Edgtho grimaces, glovering at the bow. This thing's broken! Taking a deep breath to calm himself, he knocks another arrow, draw and lingers in the position a moment, then releases. The speeding shaft goes a little wide an high of the trunk. Another miss...But no; it hits an apple, and the arrow and the fruit thud to the ground behind the tree.
Ia'aihn looks up again, watching the Aiel archery.
Layha grins suddenly, rattling her bow against her buckler, eyes glinting with approval. "That was a skilled shot," she says lightly, eyeing Edgtho thoughtfully. She waits for him to collect his trophy, pulling an arrow out of her quiver but not nocking it.
Edgtho smiles slightly and walks to the fallen apple, pulling his arrow and the one she shot free, then returning back to her. Offering the pple to the Maiden, he says "I have my days."
Layha takes both apple and arrow with a little incline of her head, studying the man closely. "I should hope to have that sort of luck," she says lightly, putting one of the arrows away and carefully setting the apple at her feet. Then, drawing and aiming carefully, she loosens her arrow again. At what isn't clear--till it lands solidly at a knot in the tree. "I am getting better."
Layha leans over, picking up the apple at her feet and regarding it with a small smile. Then, turning--since the Seia Doon has been engaged by a fellow society member--she makes her way back to Jeire's side. "I do not even have to try hard," she states lightly.
"I would fear the results if you did, spear sister," Jeire responds back, then nods towards the wetlander squatting over the anthill. "What do you suppose he hunts for in the dirt?"
Ia'aihn continues his meremcology, andf actually begins digging in the anthill now. He swats some ants on his arms and brushes others off. The test tube is filling up.
Layha twists about to peer at the little man, biting into the apple. "I'm not sure," she reponds, mouth full. "Perhaps the wetlanders collect the dust of a place."
"Perhaps he means them for his dinner," Jeire continues to speculate out loud, nodding towards his apparent collection of what's in the dirt. A curious note is in her voice, as if observing yet another of those things that make wetlanders so odd.
Ia'aihn gives a small cough, at that, and peers up at the pair. "I do not *eat* ants, nor do I know of anyone who does, wetlander or not." His voice holds an offended tone.
Layha hesitates in her biting of a second mouthful of apple. Chewing and swallowing, she look speculative. "Then why else would you spend so much time looking through the dirt?" she asks.
Nyderalith trots back in, without his horse, but that isn't surprising, as the horse is tethered here, at the camp. He looks dirt covered, and his face is wet with sweat. He jogs in, obviously he's jogged the entire way back from wherever he came.
He hesitates a moment, glancing around, and dropping into a walk. He heads to the Aes Sedai tents directly.
Ia'aihn plugs the test tube, and stands up, brushing himself off. "I am a scholar. My particular interest is the field of biology. Ants, they are my current subject of interest, they are amazing creatures when you appreciate their advanced social hierachy. I am taking samples to study further, and will turn my notes into a book when I return to Tar Valon. I think my next subject will be the Nature of the Ways."
Jeire takes a few steps forward to better observe the ants. "They do seem rather small, don't they? Even if you did eat them, you'd have to collect more than that to make a decent meal." She offers a grin, signifying a droll humor in the observation. "The Ways?" she echoes, "you would find those things there too?"
Layha runs her free hand through her short hair. "There was nothing living in the Ways," she states evenly. "I have been through them twice and still have yet to see it."
Nyderalith reaches the tents of the Aes Sedai, and is barred by two warders. He gets into a harsh discussion with them. Finally ending with the two backing down. He duck inside the tent, and is gone. Though the two Warders look at each other wondering what could have put such a charge in Nyderalith.
Ia'aihn smiles, "You missed it entirely. The Ways *themselves* are alive. The Ways were created during the Breaking of the World by male channelers as a gift to the Ogier, for giving them sanctuary in their stedding. The Ways were once a beautiful place, I have read, eternally blue sky, much light originating from no one source, grass and trees on which you could eat from. But, around a 1000 years ago, they grew darker, and finally became what we see today. A waste, really. The prevailing theory is that teh taint on Saidin caused them to decay, but I think differently. The Ways are alive, and all living things have sickness. Perhaps a thorough study could reveal possible treatment and/or a cure. I think it would have to involve the One Power, though." He frowns, considering.
The Warder's discussion earns a glance from Jeire, long enough to note the man's identity. Naturally, her glance immediately afterwards is towards Layha, accompanied by a guarded smirk. For Ia'aihn's sake, she observes, "The Ways did not look like it had ever been beautiful." A moment later, "Except for the roadways we traveled. And even they were in disrepair."
Layha grunts faintly, grimacing at the look from her spear sister then nodding at her words. "They stank of the taint," she mutters. "It was a dangerous place."
Ia'aihn nods slowly, "I would not have guessed, either. But I go from what I hav read. Orena Daughter of Isin Daughter of Paela wrote an informative book on the subject, and she should know, since she wrote almost 200 years before the beginning of the War of the Hundred Years. Her descriptions are beyond belief, looking at it now. Particuarly interesting theories on the nature of the Way's life itself. But, that was then, this is now." He sighs, glumly. "Nothing lasts forever, and the Ways are definitely going. In 100 years, will they be gone? Will they be worse? Perhaps teh Taint could on day escape outside. That last is a terrifyin thought. Study of the Ways could provide answers, and possibly a cure."
