As hard as it was for her to believe she had been in a committed relationship for well over a year. It could hardly be called a relationship since they spent little time alone and had yet to… Thera’s cheeks flushed just thinking about a part of their relationship that had yet to be. She was a grown woman, a Warder, and Mistress of Trainees of the White Tower a title almost as prodigious as Captain of the Guard and she still blushed thinking of the man she loved. It constantly amazed her that even with the heart of a warrior she could still feel love. The veins of jealously that had marred her first few months with Jasine were gone and they had settled into a place of complete trust. He could wink and smile at whomever he wanted because she finally knew where his loyalties lay.

 

Gathering her cloak she wrapped it around herself and pulled hr head deep within her cowl. She had put on her heeled boots today and even poured herself into a pair of tight silk pants with red loversknot embroidered up the sides. The fewer people who recognized her, the safer they would be. Having come back safe from the trip into Amadacia Jasine was only a few weeks from being raised to Tower Guard. That fact had emboldened Thera, she could finally see the end to almost two years of torture. Late the night before she had sent a young trainee to Jasine’s room with a parchment containing the details of her plan. Her instructions had been explicit that it was to seem as if he was being punished, so that no one could wonder at the note.

 

My dearest Jasine,

 

Our time of secrecy is drawing to an end. I am feeling as if I cannot live another moment without being in your arms. Meet me in the bridge town of Jualdhe just after the sun sets tomorrow night. There is an Inn on the far East of town called The Fiddlers Chase While the time is drawing to a close we are not there yet, I am sure I do not need to impress upon you the importance of keeping up our rouse. Try your best to let no one see you. Until tomorrow.

 

Thera

 

After the note had been delivered she thought back on what she had written and she felt a bit foolish. Some of the words would have been better suited coming from a fluffbrained twit, as apposed to a strong willed warrior. But no matter their sound they had been from the heart.

 

She had instructed the groom to saddle Dahlia too many people knew BlueRose; the Mistress of Trainees fiery stallion. The mare snorted and nuzzled Thera’s hand when she approached. Dahlia was well trained and placid, but with a long stride and endurance. She had acquired her on the way back from Caemlyn on whim. She took it slow as they passed out of the gates and into the city proper. The streets were crowed this time of day and Thera had to pick her way carefully through the crowd. At the city gates the pulled her hood back enough to bare her face to the Guards on duty. A few raised an arm in salute and one or two smiled. Her reputation for eating children was finally beginning to fade. She gave the guards a friendly smile and nod, but once she was out onto the bridge she pulled her hood back up tight.

 

The small bridge town of Jualdhe was a bustle this time of day, if nothing compared to the streets of its mother city. Four Inns were visible just from the mouth of the bridge, but Thera had her destination in mind. She had frequented The Fiddler Chase during her time as a trainee and even later after she and Serena had first bonded.

 

Mistress Claire Mandevin gave her a warm smile when she entered and even wrapped her large arms around Thera in a hug. Still shocked by the large woman’s affection towards her, she blinked and gave a shocked hug in return. Claire only laughed at Thera’s reluctance and gave her cheek a light slap. “Still afraid of affection are we Thera, well never you mind. Take a seat and I’ll have one of the girls bring you some wine. Oh and the room you requested is ready.” Her eyebrows raised slightly at the last as if inviting more information, but Thera only smiled thanked her and took a seat near the back.

Her stomach was a flutter with emotions that she kept carefully concealed. In a few hours she would be alone with Jasine. Something she had dreamed of every night since they had met.

 

Jasine scowled at the note in his hands, crumpled it up in one fist and then waved the messenger away from his door.  He was sure he looked angry enough to have gotten a message from the Mistress of Trainees that was not good - he was flushed and his heart raced.  The trainee who had brought him the note left quickly enough and Jasine heard laughing follow the boy down the hallway.  He closed the door to his room and leaned against it, opening up the letter to re-read it again and savor the words Thera had penned.

 

He wasn't to meet her at the Inn until tomorrow night, which meant that somehow he had to get through tomorrow first.  He doused the lights and tried to sleep, but it was a long time coming.  He felt like he'd only just closed his eyes when they snapped open again as the sun's rays just peeked in through his window.  He'd always been an early riser, but he didn't feel well-rested at all.  He forced himself out of bed and began the arduous task of going about the day pretending it was just a normal day.  He kept the note from Thera on his person the whole day, tucked into his pouch even while he sweated through his laps around the yard.  He still thought of her every single time he ran this track, and even today, when he knew she wouldn't be there in her office, he turned and looked at her window as he ran past it.

 

Brownie was well-known as his horse, but he was nondescript.  Rao's flashy action marked her out specifically as his.  Well, technically she was Selene's horse, but the girl so rarely got to ride her mare.  He decided to take one of the Tower horses instead and with a bridle in one hand the horse's leadline in his other, he took the horse out of the stable and into the woods.  He'd made fast friends of most of the stablehands and none of them questioned him.  He'd kind of been adopted as a fellow stablehand by the others because of how much work he did in the stable and the time he spent with the horses.

 

Out of sight of the stables, he slipped off the horse's halter and put on the bridle.  The tall black stallion snorted and shifted his feet but Jase was able to mount him bareback with little trouble.  He headed to one of the smaller gates leaving the Tower grounds and spent a few minutes chatting amicably to the Tower Guard on duty there.  The man wasn't someone Jase was close to, but he'd seen the man on duty several times and taken a class on caring for weapons from him.  Jasine was nearing his promotion to Tower Guard and talked to the man about what he might expect while on duty.  Eventually, he made his excuses for leaving the grounds, wanting to get a better feel for the layout of Tar Valon before it was his turn to guard the fine city, and then headed for the Jualdhe Bridge.

