Janese

Dark brown hair possessing not even the slightest wave graces the head of this woman. It falls to a point just below her shoulders, held back on one side only with a bejewelled comb. The woman herself is of average height and frame.

Nothing terribly outstanding, save for perhaps those dark flashing eyes in her olive-toned complexion. Ah yes, and that aquiline nose above the too-generous mouth that is usually smiling. Both ears are adorned with filigreed golden earrings, each inset with a purple gemstone. Her hands are arrayed with several rings that look to be finely crafted--all gold, while some have tiny gems inset. A longsleeved dress of soft lavender envelops her well-developed form in the Altaran fashion, snugly fitting in the bodice to the waist and hips, where it then cuts fuller to just above the ankles. The lavender material is caught up to the knees, revealing an ivory lace petticoat that is seamed with violet ribbons. She treads softly in shoes of matching violet, leaving a scent of an indefinite fragrance in her wake.

Thanos

A tall man who appears to be in his late 20's. Soft blond hair trimmed short in the front glides down the back of his head, forming into curls as they go to just below shoulder length. At any given moment, between one and two curly frills of hair dangle before his face before they are swept back into place only to spring forth again. Well muscled although far from bulky, he stands just a hair above 6 feet. His face is smooth, and presents a mix of features seeming to display both youth and years at once. His eyes are a deep hue of green, and flash with a veteran's glint. A very light mark, perhaps an old scar sits upon his upper left cheek. A remarkably soft and very curly blond beard, trimmed to maintain a length of no greater than one inch covers his face from lower lips to neck, from chin along his jawline and up to his hairline near the ears.

At his side a very finely wrought hilt rests, clearly attached to an equally well crafted blade currently hidden by it's 38 inch scabbard. Upon closer inspection, you can notice prominantly displayed upon the nine inch pommel and six inch crossguards are certainly what appear to be Herons. Interestingly, the blade is sheathed upon his right side, indicating left handed use. He is dressed casually, with a long light brown coat extending to his knees. A shirt of soft white, slightly puffy rests under the coat. His pants are of a commoner's brown cloth, unremarkable save for the belt with it's finely wroght buckle and sword cargo. Heavy, nondescript boots adorn his feet.

Infirmary: White Tower, Tar Valon

The infirmary is an irregular shaped room of a large size. The straightest wall is the outside wall to the west where a row of long-legged beds, some with primative rails and binding straps, are spaced evenly. The bed legs are set in glasses, and the glasses set in pans of vinegar to keep insects from joining patients in bed, and to help control the various unsavory odars associated with infirmaries. Beside each bed is a portable privacy screen, simple ladder-back chair, a hook for clothing and a small square table with a lamp and needed supplies.

The inner, east wall has recesses created from areas between rooms on the other side of the wall, or taking up part of the other rooms' space. Some are lined with storage shelves for linen, gowns, personal supplies, and splints and bandages for wounds to old to be healed. A tub and sluice, privy station with lovely chamber-pots novices detest cleaning, a treatment area, and spots for soaking or prewashing nasty laundry occupy other niches.

People suffering from heat, training, work related, and from recreational injuries keep the infirmary busy. Windows are full open but covered with vinegar soaked net to cut down on insects during the times they swarm thickest.

The growing darkness outside the windows signals those visiting patients to weak to move after healing, or those requiring further attention that it is time to leave.

A simple wooden door along the narrowest wall leads out into the hallway.

<There are places here. '+help places'> <There are +views here. '+help view'>

Contents: Janese Thanos

Obvious exits: Hallway

Evening in the Tower infirmary finds its sole patient conscious and propped up with a couple of pillows, probably as many as the Yellow sister attending to other duties at the counter can provide. Janese's hair has been brushed, by the looks of it, but she still looks pale and..frightened if one were to describe that haunted look on her face.

Thanos can be seen quietly slipping into the infirmary proper, either not quite sure wether he should really be here, or perhaps just concious of the fact that he is standing in the centerpiece of the Aes Sedai world. His eyes quickly find Janese's bed, and her upon it, awake he notes to himself with both relief and trepedation. Another pang of guilt for having had to bring her here washes over him as he looks at her expression, and he slowly begins moving toward her, like a cat who is ready to spring for cover at any moment.

The Yellow turns about and sniffs upon seeing the blademaster come in, though of course he does not carry the sword into the Tower. Her eyes sweep his form appreciatively, however, nodding once to him before taking up a ledger and stepping out of the room. Janese blinks as Thanos approaches her bedside, eyes glued to him as if she were drowning. "Thanos.." she says weakly.

Thanos gives the Yellow Aes Sedai a pleasant smile, reminding himself even as she leaves that she didn't pay any more attention to him than to look. Reassured, somewhat, he moves himself next to Janese's bed, settling down on one knee to bring himself closer to eye level with her.

Reaching a hand out to touch her arm, he smiles warmly at her and speaks quietly, "Finally awake I see. How are you feeling?" He tries to keep her mind focused on him right now, not where they both are.

Janese grabs that hand and grips it with a surprising amount of strength, considering her appearance. "What..am I /doing/ here???" she whispers fiercely. "I want to go /home/!"

Alisa enters into the room dragging a trainee by the ear "If you would listen to reason boy this would be much less painful for you"

Thanos holds Janese's hand with a reassuring grip from his position, on one knee beside her bed, looking sadly into her face, He mutters to Janese, "... don't... here. I.... .... to... was..." His face doesn't seem to be asking for apology, merely resigned to something quite different.

You sense "Thanos holds Janese's hand with a reassuring grip from his position, on one knee beside her bed, looking sadly into her face, "Shhhhh, I know you don't want to be here. I. . . I had to bring you here though, there was no other way." His face doesn't seem to be asking for apology, merely resigned to something quite different."

