Lylora's mother regarded her with infinate patience and said again, "Lylora. Listen to me. You are pampered, and the White tower would do you good. Your aunt can channel. Your sister died of not being trained. I will see you in the white tower before the month is out!"
Lylora opened her mouth to protest, but Lady Aragon had evidently had enough. She grabbed Lylora by the scruff of her neck, and hauled her through the large house to the quarters where the Aes Sedai was staying. They cut quite a sight, but everyone was used to Lylora's tantrums by then.
After knocking on the door and receiving a peremptory "Enter". Lady Aragon shoved Lylora inside and strode away. Lylora stood, alone, facing the Aes Sedai. She was a tall, pretty woman, and Lylora couldn't quite tell what age she was. She smiled gently at Lylora, and took her hand. The entire time lylora was with her, she didn't say a word.
Lylora begged and pleaded to know if she could channel, but the Aes Sedai sat silent.
The next day Lylora was leaving for Tar valon at daybreak. Apparently her silent inquisitor had found her satisfactory. Lylora threw fits, whined, yelled, and even begged, but to no avail. The white tower it was.
Lylora smiled remisinscently out the window. What a foolish child she had been! It had taken three attempts to run away before she had realized that she didn't mind the tower. She had, of course, expected to be exempt from chores, and had been horrified to have to wash dishes. She was the daughter of a nobleman! But the tower had slowly taught her compassion, taught her patience, taught her humility.
Now she was ready to help others achieve the esteemed place where she now sat. A sitter!
Lylora is 5'9", unusually tall for a cairhienin. She also has
uncharactristic red hair and blue eyes. Her strongest power is air, followed by spirit, water, fire, and earth. Her talents are dreamwalking and illusion. lylora has a wicked sense of humor, but she is normally considerate and thoughtful.
Kahlem walked out into the sunlight. He was having a very bad day. The trainees had been espcially annoying today. Blast Yosayda! She should never have been raised. She messed the training more than anything. I'll need to speak to her. But that has to wait.
Kahlem walked on muttering to himself. He was not walking towards the Training Yard now. He was not needed there right now, and it was a good time to visit the Tower, maybe have a chat with a lone Sister. It was a boring morning and he desperately needed to start a chat. Well, to voice his frustrations was more like it. He figured even if he didn't meet a Sister, the walk would be good.
He headed towards the garden. He nodded to the Aes Sedai heading for the Training Yard. To choose out their Gaidin, most probably. Kahlem chuckled. Kahlem himself had not been Bonded yet. He had rejected all the proposals to be Bonded. He liked the freedom. Besides, he was a Master of Arms, and a Master of Arms didn't have the time to go on adventures. His students, however did, and the Aes Sedai grabbed them by the handful.
"Good morning, Kahlem Gaidin." Kahlem pushed his thoughts back and returned to reality at the sound of the voice. "How are the Barracks this morning?"
Kahlem glanced at the pretty Aes Sedai. She had red hair and blue eyes, her face masked in calm amusement. Lylora. A Sitter for the Gray. Not to mention a fellow Cairheinin. That was enough to make him wary. He was always like that around his fellow Cairheinin. He bowed, however. An Aes Sedai was an Aes Sedai. A Gaidin needed no more. "And good morning to you Lylora Aes Sedai. The Barracks are fine as always."
He masked his face in a smile that looked realistic enough, even for one steeped in Daes Dae'mar. He had practice.
Lylora smiled up at Kahlem. She felt so easy around him. He wasn't some
Gaidin rushing to get bonded. That was good, because Lylora didn't like
subtle appeals. She was still iunbonded, even after four attempts by other Gaidin. "Glad to hear it," she said iron response to his report on the barracks. "It must be nice to have things running so smoothly." She studied him carefully while she spoke. He seemed to be on edge, something most Cairhienins usually were. Well, let him read into her words. They were honest, as were her motives. The Great Game was only good for nobles and other sisters wanting something. With friends, she discarded it. Looking at him still, she smiled. "Why don't you come walk with me around the garden? I need some fresh air desperately, and company would be very nice."