 

Jasine had dressed nicely for the occasion, and had chosen the black horse under him on the hopes that his fur wouldn't show on the black trousers he wore.  He avoided riding too closely with the bridge guards but this wasn't nearly as hard as getting out of the yards themselves were.  The guard on duty didn't know him as a trainee and him leaving the island with the general flow of people heading home before dinner went without incident.  He had to ride slowly with the press of people around him, and he rode without conscious thought of his horse.  He guided the animal mostly by instinct, quelling the animal's high spirits and occasional mischief without being aware of it.  He would be with Thera tonight, and it would be like they were a real couple.

 

I am feeling as if I cannot live another moment without being in your arms.

 

His pulse raced and he had to struggle with his quick and shallow breaths as he thought of all that might mean.  He had kissed her, held her tight in his arms, run her beautiful curls through his fingers, stared into her caramel-colored eyes, and on more than one occasion had had to pull himself away from thinking about what it would be like to... He flushed as he thought of it even now, and there was more than a trace of nervousness in his demeanor now and the horse picked up on it and danced a few steps before Jasine assumed the Void to try and come to grips with himself.  Of course Thera had had previous lovers... and of course he himself hadn't.

 

He would just have to hope for the best and trust that Thera wasn't cruel enough to make fun of him if he did anything - he blushed again, the Void quavering and then collapsing - that wasn't right.  He made his way to Eastern end of the town and then asked for directions.  The Inn was easy enough to find once he'd been told where to look and he arrived there just before sunset.  He sat his horse, still as stone now, and stared at the Inn as the sun melted into the trees to his west and the shadow of Dragonmount slowly reclaimed the land for another night.

 

He nudged the horse's side and moved towards the stables alongside the Inn and dismounted before handing over his horse, and two silver pennies, to the stablehand.  Then he brushed off his pants as best he could, washed both his face and hands at the water pump alongside the stable, and then headed inside to meet his lady love.

 

Before her wine was even delivered Claire settled her girth onto the bench across from Thera and leaned her elbows on the table. The woman was blunt and took perhaps a few too many liberties, but Thera had never been able to make herself call the woman down. It would have felt too much like talking out of turn to her grandmother. So, she tolerated the inquisitions and the public displays of affection with as much grace as she could muster. The large woman at least had the grace to lower her voice when she spoke again. “Now I have not seen you in here in some time. And..the last time you entered with that face you were head over heels in love with the slip of an Aes Sedai that had just bonded you. The way a see it you and she have decided to play some sort of game” Claire erupted in laughter; a deep throaty laugh that carried though out the room. “Or you is meeting someone here that you don’t want to be seen with.” From the way the woman studied Thera’s face you would have thought it held some expression. “Either way your secret is safe with me, and unless my wits are failing me I will be seeing the object of your affection before too long.”

 

Thera’s eyes cut to the windows that lined the West wall and her heart began to pound in her ears. The sun was already sinking over the trees and he still had not appeared. What if he had decided she was not worth the risk?! Her head felt as if it were clamped in a vice and ice formed in her belly. The world shook as her dreams of the evening were dashed.

 

In her state of panic Thera had not seen to the door open, but Mistress Mandevin had. “Ay girl!! That boy had better hold onto his hat if he be the one you’ve got your eye on.”

 

“Huh? Claire I don’t….” Her eyes drifted to the door and onto Jasine and her heart swelled. His beauty was magnified by the last rays of the sun that played off his face as he scanned the small crowd, and when their eyes met sparks erupted. A small part of Thera wondered how the Inn had not caught fire from the flames. She muttered something to Claire that she hoped would pass for excuse me and all but ran to the door. The desire to pull Jasine straight to the stairs was almost too great to hold at bay. Instead she contented herself with a lingering kiss before pulling him to the table in the back.

 

“Claire Mandevin I would like you to meet Jasine Al’Thorin a trainee in the yards.” The shock on Jasine’s face was plain, but Thera only patted his arm reassuringly. He couldn’t possibly understand the bond that she had to this woman since she herself did not. Claire only rolled her eyes and walked away wiping tears from her eyes.

 

She pulled Jasine down on the bench next to her and entangled her fingers with his. “Don’t worry about her my love she won’t tell a soul.” Now that the fear of his absence had passed her worries turned to how the night would go. She’d had two other lovers in her life, but she was sure that he’d had none. It made her feel awkward and unsure of how to proceed. Wanting desperately to break the ice she raised her voice and ordered another glass of wine.

 

Jasine wrapped his arms tight around Thera and held her through the kiss, not wanting to let go.  When she did move away, pulling him back to her table, he laced his fingers through hers and held her hand warmly.  He was to the table, his eyes still only filled with her, when she spoke.  Clare Mandevin? Who? He looked to the woman at the table she had been at and he looked startled and wary for a moment, but Thera's touch reassured him.  "Mistress Clare." He said the name less warmly than he usually would have, but the bow he offered showed all the respect it should, and then some.  Thera had chosen to trust this woman because he would trust in Thera. "A pleasure to meet you."  He looked a touch puzzled as the woman walked away wiping her eyes, but it wasn't this strange Innkeeper that he had come to see tonight.

 

He turned to Thera as they sat down side by side, high thigh pressed against hers and his arm wrapped close around her lower back. “Don’t worry about her my love she won’t tell a soul.”

 

He allowed himself a moment, just a few seconds, to lean his face against her hair and breathe deeply in of her scent.  He pressed a soft kiss against her curls and then leaned back just enough to smiled at her.  Every single time he caught sight of her he was amazed at how perfect she was.  The slope of her nose was exactly right, the thickness of her eyebrows couldn't have been more attractive, and the shape of her lips... He pressed a quick kiss to those perfect lips and then whispered softly. "My lovely, beautiful Thera.  I'd trust a Whitecloak right now if it meant spending time alone with you."

