Kiri stretched as she sat up on the roof. This was such a beautiful summer day. Completely lazy, just the way she liked it. Running a hand through her hair she watched the citizens of Cairhien go about their daily routines.

 

Sighing to herself, Kiri looked in the direction of the building she was aiming to burglarize that evening. It seemed pretty much unattended at the moment, but she was hoping that it would be completely unattended before long. To further pass the time, Kiri began to think to herself about the Aiel. These annoying, pretentious creatures come into Cairhien toting around their false Dragon like they own the place! It has to be a false Dragon. I just refuse to believe that puny man can be the real one. But I'm fine with him. He can claim to be the Queen of Caemlyn for all I care, I want these Aiel out. They're hurting my friends and ruining our lives.

 

Suddenly the sound of another Aiel "arresting" a man caught her attention and Kiri turned her head to watch. It almost seemed as if a mob was going to form because the people in the area were NOT pleased with the choice this time. Then again, rarely were they ever pleased when one of the Aiel decided to step out of their realm of authority. Though her heart pleaded with her to do otherwise, Kiri sat back on the roof, sensing the hopelessness of trying to free the man by herself.

 

Half an hour passed when Kiri realized that a large number of Aiel seemed to be moving away from her target. This is perfect! she exlaimed to herself as she scrambled to a better vantage point. There were still plenty of Cairhienien citizens around but she couldn't see any Aiel around the building. Climbing down from the roof, she began to slowly make her way through the crowd and to her target.

 

As soon as she got to the street that her target rested on, Kiri groaned audibly when she saw a lone Aiel standing in front of the door and looking around. Had the Aiel placed this sentry just to spite her? Surely not, but the fact remained, there was an Aiel in her way and that was a problem. Looking around, Kiri found a spot against the wall of the building across the street from her target and sat down, waiting to see what the Aiel did. If he takes too long to get out of my way, I'll have to get him out of my way..

 

OOC: Aaaand there we go! I assumed that you were the lone Aiel at the door, Myth, if that's not true, then he can be an NPC? maybe? I left the purpose of the guy completely open so you don't have to be lost or a sentry or anything specific.. you just decided to stand there for a while. Up to you on whether or not you want to let me get in and steal or not ^^

The crowd dispersed swiftly. After all, Cor had come to expect nothing less from these treekillers. None had the courage to speak out against the "invading" Aiel protecting their city, a job which they should be doing on their own, at least in his view. But probably more importantly from their perspective was the desire to disappear before they became involved.

 

Scanning the dusty street, the young Aiel warrior noted that all that remained of the would-be thieves were a few blood-stained cobblestones, three bodies, and the rapidly shrinking view of the Red Shields marching the remaining survivors off to the treekiller prison.

 

Quickly scoping out the nearby windows, doorways, and rooftops, and spying nothing out of the ordinary, Cor cleaned his spear tip on the cloak of one of the wetlander "toughs" and followed the remaining Red Shields toward Cairhein's largest library. It had become the regular meeting point for the detachment of Red Shields that had been assigned the duty of patrolling the areas of Cairhein that the treekiller's own security couldn't protect.

 

Conveniently located, it was both out of the way enough to avoid disturbing the city's own guards and open enough to easily fit the needs of the two dozen or so Red Shields patrolling the area. Despite their own complete lack of concern over the sufferings of the Cairheinin, the Aiel had heeded the wishes of the Car'a'carn and began to make enroads into the abundant criminal element in the wetlander city.

 

"These thieves are everywhere," thought Cor to himself as he followed the group, his ever-present lion companion Nei'din at his heels. "They are as abundant as lice in a Shaido rug, and the folk here do just as little to get rid of them."

 

The wetlanders' attitude made no sense to him, but at least his new duties gave him something to fill his days. Since he had gone to Ghual with his uneasy boredom, the Clan Chief's idea to have him work with the Red Shields had kept him out of trouble. So far, anyway. He had had to fight three of the Red Shields since joining them to help. Their comments had proven it necessary, and one outspoken Aiel still hadn't healed sufficiently to return to duty. But at least they had finally accepted him, since his fighting ability had proven useful in more than just silencing their negative comments toward him.

 

Cor understood their views. If one of them had been placed with the Stone Dogs, his own society, they would also have had to endure some spirited hazing to ensure that they were worthy.

 

Turning his attention back to the task at hand, Cor heard the dismissal and watched as the others departed, making their way out of the city and back to the tents. This had been a full day, but the young warrior was not yet ready to return to his own tent.

 

Lost in his own thoughts, Cor stood there staring absently into space for several moments before coming to himself. It would not do to let an enemy come upon him unawares here. These Cairheinin were sneaky as a Shaido goldsmith. You had to keep your eyes on them. Easing over to the side of the wide entry steps, Cor crouched down on his heels, as motionless as the statues these wetlanders had carved everywhere.

 

After several minutes, almost as if sensing his unease, Nei'din idled up to him from his shadowed resting place of moments before and plopped down in the sun at Cor's feet. The young lion was already enormous, and he was still growing! Cor chuckled as he scratched his "little" brother behind the ears, careless of the ever-present shock and fear the great cat inspired in the populace, and returned to his thoughts of what the future held for the Aiel.

 

Unusually, the young warrior was lost to his surroundings as he delved into the unknown struggles to come.

 

OOC: i didn't want to make the day seem unusual, so i just kinda had him hanging out. feel free to run with it in any direction you like, as long as you don't kill me already! :D

OOC: Sorry about having not continued this yet! I'm already preparing to go through another hell week in college! But I'll definitely have time to post today after my classes and this weekend is Fall Break! Promise there'll be an addition to the thread!!

Having grown slightly impatient, Kiri slowly got up from her spot against the wall and made her way casually through the crowd. On the way, she picked up a relatively large pebble and clutched it in her right hand, and in order to disguise it, she decided to look as if under a great deal of stress and run up to the Aiel and ask for assistance.

 

After she had found the right motivation, Kiri took a deep breath, and then began to intentionally hyperventilate herself in order to look as if short on breath. Then she sprang into action and ran frantically towards the Aiel at the door, stopping just far enough away that it wouldn't seem like she was trying to attack him and said in a rushed voice, "Um! Sir! Master Aiel, um..! Th-there's trouble over there to the West!! Some men were setting fire to a woman's house over there and another Aiel tried to stop them but he was outnumbered!! They're killing him right now you have to help him! The house is on fire too! Please, something has to be done and I can't find anyone else! Do you have some people you could take along to help?! It's horrible!"

 

So it wasn't her best work, but due to the tone of emergency in her voice, she was sure he had no other option than to believe her. The idea that there wasn't much smoke showing over there other than that of a cooking chimney hadn't quite occurred to her, but she prayed that her own panic would cause him to panic and pay less attention to the details. She caught her breath and looked at him with hope and fright in her eyes. What would his next move be?

Cor snapped back to reality as a wetlander woman rushed up to him, coming to a halt just as Nei'din was about to pounce on her, and he re-grounded his spearpoint. She was very attractive and looked strangely familiar, but before he could recall where he had seen her before, her words caught his attention.

