The arrival at dawn was a dramatic one. Even ignoring Kayla’s animated behaviour- gasps and wide eyes and all those things that made women just like her so very annoying, Adela found herself subject to all the opulence that was the city. A white tower, nay, the White Tower emanated from the ground and stone, gleaming in the first rays of the morning. It was the first thing that caught her eye, and it was what she fixed her gaze on all the way through the city. Noise rolled around them in waves- chatter, laughter, whispers, but Adela when riveted had the ability to forget her surroundings. Besides, Kayla’s drone had become far too unbearable over the past few weeks to pay attention to it. The silent treatment, Adela had realized with a great deal of satisfaction, was far better than any of the snide remarks Kayla lay at her feet. What was best was that the plump Andoran knew that quite well herself.

 

“We’re here.”

 

It took moments for her to look up. Not at her companion of course, never at that wretched woman, but instead at the sign outside an inn with a dove marking its board as the Bird’s Nest. The door had been left slightly open, allowing Adela a covert view of their habitat for the next few weeks. Smooth wooden tables greeted her vision, along with the clatter of glasses and cutlery as people bustled around. Busy, which meant that if anything were to ever happen, eyes would draw to them like mosquitoes to blood. Busy, which meant that there would be too many others for people to single them out. Not that anything would. Kayla had flippantly remarked that she had ‘business’ in the city, and although not a single word was said after, Adela had found herself a rare moment to rejoice. She would be let alone for a while. A chance to sneak out, to explore, to discover.

 

The rooms they were allotted were quite agreeable. Hers was a tiny one, a corner room with windows that splashed out sunlight in rays here and there. The bed was right under the windows, which pleased her. It would allow her to wake earlier than Kayla, the heavy sleeper that she was, and give her a few hours to slip out while the city still slept. If it ever did, that is. Putting down her bags, she slipped off her shoes and plopped herself down on the bed immediately. A soft cough came from the door, but Adela continued to stare at the ceiling, raising her hand so that it turned white in the sunlight. After a few more attempts of clearing her throat, the woman exited, closing the door sharply behind her. That was when she looked up. Smiling at the wooden entry as if it was Kayla, she quickly put on her shoes again and glanced at the mirror once to see untidy black hair sagging around her face. She really needed to do something about it. Gathering her cloak and a few coins from the little purse her mother had given her, Adela left for the city in search of a new coiffure.

 

Tar Valon. Adventure. Magic. Witches. Her mother had told her stories about this place, telling her that her future might be linked with it, so it would be best if she was aware. What she saw now though, was better than any story her mother had told her. It wasn’t just the people, although that was a big part of it, but all the buildings and the marble and the maze of streets. She was caught. In and out she weaved through crowds, stepping through doorways to find a variety of faces, each different from the last, not bothering about her presence. She wasn’t surprised- she still looked like a child, a little scrawny and still in dire need of any curves her figure would acquire. It was only when the sun suddenly slipped into noon that she realized it was well over time she got back. Running, pushing, ducking…in a swarm of bees that got angry rather quickly. Tomorrow, she thought firmly, tomorrow I will find myself the new hair. Some would call her a procrastinator, but in reality, she had to return. Kayla would be near screeching by now and whether or not the woman understood it, attention was not something they needed.

 

Sure enough, Adela found the woman sour faced at the corner before the Bird’s Nest, almost bumping into her as she brought herself to a stop. Waiting for a few moments as she enjoyed how silly the woman looked, Adela began to smile. But the beam that was to follow soon never came, because seconds after she noticed the woman beside Kayla, who while obviously with Kayla, was nothing like her. She turned away almost immediately, but the picture stayed fixed in her head. Cloaked, slender and hidden, but she’d caught a glimpse of dark eyes. Curiousity thrived and bubbled in her, but Adela stopped herself from that second glance. Who was she? Was this the business Kayla had referred to? Thoughts racing, she decided it couldn’t be. Adela couldn’t finger it as yet, but she knew the other was a notch above. Many notches, perhaps.