 

And he was alone with her.  He'd been looking forward to this for the better part of two years and he still was a little amazed that Thera had managed to stay with him all this time, had fallen for him in the first place.  He was too dizzy over the fact that he was really here, with her, to think about being awkward.  He just let him self drink in deeply of the sight of her, the feel of her back against his fingers, the warmth where her leg touched his.  His fingers entwined with hers gently caressed and he leaned in close again to kiss her temple lightly.  When he spoke, his breath was a soft feathering against his skin, and he didn't pull away to talk.  "Did you have an easy trip here?  I was actually a little surprised at how little notice anyone seemed to take when I slipped away.  Darkwind," one of the stallions the stables kept on hold for anyone who needed a horse, "is in the stables outside, I didn't want to bring Brownie."

 

When the serving girl came with his wine he barely he noticed that he had turned his head, smiled, and nodded.  His eyes went back to his love immediately, as if he were afraid she would vanish if he looked away too long.  The nervousness that had kept him staring at the front of the Inn as the sun began to sink was gone now, the only thing he could even think about was how good it was to hold her and not needing to worry if there would be a knock on her door or a voice raised in alarmed reprimand.

 

Nothing in the world could compare to the embrace of a lover or their tender kiss. Thera had both, and in that moment she could have died happy, with her heart full of love. His lips called to her and again she leaned into his embrace. They felt like the softest silk as his lips melded perfectly with her own. No where in the world was there more passion than what was passing between the two of them in the back of that common room.

 

As the sun sank the small room began to fill with patrons stopping by for their evening meal or a gamble. A few stared at the lovers in the back, but they were not disturbed and no one said a word. Mistress Mandevin had seen to that. 

 

“ I fear I drew a few more eyes, but the ride was easy. My mind was so preoccupied with thoughts of you I doubt I’d have noticed if Trollocs had ridden through the gates.” Thera’s tanned cheeks flushed to match her hair and she leaned in pressing her cheek against his. “You drive me to distraction every time you are near, when I see your smiling face I can hardly remember my name. After so long I never thought I would still feel this strongly, but Jasine I think I have grown to love you more with every passing day.”

 

She kissed him again and in the background music played. When she closed her eyes they were whirling across the floor of a ballroom in perfect time with the music. This kiss ended and Thera realized that part of her fantasy had been real. By the kitchens on a small stage were a flautist and young man with a dulcimer playing a romantic and haunting tune.

 

Jasine had fallen in love with Thera as she was, with the sword and the dagger, a coat and pants, but this once she wanted him to see that under it all she was still just a woman.

“I will be right back light of my heart, wait patiently until I return.”

 

She bounded up the stairs easily taking them two at a time; followed by a slower Claire. In the rooms that had been set aside, on the large canopy bed, was a green silk dress and next to it a silk shift. Thera had still been a trainee the last time she had worn a dress, but quick work with a needle made sure they both still fit. It was a simple gown of Domani cut, with no ornament or embroidery. The only jewelry she owned was a delicate silver necklace made up of interlocking rings that suspended a small clear stone between her breasts. Turning in front of the mirror Thera smiled at her reflection and looked questionably at Claire. “Is this too much? Am I crazy?” The large woman only laughed and wrapped Thera up in a tight embrace. Tonight her dreams would come true; she would prove that she was not foolish to put her trust into a trainee.

 

A new song was being played as she picked her way delicately down the stairs. Unused to skirts as she was Thera moved slowly, but it only enhanced the rolling way her hips moved; even in her skirts the Warder’s deadly grace was apparent. Her breath was caught in her throat as she picked her carefully to the table. A few of the men offered to by her drinks or wanted a dance, but she had eyes only for Jasine. He had not noticed her descent from the stairs or the approving whistles that followed her through the room. His head was down and he was staring into his glass of wine as if it held all the secrets of the world.

 

With a gentle touch she laid a hand on his shoulder and bent to whisper in his ear. “ Jasine Al’Thorin may I have this dance?”

Jasine watched her sprite up the stairs like a graceful deer. Enchanted by her grace even in this movement, he stared to where he'd last seen her long after she was gone from view.  With a sigh that held all the emotion he felt in her sudden departure, as well as all the joy he had at being here with her in the first place, he took a drink of his wine and then sat gazing into it.  The cloak he had bought a year ago had been lost on their trip to Amadacia, soaked in blood and torn beyond mending, but he still had this.  He tucked it back into the pouch at his hip with a soft smile as he made up his mind.  He took another drink and then set the glass back down.  After looking around and still seeing no sign of his beloved returning, he looked back into the glass, mesmerized by the rippling wine as it settled into stillness.

 

He shivered sharply at her whispered breath across his ear and captured her lips in a kiss before she could move back again.  Once she did, his eyes went wide and he stared at her, mouth agape.  She was stunning, and he was stunned.  As he got to his feet unsteadily, he drank in the sight of her in that dress, slinking over her warm curves and well-toned body.  And in a sudden flash, he realized it was the same kind of dress that the Domani had worn. Had she remembered?  He had mentioned the woman he saw his very first day in Tar Valon in a slip of wine-loosened tongue and... she had remembered?  He was astonished, and then immediately so deeply touched that he gathered Thera in his arms and held her close lest she see the tears he suddenly had to blink out of his eyes.

 

While they were embraced, he whispered softly, emotion thickening his voice.  "You are the most beautiful creature that the Light has ever had the enviable delight in touching.  I would dance with you to the end of my days, Thera Traeklyn."  He relaxed his hold enough to look into her eyes, his shining with emotion.  He had rather inconveniently forgotten the fact that he had never learned to dance anything more complicated than the feastday dances they did back home, and didn't even have a thought of how awkward he might look in a ballroom.  His only thought was that this amazing woman who had chosen to love him wanted a dance and he would do anything to fulfill her wishes.

