Setting: Amyrlin's Office: White Tower, Tar Valon

Cast of Characters:
Raemira: Amyrlin Seat, Flame of Tar Valon, Watcher of the Seals
Tamarind: Keeper of the Chronicles
Kyra: Blight Scout petitioning the Tower
Theron: Gleeman
Marisel: Novice of the White Tower
Renimar: Warder Trainee

Kyra enters the room and stands by the door. Bowing, she greets both of you "Honor to you, Mother and Keeper." She seems a bit fidgety, whether of nervousness or something else, it's not quite certain at the moment.

Tamarind turns slightly at the knock on the door, a slim brow rising more from habit than surprise, she flashes a brief smiles and nods in acknowledgment as Kyra enters.. her cool gaze running up and down the young woman's form as if reevaluating her worth before she speaks. "Indeed, Light illumine your way, Child.." She glances back to Raemira.. this is her place of authority.

Kyra holds her right hand in a fist, as if grasping her accustomed weapon. She remains close to the door, awaiting the Amyrlin, though barely patiently from the look about her eyes...

Raemira motions to a chair, for Kyra to sit in, speaking softly, "Please, take a seat child."

Tamarind simply watches as Kyra moves to take a place at her side, hands folded calmly at her waist.. She is serious, if not stern, even the small smile she keeps upon her lips not softening her expression all that much.

With only the slightest bit of hesitation, Kyra heads for the proffered chair and sits, though far from comfortably. Her posture remains formally upright and she folds her hands in her lap. Shienaran custom prevents her from blurting out her questions, only barely.

Tamarind lessens the intensity of her eyes, turning them sideways to Raemira and remaining silent as if waiting to see if she should speak.

Raemira watches quietly for a few moments, then speaks up in a soft voice, "Tamarind Sedai has been telling me several interesting things, however I wish to hear them from you as well. I am sorry that earlier, I was called away. Could you please state your petition to me now?"

Tamarind doesn't make a comment on the Amyrlin being called away, nor does she so much as flick a glance in her direction, making herself comfortable again.. draping her elbows on the arms of the chair and just watching and listening to Kyra.

Kyra takes a deep breath, her mind too intent on her business to start wondering about absences of the Amyrlin's "Half a score men lie ill at Fal Moran, Mother. The healers have all but exhausted their efforts and knowledge and yet the men remain ill. Though they feel as hale as before, their gaunt faces and forms belie the illness..." she trails off a bit, swallowing, her throat suddenly dry.

Raemira nods slightly, furrowing her brow a bit, "When did the illness first start?"

Kyra continues after a moment, "The source of the illness is also unknown, though it can be traced to a particular skirmish...small and insignificant seeming at the time, but with all the men irreparably ill, we cannot but think it was not so trivial as we thought. The mean have been ill close to two fortnights now."

There is not firming of her features, no stiffening in her place, but Tamarind suddenly gives the impression off deep watchfulness, listening with more than just a casual interest. Her jaw sets itself and she disentwines her fingers as the length of the illness is mentioned.. apparently it has been too long for her liking.

Raemira sighs faintly, nodding just a bit. A few wisps of auburn hair flutter and fall before her eyes. She sits up gently, calming herself a bit, or perhaps just making her features more calm than before, though compassion escaping from her eyes, "I see.... Do you remember the skirmish at all?"

A frown crosses Kyra's face at the mention of the time, she worries at her tunic for a moment before calming herself and schooling her face to a calm narration again. "I was sent to implore the Tower's help. Not only for the lives of the men, but for the possible significance of the source. If it is indeed from the skirmish, then the Shadowspawn....." she deliberately trails off that particular thought, "I was at the skirmish in question, Mother. It was hardly a difficulty at all. I would think it a scouting party that went wrong and stumbled into our patrols. They were dispatched easily enough, the men taking only scratches, if that."

Tamarind lifts a hand, keeping her elbow bent and resting on her chair's arm, and she lightly rests her chin within the caging of her fingers as she loses herself in the narrative enough to ask, "And did you not take any of these scratches, Child.. to come safely to us with no trace of illness?"

