Time had never seemed to crawl by more slowly for the red-headed trainee sweating through her forms. A while ago Sana, her mentor, had told her to keep practicing on her own as he would go to the Tower to meet some Aes Sedai who had a mission for them. This would be the last thing Sahra needed to do before she could be considered for raising to the rank of Tower Guard and she was positively bristling as she waited for him to bring the word back. It was impossible to focus properly on excercising even though she tried her best. Still, she was thankful that Sana had let her out of the cotton wool after the incident with the horrible man who had her sister somewhere. It wasn't like he hadn't been sick too despite the antidote but even after the Healing she had had to fiddle her thumbs before he had considered her strong enough to continue training. Phaw.

 

She managed a decent Arc of the Moon imagining the vile Pander Wilke under her blade, blood spurting from his neck as she severed his head. The edge of the sword made a satisfying whooshing sound that spoke of force and precision as she slashed and she ended the movement to sheathing her weapon to start again. She remained somewhat conscious of her surroundings and dropped the practice there as she recognised the familiar form returning.

 

"Sana! I have never been happier to see you even though I am always glad to see you. Well, well? Where shall we be going? I can't wait to get some action again." Remembering the kind of scene the last one had been sobered her for a moment but she would not let that man to ruin this moment. And if they would have Aes Sedai with them, she could ask them about her sister. "Do you think that I will do well?"

 

Sahra Covenry

Tower Trainee

Mentee to Sana

"Never happier?"  That sort of comment always put a damper on his good mood.  Oh, he knew Sahra well enough to know what she meant, but there were times like these that he could wish for the days when everything had been innocent between them and there was no searching for anything else. 

 

Unrequainted love sucked.  Still, he smiled at her and she wouldn't be any the wiser to his bruised ego.  It was the problem with being himself.  She never was any the wiser about it.  His ego had managed to last her training and she was quickly coming to the point that he no longer needed his guidance.  What was he going to do then?  He wasn't aure after all this time what it would be like to be around Sahra without worrying about being caught and all that.  He'd only once even kissed her since she had become a Trainee and that had been a rather special occassion.  What was he going to do when her time was up and they could actually be together?  Ah well, ramblings for another time. 

 

"I don't know why.  You couldn't possibly think I have anything important to tell you?"

 

Ursana :P

Sana's voice had been a bit strange when he repeated her words and out of the context they did sound bad. There was something behind his eyes and she was fairly certain that he had been hurt by her careless words. She wasn't fooled by his smile but if she gave him too strong reassurances, if she let herself to dwell on what she really felt for him, it would be the hurt all over. He was still her mentor for some time and as unreachable as the moon. She had let herself to reach before and bask in the moonlight with Fior and they had been happy on a stolen time for a year. But then it had been time for a reality check and order of priorities and he had left her. She should have done it herself but she had been weak and begged him to not do it. They likely couldn't have been happy living with morsels of moments together when they were used to full dinners but in a way it would have been ever better than having nothing, not even friendship. She couldn't do it yet.

 

The tiny ache was still there but not having to see him every day anymore helped. Fior was off somewhere with his mentor, had been for many months already, and she missed him but she didn't even know in which way now. She didn't reflect on her emotions anymore but focused on her training and enjoying her time with friends. And Sana was definately a friend even if she could never see him as just that. There was always the promise of more, especially now when she was so close to Raising and being together was becoming possible. Her discussion with Aran about love and whether Tower Guards could have true lasting relationships at all hadn't eased her fears and doubts. She should speak of them with Sana too but they both had been so careful about the topic. The last time they had made the pledge to wait to be together, she had betrayed it and now she was mindful of not committing to anything that could hurt him further. Or her. But maybe the holding back was even more painful.

 

Someone definately would be in pain soon. She glared at Sana, not appreciating his joke. She usually had a good sense of humour but this was too important, too anticipated to be jested about like that. Only... what if he wasn't kidding her? They might have decided that she wasn't suitable for the mission after all, that she wasn't ready yet. The doubt dulled the blade of her stare and she bit her lip as she regarded him seriously.