 

He took her hand in his, lacing their fingers together, and lead her to the dance floor.  He kept that hand of hers folded with his and placed his other hand low on her back, fascinated by the feel of the fabric and even more by how easily he could feel her beneath the fabric.

 

 

 

Jasine Al'Thorin

The Luckiest Guy under the Light

 

The dress and slippers were less confining than her usual clothes but Thera still found herself unable to breathe as Jasine whirled her out to the dance floor. The soft silk twirled around her legs and she laughed, sinking into his arms. “I hoped you would like the dress…I remembered you commenting on one similar.” The music changed a dozen tunes as they glided around the floor. Several times the lines formed for a reel, but Thera and Jasine were so lost in each other they failed to notice.

 

By the time he took her gently by the waist and guided her back to the table; Thera was floating on air. The revealing dress clung to curves as she sat, and a few of her clung to her forehead with sweat. She had not danced so long or so hard since….well, ever. “Oh Jasine, you have made me feel like a girl again, like a love struck little girl.” She leaned forward and fell on his lips, still giggling at her omission.

 

Two more larges mugs of wine were delivered with a large pitcher by Claire herself. For a woman of such great bulk she slipped away quietly enough. “I love you Jasine”  Even the feel of his name on her lips was a gentle caress. “And I have something for you.” Thera untangled one of her hands and reached down into her belt pouch pulling out a small package wrapped in a scrap of blue silk. She pressed it into his hands with a small smile. “It isn’t much but…well my father gave that too me long ago, and it has always brought me good luck….It brought me you.” She did not know what he would make of the small silver heart engraved with her initials. It was a pin, though she never wore it as one, but for 15 years it had stayed in her belt pouch everyday. It was a reminder of her past, and the family she’d loved.

 

His hands shook as he unfolded the tiny package and Thera held her breath. She had decided weeks ago, when she had almost lost him on the trip to Amadacia, that he should have it. That way no matter where he went, he could be reminded that he was in her heart and that she loved him. 

 

As she spoke, he pressed a kiss to her cheek and then whispered softly against her skin.  "You remembered."  He didn't even realize he had remembered that long-ago Domani woman until he'd seen her standing over him, wearing a dress of the same cut and making it look not only beautiful, but stunning.  He couldn't remember the Domani's face, or even a whole lot about the dress other than that it was blue, but he knew for sure that she hadn't looked half as alluring as Thera was.  He didn't know the steps to whatever dance the musicians were playing, but as he moved she moved with him.  And it felt so right and so perfect. 

 

He was half dizzy from the scent of her and the feel of her body against his and he felt as if he might faint.  She came willingly when he guided her back to the table. He took her kiss tenderly when she offered it, one hand cupping her cheek.  He marveled at the fact that she looked like a girl, too.  Thera had never looked as old as she must be, but with the excitement and love lighting up her caramel-colored eyes and the color high in her cheek, she looked like she could be as young as he was. 

 

Jasine didn't notice the passing of their proprietress, and the wine sat beside him, untouched.  He was aware only of her, as it seemed he had been for the majority of the time since he'd walked into her office for the first time.  He listened with growing surprise as she said that she had something for him, and his thoughts immediately turned to the item in his pouch that he'd carried for just shy of a year now, waiting for the right moment.  "Your father?" He asked gently, they had had so little time together, so little freedom to get to know each other's past.  His was simple enough, but hers was almost a complete mystery.  Their relationship had been sustained through passion that lasted without being satisfied and a chemistry that had grown only stronger, not weaker, through their stolen kisses and knowing looks.

 

As he unwrapped the pin, his heart took a little sideways jolt and then continued beating on, harder then ever.  "It's beautiful... I don't know what to say, this must mean so much to you.  Thank you, Thera.  I will cherish it for as long as I live."  He wrapped one hand around it gently and with the other reached into his pouch.  He knew this was it, this was the right moment to do this, but his throat had gone all tight and his stomach had gone all squirmy.

 

He looked into her eyes as he pulled the silver ring out of his pouch and handed it to her.  The setting was a simple one, just a single stone, that had been cut into the shape of a teardrop.  It was a ruby, with a dark red hue.  It was flawed, but that was actually why he had to have it.  There was a swirl of another material encased within the ruby, and when held up tot he light that swirl was the same color as her eyes, the soft brown that made his heart melt.  He tried to say the words he'd had in his heart for months now, but at the last moment couldn't do it.

 

When he spoke, it was barely a whisper, choked with emotion. "I love you, Thera."

 

It occurred to her that he couldn’t possibly understand the significance of what that small heart meant. He didn’t know about her mother dying before she was old enough to remember, or the loss of her brothers to the Queens Guard and later her father to a well aimed arrow. Maybe someday, some other time she would open up about her past, but not tonight; tonight was for happier thoughts.

 

“My father was a great man; I only wish you could have met him.” Until the words left her mouth she had not known them for true. Even with Serena she had never felt the desire, but something with Jasine was different. Somehow he was more permanent. Tears sprang into her eyes and she wiped them away with her fingers. Tonight she would only be happy and not think about what the future might bring.

 

"It's beautiful... I don't know what to say, this must mean so much to you.  Thank you, Thera.  I will cherish it for as long as I live." 

 

She saw his fingers dip into his own belt pouch and her heart caught in her throat. He had thought of her too! She saw only a glint of sliver before he laid the delicate ring into her hands. Her fingers trembled as they bent to touch the stone; it was perfect and more beautiful than she could have ever dreamed. She stole a look at his eyes and saw the tears that were mirrored in her own.

 

"I love you, Thera."