 

“Adela! Where have you been you foolish girl?! I was about to go looking for you.” Her cheeks touched a slight purple and Adela returned it with a stare. No answer, was the best answer after all. “I can’t deal with this right now. There is someone I want you to meet.” Turning towards the woman besides them, Adela noticed that she seemed almost humble. “This is the girl I’d been meaning to show you. She’s new to it, but she’ll learn. I must go now.” Surprise seeped into Adela as she heard Kayla’s words, surprise to the extent that she could barely return her icy glare with the usual smile. It didn’t take much to guess what the woman meant, but she found herself wary anyway and just ever so slightly worried. Silent and lips smacked together in a tight line, she waited for the other to speak.

 

~Adela

Wary but impressed :D

 

OOC: Hope this is okay- I used whatever I'd seen in your post up on the North board as a basis as well as a little from your Bio, so if needed, I shall edit. :) Thanks for this! :)

Kiserai measured the little girl in front of her, taking in every scratch of the scrawny body, raising an eyebrow at the messy hair and in the end nearly sighing at the work she'd have to put into this one. In a way it was good to start when they were young, but it was also much harder work, having to be as much parent as teacher. With her cloak gathered around her, she turned towards the Inn and waved for the girl, Adela, to follow.

«Come, we can't stand outside here forever, not with them so close, always watching our every step.»

The Inn was busy, which was a good thing. The more people around, the less anyone would notice anyone in particular. A quick word with the Innkeeper gave them access to a private dining room, a small one, but still more private than the common room, and Kiserai really did not want the girl to enter her room just yet. She really did not need the girl looking nosily about at her things.

 

It was strange to be back in Tar Valon. How many years since the last time she'd seen this grandest of all places? To most peoples it really was the grandest city in the known world. Though, Kiserai herself felt a faint longing for another place. Tar Machin Rahien, where one could look out over the Great Blight, the fortress of the Shar Mahdi. It was a strange way she had come back to Tar Valon, too. She hadn't expected to be found in that small place in Saldea, much less to receive a message that meant she was wanted to train a young girl to become an Assassin. What happened to make the Chosen stop wanting her head? She did not know, nor did she know how they had found her. Had they known her whereabouts all along? Now, that was a disturbing thought, and she pushed it out of her mind.

 

Once they were alone in the dining room, food and drink read on the table, Kiserai let down the hood of her cloak before taking it off. Her black hair was braided and then set into an intricate knot at the back of her head, fastened with a hairnet of silverchains and small chrystals. She wore a simply cut dress of fine, thin wool, with a high neckline. From a belt at her waist hung a slightly curved dagger, the hilt set with precious stones. Not quite what one would expect, most just had a rather simple knife for eating. If she took this one out it from its sheath, one would notice it had a vicious blade, made for killing. She had several small daggers about her person, as well, of course, but few would be able to detect any of those.

 

Kiserai sat down at the table and ate her meal quietly, while watching the girl. The ting looked like she was trying very hard to pretend to be unaffected, but she knew differently. Of course the creature was curious to find out why she had been handed over to some stranger. And even more curious to find out who this stranger was. Kiserai caught the girl's eye and looked deep into them, piercing her very mind. One day Adela the child would lie naked and broken before her and Kiserai would build her anew, guiding her to find perfection in the eyes of the Great Lord of the Dark. This thought made her mouth curve slightly into a smile that she knew didn't reach her eyes. She hadn't felt happiness since watching her little girl playing in the Cygnerin Palace in Ebou Dar. She'd be just about Adela's age now, perhaps a little older.

 

After finising the simple meal of stew and bread, Kiserai motioned for Adela to come and stand in front of her so she could have a close look at her. Before the girl knew what happened, she had used a few swift moves to bring her to her knees, holding her down there in a painful position she could not get out of. Her smile turned cruel at that point. She enjoyed controlling persons, seeing them suffer and knowing they could never escape. Few would believe a small woman like her being able of this, but truth was that it was not all about strength. She was strong, yes, but if you knew the right techniques and knew the human body in and out, you would not need very much strength to do the most amazing things.

