Kabria was just tucking her dark green pants into her tall black boots when Perivar burst in. She could tell by the feelings in the bond that he was agitated, and by the way the hostility lessened when he saw her that she was not the cause.  For once she thought to herself and she finished with her last boot.

 

“Rough day?” The small smile on her face made Perivar scowl a bit harder, but he explained about the agitating young trainee. “Just because we are in the Tower does not mean you have to take up training again? You are a Warder now, not a Tower Guard, you can say no?” Before Perivar opened his mouth she knew what his response would be. So much so that she moved her lips as he spoke. “Light Kabria! What do you expect me to do all day? You are so caught up in your Aes Sedai affairs that you scarcely have time for me. I cannot be expected to sit around and wait on a shelf until you have need of me.” He looked up in time to see her mimicking and growled as he rushed for her. Kabria only laughed and threw up a soft wall of air. “No time now. I have an appointment to make. Aes Sedai affairs and all.”  Giving him a light kiss she stepped out into the halls of the Green Ajah Quarters.

 

Her boots made a steady drumming on the floor tiles, a sound that normally made her smile, but today she was too lost in thought. She had made the decision about her current tattoo while she was still in the Borderlands, but she’d not trusted any artist there to get it right. Resisting the urge to pull out the drawing she kept walking, barely pausing to talk to the few of her Sisters who were in the halls. Most were glad she’d returned home, and many had jokes about her bond with Perivar. They thought is strange that she’d bonded him so quickly, and that she wasn’t seemingly looking for others. It was mainly the older sisters that felt this way, and she knew their teasing for what it was..jokes on the young. The truth was she had considered another warder, but she was not yet sure of how to approach it. Things had fallen into place with Perivar so naturally that she feared to disturb the recent calm balance between them.

 

Leaving the Tower proper she crossed the yards quickly. Not bothering to get Blade from the stables. It was a long walk, but the great serpent ring on her finger afforded her a space through the crowds. Besides, she scarcely walked anywhere outdoors, if she was not training with her weapons.

 

She crossed the large main plaza in front of the Tower and was once again struck by it beauty. It held nothing on the vast beauty of the seas, but it still could take your breath away.

 

The part of Tar Valon she sought was not nearly as grand, in fact it seemed almost a hovel compared to the rest, but the artist there was one of the best. He’d done other tattoo’s for her in the past and she trusted him explicitly. Ducking into his shop he greeted her warmly, but with the respect due to an Aes Sedai. “Good-Day Kabria Sedai. I was glad to hear of your safe return from the North! Please have a seat, may I get you anything to drink.”

 

Kabria graciously accepted the offer of wine and then set to explaining her new idea. It was simple in form, but the meaning would be complex. She wanted a large crown, but not done in gold or jewels; it would be made from leaves and vines tainted by corruption. In the center would be a sigil. That of Perivar’s family and of his, and almost as if melting away the corruption on the crown would slowly be turning gold. Right away Adin saw the design and he began to sketch. While he worked Kabria walked slowly around the shop, examining the new design’s he’d added since she’d last been. “This one is simply breathtaking Adin!” It was the flame of Tar Valon radiating with Light and all hues of the Ajah’s. She made note of it, thinking perhaps she would add it at another time.

 

While she was slowly pacing the walls she heard the small bell above the door ring, but didn’t pay it any mind. Adin would tell whoever it was that her tattoo would take priority this day.

 

"98...99...100." Lone dropped down from the pull-up bar and wiped the sweat from his brow. Lone had woken up early this morning so he would finish his daily exercise regimen sooner than usual for today was special. He had been in the Yard a little more than a month and still hadn't come to learn his new surroundings. In all conversions at mealtimes with the other trainees, he had heard about so many interesting places in the grand city that finally decided to take a day from training and take in the sights.

 

He had been told to check out the market district first thing in the morning because that was when the best stuff went. Lone took a quick bath and put on some fresh clothes. After a quick stop at the mess hall, he headed for the stables pick up Sentell and was off to the market. Although it was early, the streets were crowded. When he finally got to the market it was well into morning and packed, so he dismounted & led Sentell while looking at a wide variety of wares. One particular stand displayed a fine array of knives. Lone had recently broken his during a training exercise. He paused to look over the selection test a few for their balance & sharpness. He found that closely matched his short swords & decided to buy it. After pay the merchant it was time to go & see the rest of the city.