Raemira's eyes open a bit widely at the mentioning of Shadowspawn, hardly even noticing that Coerel has entered the room. She speaks quietly, her voice soft, yet with an edge "Child, weapons of the shadowspawn are often... lethal. Scratches can fester and cause more damage than any mere scratch, especially if those weapons were forged in Shayol Ghul itself."

The door opens silently and Coerel slips into the room without a sound. The door shuts nearly as quietly. He sidesteps to the left and leans against the wall there motionless, almost appearing as part of the room's decor.

Kyra swallows again, her discomfort coming from a more personal view at this question. She glances towards Coerel as he enters, but continues with only the slightest hesitation "I...did receive a few scratches myself, Aes Sedai. I...cannot fully explain my recovery. As for the weapons, well, we took our routine precautions directly after the skirmish. We are always careful when dealing with Shadowspawn wounds. This.." she shakes her head, "goes beyond our customary precautions."

Kyra sits up straighter, if that were possible, a pleading look in her eyes. "On my honour, Mother, we have done everything we can and still they evade healing. We had no other choice but to appeal to your succor."

Raemira glances briefly towards Tamarind, not completely unaware that her Gaidin has entered the room, having felt his presence even nearing the door. She asks softly, of her fellow Aes Sedai, "Do you still believe that we need interference from the Reds?" She pauses a moment, glancing back to Kyra to listen to her, "We have..." A pause and a smile, "Already decided to send an envoy child, it was just a matter of assessing things to know who and what to send"

Tamarind permits open interest to flicker in her eyes, running them over Kyra's face and form again as if attempting to decipher a puzzle. Finally her brow arches, the slightest curve, and she sinks back further into her chair, draping the hand that hand upheld her chin across her lap. She turns her full regard to Raemira, not smiling right away, but ending up with the tiniest quirking of her lips.. not in amusement. "Perhaps not Mother, though we should follow your original line of thought, several Yellow Sisters, at least one Green and one Blue." She nods as if finalizing her approval.

Blinking slightly at the already made decision, Kyra takes a moment to compose herself, while the details of the envoy is discussed. She pipes up soon afterwards though, "When do we leave? I can travel ahead and send word of your coming, if you wish" She continues to flavour her words in obeisance, though her eagerness to return is readily evident.

Raemira glances to Kyra, shaking her head a bit as her attention is drawn from Tamarind for a moment, "There is no need for that child, the Aes Sedai and Gaidin sent with you will make sure of a hasty trip and would more than likely pass you..." She turns her head to Tamarind again, asking, "Who do you suggest for the accompanying sisters then?"

Sensing herself out of the present conversation, Kyra shuts her mouth, showing only a hint of her disappointment to be away. She doesn't relax her posture any, however, her attention still intent on the ensuing discussion.

Tamarind has apparently been giving thought to the question which the Amyrlin sets her, for she speaks readily, as if having made her personal selections some time ago. "I would say, that we should send Elycia Sedai, and Maragai Sedai of the Yellow Ajah. They almost half Brown in their interest of new things, and the pondering of puzzles.. and they work very well together. From the Green.. I am afraid that my most desired choice would have to be Semarra Sedai.. though she has many duties here in the Tower now and I do not know if she might be spared. As for the blue, Mother," she widens her smile, and it holds a true hint of warmth. "I think you would best be able to name who suits your choose there."

With barely a whisper of noise, Coerel opens the door and steps outside. The door falls shut behind him.

A brow lifts faintly on Raemira's face at the last and furrows slightly at the rest as she carefully considers things. After a few moments, her face turns into a careful mask of calmness, so belike an Aes Sedai. She taps her fingers against her chin, then folds her hands before her on her desk, speaking softly, "I am not certain about Semarra Sedai... She has just been made the Mistress, though I suppose she could appoint a temporary in her place, if she desires to go. This will be something she and I will need to discuss." She pauses slightly, eyeing Tamarind directly, "And as for the Blue...." She pauses a moment and sighs, "I do not wish to be without both the Mistress of Novices and the Keeper, but if the wheel wishes it there is nothing I can do. I can see it in your eyes Tamarind, do not deny it.... You wish to go and we both know you would serve us well. The wheel weaves as the wheel wills."

