the door to this very room was ajar. I noticed there was a man in this very room leeping out of your window and i fetched our good inn keeper here."

Kira thinks to herself a moment, not having had time to inform Tomas that there was a red here. She weighs her options, and decided to go with it.

"Though perhaps you could tell me if you met a woman in a red silk dress? A little frayed and worn perhaps? Surely you Agar saw her? Quite hard to miss i believe."

Kira watches the two reactions to her question, perhaps this one is an eyes and ears for the reds? Seems unlikely but its possible. She just hopes that Tomas is ready as ever incase things go south.

[Calenestel]

Seemingly relaxed the Warder leans against the wall of the room, close enough to be there if needed, but just far enough from Agar and his "apprentice" to seem less of a threat by the unwary. Of course, he doesn't expect the sharpeyed gleeman to fall for that. The man has eyed them with too much suspicion for that. But perhaps the noblewoman will be more likely to underestimate a "common soldier". After all, to some nobles armsmen are hardly ranking above servants. Calmly he arranges the cloak folded over his left arm, covering his sword in the process, while keeping a quiet eye on the pair. As so often he leaves the talking to Kira.

A woman in a red, frayed dress? What has she been up to now? Is it some kind of Green code? The Greens' network of informants is one of the more extensive, or so he has been told, and he supposes that it's possible that either one of them is an eye-and-ear for Kira's ajah. And that could explain the thief earlier to boot.
Still he's sceptical, prefering to be on his guard until Kira tells him that they two are to be trusted.

[Ella]

"I personally saw no one matching your description, of even bearing a passing resemblance to it Mistress Marie."

Ainor kept her eyes upon the strange pair, trying to fathom what these people were that Agar would need to use such a tone when speaking to them. Ainor took a deep breath and studied their faces looking for reactions to the various elements of conversation.

"And now that I have answered your question, I assume you will have the good manners to answer mine. How about you start with what you are doing here, and we move on to why you are behaving in such an unusual manner before finally what you want with me."

[industrious]

"Hayek." Noticing his worry, the Dedicated smiles. "Don't worry, Sven. I'm not mad. Just a man, for all that I can do. See you in the morning, then."

Judging from the commotion upstairs, the inn was out of rooms for the night. No matter; in his early days at the Tower, he had slept in worse circumstances. And before that, when he was still running from the Aes Sedai. Making his way outside, he picks a soft-looking spot, and channels the area around it so that he wouldn't be disturbed. Hopefully. Settling down onto the ground, he drops off to sleep.


Channeling Master Ward as a 4th level weave, and tying it off.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at the Aes Sedai, doing his best to play the utter fool. He didn't think anyone would buy it, of course. He was just playing.

"I see many women, I fear, Mistress Marie. I rarely noticed the color of their dress, though. If I'm paying attention, it is usually to something else."

Agar gave her a Cheeky Wink, and then turned to the Warder, and gave him that wide smile. If the Warder believed that would cause Agar to count him out... no there was no way he would. That would require him being to much of an idiot.

He might be playing a deeper game, trying to get me to underestimate him. I doubt it, but better safe then sorry.

"But I'm curious as well. What on earth could bring people of your obvious stature here. Mistress Marie, and Master James?"

[Shyftir]

"Thank you, miss." Rhaad nodded slightly as the willowy young woman led him to a room on the second floor. Hmm... I'll give the wetlanders this, they do not lack for attractive women. Rhaad watched as the barmaid led him. His stares were not so much ogling as frank admiration.

At one point the young woman turned to check on him and his eyes met hers. After a bare second she looked to one side, into the partially open door to another room. Rhaad's gaze followed her's and inside he saw four people talking two women and two men. He recognized them all having seen them in the common room earlier. The two women had a bit of the air of Wise Ones about them. He pitied the men.

"Miss," He addressed the young serving girl, "The room if you please"?

"Oh' sorry sir, right this way." She blurted and gestured with her hand before once again leading the way.

"By the way, miss, I am Rhaad, feel free to use my name." He smiled at the attractive young woman trying to put her at ease. She seemed somewhat flustered.


Diplomacy to make her feel better.
(This should be rich. He's really bad at people skills.)
[roll0]

[Calenestel]

The gleeman's cheeky attitude made him tense, even to the point where it showed where he stood "relaxed", leaning against the wall. With a face starting to looked like it's been carved from stone and his jaw set as if to stop himself from lashing the man verbaly the sandyhaired man gave Agar a cold glare that he didn't even bother to soften when the man looked at him.
And over the bond seeped a feeling of... not envy, well maybe a little - she is "his" Aes Sedai to keep safe from attacks both physical and verbal after all, but more a sense of challenged honour.
At the moment he doesn't care two bits of copper about trying to maintain a low profile. Even leaning casually against a wall he seems tense right now, ready to spring and quite menacing.

"Our business is our own, gleeman. Keep a civil tongue and maybe mistress Marie will tell you."

His cold glare lessened somewhat at that, loosing none of it's hard edge, when he suddenly cracked a grim but still humorous smile.

"She might even tell you more than you'd care to hear. But that is the risk in asking questions, is it not?"

[Ilena]

Kira turns a look upon agar, and just spends a moment staring at him. "I do not think our business is any concern of yours." Still weighing options in her mind, she decides to go for it, knowing the "gleeman" surely is saying more then he is letting on. "The world must surely be slipping if a common gleeman and his assistant think they can question an aes sedai in her business. I know the red was here girl, you can see her mark as plain as day." Kira nods towards the travelling marks. "And shortly after she went up, you came down. Now she is no longer here, what was SHE doing here?"

Hoping her gamble worked, knowing what Tomas is going to say about the way she handled things, but sometimes you have to be forward with people, expecially when there is a dedicated downstairs with who you have no idea what he will do.

[Ella]

"I saw no ladies in red at all I am afraid Marie Sedai, I had a long hot bath and that was so relaxing I had a brief nap in the tub and all that warm water did a great deal of good for my muscles, but I was alone and unattended the whole time."

Ainor looks at the Aes Sedai carefully trying to think, had she met this one in her very brief stay within the tower?

"Now who is the lady in tattered red silk and what makes you think she came into this room at all, after all I surely would have noticed had she done so."

Ainor remembers the advice her father held dear about never tangling with Aes Sedai unless it was absolute necessity, and only then if somehow running away and avoiding them was no longer an option, of course after her stay in the tower he seemed more amused when he recited this belief of his, like he was just saying it to needle at her.

"Is there anything else I can assist you with."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar listened to the Aes Sedai. They didn't lie. Some people thought that was foolishness, but he knew it for a fact. They dissembled, they mislead, but they never out right lied. His Mother had told it was because of the "Three Oaths" but Agar was certain there was more behind it. Agar first turned to the Warder.

"You don't know much about Gleeman, or me, do you? Gleeman know far more then they are given credit for. Especially by foolish Warders who can't see beyond the Cloak and instrument. It might be that I know quite a few things that you would find quite upsetting."

Agar turned on the Aes Sedai, not willing to let Ainor step into her trap. There was more here then was being said. If she was hunting a Red, it was because she had a reason to.

"Let's have no half-truths, Marie Sedai. From the fact that you find a Red so concerning, I'm guessing you are from that lot of Rebels that besieged Tar Valon. A Red would have stuck with their Mistress, Eladia Sedai."

Agar looked over at the Aes Sedai. He wasn't going to let Ainor walk into the political maneuverings of the White Tower unaware. If she wanted to walk that way knowingly, would be her choice. He wouldn't walk it with her, though. He had his own task.

Though that is mixed up with them, as well, hopefully I can avoid their notice till I am done.

"Am I wrong?"

[A'den]

Kira Weavesight:

At first you did not the fine strands of Saidair interwoven around Ainor's head, it is nigh on invisible but now standing closer and first introductions are past Kira Sedai can observe a gossamer web of the One Power lacing around and into Ainor's head. The weave is almost absurdly complex and bent in on itself to be invisible to casual observation but the heated conversation and Kira's focused attention on the young couple reveals the tied off weave. It is completely unlike anything Kira Sedai has ever observed before but she has a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach that this may be Forbidden Compulsion, but with no reference its impossible to be sure.


The town guard who had been standing in the corner of the room the whole time quietly observing the group bumps his sword scabbard into the night stand causing a quite thunk. The noise seems to remind of his authority. Unlike the run of the mill town guard this man has a certain amount of seasoning to him from the touches of gray in the wings of his hair to the worn smoothness of sword hilt at his side.

"Come now, I will not have veiled threats bandied around in my town, by Warder or Gleemen. Forgive me Marie Sedai, but we are investigating a burglary. If you please Marie Sedai I would like a description of the man you saw, and the woman in red silks. Please."

INT Check for Descriptions.

* * *

The maid smiles sheepishly at Rhaad for a moment before giving her name, "Its Cynthia."

She walks to his room then whirls around looking at him from head to toe, with a roguish wink that's not shy at all she unlocks the door to his room and disappears inside.

* * *

"In the morning then."

Sven watches the Hayek, leave the breeze let in by the open door for a moment makes the man hunker back down near the fireplace with an ale. One more never hurt.


* * *
INT Check Result:

The Woman:
Eyes: Green
Hair: Red but lighter more like Andor nobility than Aiel.
Build/Style of Dress: Tairen, her redress seemed worn and traveled stained but cut of fine material.

The Man:
Cairhienin pale but his features seemed blurred, the closest you could define his hair color is as dark.

[Calenestel]

The feeling he carries over the Bond is far from disapproving. Most of the time he prefers a certain amount of secrecy. It is just common sense, really. But this time he approves whole-heartedly. These people could need to be taken down a peg or two.

Then Agar answeres, showing that he is nowhere near being taken down anything.

At first he glares angrily at the gleeman. The man is nowhere near respectful enough of Aes Sedai and downright nasty towards himself. The latter is by far the lesser crime but Tomas is young, headstrong and proud. He is not a fool though, or very prideful for that matter, and when the first outrage dies out he starts to examine his own attitude towards the two strangers. Looking at what the gleeman says in a very different light. Suddenly he calms visibly, even cracking a twisted smile. Mumbling a silent "Point taken" under his breath.

When the guardsman interrupts, even scolds the two of them, the smile broadens a little and he lets out a self-deprecating snicker. With a slight shake of his head at what he percieves as his own folly he stands up straight, away from the wall, and walks calmly over to the gleeman to take a place shoulder to shoulder to him. With an eye on the guardsman and Kira he leans over towards Agar and says, with a lowered voice as to avoid disturbing the other conversation.

"Very well, master Agar... I... apologize for my boorish behaviour so far..."

He pauses, just for a couple of seconds, it is obvious that he seldom apologizes, or likes it. With a wicked smile he continues:

"Treat her with respect, though. Or you will regret it."

His smiles even reaches his eyes and his voice, but there is a slight hint in the latter telling the observant that it's still more of a promise than an idle threat.

[Ilena]

As she was talking to this woman, something seemed to tug at her, something not right and trying to scream out, "Look at me! I shouldn't be here!" Suddenly in the last moments she saw it, an inverted weave. A shocked look passes over her face for a moment, as that was the last things in the world she would have expected. She lets slip, so shaken by the forbidden cast upon this poor girl, a very quiet word. Only one, " ... compulsion ..."