Nyderalith steps out of the tent, moving with a purpose. He speaks briefly with the two Warders outside the tent, and they go scurrying off on some errand. He glances around, catching sight of the nearest Aiel. He moves toward Jeire and Layha.
Layha shakes her head after a long moment of contemplation. "I cannot imagine that it was ever that way, no matter what the Treebrothers say." Spotting the approaching Warder, she calls, "I see you, Nyderalith. May you find water and shade this day." She leans forward just a bit, curiosity enveloping her face.
Jeire nods vaguely at the barrage of information and theory. She frowns in an attempt at comprehension, but her fingers are sending a message for Layha even as her spear sister calls out a greeting for the approaching Warder. This, she must witness. "Shade and water," she echoes.
Ia'aihn turns as Layha does, not having noticed Nyderalith. "Light shine." He greets. His lips then take a smirk, "Layha, I've heard wuite a few comments on wetlanders. Do youb beleive yourself physically superior to us in all aspects?"
Nyderalith nods to Layha first, a small smile on his lips, "I see you, Lahya," he glances at the other Maidan, "And you, Far Daeis Mai." he sighs, "May you both find water and shade." he hesitates, "But I think you won't quite yet today." He looks at the scholar, and chuckles, "They are, Scholar." He chuckles agian, then sighs, "But that is not what we should be discussing."
Layha glances over at Jeire, her lips curling faintly. Hands flash back quickly, eyes flickering between spear sister, Warder and little man. "We are well trained in the Threefold Land," is her response to the scholar. Nyderalith gets her attention at that. "What is it that we should be discussing?"
Ia'aihn smirk is wiped off his face, and he turns to look at the Gaidin.
Jeire's brow furrows at that opening statement, offering an introduction for herself almost as an aside, "Jeire, Far Dareis Mai of the Broken Spire Sept of th e Shaarad Aiel." She continues the Maiden chitchat with her hands. She lets Layha's question stand for her own curiosity.
Ia'aihn whispers to Layha, He mutters to Layha, "... see... you are... you think... are. I... never het met... me.... about wetlanders." He then looks at Nyderalith, assuming his previous stance.
Layha bursts out laughing at something then quickly sobers, flashing back a rsponse as she turns full attention to the Warder.
Layha casts a glance at Jeire, flashes something back and continues waiting.
Jeire stifles a chuckle, glancing between Warder, scholar and fellow Maiden. Of course, she must respond in kind to her silent conversation.
Layha turns from Jeire for a moment, giving the little scholar an almost contemptuous glance. "I do not test a warrior's skills against those who aren't warriors," she states clearly. Then her eyes flick back to Jeire.
Ia'aihn stares up at this arrogant Aielwoman, "Well, speed is hardly reserved for warriors. But, if you are afraid to lose."
Erindhra has arrived.
Layha gives the little one another look. "I fear nothing. I just know not to waste time and energy."
Jeire eyes Ia'aihn and Layha, "Perhaps he wants a contest of how quickly one can drink oosquai?"
Layha smirks at that. "He can try..."
Ia'aihn snorts at Layha, "I do not know what oosquai is, but I would wager I am faster than you are. Aiel do not have a monopoly on physical prowess, Serenla."
Kalin has arrived.
Araine has connected.
Layha looks behind her, an eyebrow raised. "Who is Serenla?"
Jeire, Layha, and Ia'aihn are gathered somewhere to the edge of the camp, apparently engaged in conversation. Nyderalith stands nearby, apparently allowing the banter while he gathers his thoughts (OOC he went idle, back presently he said.)
Ia'aihn sighs, "It is the Old Tongue. It means "Stubborn Daughter."
Nyderalith smirks a little, and says, "I'm organizing a party to search for our enemies, the've made a bit of a mistake. Would you, and Jeire like to join this group?" He says to Layha, her, who has earned his appreciation.
Darius has arrived.
Layha eyes the man for a long moment. "You are not my mother." Then, turning to the Warder, she puts her hand on her hunting knife. "I would go. I do not like being idle."
Despite that she had just returned some hours before from a loop of her own, Jeire has regained enough humor to nod assent to the offer. "I would search again, if it gets us farther on this quest."
Ia'aihn mutters under his breath, "Can be used in either context." Before turning away, and walking back towards tehcamp.
Nyderalith nods, "No horses, it'll only confuse the track." he pauses, then lifts a single spear, "Have any of you brethen reported loosing this, or are there any missing?" His face is gravely serious. He eyes both Maidens.
From her tent, Erindhra emerges with the unruffled calm characteristic of her station. Settling her shawl comfortable about her shoulders, she acknowledges a fistful of spear ostensibly guarding her tent. Circling about, she moves to where some activity looks to be taking place. "I see you." she greets all, turning her attention to the one talking, holding a spear.
Layha turns to look at her spear sister, eyes darkening. Hearing Erindhra's greeting, she calls over her shoulder, "I see you," in response. Before flashing something at Jeire again.
