Softly glowing orbs of light dotted the walls, their weaves tied off, were placed at intervals between fluttering torches, the combined illumination throwing a golden cast upon the room. Against the far wall, the large tapestry depicting the symbol of Tar Valon rippled gently, the shimmering gold embroidery outlining the Flame giving it an almost lifelike appearance. The Amyrlin Seat, polished and gleaming, stood atop a dais beneath it, the magnificently carved Flame worked into the gorgeous wood of it’s back a smaller representation of the one above. Rich draperies framed the open windows, their bold and deep hues offsetting the ebony darkness of the star sprinkled night sky.
Long linen draped tables lined the side walls, glassses arranged on trays interspersed with bottles of rich red and sparkling white wine. A rainbow of colors seemed to hover over the tables, the reflected light from the walls shimmering and sparkling off the crystal display of glasses and the sculptures placed in the center of each table. The barely audible sounds of soft music drifted upon the evening air as the players readied themselves for the ball, tuning their instruments to perfect pitch. The marble floor shone with a light of it’s own, the Ogier worked and placed slabs seamlessly fitted together, the color of each Ajah merging towards the center to then twist and turn around the next, all of them twined together as the rainbow design formed a straight path towards the dais. The floor to ceiling doors, their age worn color buffed to a dazzling shine stood open, almost dwarfing the form who stood there amid a swirl of soft, pale green.
Chiya let her gaze travel throughout the room, pleased with the preparations for the celebratory ball. Nothing had been spared for this evening. Too long had they all been living with the spectre of grim, dust streaked faces and clouded, dark shrouded skies. This was to be a celebration of victory, a joyous offering to the Light and uplifting praise of everyone’s deeds. The Tower had survived in the face of overwhelming odds, and Creator be praised, the Light would continue to shine and brighten the world.
A footfall behind her brought a soft loving smile to her face as she turned to face the dashing figure of her Warder, Gangorn Gaidin, Master at Arms. Love softened his clear blue eyes as they took in the reddish gold mane of hair which cascaded down over alabaster shoulders. Almost the same hue as the hair through which it was woven, a fine gold chain glittered from the slim braid which hung down the left side of the elf maid’s finely angled features. Curling wisps of fine hair framed the curves of her lightly uptilted eyes, their uncanny mixture of blue and green reflecting the strong emotions which formed a bond stronger than that of just Aes Sedai and Warder. As his gaze lowered his eyes caught the answering golden glimmer of the chain which hung around her neck, each delicate link shaped to resemble an oak leaf. Nestled above the edge of the fitted bodice, an opalescent crystal tear drop delicately set within a gold filigree, the fine golden threads cradling and protecting the gem, accentuated the softness of her skin and matched perfectly the pale green of her dress. Tiny white Maiden’s Hope flowers peeking from within a darker green vine were embroidered along the sleeves which fell loosely to gather at the wrists. A thicker gold chain similar to the one which hung about
her neck laced the bodice close, it’s ends dangling midway down the skirt which swirled around her feet, a soft whisper of sound as it lace hem brushed the ground behind her.
Straightening from a deep bow, Gangorn extended his arm. “You are a vision of beauty my lady. It would be my honor to escort you into the Great Hall.”
As Chiya linked her arm through his, a faint blush rose to her cheeks, his words arousing a warm glow within her. This past year a wrought so many changes, not least the reawakening of the elf’s soul and heart. As the pair proceeded through the doors, the Amyrlin thought of the many other changes which had occurred, and those yet to come. “Gangorn....” The eyes which turned up towards him reflected a momentary anxiety...”Have I done the right thing? Is this really for the good of the Tower or am I being selfish?”
Halting in mid stride, he turned to face her, his hands moving to rest on her shoulders, his tall and muscled frame exhuding strength and comfort. “You already know the answer to both those question my love. Even with all that has transpired, I know you’ve given this matter much thought. Selfless is how you have always behaved in all matters, putting the well being of others before your own. Trust your instincts as I trust in you.”
Resolve firming as a diamond hardens buried deeply within the earth’s core, the Amyrlin shut her eyes briefly before locking gazes with the man in front of her. Drawing from the bond of love and friendship between them, she nodded, the course opening before her much clearer. Indeed... so many changes.... and only the Creator knows the outcome of each...