 

"Th-there's trouble over there to the West!! Some men were setting fire to a woman's house over there and another Aiel tried to stop them but he was outnumbered!! They're killing him right now you have to help him! The house is on fire too! Please, something has to be done and I can't find anyone else! Do you have some people you could take along to help?! It's horrible!"

 

She was out of breath and appeared to be very frightened. He could imagine! These Treekillers were fearful they almost never spoke to an Aiel voluntarily. Quickly, he probed her for more information, and when it was apparent she knew little more than what she had already told him, all the while gesturing frantically that he must do something, he sprinted off in the direction her frantic pointing had indicated, with Nei'din on his heels.

 

As he dashed down the nearly deserted streets, he had ran about three of these city blocks, the word still sounded strange to him, when he took note that no one other than himself was acting rushed. Slowing, he began to pay closer attention to his surroundings. There were no shouts for help, no bells were sounding the alarm, no frantic rush to get away from the danger. Most notably, there was no smoke cloud climbing into the sky. Coming to a halt, he considered the situation.

 

First of all, now that he thought about it, no Aiel would have come to this residential area alone. If they were here at all, it would have been on patrol with at least a partner to watch each others back. Turning a complete circuit in the middle of the street and seeing no sign at all of a fire, he realized he had been tricked. Quickly scanning the windows, rooftops, and doorways, he saw no sign of an ambush, so he hadn't been the target, so why the story?

 

Then, like one of those puzzles the blacksmiths made, everything fell into place. The pretty girl! He had seen her when he had returned to the library with the Red Shields! She had been standing on a rooftop down the street when they had killed those Treekiller thugs. As he had studied the area for more attackers in the aftermath, the movement of her sitting down had caught his eye. It was the same girl. She had wanted him out of the way and had lied to him to get him to leave the library's doorway. But why?

 

He was slowly making his way back in the direction of the library, wrestling with the situation in his mind, when the bells sounded. Trouble! And if a Shaido could almost count to two, he knew who was behind it.

 

Sprinting toward the library as he raised his veil, he knew that he was already too late.

Kiri cursed to herself. I did so well getting that Aiel out of my way and without ANY troubles at that. But I get a bit hasty and mess up a tiny amount on picking the lock and suddenly I have the alarm bells ringing over my head. Great. Well, at least I got the book. Surely he's not back yet, right? She turned the last corner and found her exit. She was a little startled but had done a good job so far of calming herself down. Now she just had to get out of sight. With a deep breath, she put her hand on the door and opened it as quickly as she could and threw herself out into the street. She looked around for the best escape route when she was startled again by a voice she only recognized because she had heard it not long ago.

 

"Wetlander female, stop!! You lied about the fire!! Don't run if you know what's best for you!!" the voice exclaimed. She turned quickly to the direction of the voice and saw the Aiel charging in the distance, making his way through the crowd that was quickly clearing out of his way. "LIGHT!" yelled Kiri as she reacted within the next second to turn and run the other way. As quickly as she could, she turned and fled down a short alley on her left. She knew these Aiel were reputed for being able to catch nearly anyone. She was not going to allow herself to be another casualty to that theory. Theory is all it is. None of the people who say that know how I can run.

 

When she got to the end of the alley, she turned right and looked for something to climb. There was a ladder on a building across the street. Fortunately, it wasn't a very large building and would be a quick climb. She ran as hard as she could for it and when she got close, she leaned forward, placing her hands on the ground and immediately innitiated a cartwheel. She followed with a back handspring into a round off and landed halfway up the ladder. Fortunately she was light enough that the ladder only shuddered as she readjusted her weight to begin climbing. When she got to the top of the building, she looked for the next place to run, a slightly taller building on the opposite corner. As she took off towards it, she turned back to see the Aiel running still, only seeing enough to know that he was where she had been before her acrobatics.

 

When she turned back and lept for the building in front of her, she thought to herself, That's strange. He's by himself. I don't think I've ever seen an Aiel hunt someone down on his own. Surely he couldn't have set an ambush with this little time, could he? As she ran across the new roof, she saw a smaller building to her left and decided to keep to the outside of the Aiel's grasp. Turning right just wouldn't work. Bracing herself, she jumped down to the roof of the smaller building. It took her a couple of seconds to get her legs working again due to the abrupt stop, but she quickly ran for the opposite end of the roof and grasped onto it. As quickly as she could, she lowered herself off the roof and dropped. She made sure to land with her center of balance low to the ground in order to spare herself further pain.

 

Her heart pounding, Kiri rolled forward and then sprang forward into a sprint for the next alley. I have to find a way to get out of the streets now. He may be far enough behind or at least obstructed enough that I am out of his sight. I hope. I don't want to get any of my friends in trouble, so it's time to go for my home. That's to the right unfortunately.. Oh well, I must go! As she finished out the alley, she turned right and continued running as hard as she could, now aiming for her home. As she got halfway towards the end of the current block, she heard behind her, "STOP!! You have more than proven your guilt now and you won't escape! If you make this any harder on yourself, I may be less inclined to allow you to live!"

 

This frightened Kiri to an extent and she pushed herself to run harder. This was serious now. She couldn't afford to hold back anything in trying to escape him. She began looking around for anyone she knew; maybe if someone would help her, she could defeat the lone Aiel. In fact, she was quite surprised that none of the townspeople were helping her. Everyone here hated the Aiel and most of them were quite vocal about it when the Aiel weren't around. That wasn't important now. She managed to make it into the alley at the end of the block and as she neared the end of it, she started a series of back handsprings. While she was doing so, she could see the Aiel chasing her. As she approached the building across the street from the end of the alley, she grunted and pushed as hard as she could, catching the wall with her hands and continuing into a very awkward back handspring that landed her on the roof of the building. Her stomach and legs hurt quite a bit now but she wasn't safe yet. Her home wasn't far off now but how would she get out of view of this Aiel? Before she could worry much more, she turned and ran off across the roof in the direction of her home.

Cor had just entered the great square before the Great Library when the pretty girl emerged from the building, quickly scanning the open space in front of it.

 

Cautiously picking up speed, he shouted, "Wetlander female, stop! You lied about the fire! Don't run if you know what's best for you!!"

 

She ran.

 

Like an archer's arrow she flew, quickly disappearing around a corner. Cor tore after her, Nei'din at his side. He knew that he was fast, one of the fastest runners of all the Aiel, but this treekiller sneak-thief was on her home ground, and that would count for a lot if he couldn't snare her quickly.

 

Crossing the rapidly emptying square with blazing speed, Cor swung wide around the corner she had disappeared behind in case of an ambush, but no attack was coming. Instead, he saw her tiny figure do some kind of flip onto a ladder at the end of the alley. Pausing at the top, she looked back and saw him, but just as quickly she disappeared again. In the eerie stillness after the Cairheinen had all vanished, he heard her rapidly pattering feet on the roof as she ran.

 

Dashing the length of the alley, he quickly, but carefully, eased up the rickety ladder, unsure if it would hold his weight. Gaining the rooftop, he told Nei'din to go home, and turned just in time to see a flash disappear onto a slightly higher roof. With a smile, he sprinted across the intervening distance. "At last, a worthy chase!"