Kyra has begun worrying at her tunic again, apparently wishing for the comforting presence of her staff. She glances between the Amyrlin's and the Keeper's faces, with continued interest, though with some frustration that she cannot hurry things without being unseemly.

Tamarind takes a breath, forgetting for a time that Kyra is yet in the room, and drops some of the distant poise she usually holds fast to herself, actually leaning forward somewhat in her chair as she speaks.. one hand gesturing slightly as if to emphasize the urgency of her words. "I do not wish to leave you, Mother. Know that. If you but asked it of me, would I gladly stay here at your side and continue in the work we have begun." A slight pause, and her eyes are alight with the challenge of the thing. "But.. if you wished it, I would indeed like to make this voyage with Kyra." She names the young lady for what might be the first time. "Though my heart is Blue, you know well that my sharpest talent is in Healing. I would set my hand to this thing, to aid these men.. and to solve the mystery of the whole illness whilst we are at it. There are.." lashes shimmer as she flicks a quick glance to young woman seated quietly to one side, "Many reasons for going." The gaze she locks to Raemira's bespeaks things she would know without having to be told outright.

Raemira inclines her head slightly, catching all the nuances and meanings behind the words, "As there are Daughter and as I do grant you permission and leave to go."

Kyra chews on her lip now, looking uncomfortable again, even half guessing at the nuances she perceives now that she is merely a spectator in the discussion. "One more thing I neglected to mention earlier, Mother. The decision to send me instead of others fully capable of the task. There is the curiosity of my having survived the illness...." she halts that thought abruptly, perhaps half guessing at this now, as well.

Tamarind's smile firms, but she yet glances round the office with something that is a shadow of, if not quite, regret.. or perhaps concern is a better word. Her eyes return to the Amyrlin and she inclines her head with some formality, that seems suited to her person. "I thank you Mother, I shall seek to complete our duties there and return back to you as quickly as I might. Shall I organize this journey for as soon as we might depart?" Now, she touches upon some subject that might be of more immediate interest to Kyra.. She pauses and looks at said young lady, nodding slightly and narrowing her lashes.

"Yes, of course Daughter, you may." Raemira turns her attention to Kyra, smiling faintly, "Perhaps it was merely because you did not get scratched by such a sword. Surely not all of the men became ill"

Tamarind nods almost to herself and eases back to refocus her appraisal back upon Kyra, listening and watching as the girl speaks with the Amrylin, and keeping whatever her opinion might be on the subject behind sealed lips.

Kyra chews on her lip again, apparently hesitant to call any unusual attention to herself. "Pardon my narrative if I have been unclear, Mother. I was also ill for a time. I do not remember approximately half a week directly after the skirmish and cannot describe the early stages of it, because I myself was under its influences..."

Something clicks behind Tamarind's gilt curtain of fiery lashes.. a slight darkening of her eyes as if she has placed another piece of some puzzle that she considers.. she glances at the Amyrlin, but again sits placidly and makes no comment on that.

Raemira nods slightly, furrowing her brow a bit, "I see... well... if you wish, healers can look at you now and determine if you've truly completely recovered."

Tamarind finally does speak now, not actually sitting any taller, nor betraying any further interest than she has.. but her eyes do linger on Kyra's face. "I should be glad to speak with her, Mother, whenever it would be convenient. There is certainly no need to disturb any of the other Sisters, and since I journey north in this task.. perhaps I should glean every bit of information that I might."

"If it would help with the puzzle," Kyra nods hesitantly again. "Though by mere symptoms, I am fully recovered. I both feel and look as hale as ever before..."