Janese's dark eyes search Thanos's face as he speaks quietly to her, then jerk to the door as Alisa arrives with a boy. Turning back to Thanos, she whispers back. She mutters to Thanos, "... get... here..please!..I... here,... neither do you.... there..."

You sense Janese's dark eyes search Thanos's face as he speaks quietly to her, then jerk to the door as Alisa arrives with a boy. Turning back to Thanos, she whispers back. "Than! You have /got/ to get me out of here..please!..I don't belong here, and neither do you. Who /is/ that there anyway?"

Alisa, noticing the awake patient she proceeds to walk over towards her bed with boy in tow. "I see you have awakened. How are you feeling? You vision clear now? Are the headaches gone?"

Thanos squeezes Janese's hand once more as Alisa approaches, looking at Janese he says pointedly, "Janese, it's okay. This is the woman who saved your life." He nods toward the Aes Sedai, "Just answer her, it's okay, I promise." He then tugs Janese's arm to get her full attention, "I promise." Then he lets himself slip back a little from the bed, just enough not to appear to hover over the bedridden woman as he was a second ago.

There's a handstitched stuffed animal of sorts near Janese's other hand and she reaches for it, clutching it to herself as the woman approaches. With a dubious look at Thanos, she then looks at the woman warily. "I'm feeling much better, yes, and seem to be seeing clearly. What happened to me, anyway?" If the woman truly did save her life, she could surely tell Janese what from...

Alisa says calmly "Well it is rather hard to explain but you had a disease in your head that I purged. I was causing alot of different symptoms, It really is quite fascinating I have only read about it in a few books and this is my first time treating it."

Thanos watches as the Yellow Sister explains, not having understood most of what happened himself. All he knows of it was that nobody but the Aes Sedai could help. His eyes flit between the two women now, carefully quiet.

Janese still seems to eye the woman with a fair amount of trepidation. "I see..well..my thanks.." she nods slowly. "How soon before I can go home?" Perhaps it is that she doesn't want to hear how the disease was purged..for reasons of her own.

Alisa thinks about this then says "I would say 4 days then you are free to do as you wish. I wish to make sure everything has been dealt with first." Looking back at the boy she says "Oh very well if you insist on trying to be the tough man then shoo." releasing the ear the trainee bolts out of the room like a rabbit with tail aflame.

Thanos watches the nearly forgotten trainee rush from the room, a twinge of jealousy comming to him for the boy was able to flee. Looking at Janese again he puts forth that familiar winning smile, "Well that wouldn't be too bad. You'll certainly eat better than at the inn." He mentally crosses his fingers and waits for Janese's response to this news.

A sharp look is given Thanos for that remark of his. "I happen to /like/ the food at the Flaming Arrow.." she counters somewhat edgily, then turns to address Alisa, facial muscles in her jaw working. "Four days..I shall be perfectly fine by then." The trainee isn't spared even a look, the lucky one.

Alisa says calmly "well if you truly wish it you can leave now though I can not guarantee any of us would be able to reach your inn should something amiss happen."

Seeing the Aes Sedai open that door, Thanos is reminded of a particular method of hunting, giving the prey what it wants, then striking. Stuffing that thought down, he reminds himself that it still is the fastest way for Janese to leave the Tower, something he knows she wants. "I can get her back here should something happen Aes Sedai." He says, looking up at the Yellow Sister calmly.

Alisa says calmly "She is free to go if SHE wishes it and makes her wish known to me. Though wolfie will have to stay here." pointing to the stuffed wolf.

Janese grabs onto the offered straw as well, though perhaps pounces would be more accurate. "I'll take my chances.." she says hastily, then looks down at the stuffed animal and up at the Yellow sister again. "I will gladly let him take my place here.."

Alisa says calmly "may the creator light your path then child."

Thanos knew what Janese's answer would be, now he waits for the Yellow's permission to take her out of here and into more comfortable surroundings. He rises at Alisa's words of parting to Janese, ready to begin at any moment.

Alisa turns to walk from the bed muttering about remembering to see the undertaker heading for her desk and stash of cookies.

"Th-thank you..Aes Sedai.." Janese manages to find appropriate words and politeness for what the woman's done for her. Can she really help it if she channels, after all? It's still terribly strange and frightening for the Altaran. Glancing over to Thanos then, she finds a smile for him as well. "Could you bring me my shoes, Thanos? I really don't want to walk all the way home in bare feet!" She's already fully dressed, so no need to wait for that.

Thanos smiles to Janese and nods, taking the woman's shoes from the floor at the end of the bed, he brings them to where she may slip into them. Then he steps back, watching her get ready to leave.

Alisa stops then turns quickly "Oh child I just remembered I found this Last night while you were sleeping" she unties the pouch from her belt and hands it to Janese

Janese moves slowly and deliberately off the bed, even turning about to smooth the sheets and covers somewhat after she's gotten her shoes back on. "Now where's my comb?" she mutters to herself, glancing about, then spotting the hair accessory on the nearby counter, she moves just as determinedly to retrieve it, then slips it into her hair as Alisa speaks. "Oh?" she lifts a brow, crossing to retrieve that item as well. "What's in it?" she inquires, taking the pouch.

Thanos stands himself to one side, knowing he is not needed in this exchange. He simply stands by waiting to guide Janese out.

Alisa says softly "Well I do not like to pry into others belongings. "

"But..this isn't my pouch, Aes Sedai.." the title does not sit well on Janese's tongue. "I think one of your other patients must have left it here," she reasons, setting it down on the counter. She crosses over to Thanos then and with one more look at the Yellow, then turns and moves towards the door and...freedom!