 

But that was easier said than done. Lone soon became lost in the throngs of people and eventually ended up seedier parts of Tar Valon. In an attempt to get his bearings, Lone's eyes caught sight of a shop sign for a tattoo parlor. He hadn't gotten a new one in awhile & figured by the time it was finished the streets would have cleared some. Making a B-line for the shop, he tied up Sentell to the hitching post & stepped in side.

 

There was a small chime as the bell above the door rang at his entry. The artist looked up from his sketch and greeted him with warm smile."Hello, sir. I would just like to inform you there is someone ahead of you but I'll be able to squeeze you in before to long." Lone thanked him & walked up to one walls cover from floor to ceiling in designs. He wasn't sure what he wanted, so he was scanning for inspiration. This first wall appeared to carry many different family crests and the like. That was something Lone had yet to get. As he continued down the wall, he so absorbed by the designs that he very nearly bumped into the woman doing the same thing.

Kabria’s hand reached up to stroke a small rose, similar to the one that no rested on her hip. Truly the man was a wonder with the needle. Stepping another pace closer to the door she was examining what appeared to be a strange creature with scales and wings. On the point of turning to ask Adin what it was she bumped held long into a man. Taking a few steps back she straightened her short coat and gave the newcomer a very level look. Her eyes gave nothing away as to her thoughts, and neither did the smooth features of her tanned face.

 

Adin looked up with a small smile on his face, but quickly ducked his head back to his work. Affairs of the mighty were no concern of his.

 

If the young man, he was young Kabria admitted to herself, though surely no more than 8 or 10 years her junior, thought her appearance strange it didn’t show in his face. He seemed to take her tattoos and strangely colored hair in stride. In the momentary glance, where she cataloged his every feature she noticed that he was not without his own ink.

 

The entire exchange of weighing and measuring had only taken moments, only long enough for a small smile to spread on the strangers face. “Do you often smile when you bump into women? By that grin I would almost say it was deliberate.” Her voice held neither anger nor mirth, it was nearly devoid of all emotion, and her icy blue eyes gave nothing away. Even with her short time as Aes Sedai Kabria was coming to master the art of serenity, at least with those she considered strangers. For the rest….her quick fire temper still shone through.

 

"I can assure you that it wasn't, but I confess that I wish it had been," Lone admitted to the strange yet beautiful woman. He could not deny that he could be attracted to this woman. But his humor & smile were just a mask for something else, frustration. From the deepest, darkest place in the back of his mind, he could have sworn that he had seen her somewhere, but couldn't remember for the life of him. "In any case, I do apologize. This artist here has some fantastic pieces. I just so absorbed into their detail that I failed to notice you."

 

She appeared to be considering weather or not she believed he was sincere in his apology, but he could tell what she had decided. "Would it be out of line for me to ask as to if and what you are getting done today?"

Kabria pursed her lips and shook her head slightly. Before meetings Perivar she’d had no experience for men, and no liking for them either, but it seemed that all things changed with time. Her fellow Green Sisters would cringe if they knew half the thoughts she used to carry of the opposite sex. Now she loved men, as did all green’s, and she seemed to have a way with them, even the most unruly. Perhaps it was a combination of the vaunted Aes Sedai calm, and her quicksilver tongue.

 

He had a smooth tongue, and his slow smile was…effective. Nodding to Adin she turned before he could see any of its effect in her eyes. “I graciously accept your apologize, as long as it accompanies a promise not to try and trample me again.” Leading the strange new comer to the table where the tattooist worked she began to explain what she’d chosen. “My family comes from the Blight, and that of my..companion. We both fight the Shadow with our every breath, and so I found this crown a fitting symbol. Don’t you think?” She only glanced for a moment at the sketch, it was coming along and she had no intention of ruining the surprise.

 

Turning to the long, badly bubbled mirror on the wall, she twisted until she was looking at her back. “ I intend to place it just here.” With a slim finger she pointed to a spot on her right side, just below her ribs. “I have considered many places, but with my growing collection my options are becoming limited, and now that I see the sketch I believe it will look perfect.”