 

"I did think so but maybe I was mistaken. You might have not noticed but I can get overly eager sometimes", she said with a weak smile. "Which Aes Sedai did you go to see and what did she say?"

 

Sahra

Tower Trainee

Sana looked at her smiling face and held on for a second but he couldn't hold out any longer.  He smiled down at her.  "Aramina Sedai of the Green Ajah.  She has need of someone with a certain... look about them.  You happen to fit the bill.    They want you to take someone's place.  It could be dangerous and I told them I would need to talk to you first..."

 

He laughed at the look on her face.  He knew she'd be  jumping to go and prove herself and the look she gave him said just that.  "You'll have to pass yourself off as a noble.  Aramina Sedai will be bringing at least one other Aes Sedai with her and she said they would be training you on the way, if you were willing.  So, do you think you're up for it?" He asked.  "Seriously Sahra, this could be dangerous.  They're going to use you as bait."

 

Sana

A Green sister! That had to mean Borderlands. How exciting, she would get some real action. But as Sana continued, Sahra understood that her initial assumption had been very wrong. This was something even more interesting and unexpected, she would be playing a double. She gave him a look when he mentioned having to ask from her first. The answer was self-evident: of course they would go.

 

The first pang of nervouness and doubt came when he mentioned that she'd have to pretend to be a lady. Light, she had never even met a noble and now she would have to pose as one. She knew her manners but the Great Game and all the delicacies of etiquette were beyond her. But if anyone could teach her, it was the Aes Sedai. They likely wouldn't have a very long time for the preparations so she wasn't at all convinced that she could learn everything in time.

 

"I understood the bait bit and I am not so worried about that. But Sana...", she bit her lip with uncertainty "... what if I will blow the cover by behaving too much like myself? I am not that lady like really. And which country are we going to? I would be eaten alive in a place like Cairhien." It couldn't be that, she was too tall and red-headed for Cairhien. She chuckled. "Or Illian. I no be certain if I be remembering to use the proper accent all the time should we be going there. And the clothes and all. Do the Aes Sedai provide them?"

 

She tilted her head curiously. "Do I really look so much like the real woman? Have you seen her? Do they know who is after her? Oh, and what is her name?" She slanted him a thoughtful look and a mischievous grin. "You'll have to remember to call me my ladyship then and I can boss you around. This will be so much fun."

Sahra

Bouncy

Ursana laughed at her enthusiasm and barely managed to keep from wrapping an arm around her and holding tight.  She was still a trainee though and there were a lot of issue to be solved if any of his hopes was to come true.  As it was he laughed at her. 

 

"Well... we'll be going to Ghealdan.  You're to impersonate a Lady by the name of Teresia Talvaen.  and I don't think you need to worry.  Aramina Sedai seemed to think she would be able to teach you quite well on the road.  Once you meet the Aes Sedai, I think you'll trust she's right.  She was rather..."  he didnt know what to say. 

 

"But I have gossip on her." He winked at Sahra.  It was before you came to the Yards and I was hunting for a way to understand Aran a little better.  I decided to follow a friend of Aran's around, because she seemed completely out of character to be friends with Aran."  he winked.  "It was this Aramina Sedai.  Not just friends with Aran either.. a bit friendlier if you know what I mean."

 

Ursana..

sharing his gossip with his gal..

   

 

She thew back her head and laughed with him, giving his arm an affectionate squeeze. They would have such a great time during this mission and she would take every benefit off of her short superior position.

 

"Ghealdan? Burn it, I don't know anything about Ghealdan", she said disappointedly. "But you've been there, you've been to everywhere so you have to tell me about it." She pursed her lips thoughtfully at the name. "Strange that they named her Teresia if she is at all like me. I couldn't imagine myself named like that. But maybe she has a nick name... Tessa could do." She felt assured that Sana believed the Aes Sedai could teach her what she needed to know in time.

