Caemlyn. Evaline could scarcely believe her eyes as row upon row of buildings passed them by as her father deftly manoeuvred their wagon around the bustle of people milling the streets. It was her first trip to such a big city, having spent her entire life sheltered in a small village some distance from the nation's capital. This year however, her father had deemed her mature enough to accompany him on his annual sojourn to purchase cloth for the upcoming year. Evaline fairly buzzed with muted excitement; keeping it under tight reign was far more proper for a young lady than to bounce about with glee. Still, her hazel eyes sparkled and drank up the sights before her.

 

The journey to Caemlyn had not been short, but Evaline had been content with her Papa's company as they ambled. Their horse was aging and not nearly as fleet as foot as she had once been, but at least she was sturdy and reliable. Not unlike her Papa, Evaline thought idly as she craned her neck to view an inn that towered at three stories. No buildings were that tall in her village. How did it not topple over? When she voiced her wondering out loud, her father gave her an amused smile but said nothing. Evaline knew better than to question further - either her question was silly or it was not something a young lady needed to know. She was always accepting of her father's will, striving to be everything he had taught her a proper young woman should be. She was polite and meek, and comfortable in her position as a lesser, given her gender. It was not for her to question her place but to accept it, and she always did. She had much respect and affection for her Papa, and knew what he taught her was good and right.

 

The trip to the markets the next day, after resting the night in a reputable inn, was like a scene from a fantastical story. Evaline followed her father, wide-eyed, gripping her embroidery hoop tightly. Papa was going to indulge his daughter and allow her to view the fabrics on display, and possibly even make an opinion or a bolt or two - he was extremely generous to suggest it, Evaline thought - but the decisions were his, and she was not to interfere with his negotiating. It was not becoming for a young lady to barter. While he conducted his business, Evaline intended to find a quiet spot in which to continue sewing tiny flowers on the shawl she was making.

 

It was very nearly overwhelming, seeing so many people in one place, and the noise! It was as though a thousand people were shouting at the top of their lungs at once, and likely that wasn't far from the truth. Hawkers shouted their wares noisily, calling out for people to view the latest silk or marvel over a genuine artefact from the Age of Legends. Evaline goggled at it all, fingering bolt after bolt of cloth, listening as her Papa explained what she should look for in regards to quality. Evaline already knew this of course, she had practised her craft as a seamstress since she was old enough to hold a needle, but she held her tongue, nodding at his explanations. If Papa thought she needed reminding, likely she did. She was only a female, after all.

 

After some time examining the wares, Papa gave Evaline leave to choose a bolt of fabric, declaring with a smile that she could make a new dress for Sunday, given she would soon celebrate her sixteenth nameday and should have a new gown as a gift. Thrilled at the generous offer, Evaline began perusing the cloth on display with new enthusiasm. The merchant who owned the stall seemed to sense an easy sale and began drawing out expensive silks for her to examine. They were costly and impractical in Evaline's eyes though, as she quickly dismissed the vivid scarlet and buttercup yellow. A young lady ought not draw attention to herself with such outlandish colours, and besides, the gown would have to serve as more than a one-off frippary. Keeping her gaze shyly lowered from the friendly man, she instead selected a more serviceable bolt of sky blue wool, subtle yet pretty enough for a feast day, especially if it were trimmed with a small amount of pale yellow ribbon. Assuming her father approved, of course. She held it out to him.

 

"Papa, would this make a proper gown, do you think?"

 

"Aye child, it will do nicely," he replied with an approving smile, proud of his demure daughter. "Now run along over there while I do business with this gentleman, you need not be concerned with men's work."

 

Gifting her Papa with a glowing smile, Evaline moved to where he had pointed, sitting herself on the small stool near the street that still kept her close under his gaze, and withdrew her embroidery. Evaline soon lost herself in the quiet happiness of her work, all her attention focused on the small, neat stitches she made in the cloth. The sounds of the markets faded into the background as she shaped small daisies with a pale pink thread. So immersed was she in her task, she failed to notice straight away when a shadow fell across the hoop as someone behind her inspected her handiwork.