Alisa says calmly "really it was under your bed and that particular bed was unused for several days previous. Though if the novices are lax in their duties I will see to it that they are corrected."

Thanos quietly turns to move with Janese toward the door, "Thankyou, Aes Sedai." He turns to Janese, "Are you sure it's not yours? You were not exactly knowledgable of much when I had to bring you here. Or perhaps," he thinks to himself a moment, "Perhaps it belongs to that trainee Keldrig, or Bellator. They helped me take you in here in the final moments." He steps toward the counter and the bag.

Janese frowns lightly at Thanos's question and comes back with one of her own. "Do you think I do not know my own belongings, Thanos?" and merely nods to the fact that the others helped her. "Well do hurry.." she sighs.

Alisa adds trying to be helpful "Yes no doubt she wants to leave before I steal her soul or some such."

Thanos takes the bag, tying it tight and securing it to his belt before turning to walk with Janese out. He forces a mellow chuckle at the Aes Sedai's joke as he moves next to Janese, "Okay, we are going now." He says with a small smile at her. Turning finally at the door he says, "Thankyou again Aes Sedai." before heading out.

Janese freezes in her tracks at what was surely meant to be a lighthearted attempt at a joke, but she blanches, the haunted look coming into her eyes again. "Your kind stole my brother's soul, yes.." But the woman will not get more of an explanation than that as Janese isn't going to stay one minute longer than she has to, especially after hearing that. She hurries out the door.

Alisa shrugs her shoulders then heads over to her desk to snack on a couple cookies and continue with the ledgers and tables that seem to always need doing.

Common Room: Flaming Arrow Inn, Tar Valon

The common room of the Flaming Arrow Inn attracts both travelers and residents of Tar Valon. Its casual elegance comes from the extensive use of waxed and carved golden oak. To one side, an solid staircase with bronze arrow banisters below the oaken railing rises to the upper floor. Across from the stairs, a huge stone fireplace sits below a mantle carved with flames and arrows on either side. Large beams cross the high ceiling, supported by shaped columns where lanterns are mounted. Windows are placed across the entry wall of the

Inn, which lies opposite from the long bronze-trimmed carved bar by the kitchen door.

The windows of the common room have all been opened wide, and the common room hearth is used only by patrons who sit upon its cool stone surface. The room is surprisingly cool for summer, due primarily to the ancient oak that shades the yard and roof above. Bouquets of summer flowers grace the mantle and tables, their scent freshening the room and providing color. Tantalizing smells waft from the kitchen and windows to mix here with the faint aroma of Tabac. The common room is filled with patrons this evening, delicious smells emanate from the kitchen, mixing with the faint smell of pipe smoke, around the room the hanging lanterns have been lit, their glow is cheery. By the door to the kitchen, a hand-lettered sign reads "This Evening's Special from the kitchen is: Clam Chowder, Smoked Fish, Fried Parsnips and Greens."

<There are places here. '+help places'> <+view here/info and +view here/listening for commands and room info>

Contents: Thanos

Obvious exits: Garden Parlor Stairs Up StableYard

Janese comes into the common room from the stable yard outside.

Janese has arrived.

Janese leads the way into the inn, literally storming into the place, hailing a serving girl as she walks towards not Thanos's favorite booth, but a different one. He can sit over there if he wishes, but she's choosing where /she/ wants to sit, for once. "Ale, bring a pitcher!" she orders.

Janese sits down at the Small Table Near Fire.

Thanos manages to take a single step toward his favored booth before Janese stormed off in another direction. He follows her, though he says nothing at all while he does so, finally setting himself down at her chosen table, though not next to her. He has a good guess as to what's comming his way, and he knows he can either hide from it, or take it on the chin.

Thanos sits down at the Small Table Near Fire.

The pitcher and two tall tankards are quickly set onto the table. Janese smirks lightly across at Thanos. "Guess you'll have to pay, since I was hauled away without my money.."

"Oh..give me the meat platter, the cheese, the bread and fruit. And another pitcher--this one will /not/ last long.." Janese orders, hand on the pitcher already and pouring out a neat glass for herself, but the Illianer's portion is deliberately slopped in, and very foamy.

Thanos bears the slopped ale patiently, expecting much, much worse, "Janese..." he starts, even as he wipes ale from his hand, "I. . ."

Janese narrows her eyes. "You what, dear? You're sorry for not thinking? Sorry for allowing one of-of those creatures to..to /touch/ me with their craft?" She takes a long drink from her tankard, then roughly wipes her mouth with the back of her hand, clearly upset, if those dark flashing eyes trained on the Illianer are any indication. The pitcher is upended again to top her tankard, even though there's plenty in it still.

Thanos sighs, 'so it begins' he thinks to himself. Ignoring his drink for the time being, and knowing that the food will be there shortly, he begins the hopeless task of defending his actions. "I didn't. . .Janese, you were talking jibberish, and then you collapsed! I took you to the apothecary first. They said they couldn't do anything." He looks down for a moment and back up again, looking at her with a near pleading look on his face, "I didn’t know what else to do."

"I do /not/ talk jibberish!" Janese snorts rather indignantly, dark eyes skewering the blademaster as she hoists her mug for another drink, this time finishing it all, then slamming it down on the table, mindless of anyone else about. She wrinkles her nose at a further thought and flushes. "I collapsed--you *did* take me there in a carriage, didn't you?" She's nowhere near done with her interrogation.