 

As he continued, her eyes widened with disbelief. "You are trying to pull my leg, Sana", she exclaimed. When he just kept grinning, she groaned. "Light, one of those Greens." But Aes Sedai were masters of facades and no matter how this Aramina woman entertained herself between the sheets, she could likely give a better act of a prim Andoran than Andorans themselves. And be more lady than any queen. If she put up with Aran, she had to have a good sense of humour.

 

She questioned Sana a bit longer about the Aes Sedai until he told her that she'd have to wait till she met her in person and then they went though facts about Ghealdan and some basic etiquette. They were to leave the next day so there was alot to do.

 

 

***

 

 

Smoothing her rust coloured dress, Sahra felt decidedly out of her element. She did wear girl clothes on her free days but it was only once a month so it felt like an exception to the normal breeches and shirt. She clung nervously to Sana's arm dreading to meet the Sisters. When the carriage came to sight with the two Aes Sedai standing beside it, Sahra studied them intently trying to pick out which one of them was Aramina. The other one had a nice curvy body and she seemed to be wearing a mask on the other side of her face. She obviously had battle experience and scars but there was something subtly sultry about her, so this had to be Jaydena Sedai, Cairma's bondholder. She looked like someone who Aran could tumble with and Sana had said the association with Aramina was unexpected.

 

That made the other woman Aramina then. She wore green riding dress, riding gloves with roses worked into them and hair was pulled back in elaborate braids. Her height surprised Sahra. Sana had said that she was Cairhienin and her pale skin and dark hair matched it but the woman was only few inches shorter than she herself. Still alot taller than Aran, she thought with a smirk. She was a beautiful woman but in a very cold way. Definately not someone who you would expect to befriend Aran. She smoothed her face to neutrality as they approached.

 

"Good day to you Aramina Sedai, Jaydena Sedai. May I present my student Sahra Covenry?" Sana gave them an elegant bow and Sahra curtsied smoothly.

 

"I am honoured to make the acquaintance, Aes Sedai, and to be of service."

 

Sahra

Gladly Sana's gal

Jaydena snapped the buckles closed on her saddlebags and gave them a final pat before slinging them over her shoulder and walking from the room. She glanced around the room to make sure everything looked to be in order and then stepped out of her quarters. Leaving these rooms was always hard on her, she had had so many happy times here, yet so many horrible times as well. Her hand crept up for a moment to touch the mask hooked to her face with a weave she had created, before dropping it back down. She turned back to look at the room and then embraced the source, the joy filled her as it always did, she smiled at the feeling and set wards around her quarters. When she finished she walked toward her Sitters quarters and set her reports and instructions on their tables. The ajah would be just find without it's ajah head while she was gone and she had been requested for this mission. When someone above you in rank told you to do something, you did it without complaining and with a smile on your face.

 

She took the secret exit under a tapestry and quickly was making her way out into the stable yard. A hand smoothed over the green velvet riding habit she wore with roses embroidered on it. Knee high boots with the same pattern up the side encased her legs. A green velvet, rabbit fur lined cloak graced her shoulders and the mask she wore today was a deep green. She didn't wear any makeup and she didn't need any, her freckles stood in sharp relief against her pale skin and her emerald eyes shone out from behind the mask. It only covered one side of her face but it was enough to frighten people away. She smirked and walked on, it had taken years to try and earn respect and it had taken a horrible burn for people to start being scared of her. Something brushed her face and she realized she had left her auburn hair unbound, she sighed and wondered when she had gotten so forgetful. She stopped for a second and quick pulled the waist length mass up onto her head and pushed pins through it. Finally she reached the stableyards and saw the group she was meeting standing there. She walked forward and slide her hands into her rose embroidered riding gloves as one of the group spoke to her, "Good day to you Aramina Sedai, Jaydena Sedai. May I present my student Sahra Covenry?I am honoured to make the acquaintance, Aes Sedai, and to be of service." Jaydena bowed her head respectfully and felt her warder coming up behind her with their horses, "May I present my warder Cairma. She wouldn't let me leave without her." She smiled and then prepared to mount her horse...