 

«You must be wondering who I am, child,» she said in a low voice. «You may call me Kiserai in private, but revealing that name to anyone outside will see you dead before the blink of an eye.»

She let these words sink in before continuing.

«I am going to train you in the arts I possess, before I'm done with you, you will wish your mother had never laid eyes on your father, and your grandmother on your grandfather. I can promise you pain beyond what you would believe possible, both in the body and in the spirit. There is little glory in the path that was chosen for us, for those looking in from the outside, but when you learn to appreciate the glory we make for ourselves, you will thank me for every drop of blood that is shed, for every drop of sweat on your forehead and every tear running down your cheek. That is, if you live to fulfill my goals for you. Do you understand?»

Adela wasn’t one for letting her feelings touch her eyes or cheeks for that matter, but under the cool and calculating gaze of this…trainer? she felt a crimson red blush plunge down her back, icy and searing all at once. She was used to people assessing her, after all, the first five seconds of an introduction were the most important. This however. This woman and her eyes and the icy fire down her back all clamped down together was…no, she wouldn’t admit it. Admitting meant giving in and that meant that the blush would reach her cheeks. Hearing the woman’s voice almost made her start, and she had to quickly cover it up with a nod. “You are a servant of the Great Lord. The Great Lord does not look for cowards.” Words her mother had said to her upon the day of her oaths. Words she now repeated in her head like a chant that would gratify her with pluck. A foolish hope, but it helped her focus, and as her mind cleared of all the other nebulous ongoings, she noticed how quickly they were admitted into places meant for some wealth and more than a little sway, and pondered. They were of course staying in realms well safe for the Friends of the Dark, but this marked the cloaked woman higher than she had believed. Again fear clutched her heart. Adela bit back a curse.

 

The dining room was not exceptionally large, but when the innkeeper left, she felt the pressure of how alone she was with this other and looked towards her food to distract herself. She had not eaten since the night before and brilliantly enough, Adela felt a pang of hunger upon looking at the bread and stew that sat before her. Hand reaching out for the spoon smoothly, what happened next made her hand freeze right there above the spoon for a moment, before methodically picking it up. If this had been a play, then she was a bad artist. The cloaked woman was cloaked no more and with something in between childlike fascination and envy Adela took in that the paleness of her face seemed to compliment her, that the raven hair pulled back seemed far glossier than her own. And neater for that matter. She had a fair share of money too, she noted as the well cut dress caught her eye. What followed next surprised her further, for upon noticing her gaze the woman simply looked back. Not stared, looked back. Ensnared and easily more uncomfortable, what really burst out in torrents was the need to know. Were all trainers like this? Averting her eyes, Adela felt the shudder scale her spine once more.

 

A swift motion to rise, and Adela felt worry increase tenfold. She was being treated to silence now, and it felt…horrible. What next? Adela stared at the woman, chin up and paler than she usually was, but eyes on the other’s face nonetheless. No warning had been present in those eyes when she felt her already wobbly knees buckle. Pain was there and although pain was pain, fear somehow managed to submerge the pain and Adela found herself struggling furiously under the steely grasp. Realizing that it was hopeless, she looked up at the woman instead, eyes trying hard to be the last stand of defiance. Then she finally spoke. A low voice of only steel, that hinted at little but ruthlessness to Adela. Kiserai then. That was one question answered. Eyes tilted upwards, she listened to her words with the same even look, while on the inside fear clenched and unclenched its hold on her at whim. Upon feeling the strain on her body lessen a little, she realized it was her time to speak. “I do. I want to learn.” Simple words, and it would’ve best been left at that, but Adela the foolish girl as Kayla had titled her, spoke on after a few seconds. “I am not afraid. I am not afraid of harm while trying to succeed. Is there glory in death?”

 

~Adela

Childish child

“I am not afraid. I am not afraid of harm while trying to succeed. Is there glory in death?”

Kiserai smiled at the child in front of her, on her knees in a position she knew was unbearable.