 

He easily swung onto the next roof and again saw a flash of movement disappearing out of sight. "This wetlander runs well," he thought with admiration as he sped in pursuit. Reaching the spot where he had saw her vanish, he had no choice but to jump down to yet another roof. Dropping carefully, he rolled with the landing and arose in a sprint. Again, there was but one way for him to go. Leaping recklessly onto the next low roof, he heard a soft thud as something landed beyond his line of sight. Tearing across the intervening distance, he saw her disappear around another building.

 

Leaping down into the street, he wrapped his veil around his face. Any wetlander who could run like this was surely very dangerous, so he must be ready for anything. He slowed as he edged up to the next corner, and cautiously peeked around it. There was nothing in it. Cursing vehemently, he furiously sped down the deserted alley and into the street beyond. Coming into the open, he rapidly scanned his surroundings and spied his quarry.

 

"STOP!! You have more than proven your guilt now and you won't escape! Don't make this any harder on yourself, or I may have to kill you!"

 

She didn't stop.

 

Again she disappeared down another alley. Sprinting after her, he made it to the alley's entrance in time to see her do an even more outrageous flip. This time it looked as if she grabbed the wall itself and literally willed herself up onto the roof! At least, he heard her land on it. Somehow. "Light! How did she do that?"

 

Jogging down the alley, he saw that the roof was too high for him to jump up and grab. What to do now? There was no way he could perform her crazy feat, but it did give him an idea when he saw the corner where the two buildings met.

 

Backing up several paces, Cor ran toward the corner, leaping at the last second toward the end wall and pushing off with one leg. It shot him up, and he quickly lunged up with his other leg. The two half-leaps propelled him just high enough to reach the roof's edge, and he heaved himself up.

 

No one was within sight, but there was only one path she could have taken: the one in front of him. Were those footsteps in the distance? Pausing, he pulled out a spear, then continued the chase.

The Great Library of Cairhein was akin to climactic pleasure for a sister of the Brown Ajah with its layers of kept knowledge, dusty corners, and tomes of genius. No other place held as much information save the White Tower’s library, which Shaneevae had already gone over with a fine toothed comb searching for various delectable bits of knowledge concerning her latest project. A world full of tiny organisms invisible to the naked eye and with everything in her, she believed it to be true, but how to find out? That was the reason she’d found herself in Cairhein even with the Aiel camped around the walls in full force.

 

It was not as if she were afraid of the savages from the Waste, but from everything she read they were fierce warriors and a society with which she was not familiar. One could never be certain how an Aes Sedai would be perceived in a city under siege, which was the reason her shawl had been left at the Tower and her serpent ring was tucked safely away back at The Seven Swords.

 

In preparation, she smoothed her silken, pale blue gown adorned with the simplest pattern of snowflakes on the hem and cuffs. No necklace marred the broad shoulders and full bosom displayed by the Tairen cut gown. Today, she was a wealthy merchant, noble or any other woman of wealth other than Aes Sedai.

 

Stepping through the entrance, a whirl of commotion had everyone in an uproar. Shaneevae pressed her back up against the stone wall, her eyes wide as a rather large man and a……a…..lion flew passed her. Her mouth agape and her eyes wide open in shock, her visit would simply have to wait. A lion! A lion in Cairhein! Her heart pounded with excitement and the thump of lion. Lion. LION as she hiked up her skirts and fled in the direction the feline had gone.

 

What was a lion doing in Cairhein and how could she get one? Shaneevae ran as fast as her body would allow, her eyes darting left and right in search of her quarry. Aes Sedai serenity be damned. This was a LION! How would she ever find that magnificent creature again. How long she had been running, she wasn’t sure, but her lungs were on fire and her legs were beginning to feel like jelly. Panting, she bent over and placed her hands on her knees trying to catch her breath. She’d never gotten another glimpse of the feline, but she had seen the looks on folks’ faces, which is how she determined the direction he’d went. It had to be a male, only males had the majestic manes that this one had.

 

Leaning against a wall, she brushed her golden brown hair from her face. There was no doubt that her hair was a wild, unkempt mess and her face flushed making her freckles even more prominent, but she did not care. There was a lion in Cairhein. A soft rumble caught her attention and slowly she peeked around the corner. Sleepy blue-green eyes widened and a soft smile caused her full mouth to curve for at the end of the alley was that kingly animal quietly stretching and grooming himself.

 

Now what to do…

 

Taking a deep breath, she turned the corner. The animal glanced up at her and she dropped her eyes. Shaneevae knew enough about animals to know that direct eye contact would be viewed as aggression. Speaking in soft tones, she inched her way forward. Yes, cats generally adored Aes Sedai, but no one had ever tested that tidbit on big cats; big cats that outweighed her by a good bit. He also had the teeth of a carnivore designed to tear flesh. That thought would have cowed any other woman or man for that matter, did not once give Shaneevae pause.

 

A soft clicking sound accompanied her soft hum as she approached the animal. Within several feet, the Brown sister felt confident, but then the fearsome animal stood and growled lowly at her.

 

“Ouch now, kitty.” She said in a soothing voice. “Shaneevae will not hurt you.” Holding out her hand, the massive feline sniffed her outstretched palm and rumbled low in his throat. “Ohhh such a good boy.” Smiling widely, she asked, “Are you going to let me pet you, my big handsome man?”

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

First Chair

Cor finally got a good look at the sneak-thief as she stood motionless at the end of the peaked roof. She could run no farther, because this roof was easily 30 feet off the ground, and there were no buildings beyond for her to jump onto. So they had reached an impasse… with her on the far end, heels firmly planted on the edge, staring back at him defiantly. He grinned under his veil. Now here is a wetlander who is worthy. She is scared to her bones, but is defiant still. Perhaps there is hope for these treekillers yet.

 

“Well, sneak-thief, it seems we’ve come to the end of this high way.” Chuckling at his little joke, he continued, “The next move in the game is yours. How do you wish to play it?”

 

Cor simply stood there, waiting patiently as only an Aiel can, staring warily at the sneak-thief woman. His spear was poised ready to kill or re-sheath, whichever the game dictated. This tree killer was crafty, so he was curious as to her next move.

 

Without a word, the little sneak-thief slowly reached into her pouch. Something about him must have frightened her, because she said breathlessly, “Easy now,” and lifted her other hand non-threateningly. With the most exaggerated care, she lifted a book out of her pouch, holding it with just her fingertips. So THAT is what she stole, he thought. He understood the appeal of a fine book, but why steal it? The Great Library, as the treekillers called that building, allowed most people to enter and read whatever they would.

 

“This book holds a very early translation of the Prophecies of the Dragon,” she said. “As you can imagine, it’s not something just anyone is allowed to read. Notice the jewel encrusted cover, not to mention the possible information revealed inside its pages. There are many who would pay a great deal for this book.” Shrugging her shoulders and laughing softly, “So perhaps you can understand a girl’s desire to make a little profit?” And with that, she threw the book HIGH in the air toward the left side of the roof while simultaneously diving headfirst down the right slope.

 

Cor had no choice. He dove for the book.

 

Sliding down the roof tiles, he came up hard at the roof’s edge and reached out into the empty space beyond him, snagging the book as it fell. Looking back, he knew what he would see. Nothing.