Quickly regaining control of herself, she realizes what has happened. Whoever this woman is, it is evermore important to learn what she wanted. Perhaps theres something this woman knows that Eladia wants? Perhaps this red was acting alone? Many thoughts pass by her mind, though one main one remains. What to do about it? Try to unraval it, possibly killing her? Or should she try to get Ainor to the rebels, and have someone more experienced assist? But the choice is Ainor's to make, unfortunately it's not something that can be forced, or at least should not be.

Having completely forgotten the guard Kira looks at him, "Now im sure these men wont resort to fighting so you needn't worry about them, isnt that right gentlemen?" She glances at Tomas and lays her gaze upon Agar for a few moments longer. "The woman is gone, you will not find her unless she returns, and i would council leaving her be. The man on the other hand i only caught a glimps of. He seemed to be a pale cairhienin and his hair dark, not very helpful i know but thats all i was able to see. If you will leave us in private it would be most appreciated, i have more that needs to be said that should not fall on more ears then necessary."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at the apology. The man was capable of learning, at least. Most Warders weren't. Of course, he was also very young for a Warder. Probably had something to do with that. He whispers in return.

"I'll give her the same respect I'd give my darling mother."

Agar's face broke into a wide smile, as if he had a joke he wasn't sharing, before turning and bowing to the guard and the Aes Sedai. He still wanted an answer to his question. He cared very little if the Guardsman overheard him or not. Gleeman were supposed to be up on the news.

"Marie Sedai, I'm a simple Gleeman. Only a fool would challenge a Warder at Arms. I would still like an answer to my question. My Apprentice deserves to know what she is getting entangled in."

[Calenestel]

A couple of emotions flashes by, painted over the young warder's face. First surprise, then narroweyed suspicion and lastly an amused grin. The same as his own mother, eh? I'd wager she kicked the her insolent boy out of her house ages ago.

Kira's chock rocks him though, and sets him on his heels. Curiously he eyes the Green sister, wondering what could have rattled her so. He had missed her whispered word but he could guess that it had something to do with the noblewoman and the other Aes Sedai. Which spelled trouble in his book.

[Ilena]

Waiting until the guard leaves, and counting till 5. Kira says, "Tomas, if you would check the door to be sure we dont have any ... uninvited guests."

Kira turns her gaze towards the gleeman, "Your apprentice is in it already deeper then either of you know. I sensed something odd about this room downstairs, a lot of power was used here and for ill from what i see."

Speaking to Ainor, "My dear child, this woman, you met her but you do not remember. She used a forbidden weave upon you called compulsion. I may be able to remove it, though it could harm, or possibly kill you. What interest she had in you i do not know."

[Calenestel]

"Yes, Kira." He had anticipated what she wanted him to do long before she actually spoke up, thanks to the sensations through be bond as well as common sense. And he was moving before she finished her sentence. Quickly he through up the door peered out with one hand on the hilt of his sword and when ((if)) the hallway seemed clear he quickly closed it again, taking up a place by the same with his armed crossed over his chest. This was the kind of work he was used to and he seemed completely in his element now. Even content.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar sighed, and stepped forward. He didn't like what he was hearing. Aes Sedai couldn't lie. But they could mislead, exaggerate, or overstate things. He wasn't about to let it go either way.

"I'd advise you wait on that, Ainor. At least till Marie Sedai stops dancing around and answers a couple of questions."

Agar looked over at the Warder. The Aes Sedai wasn't a threat. He also knew that as a fact, despite what others might say. But her Warder wasn't under whatever compulsion she was, and could harm Agar, if he desired it.

"So why are you here, and which group do you claim allegiance with? I won't let you mislead Ainor. If she accepts your help, she'll know the strings attached to it."

[A'den]

The guard withdraws after a moment where he finds himself looking for a protest but an Aes Sedai is an Aes Sedai. He leaves without comment.

[Ilena]

Looking back to Agar, Kira feels a little annoyed at his constant badgering of questions. Doesnt he realize that what happened to her breaks the law that all aes sedai should abide by at all times, that its very important she accepts guidance by those who are knowledgable in the power?

"If you must know, we were just passing through and happened to stop at this inn. The wheel weaves as the wheel wills, and it seems we are needed here. As you can very well tell with what happened to your friend. And for who we follow, I would have thought it would have been obvious to one of your talents ... but incase your not sure we follow Egwene sedai." Kira says.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at the Aes Sedai.

"Marie Sedai, I have dealt with enough Aes Sedai to always suspect a deeper game. Following the trail of deceits an Aes Sedai is more difficult then tracing the Pattern itself."

Agar shrugged, and yawned loudly.

"So tell me, why should Ainor trust you any more then she did your former Comrade? It looks to me like she is being made to play Snakes and Foxes. No matter what happens, one of you is going to get her."

[Ilena]

Kira smiles slightly, "Because its her choice, I wont lay something forbidden for longer then most can remember upon her to force her to my will. Do you know anything about the power? How it works? Can you make use of it, see the weaves laid upon her perhaps? Because if you can be my guest. I understand your concerned for her safety, thats an admirable quality in a friend. But this is aes sedai business, and something very dangerous. She needs someone who can help her."

Foolish men, always sticking their noises into places they dont belong. Kira finds herself thinking.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at her, waiting for her to finish before he spoke.

"Hmmm. Nope. I'm sane, I fear, and thusly have no intention of ever touching the Power. I've got enough on my plate to deal with, without adding that in."

Agar wasn't about to back down. Just because the Aes Sedai was using withheld information instead of the Power, it didn't mean she was giving Ainor the choice to join or not.

"But I know enough to always check to see what lies under a gift from an Aes Sedai. But you are right, it isn't my choice. It is hers. I'd advise she get more information before she make it, is all."

[Shyftir]

"Well then." Rhaad was no fool. He was aware that these opportunities were rare. He lacked social skills, always had. He was no more than average when it came to attractiveness, but some women appreciated his warrior's physique more than the shape of his face or skill with words.

He glanced down the hall both ways then slipped into his room a broad smile on his plain face.

[Ella]

"Tell me what compulsion actually does, and how serious the risks of trying to remove it before you even attempt anything."

Ainor looks over to Agar and reaches out to take his hand within hers and squeezes it a little. The news that she was under a weave without knowing it scared her, particularly because she had always assumed that despite the lack of power or ability to use channeling at will her abilities would protect her from others trying to harm her with their powers.

"Agar, I happen to be quite scared at the moment, could you please make sure you stay close."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked over at Ainor, and nodded, not pulling his hand away. He was tempted to. Ainor was caught up in something. She needed someone to rely on. Agar had made a life by not being that person. Every time he had managed to end up being so, it had never ended well. It wasn't his natural role. And there was his prior commitment.

On the other hand... am I really comfortable being the kind of man that abandons someone in this situation.

In the end, he just squeezed her hand back, and smiled. He approved fully of her question.

"Alright."

He could have made a joke, but he felt that it wasn't really the time for it.

[Calenestel]

Compulsion. The reason Kira had reacted as she had seemed perfectly clear now. Even he was shocked by the revelation and while he saw that forbidden weave as much as a crime as any sane, Lightfearing person would the Aes Sedai was even more affronted by it. For them it seemed aking to heresy. After the initial surprise Tomas settled again, though and found that calm equilibrium that he knew lent Kira strength. "A Warder is to be the rock in the stream - for his Aes Sedai to walk on or to cling to."

His arms crossed over his chest the young man instead studies the pair, the gleeman and the so-called apprentice with a bit of sympathy, maybe even pity. They're really in for a ride now... Compulsion... The Light preserve them. The Reds are bad enough as it is but if that particular Red isn't a Darkfriend, then she's at least not far from being one. They're lucky to have found an Aes Sedai of their own.
Mostly he seems calm though, confident in Kira's abilities. Knowing that if she can't help Ainor directly, then she certainly knows someone who can. Thanks to Nynaeve Sedai the arts of Healing had increased almost exponentially among the True Aes Sedai.

[Ilena]

Shaking her head slightly, Kira says, "Compulsion can make you do anything and believe anything, even if it seems wrong to you. Its an evil thing, and a very good reason why it's outlawed. Whoever did this to you needs to be found and put to trial. The risk to you .... it could kill you if things go wrong, its a powerful weave that was put upon you and may even be beyond my abilities to remove. We may even have to go to tar valon to remove it. But it SHOULD be removed, if at least just to learn who has a deep interest in you."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked at the Aes Sedai, nodding. He knew more then he was telling, even now. He hadn't known the function of Compulsion, but he did have a few sketchy ideas about those forbidden weaves.

"But at the moment, what does this Compulsion do? Anything at all? As well, what would happen if we were to... do away with the Aes Sedai that cast it on her?"

Agar looked at Marie curiously. He had been taught many of the tricks of the Aes Sedai. One was what she was doing right now. Appear to give a choice, but simply eradicate every single alternative but the one you desired.

Either alternative isn't very attractice however.

[Ilena]

"At the moment? Nothing ... but as you weave more and more it can become easier to repeat, and it's possible there may be something laid within it to trigger later, I don't know. Noone has studied compulsion and I only know what I've read in the books." Kira says, trying to remember vague references in long unused books.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar nodded. So the Aes Sedai wanted to do a procedure that could risk killing Ainor for the sake of removing something that was entirely benign.

Bad deal.

"My advice would be to not comply with this, Ainor. Marie Sedai isn't saying a lot. Like the fact that Tar Valon is currently a War Zone, with her confederates laying siege to the city. I don't know much about this compulsion, but I seriously doubt the consequences of it are worse then death. Marie Sedai appears far more concerned with getting the identity of the Aes Sedai who cast it upon you then your safety."

Agar looked over at the Warder. He was keeping his promise, but the Warder had little enough way of knowing that.

Aes Sedai politics. I thought I was done with them when I slipped out of Tar Valon. Not even the coming of the Dragon seems to slow them.

[Calenestel]

"You're bending the truth quite a bit yourself, master Agar... Or maybe you've not grasped how great a problem this could be."
He had remained silent for a while now, and his low voice seems all the more sharp for it. His tone is deathly serious and his face grim. There is a hint of sympathy still, the gleeman obviously cares for Ainor and he recognizes and respects that, but from Tomas point of view his paranoia could kill.

"What if she has been given an order to kill? No matter where you're headed theres bound to be high profile targets. And if she then succeeds or not is irrelevant. She will hardly survive something like that. Or what if she's been given less risky orders that's still in the service of the Dark? You can bet your soul on that that other Aes Sedai is a Darkfriend if she would use something like Compulsion."

He quickly looks to Kira and gives her a warning frown. "I know you don't like that idea, but it would be the logical explanation. And not only to this... You know that, Kira." At that he looks back at the gleeman again. His face even grimmer than before.
"Would you be willing to bet your own life on that this is anything less than sinister and deadly? The kind of person who would use a weave like that is NOT a nice woman, make no mistake about it."

At that he looks to Ainor directly instead and the sympathy in him is a bit more apparent. "Would you yourself like to take the chance?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked straight at the Warder, shaking his head. The man was guessing again. A lot of Warder's had that problem. They thought themselves the best. So anyone who disagreed with them was being a fool.