 

Dropping to her toes and turning to face the young man, she fixed him with a level stare. The smile playing at her lips said she knew where he had been staring, but was choosing to stay silent. After all, what good were tight pants if no one noticed? In her head Kabria nearly blushed at the thought. Was the truly becoming so Green? “And what of you? Did you just come to stare,.. or do you intend to add another master piece to your collection?” Studying his arms she examined the work. Adin’s was better, but it was not bad…

 

"I do, in fact, intend add something," Lone said still maintaining his smile. He could not deny that he had enjoyed the view, but he did feel guilty about flirting with her, even if it was just a harmless icebreaker, when there was someone special back at the Yard he would rather be flirting with. He had never had much experience with women because, to put it simply, the way he had lived his life since the time he had become interested in girls. He had spent almost every waking moment training for what he was doing now, becoming a Warder. The artist appeared to be nearly done with her sketch which looked rather beautiful. He in fact did have the skill his walls confessed.

 

"I have been considering two options. First, My family crest. And second, something associated with the Warders to represent the trials on my road to become one. But if you want to find out which one I'm getting you'll just have to stick around after your done to find out," Lone said, his smile become more of a toothy grin.

Kabria could relate to the desire to add your families crest or symbol to your body; especially when you faced the possibility of never seeing them again. She wondered if this young man knew that it would be a likely possibility?? Let it rest Shaking her head, sending the waves of her hair bouncing she returned his smile. He was bold to flirt with an Aes Sedai, but then perhaps he did not know.

 

Something in that fascinated Kabria, and the idea was tantalizing.

 

One of the things she’d not been able to come to terms with since gaining the shawl and ring was the way people bowed and scraped. A certain amount of respect was due to be sure, but it caused so many people to cower that it often made her sick. “I know something of the Warders and the life they lead. I think perhaps that the scars of the life will be enough.” Adin twitched at his work, but still had not said a word. She hoped dearly that he hasn’t ruined his sketch. “Your family crest on the other hand is a wonderful idea, it will be a steady reminder of home in the long years you face in learning to use your body as a weapon.” The almost sultry way she smiled, as she spoke of training made Adin grunt and turn and little red in the face. Turning around she lay a hand on his shoulder, and peered down at his work. She would owe him extra for the..emotional..discomfort she was causing him. Seeing the sketch she mentally added a few more coins.

 

The corruption of the Blight almost appeared to be crawling across the page, giving life to the dead and dying trees. Yet somehow with only black ink he’d managed to capture the majesty of the crown, and the way it shown through the corruption. He’d truly brought her imagination to life. “Oh Adin! It is breathtaking!” Impulsively she leaned in and kissed his cheek. Hardly proper for an Aes Sedai, but in this moment….in this shop…with this young man…she was momentarily setting down all the burdens that came with her life.

 

‘What do you think…” It occurred to her that she didn’t know this young man’s name. ‘What shall I call you young stranger? I must know if I am to allow you to watch.”

 

“Lone?” She tried the name on her lips and smiled. “Lone, such a…lonely name for one such as you.” Pursing her lips she asked again what he thought of the work. While he admired the drawing Kabria undid the laces of her shirt and slipped it off over her head. Gathering the dark silk she clutched it to her chest as she lay down on the long wooden table. When Lone turned around his eyes popped, but Kabria pretended not to notice. After all, she could not very well get this tattoo through her shirt. Positioning herself so her right arm was above her head, she wiggled into a comfortable position to wait. There was no doubt in her mind that a tattoo across her ribs would hurt, but she intended to use the boy as her distraction. The boy was still staring and still had not said a word, so Kabria smiled at him again.

 

“It is alright that you stare Lone, truly…the…work….is beautiful is it not?” Without a shirt her mother’s ships was revealed on her back, and the host of other memoires she carried with her always. Though the pause in her words had surely made him think she meant to say something else.

 

Laughing delightedly in her own head Kabria wondered what Perivar would say if he could see her, or what Katarina or her Ajah Sister’s would think. Likely all but the first would only laugh. Wincing with the first touch of the needle Kabria used the flame she’d been taught to push away the pain and make it someone else’s.