 

Desperately she longed for him to say more, for him to ask the question that she could give no answer to. Would she have said yes? Could she? Her hand closed around the ring and a smile that could have lit the room wreathed her face. “I….” Her voice caught and she closed her eyes trying to find the right words. “ It is perfect Jasine, more than I could have ever dreamed, and…you are perfect.” She wrapped her arms around him and whispered fiercely in his ear. “ And I will love you for the rest of my life.” All they could hope for was that he could find a Sister who would accept his bond, and not his heart. Another possibility came to mind, but it was too absurd to even give voice. No Green would ever bond a husband and wife.

 

Husband? She had never really thought about marriage, anymore than she had thought about kids, but with Jasine it sounded…right. Their relationship had been unconventional from the beginning, perhaps enough so that she could ask the question that he feared.

 

He cleared his throat softly, and then had to do it again more forcefully.  When he found his voice again, it was thick but sincere.  "I don't know if I am ready to get married, Light, I don't even know if I'm allowed to get married, but I wasn't allowed to fall in love with the Mistress of Trainees, either.  And I know that there is nothing that could make me stop loving you, even if I was kicked out of the Tower Guard for it." He took a deep breath, her words had helped him to find the courage he thought he'd never find.  He'd looked at the ring almost nightly ever since he'd gotten it, wondering how serious Thera was about him, wondering about her warnings at the very beginning, that it would be hard.  Would it be too hard for her?  Would she be willing to try for him?  None of the warders ever married each other.  Girl warders were rare enough, and with the devotion all warders felt to their Sedai, personal relationships with others lacked the solemn nature needed to decide to wed.

 

Her words repeated in his mind, gently encouraging. “And I will love you for the rest of my life.”

 

"So I'm giving you this ring, whether you say yes or not.  If... if you can't say yes, I'll still be happy just to be with you, however you can.  But... " He picked up the pin she had given him, staring at it for a brief moment before pinning it to his shirt, just over his own heart.  It might have looked silly, or girlish, to see a man wearing a heart pin like that, but he couldn't bear to leave it on the table even long enough to do this important task.  He wanted it with him, as he had her love with him always.  Silently, he  moved from the seat to kneel on the floor, looking up to her as his heart threatened to strangle his words again. "But I need you to know how I feel.  I have to ask."

 

He took the ring from her fingers only far enough to slip it onto the third finger of her left hand. He could scarcely hope that she might say yes, but he did hope.  He hoped with all his might. Staring into her eyes, he asked softly. "Thera Trakelyn, will you be my wife?"

In the midst of battle, in the heat of the moment Thera’s blood would boil and her heart would be pounding in her ears, but when it was over she would think to herself that she’d never felt more alive. The same could be said of this moment, as his words echoed through her head. In all her dreams and childish fantasies it had never been so perfect.

 

Nothing would ever top this moment if she lived five hundred years.

 

Looking down at her hand with the ring in place she felt her heart skip a beat, it looked so..so feminine and it made her feel feminine. Carrying a sword at your hip everyday had a tendency to make you forget the delicate trappings of being a woman. It might have been just the ring ot the music, the dress or even just Jasine, but Thera had never felt more like a woman in her life. A woman head over heels, crazy in love.

 

“Jasine…in my mind there can be only one answer.” She fell to her knees on the rough floor in front of him, and stared at him with tears shining in her eyes. She gathered both of his hands in hers and pressed them to her lips for a lingering kiss. “You saved me..I had been so lost for so long and you walked into my door with that smile.” She ran her fingers through his hair, and slid them slowly down his cheek wiping away the single tear that had fallen. “ and you..you gave me back my life.” She drew his fingers to her chest and held them there with her hands. “ If that were the only reason, it would be enough, but there is so much more. My answer is Yes Jasine…It could never be anything but yes.” A woman that had not cried in public since she was young enough to need a wetnurse bawled openly as she said yes to the question she never thought she would heard.

 

Thoughts of Serena, and her job, and of what a marriage would mean wouldn’t even form while she was staring into his eyes. Those were all worries for another day.

 

He stared into her eyes for a long moment.  He'd hoped, Light had he, and he had dreamed, but it wasn't until this very moment that he had let himself think of it being real.  He whooped loudly and gathered her in his arms, spinning around as he laughed with pure joy.  He didn't have the slightest thought of going unnoticed, he hadn't even thought about there being other people in the room since she had whispered into his ear, asking to dance.

 

He set her down again, arms still fast around her waist, and leaned back against the table.  He was dizzy and light-headed and wasn't sure if he would explode from all the emotion that swelled his heart, or maybe throw up now that his nerves had been released.  He'd better not throw up on her, that would make a lovely story to tell their grandchildren. Grandchildren?!  The thought flashed through his head and on past.  He whispered softly, lovingly. "My wife."  There was no mistaking the awe in his voice, but then he grinned and said louder, his eyes dancing. "My wife! Oh Light, I never thought this dream would come true."  He pressed his lips to hers in a kiss that was as full of life as he felt right now.

 

His first awareness of other people existing came from the sniff by the door to the kitchens.  The woman who had been sitting with Thera when he came in stood there with a dishtowel clasped to her breast, eyes shining with tears.  He called out to her, "Mistress Claire, she said yes!" before turning back to Thera and taking her up in his arms again, this time holding her as the bride she would one day be.  He stared at her, astonish and more than a little drunk on love and then kissed her again, more tenderly, and said "My love."

When and how didn’t matter, the only thing that was important was that the promise had been made. She.. Thera Trakelyn was going to have a husband. Lost in the ecstasy of the moment she did not even see the tears that fell from Claire’s eyes. Oblivious to all the world she spun happily in his arms, and when they grew tired she fell against his chest still smiling.

