The lesson was over for today and Kithra headed back towards her
rooms, a slight feeling of lassitude slowly draping her in it's feathery embrace. So many young women eager to learn. Their thirst for knowledge was a refreshing boon to the soul and memories of her own Novice days came rushing up to meet her. How wide eyed and anxious to succeed they'd been, Lila rising quickly through the ranks,her determination and inner strength matched only by her unwavering loyalty to her friends. They'd seemed so opposite, she and Lila, and yet the shy young Kithra had found a kindred spirit in the fiery Domani. The Wheel weaves ... and time passes... The Tower stood as it always had, it's shinning walls a beacon of strength and hope in the Light, led by a man whose character alone inspired and kept them united in the vigilance against Sightblinder's attempts to cover the land
with his shadow. These girls training under Lila's tutelage as well as those who would follow had the benefit of the Mistress of Novices vast store of knowledge, as well as that of the many other able Sisters within the Tower's walls.
Entering her rooms, Kithra was mildly surprised to note Gangorn's absence from the room. Although disappointed at not seeing him, the overriding emotion was happiness. She had been feeling a twinge of guilt that he had given all of his time to her,
watching over her protectively and losing touch with his fellow Brothers to Battle. Kithra knew that most were out now, two large groups having gone on seperate missions, but there were always new faces, new young men making their way to Tar Valon to train with the legendary Gaidin in the hopes of someday joining their ranks.
Swaying slightly on her feet, the Aes Sedai put a hand to the wall for support. Light! It is good he is not here to see this...I'm sure a lecture on the pitfalls of overconfidence would ensue.... Removing her shawl and laying it atop the carved chest against the wall Kithra made her way towards the bed, intending to rest for but a moment. Before her head had touched
the pillow, the obliviousness of sleep seeped into her mind, and she never heard the opening and closing of the door, nor the subsequent entrances of her Warder.
.... "Kithra, I know it is special. That is why I am giving
it to you. Kithra, I want you to marry me." He looked into her eyes, waiting for the answered he hoped would come.
Aes Sedai serenity fled from her, as the rabbit or even badger flee to the safety of their burrows at the first whisper of a storm . The Great Game, engaging an advancing force of Trollocs in battle or even retaining the sense of cold calculated logic and level headedness needed to face a Fade....these were things the Tower had prepared her for. Marriage? Me? Shock, bewilderment, fear ....each one blazed briefly in her mind, blanking her to anything else, immobilizing her.
He sat before her, his hand extending a symbol of life and companionship, gazing at her, patience and love shinning from the depths of his blue eyes. How can I marry anyone? ...Death comes to quickly to those who stand against the Shadowspawn ....losing a Warder is crippling...but how much more so to lose a husband.. He seemed to read the thoughts going through her head, a rare emotion flicking across his features. "I love you my Aes Sedai, and have from almost the moment I saw you.
The Pattern has woven our destinies together and I will always be at your side. Our bond is strong, but what I ask for now is more than even that. I ask for your heart, your love...... you Kithra."
As he spoke she felt drawn as never before, carried gently within the warmth and comfort of his words...a golden glow filling her mind, a serenity blossoming which had nothing to do with being an Aes Sedai, chasing any doubts away. Emerald eyes softening, she smiled slowly as a realization broke through from the deepest recesses of her mind, hidden and nurtured until the time was right to give it voice. I love him ....I....love...him...
Reaching out she covered his hand with hers, the ring pressing
into their palms as she gently closed her fingers. All words and
thoughts left her mind, plans, revelations, decisions.... all for another time. Her entire being flowed into the one word which floated from her lips, a whispered word filled with joy and promise. "Yes......" In one motion he rose and pulled her to him, enveloping her in his arms. "Yes Gangorn.... I will marry you." No further words were needed as their lips met.
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