Jeire lifts a brow, "Lose a spear? No Aiel warrior would willingly allow her spears out of her possession." It is clear she means more than just the Maidens of course. "Where did you find this?" For the Wise One, she responds with a "I see you," her fingers already flashing for Layha's sake.
Nyderalith glances at the Wise One, and nods, "I see you." He says resolutely, still holding the spear, and awaiting an answer to his questions. His face is grave. He nods, "I thought as much, there looked to be a small skirmish, but it was fairly well hidden." He waves to the north, "That way. A small battle by the looks, this is all that's left....and a few horse tracks that dissappear suddenly."
Layha runs a hand through short blonde hair, tugging at the tail at the back of her neck. "We must investigate," she states shortly, expression and voice resolute.
The Wise One's lips curl into a mild frown at the disconcerting find of the distinctly Aiel spear without an owner. "Two spears should investigate," Erindhra says, largely to the Aiel audience. "How far north?" she asks of the wetland warrior.
Ia'aihn turns at a tree not far off. He's been listening, whatever they think he clearly does not intend to not go. He begins movibng toward teh direction the Gaidin pointed. "Tia Avendesora's lan avende."
Ia'aihn murmurs.
Jeire is already retrieving the spears she had just so recently sharpened in preparation for the investigation. Of course the Wise One's questions must be answered, so she is just content to await those replies.
Nyderalith looks at the Wise One, and says, "They may accompany the group I'm assembling to scout around this area." He says, glancing to see a group of 5 Warders forming up in the middle of the Tower camp. He looks back to the Wise One, "If you see fit."
Layha glances toward Jeire, bouncing on the balls of her feet for a moment before waiting expectantly for the Wise One's answer.
Ia'aihn egins moving in the direction of the north, ignoring the others. Swiftly he moves, yet trying to be *somewhat* silent. He breaks many sticks, but movees on nonetheless.
Araine has disconnected.
Kalin notices the activity and stalks over to the small group, nodding dismissively toward the wetlanders and saying with respect, "I see you, Wise One. I see you, Far Dareis Mai." He wonders from the look of readiness of the Maidens if there will be dancing soon.
"I see you, Seia Doon," Jeire responds in kind to the approaching spear. Having shouldered the load she plans to take along with her, it is only a signal and a direction that keeps her from loping off towards the Warder's finding. "Can you tell how many were in the skirmish?"
Deciding that distance is not so important an issue, Erindhra inclines her head to the warrior most recently joining the assembled. "Six spears, then, to equal what the wetlanders send. Three Maidens to scout plus three more." she decides, pointing out various warriors. "Find what you may, and return immediately if you find any trace of the Dark One's work or creatures. Do not foolishly dance if you can retreat. We are here to retrieve Avendoraldera, not fight Sightblinder."
Layha nods almost impatiently at the Wise One, looking from Erindhra to the northern direction. "We will not risk ourselves foolishly." Or at least, no more than the Maidens usually do.
Nyderalith stretches some, then nods at the Wise One, he turns heading back the five other Warders, and motions, "We move." He turns, glancing, "I'm sure you can keep up." He knows he's the only one who knows where this sight is, and will have to lead.
Kalin hefts a spear from one hand to the other and caresses the veil hanging down his chest almost lovingly, ready to raise it at a moment's notice. Shifting his feet, he indicates his readiness to move.
Layha watches Nyderalith closely, shaking out her long limbs. She's clearly ready to run, her gray gaze not wavering for a moment.
Jeire wastes no time in loping after the wetlander warrior, but swinging wide to allow him the point. A quick glance towards her fellow spears registers a head count in her own mind instinctively.
Nyderalith trots out of the camp, the other five Warders matching him. They start out straight north, but then start drifting to the Northwest. He's following the map he made in his mind of course. And he leads them unerringly.
Layha lopes easily along with the Warder, matching her strides to that of her spear sisters, even as they spread out to either side of the Warder group. She's on the opposite side of the group as Jeire, moving easily.
Ia'aihn keeps at a distnace, but follows the party as they move. He stays somewhat to the ENE of them, altering his course to align with their own.
Kalin keeps pace with the other Aiel, not knowing where they are heading, nor really caring, only looking forward to the dance.
After a nice jog, covering a good hour of time, the group of Warders slows, then stops, and Nyderalith calls, "This is the spot! If you'll come in, I'll show you where the spear was found." The area is a hillside, at the base is what looks like a streambed, which probably runs during the spring, but being it's fall, it's dry. The area is covered in scrub brush, and along the stream a pile of wood has been piled by the water. A few of the bushes look to have been bent, or damaged, though not many, and the ground is clear of footprints.
Layha pulls up, barely even winded, it seems, her gray gaze immediately sweeping the area, spear easily pulled from her back and hefted by her side. She gestures to the other Maidens, taking step after careful step as she looks about the area.
Jeire slows to a halt and pulls her position closer to the Warders - the better to examine the spot he means. She is silent for once, even her hands are still as she scrutinizes the area for a reading of what may have transpired.
Ia'aihn is now to the *South*east of them, but he tries to keep up. His usual half hour runs around Tar Valon don't com pare to this, and he looks... saturated.