 

"My name is Lone Revicana." Lone hadn't noticed introduction hadn't been made. Turning from Adin's work, he was going to ask her for her name, but his eye popped at the sight before him. The woman had removed her shirt and was lying topless on the wooden table used for tattooing. Try as he might, Lone could look away. Not only because there was a topless woman in the room, but mostly because of the beautiful artwork covering her torso. One of the most exquisite pieces was Sea Folk raker right across her back on her shoulders. With as detail there was to it, Lone could relate to the pain she went through getting that done. Both of his arms were covered from wrist to shoulder in ink.

 

3 years earlier...

 

Lay on his his back with his right arm stretched straight out, Lone bit down hard on the piece of rolled leather as Dout the Sea Folk tattooist's needle worked over the veins in his wrist. It wasn't his first tattoo in that spot, but the first one with that much detail. Dark green scales now ran down his arm become the most lengthy, complex, & costly inking Lone had ever received. He let out a sigh when Dout said he was done as now the only pain he had to endure now was the usual aftereffects of tattooing. Sitting up, Lone inspected the work. Pleased with it, Lone payed Dout and told him he would be back soon for his next masterpiece.

 

Present...

 

“It is alright that you stare Lone, truly…the…work….is beautiful is it not?” Lone was not sure if she meant her ink or the Creator's work of molding her. Either way the answer was the same. "The only words that come close to describing what I see is exquisitely beautiful. I have never seen any equal.”

 

 

Kabria shut her eyes for a moment, letting the feel of the ink beneath her skin truly penetrate the void. When she focused her mind on the beauty that would be, the pain seemed to lessen. Though it still felt like fire each time the needle touched her.

 

"The only words that come close to describing what I see is exquisitely beautiful. I have never seen any equal.”

 

“It was my mothers.” Lone looked confused for a moment, and Kabria had to struggle not to laugh.Surely he had to know she was speaking of the tattoo. “She was not my birth mother you see, but the woman who had the raising of me. Shene taught me all I knew of life, and of the sea. That work there…” The reached out and let her fingertips lightly touch his wrist. “It has the look of Sea Folk work to me? How did you come by that?”

 

For hours the two talked of tattoos and the travels that had led them to Tar Valon. Several times Kabria had to side step quickly, to avoid revealing what the young man did not know. Somehow she didn’t want to tell him she was Aes Sedai….not yet.

 

The pain in her side slowly began to lessen, and she realized that the rhythmic tapping of the needle into her skin had subsided. “It is done?” From the pale motes of light entering the shop around the tattered curtains, hours had passed, though it had seemed only minutes. Kabria had gotten so lost in her conversation that time had flown by. Still clutching her shirt to her chest she got up and went to the mirror. Her pale skin was pink and small drops of blood decorated the corrupted shapes, but the dark ink was more magnificent than she’d dreamed. “Oh Adin, you are truly a Master!” Dressing quickly and trying not to flush at being nearly nude in a shop with two men she began digging coins out from her belt pouch.

 

When she pressed them into his hands gold glittered and he tried to push them back at her. ‘I will hear not a word about it. You will take the money, you earned every coin. If you wish to say you were paid too much take this boys work out of it as well.” Kabria knew full well that even if he did take Lone’s tattoo out of that money, it was still a hefty sum. More than likely it was more than he would see in a good year.

 

“Well Lone? Since your tattoo is paid for, have you decided which you will do?”

 

“I had been down in Tear visiting relatives. It had always been planned that I would return home by taking a boat to Tanchico to help my father bring back some new rugs for the inn my family ran. On my way down to the port, I was jumped by a group of thugs. I had made the mistake of wearing my coin purse on my belt instead of keeping it in my coat pocket like I had been told.

 

“I did my best to fight them off, but sadly, I was knocked unconscious. When I awoke I found myself aboard a Sea Folk darter. The sailmistress & her cargomaster had saved & for some reason took pity on me & brought me aboard. They had not left port for they were waiting for me to awaken.  After I explained what my intentions were, they offered to let me stay on until Tanchico if I helped around the ship, as they were shorthanded. I accepted.

 

“They told me that they had few stops they had to make before getting there so it would take longer than usual. I took to life at sea rather well. I had strangely been born with natural sea legs for someone who had been raised in a land locked country. Within the first month, I could do most of the jobs a normal deckhand could at with about the same skill. I had made fast friends the sailmistress, the cargomaster, & with one of the crew named Dout. He was an accomplished tattooist. He was the one who did my scales. Ever since then we have kept in contact as best we can. I would sometimes go back to that darter & sail with them. My time with them inspired me to try & find a Sea Folk Aes Sedai to bond with so maybe we could sail & protect the seas that I had fallen in love with.”