 

Jaydena Mckanthur

Ooc: I would like to point out that timelines are evil and i hate you all.. (or not.. jsut stupid timeline without having actually Rp's my WS 20 .. bleh..)

 

 

IC:

 

A mission with her Aes Sedai. A mission that her Aes Sedai had attempted to keep from her because of Jamie. A mission that Cairma will be going on no matter what her Aes Sedai said. Sometimes her Aes Sedai could be so unreasonable.

 

Mentally she went over her checklist as she tried her best to destract herself from the prospect of leaving the Yard. Jaydena had a point that Cairma should not leave, but having a newly born son was not a good enough excuse when he is still too young to miss his mother for a few weeks when Jaydena was flouncing about in her green shawl while being shot at with flaming Arrows.

 

"She is just crazying, isn't she?" She coo'ed to Jamie as she picked him up. He just squeeled delightfully as he tried in vane to reach for the tassels on the new Beast. Picking up the saddle bag, she headed out and dropped Jamie with a thrilled Isabella. She loved having him there, all the girls did, and Cairma knew that he was always spoiled there. Returning to the yard, Cairma walked over to the barracks, pausing as she got closer.

 

"..burn me.. " Was all she could mutter from afar as she saw who her travelling companions were. Although Jaydena and Usrana were trustworthy, Cairma had not seen Sahra in action beyond her mouth and Fior, and the other Aes Sedai... Aramina Sedai. The woman nearly got her trainee killed. Taking a heavy breath, She continued the walk and retrieved her horse, saddling the spirited mare and joined the group.

 

"Jaydena.. Sana.. Sahra.. Aramina Sedai." She bowed her head to Aramina, but left of any other form or formality or recognition. Turning to her Aes Sedai, she smiled. "Do not worry, Jaydena. I have met them all before. If we are ready, I suggest we head out now. The sooner we leave the sooner for our return."

 

 

 

 

Cairma Vishnu

Ren'Shai GrandMaster

Bonded Mother

A woman approached them from behind Jaydena, a very familiar woman and Sahra did her best to keep her face smooth. She still didn't know how to deal with Cairma. The woman had caught her twice with her pants down essentially and then there was what had happened to Fior who had been Cairma's mentee. The woman had been thankfully gone a year and returned with a baby of all things. That just added a new layer of complication since Sahra had this horrible sneaking suspicion about the father. She wasn't at all certain anymore, though, from the way they behaved around each others. Even Aran couldn't be so nonchalant and uncaring about the child if it was his. Maybe it was just some random tryst. Light knew that she could never ask either party. Things had been weird with Aran ever since the issue with Fior even though she had apologized. It might be just from her part and her imagination but she wouldn't bring up that topic again either.

 

She glanced at Sana but he avoided her eyes and she was forced to face Cairma and she returned her nod with a deeper one to show her respect. She definately held the Grandmaster in high esteem and it made a sharp contrast with her own past behaviour that hadn't been so acceptable. They took Cairma's suggestion and packed into the carriage with her riding outside. Sahra was glad to avoid her presence in the cramped space, Sana sitting beside her was distracting enough.

 

"Sana told me that you would teach me what I need to know on our way, Aes Sedai. I hope that I am not too hasty but we don't have that much time and I am eager to learn."

 

Sahra Covenry

Tower Trainee

As welcome as her Ajah Sister's company was, she wasn't near as happy to see her warder though it had been inevitable.  It wasn't that she disliked the woman, but there were... crossovers... in their lives.  Things that made Aramina want to walk away and not look at the other woman for more than a moment.  Aramina wasn't a prisoner to those sort of thoughts though and they were pushed aside as all things were that tended to get in the way of her duty.  She nodded at the mention of her name, giving the Tower Guard the same polite smile she gave everyone.  Jaydena would probably know there was something there.  She was too skilled a player and Aramina had shown a different face to her once upon a time, her youth and inexperience when she had first gained the shawl had shown far more emotion and personal business that she would have liked, but it was long since past and nothing could be done about it.  If Jaydena wished to ask it was her choice.  Aramina just wasn't sure what answer she would give if asked.  Did she dislike the woman because of her idiot trainee?  Or was it other company she kept?  Questions she didn't allow herself to ask anymore than she felt she would answer but troubling all the same.