Thanos risks taking a drink from his mug, finding firsthand that it really is 80 percent foam and 20 percent ale after Janese poured it. Wiping some of that foam from his mouth, he realizes that he is in deeper trouble than he had anticipated, "There wasn't time." He says looking down the foam laced mug, "I just picked you up and. . .and I ran." His shoulders slump a bit more as he finishes.

Janese flushes deeper at the explanation, then splutters, "Well...well.." Well what can she say, really? Too bad she wasn't conscious to enjoy being carried? Riight and she would really say that. It's at this juncture in the pleasant little conversation the two are having that the platters of food arrive--meat, cheese, bread and fruit. The Altaran eyes the fruit, especially the round apples, then eyes Thanos..thinking of lobbing it at him, perhaps? "Need more ale too.." she reminds the waitress, then refills her mug but not Thanos's. Nope, the man can just pour his own.

Thanos carefully sips at his mug, avoiding the worst of the slowly dissipating foam and eyeing the food as it arrives, eyeing anything he can to avoid the anger in Janese's own eyes. Finally, when the food is all arrayed and the waitress is moving quickly for another refill of ale, he speaks, "I know you didn't want to go, or wouldn't have if you'd been concious. I'm sorry, I . . ." he leaves it at that, diving into his mug to try and end the awkward moment he brought on.

"Why didn't you just let me die, Illianer? It would've been more merciful.." Janese shoots over, as she grabs a hunk of bread, rips off a piece almost savagely and stuffs it into her mouth. "The Sedai didn't bother to tall you that I screamed when I awoke and discovered where I was--I asked a mere slip of a girl in white." She smirks in satisfaction. "Least I scared her.."

Thanos nearly chokes on his ale, struggling not to sputter as he sets the mug down to stare at the woman across from him, let her die? It takes a moment before he comprehends anything beyond that statement, slowly looking down at the table again.

The serving girl returns with a full pitcher of ale, and Thanos manages to look up and give the girl a smile before she is on her way again. A smile that fades even as she turns away. He takes a bit of cheese, "I was afraid you might panic if you awoke there. I almost asked them to keep you asleep until I could get you out." he stuffs the cheese into his mouth and chews, "almost" he whispers to himself, knowing now that he should have not only asked, but pressed for it.

Janese nearly chokes on her bread, her dark eyes wide on the blond man. Swallowing quickly, she splutters, "Keep..me..asleep?? How /dare/ you..Light they violated me with their One Power..that was bad enough!" Why she is acting so irrationally and seemingly ungrateful, is hard to say. But the way her hands grip the table edge..it's a safe bet that she's got more than one emotion boiling inside.

Thanos winces visibly under the tirade, waiting until she pauses before filling his mug, nearly foamless this time. Without pause he simply downs the entire mug in one go, feeling the need for something to help him.

"Janese, please, they saved your life. If they hadn't. . .you would have. . .you would have been. . ." Unable to finish the sentance, Thanos slips into sullen silence It appears he doesn't wish to acknoledge the woman's former claim on this subject.

"Yes they healed me..and yes I suppose I would have died if they hadn't, so you say," Janese waves an impatient hand, then snorts. "But why should you care? You could have made a tidy profit selling off my pieces! Some of them are quite unique, after all." She is drinking more than she is eating..only nibbling on a cheese cube. It's rather tasteless when emotions are allowed to run unchecked.

Taking a stab at the meat plate, Thanos slips the chunk of flesh into his mouth and chews to avoid an immediate answer. He also pours himself another mug's worth of ale, washing down the meat once he is done with it. Even so, it is a long moment before he responds again, "Is it not enough to know that I do?" he says, avoiding looking at Janese. Then, seeing another path to take, he takes it, without considering what it means, "Besides, you are worth more continuing your work."

Janese visibly trembles trying to keep her anger..and hurt?..in check after that last little added remark of his. "Worth more?" she seethes. Eyes blazing and cheeks burning, she rises quickly from her chair and toppling it over. "I am /not/ a piece of property that you own, Illianer! Nor will I ever be!" Having said that, she grips a fold of her skirt and whips about on one heel to storm her way away from him, narrowly missing a patron or two.

Thanos realizes his mistake only a second before Janese explodes in fury. He sits stunned, almost as much at himself as at the Altaran woman as she rises and begins to stalk out of the room.

Acting quickly, and knowing he has a very, very big aplology he needs to make, he stands quickly. Deftly tossing enough coinage and more for the food and drink on the table he moves after Janese, two or three fast paced steps should let him catch up. "Janese, wait. . ." he calls apologetically.

Oh she waits all right, but not for him. Rather it's just a long enough pause to whip out her black-hilted knife and whirl about with it in her upraised hand with the fiercely-whispered, "Leave..me..be!"

Thanos blinks once at the raised knife pointed at him, but then he notes the woman's eyes, which tell the story that she may very well be ready to use that blade. A thought strikes him, what he has done, why he has done it, and perhaps, what he deserves.

Moving with the speed only attainable by years of learning how to fight the deadliest opponents, Thanos moves before Janese can react. One strong hand latches itself around her wrist holding the knife, not a crushing grip, but enough to hold it fast. With a pull he yanks the woman closer to him, and sets the point of the blade just over his left breast.

A calm seems to come over him at that moment, eyes looking down at Janese, almost sadly. "As I was trained, it was noted that a blade should never be drawn unless it will be used." He glances at the point, nearly cutting into his shirt already, "Is this what you desire then? To make me pay for keeping you alive? Because if you stabbing me, drawing my blood is the price for saving your life, I will pay it, now. And were it to happen again, I would only have been faster in doing it. That is what you are worth to me." Finally, he simply releases the woman's hand, letting his arms drop to his sides. Those eyes ignore the few stares from the patrons, focused solely on Janese, a calmness there, waiting. . .