 

Climbing back to the roof’s peak and sliding down the far side, he looked down into a crowded street of Cairheinin vendors. The street was packed shoulder to shoulder with folk looking for nearly anything imaginable. It would be impossible to find the beautiful little woman in that mess of people.

 

Smiling at the resourcefulness of his opponent, he lowered his veil and tucked his spear away. “We’ll meet again little thief.” With that, and the book, he made his way back toward where he had left Nei’din. Knowing him, the big cat was still waiting on him.

 

As he neared the edge of the roof where he had left his little brother, Cor distinctly heard the soft voice of a woman. Peering over the edge before he started down the rickety ladder, the tall Aiel warrior couldn’t help but laugh at the scene beneath him. There in the otherwise empty alley, Nei’din was stretched out lazily with a golden-haired woman sitting in the street contentedly scratching his ears.

 

Easing down the ladder, Cor strolled toward the wetlander woman. On the way, he noticed as a matter of course, that she was a stunning figure, even if she was a wetlander, and her best assets were quite outstanding. Smiling, he suggested “He may seem friendly, but he’s not a pet. I’d be careful if I were you.”

 

Cor

Kiri

A contented purr came from the beast with its magnificent dark maned head lying in her lap. The vibrations rumbled deeply in his chest and resonated through her own, causing her bones to even vibrate with the sensation. Stretching his massive limbs, he had the equivalent of a smile of satisfaction on his face. Soft words of comfort purred from her lips as she scratched the large feline behind the ears musing at how alike this great animal was to a house cat. Well, except for the monstrous, jagged teeth and paws larger than her own small hands.

 

Scratching him under the chin, Shaneevae wondered just who he belonged. How she would love to keep this animal for her very own, but surely such a majestic beast belonged to someone else as much as any animal belonged to anyone. As much as she adored studying such wildlife, she felt just as strongly that all animals should be free. Caging them for our own amusement was a travesty of the utmost. The Brown Sister wondered just how hypocritical she was to believe that when she herself willingly dissected such creatures to increase her insatiable desire for knowledge. Torn between two masters, she was, her heart pulling in one direction and mind insisting the opposite.

 

It was these thoughts of duality that filled her mind when a voice interrupted her thoughts. He may seem friendly, but he’s not a pet. I’d be careful if I were you.

 

Startled, Shaneevae looked up at a creature almost as magnificent as the one now leaving her lap. Fickle feline. Brushing her skirts, she stood and bowed her head in acknowledgement. The Aiel that stood before her dwarfed her. He was even taller than Ryan if that were possible and obviously it seemed it was indeed possible.

 

Every bit of information she’d ever read concerning the Aiel became a chaotic jumble in her mind. Did they shake hands? For the life of her, she could not remember, but she had a niggling feeling that they did not. Licking her lips, she tilted her head and studied the man who was awaiting an answer, a comment…..anything she would imagine, but for some asinine reason, she was speechless, a rare occurrence to be sure.

 

Blinking several times, she finally spoke, “Good day to you sir. A fine animal you have there. I would be most interested in purchasing him from you if you are of a mind to part with him and if not, perhaps you would see fit to allow me to observe him for several days. I have a keen interest in such creatures.” Shaneevae allowed her eyes to travel the length of the Aiel taking in as much of him as she had taken in of his lion. Flashing her eyebrows, she grinned.

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

These wetlanders all paint their emotions on their faces, thought Cor as he stood there looking down at the voluptuous stranger. It was obvious that she was incredibly excited about the presence of the lion and uneasy in the presence of an Aiel. Still, he had to give her credit. Most of these wetlanders would be wetting themselves in fear standing face to face with one of us, yet she’s standing here as calm as the sunrise bartering like a merchant over al’gode prices.

 

“I’m sorry, mistress, but you have the wrong idea about Nei’din here,” he said as he scratched behind the giant lion’s ears. “My little brother is not for sale, and he’d probably eat me if he thought I was giving him away.” The young warrior’s face cracked with a hint of a smile at his jest.

 

Something about the wetlander’s poise scratched at his awareness, but he couldn’t place it. He found it very odd that she wasn’t concerned in the least that she was alone in a deserted alley with a “murdering Aiel” and a giant lion. Maintaining his relaxed posture, Cor reflexively scanned the nearby rooftops and the mouth of the alley. It seemed like a strange tactic for an ambush, but everyone knew these wetlanders were as crazy as a Shaido with too much oos’quai.

 

As he surveyed the surrounding area, he noticed that the curvaceous woman was surveying him just as thoroughly. It appeared the lion wasn’t the only thing here she found interesting…

 

“I tell you what, if you wish to watch Nei’din, perhaps that could be arranged if the Light wills it, although I’m sure you’ll get bored pretty quickly. Mainly all he does is eat, sleep, and scratch himself a lot. Pretty much like most men.”

 

At this, the lovely stranger burst out with a laugh, before composing herself with a deep breath, which he noticed greatly accented her protruding assets. So she likes a good joke. That‘s good, he thought. Most of these wetlanders have no sense of humor at all.

 

“I am Cor, a Stone Dog of the Deep Shade sept of the Dragonmount Aiel. Just ask for me and word will find me. May you find water and shade this day, wetlander, but duty calls. I must return this book to the Great Library and report that the sneak-thief escaped.”

 

It surprised him that she joined him.

“I tell you what, if you wish to watch Nei’din, perhaps that could be arranged if the Light wills it, although I’m sure you’ll get bored pretty quickly. Mainly all he does is eat, sleep, and scratch himself a lot. Pretty much like most men.”

 

Tossing her head back, she exhaled a throaty laugh for she was of the same opinion as the Aiel when it came to men, but beasts on the other hand at least understood their place whereas men tended to exalt their importance.

 

“I am Cor, a Stone Dog of the Deep Shade sept of the Dragonmount Aiel. Just ask for me and word will find me. May you find water and shade this day, wetlander, but duty calls. I must return this book to the Great Library and report that the sneak-thief escaped.”

 

Dusting her hands upon her skirt, she smiled, “I hope you do not mind if I accompany you, Cor of the Deep Shade sept, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” Shaneevae followed along looking a midget next to the giant that had expressed his hope that she find shade and water. That was an interesting expression and one she’d never heard. Society and culture was not something she’d ever given much study to and what she did know was only scattered throughout scientific journals, which was sorely lacking in social customs education. The phrase, however, did make perfect sense given the climate of the Waste, which she had studied, dry, dusty, and desolate. The Brown sister felt sticky just thinking about it.

 

“I was actually on my way to the Great Library when I caught wind of you and your brother. I can promise you that a lion in Cairhein was much more exciting than a book that will be there tomorrow and the day after and the day after that for that matter.” Smiling pleasantly, she strolled deliberately wit her hands locked behind the small of her back. If she did not set the pace for this jaunt, the tall drink of water at her side would have her own short legs pumping to keep up, let alone carry on a polite conversation. An unconventional Aes Sedai she may be, but there were some things that she had to control and that was the pace of this stroll.

 

“I would be most honored to accept your offer to watch Nei’din. If it so pleases you I would also love to ask you about other creatures of your homeland." Winking, Shaneevae paused, placing her hands on her hips and craning her head back as far as possible, “And I would also be interested to know if the air is any better up there?”