Tamarind nods once or twice, directed her voice, somewhat softened as she speaks upon healing, Kyra's way. "It may appear so, Child, but some illnesses can lurk insidiously in the corners of the body.. appearing to have succumbed to treatment, when is essence they simply remarshal their strength. It is certainly better to be certain."

Raemira nods to both Kyra and Tamarind, though the nod is more directed at Tamarind, "Of course."

Kyra swallows again, glancing at Tamarind's continuing appraisal. She remains silent on that issue however.

Kyra nods thoughtfully at Tamarind's explanation. "I accede to your expertise on the matter. My healing skills are limited to simple tasks meant for minor ailments incurred on the field of battle."

Tamarind purses those rosebud lips of hers again.. very slowly nodding. "Even such skills are to be commended, Child.. as is anything that one learns designed to aid and succor others. Was there anything else you wished to bring to the Mother's attention?"

Kyra narrows her eyes slightly as she apparently searches her mind for other points she may have missed. "No...I believe that any that I might have wished to bring up would be in the missive I had delivered. Of course, I am at your service if you wish to ask further questions."

Tamarind falls silent again, taking up her habitual tapping of a single finger's tip against the carving on the arm of her chair. She remains silent, either having no further questions or simply not wishing to voice them yet, and she turns to gaze upon Raemira.. obviously ceding the floor to her if she would ask anything.

Raemira shakes her head slightly to Kyra, speaking softly, "No... no that is all. I thank you for coming to speak with us, child."

Tamarind finds a smile, albeit small, for Kyra, "If you are free now, Child, I would come to you when I am no longer needed here. The sooner the better for the assuring of your continued good health." Smoothly, her eyes swing round to Raemira, serenely awaiting further instructions or dismissal.. equally at peace with either of the Amyrlin's wishes.

Kyra nods and rises, remaining by her chair however, apparently waiting for a more explicit dismissal. "Honour to serve you Mother. I will gladly help with the preparations as well, Tamarind Sedai." She starts to bow out of the room at the Keeper's words.

Raemira inclines her head to Kyra, "Then I bid you a good evening."

Kyra backs towards the door and lets herself out, quietly shutting the door behind her.

[Out in the Keeper's Office]

Tamarind enters the Office Wing from the Keeper's Office.

Tamarind steps purposefully from her office, skirts awhirl about her ankles as she closes the door and heads in your direction, eyes intent and inquiring upon you.

Kyra has started to stride down the hall away from the offices. She glances back however at the sound of the door and slows, the look of formality back on her face. "Peace to you Tamarind Sedai," she greets again.

Tamarind glides to a stop not far from you, her face once again a bland mask of polite nothingness and Aes Sedai mystery. "Light shine upon, Child. Have you the time now for the doing of what we did discuss?" It is phrased as a question, but really isn't, her manner that of one used to having previous appointments dropped for.

Kyra nods in obeisance. "Honor to serve, Aes Sedai. I go where you wish."

Tamarind turns then, pacing more slowly so that you might follow along. "That is good then, Child. Let us retire to the privacy of my chambers.. I will have tea brought up for us." Having said that, she merely looks pointedly at a motionless Novice who has overhead. The girl widens her eyes, curtsies and heads away to do just that as the Keeper heads up.

Tamarind pads up the carpeted ramp and exits the Office Wing of the Tower.

[In Tamarind's Chambers: Sitting Room, White Tower]

Tamarind sweeps into her chambers, velvet skirts trailing with a heavy whisper in her wake as she moves immediately to assume a comfortable seat in a large chair set right beside the hearth. Her eyes look upon you as she lifts a hand and beckons you to sit either upon the couch or the chair at her other side. "Do come in, Child.. be seated."

Again, Kyra stands by the door until further invitation. She is back in her formal mode, though the strain of dealings with Aes Sedai is starting to show in her manner. Nodding at your words, she chooses the chair and again sits on it, far from comfortably.