"There is that risk, but it seems pointless. If whoever did it wanted Ainor dead, there are easier ways to go about doing it. And if they wanted someone else dead, there are people you can pay to do it."

Agar's smile never faded, meeting the grim faced warder with nothing but that smirk that said there was a joke here he was missing.

"I don't buy it. There is a deeper game being played. And if you were truly worried about the Black Ajah..."

Agar's smirk turned vicious at those words. He knew the name just as well as everyone else did. He just wasn't afraid to use them.

"...you wouldn't be talking to us about it. I can spin stories that place Ainor in as much danger by going with you as you suggest shes in by staying. At the end of the day, the only risks we know are certain are the ones of going into a War Zone, and trying the procedure. Flee from the Darkhound you hear, not the Forsaken you fear."

[Ella]

Ainor slumps backwards against a wall the shock and horror clear on her face. She takes a deep breath and uses her training growing up within the nobility to at least outwardly regain her composure and starts to evaluate what is going on based on her knowledge of the great game and plotting. She holds up her hand to silence the three of them before she speaks.

So there is a risk, a risk that I could be made to do anything.

I would rule out assasination by the way James while they might find me a useful because I am unexpected I lack any formal weapons training and I admit I am a weak channeler but I am far too blocked for that to be an option either.

I am not politically useful either while Ghealdan is in political turmoil I am far enough away from the throne that they could not have that as an ambition either. That is from the perspective of whoever used compulsion on me.

I intend to continue travelling as a gleeman's apprentice, I will give Agar a sealed letter tomorrow to have sent to my father should anything go wrong whether it be I am compelled to destroy myself somehow or if it become necessary to incapacitate me to prevent me from following orders.

From your perspective this is probably the best course of action as well, if I continue what I have been doing without change I become the best bait to lure whoever the mysterious compeller is out into the open, but I would recommend not making yourselves too known or you might scare them away.

I have my my decision if you will still have me Agar.


Ainor held back a small sob more from self pity than any real worry, and held herself tall and proud as possible to make the best dramatic moment of her defiance that she could.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked over at Ainor, and nodded approvingly. He hadn't quite thought that this was how it would end up when he took Ainor on as an Apprentice. But she'd made the right choice.

"I don't know what kind of man you think I am, but even I would have trouble sleeping if I abandoned you to deal with this by yourself."

Of course, she needs to know what travelling with me means, exactly. But not in front of the Aes Sedai.

Agar turned on the Aes Sedai and Warder, smiling widely.

"You have your answer. Thanks for the warning, but no thanks on the treatment that might kill her. Now, could I ask you to step out? I have some things to talk about with my apprentice, and your presence isn't required."

[Calenestel]

When Ainor speaks up for herself. And against his suggestion of assassination he opens his mouth to protest, or clarify, that he had meant it as an extreme example, that with the kind of people using Compulsion you had no way of knowing what crime you were going to be forced to do and that a failed assassination attempt could serve many purposes in an of itself: a diversion, keeping an enemy paranoid and scared, to anger the target to attack the "obvious" power behind the attempt, and so on...
But Ainor just continues on never giving him the chance and he quickly shuts his mouth again with a dry smile.

When she then tells them, all of them, what she intends to do he smiles with not a small sense of respect at her and gives her an acknowledging nod. It was a good choice, really. And it showed both determination and courage. And those were virtues much appreciated by the Gaidin. Her small sob of fright he didn't make much out of. Courage is doing what have to be done despite fear, not the absence of fear itself.

"The name is Tomas, Ainor. Tomas Aysefia." He gives the gleeman a quick glance, both sympathetic and annoyed, the man is still being bloody stubborn about telling them that Ainor doesn't want any "treatment", despite the fact that she hasn't said a word about it. He could respect the man's loyalty, but stupidity is another thing entirely. Therefore he looks again to Ainor and says:
"About your... friends... decision about you not wanting any treatment I say only: After all is said and done and whatever our respective business is concluded, if the compulsion hasn't become irrelevant do at least honestly consider taking the help offered to you.
The Yellow Ajah is the finest healers in the world. And even if Kira Sedai may not be able to help you then they surely will.

"And remember that it's your choice." With a slight smile he finishes: "And be of good courage."

With that Tomas looks to his Aes Sedai, waiting for her word to leave.

[Ella]

Ainor squeezes Agar's hand one last time before letting go and watches Kira Sedai leave with her warder Tomas and grimaced before getting up and closing the door to her room.

She stretches and shakes her body contorting a little as if she was trying to get a knot out of a muscle.

"So Agar, what do you really make of this, I mean could I really be under compulsion when she is the first Aes Sedai I have encountered in a long time, and if I am is it something worth worrying about?"

She sits on her bed and looks at the gleeman.

"I am not too worried about it either way, I just would value your opinion, and then you said you have something to talk to me about? Is it my singing, I know I am not that good but I am willing to practise hard until I am competant."

[Ilena]

Seeing shes not going to get anything more in the way of agreement from Ainor, expecially with Agar here, Kira turns to leave, "Think about what i said, if you want to talk you know where to find me."

Once outside and not having the tavern burn down around her, she checks the common room of the inn. Seeing no dedicated but trusting her warder she lets go of the power. She says quietly,"I heard that steam wagon is going to Illian, I would like to see if you can get us transport on it if you havn't done so already, I definately need to finish my bath after this."

Going back upstairs after calling for bath water to be brought in. She waits for them to fill it and slides into the nice warm water to think. "Dam men, being so flaming stuborn. She should get help, and yellows back at the camp can help her. He obviously doesn't trust aes sedai, probably heard too many stories portraying aes sedai in a bad light. But who would have done that to Ainor ... could it have been the black ajah? Or worse ... the forsaken?" She shutters at just the thought of those ... things lose in the world. "One way or another that woman will need to be watched."

Climbing out of bed and making sure that transport is secured Kira climbs into bed.

[Calenestel]

Draping his sturdy, brown cloak over his shoulders as soon as they leave Ainor's room he follows Kira down to the commonroom. Her irritation mirrors his own and for the moment he doesn't bother to hide it either. Instead he simply listens to her instructens, grunts his accord and waits for her to mount the stairs again. After that he buys himself a pint of the inn's ale while scanning the commonroom.
He quickly spots Sven by the hearth and recognizes him by the description some of the guards had given him earlier. Soon he strolls over to the oddly dressed man, ale in hand, and takes a seat next to the him...

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar sighed, and stretched. It was time to fess up to some things, he supposed.

"These is definitely the possibility, at least. Aes Sedai can't lie. The Stories about them are true in that regard. They can mislead, and overstate their case, but they can't say anything outright false."

Agar shook his head, trying to shed the scattered thoughts that dredged up. Having a mother who could never lie to you was... unsettling.

"And you know more about the Power then I do. Should you be worried? Yes. Should you be so frightened that the Aes Sedai can stampede into doing whatever they wish? No. You made the right judgment. As for what I wanted to talk about..."

Agar got a twinkle in hie eye, and smiled at her.

"...it has nothing to do with that. You have talent enough to make it, if you try. No, I need to talk with about myself. Would you mind listening to a story? It isn't as interesting as the ones I tell below, but I can assure you it is true."

[A'den]

Sven looks up at the man taking a seat at his table, quick eyes soak in all of Tomas' features with only a lingering glance at the man's sword. He grins a bit to himself and adjusts the goggles for a moment strapped across his forehead.

"I thought I might be talking to you after everyone else has passed through tonight, you're seeking passage to Illian then?"

[Ella]

Ainor looks at Agar and nods.

"I would be honoured to hear your story, please continue Agar."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar laughed at that, shaking his head.

"There's no honor in it. Most of what I will tell you used to be tavern talk in Tar Valon. I'm almost famous there. A living scandal."

Agar smiled fondly. He liked thinking about himself like that. Seemed fitting, in a way.

"My mother was one of them. An Aes Sedai, that is. A Grey, as well, for what it is worth. My father was her Warder. I could tell you all about what that was like, but at the end of the day, that hardly matters. Son of an Aes Sedai, daughter of a Noble house, everyone has their challenges. But trust what I say about Aes Sedai. My mother taught me most of their tricks, and I picked up more from watching her."

Agar smiled. His mother would not have approved of what he did there, certainly. But he had a feeling that she would have approved of his method of doing it.

"That would hardly matter, except for what I'm out doing. I'm not really just wandering without a purpose. My Mother's in trouble. I don't know what she was doing, but something has gone wrong. Aes Sedai can be convinced to talk, if you go about it the right way. Yellows especially, in my experience. She was heading to Illian when she left Tar Valon. I intend to track her down, and pull her irons out of the fire. If she and my father are dead, that's that, I move on. If not, I still move on."

Agar shrugged, shaking his head. He didn't like talking like this. He was much more comfortable telling other peoples stories then his own. Probably cause his own was just a tad bit boring.

"In the end, the upshot is, you are still involved with Aes Sedai, even if you stick with me. And I might leave you behind for a little while. I'm not going to put both of us in danger for the sake of my mother. If I was smart, I wouldn't put myself in danger for her."

Agar tapped the side of his head with his Quarterstaff, and smiled.

"That's it. At the end of the day, I'd like to believe my differences with the Aes Sedai are legitimate, and that requires being a little more forthright with you, now that you have thrown your lot in with me."

[Calenestel]

The man nodded. He was relaxing a bit now, finally, but still he had that aura of readiness and supreme confidence that revealed him as a Warder for those who knew what to look for. Carually he sipped his ale, eyeing the commonroom continuously but somehow focusing on the sooty man especially.

"I do. For me and for one more, plus horses. But there is things we need to discuss first..." he says. Kira had already revealed herself, and not only in front of Agar and Ainor, so the bet should probably be on too many knowing about her before they left town tomorrow. But he didn't want to tell anyone more than had been said already without consulting with her about it. But the questions he had about the Asha'man skirted awfully close to certain secrets no matter how he phrased his questions. Hence a slight hesitation.

Finally he continues: "I saw the Asha'man earlier. You fly the Dragon's banner... Would it be safe to assume that he, possibly other like him travels in your wagon train?"

[A'den]

Sven stares blankly at the man.

"I'm a merchant and a patriot, Sir, I fly the Dragon's banner because I carry his goods. Also it scares off bandits which can become a problem further south now that most of the Aiel no longer police the lands. As for my other passengers it would be bad business for me to speak of such things. People pay me to travel with them, I can only tell you what I observed myself and what others would display freely. I did see a man with a black coat today and he did book passage on my train. Though, I charge two silver pieces per day of travel per passenger. I can't take horses though my space for cargo is all full."

[Calenestel]

The sandy haired man meets the mans gaze stare for stare, not backing an inch. He does, however, avoid being too provoking. Calmly he raises his hand, palm outwards.

"Good master... First of all I must say that I DO recognize a Dedicated when I see one."
Trying to sound both reasonable and polite he pauses, just briefly before continuing.

"Secondly, I know as well as you do that that banner attracts almost as many enemies as it scares of. And that some of them are far worse than simple ruffians in the wild. It isn't unreasonable to assume that you owe allegiance to the Lord Dragon. If I was wrong about that, then so be it.

