The day itself had started like so many, the daily routine of rising and freshening up then dressing the same as the
previous day and the one before that. As Chiya looked at her reflection, the bare room behind her, she realized some shopping would be in order. Her personal possessions occupied a pitifully small area as she had always travelled light and had taken nothing from home but her parents’ warmest wishes and profound love. Tieing off the loose golden braid which draped over shoulder she turned to survey the room. Hmmmm...a small wooden chest there against the wall, near the door.....and a comfortable chair over by the window....perhaps even a painting! Chiya felt a thrill of excitement at the thought of seeing Tar Valon up close for the first time. Her arrival at the Tower had been so full of worry and anxiety that she had never paid attention to her surroundings as she’d passed through. This time she vowed to see as much as she possibly could in one day. Adjusting the green fringed shawl around her shoulders, she checked the pouch at her belt one last time before leaving her room and setting off on her self appointed errands.
The press of the crowd was overwhelming, even though a noticeably clear area surrounded her as her feet took her down the first street she saw after crossing over the bridge leading from the main gate. The bows and curtsies at her passing still took her by surprise, but were quickly pushed to the back of her mind as her gaze drank in the sights around her. Vendors displayed their wares, some sitting back quietly as potential customers passed by
while others loudly proclaimed their stock. The enticing aroma of fresh baked bread wafted onto the street from the bakery where a woman stood with a basket under one arm, looking over the assortment of pies and tarts. Chiya’s steps took her passed this and other shops, each offering its own unique display. Within the span of three marks, Chiya had made the purchases she’d wanted, finding to her delight the perfect chest and chair to add to her room. Arrangements were made to have them delivered to the Tower, the shop keeper assuring her they would arrive no later than midday tomorrow.
Shadows lengthened as the sun slowly sank towards the horizon, the rest of the day passing as though in a dream. Down stone paved streets thronged with people hurrying here and there, Chiya stopped often, once admiring a colorful array of finely woven cloth, another time watching two small boys running gaily, weaving their way in and out of the crowd, their mother absentmindedly keeping a eye on them through the open window as she cradled an infant in her arms. The Aes Sedai gave her a warm smile as their glances met before continuing on her way, reminded again of the continuing cycle of life. The innocent souls, children, had played a large part in Chiya’s determination to fight the Dark One and his Shadow, for within them rested the future. She would do all she could to assure them a chance at life blessed by the Light.
The last of the sun’s golden rays had disappeared as she finally made her way back, the Tower outlined against the oncoming night sky, a beacon calling her home. The small package she held under one arm held her last purchase, a star shaped pendant on an intricaly worked chain, each link resembling a tiny leaf. She’d been surprised to find it among the wares of a street vendor, twined casually with plain earrings and necklaces. Chiya was not usually one to wear jewelry but something had drawn her to this piece. The price had used up what few coins she had left, but she’d handed them over gladly, her curiosity piqued by the connection she felt towards this necklace. Light! The whole day gone by...it’s been wonderful, but I hope no hue and cry has been raised. I never thought my steps would take me out for so long. Chiya hastened her steps, headed towards the nearest entrance, the Patrician’s Gate, anxious to be back within Tower walls.
An odd sensation came over her as neared, a tingling warning that somewhere near a Gateway had been opened. This close the the Tower the thought of a Gateway opening did not alarm her, but the feeling of heat radiating from her package startled her. A surprised gasp escaped her, quickly turning to into wide eyed look of alarm as just ahead of her, she picked out the outline of a crouched swordsman whirling to face her. Opening herself to the sweet taste of Saidar, Chiya split her weave, using one half to form a shield of Air, and holding the other in readiness. Stepping out of the shadows, she realized the person balanced alertly before her was Janira Gaidin, Roca Sedai’s Warder. Janira’s guard dropped slightly, but she still seemed like a coiled viper, ready to spring into action in the blink of an eye. “Good eve Janira Gaidin....what are you....” The Aes Sedai’s voice trailed off , her eyes widening as she came in view of the corpse attached to the crossed beams.
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