Kalin moves aside to allow the Maidens to precede him, acknowledging their superior tracking skills. Meanwhile, he stands to the top of his height to survey the surrounding area.
Nyderalith looks a little damp from sweat, but he doesn't breath hard, moving to the pile of wood, "It ended up among this pile of wood." He says, kicking the wood lightly, "I almost missed it...." He waves at the hillside, "There are some signs of fighting, but whoever won, did a decent job of covering them." He points to a lightly damages plant, "Where they could." He then turns to look at the man at the hill, and says, "On the other side of this, there are a set of horse tracks, heading north...I didn't follow them far. I thought I should report first." he looks at the three Maidens, "Shall we scout? Them, or look around here some more?"
Layha nods easily, her eyes already moving in the indicated direction. "Some can go up there and some stay down here," she decides slowly.
Whatever happened here happened not too recently. Examination of the snapped-off brush shows that the broken pieces have drained whatever sap they contained. Rocks dislodged from their previous resting places have not managed to settle deeper into their new homes. The soft boot prints the Aiel would have made have been scrubbed away by the wind. The horse tracks, however, may yield some more information.
Jeire answers Layha's suggestion by squatting by one of the bushes - she'll be staying here.
Nyderalith nods, and points at two Warders, "You stay here, and search..." He looks at the two closest Maidens, and says, "Shall we?" He starts moving up the hillside, to where he encountered the horse trails, knowing that Aiel will follow.
Kalin flicks his eyes over the scene again and begins to move North, following the Wetlander warrior and not waiting to see who else will accompany them.
Layha moves silently next to Nyderalith, her gaze on the ground as she moves. Nearing one of the patterns of horsetracks, she slows, grunting faintly to herself. "They don't go to far," she mutters softly, brow knitting. "But they mus continue going that way?" she gestures in the appropriate direction.,
Nyderalith shrugs, tracking with Layha, though on another of the horse trails. He frowns, and turns, heading back the way he came, then moving back, and frowning again. He looks at Layha, and says simply...."Mine's gone......" He looks around some more, and swears, "Blood'n ashes....."
Ia'aihn has finally gotten near the area, he stops by a tree and bends over, catching his breath. He looks down, and then sits, surveying the area as he sucks air though a raspy throat.
Kalin grunts at the strange behavior of the wetlander and grips his spear more tightly, his eyes roaming the area for unseen threats.
Jeire lopes up behind those searching the horsetrail. "Which way does it end?" She is carefully stepping around whatever evidence is obvious.
Nyderalith glances at Jeire, and says, "Heading even straighter northwest." He frows some, look to Layha to see if she is in agreement with his assessment.
Jeire sends her gaze northwest. "And it ends...here?" she pauses where the trail disappears into the rocky ground, yielding no more hint of passage.
Kalin glances up the trail, halfway expecting to see attackers come riding toward the group. When no attack is forthcoming, he returns to his careful watch of the immediate area, intent on protecting the trackers. Under his breath, he mutters an incomprehensible curse.
Nyderalith turns to regard Jeire, and nods, "So it seems." He moves to join her. His face rather.....intent. He wants to unravel this strange mystery as well. He hears the man mutter, and glances toward him, "See something?!" He calls to the Aiel, not used to having them just blurts things out.
Kalin turns to regard the man briefly, then turns away, saying, "No. And I don't like what I'm not seeing."
"And how far does this rock extend?" Jeire scuffs a boot lightly against the unyielding stone. "Perhaps the trail resumes when it ends?" The customary humor of the Maiden is gone at the moment, clearly not happy about what the signs suggest.
Nyderalith shrugs, looking back to the Maiden, frowning at the man on the hill. He looks at woman, and says, "I'm not sure...."
Jeire spares a glance for Kalin, fully understanding the sentiment. "Well we could see...' Without completing her sentence, she starts a joy directly northwest, her eyes on the ground.
Layha has disconnected.
Kalin follows Jeire without pause, scanning the path on either side as he matches her pace.
Nyderalith frowns, and starts to jog after the Maiden, not about ready to finish his search. There has to be an explanation.
The pace is slower than the Maiden's full sprint - and so it takes her the better part of an hour to gain the 3 mile expanse of rocky ground. She slows to a halt, that frown still upon her face when she finds no tracks greeting her sight immediately.
Kalin jogs beside Jeire for awhile without any regard for the others who may or may not be following. Soon he begins to notice a familiar smell. . .decay. He abruptly breaks into a sprint and only comes to a halt when he finds the source of the smell. Turning back to the others up the trail, he calls out, "To me!."
Darius has disconnected.
Nyderalith pauses beside Jeire, frowning as well, but when Kalin calls he turns, and finally registers what his nose smells. Decay...but what? He launches into a run for the man, wanting the mystery over with.
Kalin says ""This horse will make no more trails." He walks around the decaying corpse, seeing no cause for death other than a broken leg. "I am unfamiliar with these beasts, are they so delicate that a broken bone kills them?""
Cor'sidan has connected.
Jeire lopes over to Kalin's discovery, her expression already steeled for the worst. She has to recoil at the onslaught of decaying stench surrounding the beast. At least it wasn't the Aiel spear she was expecting. Shaking her head at Kalin's question, she looks to the wetlanders for answer to that.