A guttural noise rises up and out from Janese's throat as her wrist is snagged and held securely. Dark eyes meet green ones, staring as he speaks. "Of course that's not what I want; you have no idea!" she replies, still rather ruffled, but not nearly as much. It's harder to keep up that level of anger when it's met with calmness. Nothing to fuel it with. "But if a drawn blade must be used, then.." Without even looking at what she's doing, she resheathes the knife, her old friend, but still frowns.

Thanos lets out a small sigh, disappointment, or relief? Holding his head low he speaks in low tones, "Janese, I. . .I didn't mean what I said back there. I'm sorry for it, more than you know." He looks up just a little, enough to settle his eyes on Janese's face, "And I am sorry that saving you would make you hate me. But I had to." He looks down again, unable to look into the woman's eyes and speak the rest, "I would have lost you. It was selfish and selfcentered of me, I know that. But I didn't. . .no, I couldn't lose you." With that, he turns and slowly starts back toward the table.

"Hate's a pretty strong word, Than." Janese counters, a mild edge still evident in her voice.as she returns his look. Just for a moment, her face softens but he'll not see that with his face downturned. "Well..you didn't lose me, did you? I'm still here--and how under the Light could you think about eating at a time like this?" She frowns lightly to his retreating back. Of course, he could be just going back to drown himself in that second pitcher. She just stands there a moment and watches.

Thanos comes to a stop, though he doesn't look back at Janese, "I knew that what I had to do to save you could mean losing you anyway." He turns around then, looking at this Altaran woman. "And I'm not sure if I did or didn't."

Janese listens quietly, and so do a few other patrons who've had a ringside seat to the recent little melodrama. "Cmon sweetie, just tell 'im what you think.." advises a matronly woman at a nearby table. Giving the woman a dry look, Janese smirks. "I usually do.." then turns to address Thanos, even tho he still is several paces away. "I'm sure you did what you thought was right," she allows the barest of smiles to show. "And if you had really lost me, I think that I wouldn't even be bothering with you at the moment." A little color springs into her cheeks and she frowns lightly, undoubtedly feeling that heat.

Thanos studiously ignores the various few stares from around the room, his attention focused on Janese before him. His mind works over what she has just told him, letting it sink in that she might not actually hate him. "Perhaps that is true." he muses, shoulders regaining some of their usual straightness again. "Will you please come back and sit with me then? Perhaps the timing is not right for food, yet at least we could talk more. . .privately."

"Very well.." Janese nods, rubbing her brow a moment as she moves back towards their former table. "Hope they didn't clear off the pitcher yet.." Not that either one of them needs any more to drink, likely...

Thanos's manners remain intact, dispite all else, and he stands waiting for Janese to be seated before he settles himself back down at the table. He watches her move past him toward the table with many emotions dancing in his head, too many to sort out now.

Janese sits down at the Small Table Near Fire.

Thanos sits down at the Small Table Near Fire.

Emotions? All sorts. Janese is still frowning lightly as she retakes her former seat by the fireside. And, as luck would have it, the pitcher and the food is still there, albeit cold. The jeweler immediately takes to pouring two fresh glasses full, being careful not to get one of them too full of foam this time, indeed there's barely a head to be seen.

At your table, Thanos settles himself down quietly, giving Janese a still tentative smile as she pours a mug for him as well, and nearly no foam! Once she has finished, he takes a long drink from it, finally setting it down and reaches for an apple. Questions form in his head that he dare not answer, even to himself. Seeking a distraction, he perhaps finds what he is looking for, "Well, you certainly look much better than you did when I came to visit you." He says, tentative smile hanging on.

At your table, Janese watches the Illianer warily from her side of the table, almost as if she is daring him to cross it. She also takes a long drink from her mug and sets it down, licking any residue from her lips. "Well I should hope so.." she chuckles softly at his comment. "By the way, you do too..you were too pale then.."

At your table, Thanos narrowly avoids a snort at the comment regarding /his/ complexion in the Tower. With a soft chuckle he says, "Well, I did manage to get in and out without being snapped up by an Aes Sedai in need." He sets about downing the rest of his ale at that point, following it with a bite from the apple he grabbed.

At your table, Now that comment brings genuine laughter from the Altaran. "I wouldn't have let them." Janese states honestly. "I need you more than one of them ever will..oh Light, I didn't just say that!" The color is immediate this time and she takes up her mug to..well, to drown any repercussions of what she just said.

Thanos's tentative smiles takes on a more solid look as the woman makes it clear that she would not allow him to be taken like that. Yet that smile is just as quickly replaced with a look of shock as the rest of her words flow into his head. Even the bit of apple in his mouth is forgotten for a long moment. Swallowing heavily, and not just because that apple wasn't fully chewed, he pours himself a full mug of ale, trying to speak before he downs it, desperately needed as it is. "Janese. . ." is all he manages though before he must quiet himself, unable to continue.

Janese has turned a lovely shade of scarlet. "Please..you don't need to say anything.." she mumbles, swiping a piece of bread and tearing it to bits, her head bent to the task. "I shouldn't have said that../shouldn't/ have.."

Thanos downs the mug like a man dying of thirst, don't need to say anything? Perhaps, but what about what he wants to say? Now /that/ scares him. Setting the mug down and wiping his mouth clean, he wonders if the alcohol he has consumed will loosen his tongue enough. . .or too much. . .not yet sure of what to say if anything at all, he just watches Janese tear the bread apart. Hesitating . . .

He says nothing?? Janese looks up sharply and snorts softly. "Well, I meant that you didn't /have/ to say anything, but..Light burn it Thanos, say /something!/ Please?" Her tankard's already in hand to drown in. Well she drowns herself just a little, anyway. Fortification.