Tamarind notes your discomfiture, and she softens her smile a bit more, seeming as if she will speaks when a knock sounds at the door. The Novice enters, bearing a silver tray laden with teapot, cups on saucers, and other good things, including a small plate of tiny cakes, iced in pastels and bearing sugared violets. The girl curtsies, deposits the tray on the table that rests in front of the Keeper and pours two steaming cups of fragrant raspberry tea. Then, in silence, she curtsies again and disappears.. relief hastening her footsteps.

Kyra smiles slightly at the entrance of the Novice and the apparently-welcome tray. She refrains from acting any more eagerly than she might were she in other company, merely waiting.

Tamarind leans forward, slender fingers reaching for one of the cups, and its saucer.. yet her eyes remain upon your face even as hers tilts downward. "Do help yourself, Child, as we speak. I would hate for your throat to become parched." Casual almost here, yet still regal and imposing, she settles back and considers. "It was quite a confidence in you that your people sent you on this mission alone."

Kyra shrugs slightly, waiting for you to serve yourself first before reaching for her own cup and one of the cakes. "Duties in the Keep must still be taken care of, and with the men in question too ill to maintain their patrols, we could ill afford a large group. Besides, one can travel faster, lighter."

Tamarind nods, and takes the time to sip at her tea before speaking again. "Yet, a woman alone.. It is a major task, and the Shienarans are well known for certain views in regard to women. You must be quite exceptional. I wonder what other talents you might hold."

Taking an experimental sip of from her cup, Kyra smirks slightly. "Though I will admit that there are some who would breathe easier at my absence. Not all have quite gotten used to the idea of my fighting at their side. Shienaran customs, you understand..." she adds a soft snort as her commentary for that particular tradition.

Tamarind laughs quietly as your observations seem to run along the same lines as her own.. the sound is remarkably lovely for its scarcity. "I understand.. Tell me, have you ever.. spontaneously healed from any other illnesses in the past?"

Kyra is reminded of her half-guesses from the previous conversation and furrows her brow slightly. She takes a moment to pop the cake she holds in her mouth, washing it down with a drink from her teacup, before answering. "I have always been a quick healer. I've always attributed it to a healthy constitution. My father's blood, so my mother was loathe to tell me."

Tamarind hmmms softly and drinks again from her cup before setting it down with the faintest of *clinks*. "I have known several others with similar backgrounds.." she trails off, dropping that out casually to see if perhaps you might bite.

Kyra tilts her head in curiosity "Oh? I'd imagine it wouldn't be entirely noteworthy. Why, I remember Donnel, this boy I used to chum around with in my youth, would be forever scraping himself up in one fiasco after another. Yet, almost the very next day, or soon afterwards, he'd be ready to go careening off on another adventure."

Tamarind tilts her head just a bit.. cradling cup and saucer against the velvet clad shapeliness of one thigh as she seems to consider that, but her eyes flicker as if it no surprise in the least to her. "Yes.. your friend. I trust you spent a great deal of time with him?"

Kyra chuckles at the memory. "Why yes, as a matter of fact. To my mother's endless irritation. He /was/ a troublemaker. She even tried to forbid me to see him a few times. She realized its futility soon enough."

Kyra relaxes a bit, even sitting fully back in the chair she has chosen, but not before taking a cake or two to accompany the tea she holds, now cooled enough for more rapid consumption.

"You know.." Tamarind's voice is a lilting melody as she leans forward to set her cup down on the table's edge.. and then straightens again. "It is also odd how many of the young women I have found that have similar instances such as that.. friends that had such drastic injuries as broken bones up and walking about the next day as if nothing ever had happened."

"What of these young women?" Kyra notes a direction in this inquiry, one that she is hesitant to follow. She waves a hand to try and stay the process "Oh, it was never quite that miraculous. Donnel would be the talk of the town indeed, for far more than speculation on who had dumped flour all over the mayor's dog, had that been the case."

Tamarind finds another short shimmering ripple of laughter. "I can only imagine the confusion that must have elicited.. in my home, it was always the StableMaster's son doing such pranks." She seems unaffected by your effort to turn the conversation to another direction, going on smoothly. "But then, he got scratched and stayed scratched for the most part.."