«Oh, you will be afraid, dear. Glory in death? Can that be? I will let you ponder on that thought for yourself. Some will gladly die to offer themselves to a cause, and in that way they think death is a glory. Others... well, others think they serve better alive than dead. I shall leave it to you to decide which path you will walk, but remember that the matter of whether you are alive or dead is not always in your hands. We have someone who watches over us, and He makes those decisions as He sees fit.»

 

After a few more moment she let go of the girl, downed the last drops of wine left in her cup and raised. She stood there watching Adela, taking in the details of her yet again, judging, then picked up her cloak and put it back on, hood covering her head once again.

«It is getting late. Go to your chamber and get some sleep. We will not stay in Tar Valon, there are better places for what I intend to do with you. I will wake you early in the morning, and then we leave. Speak to no one.»

 

With those final words she strode out of the dining room and left the Inn, taking turns in such a way that Adela would not be able to follow her, melting into the crowds of people on her way. The fastest way to get away was by travelling by ship down the river all the way to Aringill. She hadn't been in those parts for some time, and she really should go back to catch up on what was going on in the central parts of the world. There were only two places she could never return to, Cairhien and Ebou Dar.

 

By the time she was back at the Inn that evening she had found a ship going south the following morning and had booked passage for herself, the girl, and the horses. She peeked into the girl's room, watching her sleep peacefully for a few moments, before turning and going to her own bed.

 

ooc: sorry that it's a bit on the short side, just not got too much inspiration tonight, but didn't want to make you wait any longer. RP travelling on the ship :-) If you want to go somewhere else than Aringill, let me know and I'll change the destination.

The east wind bellowed. It was a grey morning, with little life in it, except that of the crying birds. The birds, who complained so eloquently as they fed their bellies with river life. Low lived filth. Adela watched the sun rise through the mist, a pretty beacon of light lifting itself through the clouds.

 

“You there!”

 

Her head swivelled, surprised by the sudden beckoning and unfamiliarity of the voice. Her eyes were met with those of a young lad, whose eyes revealed he was not much older than she. Adela said nothing, instead choosing to merely look at the boy as he approached. He was rather good looking, she realised. “You’ve been called for lunch.” He stated, words slipping out in a thick Andoran accent, which surprised her. They were certainly not known for their love of water and voyage. Perhaps she had chanced upon someone…unique? A hopeful acquaintance who could become her sole companion during their journey? Of course not. “I don’t feel like having any.” She said finally, silently wishing the boy would go away.

 

“Lunch, with the lady, Adela.”

 

He knew her name? Head turning sharply, her eyes narrowed as she studied the youth once more. The lady. Flashes of midnight hair, milk white skin…Kiserai. A cloaked figure, her face hidden and thus inscrutable. Only that barest hint of a smile. Shadow, friend of the Dark. Mostly though, there were the eyes. Crescent clasping itself to crescent to form the perfect round, there were the eyes. Brown, but not plain. There was no feeling in them, no warmth or glimmer. Only that magnetic unbearable, but ever so simple fact that was embedded deep: she knew better.

 

Her teacher, trainer and mentor. Without a word, she moved away from him. As his face passed by her, she didn’t look at him, instead letting the slightest smile touch her lips. Let him wonder, she thought, satisfied. It took about four more paces of such steady movement, and she was inside. A ship’s interior was a most curious thing according to Adela. Low ceilings, with dimmed ceilings and buoyant pretties hanging on walls that smelled of waters travelled past. Kiserai sat in the middle, arms resting on the table, watching her. Closing the cabin door, Adela approached the chair opposite her’s. “You called for me?”

 

~Adela

 

OOC: I wasn't sure about what you were looking for in my post, so really just posted as I liked. Let me know what I need to edit. *hugs*

The east wind bellowed. It was a grey morning, with little life in it, except that of the crying birds. The birds, who complained so eloquently as they fed their bellies with river life. Low lived filth. Adela watched the sun rise through the mist, a pretty beacon of light lifting itself through the clouds.