 

 

Evaline Perry

Soon to be novice

Carina ride in to Caemlyn on her trusted black stallion at a slow pace. It had been some time since she was last here and she had forgotten how busy a city of this size could be. Turning into one of the side streets from the main road, she moved towards the Inn that she favored rather than taking up residence at the Palace. She was in no mood for nobles and courts. She didn't particularly like big cities, really. Way too many people and not enough of nature's beauty to suit her. That is, excepting Tar Valon, of course. Now that was a city that would warm even the coldest heart. Her dress was rather simple, for an Aes Sedai at least. Made off good, stirdy wool that helped keep off the chill. While Aes Sedai may be able to stop themselves from feeling heat or cold, the body still felt it and suffered from it. The brown woolen dress was divided for riding, though in Carina's mind that wasn't at all the same as wearing comfortable breeches. Those she had worn for a while, after being raised to the shawl. That is, untill her sisters made it clear to her that she had to uphold a certain image of Aes Sedai. She had been shocked to hear them say that. Browns, of all people! What did they care about what she wore? She'd held her tongue and just kept on wearing them untill a visit from her Ajah Head had convinced her that maybe it would be better to wear these divided skirts instead. No matter what they said, it was not the same at all. These wide skirts, even divided, got entangled in just about everything. Not at all suited to walk through forrests, let alone bushes. Of course, Aes Sedai didn't generally go tramping through bushes, but that was beside the point, really. Still, she supposed it was important to uphold the image of a sister at all times. After all, a great deal of their authority came from how others viewed them. No matter how shallow or skindeep those viewings were.

 

She stopped in front of the stable of her favorite inn, the Dancing Sister, and handed the reigns to the stable boy that came running. A good lad, that. He had noticed her ageless face, of course, and knew what it meant. Though he didn't stop to gawk as most young people his age did. That still made her feel uncomfortable, though she didn't show any of it on her face. Over the years she had grown quite skilled in upholding her Aes Sedai face in all sorts of situations. That hadn't been too difficult really, since Carina had never been one to show her emotions too quickly. Quite the opposit, really. She was more reserved in nature, except when she was dealing with animals. People made her wary. Animals were honest, you may not always like what you got, but you always knew it was genuin. Well, with most animals. Rats and ravens were a downright nuisance. Filthy things, those.

 

A large man came hurrying out the back door of the inn, apron sparkling white, what was left of his hair neatly trimmed, his huge smile splitting a face in two that looked like an oversized mellon.

"Carina Sedai!" he exclaimed, "Light, but it is so very good to see you again! Please, do come in. Come in!" He said, turning back the way he had come from, motioning her with big, fat hands to follow. "You must be tired of your journey, Aes Sedai. Never fear, though, you will have my best room, a good hot bath and a decent meal in no time. Anduin!" He bellowed at one of the stable boys, "Get over here and prepare a hot bath in the Rose Room. Hurry boy!"

 

"Really, Serrith" Carina said, sounding lightly amused, "You really shouldn't go through all that trouble. You know I do not wish all that fuss over me." The man wouldn't hear of it, though. She had patroned his inn since the first time she had come to Caemlyn, and it was generally considered good luck to have a sister stay in your inn in the city. Most sisters took up residence at the Palace, with the Queen and her Aes Sedai advisor, so it was a rare occasion that one of them graced an inn with their presence.

"Now now, Aes Sedai, don't you go taking an old man's fun from him. There aren't many pleasures such as I have in life, you know." He smiled at her as they moved through the kitchen, leaving a trail of bowing and curtseying in their wake. Carina sighed inwardly. She really didn't like all this bowing and scraping, but it was yet another thing her Head had made her see as necessary. Honestly, the woman seemed more Blue than Brown sometimes .

 

"Alright then, Serrith" She cut in through his continuous ramblings about him being an old man and what a pleasure it was to have her visiting again. "A bath does sound wonderful, but the dinner will have to wait till later. I want to go to the market and pick up a few things before tonight." They reached the door of her room and one of the servant girls opened it to let them in.

"Very good, Carina Sedai" Serrith said, that humongous grin splitting his face again. He checked to see if everything in the room was in order and then left her to the hands of the servant girls. Sighing inwardly again, Carina stripped and stepped into the bathtub. Accepting the inevitability of being washed instead of doing the deed herself. No use in affronting the girls or hurting their feelings by turning them away, she supposed.

 

An hour later, Carina glided over the cobblestoned streets of the market, her purchase secured in a sack dangling from her arm. She studied the people in the market place, as she passed them, unwittingly practicing her people reading skills again. She had taken up that habbit in Tear, after having missread someone to the point where they almost threw her in prison. Of all the fool things to do! A Sister. In prison? Unbelievable. Suddenly she stopped. Turning slowely, she studied the people in the small quare and her eyes picked up a young girl sitting on a stool, working on embroidery of all things. She didn't look like the daughter of one of the merchants in the square, Carina thought. What young girl came to a market place only to sit quietly and embroider? She walked over to the girl, who never took her eyes off her work, and stood behind her, examining her skill. She was quite good.