Making their way towards the tables, Gangorn picked up two glasses and handed one to her. As her fingers closed around the stem he raised his glass in a toast. “To the Light, and the future....” Both sipped from their wine, their thoughts wandering into the next few hours as they waited for the rest to arrive.
Shanrey glanced into the mirror. The dress that Dannelle had been embroidering had been a gift for her. The note had only said wear this to the ball... She spun around looking at herself. It was a little low cut for her own taste but the deep blue velvet and the tinny light blue flowers were beautiful. She also had embroidered flowers down the sleeves and around
the hem. Shanrey looked at her blue slippers. She was in a happy mood in spite of her rude treatment earlier. No wonder Dannelle had sent me out... she was busy. For a moment the green eyes staring back her from the mirror turned serious and a slight frown of worry creased her brow. This would be a time to meet people like she had done at so many parties in Cairhien and yet the ball had a different feel to it. Like the night before your name day when you know there is a surprise but don't know just what.
A soft tap at the door announced the arrival of Kirque. She threw one last look to make sure her hair was bound
neatly on top of her head. As she turned away her eyes caught sight of her brown journal sitting on the table next to the bed. A warning and reminder of what often happened to her with nice men. She walked to pick it up and then on second thought left it there. She turned and walked purposefully to the door. She was happy that she and Kirque had decided to go together. He wouldn't make a bad friend. A second tap less patient and Shanrey swiftly opened the door. Kirque bowed with a flourish. Shanrey nodded to him but couldn't hide the sparkle in her green eyes. He offered his arm and soon they were on their way to the ball.
Once there they were among the first to arrive. Chiya and Gangorn stood greeting people. Shanrey tried to hide her blush when the Amyrlin gave her a knowing smile. Shanrey greeted her formally kissing her ring. She barely caught the comment about her dress...or
was it being dressed? Shanrey's face went crimson. Fortunately no one noticed.
With a twinkle in his eye Kirque motioned toward the dance floor. Soon they were stepping lightly around the ballroom. He was gallantly gliding her around the floor and Shanrey couldn't remember when she had had so much fun. Kirque knew many of the same dances she had learned in Cairhein. Then after a couple of dances Kirque began dancing with an Accepted that seemed to know him. Shanrey was feeling warm so she stepped out onto the balcony for a breath of crisp night air and to gaze at the stars. With the doors open behind her she could
still hear the music . The wind softly pulled at her dress. Thinking she was alone she sighed heavily.
A shadow moved and materialized into a small man. When he stepped into the light she could see he was an elf. Shanrey released the source. She wasn't aware she had
opened herself to it. This must be the object of so much her curiosity. She found Chiya to be fascinating in her way. This wasn't the time to question someone though. "Hello I didn't realize I wasn't alone. I should get back to my date."
His eyes searched the crowd inside. "Who did you come with?"
"Kirque" Shanrey looked at the dancing people as well. Kirque had yet another woman twirling around the dance floor. She smiled to herself..
The stranger walked up beside her. "Your date appears to be quite busy. My name is Shale by the way." Shanrey laughed to herself in amusement. Kirque did indeed look busy and happy.
"Pleased to meet you Shale. I am Shanrey Sister of the brown Ajah." The two of them bowed and curstied respectfully to one another. Now that she had finally met him her curiosity about him grew but a ball wasn't the proper place to question someone.
Suddenly Chiya and several others called the attention of the room. There would be important announcements. Shanrey moved inside and made her way to Kirque's side. She didn't see where Shale disappeared but assumed he’d blended in among those now turning their attention towards the Amyrlin. Kirque handed her a glass of wine and she took a small sip. It was announced the Chiya would be giving up the striped stole and as her replacement she had chosen Morien Sedai. Upon hearing that Shanrey's glass slipped from her fingers. The very same woman she had been speaking to would now be the Amyrlin seat! For one of the few times in her life Shanrey felt faint.
Accepted Cammie curtsied and excused herself. The gleeman turned to find a new victim to dance with. He found no one at the moment. The band had not gotten warmed up yet and people were still arriving from throughout the tower. I wonder where Shanrey Sedai has run off to? The though lasted a moment and the gleeman rented his mind out a moment for the next passing idea. oooh, that man in servant's garb is carrying around a platter of cocktail wienies.
"General Rivehn would you like to speak to Commander Lensling now about the area recruitment project?"