 

The carriage was quickly loaded and she sat with Jaydena and the girl Sahra.  She and her mentor had worked for her in other areas before and thought Aramina was not personally known to the girl, the work had been good and efficient.  The girl's mentor seemed a tad over protective, but then again he was a Tower Guard and they had a tendency to be that way whether by training or personality type she had yet to decide.  When the girl spoke it almost brought a smile to her lips. 

 

Instead she nodded slightly.  "What do you know so far Child?" She asked.

 

Aramina sur Dulciena

The Aes Sedai started with a curveball and Sahra was at loss with her answer. You just knew how to behave and that was it and she wasn't very good at putting this kind of things in words. "I know next to nothing about Ghealdan and nobles. I know my basic manners, how to be polite and not embarras myself in the dinner table. But I lack the fineries like when how to use the extra forks and spoons in the table." She had seen them when Aran had once felt like they should eat really fancily and taken them a place frequented by Aes Sedai and boy had it been elegant.

 

"When I don't know what to do, I wait and see what others do and imitate. I can handle myself on the dance floor but I don't know the steps of court dances. I'm sure that there are countless of rules governing about everything, including flirting and safe topics but I don't know them. I don't know how to play the Great Game." Light, the list of what she knew was pathetically short. "So shortly, I am about as far from a lady as you can get. You do have a challenge in your hands, Aramina Sedai."

 

Sahra Covenry

Not quite a lady

Sudden irritation flared across the bond so suddenly that she stopped in midstride and turned back to glace at Cairma as she heard the woman mutter, "..burn me.. " Cairma shook her head and Jade shrugged her shoulders and moved toward her horse, she was sure she would get the full story of what was causing the problem at some point during the day or after they stopped for the night. "Jaydena.. Sana.. Sahra.. Aramina Sedai." Jaydena looked over and saw Cairma bowing her head at Aramina, she smiled, Cairma was very aware of her postion and was pretty good most of the time about remembering it, she hadn't chased anyone with that sword in some time. She chuckled softly under her breath as Cairma began to speak again, "Do not worry, Jaydena. I have met them all before. If we are ready, I suggest we head out now. The sooner we leave the sooner for our return." She nodded and waited to see if anyone else had anything else to say before they mounted their horses. Jaydena glanced over and noticed the carriage, she ought to ride it for awhile but she did so want to gallop across open fields. She sighed as she decided what her duty was and tied her horse to the back of the carriage before climbing inside. As they did she heard Sahra say, "Sana told me that you would teach me what I need to know on our way, Aes Sedai. I hope that I am not too hasty but we don't have that much time and I am eager to learn." She took a seat and waited to see how the conversation would develope, she held Aramina in high esteem and knew that woman fairly well. Jaydena smiled at Aramina and watched her begin speaking, "What do you know so far Child?"

 

The young woman across from her seemed at a loss for a moment before she began speaking, "I know next to nothing about Ghealdan and nobles. I know my basic manners, how to be polite and not embarras myself in the dinner table. But I lack the fineries like when how to use the extra forks and spoons in the table.When I don't know what to do, I wait and see what others do and imitate. I can handle myself on the dance floor but I don't know the steps of court dances. I'm sure that there are countless of rules governing about everything, including flirting and safe topics but I don't know them. I don't know how to play the Great Game. So shortly, I am about as far from a lady as you can get. You do have a challenge in your hands, Aramina Sedai." Jaydena chuckled, "Well we are both her child and we both have been Aes Sedai for longer than you have been alive I think, we should be able to work with you and by the time we are done you will be every inch the lady, you will be able to fool anyone. Perhaps we should begin right now Aramina." Jaydena nodded for the other sister to begin and sat back to watch her do her magic with the young woman...