Nyderalith frowns some, wrinkling his nose at the smell, "I've heard of it...but I'm not expert in horses." he says, frowing. He shakes his head, "Bah...this does us no good....."
Ia'aihn approaches the scene, lagging back as before, May I see?' The man asks, studying the horse.
Kalin backs away from the rotting mass, more than willing to let the wetlander look.
Ia'aihn bends down, and looks at teh broken leg closely. He probes teh leg gently, grimacing Not something he's enjoying, but.. He checks teh face and other areas and then exhales. "There are no other wounds beyond a broken leg. I think it died of fatigue. And the only way it could have died of fatigue..." He trails off, knowing very well the only way a horse could've gone this way. "It must've been left for dead, afterwards."
Kalin grunts angrily. "Do all wetlanders treat their beasts so?" He can not comprehend that a person could treat a dumb beast so poorly as to ride it to death.
Jeire has taken a step backwards as well, to allow plenty of room for the scholar to work, "It died because it was exhausted? Who would be able to push a beast beyond its own strength? Perhaps it was sickly to begin with?" She's used to goats - they don't go anywhere if they don't want to.
Nyderalith frowns, and swears, "She's been here...." he mutters darkly...."It has to be her." He turns looking northwest. "How long has it been dead, Scholar?" He frowns, staring north. He's fairly fast to put things together...... of course, he's heard of this trick from more expierenced Warders......
Kalin looks sharply at the man. "You know who did this?"
Ia'aihn speaks again, still crouched, "Horses will not go on if tehy are tired. But from the littel I know of the One Power, it is possible to cleanse someone's fatigue away, so tehy do not feel it. But it's still there..." He stands, "I think, perhaps four to five days."
Jeire spends her attention between a morbid fascination for the scholar's work, her fellow spears' reactions and the Warders' apparent conclusion. She rises in one smooth motion from the squat she assumed. "Then we have found our trail?" Eager to grasp at some measure of success after the consistent frustration of the trip thus far, she's ready to believe at a word, "The Wise Ones must be told."
Kalin glances past the horse, torn between the desire to follow and the knowledge that the Maiden is right. The Wise Ones must know of this development.
Nyderalith swears, "She's still in front of us then...but moving slower.." He looks at the Aielman then, and says, "The Aes Sedai we are chasing did this. Horses aren't the smartest, but they know to rest when tired." He looks at the Aielwoman, and nods, "And Mother," he adds. "I should have brought the horses..." He shakes his head, "We return to the camp....we have to gather the entire group. There is no telling who she has with her." He says this looking disgusted, but he turns, and starts off toward the camps, moving much faster then the pace he set on the way out.
Kalin takes one last, lingering glance down the trail, then follows the Wetlander back towards camp, still scanning either side of the trail for hidden dangers.
Jeire follows suit, sweeping somewhat to the right again, but not quite as wide as on the way out. Settling into an easy stride, she matches the lead's pace.
Ia'aihn has disconnected.
Jeire goes home.
Jeire has left.
Kalin spares a glance for the wetlander swiftly fading from view and spares a small grunt of amusement. It might be hours before he makes it back to camp.
Nyderalith doesn't even think of the scholar. His news can wait on no man. He runs, keeping his mind bent to that task.
Kalin pauses for a moment at the first site the group stopped to scout and takes one last look, committing the sight to memory. After a very brief moment, he resumes his trek back to camp, increasing his pace slightly, indulging in a small competition with the man running at his side.
Nyderalith doesn't seem to notice the Aiel's increase in speed, but having hit the first spot, he lays all he has into his run back to the camp, putting on a sudden burst of speed, but he maintains the suddenly grueling pace. Warder training is very hard, and a little run won't affect one much.....
Kalin settles in to enjoy the run with abandon. He is affected by what he has seen, but does not understand enough of it to let it bother him. He will deliver his message and that will perhaps lead to dancing. Grinning fiercely, he runs even faster, the scenery flashing by in a blur.
Cor'sidan has disconnected.
Nyderalith slows to a trot as he approaches the outter edges of the camp. His face is flecked with sweat, but he still breaths easily. He heads straight for the Amyrlin's tent, to deliver his report.
Kalin puts a restraining hand on the Wetlander's arm to stop him. He looks at the man with a new respect. Not many can keep up with an Aiel in full run. "May you find water and shade this day, Wetlander."
Nyderalith glances at the Aiel, he blinks a bit, shocked to have earned that from him, but nods, and says, "May you find water and shade, Aielman." And resumes his course to the Amyrlin's tent.
Kalin turns to see that the rest of the Aiel party has followed them back. As a group, they trot off to find the Wise One to deliver their report.
Kalin comes to a halt near the Aiel tents when he spots the Wise One he is looking for. Standing before her, he waits respectfully for her to notice him.
Conversing with a small knot of Aiel -- though apparently nothing of consequence, considering the relatively light mood (as light as Aiel get in the presence of wetlanders) -- Erindhra does take note of the party returning. Rising up from the warriors, she approaches the scouts, curiosity writ on her face. "What have you found?"