Kahlem smiled at the Aes Sedai, genuinely. He had met Lylora Sedai a few times, but had not gotten to know her well. He had encountered her whilst doing duties for the Amyrlin and she had been in charge. In truth, if she hadn't been Cairheinin, she would have been the kind of lady he would have for a close friend.
"Of course, Aes Sedai." He bowed and offered her a hand. "And how has the work of the Tower been? Busy I see. I heard that Mother is with child? Or was it children, twins I think. At least that is what I heard." He was being chatty. If she was dabbling with Daes Dae'mar, she would have noticed. He smiled at her. She was quite pretty, and her mannerism showed no sign of manipulation or subterfuge. She meant every word she said. Either that or she was trying to get him to lower his guard. "A Sitter like yourself must have many duties, as do I."
She smiled and kept quiet.
"I hope the Novices haven't run you ragged. Yet." He chuckled and was surprised to hear her laugh as well. This is one complicated woman. He decided, for once, to throw caution to the wind and be truthful. He told her his life story. Well, a summary of it anyway.
Lylora was glad to see that Kahlem was unwinding a bit. It must be quite unnerving for him, her being a Cairhienein and the Gray Sitter. She answered his question. "The Tower reports are what keep me busy, not the Novices. I'm not teaching a class right now, so I only see them to give them chores." Kahlem prattled on a bit, and then began to tell her his life story. She listened in fasctination. He was well skilled, versed in both manipulation and sword-play. A formiddable opponent indeed. Kahlem related the night of his family's murder, his teacher's death. . .Lylora felt tears well in her eyes. No wonder he seemed distant. He had a wound inside.
They had reached the rose garden, and Lyolra sat down on an ornate bench. Kahlem sat beside her, and they stared in silence at the beautiful blossoms. "Kahlem," she began. "Kahlem, I'm so sorry about your family. I
heard nothing about it, here in the Tower." She hesitantly reached out and put
her hand on his arm. He flinched away, and she jerked her arm back, blushing. "Why, look at the sun," she exclaimed. "it must be noon! Why don't
you come and dine with me in my study. It's not very elaborate, but we can
keep talking."
Kahlem smiled. He enjoyed the Gray Sister's company. He was about to agree when someone called out his name behind him. Kahlem turned and frowned at the short stocky trainee standing before him. He was about to chastise the man for leaving the Practice Yard so early when the young man spoke.
"Gaidin Bradow. I am Trainee Gansteen and Head Gaidin Raven requests the presence of all the Gaidin and Trainees at the Training Yard. She wishes everyone's presence. Please follow me." The trainee bowed and indicated for him to follow.
"Hold on a second please, trainee." He turned to the Aes Sedai. "Lylora Sedai, I am being summoned. Probably to get myself introduced to the other people. I am afraid I cannot refuse this summon. Perhaps you would like a little stroll to the Practice Yard? The Gaidin would be most honoured to have a visit from an Aes Sedai." He bowed and waited for her reply.
Lylora smiled understandingly. She knew what is was to be summoned.
light knew, the hall of the tower convened at the most awkward times sometimes.
Lylora grinned up at Kahlem. "Alright, Master of Arms. I would love to come and see you with your trainees. Just don't be too harsh on them, for my sake." She winked at him, to let him know she was joking, then followed him accross the garden.
Kahlem walked the Gaidin Barracks with Lylora at his side. he was begining to enjoy her company. He was quite sure she wasn't "up to" anything. Anyone who was "up to" something usually revealed that something when they were with him. He had skills that did that. He was quite pleased with her general mannerism and he liked her more and more as time passed. He had been walking her around the place and her comments on the place were quite witty. He liked her sardonic humour.
"The Gaidin barracks cannot be compared to the Tower of Wyrd of course. We, Gaidin need but simple basics in our lives. Speaking of which, I think we are needing our lunch, don't you think?" He grinned. "I am sure you would survive the food the trainees serve, but I really wouldn't want to traumatise you so early in the day." He grinned wryly. "It's not bad, they haven't killed anyone yet. I think. Although they have maimed a few, if you know what I mean. The trainees don't just visit the Tower to oogle at Novices you know. Meals there are always more pleasant."
He wasn't exactly doing any manipulation. Any idiot with brains, even one without, would have figured he wanted to dine with her. He just hoped she was still open on that offer of dining in her study.