 

“You there!”

 

Her head swivelled, surprised by the sudden beckoning and unfamiliarity of the voice. Her eyes were met with those of a young lad, whose eyes revealed he was not much older than she. Adela said nothing, instead choosing to merely look at the boy as he approached. He was rather good looking, she realised. “You’ve been called for lunch.” He stated, words slipping out in a thick Andoran accent, which surprised her. They were certainly not known for their love of water and voyage. Perhaps she had chanced upon someone…unique? A hopeful acquaintance who could become her sole companion during their journey? Of course not. “I don’t feel like having any.” She said finally, silently wishing the boy would go away.

 

“Lunch, with the lady, Adela.”

 

He knew her name? Head turning sharply, her eyes narrowed as she studied the youth once more. The lady. Flashes of midnight hair, milk white skin…Kiserai. A cloaked figure, her face hidden and thus inscrutable. Only that barest hint of a smile. Shadow, friend of the Dark. Mostly though, there were the eyes. Crescent clasping itself to crescent to form the perfect round, there were the eyes. Brown, but not plain. There was no feeling in them, no warmth or glimmer. Only that magnetic unbearable, but ever so simple fact that was embedded deep: she knew better.

 

Her teacher, trainer and mentor. Without a word, she moved away from him. As his face passed by her, she didn’t look at him, instead letting the slightest smile touch her lips. Let him wonder, she thought, satisfied. It took about four more paces of such steady movement, and she was inside. A ship’s interior was a most curious thing according to Adela. Low ceilings, with dimmed ceilings and buoyant pretties hanging on walls that smelled of waters travelled past. Kiserai sat in the middle, arms resting on the table, watching her. Closing the cabin door, Adela approached the chair opposite her’s. “You called for me?”

 

~Adela

 

OOC: I wasn't sure about what you were looking for in my post, so really just posted as I liked. Let me know what I need to edit. *hugs*

Kiserai looked up from the papers she'd been reading as Adela entered the small dining room.

"You called for me?" the girl asked.

"Yes, we will have lunch and then it is time I start your training."

She leaned back in her chair, crossed her legs and studied the young creature as she sat down in the chair opposite of her. Many long years had passed since the last time Kiserai had trained apprentices. Thinking back, she wondered how life had treated the young people who had been at her mercy all those years back. Her own time as an apprentice had, despite the hard training, been the happiest years of her life. She had been young and naïve, and in love with the most complex man she had ever known. Thoughts of Dias always made her want to kill, and he usually surfaced in her mind when she was using especially cruel methods to torture and kill. A smile suddenly spread across her face, and it was not a nice one. It was just as well they hadn't run into each other over the years. For all she knew he might even be dead and buried. She doubted it, though. He had been believed to be dead several times, but he always showed up again. The sudden, curious look in Adela's face obliterated all nostalgic thoughts of the past, and the father of her children was forgotten. She knew very well she couldn't run into the people she had known in the past. Whatever the Chosen had planned for her, she had too many enemies, though few would dare attack one of the Masters of the Shar Mahdi.

 

"You need to do something about that hair, girl." Adela really had a messy hair, and Kiserai wanted the child to look presentable. "A haystack like that makes people think you're lazy and not to be trusted. And you want people to think you're a decent young woman."

She scrutinized Adela's clothes and shook her head.

"New clothes as well, a few dresses and also some outfits for stealth and weapons training. I'll make the arrangements for a fit wardrobe in Aringill, that will also be a lesson for you in finding the right people to handle your special requests. You'll want someone who knows to keep their mouth shut."

Kiserai gave Adela some time to think about what she had just told her. The lunch was brought in on a tray by a sweet boy who nearly ran out again after setting it on the table.

 

They ate sandwiches and drank tea in silence. It was a simple meal, but better than some of the stuff Kiserai had been served in the past years while hiding from the cold gaze of the Chosen. She looked at Adela, and when she had finished her portion, decided to continue the lesson.

"Tell me what you know of the Shar Mahdi."