The gleeman glanced at one of his head leuitenants,"Enjoy yourself, I am not concerned about anything more than snack foods and pretty women tonight."
The platter picked clean, Shanrey speaking to Shale near the ice sculpture, and no one wanting to dance, the gleeman found himself sitting in a wooden
folding chair sipping a glass of plum punch. The drink was extremely alcoholic and the guest were asked not to over do it. The gleeman set the small wine glass next to the rest and walked over to the musicians. "Come on now boys, liven it up a bit, get those lazy bone out of their beds up there and down here." The head musician smiled and flipped to a page in his
little booklet. Exchanging a few words with the rest of the men, he began to play a nice little song. The gleeman recognised it and had more than six names, all with different verses, that went with it. The gleeman sighed and walked away. The song was nowhere near exciting, nor was it very loud.
The gleeman wandered over to a man near the center column and munched on some dainty little crackers with cheese on them. He found that if you stacked them five layers high they were pretty good. The wine man had his tray full again so Kirque hopped over to him. "Hello sir, have you had more than three?" The man asked. "Sir, if I would have told you that then, you would have said exactly what you have just asked now, except I would be the one in the right." The man looked at Kirque with a dumb look on his face trying to comprehend the answer. "Yes sir, I agree totally." The gleeman was proud of himself.
He walked away with two glasses, one for himself one for his date. "Hello Shanrey would you like a drink?"
The woman smiled and straightened her dress. "No thank you Kirque. I will wait a while before falling into the wine glass." Shanrey smiled and asked Kirque about Shale,"Yes I've met Shale, a good guy."
The band was playing nicely, the snacks were coming steadily, but the pretty women had not arrived yet. Kirque discarded his glass and started on the other. Being a drifter at one time, he had attained a head for alcohol. The punch was not that bad on him. The gleeman had played the flute and juggled at once, three times as drunk in his early years. Kirque sat with half a glass and a diminishing pile of snack crackers. From his vantage, Kirque had a perfect view of the door. "The night is still young."
Morien stood before the mirror in her room, staring at the image before her. Her dress of the deepest green silk shimmered in the lamplight, rippling as she turned around and glanced over her shoulder into the mirror. The dress was cut just how she liked it: it just capped her shoulders, and dipped deep in the back and modestly deep in the front. The hem and cuffs
were trimmed in gossamer silver ribbon, the bodice draped in the sheerest of silver silk. With a satisfied smile, Morien turned back around to once more glance in the mirror. Her fiery hair was piled into a mound of curls on top of her head, each curl perfectly placed. She bent to collect her jewelry from the table, careful not to drop her precious things. Slipping her Great Serpent ring onto the third finger of her right hand, she smiled and remembered the day she was given it. Was it so long ago?, Morien thought with a laugh, gently reprimanding herself for her sentimental thoughts. Next came her beautiful emerald earrings that her Mother had given to her the day she was allowed to braid her hair. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, came her necklace. Dangling from a delicate silver chain was the silver crescent moon Father had made for her. Holding back a sob of grief, she gently wiped a single tear from her ivory cheek. Emerald eyes brimming with tears of anguish, she gently reached out and ran her long fingers over the mirror, whispering softly, "Father, why can't
you be here to see me like this? You'd have been so proud." Morien closed her eyes and took a deep breath to clear her mind. I would have never thought to see myself like this: happy, respected, determined. I have dreamt of joy like this so often. But no dream has ever been more perfect, no wish ever so complete.If only... But she knew that thinking of the past would only hold her from the future. Grabbing her matching silk cape from her bed, Morien threw it around her shoulders and turned to take one more glance in the mirror before going. Ready or not, here I come.
Bright torches flooded every corner with light, every hall and balcony filled with people and the murmur of the ball. Morien smiled at people that she knew, but quickly made her way toward her destination. The halls to the Gaidin's quarters were adjacent to the Aes Sedai's quarters, each Gaidin staying nearest to his Aes Sedai. Taking the first hallway from
her room, Morien walked barely half its length before knocking on a smooth wooden door. A rumbling, "Enter!" came from within as she pushed on the door. Dressed in black breeches and a shirt of silk the same shade of green as her dress, Alallein sat before his own mirror pulling on his polished black boots.
With a smile, Morien spun in a circle twirling her skirts, laughing, "Well,don't just sit there, we have a ball to attend!" She grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet, dancing a few steps before letting go. "Come my Gaidin, tonight will be special, I can feel it!"