Kyra ahhs and makes another attempt to shrug the matter off, "Well, as I had said, Donnel did tend to heal quickly. Probably for the same reason that I did. A lucky thing that was, I can assure you." A faint hesitation in her matter-of-fact statement belies the fact that her half-guesses are still haunting her.

Tamarind notes everything, without seeming to of course, filing away reactions to be sorted and used later in the pristine order she keeps of her mind. "I am assured, Child.. it is just that such fortune is very rare.. and often there is a reason behind its seeming."

Kyra nods slowly, popping another cake in her mouth to buy some reaction time. Swallowing and finishing off the tea in her cup, she replies "There may be at that. The patterns the Wheel weaves are not always apparent. But that is not for me to understand or conjecture at."

Tamarind smiles, not at all unfriendly.. disarming.. she lets it touch upon the emerald ice chips that serve as her eyes. "Indeed.. the Wheel weaves as it will with no concern to the threads it holds. But," Slightly stressed as she finds your eyes, "Sometimes things are given to us to understand.. sometimes there is order behind the pattern to be seen."

Kyra finally puts her teacup down on an empty spot at the table. Folding her hands in her lap, she nods thoughtfully again, "This order...you imply that you have an understanding of it, while I have not. That is easily enough explained. I have not your Aes Sedai ways." she remarks, the respect for such a position evident in her eyes.

Tamarind smiles rather freely, drawing her eyes down to rest on the lowered pile of cakes before you. "Indeed.. in some cases such as this, the reason is very clear to those with the ability to discern it." She drapes one lissom arm along the rest of her chair. "I believe your case could be easily puzzled out as well.. but am not certain you would wish to hear it.." trailing off, apparently unconcerned, she idly smoothes her skirts over her lap.. wondering again if you will bite.

Kyra chews on her lip thoughtfully, still unsure that she wants to follow where you lead. She steeples her fingers, propping her elbows on the arms of her chair, "Puzzled? What is there to puzzle out? I have assumed an answer to my 'case' as you put it, for lo, these many years." Her eyes narrow a bit, admitting to some development of her half-guesses.

Tamarind looks up at you again, offering a radiant smile, that almost seems as if it has the power to melt the glacial beauty of her face.. if she would let it. But she doesn't. Her eyes, however, are not so hard as they once might have been as she habitually strokes her index finger over the carvings on her chair. "Indeed.. what answer have you assumed, Child? I am interested in your own speculations.. perhaps they correlate with mine."

Kyra draws a deep intake of air before she replies, responding to your smile with a slight one of her own. She cannot quite manage any more than that however, considering her discomfiture with where this discussion is leading. "Well, as I have said before, I attribute it to a mere superiority in constitution. Though by your words, I gather there is more to it than my simple answer." Unable to avoid it any longer, she almost rushes over the next few words, "Would that have to do with what happened ... in the practice yard that day?" she senses she doesn't need to be more explicit in her description of the event she alludes to.

Oh yes, her eyes do sharpen rather suddenly upon you as perception breaks through and adds new clarity to your thoughts.. Tamarind can feel it. Her smile remains as pleasant, though lessons with some solemnity as she waits a moment, gauging you and what she would say to you. "Indeed Child, it is quite wrapped up in what went on in the Practice Yard that day.. do you even.. realize what happened there? Or, have you no feelings of oddity at your performance with my Gaidin?"

Kyra barks a quick laugh, partially out of pent up nervousness, and partially in relief that the subject has been broached. She shifts slightly in her chair, back to her formal position now. "Odd hardly accounts for the happenings of that day. I do remember feeling very concerned at my performance against your Gaidin. Understandably of course, since I do not have the skill a blademaster has, far from it. As for the rest...I'm not sure."