 

Lone & Kabria spoke for hours while her work was done, which is how he discovered her name. When she was finished, Kabria asked “Well Lone? Since your tattoo is paid for, have you decided which you will do?”

 

“I think I’m going to get the crest like you pointed out.” Lone turned to Adin & explained what it was to look like.

 

OCC: I reveal what looks like in my next post as I’m in a rush to go pickup my daughters.

 

 

Somehow, when she’d been spilling her guts to this stranger she’d found time to give her name. After a few years only hearing it with the honorific added it sounded foreign to her ears, but served as a reminder that under the shawl she was still Kabria Delondre. The near orphan, raised by Sea Folk, come to the Tower, and raised to the Green Ajah. A woman every bit as much as a warrior, strong and weak, like every other woman who’d ever lived.

 

As she listened to Lone describe his tattoo, her mind drifted to the strange kinship they shared. What chance of meeting a person in passing, a shorebound, who’d spent time among the Sea Folk? Meeting one who’d taken passage on a Sea Folk vessel was strange enough, this seemed nearly incomprehensible. Surely this had to be some weaving of the Wheel, but to what purpose? Had she been a Brown, as many had hoped her love of reading would lead her too, she might have speculated further, but as Adin picked up pen to begin sketching she dropped the trail of thought.

 

“It will take him some time to finish your sketch, and I am starved. I know a cart where when can get meat pies.” For a moment her mind flashed to the first time she’d taken Perivar there, and she had to shove those thoughts away roughly. There was nothing wrong with what she was doing. “There is a fountain right near where we can eat. Are you interested?” 

 

OOC: Great! As we always say around here...family first  :D

Lone realized he was starving so he was more than delighted to go. As they stepped outside, Lone checked on Sentell. He patted him on the neck and said, "I be back soon. Be good, alright?" He slipped the horse a sugar cube & followed Kabria to the vendor and then to the fountain. Lone had insisted on paying for so that he may repay the kindness of her paying for his tattoo, although it would take him buying lunch for the rest of the month to match her.

 

Looking around the square where the fountain sat, Lone said, "You said you had spent time among the Sea Folk, right? What was like for you?"

She allowed the young man to pay, though she knew he couldn’t have much money. Most who came to train in the yards did not. As they took a seat on the fountain she tried not to meet the eyes of anyone walking by. Aes Sedai were not common in this part of Tar Valon, but then her looks did not lend themselves to discretion. If one of her Sisters did wandered by they would surely stop and take notice.

 

Eating pies in the street of any city was always a gamble, but in the 12 years she’d been eating these they’d always tasted clearly of beef or chicken. “You said you had spent time among the Sea Folk, right? What was like for you?"

 

When she looked up from wiping the juice from her fingers Kabria had a small smile on her face. “It was an experience I would not change for anything in the world. I was…..young then.” Lone looked at her quizzically, and she realized that too his eyes she looked not much older than he. “Only a child of 11, and I was shocked by their ways. It was all so different from anything I knew, but it seemed that I found an immediate fascination with the workings of the ship. It was then that Shenesta truly took me in and began to raise me as her daughter. I learned about the ship, and the sea, loyalty, honesty, friendship, hope, loss, pain, love….every emotion that an adult must learn to cope with.”

 

“Even now, after all these years I often long to be on the water again. To see Shenesta..” Kabria’s smile was tight this time, and she was sure her eyes reflected some of the loss the was feeling.

 

“We should get back..I am sure Adin is done with your sketch by now. I cannot wait to see.” In truth she was excited to see his tattoo, but she also knew that if he questioned her pain too closely, what she did not want known would become known. He offered his arm out to her and she slipped it hand through smiling up at him.

 

Perhaps she should tell him….it was not if she could change who she was, nor did she want too. It was just so refreshing to be treated like a person, not like she’d become the ring and the shawl. 