 

Jaydena Sedai

 

ooc- Off to Cali until 9/11

 

 

"Let's begin with a simple rule then.  From this moment on, you are a noble.  You will act it, dress it, and speak it.  You will live as a noble until this is done." She said, waiting for Sahra's nod.  "When in doubt, remember how an Aes Sedai would act and you will have a general idea of what to say and do.  You will learn as much from watching Jaydena Sedai and myself as you will from listening to us so keep that in mind as well." 

 

And with that, the teachings began in earnest.  The time traveling went quickly as both Aes Sedai were working Sahra into the persona of a noble.  She was a quick learner and Aramina was impressed with how well she took to the part.  She noticed the way she seemed to enjoy treating her young mentor as a servant and thought about asking after their relationship but decided against it.  The young man, Ursana, seemed to take it all in good stride and more often than not did as the "Lady" asked though with far more smiles and laughs than a true servant would. 

 

As they stopped for the night at a small Inn, Aramina decided she needed to make sure the girl knew how to dance properly as well.  The Inn's musicians were not as talented as they could wish, but after a quick conversation she knew they could play enough songs to make it worth while.  Entering the room Sahra had taken, Aramina smiled politely at the girl.  "We will be taking a little time to learn something new tonight." She said.  "I think you will enjoy it though.    You've said you know how to dance, but tonight we will see if you can dance like a noble." 

 

The last comment came out with a smile far larger than Sahra had seen before.

 

Aramina Sedai 

"Let's begin with a simple rule then.  From this moment on, you are a noble.  You will act it, dress it, and speak it.  You will live as a noble until this is done.  When in doubt, remember how an Aes Sedai would act and you will have a general idea of what to say and do.  You will learn as much from watching Jaydena Sedai and myself as you will from listening to us so keep that in mind as well." Jaydena nodded, she totally agreed, any order for them to pull off this farce, the woman had to believe that she was born a Lady, a lady in every inch of her body. She had to move like lady, speak like a lady, debate with the best of them, and be the master of the Great Game. They had a ton of work to do but Aramina was right, she would learn a lot by just watching them. Aes Sedai took classed for years on how to act like a Lady. She could walk into any palace right now and be totally comfortable in her skin, she could out "Lady" many of the ladies around the world. Half of them acted like a bunch of barmaids with no brain from what she had seen in the past. Of course it had been years since she had been in a palace, mostly she spent her time with with her Sitter and Ajah Head duties.

 

They began to teach, working on her speech and manner, the travel went by quickly and she almost forgot that they were bumping along in a carriage, though her bottom sure knew it. She wasn't used to sitting down all day long, the carriage was comfortable enough but still her rear and back hurt. The girl was a quick learned and Jaydena was glad that they had been lucky enough to get a woman with intellegence who looked like the Lady. Finally night seemed to creep down over the windows of the carriage and they pulled up in front of a smaller Inn for the night. Jaydena motioned for Ursana to help Sahra from the carriage so she could practice alighting in a lady like way. Jaydena watched her posture and then gave her some tips on making something that was clearly not graceful, look that way. Jaydena followed Sahra toward the Inn and continued to give her tips in a low voice so that the servants wouldn't know, she wanted everyone at the Inn to treat her like a Lady, she needed to see what it was like. They walked into the Inn and everyone was bowing low, two Aes Sedai, a Warder, a Tower Guard and a Lady, all in one night. They were led to their best rooms, which were actually not bad and better than the ground. Which she had slept on many many times in the past. Entering the room Sahra had taken, Aramina smiled politely at the girl. Aramina had mentioned that they would be teaching the young woman to dance tonight and she hoped they could do it without giving it away that she wasn't a lady. She set her things in the corner, Cairma would be sleeping in the room with her, in the other bed, otherwise the woman would feel the need to sleep outside the door to protect her. Chuckling she walked to the nightstand and stretched her back out while she combed her hair out and left it to stream down her back. Finally when she had washed her face and hands, she walked from the room and made her way down to the commonroom for something to eat...

 

Jaydena Mckanthur