I've got some stuff for a conjurer in the works, she might be mildly obsessed with power but whats wrong with that??? More stuff soon.

Glad you remember her, she's a favorite of mine. Would love to bring her back again for a longer ride. She's just barrles of fun.

Excited, ya'll. I've got some ideas for a (mildly insane) sorcerer or wizard. Xenophobella, the recurring imaginary friend, may or may not be included...

Pausing out of earshot from the guards, Dane voiced a thought that had been in his mind the whole time.  "Za'ahrat, I was thinking that perhaps you might speak for us. You might be able to get more information than the rest of us."

Nodding, the young Aes Sedai turned her violet gaze upon the jailhouse and the horde of men standing guard. Men she could deal with. Za'ahrat glided toward the closest guard letting the natural sensuality return to her step. Approaching the closest guard, she let a coy smile paint itself across her lips. Such things made men far more nervous than any blatant act. Desire was the first weapon Za'ahrat had learned to weild and it came to her as natural as breath.  

"Good morning my man," she spoke with a silken alto letting her eyes drift upward to meet the mans gaze. "Is it not a beautiful morning?"

((OOC: In the interest of moving forward, can we list out the questions we have here? Assuming the guard reacts positively, Za'ahrat will ask about Millae and who she was spending time with. Has she ever been violent before? What was her relationship to the Aes Sedai? How has she been behaving since the imprisonment? Eventually she will ask to see the girl. What do you all want to add?))

I will have a post up tomorrow!

Fun post! As of yet, Za'ahrat has not revealed that she is an Aes Sedai. She's keeping that to herself for now. I'll reveal in game. From game posts, it looks like Cho'Ra is the only channeler that has revealed themselves thus far. We really know very little of one another, which will make for some fun fun fun when things are revealed.

The light of the sun slowly kissed the horizon, bathing the sky with pinks and golds, and the glory of the light. Za'ahrat took in the painting of the dawn with quiet serenity. The dream had awakened her and there would be no return to sleep after its terror. Awake so early, the young Aes Sedai allowed herself this moment of joyful meditation. Soon she would have to contend with the dream and all it meant, but for now Za'ahrat would loose herself in the fleeting sublimity of the early dawn.

Her joy did not last long. The clamor of a fist pounding against a door filled the room followed by a man's bellow. The pounding stopped, got louder, and stopped again before it reached her door before continuing down the hall. Was the idiot man banging on every door in the thrice bedamned inn?

Hissing, the Aes Sedai slowly rose to her feet and glided across the room, the gossamer layers of her domani skirt rippled along her figure. She ran her hands along her pack and the belongings neatly folded within in her daily inspection for dust. This morning spared her the invasion of the insidious filth. At that Za'ahrat allowed herself a small smile. Perfection must be maintianed even in the earliest hours of the morning.

With a graceful gesture, she lifted her pack and made way to the door. Wrapped in Aes Sedai serenity, she would face the day and eviscerate whomever was making the clamor. There was little doubt in her mind who that would be.

The flame haired channeler turned to face her, “And what do you think of all this? Will you join us tomorrow and help us to hopefully find and prove the young lady’s innocence?”

Zaharat met the other woman’s gaze with impassive serenity, letting her own violet eyes rest on the woman’s before replying, “Riddles in the dark, secrets upon secrets… I will join you to find the truth, whatever it may be.”

The Aes Sedai let her words, and their meaning, hang in the air. Let the others place their concern with the girl, Za’ahrat would place hers with justice for the yellow sister.

*****

I hope you’re ready, Aes Sedai. 

The words echoed through Za’ahrat’s mind and chilled her to the core. Emphasis had been placed on single work, Aes Sedai. Whatever else the shadow intended it was clear that it knew she was an initiate of the tower, and that could be dangerous. 