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

Brown Ajah

“Mistress, I would pick up the pace quite a bit then, because that isn’t the case at all. It seems you wetlanders can hardly wait to read as much as you can.” Hefting the jewel-embossed book he had just retrieved in his hand to make his point, Cor added, “Lately the books have been just flying off the shelves. At this rate, your Great Library will probably be empty by the time we get back.”

 

Cracking a smile at his joke, the tall Stone Dog coolly appraised his companion. She was very short, but curvaceous. Most Aiel women were built more tall and slender without the outstanding features this stranger had in front and back, although he admitted the view was pretty nice. Despite the obvious charms the woman displayed, he hadn’t failed to notice she hadn’t introduced herself. Obviously her façade of hospitality only extended far enough for her to get what she wanted. Smirking, he realized, women are the same everywhere. They’re always after the same thing: whatever they want, whenever they want it.

 

As they began walking back, Cor quickly realized that his acquaintance was lagging behind about the same time she said, “I would be most honored to accept your offer to watch Nei’din. If it so pleases you I would also love to ask you about other creatures of your homeland. And I would also be interested to know if the air is any better up there?”

 

Turning back to look at her, the young warrior saw her staring up at him. Scratching his head through his shoufa, he pondered her for a moment before obviously taking a long look at her exposed cleavage, beaded with sweat as it was and heaving pleasantly as she breathed deeply. Smiling, he returned his gaze to her sweat-dripping face and responded, “The air isn’t much different, but sometimes the view is pretty good. And, like I said, if you want to watch him lay around all day, it might be possible. But as slow as we’re going, we’ll probably both die of old age before that happens. Are you ill? Perhaps you need to rest. You wetlanders seem to prefer lolling about in the shade complaining about the heat even when it’s as cool as it is today. Maybe you need to rest, and we can talk about the Threefold Land later?”

 

As he spoke, the short little woman kept drawing herself up ever higher, straining for every inch of height as she became outraged at his behavior. He wouldn’t doubt if she were standing on her toes! Struggling to keep a straight face, he managed to get one last jab in. “Why is your face so red? Perhaps it’s sunburn?”

 

As the small female stranger finally exploded, Cor smiled. Pushing her buttons is a lot of fun. Today might not be so bad after all.

An elegant brow arched arrogantly as the warrior perused her bosom overtly. Knowing the Aiel had different courting rituals, she found it surprising that the Stone Dog had so openly ogled her wares, not that she was unaccustomed to it or even offended by it.  Men were simple creatures, give them something pretty to look at and you could cajole them into pleasing your every whim.  By nature, Shaneevae was not manipulative and having never experienced any success with Daes Damar, she chose to use what the Creator had given her, an abundance of womanly attributes that could send a man reeling as well as any superbly executed court move. Smiling with the knowledge that Aiel men were no different from the rest of the male species.

 

“The air isn’t much different, but sometimes the view is pretty good. And, like I said, if you want to watch him lay around all day, it might be possible.”

 

The sleepy blue-green gaze washed over him languorously taking in each small detail.  She could even imagine each nuance of corded muscle and hollow dips, a small grin spread over full lips. Cor of Deep Shade sept was certainly one of the finer specimens of manhood she’d ever seen.  It was rather interesting that most all of her lovers had towered over her.  Why she continued to find that appealing when her neck screamed in protest, she would never know, but the biological implications could be fascinating. It was probably some throwback to needing a mate that was capable of providing and protecting.  Biology had not counted on the mysticism of Saidar to fulfill those needs.

 

As his tirade continued, Shaneevae found herself jockeying for every inch of height she could muster, “Yes, I’d imagine the view is quite good.”  Looking at him pointedly, she leaned around to give his backside an appreciative once over, “But being short does have its advantages as well as falling behind in this stroll of ours.  Even so,” she said in a more serious tone, “It wouldn’t hurt you to slow your pace in order to accommodate my stunted growth.”

 

Turning abruptly, she continued toward the Great Library ahead of him.  Glancing over her shoulder, she smiled, “And no, I am not sun burnt.  I am merely flushed with the excitement of being in the presence of such…..”  Eyes darting from the lion to the handsome Aiel she smiled with the sensual knowledge of almost a century and a half, “Virile male specimens.”

 

Lifting her hair from her shoulders, she sighed as the breeze touched her heated flesh.  It was true. She had lost her composure.  Shaneevae had never really been good at controlling her bodily reactions to the environment like other Aes Sedai.  Not sure if it was due to her belief that responding to the environment was healthier than stifling it or that her mind was entirely too full of more important things than whether she was sweating or not.  Either way, it was inconsequential and the warrior had been so mesmerized by the beads of sweat that had formed on her exposed cleavage that she had half expected him to dive in for a drink for a brief moment.   Water was said to be scarce in the Waste, or so she had read, which reminded her, “What is this about books flying off the shelves in the Great Library?”

 

 

Shaneevae

Cor’s sky-at-noon blue eyes twinkled mischievously at her retort. With the merest crack of a smile he responded as she strode on before him. “I can see what you mean about the view from back here. Maybe you should lead for a while.”

 

At the jab, his new companion’s head whipped around so fast he thought he heard her neck crack. Her mouth was as wide-open as one of those fish the wetlanders pulled from the river, and if anything her face had gotten even redder.

 

Certain that she was about to unleash a serious, and perhaps somewhat deserved, tongue-lashing, Cor tried to distract her by answering her last question. Holding up the book he had just taken from the sneak-thief, he answered, “I was merely making a joke about you wetlanders and your love of reading.” As he gestured with it, the book’s jewel-encrusted cover flashed brilliantly in the sunlight. “It seems Treekillers love reading so much that they can’t wait to properly borrow books from the library.” He paused, briefly introspective as he reflected on how much things had changed for the Aiel. “Before I came here from the Threefold Land, I would never have thought anyone would steal something as precious as a book.”

 

Coming back to the present, he noticed his acquaintance’s stare at the volume in his hand. She was as excited as a Shaido with fool’s gold.

 

“What? Have you read this book before? I could let you take a look at it on our way back, but I don’t know if I can trust a complete stranger with it.” Smiling to take the sting out of his words, Cor added, “It’s very impolite to not introduce yourself, you know. Especially when you’re asking a favor.”

Turning around, Shaneevae planted her hands on her hips, narrowing her gaze at the long legged torment. Just what was he rambling on about? Books? Aiel had an appreciation for books? Well, it was true. You did learn something new every day.

 

Watching as Cor waved the book about, the jewel encrusted manual sparkled brilliantly in the sun, suddenly a familiarity brewed. The Brown Sister’s eyes followed the manual as he waved it about. Reaching out her hands, she tried to grab for it to get a better look, but the bloody fool kept lifting it higher and higher out of her reach. Now he was just teasing her and she was jumping around like flaming idiot like a poodle jumping through hoops in some menagerie act. She would certainly not be mistaken for Aes Sedai behaving in this manner.

 

Forcing herself to listen, Shaneevae focused on what Cor was saying and settled her heels back to the ground. He wanted to know her name. Was that all? He was right though, she had failed to give her name and it was impolite even for an Aes Sedai trying to remain incognito.