Third, we are possible paying customers. However, I still need to know if the Asha'man is in your employ. My own employer would like to travel without trouble and an Asha'man is always a possible source of troubles of many kinds. If you are not in command, then I'm going to have to approach him directly.

The horses are a problem, though. They will quite probably be needed when we reach Illian. What would it take to change the conditions about them?"

Diplomacy check then (c'mon, c'mon, c'mon...) [roll0]

[A'den]

The man mutters something about Aes Sedai being more trouble than their worth now days.

"As far as I know, no. I could put your horses in a cart hitched to the back, but then'd I'd have to wake some farmer up dicker with him for the price of his cart and then spend another part of the night playing the wagonwright to jury rig it to the train. I'll do all this on account of your being what who you are but I also know who you represent so the price is ten crowns Gold."


10 Gold Crowns = 100 GP

[Calenestel]

He could barely make out what the man said first, but he did partially, and he would've understood by the man's tone alone. At first hot temper flares in the green eyes and there's a slight, almost unperceptible twitch in his right hand. But it would amount to exactly nothing to make an enemy out of Sven, which he probably knows all too well. Tomas quickly envisions the Flame, feeding his anger over the man's disrespect into it. In a quick mental excercise he continues to feed his frustration and all other emotions into it until he feels like he's floating in an emotionless void. The excercise takes only a couple of seconds, time that any man could have spent hesitating over the steep price. Perfectly calm he then drains a good third of the ale and nods his accord.

"Done then. And I won't keep you further, good master." The words could have been cutting said in anger, either hot or cold, but he is simply stating facts, for the moment devoid of emotions. Calmly the Warder reaches inside his coat, produces a pouch and starts counting up gold and silver coins equivalent to the sum asked for. It amounts to a good-sized stack at the end and there's more silver than gold in it. Without another word, the Warder stands, drains the mug, gives the man a simple nod and walks of.

Back upstairs he waits by the door to Kira's room until she lets him in, confident that she will sense him waiting right outside, curles up in his cloak, right by the door and dozes of quickly enough.

[Ella]

Ainor gave Agar a cheeky grin.

"So what you are saying is that, if I stay with you, I could end up embroiled in a serious adventure, Aes Sedai of all stripes poking their noses into our business, because I assure you its now a somewhat shared matter, I am happy to commit to anything that keeps me far from a potentially lethal cure at the hands of the Aes Sedai."

At this point she found it increasingly harder to hide her smirk.

"Might I make a slight suggestion for Illian, we disguise you a little bit, make you look a tiny bit menacing, and I make my status a little more obvious, you hover protectively and I act the fool blundering and accidentally revealing my noble secret regularly. If we can hide you from being recognised too easily we could pass as a noble on an incognito grand tour of the western kingdoms and her guardian as is an old tradition. I admit you might make less money but there is something utterly devious about it that appeals to me."

Ainor burst into a peal of laughter.

"We could fool them all, the whole city, and find your mother before anyone realises what we are up to. I am in Agar."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at Ainor, shrugging.

"I'm afraid you misunderstand. I don't know that my mother is still in Illian. I doubt that she is, frankly. I'm just hoping to pick up her trail there."

Agar shrugged and stood up, yawning.

"As for plans for Illian, I'll keep it in mind. I'd like to get a feel for the city, before I commit to anything. Though decieving an entire city might be fun. For now, however, I suggest you get some sleep, as that is what I intend to do."

[A'den]

The Next Morning: (The Pary is on the far side of the river with Sven's steamtrain and the rest of the passengers loading the last of the cargo and personal effects.)

The rising sun peaked over the rolling foothills casting a red light across the heavy layer of morning fog and overcast. It wouldn't be long before the rays of light hid behind those clouds for the rest of the day. The train cars cast long shadows across the road, the last few additions were being hooked up at the end of the train. A handful of horses pranced around a cart while Sven Tarek and two men jury rigged the Lady Ainor's cart to the rear of the train the bang and ring of hammer on steel.

Guards stood above every other train car with knocked crossbows and blue tabards dirty and travel stained, most had thin cloths wrapped around their faces obscurring their features and the dust that blew with the wind. The passenger cargo they couldn't carry with them was pulled up in cargo netting and strapped down on the top of the passenger train cars.

The passengers milled about beside the passenger cars apparently flitting around to ensure everyone's cargo made it aboard. Stream billowed from the engine at the front throwing great belches up into the morning sky. Trees flanked either side of the road across the river.

[Ilena]

Walking towards the car, after making sure her horse and cargo was stored and ok, james beside her. She says, "I would like to be sure we get a car with Ainor and Agar ... if you can try to make it look like it just happened to work out that way. "

Kira watches the loading of supplies and cargo, how many people seem to be guards and looking out for that dedicated ...

[Calenestel]

He drew many more stares today then yesterday when they had arrived to the village. Of course then he'd not ridden armoured. In the corner of his eyes he notices a couple of boys, around twelve years old, gawking at him openly and he smiles, his lips twisting only a hair but still forming a smile. How wouldn't they have stared if he'd worn his Warder's cloak. But Kira wanted to hang on to the last shreds of secrecy they had left and he carries the sturdy brown one of wool. But today he wore a metal cuirasse with studded leather to cover the rest of his vital areas and his much worn, but well kept, shield on his left arm. Along with the sword and dagger he now carries a mace as well. And to top it all off he also carried a longbow taller than himself in his shieldhand, it would probably be about his own height even when he strung the thing! Over his right shoulder he've slung a pair of saddlebags with a full quiver fastened to it.
With a possibly Black Aes Sedai in the area he didn't want to take any chances. The idea of a Darkfriend "Servant of All" would have made him smile at the irony if it hadn't been an irony more like putting your boot on and finding a scorpion in the bottom which would have left you alone if you hadn't started dressing. The ordinary bandits he could face without any proper armour if he had to. But this would be different. He wasn't entirely sure if armour would help him any. But he felt more comfortable like this, and there was also the possibility that she would bring other Darkfriends, and those would be his responsibility.
At the train he listens to Kira's request and nods, saying:

"As you wish, Mistress Marie. But let us then wait here to see which wagon they actually boards and we'll take it from there..."

If she was keeping an eye on the loading and the guards, he was watching everything like a hawk. With both thumbs tucked inside his sword's belt he looked like he tried to relax while not being overly successfull. He looked more like he suspected an attack at any minute, and he looked more than ready for it.

[Shyftir]

Rhaad got up a bit later than he had originally planned.

Still he had little in the way of belongings, merely a pack with a change of clothing and the quivers with arrows for his bow. He was heading out the door when Cynthia the barmaid handed him a small sack of fresh bread.
"You aren't staying to break your fast, Rhaad?"

"No, I've agreed to help guard the wagons. Perhaps I shall see you again on my way back through."

"Perhaps."

Rhaad smiled at her unsure of what she really meant and started on his way to the wagon train. I'll never understand women, not like Jaar always seemed to.

[Ella]

Ainor had slept restfully, warm and content in bed, she had slept for as long as she could get away with before starting to take her possessions down to the steamtrain. She had needed all that sleep because the previous day had contained far more excitement than she had considered to be even possible, particularly considering that most of it didn't occur until the sun set.

She reached the steamtrain and looked around, trying to spot Agar for he would be the one who would know the best place to set up to perform for the journey. She yawned and hoped that the day would be slightly less eventful and more full of fun and fancy. She saw the Aes Sedai and her warder from the night before and gave them a friendly wave and cheery smile, while she stil wasn't entirely sure about them it was always better to be on the safe side when it came to Aes Sedai particularly with the tower in trouble and factions working towards their own advantage.

"Good morning to the pair of you, I hope you slept well. I just want to assure you that I am not going to try to slip away you have no need to worry."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar had risen early that morning. Some people though him lazy, and believed he would be prone to sleeping in. And truth be told, he was. As long as he allowed himself to be. However, he could drop that at the drop of a hat, if he believed it to be for the best. He had already tied off his and Ainor's Horses to the Steam Wagon, and greeted the engineer. He rounded the back of the train, and found Ainor staring down the Aes Sedai and her Warder.

"Wonderful."

Agar appeared, this time in Travel Garb. In addition to his bag containing the Lute and such, he also carried the gigantic Longbow, the Quiver of Arrows, and his Quarterstaff. The Longbow and Arrows were hidden under his cloak, but their precence could be divined if one looked close enough. All in all, it gave him a faintly more Martial touch then he liked. However, the Bow had served him well, and he wasn't about to drop it.

...that Warder is terrible at being inconspicious. I thought my Da was bad, but yeesh.

Agar strode over to the group, smiling warmly.

"Greetings Lady Marie, Lord James."

Agar used their false names deliberately. He wanted nothing to do with Aes Sedai schemes, beyond what his blood forced him to have. That included toppling them. Agar enjoyed needling the Aes Sedai, demonstrated that they were no where near as wise and all knowing as they thought, but he wasn't fool enough to go around disturbing their plans. Agar Donellin or not, he'd find his throat cut soon enough if he did that.

"I must apologize, but I require my Apprentice's aid with something. If you'll excuse us for a moment?"

[industrious]

Waking up shortly before sunrise, and finding his weave dissipated, Hayek stretches his limbs and back before he does anything else. While he had spent many a night on the ground, his months at the Black Tower had left him less used to the sensation; he feared that he was going slightly soft. At least, when it came to sleeping. Still dressed in his black coat and silver pin, the young man eschews breakfast at the inn, deciding instead to ponder about his two comrades. As far as he knew, he was the highest ranking Asha'man to not know Travelling.

So caught up was he in his thoughts that the sun had just begun to peek above the horizon when he realized that the steamtrain was about to leave. Since dignity was the lesser part of timeliness, at least in this case, the young man actually runs to the designated site, too busy to notice anybody in particular.

In his haste for speed, however, he accidentally bumps into a young lady, with the look of a Gleeman's apprentice about her.

"Apologies, madam." He could still pull off dignified. He hoped.

[Ilena]

Giving Ainor a warm smile, "Surely child, I know you wouldn't. I understand, you are fearful at what happened, what could happen, but i will be here with you to help you through it."
Kira watches as Agar approaches and listens quietly as he makes his request. "Surely you may take her." And giving another pleasent smile to Ainor, "It was nice to speak with you." Thinking to herself with a slight inner smile. Now lets see what that gleeman will twist my words into. I think he will be quiet amusing on this trip.

[Calenestel]

The Warder haven't seemed to pay the conversation much mind. Instead he keeps a silent watch of the surroundings. In truth he finds it interesting, but he knows that talking Ainor into realizing what is good for her is Kira's task, at least for now. So he only pays cursory attention to Ainor and Agar, which dwindles to next to no mind what so ever when Hayek approaches.

The feeling that travles over the Bond when the Dedicated comes close is knife sharp focus and he no longers seem to even try to relax. He seem more akin to a crossbow, cocked and ready to be released, intent on the target.
He would trust no Black-coat to come close to his precious Kira under any circumstances. This one may seem pleasant enough, but he is still a male channeler, and thus tainted.