Thanos is prompted, 'Light help me' he thinks to himself, "I. . ." He forces a smile, though it comes out a very uncomfortable one at that, "What should I say?" He blurts aloud, only half aware of what he said, "I'm sorry, I haven't had the best of luck. . .before." He feels like he's walking on the ends of swords here.

Well now, that's encouraging! Janese looks rather uncomfortable herself and shifts in her seat. "What should you say? Well you /could/ say "Sorry Janese, but it'll just never work.." or.."Sorry, Janese, you're just too uncomely for me to comsider.." or..well you get the idea, I'm sure. But as for luck, well...neither have I, so I suppose we're even in that at least."

Thanos looks up at Janese as she speaks, "You're, yo- . . .your quite beautiful actually." Yep, the alcohol has definetly loosened his tongue. He slowly shakes his head, "I don't know. . .Light I don't know much of anything anymore. I don't even know if I'm sure about what I feel." He looks right at Janese for the last bit, the uncertainty in his green eyes markable.

Janese smiles shyly, and one might correctly surmise that she is not used to being in this situation. No, she's usually got things very well under /her/ control, this one does. "Most kind of you.." she manages, then shrugs. "As for the rest, it's all right..as long as I know that..well at least you don't /dis/like me.." She has another quick swallow of her ale.

Thanos pours himself another mug, "Oh I like you alright." He says as he pours. What he doesn't realize is that those words were supposed to be in his head, not spoken, but with the amount of ale in him now, he doesn't notice his mistake. "I'm sorry, I'm just so confused right now." He ponders the ale before him, "And I'm not sure I want it to make sense." He takes another drink, hidding himself for a moment.

"Well sure..else you wouldn't have offered me a place in which to house my store,' Janese reasons, nodding thoughtfully, then quirks a brow. "I must say I haven't known many Illianers..are all like you in not wanting to have something make sense?" She sighs, selecting an apple, but just rotates in one hand. "I for one like to figure the sense of things.." So she can feel somewhat in control, at the very least.

Thanos looks a little confused at the first comment, but chalks it up to alcohol, which isn't far from the truth. "No, most of the time we don't like mysteries, except for where the Horn may be found." He chuckles a little at that, "But when the answer is more worrysome than the problem, I don't want to know, or at least I think I don't." He shakes his head again, as much to get keep Janese's face from enchanting him as to clear his head.

Janese cannot help but laugh at that. Setting her mug down now, she sighs, regarding the man across from her with open fondness now. "Well then, I would say that you have a predicament, Illianer. One that will remain until you decide that you /do/ wish to know.." Her voice is soft, but purposefully light.

Thanos nods in agreement, sipping again at his mug and eyeing the apple now on the table before him. "Or until I forget it completely, but I know I don't want that. I do know that much." Shaking his head more freverently, as if to clear cobwebs, he finds something else to talk about, "Do you think you will be able to get that broach for Bellator done in time for his little contest?"

"Well, I hope so.." There's a shadow of disappointment that crosses Janese's face, but it's gone quickly enough. "The contest! I..what contest?" she seems truly unrecognizant of any such event.

Thanos risks looking directly at Janese again, being rewarded by her face and punished by his thoughts at the same time. "Remember? Master Aeolus came into your store a day or so before you collapsed and commishioned you to make some sort of eagle or hawk broach or something. I think as a prize for some poetry contest he was doing for the elections."

Janese frowns as she listens, then shakes her head. "I don't remember, Than..did he said when it is to be held? I'll need some time..I also will need specifics on the design. Some customers are so hard to please.." She natters on, eyes darting about.

Thanos shrugs a little, "I don't remember when exactly he wanted it done. I guess you'll have to track him down for the information. . . .you don't remember it at all? What was the last thing you /do/ recall? Before waking up that is." He asks, being certain not to mention where she woke up in that account. 'At least she's not pressing me in /that/ direction anymore' he thinks.

Janese thinks a moment. "Dropping a bracelet.." It's said slowly and the look she gives Thanos is certainly a disconcerting one. "Than, I'm scared...why can I only remember certain things, and yet not others?" Light knows he won't be able to explain either...

Thanos shakes his head slowly, "I don't know. I have seen men take a hard hit to the head, and later only remember certain things. But you were never struck like that. Not since I have known you anyway." He sighs, "But you don't have to be scared. Not anymore." He gives her a reasuring smile belying his own uncertainties.

Oh she was struck all right, but not in the way he thinks. "Oh sure, not scared anymore because I've been Healed, is that it? Well maybe they didn't get it all..and I am NOT going back!" That old wall goes flying back up again.

'Uh-oh' Thanos thinks to himself. Ignoring the aging food and drink on the table, he reaches his arm across it slowly, laying his hand down upon it, palm up and open toward his companion, "Janese, I didn't mean it that way. Just. . .forget about that, please? It's over and done." He looks at her face again, the bittersweetness of that sight fighting in his mind.

Janese eyes the upturned hand warily. A peace offering, eh? Well, she's -not- going to grab it as if she were dying for air and neither is she going t..The facial muscles along her jaw work as she mulls things about in her head--in her scrambled head, apparently. And with that last thought, her hand reaches for his and grasps it tightly as a single tear rolls down her cheek. "Okay.." she nods.

Thanos smiles softly as Janese's hand makes contact, then holds onto his own. "I imagine you've had enough food for now. How about we get you home so you can just rest and relax for awhile?" He speaks in a voice as soft as his smile, somehow sounding odd for one who had dedicated himself to the craft of swordsmanship.