 

“You have made me the happiest woman in the whole world” She whispered with her face still buried in his chest. Every few seconds she would raise her hand to the light and stare in wonder at the small circle of silver that encased her finger. It was so foreign, and yet somehow it looked as if it had always been. “I can think of only one thing that would make this night complete” The tone of her voice had changed from soft chimes to something more primal. Even knowing what she wanted, did not make Thera anymore sure about how to continue. With time the blushes and the awkwardness would subside, but for now she tried to continue delicately.

 

Pulling back just far enough to look into his beautiful brown eyes she reached up and brushed a few strands of hair from his face. “The hour is growing late and I think I am going to retire.” Her eyes cut away from his and she turned her head trying to conceal her blush. The feel of his strong hands pressed firmly against her back, and the intensity in his eyes was making her as forward as a Domani; fitting since she wore the gown. “Perhaps you will join me before the hour grows too late.” Reaching down into her belt pouch she pulled out a small iron key and pressed it into his hand. Then she stood up on tiptoe to reach his ear whispering softly “My room is the only one on the second floor with a lock, the last door at the end of the hall.” Before settling back on her heels she gently nipped at his ear and let a kiss linger on his lips. “Until then my husband.” The title tingled on her lips and a fresh set of tears sprang into her eyes as she pulled away.

 

Straight backed she glided from his arms and straight to the stairs, more anxious than she’d been in years. Claire grabbed her arm just as she reached the first step and wrapped her in a hug as if intending to squeeze the life from her. This time was different however, because Thera returned the hug with all her strength.

 

The room was just as she’d left it, with the addition of a small vase of roses and a fire roaring on the hearth. Kicking off the soft velvet slippers and leaving by the door Thera walked to the stand mirror to examine her reflection. She had expected it to seem different, to have changed, but no. She was the woman she had always been, but now she would be a wife as well.

 

He shivered when she bit his ear, the small action making his passion flare with sudden urgency.  The woman expected him to wait even two seconds before he bounded up the stairs after her?!  His fingers, feeling almost numb, tightened around the key as he watched her slip away from him. Away from me, but not to leave.  No, never that, not now.  His wife!  She would be his wife!  He still couldn't wrap his mind around how exactly he had managed to stumble into the luck of her love, he didn't feel worthy of being admired by a woman who was so clearly, in so many ways, his superior.  He didn't feel like he deserved, but by the Creator's hand, did he feel blessed for it. 

 

He drained what was left of his wine as she minced across the floor, hips swaying and that deadly grace of a both warrior and woman only enhanced by the dress.  He could easily imagine how she would look with the dress off, and was still sure that his imagination would do her no justice.  He stood there beside the table, the heart she had given him in one hand, his wine glass in the other, and managed to make it a whole count of 13 before he set the glass on the table and nearly sprinted across the room.

 

Mistress Claire stood on the stairs, barring his way up.  Her expression was stern, but he could see the light of happiness in her eyes.  He smiled at her, loving her with sudden depth simply for the fact that she too cared very deeply for Thera.  "You be good to her, boy.  You have her heart now, and you take a care with it."  Jasine smiled tenderly and nodded his head, to choked up to give his gratitude to the woman voice, and she stepped aside and let him pass.  Apparently, that smile and nod was all she needed.

 

Jasine tried to compose himself as he went up the stairs.  He wanted to leap up them three at a time and be at Thera's room before she could even shut the door behind her.  He gripped the key again, and walked with as much dignity s he could muster.  He still looked like an eager boy who knew he had to walk but who wanted to run with all his might.

 

When he got to the door, he paused a moment, pressing one hand against the smooth wood planks, and took a few deep breaths.  With a prayer of thanks to the Creator for bringing him and Thera together, he slid the key into the lock and then opened the door and stepped inside.  His heart sang all over again once he caught sight of her again.  "You've managed to grow even more beautiful since last I saw you, and I don't even know how that is possible."  His voice was a soft reverent whisper, and as he closed the door behind him his hand caught the lock and ran it home with a quiet metallic click.

Kyn and Lor had been out hunting all day that day, in fact they had overstayed their trip due to the sighting of a good sized hart lurking in the woods. Unfortunately, even after pulling out all the tricks to lure the beast to them they could not get a good clean shot at him. This kept them long enough in the woods that the day grew dark before they were back to Tar Valon proper or even to the bridge towns. Fortunately for them they were on the road before dark and managed to pull up into Jualdhe late in the evening. The first inn they came too was called The Fiddlers Chase, and it seemed a decent enough place to stop.

 

Kyn swung down off his horse and helped Loraine down from hers before tipping the stableboy handsomely to take care of their horses. Just before the horses were led off Kyn pulled the saddlebags and their weapons from the saddles and followed Loraine in the door of the inn. The inside was cozy an warm and most importantly reeked of good food. He met Lor's gaze and nodded, knowing she could hear his stomach rumbling. "Looks better than many a place we've paid good coin for before. I like it." He turned to greet the matronly woman who was obviously the innkeeper, "Two meals, wine and ale and a room for the evening mistress?" She nodded hastily and agreed. And while Kyn dropped their bags near a table by the stairs he couldhear the woman bustling about muttering to herself. Waiting till Loraine was seated in the chair he had pulled out for her before sitting himself. "Too bad we missed that hart... he'd have made a fine catch."

The floors at the Fiddles Chase didn’t creak so the only warning Thera had was the metallic chunk of the key turning in the door. Everything moved with a dream like slowness as the door crept open and Jasine’s beautiful face appeared. Thera realized she’d been holding her breath and laughed as she crossed the short distance to the door. She folded into his arms just as the key finished turning the lock home.

 

“It is one of the mysteries of love, my heart.” Running her fingers through his soft hair she gazed into his eyes. “I had never thought I could find a man who would love me in spite of the bonds that have me tied, and now as if out of a fairytale… here you are. I do not know what tomorrow will bring or the next, but I can tell you that for as long as I live and beyond you will always hold my heart.” Her fingers lightly tapped the small heart pin on his chest and she smiled.