 

Kabria had been right about Adin being done. Even in its simple design, The tattooist had found a way make it look like a masterpiece. At the fore of it was a raven, beak pointing straight up & wings spread wide and flaring. Behind it were two crossed curved swords and all the while it was perched on top of the Wheel of Time. Lone was not sure who had designed it, But Lone loved it.

 

When asked where he was getting it, Lone pulled back his hair to reveal a spot behind his ear but lower than the lobe. It was where his father had his, so Lone felt he needed to continue the trend. Kabria seemed a little surprised by his choice. He explained why as sat it the chair so Adin could being.

Unbidden her hand drifted to her neck and her fingers trembled slightly. She remembered all too well the pain she’d felt at the needles piercing her skin; how much the ink had burned, hot and fresh under her skin.  Parting her lips in a small smile she went and took a seat on the stool across the room.

 

“You watched my tattoo being done. I only think it fair that I watch yours.” By the Light shining through the windows it was well past when she should return to the Tower, but somehow she couldn’t make herself go. Friends were a rarity in her life. She could always count on her Ajah Sister’s for companionship and conversation, but they were just that…sisters. There were a few of them that she thought could be more, but time was precious and none of them had it to spare. She had Perivar, but when you were as close as they were sometimes it was hard to be just friends. That left Lone, a boy she’d just met who only thought her another lover of tattoo’s and art. He looked at her with the approving eyes of one his age, and treated her in the same manner he would other pretty young women. Could he be a ‘friend’ once he knew

 

Lone’s tattoo was simple in form and it seemed like nearly as soon as the work had started it was complete. They had chatted through his just as they had through hers only this time the conversations were deeper, and touched on things Kabria rarely shared. As Adin walked away to start his clean up Kabria bent over the still fresh skin. It was slightly puckered, but you could see every fine detail. It was beautiful enough to warrant another smile.

 

Once his bandage was in place and Adin was fully paid there was an awkward silence between them. It was obvious that their time together should be at an end and yet both seemed reluctant to go. Reaching out Kabria laced her arm through Lone’s with an impish grin. It was time to find out how he would react to her being Aes Sedai. “I would appreciate it if you would accompany me home. Even in Tar Valon a girl cannot be kept too safe walking home after dark.” If he agreed to walk would her she would tell him the truth…if not…well he could be a fond memory of time she was not treated like a full Aes Sedai.

 

He had hoped that she would want an escort home. He would have made any excuse just to spend more time  with this engaging woman. "I would be delighted to go with you." He nearly couldn't believe the things that had happened to him since he had arrived at the Tower. He had met Adela, A young woman so interesting he hadn't wanted to leave her company, the day he first stepped into the Yard. Now he has met Kabria, a woman with history so similar yet different than his own he didn't want to lose her company either.

 

Stepping out into the cool night air was refreshing. With a smile to Kabria, Lone walked over to his horse & unhitched him. Grabbing ahold of his lead, Lone held out his arm for Kabria to lace hers back in. "Alright, so where are we headed? Maybe I'll luck out & you'll live near the Tower so we see each other more often." He looked over to Kabria & surprised to find a very sad look on her face. "Kabria, whats wrong?"

 

Kabria smiled as she laced her arm through Lone’s; feeling a tiny thrill that she would be able to see him again. She felt as if they shared a kinship. They had histories that few others could understand, a rare find, as her own story was so obscure. 

 

As if the thought had brought down the lightening, the next words from his mouth made Kabria’s smile fade. She could avoid the truth again, but would that make things harder? Would it make the truth all the more painful? She saw the concern in his eyes when she didn’t speaking, and all the Aes Sedai serenity in the world couldn’t have suppressed her sigh.

 

“I do live very close to you…..perhaps closer than you’ll like.” Pulling him to a stop she kept a hold of his hand. “I’ve not been completely forthcoming with you about who I am.” Most men, even men who came to the Tower of their own free will were not comfortable around Aes Sedai. They would avoid them at all costs; even her own Perivar had been that way once. The bond tugged at her, he was missing her and wondering where she was.

 

“I have not lied, in fact I cannot lie..” Lone didn’t seem to understand. “I cannot lie, make any weapons for one man to kill another, or use the One Power as a weapon. I am Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah, and have been for over two years now.” The pride at being able to say that swelled within her, and she suddenly felt foolish and unworthy for having hidden it at all.