 

“You’re correct. That was quite rude of me, was it not?” She said absently as she continued eyeing the manual. “Shaneevae el’Edware of Two Rivers, Deven Ride to be more precise.” Catching his eyes, she grinned and flashed her eyebrows. “Now, let’s talk about letting me see that book you’ve got there.”

 

The giant man just cocked and shook his head. How could one person be so infuriating? “Well, at least hold it up and let me get a better look at the cover. It could hold some very valuable information to those that know for what to look.”

 

The irritatingly handsome giant smiled before holding it up for her inspection, not low enough for her to grab, mind you, but low enough for her to get a good look. Blocking the sun from the jewels, Shaneevae studied the pattern that had been encrusted. It was the symbol she had thought it was; a spiraling ladder. The sides constructed of fine, beaten gold and each wrung made up of two differing jewels. Four different jewels were used in the manufacture of the symbol, emerald, sapphire, ruby and moonstone. Each wrung of the ladder consisted of two of the stones either sapphire and moonstone or emerald and ruby. Although she had no idea what the symbol actually was, she did know that it was only associated with the work of Aginor.

 

How much time had passed, she was not sure, but when she looked up, she realized that her hand was tracing the symbol very methodically and her companion seemed almost as entranced as she. Looking into Cor’s face, she smiled, “I think we have something very special here.” To her amazement the Aielman handed the book over to her freely and without consideration of where she was, Shannevae sat down with her back leaning against the nearest building. She traced over the raised emblem over and over, a mad grin and a wild look in her eyes.

 

Taking a deep breath, she turned to Cor. “Do you see this symbol?” With his nod of acknowledgement, she continued, “It is a symbol associated only with Aginor, one of the Shadowsouled. I do not know what it means, but I do know that it has something to do with experiments he conducted which resulted in Shadowspawn.”

 

Placing her hand on the edge of the book in preparation of opening it, she asked, “Shall we?”

 

Shaneevae

Sedai Incognito

Cor looked at the silk-clad woman sitting unconcernedly in the street, giddy as a Maiden with a new spear as she perused the book in her hands. Crouching down, resting comfortably on the balls of his feet as he sat on his heels, the young Stone Dog pondered the enigma before him.

 

Is she a Shadow Runner? Her excitement at the possibility of reading a book written by one of the Shadowsouled made it a possibility, but he didn’t think that was the case. More likely she is one of those rare people who live in a world of ideas. He had seen a few of them in Cairhein’s libraries, and they were more likely to have an argument with the words in a book than they were to notice anything around them. Her attitude was similar to that, as the staining of her silk dress attested. Still, he had seen the way she had looked at Nei’din and him, and that languorous gaze was VERY aware of things in the physical world. She was something to be puzzled out, to be sure. Fortunately, patience was a well-taught virtue in the Threefold Land.

 

As she focused on the written words, often flipping back a few pages before nodding and mumbling to herself, Cor scanned the surroundings. They were being left alone here in the alley, but no doubt they painted an odd picture. Perhaps the Creator had finally answered his prayers about being bored in the Treekillers’ city. Today certainly had broken the monotony, and if his guess was correct, Shaneevae el’Edware of the Two Rivers was going to make things even more interesting. Something in her name came together in his mind like a blacksmith’s puzzle, and he broke the silence that had descended while she scanned the tome’s pages.

 

“The Car’a’carn is from the Two Rivers, Shaneevae el’Edware. Do you know him?”

 

With a start, she looked up at him. She truly had forgotten everything else around her as she read the book. These wetlanders are all crazy.

 

With a grin and a rueful shake of his head, Cor prompted, “That must be a good book. Are we going to sit here all night?” With obvious surprise, Shaneevae el’Edware looked at the slowly darkening sky. “If you lost track of yourself like that in the Threefold Land, you’d probably not survive to see the sun come up again.”

 

Offering her a hand to stand, he added, “Things are certainly different here on this side of the Dragonwall.”

Polymerase? Deoxyribose Nucleic acid? Centrifuge? Creator help her, this was like a language all unto its own. For the most part, she understood it. It was in the Old Tongue and in proper scientific format, hypotheses, procedures and conclusions. Shaneevae could even comprehend the pictures and diagrams that had been used to display the results of each experiment. A tome full of experiments and if she were correct, they were Aginor’s experiments, probably the most brilliant biologist ever to live. A tome of Aginor’s experiments and she could not make bloody up or down of them. It was like a dying man being given a feast and not having a mouth to eat, like tea leaves with no water in which to steep them, a man without a…… Leaning her head against the wall, she exhaled sharply before diving back into the bejeweled manual.

 

If you lost track of yourself like that in the Threefold Land, you’d probably not survive to see the sun come up again.

 

Glancing up with a start, Shaneevae blinked several times before she recalled exactly who the man towering above her was and just where she was. Laughing, she started to mumble, “Yes, I’ve often given that thought. I suppose it is time that I ceded and got myself a gai…..grrr….guard. Yes, a guard.” Dropping her eyes back to the tome in hand, hoping that the giant of a man had not noticed her slip, she said dismissively, “A guard would be good, but who can be bothered with such a nuisance. He trying to boss you around, telling you where and where you cannot go, having to explain yourself.” Swatting in the air as if swatting at a gnat, she huffed, “Nonsense.”

 

Diving back into the book, the Brown realized that Cor had asked her something else, tilting her head she peeked up at him, “Carawhata?”

 

The Aiel gave her a strange look, but Shaneevae just keep plowing along, “Well, take a look at this.” Pulling a loose sheet, which had been folded and tucked away in the voluminous manual, she handed it to him. “It looks to be some kind of map. What do you make of it my friend?”

 

As Cor began to study the map, Shaneevae stood, stretching and eliciting nice little popping sounds all along her back and neck before interjecting, “When did it get so dark?”

 

 

 

Shaneevae[/i]

Cor peered at her suspiciously. She seemed a bit flustered. A guard had not been what she had started to say… but what? A guide? She probably needed one, else she was likely to get lost, or worse, here in the oath breakers’ city. Thieves and murderers here were thick as fleas in a Shaido rug. Shaking his head ruefully, he listened to her ramble on for a bit before she seemed to strangle herself, “Carawhata?” but she continued on as if nothing happened.

 

He could only stare at the odd woman before him, sitting in the dust wearing enough silk to make any Maiden jealous. Maybe she swallowed a bug.

 

“Take a look at this. It looks to be some kind of map. What do you make of it my friend?”

 

Cor smirked at the wetlanders’ use of maps. I don’t think they could find their nose without instructions. But Shaneevae el’Edware of the Two Rivers seemed intent on his assessment of the parchment, so he gave it a thorough examination. Quickly examining the map’s four cardinal points and turning the document properly, he oriented himself with the setting sun on his left shoulder. That put him facing roughly due north…

 

“Well, my first reaction to any of your wetlander maps is that if you could give good directions and paid attention to where you’ve traveled, needing such vulnerable objects would be pointless. Who knows who could stumble across a map of something you didn’t want seen by others. It’s better to keep everything in here.” At this he tapped his head, then grinning, he continued. “But this map doesn’t make much sense. It appears to be of the Treekillers’ city. But something is amiss. The carefully depicted physical landmarks show this as a detailed map of Cairhein, but the only structures I can mark are the Towers.”