Focus. The young Warder knows that he will get only one chance if the man turns hostile. Behind his shield Tomas' right hand rests on the hilt of his sword. When the Asha'man stumbles into Ainor he almost draws, but still he waits. The whole situation seem staged to him. But maybe it is a way for the Black-coat to test them all, to see if the four would turn on him for an "honest" mistake.
Granted, he might give the man way to much credit. But he wants to at least give Hayek the benefit of doubt. That and he doesn't really relish the idea of attacking an Asha'man.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar nodded at the Aes Sedai, smiling widely. Until the Asha'man blundered in. Agar blanched a little, recognizing the Coat and Pin as did the Warder. He grabbed Ainor's arm, and smiled.

"No trouble, sir. My Apprentice is prone to zoning out."

With that, Agar dragged Ainor away. Ainor was already mixed up in Aes Sedai affairs. Getting mixed up in feud that was brewing between the Black and White Tower was simply utter foolishness. He stopped when he was around back of the Wagons again.

"Blood and bloody ashes. An Asha'man here? What's next, Trollocs and a Fade or two? Blight take it all."

Agar shook his head, and looked over at Ainor.

"Apologies for laying hands on your person, Milady. However, no matter how dangerous this business you are already wrapped up in is, nothing good will come of associating with his type. Especially as you are Tower Trained."

[A'den]

After a few minutes of muttered apologies and exchanged curses the column of steam coughed once and belched black smoke the mechanical parts began to churn slowly and a ruckus of machinery filled the air. The passengers who had ridden since Lugard seemed to take this as a cue as most of the front two passenger compartments began to fill rather rapidly. The bulk of the passengers filled the front two cars leaving those standing and chatting with the rear car.

The Aes Sedai, Asha'man, Warder, Gleeman, the Lady, and the Aiel with were left with the rear passenger car to themselves aside from three other commoners who seemed not so unaccustomed to heroes and warriors such as these as the other folk up front.

Sven Tarek ran around cursing his crew into motion and splitting a word off to tell anyone not yet on board to get on.

Of the three late comers with the party two are common men with swords, a more popular tradition in these turbulent times and one is a haggard young woman who seemed to scrape enough together to finally leave this town, a belt knife decorates the faded embroidery at her waist.


Spot Checks
The Party is stuck with the third passenger car as most of the others are filling up. The three individuals with them take seats in the three corners of the car, the woman in the corner across from the door and the two men at the other end.

Board the train.

[Calenestel]

It seemed almost like the other passangers was trying to help him and Kira to keep close to Ainor and her chaperon. Quickly the only wagon left is the last one of those for passengers. With a slight shrug Tomas settles the saddlebags firmly on his right shoulders, grips his longbow firmly and hurries to the coach. It seemed to turn out nicely until he notices that both the Asha'man and an aiel will keep them company. Light, it's almost like in a joke: "An Aes Sedai, an Asha'man and an aiel walk into a bar..."

Nothing to smile about, though. Now there's yet another one to watch, and watch closely.

With quick, efficient motions he places the luggage under the two benches that doesn't run along the wagon's wall, puts the quiver and longbow within easy reach and lays the shield on top of the bench so that he doesn't have to carry it around all the time.

[roll0]

[Shyftir]

Hmm... seems like this car at least will be well defended. thought Rhaad as he climbed aboard the wagon.

He set his simple pack down then moved to the front of the wagon and began to eat the bread Cynthia had given him.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar, on the ohter hand, is most definitely not happy with the way things have turned out. It appeared, despite his intentions, he had ended up in the car with the Aes Sedai, the Asha'man, and evidently, an Aiel. Frankly, he was pretty sure that explosion was coming. He just didn't want to get caught up in it.

Agar's luggage is quickly secured firmly, the Lute getting special attention like always. The Quarterstaff and Bow he keeps, and he takes up one of the stools, motioning for Ainor to sit on the other side of him, away from the rest of the Car.

Blood, and bloody ashes. I get all the luck, don't I?

[Ella]

Apologies Agar, I was just thinking of what a beautiful morning it is, is not the sky stunning, and the air sweet?

Ainor smiled at Agar, and leaned up close to whisper in his ear.

"What is his type? Are you really telling me there is more to fear than we have already managed to find?"

Ainor looked around the carriage curious about whatever could have Agar so worried, and more importantly who they would be travelling with and maybe performing for.

"I am so excited, I wonder how it feels to travel within such a device. Do you think it will be bumpier than riding? When do we start the entertainments?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked over at Ainor and shook his head. He wasn't about to do anything that would draw attention to himself.

"When we stop. For now, we are going to sit tight and hope that this particular tinder box doesn't catch fire."

Agar did his best to keep his humor about him, but he wasn't managing much more then Black humor at the moment.

"The fellow with the bright red hair is an Aiel, as I'm fairly sure you know. They are a prickly bunch. And deadly, but that goes without saying. Even so, an Aiel worries me nowhere near as much as the Black Tower."

Agar shook his head.

"That fellow in the Black Coat, he's one of the Asha'man. The Dragon's Soldiers. Men who channel by choice. And no friend of Aes Sedai. Aes Sedai are dangerous, but they are bound by the three oaths. Asha'man have no such restrictions. And they might not be so quick to make distinctions between Tower Trained and Aes Sedai. Best leave him be, and hope Miss Marie's companion there doesn't start something he can't finish."

Agar scanned the Car again, picking up something he had missed before. The guard from last night was with them. But not wearing his tabard or chainmail. Compared to Asha'man, Aes Sedai, and Aiel, that hardly seemed a problem, but it bothered Agar. He'd keep an eye on the man as well.

Hardly matters. Unless some Whitecloaks burst in, I don't imagine we could add any more tension to this situation.

[Ella]

"I understand your concern in that case, but doesn't this actually work out rather well for us? After all, if something goes wrong, we are the last notable and therefore the most likely to slip away without anybody noticing. This actually remind me of a story my father used to tell me."

Ainor reached down into her well made boot, thick soled with a small holster inside to hold her dagger without risking damage or discomfort to her feet.

"You know the story of the formation of Ghealdan do you not, where King Kirin and his three companions managed to form and create such a magnificent kingdom from the ashes of one previous. With so many claims to the kingdom of Dhowlan they had to refuse to look to the past and forge a future free from the past."

As she spoke Ainor fiddled with her ring, twisting it around her finger.

"The world has changed has it not, for all we know these people could be nothing more than travellers and refugees. Fleeing war and the dragon, and as for the black tower there is no way he could recognise me as tower trained I bear no serpant ring and lack the agelessness of the Aes Sedai infact the only way he could recognise me is if we had met there."

She gave another glance around the room, examining the people around them carefully but without seeing anything more to add.

"Infact Agar, I claim this is the best situation we could be in right now."

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar looked at Ainor and smiled. She had a lot more confidence in this matter then him. If he were to tell the truth, the notion of touching the Saidin scared him. One of the running theories in the tower was the channelling was passed by blood. Red Sister's looking over your shoulder from time to time would do that.

"Age's come and go, Nations rise and fall, but one thing remains constant. Our nature. Until that does, the future, past, and present will simply be the retelling of the same old, sad story."

Agar shrugged. She probably knew more about this then he. He'd never been what you would call a dedicated scholar.

"As for the Asha'man, I don't know much about them, and I doubt you do as well. I don't know their limits, and I don't know much about what they can do. And I have no particular wish to find out."

[Ilena]

Putting the hood of her cloak up to cover her face, Kira watches the Asha'man like a hawk though doesnt take hold of the source ... yet. Feeling Tomas go to what can only be discribed as a hairtrigger she puts a hand on his swordarm and shakes her head saying no leave him be.

Seeing the people ahead started to get into the cars she climbs aboard, following behind Tomas. She finds a good seat while Tomas puts their things into storage and watches as others climb on. Thinking, "Well, this is going to be interesting ... an Asha'man, an aiel, the gleeman and his "apprentice". I wonder who's skin the gleeman is going to get under first ... This is going to be an interesting trip."

[Ella]

"Agar don't you see how impressive this is, we could find out so much from the people in this carriage, and none of them can take action to avoid us because of the confinement and they can't just get off because of the speed this thing must reach, and none of them can take agressive action because there are others who will be itching for a fight."

Ainor continued to peer around the room.

"So do we start performing? And who you feel in this carriage is the least threatening to pump for information?"

[Calenestel]

He relaxes slightly, lowering his shoulders a hair. But he continues to watch both the other passengers and the exterior relentlessly. And the feeling he gives by the Bond, a feeling of a bowstring drawn to the ear, waiting to losse, doesn't relent in the least. But he nods his accord, not that he was itching for a fight anyways, and stays passive.

[industrious]

Seemingly oblivious to the tension in the room, but simply accepting it as part and parcel of his appearance, Hayek leans back in his seat. The armsman didn't seem too happy about his presence; he really wasn't surprised if the man didn't wish he was wearing a Warder cloak. The woman he had run into earlier seemed excited about something; her gleeman seemed the same.

Still, this was going to be a fascinating train ride; there even seemed to be an Aielman in the car. And since it was best to cut the crossbow string now, before events got out of head, Hayek decides to begin first. The man's mischievous streak has nothing to do with it; he had been a bit of a troublemaker in his youth.

Giving a broad smile calculated to seem vaguely ominious, the young Dedicated takes a wild stab in the dark.

"It's considered rude to talk about somebody behind their back, you know."



Spot Check: [roll0]

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar was close to despairing. Evidently, Ainor had never learned that sometimes it was best to cut your losses. Probably came from her sheltered upbringing.

"Remember what man who could channel did to Ghealadan in the form of Loghain Ablar before you think you are safe with them."

Agar looked up at the Asha'man's words and smiled, his response coming before he could stop it.

"Would you prefer it to the left or right of you? Or perhaps in front?"

...I really need to learn to hold my tongue.

[Ella]

Ainor looks at the stranger and then at Agar waiting til he catches her eyes before giving him a sly wink. She then turns to the Asha'man and thinks for a moment before selecting the best way to continue.

"Ahh so I hear you are doomed to go absolutely stark raving mad friend, well thats the ogier in the bewheeled room out of the way. My name is Ainor and I am apprenticed to this oh so irritable in the morning gleeeman, please take a seat. I would love to hear what is taking you to Illian, and I do mean apart from this steamtrain."

She had chosen her approach to be overly familiar and empty headed in the hope that it would disarm the man and get him to relax and be open. She then turns to Agar.

"As he hasn't incinerated anyone so far, I am assuming he isn't plotting anything horrid for the morning, and if he is I feel entirely safe with you on your guard."

[industrious]

Hayek chuckles at the pair's response; he was right, apparently. "You do realize I could incinerate with a thought, right? A few threads of a simple weave taught in the first month of the Black Tower...and no more gleeman." The Dedicated looks at Agar directly, his intense gaze filling the space between the two; the room seems to be getting hotter and hotter and hotter...

"But I'm not in the mood at this moment. I'll have to go mad before I'd harm a gleeman. Hm. Well...Your apprentice is very perceptive and polite; you might want to take a few lessons from her."

Turning to Ainor, Hayek inclines his head slightly, in what could either be considered a mocking bow, or a casual one. "Hayek Maynard. And no; my horrid plots are reserved until tomorrow." He has to be joking; his tone is light, he's smiling and laughing, but...he can channel.

[Ella]

"I am most glad for your promise of good behaviour then, but I must warn you, I am not entirely defenceless. I can kind of sing and hopefully will learn to play music eventually, so if anything untowards were to happen towards my master I feel I would be forced to demonstrate my ineptitude for you at as much volume as I can manage."