It was just a dream, and yet, Za’ahrat had learned to trust her dreams long ago. Not all dreams were prescient, there were many that contained the reflections and fantasies of the mind at rest. True dreams were different. Everything seemed more real, more real than life. Memories of true dreams didn’t fade, they remained palpable and clear. This had been a true dream.

Getting up from the bed, Za’ahrat glided across the room to watch the rays of sunlight transform night into day. Maeldon and the mysterious death of the Aes Sedai stretched out before them. The dream had drawn her toward the center of town, perhaps they would find some answers there. She would have to find a way of convincing the others to visit the sites of her dream without revealing herself. That or she would make the investigation alone. 

The aroma of the stew wafted up as Za'ahrat sipped the broth, and it smelled as bland as it tasted. Whomever had prepared this meal shared the Midlander fear of spice in full measure. There was probably dust in it as well. Wretched. Despite her disapproval of the tasteless gruel, the Aes Sedai set the bowl down without scowling. There were far greater matters to focus her ire upon. The vile man brutalizing the bland stew stood at the very top of that list. 

Particles of food flew from his mouth as he bellowed his slurs, alternating between abusing Mistress Velanin and defaming Aes Sedai. While most outside of the White Tower distrusted and feared the sisterhood, hatred was not such a common thing. Yet, any who referred to them as witches certainly bore only ill will. The oaf would have to be watched, and likely deloused. From the sea of glares directed at the group she likely was not alone in that opinion. They had a difficult task ahead of them and he was not making it any easier.

At the moment, they needed more information and it was high time they went about getting it. 

((OOC: Sorry this is short and irresolute. Work deadlines galore. Yay spring semester!))

Great news. I’m in

Happy Birthday, Tann!!!

The warmth of the in was a welcome respite from the evening chill, and Za'arhat let it wash over her with something akin to joy. A glance around the room told her there was little dust for which the young Aes Sedai found herself breathing epithets of gratitude and praise. The villainous substance had plagued her long trip from Salidar, she would celebrate any respite from dust.

As Za'arhat glided across the room, her gossamer skirts swirled around her flowing like the tides of the northern ocean. Domani garments were masterfully cut to suggest the rippling waves of the Aryth Ocean, one merely had to move with grace. Even the stoic halls of the White Tower could not take the theatrics of garment and movement from her, that had been the first art she learned. It might appear frivolous, but such arts of seduction were as keen a weapon as any weave of the power. For this, Za'arhat had chosen the Blue, the ajah of secrets and intrigue. 

The layer skirts clung to the curves of her body as she took a seat in the cleanest of the chairs, the twisting folds revealed as much as they concealed. She had made certain to seat herself nearest to the fascinating bowman to watch the interrogation unfold. Now was a time to observe, to learn all she could about those around her and the town she now found herself in. 

It was the bowman who began the questions, and he didn't waste any time or pleasantries. A series of questions were hammered out in quick succession. All were good questions to ask, but the technique lacked finesse. They were likely to learn far more if they just let the woman talk. People revealed more than they intended when given the chance to.

As the other channeler comforted the grieving woman, Za'ahrat leaned in and fixed her with her violet gaze, "Mistress Velalin," the Aes Sedai began, "perhaps you can begin by telling us about your daughter and the Aes Sedai. Begin wherever you like."

Hey! This is absolutely on my radar. Traveling for the holidays through the end of December, so finding a chunk of time to write has been challenging. I'll have something up once I get back, hopefully earlier. If you are itching to update, don't let me hold you up. 

Sorry about the delay - I will have a post up this week. Soon.

Hiya! I think I might be able tonight, will check back in later!

I’ve got a few things up in the air too. If you all decide on a time, I will be there if I can.

c

chessic, feel free to throw ideas at me

There is a characters thread so you all can see what the party is like. 

As for Siréne, she all magic and mystery. The character was based on the Faerie Queen in the Mists of Avalon, with some twists. She is a priestess, enchantress, witch. While she is fully loyal to the party, her allegiances are also with faerie and the old religion. As a mage/druid, she fills the role of spell thrower and diviner when needed.