Lylora couldn't keep from laughing. it was clear that Kahlem wanted to dine with her, but he'd been so long involved in the Great Game that he couldn't ask her straight out! She chuckled, and elbowed him in the ribs. "All right then, Gaidin. Let's see how the tower compares with your barracks. I have to warn you though, my study is a bit of a mess." They walked together back towards the tower, both in silence.
Entering the tower, it took a few minutes for their eyes to adjust. the coolness was refreshing after the warmth of the sunshine. Lylora halted a passing Novice. "Go and tell the kitchens that Lylora Sedai wants a meal for two in her study, and quickly!" The girl jumped and ran off, headlong into the kitchens. "Well, Kahlem, I don't know about the barracks, but novices are sure fast at obeying orders here. if I'm not mistaken, food should arrive only a little after we do."
She led the Gaidin into her study, wincing at the pile of books on the floor and the clutter of reports on the desk. She really needed to clear it up, but there was so little time. But, then again, that's what novices were for! She smiled warmly at Kahlem, and moved a pile of maps off a chair. "Please, sit. Food should arrive shortly."
Kahlem glanced around. It was quite a nice study, very cosy and warm. He grinned at the mess. It was plain that the Aes Sedai was very into her work. Strange, I thought only Brown Sisters cared to work in such a mess. Clearly I was wrong. He grinned and turned back to the Aes Sedai.
"So, Lylora Sedai..."
"Lylora. Call me Lylora. And I shall call you Kahlem then if you don't mind?" The Aes Sedai smiled and twisted in her seat.
"Of course, Lylora." He smiled back in return. This was indeed going well. "Anyway, it seems you've been hard at work. Impressive. Rules of the Aiel Waste Lands, Laws and Rights of the Borderlands, A Thousand Customs and Livelihoods of A Thousand Nations." Kahlem recited the titles of the books off the shelves. Interesting titles aren't they? But then again, I suppose they are a Gray Sitter's textbooks? Kahlem realized he was reading into the life of the Aes Sedai through the books she read and stopped it. He made himself promise not to try Daes Dae'mar around the pretty woman in front of him.
"Someday, if it pleases you, I will borrow a few of those books and perhaps someday I will be as well informed as you." He laughed as she blushed.
"Pardon Aes Sedai and Gaidin, the meal has arrived." An Accepted stood at the door directing a host of Novices, who tidied the floor at her directions. Lylora Sedai looked at them approvingly. Another line of Novices entered the room carrying trays of steaming food. Soon the table was laden with cups of soup, two plates of stew and a nice side of roasted meat, with a side table of freashly baked bread, pastries, fruit and cream. Two glasses of Andoran Red wine were poured and a jug of it stood beside Kahlem. Kahlem was very impressed. Not even the House servants were this efficient. But then again, they didn't have an Aes Sedai staring down at them.
"Enjoy your meal, Aes Sedai, Gaidin. I will be outside awaiting any further orders." The Accepted bowed and left through the door.
"Well, Kahlem, care to try our Tower cooking?" The Aes Sedai smiled and got up to cut a piece of meat for him.
"No, no. Let me." Kahlem stood himself and cut the meat smoothly.
He had had practice back home and was quite well versed with dining ettiquette. At the table, a woman was queen. But then again, a queen would probably have
trembled even thinking of dining with an Aes Sedai.
Lylora was glad that they were now on a first name basis. She had been rather presumptuous, calling him Kahlem from the start, but he didn't appear to mind. As the food came in, Kahlem's eyes widened a fraction. He was clearly impressed. She smiled, not wanting to tell him that this wasn't the everyday fare. While Tower food was really excellant, this was beyond the norm. Also, all of the Novices bustling in. . .The Novice she had sent to the kitchen must have spread the word that Lylora was dining with a Gaidin. The novices were prabably curious. She reached to carve the meat, but Kahlem stopped her. He deftly dissected the roast into manageable portions, and deposited some on each of their plates. Kahlem was reading off the nakes of her books. "And if it pleases you, perhaps I may borrow them in the future. . ." She didn't catch the rest because the was eagerly replying.