"Sure..all right.." Janese sniffs, letting out a long sigh. "I really miss it.." Has his softness escaped her perceptions? Perhaps, perhaps not. "I'm..sorry it was wasted.." she offers lamely.

Thanos rises slowly, his hand slipping away from Janese's as he does so. His smile remains though, as he passes a glance at the table, "The dogs will love you for it." He says with a small chuckle. On his feet now, he waits for Janese, his arm already in it's familiar escort postion, ready to be taken.

Thanos stands and leaves the Small Table Near Fire.

Janese stands leaves the Small Table Near Fire.

Janese relaxes into a little smile at that."Yes I suppose they will.." she agrees, rising slowly, then taking his arm, though seeming very pensive still.

Thanos makes to leave then with Janese on his arm. He ignores her pensiveness for now, perfering to just get her to her room, figuring that place will certainly do more to relax her than he ever could.

Main Room: Guardian Swords, Tar Valon

Clearly this was once the common room of an inn, yet now it has been transformed into a well kept Jeweler's shop. The shop is well-appointed and there is definite evidence of a woman's touch: the light scent that lingers in the air, as well as several potted plants placed strategically. Central to the customers' view is a large display case of the jeweler's handiwork--bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings of gold; some filigreed, some highly polished and inset with gemstones, and some just elegantly plain. On top of the counter rests a sign that reads: Special Commissions on Request. If one were to look behind the counter, they might see a well-worn stool and several bags or pouches, dark violet in color, that look to be velvet and strung with golden thread. Several comfortable chairs arranged about a low table are set in a corner of the shop. Towards the back of the room, there is a dark violet curtain hung across an opening, behind which might correctly be perceived as the jeweler's workshop, for more often than not, an offkey humming can be heard, along with the soft clatter of tools. Six lanterns are mounted upon the walls around the room, evenly spaced to give light all around. A large fireplace dominates one wall, ensuring that the room should never be cold.

Above the fireplace a somewhat faded symbol is painted on the wall, twelve swords in a wheel, each one's blade pointed inward forming a shield of steel. Next to that fireplace are a pair of well made comfortable looking chairs, one has a smaller reading table set next to it. Two windows, both looking out to the street flank either side of the main entry.

The windows are open and accepting to the outside air. The fireplace looking as if it has not been used in some time. The lanterns keep the room from darkening as the sun lowers itself below the horizon.

Stairs lead up towards the old guest quarters, and there is a door near the fireplace. Oddly, that door has what appears to be a heron carved carefully into it.

Contents: Thanos

Obvious exits:

Side Door Upstairs Street

Janese has arrived.

The jeweler had been quiet all the way back to the shop here, and it is only now as they step in, and Janese sees once again her labor of love here, and Thanos's generosity in providing such a haven, that she allows the past days' trauma at being uprooted from here finally wash over her, and it comes in a flood of tears. Silent ones, however, that stream down her face, as she detaches from his arm to cross from counter, to fireplace mantel to finally stop at his chair where the book lies on the floor where it was so hastily dropped that day. Crouching down, she picks it up and holds it to her chest. "I'm..home.." she whispers.

Thanos stands inside the now closed doorway, and watches in silence as the woman left his arm, toured the room and then hugged the book he had been pretending to read when all the trouble came to a head. With her back turned to him for that time, it takes him a moment to realize that there are tears streaking down her face. Taking a few quiet steps toward the fireplace and his chair, where Janese is crouching, he isn't sure of what to do, "Yes, you are." He says in a near whisper of his own.

Janese sniffs and straightens as Thanos moves over to where she is. /His/ spot, after all.."Y-your book..y-you must have dropped it.." It's held out to him gingerly as she wipes her face with her other hand. But she doesn't quite look at him.

Thanos gently takes the book from Janese's outstretched hand, setting it down again on the small table next to his favored chair. Looking at her tear streaked face he says quietly, "I did. It seemed a fair trade, drop the book, catch you from falling." Standing this close, too many of his own thoughts and emotions crowd his mind, and he fights to remain where he is, rather than pull the woman close to him and hug her tightly. Even so, he can't seem to tear his eyes away from her at the moment, though a big part of him desperately wants to. . .escape. . from that view.

"I'm only sorry that I wasn't really here to enjoy that being caught part." Janese speaks all too honestly and very quiet. She looks at him now, fresh tears brimming in her eyes. "Thanos I..I could never..I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me, and I'm nobody special, really. Words..fail.." Yet, her arms feel as lead to her, not about to reach out, not from what he shared..

Thanos's own memory of that moment, running through his mind lets him recall that he really didn't take time to enjoy the catch himself, his mind having been focused on more pressing issues, like Janese's life. His smile deepens a bit though, and he finds something for his hands to do that doesn't terrify and tempt him so much. His left hand raises, placing two fingers over the jeweler's lips, while the right hand wipes away a fresh tear that just started rolling down her cheek. There are many more tears, but, one at a time, "Shhhhh." He speaks as softly as before, "Let others decide if you are special or not, and your thanks are not needed, not for me. The fact that you are still here is enough." His right hand wipes away another tear, seemingly ready to continue at that task, while his left hand drops back to his side once more.

Janese trembles under his touch, but she doesn't move to stop him either. She is silent, but only until his fingers are removed. "But.." is all she can find to say, however. Didn't she say that there were no more words to express? So she shuts up, still standing there rather like a statue, albeit a crying one.

Thanos lets his left hand slip around Janese to the small of her back, where his open palm rests. Stepping aside just a little and wiping away one more tear with his right hand, he smiles down at her and says, "Come on, let's just get you into your bed so you can get some rest. I know. . .I know you must be very tired by now." He stands as if to help herd her along with that hand on her back, though his expression bears nothing in resemblance to a sheperd at all.