Kalin says "A trail, Wise One," he begins uncertainly, positive the other scouts, especially the Maidens, understand more of the situation than he, but when no one interrupts, he continues on. "We found a horse, dead of fatigue, according to the wetlander scholar. The warrior says it was the horse of the one we follow. The trail was cold, the horse has been dead four. . .maybe five days. The trail leads Northwest." His words tumble over themselves in his youthful excitement."
"Hrm." A thoughtful frown mars Erindhra's expression as she digests the information. Finally she gives a nod. "Four or five days. Close, but not by enough. The northwest you say? Further and further towards The Blight." She glances around for the other Wise Ones to have council, but spares a nod and a slight smile to the youthful Seia Doon.
Kalin sighs with relief at having delivered his message correctly. Perhaps soon there would be a dance. With a nod for the rest of the scouting party, he trots off to sharpen his spears.
Nyderalith steps out of the Amyrlin's tent, looking less tired, but also, like he's been grilled by the Aes Sedai. He shakes his head, moving to tend to his horse, which he's neglected most of the day.
Araine has connected.
Nyderalith is off to the side, tending his horse, while the Aes Sedai are convening in the Amerylin's tent to discuss the news he, and the Aiel have just returned with.
Jeire has arrived.
Nyderalith is at his horse, tending to it's need. The Aiel spear that started it all laying with his sword, within easy reach, he's unsure of what to do with it. So, he figures he'll keep it until told otherwise. His cloak is also off. The Aes Sedai are in the Amyrlin's tent, conversing, and the Wise Ones have split off, to do the same. All about the findings the small group returned with.
Jeire emerges from the Wise One's tent looking not much the worse for the experience. All she did was tell what she knew after all. With a glance backwards, she leaves them to their deliberation and saunters through the camp, strangely restless.
On the other side of the camp, Araine tosses back the flap on the Amyrlin's tent and emerges from it, letting the flap fall back in place as she flicks her gaze over the camp. Her eyes pick out Nyderalith among the milling Gaidin and Aiel, and she starts in his direction, smoothly.
Nyderalith rubs the horse down with some grass, treating the animal with care. He seems to be talking to it. He pauses, removing his shirt, and tosses it to the side. "I could have used you today....." he says quietly to the animal, "Though the run was good for me...." He continues rubbing the horse down, but now his muscles rippling in the fading light.
Jeire's path takes her closer to where the ownerless spear is sitting. Curious, the Maiden pauses several paces away and offers an subdued, "I see you." to both Warder and approaching apprentice.
Nyderalith glances over at the Maiden, nodding, "I see you, Far Daeis Mai." He says simply. The spear is fairly well protected from her touch, as his sword rests right next to it, and it's virtually impossible to grab one, without touching the other. Did he do that on purpose?
Erindhra has disconnected.
Araine arrives nearby, choosing a large rock jutting out of the ground to seat herself upon as she nods to Gaidin and Maiden alike. "I see you." She offers to Jeire, before turning a thoughtful gaze toward the sword and spear lying nearby.
Jeire watches the Warder and his beast curiously for a moment, then squats to better eye the spear. She takes no steps to put herself closer to the weapon pair but nonetheless frowns intently in their direction. Strangely contemplative.
Nyderalith appears to take no further intrest in either, but continues to murmer to the horse, "Yes, you want to run.... I know.... In time friend, in time...." He gives the horse one final pat, and turns to regard both women.
Daniella has connected.
Jeire spends only a few more moments staring at the spear before pointing, "I would see this spear." There's a request in that tone somewhere.
Araine continues to sit on the rock, watching the interaction between Maiden and Gaidin with that same thoughtful expression. Her gaze wanders toward the darkening sky momentarily before drifting back to Nyderalith and Jeire.
Nyderalith is standing by his horse, his shirt off, looking at Jeire, and Araine, both who appear to be staring at an Aiel spear, that rests beside Nyd's sword. The AS are secreted away in a tent, as are the Wise Ones, speaking of, what proabably has something to do with the afformentioned spear. He looks at Jeire, and nods, moving over, and hefting it a bit, then offering it, butt first, to the Maiden.
Daniella approaches Araine, "Hello there, what's been going on?"
Daniella continues to look at Araine. "Any more luck?"
Araine shifts her focus to Daniella as she arrives, offering her fellow Accepted a small smile and nod. "Light illumine, Daniella... and yes, I suppose so. A trail has been found, at last." she tells Daniella, keeping her voice quiet so as not to intrude on Jeire and Nyderalith's conversation of sorts.
Jeire rises to accept the spear with a grateful, but distracted nod - her attention is already on examining the weapon. In her hands, it's clear that its former owner must have been even larger than the tall Maiden for it seems oddly misproportioned. She runs a hand along its length, measuring out the worn out partss of the haft where its owner must have carried it. Shaking her head after some moments of silence, she murmurs, "I cannot determine whose it might have been." A rare chance at the least, but she had to try.
Daniella raises her eyebrow at Araine's comment. "A trail has been found then? What's the next step?"
Nyderalith shrugs, "You could but try." He offers his hand to recieve the weapon back. He apparently is thinking of it as his now. He is still crouched, sword at his feet. His face is impassive.
"We follow it," Jeire is close enough to overhear the Accepteds' conversation and volunteers an answer. Reluctantly she gives up possession of the spear (to a wetlander?) and adds, "Someone else might."