Ainor looked at Hayek, examining him closely.

"So tell me, you are heading towards Illian too are you not? May I ask about what you are intending to do there, perhaps a little hunting for a certain horn?"

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar shrugged. In reality, he knew that the Asha'man could kill him, and he had no real way to stop it. He wasn't a coward, but that was the truth. However, he wasn't one to back down. He answered the glare of the Asha'man with a smile. If he died, he'd do it as a man.

"We are in agreement then. There is no point in harming a Gleeman. We are like Songbirds. We fly from place to place, and do no harm, just singing what we will. Only those that are full of malice and seek to deprive the world of beauty end them."

Agar was probably pushing his luck, but he knew something of the Dragon. The man was not evil, or at least, didn't see himself as such. The Asha'man were much the same. They did much damage, but it wasn't their intent. As long as the man was doing things intentionally, Agar was willing to bet he was no more in danger from him then he was from the Warder.

"And as for learning things from my apprentice, that would hardly make me a good a master would it? I'm supposed to be the one teaching after all. If I start learning, that would make us equals, and that would just be terrible."

[industrious]

"Agreed. I'm not anything like an Aes Sedai." Stretching his hands before him, he flexes his finger joints before returning them to his sides. Having them cupped together against the ground wasn't the best way to treat them.

"As for my purpose in Illian, good lady...I'm afraid that all I can tell you is that I go where the Dragon and the M'Hael bid me to. And that I find traveling easier than Traveling."

[Ella]

"Oh come now, surely you have more gossip than that. I will trade you my horrible secret for yours. After all don't you want to know about the trials and tribulations of the daughter of a merchant from Altara who ran away to join the tinkers, only to later get inflicted with desire to make something of herself, impress her old father and decided to become the greatest gleewoman the western kingdoms have ever known."

She grins at the stranger.

"It is a mighty tale and one I rarely tell strangers, but I find you pleasant company so far. Admittedly its fictional but thats the only way my story could compete with yours."

[Shyftir]

Rhaad's ears picked up. The talk was of Asha'man? A strange word, means guardian in the Old-Tongue. and Aes Sedai, a word he knew quite well.

When the truth became obvious, Rhaad turned and stared at the man in the black coat. Among his people such men would disappear into the Blight and do what damage they could to Sight-Blinder's minions before they died. For one to be here and traveling as anyone else would... well wetlanders were strange beyond reason apparently.

[A'den]

With a sudden jolt the rail car leaps into motion catching many people off guard as the buzz of conversation floated in the room and from the cars ahead. The second swordsman (not the one Agar and Kira Sedai recognize as the guard from the night before) falls off his stool and his sword scabbard inexplicably tumbles from his belt that at the same time came loose causing his trousers to fall to his knees. The sword tumbles in its scabbard from point to hilt across a pace of the floor, the blade comes free of the hilt at the scabbard and slides across the floor missing everyone it's path as the flat of the blade comes to rest on top of the cadin'sor boot of Rhaad's right foot.

The blade is enameled with a blazing yellow sun about half way down its length.


Balance Check for Anyone who was standing.
DC 15 or you were knocked prone by the sudden lurch of the train into motion.


With all the chaos about perhaps no one notices the woman in the back corner stare with mouth agape awe as the terrain outside the windows now flows past as fast as a house can gallop after a few minutes of building up speed. Beyond a patch of oak trees a flock of ravens burst into flight viewed from the right (West) windows.

[industrious]

"What was that?"

Focusing his will, the Dedicated embraces the One Power, letting Saidin surge through him. He didn't exactly want to embrace the Power(that was a lie; any good excuse would do), but who knows what had caused the jolt? Besides, that Aielman had a sword now; who knows what havoc he could wreak with it?

[Shyftir]

Rhaad's instant reaction was simple. Kick. The distasteful weapon was kicked away with no thought at all. It's direction random. Rhaad's face was filled with disgust. He hadn't even taken the time to note the speed at which they were moving.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar would have liked to believe he would have caught himself if he hadn't been for the Sword. He would never know, but it was vaguely undignified for a Gleeman to fall when no one else did.

I thought about them, and they appear. Wonderful.

Agar pushed himself off the ground, and snagged the blade off the ground, smling at the fellow who dropped it.

"Accidents happen."

[Ella]

Ainor smiles, at least the shock to the carriage hadn't caused any damage, and Agar seemed completely unhurt from it.

Noticing the Sunburst on the Sword Ainor shrinks back in her seat, and covers one of her hands with the other to hide her ring, while there was no particular reason to avoid whitecloaks she personally believed that they were more capable of causing trouble than most and only marginally better than the Prophet of the Dragon and his rabble.

[Calenestel]

When the train lurches into motion the armed young man hardly seems bothered, One quick step with one foot backwards and he seems as perfectly balanced as if on solid ground. Afterwards, he gives the occasional, admiring look outside at the speed of the steam engine, but he keeps as much attention to the doing of the different traveling companions.

The unfortunate man with the trousers makes him lift an eyebrow, which could have been more if he had been better placed to see his dropped sword. But the gleeman makes him smile broadly on the inside. The man's many comments, far from respectful enough, hadn't made him an enemy of Tomas'. But he enjoyed the irony in a gleeman that couldn't keep his feet anymore than his tongue.

[A'den]

The man after a moment snatches up the waist of his trousers and stands up bobbing slightly with the motion of the train. He glares at everyone in the room before be bends down to snatch his sword up from where the Aiel had kicked it. He meets the Aiel's gaze with a furios one of his own, not many Southern men took well to being made a fool of whether by accident or not. Looking around the train car once more the man huffs off to the fore-exit that lead to the next passenger car.

The other man looks up, the guard from yesterday watches the man close the door behind him.

"That one could be trouble." The guard speaks off handedly.



* * *Twelve Hours Later* * *

After almost a whole day of traveling the sun is almost sunk behind the trees to the west and the party is almost half way to Illian. The temperature sky rockets as they head further south and the summer heat takes root. Even with the windows thrown open the small train cars are like wooden ovens.

The lazily warm shift the train has a lulling effect to it.

With a sudden and crash and muttered curses from the next car ahead the door to the other passenger cars slams open. Sven Tarek comes through with another layer of dirt added across his clothing and soot blacking his face.

"The Seachan have been busy we're coming up on one of their trade check points."

[Calenestel]

"Seanchan?" Their is a hardness to Tomas' voice now to pale anything heard from him before, and he had tensed at the word more than he had even when the Asha'man first made his appearance. The Black Tower was firmly under the Lord Dragons control and therefor only dangerous on an individual basis but the Seanchan was very much another matter. Word had spread among the Warders about how the Return treated Aes Sedai. And how they treated Warders. Still, the fear in him was not for himself but for Kira. And he fixed Sven with a gaze as hard as steel, unrelenting and uncompromising.

"A trading post you say? Tell me, are there to be armed forces? And what kind of forces are to be expected?"

[Shyftir]

Rhaad met the whitecloak's stare evenly and with obvious contempt.

The rising heat has little effect on Rhaad, though the humidity is somewhat stifling. He remains alert and watchful through out the day.

*****
Sven burst into the wagon and Rhaad immediately stood to meet him. He had agreed to help this man keep the wagons safe, and thus owed him marginal loyalty.

Seanchan? Everyone else seems to know who that is. I haven't been in the woods all that long have I?

Rhaad kept these thoughts private but spoke just as quickly as the Warder. "Are they enemies? Should I scout out their forces?" He had always been one to volunteer his skills. To his mind, there was much ji in willing action, far greater than the toh one incurred by putting oneself forward to often.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar's reaction to the Seanchan was a shrug. The Warder might have a problem with the Seanchan. Agar had heard about their habit of chaining Aes Sedai, but that wasn't his problem. Agar didn't make it his business to right wrongs. He had the power to influence the fate of a small group of individuals at best. The rest of the world would have to take care of it self.

"Seanchan aren't much trouble to my kind, from what I hear. You say some oath, and they let you go about your business."

Agar's smiled was untroubled.

"Of course, that hardly goes for everyone, but I'm just a simple Gleeman, here for entertainment. Isn't my business to go sticking my head into matters where it doesn't belong."

Agar was aware of the irony of those words, of course. Needling the Asha'man was dangerous business, but Aes Sedai were nice and safe. Worst you would get was boxed in the ears by a Warder.

[industrious]

Muttering to himself angrily, Hayek stares down at his coat before unlacing it. Underneath it, the man is wearing what had once been a white shirt, but time and repeated washings had given it the color of yellowed parchment; there were even enough inkstains on it to make a case for the material.

"Relations between the Seanchan and the Black Tower are...fluid. Advertising my presence would not be a good sign."

[Ella]

Ainor yawns before she gets up and stretches.

"Well it seems like you are all well informed about these Seanchan. I look forward to finding out if the rumours about them are true. I met a peddler who swore that they had four arms each!"

Ainor sits down again and curls up on the chair, doing her best to appear as if she was tired from the long days travels, and thinks about the trade checkpoint from a tax collection perspective. Why would they stop the steam train for it, it was the fastest way to travel but also too expensive for merchants except the richest, what sort of merchant would be in here rather than by cart, was this a euphemism for something else?

Ainor smiled at the warder, considering his question about soldiers.

"Tomas a trade checkpoint is normally staffed by beaurocrats with inexperienced soldiers, if there was a fighting force it would no longer be a trade checkpoint it would rather be a garrison."

[Ilena]

Sitting down, just intime infact as the beast lurches forward. Kira smiles to herself as she watches the gleeman fall, hoping that set him down a peg or two as he could definately use it. Sitting quiet comfortably next to Tomas she takes her time in studying those in the car but keeping a good eye on Ainor. She manages to spare a glance at the man whos pants fell though it was more to see what ruckus he caused then anything else. Thinking to herself as she notices the trees speeding by, "I wonder if this is like what those from the age of legends had ... if they travelled in large cars similer to this. Such a shame so much was lost in the breaking."

------------------------------

Spending much of the time in quiet talk with Tomas and occationally resting her eyes, Kira wakes up very quickly at the mention of seanchan. A definate danger on the road these days she curses her ill luck that put these enemies here. She shudders in her cloak at even the whispering thought of one of those collars around her neck, though glancing over at Ainor she doesnt seem to understand the danger to herself nor does the infuriating gleeman either. Knowing that they are all in danger she rises from her seat, "Thank you for informing us of the delay, how far ahead do they happen to be? Will it be a long delay you thing? Is there anyone ahead of us waiting in line?" After getting her replies, she looks back to Tomas, "Perhaps you would like to take a look at these seanchan, I know you must be dreadfully curious."

Sitting down beside curled up Ainor but knowing Agar is probably listening in as well, Kira says quietly hopefully for their ears only, "I hear that the seanchan collar women to can channel, all women that is. Even if they only have a tiny spark, I wonder if you may have heard if these rumors are true master gleeman?" Knowing the message had to have gotten through even the thick head of Agar, she waits to see what their responses to this possible danger is.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar smiled at Kira, widely. He'd heard that to, but he hadn't any confirmation of that fact, unlike the Aes Sedai in general. It didn't worry him.