Janese says "I am, Than..I am, but ever so glad to be home.." Janese breathes out in a sigh, finding a smile from somewhere within, then looks to the stairwell as she begins to move in that direction.

Thanos heads toward, and finally up the stairway followingly closely behind Janese as they head to her room on the second floor.

You climb the stairs to the second floor hall.

Hallway: Guardian Swords, Tar Valon

The hallway here would be very dark indeed were it not for the lanterns spaced down it's length. Several doors line the hall, leading to rooms that once housed mercenaries, now mainly empty and unused. Very little decorates this area, and you get the odd feeling of being in a dungeon of sorts here. Stairs lead down to the meeting room below.

<Type 'rooms' to get a listing of rooms present here.

Contents: Janese Thanos

Obvious exits:

Downstairs

Janese's steps seem to lighten with every upwards step, even though she's not exactly racing up the stairs. Finally gaining the upper hallway, she sighs once more, and leans against the far wall to wait for Thanos.

Thanos slips up the stairs right behind Janese, smiling to himself as he notes he forgot to even douse the lanterns. Just as well though, as stumbling in the dark might be. . .awkward. Watching the Altaran woman lean against the wall, a bit of concern slips across his face once more, "Are you feeling okay?" He says, then add with a small mirthful grin, "Or shall I carry you the rest of the way."

It was his suggestion, and he'll learn to not offer such again if he didn't expect Janese to take him up on it. She's seemingly tired enough to not wish to joke about anything. "Well, now I'm at least able to tell you that you have my permission to do so.."

Thanos slips forward like a cat, that mirthful grin only reinforced as he approaches Janese's leaning form. Snaking his arms about her, he fights himself again to do only what he should, not what so much of him wants and what the rest of him is terrified of. Once in place, he lifts with one arm near the small of her back first, then the other, lifting her easily enough and holding her now close to his chest. Taking the few steps toward the woman's room, he looks at her very near face, "Mind opening the door while I move you in?" He asks, putting a playful smile on.

Janese gasps, not really thinking he would do such a thing. And comments on that very thing: "I didn't think you would!" she laughs, her arm encircling his neck hanging on tightly. The surprise has helped her from being too nervous at his closeness. "Want me to kick in the door or something, Illianer?" she jests weakly.

Thanos chuckles at her suprise, "Be careful what you ask for." His grin changes over to a soft smile, "As for the door, I think just unlatching the handle with your arm would be enough. I could kick it in myself, but that wouldn't do well for your privacy." And he chuckles once more, moving her into easy reach of the aformentioned door latch.

"You're right..and I don't think the owner would be too pleased..so I shall try.." He's positioned her perfectly--blademasters are good at that--and the door is soon unlatched. Giving it a little shove, it opens to allow the soft fragrance from within to waft out. Thanos would note that it is similar to what scents the downstairs, but slightly different.

You open the door and step into the fragrantly-scented room.

Janese's Quarters: Guardian Swords, Tar Valon

This large room is done entirely in pastels--mostly of the blue and violet shades. Directly to the left is a small fireplace that looks to be quite adequate. A small loveseat and an overstuffed chair are set nearby, a low table between them. At the far end of the room there is a sturdy-looking bed covered with a dark violet, almost black comforter. The pillows by the headboard are blue. The large window directly above boasts dark curtains of the same color as the bedding. Adjacent to the bed, a wardrobe rests against the wall, topped with bottles of various sizes and shapes, a looking glass, and a hairbrush. The far right wall boasts a small desk holding a ream of paper and a small intricately-carved wooden box. A matching chair is pushed up against it. Near that is a changing screen, behind which surely rests a pitcher and washbasin.

Contents: Thanos Janese

Obvious exits:

Hallway

Thanos carefully slips himself and the woman in his arms into her room. The room itself is not very well lit at the moment, with the sun having just faded beyond the horizon and only that glow and the light from the hallway providing illumination. His nose picks up the various changed scents, though he considers them no further as he walks toward Janese's bed. With more care than he picked her up, he now gently sets her down upon that bed, her head upon those big blue pillows. That job done, he steps back, taking a bare moment in the relative darkness to appreciate the view before he might catch himself.

The man never ceases to amaze her..just when Janese though he was just going to dump her in her room after carrying her thus far, he goes the extra mile and deposits her..not roughly, but carefully..upon her bed. "Thank you, Than.." she murmurs, straining to see him in the limited light. "Is it all right if I tell you that you are special?"

Thanos speaks from the growing darkness, his expression increasingly hidden, "You may, though wether you are correct or not may yet be seen." His voice is soft, yet distant. He turns and quietly makes his way to the hallway door the, comming more into view due to the hallways's lanterns with each step. Once he has reached the doorway, he turns back with that small smile and says, "Goodnight Janese. Rest well." And he turns to pass through the door.

"Excuse me, but wasn't that you, not that long ago, who told me to let others decide if I was special or not?" Janese's words are gentle, but hold a surprising amount of strength in their delivery. "And I, Janese Aleyon, say that you, Illianer, are one -very- special person. Now sleep on that thought!" She smiles warmly through the darkness, and if it were a beacon, that particular smile would easily light up the entire room.

Thanos chuckles so softly it almost isn't audible to Janese from her position on the bed. He turns though, facing her with a grin hidden in shadow and makes as flourished of a bow as that thin doorway can handle, "As you command." He says in an equally flourished voice. As he rises, he steps backward, into the hallway where his face becomes fully visible again bearing that soft smile, as though it had never left. "Goodnight." And the door closes quietly, leaving the woman to her bed and hopefully, her dreams.