Araine smiles patiently to Daniella. "To f..." she breaks off, as Jeire answers for her, brow furrowing faintly as her gaze drifts toward the Maiden momentarily. Returning her focus to Daniella, she continues, "...but not at night." She glances again toward the sky, which is growing steadily darker. "We will set out again at first light."
Daniella nods. "First light. Do you think we'll reach Oludra tomorrow then?"
Jeire squats down again, hefting her own spear in contemplation - likely more a nervous habit. "Tell me of this...thing... we hunt," she asks of any within hearing. To any who know this particular Maiden, the very question is uncharacteristic - perhaps she's finally learning caution, or perhaps more affected by the day's events than she woul care to let on.
Nyderalith nods to Jeire, and tosses his comment in, "We'll be moving faster then her now, most probably." he shakes his head, disgusted, "Stupid of her...." He looks at the Maiden, and nods, hefting the spear, "Yes, well, have them come by. And they can see. I'll not stop any from identifying the one it belonged to." He pauses, "We'll not catch her tomorrow, she has a 4 maybe 5 day lead on us...." he shakes his head, then looks at Jeire, "I only know she is, or was Aes Sedai."
Daniella purses her lips "But how can that be possible? There is no Black Aj..." she looks around carefully to see if any Aes Sedai might have heard. "Well, there aren't any. That's what everyone tells us."
Araine offers a small shrug to Daniella. "It's h-" she begins again, forced to break off as Nyderalith speaks. A frown crosses her face briefly, and she presses her lips together for a moment before her expression smooths into something considerably more neutral. At Daniella's next question, she says nothing. If Nyderalith and Jeire are so interested in holding up Araine's half of the conversation, let them answer this one as well. The petite Accepted turns her gaze toward the horizon, watching the colors from the setting sun as they slowly fade out while night settles over the land.
"Aes Sedai," the Maiden echoes blankly, her eyes pulled towards the tent wherein their companion Sedai are sequestered. She glances next towards the apprentices to the Aes Sedai, expectantly.
Nyderalith shrugs and says, "That's all I know....maybe the Accepted know more." He looks to them as well, still on his haunches, still shirtless.
Daniella gets up, wrapping her blanket around her more closely. "Well this has been an enlightening conversation..." Daniella then shoots an annoyed/perplexed look at Nyderalith. "Aren't you cold, sitting there like that?"
Nyderalith flicks his gaze to Araine, then gives her a sympathetic look, and stands moving back to his horse, hoping to draw Daniella into a conversation with him, and to leave the Accepted Araine to answer questions he can't. "Cold? No. It feels rather nice."
Oh, so -now- they want her to answer Daniella's questions. Araine chuckles inwardly, though outwardly she only shifts her gaze once more to Daniella. She is, in fact, about to offer something in the way of a reply when Daniella's attention shifts to another topic of conversation. Perhaps she'll try conversing with her fellow Accepted later, when there aren't so many distractions/interruptions. Araine's violet eyes flick over Nyderalith and Jeire again, lingering for a moment upon the Maiden as she seems to be giving Araine an expectant look. "Yes?" she asks, apparently not certain what the woman is waiting for.
Daniella raises a disbelieving eyebrow. "How can you possibly be comfortable, it's freezing!" Daniella goes into 'village wisdom mode' as she adds, "Here, take my blanket, I'll not have you catching a chill for no reason whatsoever other than that you don't want to go fetch a shirt."
Nyderalith blinks a bit, and laughs, "You've obviously not spent a winter in the borderlands." he says, bending to check his horses hooves. He shrugs the blanket off. "That'll get in my way while I'm checking this." It should be noted, his shirt is on his cloak, which is right next to his sword, if she looks for it....
Jeire repeats, "Tell me of this Aes Sedai we hunt," substituting the next available and perhaps more descriptive title than 'thing'. The Maiden's expression is somber and intent even for an Aiel. Though her gaze briefly wanders towards the still shirtless Warder and the accepted trying to blanket him, she returns that expectant look upon Araine.
Daniella sighs as she mutters to herself. Perhaps the word 'lummox' can be heard, but then who would dare say that to a Warder, so perhaps that wasn't it. "Well, don't say I didn't tell you so if you wind up with the death of a cold."
Nyderalith sighs, and says, "If you insist, you can toss me my shirt...it's right behind you." he's now on the third of the four hooves. He smiles a bit at Daniella, "Okay, Novice?" He winks a bit at her, and checks the last hoof.
Daniella grins a little as she tosses the Warder his shirt. "That's better, Nyderalith Gaidin. I'd curtsey, but I'm not dressed for it."
Araine ahs quietly, nodding her head slowly as a thoughtful expression forms on her face. "Well, let me see... her name is Oludra Sedai, and she is of the Brown Ajah. Though, I like to think of this as more of a search than a hunt. Hunting implies that one intends to kill one's prey... and I believe that the Amyrlin Seat has made it known to your Wise Ones that we intend to bring Oludra Sedai back to Tar Valon with us if at all possible. She will stand trial for her crimes." Araine realizes she has wandered off track a bit, "I don't know very much about Oludra.. her studies were focused on botany, and she was Advisor to Laman... but you knew that, yes?"