"How shocking. Well, I'm sure they won't find anyone that can channel that I'd feel any reponsibility for."

Agar was aware that Ainor might end up in trouble, if allowed to go through it by herself. However, she wouldn't be going through it alone. Agar had passed through enough border checkpoints to know how to see to it that nothing he didn't want found, wasn't found.

"I'm just a Gleeman, Miss Marie. What would a woman who could channel be doing with me?"

[A'den]

Sven looks at all them maintaining an image of respect yet ruined by a barest hint of a smirk. He spreads his hands almost in apology.

"Yes, well, they seem to be under the impression that a few pikemen and archers will make Sven Tarek stop for an illegal check point set up by invaders on soil of my forefathers. I am not simply caring trade goods though, I do a bit on the sides with the extra wagons I haul and make a little extra carrying passengers, a man can't be expected to abandon himself and family to poverty even in these times, but a majority of my cargo are arms and armors for the Lord Dragon's army. I stop for no man aside from the Lord Dragon himself or his man."

He taps his pocket and there's a slight crunch of papers.

"Well I'm not earning his wrath, so I'd say expect some trouble Master Gleeman. You can see the sentry out the window on the right there."

In the time the party has been talking the train has traveled and the two knolls in the distance are much larger now. The sentry can be seen much more clearly.

As if on command the final shred of sunlight sinks behind the hills far to the west plunging the valley into twilight, at the same time by twisting chance the moon appears from behind a bank of clouds throwing the sentry back into illumination for a moment as the bright white disk reflects the evening sun back onto the hill.

The sentry seated on a night black horse has the bright lacquered plate and insect-like helmet of the Seanchan the bright red insect like eyes and blue plumes of helmet seem to hang slightly to the left. As the moon lights up the hill top and the valley. The figure is already tumbling lifelessly from the saddle. A marble white hand can almost be picked out from the night as the figure rolls down the hill like a rag doll.

Inky darkness resolves itself into the form of a man on a horse, the tree branches below sway with the wind, the cloak this man wears doesn't stir a bit.

At the same time the wagon jerks to a halt to the sound of snapping timber and the cries of voices.

"If they've wrecked my engine I'll skin those slant eyed Seanchan alive!"

Sven Tarek yells as he is thrown to the ground as the train stops. Even those seated are hurled from their chairs. Outside in the darkness as the moon sinks behind the clouds forms move in the darkness.

Already the strangled shout from the guardsman on the roof can be heard.

"Trollocs!"

Reflex Save to avoid Injury as the Wagontrain crashes to a stop.
DC 18 If Fail Take [roll0] Damage
Initiative
Conditions:
Immediate Squares around the players are considered Low-Light everything beyond 15 feet from the PCs is considered darkness.
Kira, Tomas and Hayek all Sense Shadowspawn.
Map with grid will be up later.


Map

http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz292/Aden2Talyc/grid-1.jpg?t=1266992273


Initiative:

Elite NPC: 20
NPC: 20
Ainor: 19
Agar: 15
Myrddraal: 11
Trollocs: 5

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar caught himself adroitly this time, his Quarterstaff providing a little extra stability. He gripped the weapon tightly, swearing under his breath. Some Midlanders thought Trollocs a myth. Agar knew better. He'd been to Shol Arbela. The question of what they were doing here was a different story, and one he didn't think he would learn anytime soon.

"Wonderful, Shadowspawn."

Agar wasn't terrified. Alert, wary, yes. But not terrified. Trollocs were skilled combatants, and stronger then him. But they could be beaten. Agar was lighter, and faster then them, and a whole lot smarter. Plus, he had an Aes Sedai and a Asha'man here.

No matter her personal feelings about me, I very much doubt she would just hand me out to dry if the opponent is Trollocs.

That only lasted until he caught a glimpse of the figure silloueted, and that went away. Trollocs were one thing. Fades were quite another. Flight was best. If that wouldn't work... well, most likely the only option you had was to go down bravely.

The Asha'man and the Aes Sedai may change that equation a little.

"Trollocs are one thing, but a Fade is quite another. Kira Sedai, Master Maynard, give us a bit of light. I'm sure the Aiel, Tomas and I can take care of the Trollocs if you focus on it."

Agar pointed to the creature outside with the Quarterstaff. Most of the jokes were gone. Seanchan were a threat, but they were still human beings, if tales be true. Shadowspawn had none of that. Agar looked about for Ainor, offering her a hand up while he waited for the Trollocs to show themselves.

"Stay close, alright?"

[Ella]

Ainor takes Agars hand and stands beside him, sliding her hand down her side, to grab the more impressive knife at her waist, leaving the one in her boot alone.

"I'll be careful Agar, are you alright?"

She looks around, but the darkness makes it difficult to see much, and the sheer terror she felt at the word Trolloc suprised her, she had never been entirely sure if they were real, but she had her answer.

"Is anyone hurt?"

She takes a deep breath and focuses on finding the best solution to the situation they were in. Trying to use the lessons from her father, from the white tower, from her teacher when she studied herbs trying to find anything at all that would help in such a situation.

"Sven, quickly how many people are here and where are they located."

[A'den]

Sven mops his brow as he mouths the word 'Fade' palely.

"Umm about thirty but most of them are just merchants there are some guards on the caravan's roof but the crash may of tossed them around a bit."

The guardsman from last night stands up from his position in the corner and draws his sword. Even in the faint light the heron mark is still just visible.

"Best if we take them outside, they could fire the train otherwise."

With that said the guardsman moves to shatter the window beside him, an almost casual strike of the hilt of his sword sent glass shards raining down outside. The man seems almost suicidal as he leaps through the hole he has created.

Above the twang of crossbows can be heard as the other guardsman open fire on the Trollocs.


EDIT: Green Foilage Provides HALF COVER not Concealment
Staying Inside the Wagon Provides Total Cover and Concealment except next to and adjacent the Windows. Which is 3/4 Cover. Wagon is made of Wood with a Hardness of 5 and 15 HP to break.

Elite Guard K6
Standard: Autohit Shatter Weak Window [roll0]
Move: Jump Through Window to Square J7 from K6

Guard L1
Move: Load Crossbow
Standard: Attack Trolloc C9
Attack: [roll1]
Miss Chance: [roll2] 10% or Below = Miss
Damage: [roll3] Piercing
MISS!

Guard J13 (Prone)
Full Round: Load Crossbow (Hvy)

Guard L20
Move: Load Crossbow
Standard: Attack Trolloc C9
Attack: [roll4]
Miss Chance: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6] Piercing
MISS!

PCs can go in Any Order Now Unless they roll worse than Trollocs

[Shyftir]

Rhaad slams to the ground hard caught completely by surprise as the wagons come to an abrupt halt. He quickly rolls back to his feet and tries to reach his bow.

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar pulled his bow off his back, and smiled at Ainor broadly.

"Never better."

Agar smiled, nocking an arrow and releasing it at one of the Trollocs out in the darkness.

"Don't worry. A couple of Trollocs and a Fade are no match for us, my dear. While they might be very good at preying on unarmed women and children, they are no match for those stout of heart and strong of mind."

Agar decided that those around him could do with a bit of encouragement, and broke into a Plain Chant recitation of some of the more hopeful legends of the Trolloc Wars. He didn't like the Plain Chant, frankly, but it was appropriate here. He was picking the legends carefully to avoid those that ended in the death of all the brave Warriors. He'd do what he could to give the Guards, and others in the train some moral. If the Fade decided to involve itself, they would need it.

Keep those particular stories to myself.

Move Action: Wield Bow.
Standard Action: Fire Bow at Trolloc in location C6.

[roll0] To hit
[roll1] To Crit

[roll2] Damage
[roll3] Critical Damage

Free Action: Begin Inspire Courage
+1 to all Attack and Damage Rolls for those that can hear
+2 to saves against all effects similar to mental compulsion effects, which I assume includes the fear gaze of the Fade. Lasts for 5 rounds after they cease to be able to hear the song.

[Calenestel]

Sven's guarantee that the Seanchan should have no of those Damane makes the Warder relax visibly. He'd die before he saw Kira leashed but that was small comfort to him. By the bond traveled a deep sense of relief and gratitude.

But he did also relax at exactly the wrong moment. The second after he found himself crashing to the floor with a grunt of pain. Blood and ashes, I almost hope those Seanchan will start anything now.

The moment alarum is cried those frivolous thoughts are washed away by instant readiness. Trollocs? Here? He'd serve the Light this night, then. Quickly regaining his feet he grips his shield and starts buckling it into place.
When he starts loosing his sword in it's scabbard, though, the Gleeman warns them about the Eyeless. Suddenly he is less eager, but not any less determined. With authority he draws his blade and looks to Kira, then Rhaad, saying:

"Kira, give us some light to fight in. That should take away som of the Trollocs' advantage, then see what you can do about the Myrdraal! Aielman, there's Shadowspawn to kill. With me and we'll carve our way to the Halfman. Let's dance!" The last part, about dancing as a word for fighting he'd heard about from other Warder's, some who'd actually fought the aiel twenty years ago, and some who'd been taught by Lan Mandragoran. He hoped they had taught him true. He'd hate to make a fool out of himself. Not waiting anymore he hurries towards the stairs in the back. He'd prefer to make sure that no trollocs could enter the coach that way, seeing the windows as more secure.

Move to the back of the trainwagon, wait by the door, at K18 for next round where I can gauge how the Trollocs are moving.

[Ella]

Ainor considers the situation carefully, around thirty unarmed or lightly armed merchants, she hoped for their sakes that they had hired guards for the trip despite the speed of the steamtrain.

She turns to Agar, the Warder Tomas and that strange Aiel before finally the whitecloaks and feels relieved, she felt safer knowing that there are plenty of people capable of defending themselves around. She however felt useless, this simply wasn't a situation she was prepared to handle.

She moves next to the window and leans against the wall beside it, so she is ready to get out of the steamtrain at a moment notice, but not visible from outside and prepares herself for whatever happens next. She turns towards Agar and simply nods at him trying to reassure him that she isn't planning anything foolish.

Ainor moves to K6

[Ilena]

At the trains sudden stop, Kira almost slides off the seat she is sitting on though she does lose her balance and hit the seat. Saying a few choice words that are very unlady like she immediately sits upright and stands when the feeling of shadowspawn arrive. Thoughts flit through her mind, "This shouldnt be possible, so far from the blight? How could they have gotten here? Why would they be attacking this train?"

Picking herself up and rising she says to Sven, "Gather the people together, we will deal with the trollocs and fade, but having them all spread out will make that very difficult, anyone who can fight should take up a weapon, and tell them to try and stay out of the fades way."

She takes ahold of the source, the beauty and joyness overwelming the horror of shadowspawn, and she focuses on what they need. First light, then we will see what happens.

[Calenestel]

By the door, waiting to see how things evolve, Tomas looks to Ainor. If she has trouble finding something to do he has an idea of how to make her useful. At least for a moment.

"Lady Ainor, if you would, please look into the right saddlbag under my bench. There is a cloak on top there, throw it over here, please."

[industrious]

Hayek is momentarily stunned by the appearance of the darkspawn. While he had been trained to fight the Last Battle, this was his first actual encounter with shadowspawn. Still, his expression didn't betray any of his feelings; there were ladies about, and it wouldn't be proper. Especially the gleeman's apprentice; she seemed so...innocent.