 

Shrugging, he turned to offer it back to his lovely companion and smiled at her last comment. “You’ve been sitting in the street for several hours. You Two Rivers folk sure enjoy a good book. I’ve heard the Car’a’carn pores over them constantly. Did you ever discuss any with him?”

 

Turning to walk toward the Library, he nudged the sleeping Nei’din with his foot to wake him and added to Shaneevae el‘Edware, “We’d best be getting back. The darkness brings courage to the wicked, and I don‘t know if you can dance.”

We’d best be getting back. The darkness brings courage to the wicked, and I don‘t know if you can dance.”

 

 

”I can dance very well, thank you very much.” She said stretching like a cat, curving her spine forward then arching it back to release the tension and then executing a perfect jig to prove her point. “As for the Car’a’ carn, I cannot say that I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting him, but it is true, we Two Rivers folk do love a good book.”

 

Leaning over, she scratched the great feline behind the ears and admired the sinking sun over the Broken Towers. Shaneevae’s mind was racing with the possibilities held within that book. A more incredible discovery, she had never known. A’dams, ter’angreal, angreals, none of it compared to the knowledge of Aginor and here it was, right in her own little hands. Desperately hoping that there was a way for her to decipher the contents, she mulled over every minute detail of the manual, knowing that the simplest piece of information missed could be the key to unlocking its mystery. Were there any secret messages encoded there or even blatant ones that she had missed? Sometimes she did miss the simplicity by delving too deeply into the complexity of a matter. If she were not careful, she could very easily miss something that would seem obvious to any other person. Like a bullseye or an X marking.....

 

X marks the spot…. Stopping abruptly and flipping through the pages, she pulled the wrinkled map free and pushed the tome into Cor’s unexpected arms. The Brown sister scanned the map with a concentrated eye determined to find what her eyes had seen early, but her mind had ignored. After several seconds, she found what she had been looking for. A font of giggles erupted from her full mouth and she leaned against the wall, shaking her head in playful self-admonishment for missing something so obvious. An X, how elementary. It was true; sometimes you could not see the forest for the trees. True. The map could possibly have nothing to do with the tome of Aginor’s experiments or it could have everything to do with them.

 

Remembering the handsome Aiel at her side, she looked up and grinned before laughing outright. He had the distinctive look of someone viewing a crazy person and occasionally, Shaneevae thought he was not too far from the truth.

 

“Come here my tall friend and take a look at this.” Waiting for Cor to bend over to her level, she admired him once more. He does smell good. “See this symbol on the map? The one that is encrusted on the tome?” She asked pointing to the spot on the map. “It is marking a place of importance.” Looking up at him from beneath heavy lashes, she smiled feral like and almost purred with anticipation, “Can you help me find it, Cor of Deep Shade sept?” Flashing her brows, she invited him to join her in this mischief.

 

 

Shaneevae

Cor couldn’t help but grin as Shaneevae twirled around in the street. Her body was certainly enjoyable to look at. But before he could respond to her impromptu recital, she thrust the book in his hands and stared at the map as if she had just realized something.

 

“Come here my tall friend and take a look at this. See this symbol on the map? The one that is encrusted on the tome? It is marking a place of importance. Can you help me find it, Cor of Deep Shade sept?”

 

The deliciously wicked smile she flashed at him stirred impulses that he had never associated with a book before. Usually, that kind of look was sent in his direction by a woman who liked what she saw in the sweat tent or by a Maiden that wanted to foster some inter-Society relations. He certainly wouldn’t mind seeing Shaneevae in the sweat tent come to think of it, but other matters took priority at the moment. He had no need to take another look at the map before he answered, but he took the map anyway, placing it between the book‘s pages.

 

“Of course I can help you find it, Shaneevae el‘Edware. But I think you’re forgetting that it’s my duty to return this to the Great Library first,” he said, gesturing with the volume. “If we took it without permission, we’d be no different than that Treekiller sneak thief who stole it to begin with. Come, we can still get there before it closes for the night, and I can put in a word with the master librarian. I’m sure he will be willing to let you keep it for the time being, and if the worst happens, I can draw the map for you by memory. How does that sound?”

 

She didn’t act like it sounded good at all.

 

She stuck her bottom lip out obstinately and crossed her arms in the universal sign of an unhappy woman, but it only served to enhance her features. She truly was a pretty woman. He turned to begin anew his return to the library.

 

“Pouting makes you look even prettier, Shaneevae el‘Edware,” Cor added when she refused to follow him and remained standing sullenly in the street. “Or perhaps you’re just enjoying the view again? Better stay close then, because my backside will be hard to see in the dark.”

 

She shot him an evil glare, but it wasn’t very convincing because she spoiled it with a laugh and hurried to catch up. As she opened her mouth in what Cor expected to be a clever jab, he cut her off.

 

“Your fancy twirl was certainly entertaining, but I had another kind of dancing in mind,” he said as he continued scanning the rooftops, alleyways, doors, and windows that they passed. “The thieves in this city are as abundant as vultures at a Shaido cook-out. They have been growing bolder as of late, and we may see if your jiggling will count for much if we have to dance the spears tonight. Besides, I‘m eager to start our treasure hunt.”

Carefully crossed arms exhibiting an ample bosom and a well-executed pout could hide a myriad of thoughts, which is exactly what Shaneevae was doing while she stood on the street stalling Cor’s progress. How could she keep that book all to herself and how could she signal to the Master Librarian not to reveal her little secret to the Aielman. If only she could slow him, or distract him enough to get Feldhar’s attention for a brief moment once in the library. The Brown sister really did not want anyone getting access to that book nor did she want this budding friendship ruined by her true identity being revealed before she was ready. No matter what happened, the book would be hers and she would lay claim in the name of the White Tower even if she had to bow and scrape at Sirayn’s feet to obtain the rights. It was far too important to be left on a shelf collecting dust or worse, end up in the hands of those that meant the Light harm.

 

Pouting makes you look even prettier, Shaneevae el‘Edware or perhaps you’re just enjoying the view again? Better stay close then, because my backside will be hard to see in the dark.

 

“Oh now, he is going to be a hard one to cajole,” She thought to herself before laughing out loud and catching up with the long legged Stone Dog. Cor of Deep Shade sept was entirely too cleaver and entirely too enticing for her to remain completely immune to his charms, which was precisely the requirement to achieve perfected cajoling. Remaining unaffected by manly prowess was the only way to successfully manipulate a man and the Light help her, she was most certainly affected. Curse his damnable backside.

 

 

The thieves in this city are as abundant as vultures at a Shaido cook-out. They have been growing bolder as of late, and we may see if your jiggling will count for much if we have to dance the spears tonight. Besides, I‘m eager to start our treasure hunt.

 

“As am I, which is why we should not be wasting precious daylight by returning to the Great Library? And, trust me, my jiggling can out dance your spears any day, big man.”