Lights hung suspended in the Great Hall, casting a warm glow over the hundreds of guests that were already there. Feeling a blush rise up her cheeks, she realized that most everyone was there already, and even the reception line of the Amyrlin, Master at Arms, and Keeper had grown short. Morien stepped quickly toward where Chiya was standing, and curtsied deeply, kissing her ring with a smile. "Forgive me, Mother, it seems I'm a little late."
The Amyrlin smiled, a gleam in her eyes, "Morien, there are some things you can never be late for. Come, have a glass of wine and enjoy yourself. Both of you," she added as Alallein gave a deep bow of his own.
The two stepped into the swirling crowd as the Amyrlin and Keeper gracefully walked toward the front of the Hall, toward the Amyrlin Seat. The buzz of people filled Morien's ears, and she couldn't help but smile. This is what we were fighting for. This precious joy and life. Thank the Light that we will live to hear laughter another day. The musicians
were tuning their instruments in interesting counterpoint to the cheerful chatter that echoed around her. Morien watched as Chiya ascended to the top of the dais and turned to face the crowd. Janrhea, Keeper of the Chronicles, tapped her staff on the ground three times, her voice ringing through the hum, "Welcome, all of you. We are here tonight to celebrate a great victory for the Light and the Tower. We have thrown the Shadowspawn back from our walls and have, once more, battled and defeated the minions of the Dark One. They may come again,but this victory was ours!" A cheer errupted in the Hall, drowning out what
Alallein was trying to tell her.
Chiya held her hand up and the crowd quieted down to listen to her words, "We are gathered here together, among friends and family, to also honor the memory of those who’se presence shall no longer grace these halls, but who’s faces will forever be held dear in our hearts. Let us not forget them nor their bravery in defending the Light and the Tower." Silence hung over the room as thoughts of fallen companions came to everyone's mind. "I have thought much during these recent times. Thoughts of the Tower’s future and those whom this Tower serves. Know that this place has, for many years, been my home... my
family, each and every stone and face, voice and tapestry bringing fond and dear memories to mind. It was with much soul searching, debate and sincerity that I finally came to some decisions, and it is these which I would like to announce." She paused and gathered her breath before continuing. “As some of you may already know, our Mistress of Novices, Kithra Sedai, has requested a leave of absence from the Tower. She has told me of her reasons, and although it is with heavy heart, I have acceeded to her wishes. In her stead, she has named Janhrea Sedai to take over the teaching and guidance of the Novices.” Confusion was evident in many of the faces gazing back at her from those assembled. Whispers of “How can the Keeper also be Mistress of Novices?” fluttered from mouth to ear. “Both the position of Keeper and that of Mistress Of Novices are in their own right too weighty for one person, and as a result, we will also have a new Keeper of the Chronicles...” The Amylin
locked gazes with the Brown sister “Shanrey Sedai.” Giving the crowd a few moments for congratulations and well wishes, Chiya took a deep breath before going on. “Finally, I feel it is time that I step down from the Amyrlin Seat." The gathered crowd gasped in shock and confusion, people murmuring to each other in disbelief. Raising her hand, Chiya continued, "In my place, to lead and guide the Tower in the Light, I name Morien Kishar my successor." Morien gasped as the people closest to her turned to stare. Light, what is happening? Am I dreaming? This cannot be real. Glancing at the dais, Morien saw Chiya smiling and beckoning her.She reached out and squeezed Alallein's hand before making her way through the stunned crowd. At the foot of the dais, she stopped and looked at Chiya, confused and stunned and amazed all at once. "Do you accept, my Daughter?" Chiya said with a radiant smile, her voice echoing through the Hall.
Morien took a deep breath to calm her shaking nerves. "I bow to the will of the Tower, Mother," she said, her voice rising over the crowd.
Chiya smiled and nodded, then removed the stole from her shoulders. "Then by the Light, let it be so, Morien." Raising the colorful stole over Morien's head, Chiya placed it gently on her shoulders. "Congratulations, Morien, and I pray that you never have cause to rue the day I placed the burden of responsibilty I now give into your capable hands" she
whispered under her breath and turned to face the crowd. "I present Morien Kishar, the Amrlyin Seat." Morien couldn't help but let tears fall as the crowd started to cheer.