"Oh, yes, take whatever you'd like to read. They're not really that
enlightening, but they do help with law references. Which reminds me, I'd also be very interested in learning the blade, or perhaps the knife. If you had any time...?" Lylora looked at Kahlem closely. His eyes lighting up in pleasure,
his hands sawing through the meat. A strange calm came into her. "This is the one," she thought. "Here is my warder."
"You do have wondrous cooks here, Lylora. You have no idea how long it has been since I last had such fine dining." He noticed she was not eating and stopped himself. "Forgive me Lylora. I have not dined so well for such a long time that...I forget myself." A flicker of pain passed across his face. A pain of loss. But it was suppressed as soon as it did. "My manners aren't very good are they." He frowned. She seemed to be smiling at him silently. "You okay? Do eat, I can't wait to eat this marvelous food."
She smiled. Kahlem felt like slapping hismelf. He had not replied to her question. Someday I am going to get myself killed because I got distracted by good food. But, Light, this is almost as good as the food back home. No, it's much better.
"Training? Sure. We'll train. I would be honoured to teach you the blades. But let's not mix business with pleasure here. Come, you must try this soup. It's very spicy, but very nice." He smiled and indicated for her to try.
Suddenly, he realised that she was looking at him the way a few
other Aes Sedai had before proposing that they Bonded. He frowned and then smiled. The other Aes Sedai were different. They manipulated and tricked him into a corner of the Tower before asking him. One had even took the opportunity at a Ball to propose publicly. That had been the most embarassing. But he liked Lylora and would have been honoured if she asked. He grinned again and sipped his soup.
He was waiting for the question.
"Kahlem!" Lylora interrrupted him mid-sentence, but she didn't care. "Kahlem, will you be my warder?" He stared at her for several seconds, and then grinned. "Lylora Sedai, I would be honored to be your warder." Lylora felt a swell of joy in her heart. If he hadn't said yes, she didn't know who else she could possibly think of. There was really no-one more fit for the job than Kahlem.
He had crossed behind the table, and was now kneeling at her side.
She gently laid her hand on his head, and embraced Saidar. She wove one of the most complex weaves known to Aes Sedai, a weave that would forever forge a link between Gaidin and Aes Sedai. A time-honored tradition, a mutual protection. There! It was done. Kahlem's presence rushed into her mind, seeming to fill an empty place she never knew existed. His confidence, his quiet strength, and that half-healed wound that the death of his family left him were all there. At last she spoke. "I believe that it is normal to require some oaths from the Gaidin at this point. I, however, am not normal. In fact, I would like to
swear an oath for you." He inclined his head breifly. "Kahlem, I swear that I will never use our bond to compell you unless your life or my life is in peril, and this is the only way. By the three oaths, I cannot deviate from what I have said." She then grinned, ruining the solemn mood. "Come on! Let's go tell
everyone! They're just not going to believe it. . ." Lylora skipped around the table in a most un-Aes Sedai-like way. Life couldn't possibly get better than this. She was now complete.
Kahlem almost choked on the words of his new Aes Sedai. the awareness of her feelings and emotions were quite clear in his mind. Light, she's serious!Needless to say, this was unconventional. Compulsion through a Bond was quite common. In fact, Kahlem had been quite amused when he met Gaidin who had to leave lessons halfway at the whim of their Aes Sedai. He noted that the Green were particularly frolicky. One could always tell a Green's Warder from his silly grin and disheveled hair. One need not guess much about their private activities. One is not stupid.
He grinned at his prancing Aes Sedai. He had never seen one do that. Well, there is the Amyrlin of course, but she doesn't count. He grinned at Lylora, she was grinning back.
"How would my Aes Sedai like to go out into the sunshine again? The meal was great, thanks." He stood and offered her his hands. he was enjoying it very much.
Light, I should have gotten a Sedai much sooner.
((OOC: Thanks guys. What's with this BABY thing??? Me and Lylora and BONDED not MARRIED~! Just because we Bond we're not going to go frolicking around...well...unless Lylora wants to. *hugs to his Sedai* Thanks for your support all...now scoot. Me and Lylora have a lot of 'catching up' to do.`*~Kahlem))