 

Unsure of how else to continue Thera turned around and spoke in a whisper over her shoulder. “ I’ll need your help with these buttons” It was shaking hands that touched her back, but she closed her eyes relishing in every second they spent alone. Her blush was as deep as his as she took his hands and led him to their bed. Where they fell into each others arms. Three more times that night Thera blushed as Jasine found his courage.

 

It was the birds that opened Thera’s eyes and the quite hum of the city filtering through open window. In years she had not slept past sun up, but even now she had no desire to rise. With a smile she rolled over and found Jasine awake, propped on his elbow smiling down at her. “Good morning my love” She reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a kiss. “I cannot ever remember a time that I slept so well. It is almost a shame to get to up.”

 

Thera sighed regretfully and rolled from the bed, draping the sheet around her. “We will have to head back soon, surely I have already been missed, but let’s enjoy breakfast before we go.” Smiling she insisted on watching as Jasine got dressed, but dissolved into blushes and giggles when he insisted on the same. Back in her pants and boots Thera felt more herself, but she hoped that the memory of last night would last a lifetime. Looking down at her hand she smiled. “I do not know what everyone will make of this” she said as she wiggled her fingers so it would catch the light. “And you know what? I can’t make myself care!” Linked arm in arm they headed down the front stairs for breakfast.

 

He'd felt like he was floating ever since Thera had danced with him the night before, and he still felt like his feet didn't quite touch the ground.  As they finished getting ready, he watched her with awe in his eyes.  "I wish we could lay in bed together and do nothing else at all until I had enough, but I know that if we were to do that, I might never leave this room again."  He smiled softly, fondly, and drew her into his arms for a kiss.  She broke away before the hunger that drove them both could tempt them back into bed and he had to take a few deep breaths before he could go out among the public again.

 

He had been amazed by last night, he had not known anything could feel so perfect as having Thera in his arms and it was far and away better than even his most fevered imaginations.  He shook himself and pulled his boots on before carefully and deliberately pinning the heart to his shirt.  He would have to see if he could have it made into a necklace that he would be able to wear at all times. That would cause less comment than a pin might, as he could keep it hidden beneath his shirt most of the time.

 

Jasine wrapped his arm around Thera's shoulders and kept her tucked close to his side as they left their room  to go get breakfast.  They would have to go back to the yard very soon now, have to go back to being apart and silent about their relationship.  They would have to go back to being Mistress and Trainee, instead of man and woman.  But for now he pressed his lips to her temple as they moved towards and down the stairs, lost in love and happily so.  "I hope they will see that it makes you happy, and be joyed for you.  If they do not, our joy will have to be enough.  I won't give you up, now."

Loraine settled into her chair, the ache between her shoulders relaxing as she rotated her shoulders. She doubted she could eat much before she nodded off, but she was determined to get something in her stomach. She smiled across the table at Kyn, shaking her head. "Aye, a fine catch. The kitchens would be begging you to share it with someone, I'm rather sure." Dinner passed quickly enough and it was a welcome relief to sink into a bed.

 

If it took a bit for them to sleep once there, she was at least more relaxed when the familiar feeling in her head woke her the next morning. Kynwric was up and collecting their things. She watched him for a while under her eyelids, even though he knew she was awake. This was what she'd missed most since coming back to the Tower. There was always some itch between her shoulders and he was terribly uncomfortable inside the Tower, so mornings like this rarely happened. She relished the mornings they didn't wake up within those halls.

 

When she finally sat up, she sighed. She had business in the Tower today and couldn't spend a lot of time in the city, no matter what urges she fought as she watched Kynwric straighten up and look her direction. "We'd best find breakfast before I'm tempted to forget that I've work to do today, Gaidin," she teased, easing out of bed to gather her clothes and start dressing.

Kyn passed a more restful night than he ever did at the Tower, it still bothered him being inside its walls. You'd think after 50 years he'd have found some peace with it. But he hadn't and as such he relished nights spent away from it.

 

When morning came he was up and rested, puttering about the room repacking their few things. When Loraine finally 'woke' as opposed to her watching him through her eyelids he smiled down at her. "Good morning love, sleep well?" Her nod was all he needed, he could always tell the difference in both their moods when out of the Tower. When she asked about breakfast he smirked. "I'll see to it, you get dressed and I'll meet you in the common room." With that he slipped out the door and headed down stairs, settling himself at a table just after he spoke with one of the stablehands about their horses.

They took the stairs slowly, often pausing to steal another kiss or even just smile. When they finally reached the bottom of the stairs Claire came rushing over and wrapped them both in a hug, hugging their faces to her chest so hard and so long it left them gasping for breath. “Never in all my life have I seen a better match than the two of you.” Laughing she ushered them to a table in the far corner, away from everyone else, spouting out plans for the dress and the flowers and every detail of Thera’s would be wedding. Thera had to promise to make all the plans with her before Claire would order their food and let them be.

 

Putting her head together with Jasines’ she giggled and kissed him again. “How does a spring wedding sound to you? In the gardens and then maybe we could steal away some time for a trip, just the two of us.” In a few hours they would be back in the yards and back to the reality of their situation, so for now Thera just wanted to relish in her happiness. However she tried, one thought kept creeping back in. Feeling delicately along the bond, for the first time in days she let herself reach out to Serena. She could feel her, in the Tower, most likely in the yards throwing her knives. A fond smile spread across her face at feeling the woman she had loved so alive in her head. For months Serena had kept the bond masked, not allowing her in, but now…and then it occurred to Thera why Serena was suddenly so alive and her face flushed. She could see Jasine looking at her with a mixture of happiness and concern and she reached out to pat his hand. Keeping her voice low she tried to explain. “I have to tell her Jasine…I owe her that.” Confusion painted his eyes and she raised her brows, giving him a pointed stare. “I have to tell Serena, my Aes Sedai.” Even just saying her name stirred emotions with in Thera. It was so strange, she had never stopped loving Serena, even now she felt a pang of regret. But their situation had changed and now, most especially now things could never be like they were. There was always sadness at loss, but thankfully for Thera there was happiness as well. If she and Serena had not fought and separated she never would have taken the job as Mistress of Trainees, never would have met Jasine and would not now be looking forward to her wedding day.