Daniella looks over, something that Araine said having caught her attention. "Is she still called Sedai? I would have thought her recent action would have effectively stripped her of that title."
Nyderalith chuckles a bit, "Curtsey anyway, silly Girl. It's the actions that matter, not the clothing." He shrugs, "Or so I've found." He straightens, catching the shirt, and pulling it over his head. He glances at Araine as well, though he figures he knows the answer....
Jeire opens her mouth to venture another question when the other apprentice beats her to it. Serves her right for interrupting earlier. Nonetheless, the topic still seems of interest and she contents herself with looking back and forth, as if by watching the speakr she might better comprehend their answers.
Daniella looks at Nyderalith, and with plainly sarcastic deference, 'curtsies' in her mottled brown riding breeches.
Araine spares a glance in Daniella's direction, offering a small shrug. "The evidence is rather damning.. but no official action will be taken until she is tried before the Hall, by Tower Law." she replies, before shifting her gaze back to Jeire to see if the Maiden has any further questions.
Daniella nods. "Of course. I knew that, it was a silly question to ask, I've just really stopped thinking of her as an Aes Sedai already."
Nyderalith chuckles a little, and curties back to the Accepted, with a silly look on his face. He nods at Araine's statement, yes, as he suspected. He looks at Danielle, and says, "Well, there is little doubt that she will be stripped of the rank. Unless she has reasons beyound out knowledge."
Daniella nods. "Which, in all fairness she may very well have."
Nyderalith smirks a little, "I'd feel better about such statements, if she weren't running toward the Blight." He says simply.
"Why would she need anyone to strip her of her rank?" Jeire asks next, the concept foreign within ji'e'toh. But then she partially answers her own question by murmuring, "There is no honor in becoming a Shadowrunner."
Daniella grins, in spite of the dark topic they discuss. "Yes, that doesn't seem to be the least incriminating spot to run to does it?"
Daniella looks over at Jeire, as if unsure what the Aiel meant.
Daniella has disconnected.
"Jeire," an older Maiden strides to where teh younger Maiden squats. "The Wise Ones have questions." As it wouldn't do to keep the Wise Ones waiting, Jeire immediately rises, offering a "Sleep well and wake" for the wetlanders before accompanying her spear sister back to the Wise Ones' tent.
Araine tilts her head thoughtfully, considering Jeire's statement. The Accepted has no knowledge whatsoever of ji'e'toh, but she at least knows enough to know that the Aiel way of doing things is much different from the 'wetlander' way. Alas, Jeire is called away during the moment that Araine took to consider the question, leaving her only to nod and smile to the woman. "Sleep well and wake, Jeire." she tells the Maiden, mentally filing the woman's name away for future reference.
Jeire goes home.
Jeire has left.
Both Danielle and Jeire having taken their leave, Araine's gaze settles upon Nyderalith once more since he is the only one remaining. The camp seems to be settling in for the night, and after a moment of thought Araine offers, "Would you like to join me for tea and supper, such that it is?"
Nyderalith shrugs as the others depart, and says, "I guess it's just you and me." He pulls his shirt back off, sniffing it, and he nods, "Certainly...." He turns around and frowns....now where did he put his saddlebags......
Araine rises gracefully from the rock she had seated herself on, idly smoothing her divided skirts as she does so. Campfires have sprouted up throughout the camp, and Araine turns to glance off toward where the tent she shares with Pinya Sedai is erected, nodding to herself as she notices some thoughtful Gaidin has started a fire kindling over there. When her focus returns to Nyderalith, he has removed his shirt again. Unable to keep the soft chuckle that escapes her from doing so, she smiles with amusement and remarks in teasing tones, "Just keeps leaping off, does it? Perhaps it's time for one a little less.. energetic."
Nyderalith glances at Araine, and nods, "Which was why I took it off in the first place....but I seem..." he snaps his fingers, "Right....the tent." he smiles at her, "I'll be over in a minute, I just need to find a cleaner shirt." He moves for the tent he's sharing with two other warders, a small smile on his face.
Araine nods to him as he turns to go, her amused smile lingering as she turns to wander off in nearly the opposite direction, off toward her own tent. Once there, she sets to putting a kettle on to heat water and then settles down by the little fire to wait for him to join her.
Nyderalith having remembered to grab the spear, sword, and cloak, the man arrives at the campfire, just fastening his sword back on. The spear has been left back at his tent apparently, and he settles down into a seat on the ground, nodding to the young woman. "Thank you for inviting me."
Araine offers him a smile as he arrives, nodding a bit. "You're quite welcome... and thank you for joining." she replies, adjusting the position of the cloak wrapped around her. Like Daniella, Araine has never spent a winter in the borderlands either.
Alshaer has connected.
Nyderalith nods his head, and smiles, "So, what's for dinner?" He asks, leaning back some."
Araine chuckles from her position by the fire, quirking a brow as she glances to Nyderalith once more. "Whatever you brought with you? I've got my own travel rations." She replies with a wry smile as she takes the kettle off the fire and produces a couple tin cups to pour the tea into. The camp is at rest once more, having had an... interesting day.