I will post something more fleshed our later, but hope that helps for now.

Sure, if you need just let me know where to send.

Glad to see your on board, Keeper. 

As to books, I have a number of digital copies too. Let me know if there is a need. 

Happens to the best of us. Hope things calm down for you for awhile. Looking forward to the next post!

We need healers and meat shields, most of the characters are composites in some way. Assuming Cor and Rayne stay on (we need them) the party has 3 full healers (Valene, Cor, and Rayne are all clerics) and 3 with healing ability (Siréne is a mage/druid, Lothor and Talca are rangers). Another healer or meat shield would be good.

Chessic, there’s room for dual and multi characters if you don’t want to do a straight healer.

Tann, we need Rayne. If nobody claims her, I can take her on as well. Will shoot you a message later. 

Glad to see you back, Tann. I’m still on board!

At the mention of the murder of one of her sisters, Za’ahrat gave Millae a second glance. It was entirely possible the girl had been framed. Intrigue would certainly be involved in the death of an Aes Sedai, but despite the cries of protest she was not yet convinced of innocence. Za’ahrat felt no ability to channel in the girl, but that meant little. Poison or a hidden blade were more effective weapons for any assassin. Dark friends hid in plain sight. 

The Aes Sedai remained silent as the embarrassing scene unfolded, all the while she watched and made note of each before her. As shouts met shouts, Za’ahrat moved her free hand to join the other beneath her cloak seemingly playing with her fingers. The gesture hid her true action, turning the head of her great serpent ring inward so that a casual onlooker would see nothing more than a gold band. Following the death of a sister she would need to tread carefully lest she meet the same fate herself. 

Despite the Yellow’s murder, Za’ahrat was unsure of the exact course to follow. There was no question that the matter required investigation, yet, she hesitated. The circle of five strangers had brought unexpected discoveries and they bore urgency, perhaps even more urgency than the death of an Aes Sedai. 

Za’ahrat let her violet gaze pass over the group once more. It had not taken long for the two women to reveal they were not of the White Tower. The auburn haired wilder had spoken directly and claimed no allegiance to the sisterhood. By the three oaths, there was no Aes Sedai that could utter such a denial. Speak no word that is not true. The other woman possessed a timidity the White Tower would have wasted little time breaking her of. As of the moment, there was no way of knowing if either was even aware of their ability to touch the source. Wilders embodied chaos and unpredictability. Where one might touch the source without even knowing it, another could possess a finesse that rivaled tower training. Any wilder bore close watching and this pair possessed uncommon strength. Yet, these women were not what held her focus. The young bowman… she did not believe such a thing was possible. 

The blue sister eyed the young man as he moved onto the steps of the inn and spoke up.  "Yes, aid may be needed.  But we don't know much.  The gentleman made a good suggestion when he proposed a meal in the Gleeman's Abode - it seems we were all heading there anyway.  Perhaps Mistress Velalin you would accompany us into the inn?  I don't think chasing down the good guardsman will do anyone any good right now, least of all the young lady.  But at the very least your exploits on her behalf this evening have attracted our attention.  Perhaps over a meal you could tell us more so that we might better understand the situation and formulate a plan to help the young lady.  Even going to the guardhouse won't do any good just yet. Anyone else tired, hungry and looking for more information before jumping feet first into a hornets nest? And you Mistress Velalin?   Some food and a chance to convince us of your servants plight?"

Za’ahrat nodded her agreement and glided to stand beside the intriguing man. “I agree. We can discuss the matter as easily indoors as we can out here. The coming night will bring the chill with it, there is no reason we should add our suffering to the mix.”

With that, the Aes Sedai followed the young man into the inn. It seemed the answers to the questions that had arisen were tied together. Mysteries were locked within mysteries; the dream had led her true.  

Got hit with a busy week, but I’ve got a post coming. Will have something tomorrow or Thursday. Prometeo.