 

Smiling once again Thera closed her eyes and kissed her husband.

 

"You will look beautiful with flowers in your hair."  He reached over and toyed with one of her curls, already picturing her as the spring bride she would be.  His birthday would be in the Spring, he wondered if he would be 19 still or 20 when they wed.  "I think a spring wedding sounds perfect.  The whole world will flower with joy at the sight of you in your gown."  He tangled his fingers with hers and kissed them gently.

 

When she mentioned her Aes Sedai it was a bit of a jolt for him, and for the first time he felt a faint stab of jealousy, born mostly of fear but also of the closeness that undeserving woman would hold with his wife.  The fear was at the thought that Serena Sedai might possibly be able to keep them from being wed, involving the Tower some how.  If there was anyone who had a chance at forcing Jasine away from his wife, it was a Tower full of women wielding the powers of the Creator himself.  As Thera's expression changed to one of love and she smiled and kissed him, he set his fear aside.  His jealousy went willingly as well, Thera had loved Serena and now loved him.  She'd already shown that her decision lay with him, not her, and that was sound enough proof for him to see his jealousy as unfounded.

 

When the kiss ended, he placed another upon her lips.  And then her cheeks, and then her forehead, and then a light kiss on each of her eyes before settling back into his seat.  Gathering both of her hands in his, he pressed them to his lips and then said with soft simplicity, "Thank you, Thera.  Thank you for loving me."

Loraine twisted her hair into a simple knot and dressed quickly, packing their things together and setting them near the door before heading out into the hallway. She was humming as she entered the common room, her eyes scanning the room for Kynwric. She found him and moved towards him, her mind nagging that the couple huddled in the corner looked familiar. She didn't want to stare, so she kept her gaze averted until she reached the table Kyn had procured and smiled. "Is anyone sitting here, handsome?" she asked, her eyes dancing. She sat down without waiting on his response, her attention drawn to the corner again. "How do I know them?" she murmured, casting glances over Kyn's shoulder.

Kyn threw a look over his shoulder and peered, then back at Loraine, then back at the corner again. He had to work it out in his mind for a minute that it was indeed Thera Trakand, the Mistress of Trainees in a dress and with her was Jasine. Turning back to Loraine he nodded, his smile gone from his face. "Yes, you do... The question is, do I really have to do what I must?" He sighed and looked back over at Thera and Jasine. He sat and thought about it for a few minutes while pushing food about his plate. "Love, I am going to hate this, but I have to intervene with their affair. It just isn't permitted and the continuance of it while Jasine is a Trainee... it just isn't proper." He looked up at her and knew this is exactly the type of thing that drove him up the wall about the tower, the incessant meddling in other peoples affairs, and now he was about to have to do it himself. He took a deep breath and let it hiss out his mouth as he stood, and motioned for Lor to stay when she made to rise as well. "Just give me a minute first... before you come over." he hoped she would trust him to do so, no matter how conflicted his feelings were about the situation. With that said he turned towards the corner and took the few steps to the table that Thera and Jasine were sharing.

Breakfast went untouched and completely forgotten as Thera and Jasine exchanged kisses and wedding ideas. It was so much easier to forget that duty was waiting when the talk stayed focus on days to come. Looking to the future was so much easier than living in the present.

 

With her arms entwined around his neck Thera buried her face in Jasine’s hair and planted soft kisses on his neck. It was that position that allowed her to see Kynwric standing just inches from their table. A startled grunt escaped her lips and Jasine laughed feeling only her hot breath on his neck. For new reasons Thera’s heart pounded in her chest and her eyes grew wide with shock. Oh light!! Why them? Why here?” Straightening slowly her hands held a death grip on Jasine’s. With as much calm as she could muster Thera straightened her hair and brushed a hand across her clothes.

 

Even while her stomach was turning summersaults she met Kynwric with a level eye. This was no time to lose composure, more so than she already had. “Please Kynwric, take a seat.” She gave Jasine’s hand a reassuring squeeze; it would not be him that suffered from what had been seen, she would make sure of that. Thera realized that even if it meant giving up her post, she would gladly step aside and accept the shame if it meant keeping Jasine. The question was, could he still love her when she was shamed in the Tower’s eyes?

 

"Kynwric?  Light, Thera, calling me by another man's name alrea-" Her expression and her stiffness made him suddenly realize that she wasn't amused by her slip.  He turned and looked to his side and blanched a dead white when he saw the Warder that he held in highest esteem looking down at the two of them with sadness in his eyes where Jasine would have expected indignation and anger.  He gulped quickly and squared his shoulders to Kynwric and sat up straighter in his seat. 

 

They had almost gotten away with it, he was nearly a Tower Guard now and once he was, they wouldn't have had to hide their affections.  His straightening had put him partly between Thera and Kynwric and he didn't realize he was shielding her until he noticed that Thera had asked him to sit down.  When he did, he wouldn't be between Kynwric and Thera any longer, and even though he knew he wasn't about to fight this man physically, he didn't like that he couldn't save Thera from him, from this.

 

He took Thera's hand in his and held his tongue.  Kynwric deserved the chance to at least speak to them before Jasine told the man that he would not give Thera up.