 

With a cocked eyebrow and smirk, Cor looked at her doubtfully and plowed onward toward the library. Trailing a couple steps behind, Shaneevae contemplated, planned, schemed and admired until they arrived. Unfortunately, she could not come up with anything that would sway his stubborn stance before arriving. Following Cor submissively……submissively? Following Cor through the library it wasn’t long before they found Master Feldhar bent over a stack of books and tomes meticulously organizing them according to subject.

 

Leaning out from behind Cor’s back, Shaneevae made an attempt at willing Feldhar to lift his gaze to her, but the man was thoroughly involved in his work much to her chagrin. Cor cleared his throat and still the Master Librarian did not look up from the sheaves. Channeling a small thread of Air, the Brown sister flicked him lightly behind the ear. Startled, he lifted his eyes and grinned upon noticing Shaneevae. Shaking her head frantically, she laid a finger to the side of her nose trying to convey her need for secrecy without words. Thankfully, it appeared as though the plump little man understood.

Master Feldhar, the head librarian, looked startled that he had company, when he finally looked up anyway. He began rubbing his ear vigorously, in what Cor took to be some sort of nervous habit. On his previous visits, Cor had found the man to be completely oblivious to most goings on in the world outside of his beloved books. In fact, he suspected that master Feldhar hadn‘t even noticed that he was an Aiel, instead he probably just thought him a tall security guard. If he had noticed even that much.

 

Feldhar definitely noticed Shaneevae el’Edware, however. But Cor suspected that any man not three days dead would take note of the curvaceous wetlander woman, especially if she stood in front of them propped over a desk in such a low cut garment that her outstanding features were in danger of falling out, as she was doing now. Feldhar seemed to be completely mystified by her presence though, because he seemed to be having trouble finding his voice. He just stared at Shaneevae el’Edware and mouthed silently in confusion, like a new Maiden practicing hand talk. Cor imagined that the man didn’t have many striking female visitors, so he could understand the man’s dilemma.

 

Finally Feldhar composed himself somewhat and looked at Cor, although he was still grinning like an idiot.

 

“Master Feldhar, I managed to get your library’s book back,” Cor said as he placed the book on the already overburdened and cluttered table. “But the sneak-thief managed to escape for now. Perhaps I will find her another day… “ the young Stone Dog paused as he mentally catalogued the thief girl in his mind before he continued. “I see that you’re busy, so I’ll make this quick. My companion here is interested in reading this book herself, and she understands the need to ask you first.” With this he gave an amused look at Shaneevae el’Edware, who suddenly seemed to find an ink spot on the table terribly engrossing.

 

At his announcement, Feldhar became even more befuddled than before. Perhaps the man was an idiot, after all. “I will vouch for her, if that will help. She seems very excited to study its pages. What does she need to do to get permission?” Feldhar looked stunned at what was surely a common request. The library‘s sole existence was for people to read its books, so Cor couldn‘t figure out why its head librarian was so bewildered.

 

There was no doubt about it now. He was definitely an idiot.

Feldhar had not understood her signal after all, but at least he hadn’t completely blown her cover. There he sat in all his naivety, grinning like an imbecile. Love his heart. It was no wonder he was confused. Feldhar had known Shaneevae as Aes Sedai since he was but a welp hanging onto his father’s coattails, the former Master Librarian. The Brown had spent months out of each year plundering the wares of the Great Library and knew good and well that any manuscript contained within these hallowed halls was hers to borrow or procure at her whim. The question within Feldhar’s eyes told it all. Why was she asking his permission or better yet, why was this Aiel asking this question for an Aes Sedai?

 

“Good Sir.” Shaneevae spoke reassuringly. “I would take great care with the tome if you would be so gracious as to lend it to me.” The Aes Sedai smiled slightly, her eyes huge pools of innocence. “I would be glad to give you my name and leave anything of value to ensure its safe return.” Leaning over the desk, she pointed to the parchment and dipped his quill into the ink well at hand. Urging him to take the quill from her hand, she spoke slowly, “I am Shaneevae el’Edware of Two Rivers.”

 

“Why of course, Se….Shan….Mistress el’Edware, you are most welcome to borrow this book, any book for that matter. Time is of no concern. Keep it as long as you wish.” With that the librarian began to scribble her name down, grinning and flushing like a child caught with his hand on a sweet cake.

 

“Wonderful.” She gushed pulling the book tightly to her chest. “Thank you kind sir, your cooperation will be duly noted.” With a grin and wink, she turned to go, but not before nudging Cor with her elbow to get his attention. He seemed as confused by the matter as poor Master Feldhar.

 

Once back out into the darkening evening, the Brown sister turned to her companion, “So, shall we go about finding this treasure, Cor of Deep Shade sept? It seems a lovely night for an adventure, no?”

 

 

Shaneevae Sedai

First Chair

“Oof!”

 

Cor was brought back to his senses by a hard elbow to the ribs from Shaneevae el’Edware. Giving her a dirty look, he turned to go. He had been enthralled by the bizarre behavior of master Feldhar toward the buxom beauty, but despite all the strange goings on surrounding the people on this side of the Dragonwall he had come to one conclusion. These wetlanders are crazy!

 

Once he had finally emerged from the Library’s depths he took a deep breath in the cool night air. It wasn’t like the nights in the Threefold Land, but if he closed his eyes and pretended he could almost imagine that he was still back home. Of course this life was nothing but a dream, but he often wandered if he would ever make it back to Deep Shade before waking. His homeward longing was interrupted by the appearance of his newfound aquaintance.

 

“So, shall we go about finding this treasure, Cor of Deep Shade sept? It seems a lovely night for an adventure, no?”

 

Cor looked down into the glistening pools that were Shaneevae el’Edware’s eyes and pondered the mystery that was woman. They were ALL crazy, wetlanders or not. But the self-satisfied look on her beautiful face shook off his feeling of homesickness, and re-energized his mood. So he happily answered.

 

“Isn’t it past your bedtime? I thought all you wetlander women liked lolling about getting your beauty sleep or something…” Seeing that he had pricked her bubble of smugness, Cor quickly continued before he got the rough side of her tongue that all women possessed. Gesturing out into the darkness, “I’m not sure you understand what the Treekillers are like after the sun goes down, Shaneevae el’Edware. Things must be different in your Two Rivers, because here in Cairhein you can be invited to dance at any time, even if the pipers aren’t playing.

 

“The Treekiller thieves find courage when they can skulk in the shadows and strike from hiding. The streets can be deadly.”

 

Shaneevae el’Edware calmly listened to his cautions then rolled her eyes ostentatiously and responded with a terse, “I didn’t realize you Aiel were afraid of the dark.” Before he could get in a defiant retort though, she went on with a laugh. “If you’re too scared, I promise to tuck you into bed before the Forsaken come and get you for staying up too late. Although, I must say you are the tallest little boy I’ve ever seen. How much protection do you need to find your way?”

 

Cor stood staring at her like a poleaxed ox. He hadn’t escaped her tongue after all. She was funny, though. Laughing, he answered. “Well, I must say you are persistent. But if you don’t care that we both may wake from the dream tonight, then we might as well get started. I am ready to meet the Maker. Are you?”

 

With that Cor strolled into the darkness of Cairhein’s streets followed by Nei’din, swallowed by the void.