 

"You have a fine hand, child" She said softly to the girl. The feeling had been faint, yet distinct, from a distant, but this close there was no doubt. The girl had the ability to channel. Carina wasn't in the habbit of seeking out girls that could channel, but with the Tower's dwindling numbers, it was the responsibility of every sister to see to it that every girl that could learn was brought in and entered into the Book. It wouldn't be too much of an inconvenience for Carina, as she was on her way to the Tower already. She just hoped that the girl or her family, or both, wouldn't make too much trouble.

The voice that came from behind Evaline made her give a startled jump that very nearly made her lose her hold on the embroidery hoop. Whirling on the stool, Evaline found herself looking up at a young woman. Or was she not so young? It wasn't particularly easy to determine. Blushing prettily as the compliment sank in at last, Evaline rose and bent her knees slightly in a polite curtsey. The woman's gown was impeccably tailored, if not flashy, and the material fine indeed, she noticed. Had to be some sort of lady. Why would a lady of note take any notice of the mousy girl sitting quietly in the square?

 

"I thank you, mistress." Evaline said in her demure, softly spoken voice. "It is very kind of you to say so, though I don't believe I am worthy of praise for a pursuit I partake in purely for enjoyment." She smiled and raised her eyes a fraction from where her gaze had dipped to once again guess at the woman's age. Again, she was left completely unsure. The woman was smooth cheeked and her hair retained all of it's youthful colour, not a strand of gray to be seen in its depths, but something about her put Evaline in mind of someone much older and wiser than she.

 

A sudden thought struck Evaline and she grimaced. "I do hope I was not in your way or disturbing you by sitting here," she said, a rosy blush highlighting her cheekbones. Here she was, accepting what she thought was a lovely compliment when she may have just been in the woman's path! She had been proud, quietly  thrilling in the simple words. Evaline would have to admit the sin to her father and pray that she could rectify herself. Proper young ladies weren't arrogant or filled with self-importance. "I was taking the time to sew while my father conducts business with the merchant, but I will move so that I do not disturb you further mistress, my apologies." Evaline began hastily packing away her work lest she disgrace herself any further in front of the stranger.

 

Evaline

Carina stood unmoving as the girl whipped about in her chair, her small pretty face showing a range of emotions going from shock to pleasure to pride to shock again and finally settling into what appeared like... shame? Now what was a girl this age doing being ashamed? Carina could guess and only years of training schooling her face and controlling her emotion stopped her from instantly marching to the girl's father and giving him an earfull. Filling children's heads with that 'women in their place' nonsense was one thing, but making them believe they should be ashamed of their talents? Tsk!

 

She performed the novice exercise almost as an afterthought and widened her smile at the young girl.

"You were not in my way, child. What is your name? My name is Carina. You may call me that as I much prefer it to mistress. I came over to this side of the road especially to see you" Unbelief now covered that lovely face. "You are here with your father, you say? Is he one of the gentlemen over there in that shop with all the cloth?" The girl nodded soundlessly "Could you perhaps introduce me to your father?"

 

No doubt the girl had been sheltered from the world, but the father would probably recognise an Aes Sedai face when he saw one. Few people in Andor were ignorant of that. At least, the adults. Though most children would recognise a Sister too, except for those shielded from the world. Like this child. She kept a grip on her emotions. The man may just be over protective of his daughter, she reminded herself. Preserve judgement till knowledge is gained. The mantra worked again and she folded her hands in front of her, still smiling down at the girl. My, but she was a pretty one.

This somewhat odd lady had come specifically to see her, and now wanted to meet her father? Evaline's mind was in a whirl. Surely she had caused some offence she couldn't see, despite the woman's claims. But what had she done? Dread surged within her and she reluctantly rose from her chair, embroidery clutched in nerveless fingers. Her father's ire would be terrible. Evaline didn't even contemplate refusing the woman's request, as that would be rude, and Evaline was never rude. Well, some of her friends had argued she was rude when she lectured them on propriety, but that was a different situation entirely.

 

"As you wish mistress Carina." Evaline replied courteously. "My name is Evaline Perry." In silence they crossed the street, Evaline's mind filled with gloom and the mysterious woman thinking the light knew what. Light, just interrupting her father while he conducted business was impertinent enough, but something told the girl she should obey Carina.

 

"Pa?" Evaline tried to slip in without being rude as the two men spoke, but when her father turned an angry look her way she knew she had failed. Swallowing, Evaline continued, puzzled at the expression that crossed his face when he took in her companion. "I'm sorry to intrude, but Mistress Carina wished to make your acquaintance. Carina, this is my Pa, Gregor Perry." Why was he looking that way? And why did he nod his head in a show of respect? Evaline was hopelessly confused. Her father bowed his head to no one, particularly a woman. She'd often imagined he would struggle to bend his neck even to his Queen.