The journey from Salidar to Maeldon had been long, unpleasant, and filled with dust. Za’ahrat Asaheen hated dust. The particles floated through the air and clung to everything. With unparalleled tenacity the tiny invaders bore into to seams and hems, and whatever else would provide purchase. Banishing the hated nemesis would have been a frivolous use of the One Power, but after a long day of travel it was tempting to draw in every drop of Saidar she could to send the wretched dust back to the hell from whence it came.

Yet, dust was a part of travel and she would endure all the dust in the world if it meant fulfilling her quest. In her pursuit of the ring and the shawl she had endured far worse. Since being raised to the Blue Ajah, Za’ahrat Asaheen had been charged with sowing seeds of discord to topple the Reds. Intrigue would serve their rebellion more than the clashing of steel. The will of her Ajah was not the only force that drove her on; there were more clandestine threads at work. It had been dreams that led the young Aes Sedai to Maeldon, and it would be dreams that led her to her true purpose. Za’ahrat heeded true dreams when they came. She knew not the purpose yet, but she trusted the path would soon be revealed.

Za’ahrat had dreamed a hazy mirror of this moment. There had been the town, an inn, and a huddle of strangers around her. Now the grey mists of the dream had been painted over with full colors. The Gleeman’s Abode had been aptly named for this moment, if not for its own presence. There the fey Domani found herself standing amid a circle of five travel worn strangers. That they all stood taller than her came as no surprise. Her childhood in Arad Doman taught her that most she met would tower above her. That diminutive stature had taught Za’ahrat to command presence long before she ever set foot in the White Tower. With dark copper skin, a mane of shiny black curls, and almond eyes the rare shade of violet, Za’ahrat was notably beautiful among a people renowned for their beauty. She had spent as many years learning to wield that beauty as she had to bend Saidar to her will. Layers of gossamer dyed in hundreds of shades of indigo clung to her form and shifted color as she moved. All this was hidden and revealed by the cloak billowing around her. 

Though the dying day brought with it a bitter chill, Za’ahrat did not feel it. Neither color nor heat would touch her. Exposure could still exhaust or kill, but she would not feel the affects until it was far too late. There was a precocity to Aes Sedai serenity, but it was a cost gladly paid. Such was not the case for the five travelers around her, but all bore it well nonetheless. Her gaze first fell upon the men, though each had been travel hardened they raised no alarms. The same could not be said of the other women. She sensed the ability to channel in each, and if they had any training at all this close they could not help but sense the ability in her too. Perhaps they were merely Wilders who had managed to survive their first touch of the power, perhaps they were something more. Neither had the ageless look of a Sister, but it would be sometime before she bore the face of an Aes Sedai herself. They wore no rings, but rings were easy enough to hide. Za’ahrat was grateful that her own serpent ring was on the hand beneath her cloak. If they were Sisters then they were loyal to the usurper and could easily be Reds. The pair would have to be watched closely.

Sudden commotion interrupted her study and pulled the attention of each of them. A woman’s scream shattered any further contemplation there might have been.  

"Noooo! You cannot take her, please! No! Please!"

The townswoman’s protest filled the air as she followed two guardsmen dragging an unconscious young woman down the streets. Such injustice sparked a rage beneath the cloak of serenity. Guards and militia were the tools of those in power, and that rarely meant acting for the good of common folk. Her fury doubled when one of the brutes struck the old woman, silencing her cries as she fell to the dirt road. There was not to do but intercede and it seemed those around her had come to a similar conclusion, as each stepped forward to meet the guards. 

Za’ahrat glided to the front on the group to face the armored pair, “Yes,” she began in a silvery alto, “What is the meaning of such barbarism? Surely there are better methods than dragging unconscious girls through the town and striking down old women in the streets. Explain yourselves and we will find a solution.”

Like the others, Za’ahrat awaited their response. For now the Aes Sedai kept the hand bearing her great serpent ring hidden. That was a weapon she could reveal later if need be.