 

Looking at Lone she wondered what he would think? He’d come to the Tower to serve Aes Sedai, perhaps not knowing what that would mean, but now he would be faced with a decision. Kabria held on to patience and waited to see what he would say.

 

“I cannot lie, make any weapons for one man to kill another, or use the One Power as a weapon. I am Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah, and have been for over two years now.” Lone made a mental double take at these words. All day he had been with this woman & never once noticed anything that had revealed who she truly was. At first he was angry at her for not telling him in the beginning, but that emotion evaporated as soon as it came. His ability to reason things through returned to him. If she had told him, would they have interacted at all today & made wonderfully fast friends? They most likely would not have as he would have been far too intimidated. In the end, Lone was glad that she hadn't told him. This just revealed to him that not all Aes Sedai were all work, no play. He wasn't sure what this would do to there relationship, but he was hoping only good things would come from it.

 

"I don't really know what to say. I'm not angry, but not elated either. I think I'm more interested in what effect this will have between us. I mean still have all our stories from today running through my mind, in particular our times with the Sea Folk. I have always separated from most people on that subject because of my time with them & never had anyone feel the same way about them that I do. I have always hoped to find one of the Sea Folk Aes Sedai & become her Warder. From what you have told me today, if you asked me right here, right now if I become yours, I would without a doubt say yes. I confess that was one of the first thoughts to cross my mind. I in no way mean to assume you would, it just, I guess, that I couldn't be more happy about this.

 

Lone's jaw dropped as soon as he had finished & he turned away. Had he really just said that out loud? He imagined that what he said was the equivalent proposing marriage to a normal person. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he turned to see Kabria's reaction. He prayed to the Creator that she would still be his friend.

Kabria covered her mouth to try and conceal the laughter that bubbled up within her. When she saw Lone turn away though, it brought her amusement to an end. “Oh Lone, I was not laughing at you. I am sorry. It is just, well..I was worried that me being Aes Sedai, rather you knowing that I was Aes Sedai would put an end to our friendship. Now you have offered me something so much more. It was laughter of relief.”

 

She had to move delicately now, these were unchartered waters, and she didn’t want anyone to get hurt. For some time she had been considering another Warder, but always thoughts of Perivar had stopped her. She wanted nothing to ruin what they had. At the same time she could not bond someone who was untrained and unfit; which Lone was as of yet. Still…. she did not want to say no outright either. It was a tangled snarl that would take more than one day to sort out. Whatever happened though she had to make sure that she protected everyone involved.

 

“I am honored that you would so willingly pledge your life to me after only knowing me one day, yet I cannot ask that of you. It would be selfish, and it would be wrong. You have just begun your journey within the Tower and your mind may change several times along the way. There may come a day where you wish you had that promise back, and something like that could destroy a friendship. What I am saying is that I will not hold you to that promise, but I do want to thank you. I want you to know that I will remember it though.” Leaning in she brushed his cheek with a kiss. “As for being your friend, I believe that is something that we will always be. No matter how much you change, or I. Finding someone else who shares so much of my past is too good to let it slip away.” 

 

Linking her arm back through his, she started them on their walk back to the Tower.

 

Lone's jaw dropped as soon as he had finished & he turned away. Had he really just said that out loud? He imagined that what he said was the equivalent proposing marriage to a normal person. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he turned to see Kabria's reaction. He prayed to the Creator that she would still be his friend.

 

To Lone's surprise, he was relieved to hear her say she wouldn't ask him now. He had meant what he had said, but a part of him was happy about this. While they walked back to the Tower & talked, he was trying to figure out why. There were the obvious reasons of he wasn't ready for that & he was going to fast for even himself, but he knew it was more than that. Using a thought focusing process he learned from Dout, Lone gathered all of his thoughts & began to sort through them to find his answer.

 

Everything fell into place when he discovered the reason. It was Adela. He had always known she was important to him, but it took this for him to realize how much so. She was everything he could have wanted in a friend and more. Nearly everyday she was the first thing in his mind & the last one out before sleep, even then he more often than not dreamt of her. As soon as he woke the next morning he would find Adela & talk to her about his feelings.

 

With a big grin on his face, Lone said, "You know what, Kabria, do believe this the beginning of a beautiful friendship."

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