 

"Watch your tongue gel," he barked, "this is an Aes Sedai you are speaking of so disrespectfully." Aes Sedai? She didn't look like an arrogant witch, as she had been taught. Her father had only ever spoken of the Tar Valon witches with scorn, abhorring the powerful position they wielded as no woman had the right too. No woman should have such power over men. That, and they had likely caused the breaking and covered it up by blaming the men. Despite his feelings though, he had warned her to always show them respect if she were to ever encounter one, lest they use the power on her in some fashion. Looking at the pleasant appearing woman, Evaline felt her first amount of scepticism for one of her father's claimed, which was followed with a rush of shame. She had been treating her like nothing more than perhaps a minor noble! And called her by name. Evaline's cheeks flushed and she dropped into a very belated curtsey, holding it for several moments before rising and keeping her head bowed.

 

"What do wish of my daughter and I, Aes Sedai?" Gregor's tone was only a hair within civility. "If she caused you offence I apologise, she is a good girl but forgets herself time to time." His eyes flicked to the slumped pose of his daughter. "Though perhaps she will learn her lesson without the assistance of a new gown." Evaline was mortified and angry. How could he shame her so, in front of another? Evaline said nothing of course, though the thought of losing that lovely blue fabric filled her with regret for whatever it was she could possibly have done. Receiving such a gift was so rare, and to lose it now...Evaline did not know what to do, save being as polite and respectful as she could.

 

"I am very sorry Aes Sedai, I did not know you for who you are when we spoke. Pray forgive me for the offence." Evaline's voice was soft and tremulous. Idiot girl! How had she managed to ruin so completely such a wonderful journey? Her father would never agree to take her again, lest she bring him more shame.

 

 

Evaline Perry

Oh yes, it was as she suspected, Carina thought. The man was all icy politeness on the surface but he didn't hide his disgust as well as he thought he did. Her heart went out to the poor girl, looking as though she'd rather be swallowed up by the ground than endure the displeasure of her father. It was clear the girl did everything her father wanted her to, right up to the point of thinking exactly as he dictated. It's a good thing I'm the one that found her, she thought, instead of one of the Red. Still, it took considerable effort on her part to keep her voice amiacable with this lout that called himself a man. Any flaring of temperament would only be seen as justification for that sort's twisted way of thinking.

 

"There was no offense, master Perry. I told the girl to call me Carina and I didn't include the honorifix, so the fault wasn't hers." No, she added in thought, the fault is entirely yours you big ox! Again she performed her novice exercise, though none of her thoughts or emotions showed in her face. "I asked the child to introduce me to you as we need to talk. You are aware that no Sister can come in the proximity of another woman with the ability to channel without knowing it?" His face clearly indicated he did not know, though he tried to disguise his ignorance with a curt nod. "Good," Carina smiled, "Not many are aware of that fact. I can see you are an educated man." Educated enough to read the label on a piece of cloth but not much more, I gather. "Evaline has the ability to channel. That is what brought me to her, and you. She must come with me to the White Tower where she will learn how to controle that ability and maybe even reach the level of Aes Sedai herself. Without that training, her life may very well be at grave danger." Carina didn't usually go about it so bluntly, but she had a feeling she needed to keep him on his toes and cut short any foolish attempts of rationalising away the risk. The girl's eyes, meanwhile, had grown to the size of saucers. Carina smiled down at her. "Don't worry, Evaline. With proper training and hard work you will eliminate that risk and maybe even rise to become Aes Sedai yourself one day."

 

She turned back to the man. "I will allow for you to say your farewells and accompany you to your home so she can say goodbye to her mother and siblings, but then we must be off." Looking over at the merchant's booth and the bale of blue cloth Gregor had been negotiating about before and walked resolutely to the salesman. "Please arrange for this bale to be delivered at the White Tower to Carina Sedai of the Brown Ajah." She said as she took out her purse and paid the man what she knew the bale was worth. Which was, incidentally, about half of what the man had tried to sell it for to Gregor. She turned back to the two and smiled at Evaline. "You will wear novice clothes, of course, but once you are successfull in your training and are considered ready to be Aes Sedai, or ready to leave the Tower, you can take this nice cloth and have that dress made that you fancy so much. It is a hard thing to have to wait so long, but maybe the wait will make the prize all the more valuable, yes?"