When the noble tried to take charge of the situation, the Asha'man was quick with a cutting remark directed at the undercover Aes Sedai. "Look, lady. Unless you've got any sort of experience fighting Shadowspawn, you'll just be in the way. So sit down, find a corner, and leave the people who can fight alone."

Seizing the True Source, Hayek gains control of saidin quickly, the urgency of the situation fueling his fight to control the Power. Saidin surged through the man's veins; it felt good, felt right. No longer did the oily taint get in the way of the feeling that only came from holding the Power. Hayek smiles, and rubs his hands together.

"This is going to be fun."

[Ilena]

Directing her gaze over to Hayek, "Oh and im sure you know exactly what it takes to kill a halfman, or a trollorc then? Perhaps i should leave you to it instead of illuminating the field for you?" she says in a mildly sarcastic tone all the while thinking this boy should have been taken over his mothers knee more often, even if he can channel.

[A'den]

The dark figure atop the hill draws its blade if anything the area around it seems to plunge into total darkness with that blade in the Fades hands. The cloak hardly even billows as the Fade snapped the reigns of his black warhorse sending it galloping into motion down hill.

Thumb thick arrows flashed out of the darkness impacting the sides of the wagon and flashing throw the wagon windows. They are barbed and vicious things.


Green Foilage is difficult terrain and elevated terrain requires movement 'down' corresponding to its height ring, moving 'up hill' is difficult terrain while running down gives you 10' extra movement as long as the movement is in a straight line.

Trying to run downhill and change direction provokes a Balance Check DC 20
Fail = 1d6 damage per 10' of movement, and is knocked prone.


Monsters

Myrddraal
Move Action: Draw sword
Move Action: Charge Light Warhorse down hill.
Ride Check: [roll0]
Damage from Fall: [roll1]
SAVED!

Light Warhorse
Move Action: Move E3 to J7
Move Action: Balance Check: [roll2] Fail: Fall Damage: [roll3] If falling stops at G4
SAVED! Ride Check Replaces Balance Check

Trollocs

Trolloc C6 (13/16)
Standard Action: Attack Agar (Shortbow)
Attack: [roll4] Hit: [roll5]

Trolloc C9
Standard Action Attack Agar (Shortbow)
Attack [roll6] Hit: [roll7]

Trolloc B8
Move Action: Move to G8

Trolloc B15
Move Action: Move to E12
Standard Action Attack Elite Guard: Attack Shortbow [roll8]
Hit: [roll9]

Trolloc A7
Standard Action
Attack Agar Shortbow: [roll10] Hit: [roll11]
Hide Check: [roll12] (Opposed DC for Spot Check to see the Trolloc that shot the arrow.

Trolloc A17
Standard Action:
Attack Ainor Shortbow: [roll13] Hit: [roll14]
Hide Check: [roll15] (Opposed DC for Spot Check to see the Trolloc that shot the arrow.

Trolloc A10 (Half Cover)
Move Action: Move to G10
Move Action: Draw Hafted Axe
Trolloc Sergeant HP 24, BAB+5, Saves: F6/R4/W1, Feats: Power Attack & Improved Bull Rush

Trolloc A11 (Half Cover)
Move Action: Move to A11
Move Action Draw Scythe Sword

Trolloc A14 (Half Cover)
Move Action: Move to G14
Move Action: Draw Scythe Sword

Factored in Cover Bonus for PCs as a penalty to Trollocs' Attack Rolls don't worry about calculating that into your defense scores.

Complete Round 1

[A'den]

MAP

http://i837.photobucket.com/albums/zz292/Aden2Talyc/grid2-2.jpg?t=1267045251


Begin Round 2

Thomas you can take your actions pretty much at the same time as the NPCs but I'm going to post their actions for simplicity's sake now.

NPCs

Sven Tarek
Move from L6 to L1 (Inside Train)
His Voice Can Heard Shouting at people.

Elite Guard
Attack of Opportunity: Fade / Horse
[roll0] Hit [roll1]
[roll2] Hit [roll3]
Will Save [roll4]
Full Attack Horse
[roll5] Hit [roll6]
[roll7] Hit [roll8]
MISS! HIT! HIT! HIT!

Guard L1 (Roof) SHAKENED!
Will Save [roll9]
Move: Load Crossbow
Standard:
Attack Trolloc G8: [roll10] Hit: [roll11]
MISS!

Guard J13 (Ground) SHAKENED!
Will Save [roll12]
Standard:
Attack Trolloc G8 [roll13] Hit: [roll14]
MISS!

Guard K4 (Roof) SHAKENED!
Will Save [roll15]
Move K0 to K4
Standard:
Attack Myrddraal J6 [roll16] Hit: [roll17]
MISS!

Guard L20 (Roof)
Move: Load Crossbow
Standard:
Attack Trolloc G14 [roll18] Hit: [roll19]
MISS!

Fade's Horse is Dead
Trolloc G3 (13/16)

Will Save for anyone who draw a straight line from the Fade through the Window to them within 6 squares, that'd be Rhaad and Hayek.


The exchanged of arrows and bolts is swift and fierce as they clang of sword blows and shriek of battle fills the air. Soon the wagon cars are taking a beating from Trolloc arrows while bestial cries in the night tell all that the guardsman's aim isn't as lacking with the Gleeman's stirring story to steady their nerves.

A horse's shriek turns the night air to jelly for a moment as it tumbles over sending the Fade crashing to the ground. The guardsman blade is covered in its blood.

[Calenestel]

No, donning the Cloak would take to much time. Better to get started, close with the Trollocs so that the guards will take a lesser beating by their bows. Raisning his sword and putting his shield in line he heads out into the night.

"Lady Ainor, leave the cloak be! Come now, aielman! With me!"

Outside the wagon he quickly heads for the closest trolloc, partially hidden in the vegetation, leaving the fade for Kira and the Asha'man.

Since one can't charge in anything but a straight line I'm unsure wheather I can attack or not. But I think I'll reach G15 at least. If our glorious leader allows it I attack as well.

[roll0] ([roll1])
[roll2] ([roll3])

[A'den]

Yeah you just barely at your max movement so its all good.

Trolloc's Attack of Opportunity
Attack:[roll0] Scythe Sword
Hit: [roll1]

Trolloc G14 HP (3/16)


As you charge across the terrain the Trolloc snarls and turns towards Thomas swinging its wicked scythed sword. Even then the Warder's sword snaked past the Trolloc's guard laid open a wicked wound that sent blood showering to the ground and all over the Warder.

The Trolloc staggered drunkenly but still held its sword firmly in it's grip.

[Shyftir]

Rhaad heard the Warder and promptly ignored the wetlander. Charging into direct battle while satisfying was foolish when you could still strike with stealth and range. Rhaad turned to the window preparing to start attacking with his bow until the trollocs became closer.

The half-man charged.
The look of the eyeless is fear.

Rhaad shakes off the effects of the Myrddraal's gaze and fires off a couple of arrows at the creature.


Will save is good, whoot.
Attack Rolls, which include point blank shot benefits.
[roll0] for [roll1]
[roll2] for [roll3]

[A'den]

Rhaad's second arrow strikes home as the Fade is off balance the first arrow zips off into the night.


HIT!
Fade's HP (74/79)

[Tackyhillbillu]

Agar winces as one of the Trolloc Arrows comes a little close for comfort, but didn't stop reciting. A tiny cut, and a quivering reminder in the wall of how close he came to checking out. However, there were more concerning things. Like the fact that the Fade had charged the Car.

Cursed black thing.

Agar looked over at Ainor. He wanted to yell "Get away from there! Get further into the train!" but that would involve stopping. He settled for making expansive hand gestures for her to move deeper into the train. He had to make sure the Fade didn't get in though. Agar dropped his bow as he ran, pulling free the Quarterstaff. He leapt down from the stairs, feinting towards the creature with one end of the weapon, before driving the other toward it.

Once she has moved, I'll probably disengage from this. Fighting a Fade holds little interest.


Free Action: Drop Masterpiece Two Rivers Longbow
Move Action: Move to J5, draw Quarterstaff as part of move action
Free Action, distract: [roll0] opposed by a spot check by the fade, +1 Damage to Attack for every five Agar beats it by, minimum of one, as long as Agar in fact beats it.

Standard: Agar Attacks the Fade with the Quarterstaff.
[roll1] to hit
[roll2] to crit

[roll3] + [roll4] Damage + Distract result

Sustain Inspire Courage

[A'den]

As the Fade still recovers from the fall from it's slayed mount Agar's flourish doesn't trick it but he does manage to land a solid blow with his quarterstaff on the Fade while its still unable to reply to his attacks.


HIT!
Fade HP (66/79)

[industrious]

Moving to the window to peer into the blackness, Hayek can barely make out anything past the first 15 or so feet. Weaving strands of Fire and Spirit, the Asha'man winks at Kira as he does so.

"When I was a Soldier, I roomed with a Borderman who swore to me that roasted Trolloc meat made for the best meat pies. Of course, he was half-mad by then, and a week later...ate...himself...to death, but still. It makes for a great point, doesn't it? Let there be Light."

Snapping his fingers for dramatic effect, he releases the weave towards the brush the Trollocs are hiding in, which bursts into flame. A twinge of madness, left over from before he pulled himself together after his roommate's demise, causes him to chuckle as he does so.


Move to square L8.
Weaving immolate as a 3rd level slot(due to holding Fire and Spirit as dual affinities) towards square G10(the shrub). I don't know if the brush spreads out, but I'd imagine so. It should also generate some amount of light.

Concealment(if needed): [roll0]
Damage:[roll1](Will DC 16 for half)

[Ella]

Ainor heard Agar clearly, but couldn't obey. It just was not in her mindset, when there is a treat to be faced she believed that everyone needs to band together and even if her attempts to help fight the fade were a token at best at least she would have done something.

She takes a step back next to Sven and opens the door, opening into the area between two carriages, she keeps as much to the shadows as possible and moves quietly. trying to avoid being noticed by the monsters she can see for the first time close up.

Once outside she looks up waiting for the scared looking guard up the top to notice her and calls out to him.

"Give me your hand, help me up. "


will save:[roll0]
Move: moves to L6 and opens door
Attack: Total Defence
Free: Speak

[A'den]

The flames burst to life around the Trolloc in the bush not directed at him but none the less hazardous to his health the sudden burst of good light temporarily disorients the Trollocs.

Sven moves to help Ainor climb up to the roof.


[roll0] Reflex Save to Avoid Fire in the Brush for Trolloc G10
Bush provides good light for [roll1] rounds with in 30 feet or 6 squares of the origin source in G10.
Trolloc G10 tries to brush the flames out and takes Half Damage.
Trolloc G10 HP (2/16)

Ainor and Sven provoke will saves from the Fade. DC17
Sven:
Immediate Reaction: Aid Another (Ainor gets +2 Bonus on her Climb Check)

[Ilena]

Focusing the power within her, Kira puts it to good use, tossing up a fireball of light illuminating the area infront of the train with burning bright light. Thinking to herself, "Well, hopefully that will put a few of them off balance, now about that fade ...