Tamarind crosses her legs, apparently quite at home in what is, in actuality, her home.. and she nods, slowly, in an understanding manner. "Well, you must admit, that your performance against a blademaster was quite exceptional. And one might assay you the same title but for one thing." She pauses, again watching you, resting bent elbows on the arms of her chair and tenting her fingers before her lips. "You had aid that would never be accessible to any Gaidin. Indeed, that which helped you is accessible to very, very few. And.. even fewer that have not been trained to it."

Kyra 's eyes have gained a slightly far-away look. She manages a half-distracted nod at your words however. Trying to remember the exact events of the day, her features reflect, to some extent, her feelings of ... some threat ... as of that day. Perhaps merely a remembrance and nothing more. Perhaps not.

Tamarind taps that fingertip against her lips again weighing you calmly.. as if she holds some major key to your existence that even you do not know, and she considers if now is the time to reveal it or not. She makes her decision, dropping her hands back into her lap and lifting the sweetness of her voice. "Do you wish to know what I think on this matter, Child?"

The cornered look - as best as can be described - has retreated somewhat in Kyra's visage, though lessening not a whit in her eyes. She nods slowly, as if almost afraid of your upcoming speculation and what it could mean to her self-assessment.

Tamarind seems to relax further, sinking back into her chair and just considering the ceiling for a time with the flickering of her eyes.. her voice begins to speak long before she looks at you.. but when she is silent again.. her gaze is upon your face, not without some understanding writ within it. "I know you have spent some time here in the Tower, and have spoken with some of the Novices and Accepteds that dwell within it. Some of them are brought here when an Aes Sedai recognizes the potential within them. Then they are trained to do what only they can do. Some, very few, very rare.. have no need to be trained to realize their potential. They have already partially fulfilled it." She takes a breath, and keeps her demeanor even. "You are one of these, very special, young women."

As if to prove your statement, Kyra has quite suddenly, but quietly enshrouded herself in the warm glow of Saidar. She does nothing more with it, however, than merely hold it, in this case, a tenuous hold at best. It seems to calm her somewhat, the cornered look giving way to one of mere puzzlement and a slight measure of acceptance. It's as if she has known and half-dreaded such a revelation, but now that she faces it in its actuality....She twitches her lips slightly "I suppose I have been aware of this. It's just....it's still a shock to me."

Tamarind seems no more tense than ever she has during the course of this discussion, but her eyes grow more speculative as she studies you and your reaction to this. "Of course it is, Child. I cannot expect that everyone should be as thrilled to hear such a thing as I, myself, once was." She smiles faintly. "Coming to the Tower saved me from a dire fate. I wonder what coming to the Tower will do for you." It is spoken gently, much more so than most would ever imagine this woman can speak.

Kyra shakes her head, the glow wavering a bit. After a few attempts at speaking, she manages to stammer out "It's not something I expected of myself. All my life I have had this singular vision of who I wanted to be and where I am in relation to that....this was never part of it. I can't imagine that it would be for anyone else. Who expects to be able to channel? Who would want to?" her voice quavers as she speaks, but her questions, though somewhat rhetorical, almost erupt as if they have been pent up for at the very least, a few days now.

Tamarind simply eases even further back into her chair, obviously having heard these questions time and time again, and most likely having asked them herself at one point in her life. Ageless features display not much, but her voice remains that gentle music.. almost singing in its beauty. "No one could ever expect to channel, Child.. And it is an earth shattering and future shifting thing for any person to discover about themselves. But," those enigmatic words, "The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.. and it has woven you such a thread to be lived."

The glow of Saidar abruptly dissipates as Kyra starts worrying at her tunic again, her concentration for such, shattered as she starts to come into full realization of her situation. "It is said that few women survive outside training of the Tower once they discover their .. ability .. I've learned enough to survive, I think" she speculates, more a question than a statement, "I have duties to the Scouts after all. I can't very well shirk them now..." she adds as an attempt to put her life back in its previous order and understanding.

Though she retains the air of what nearly approaches compassion at your situation, Tamarind's jaw sets firmly into a line of implacability as she watches you. "You might have compensated for now, Child. You might think you have duty to the land that birthed you and the scouts with whom you once served. But this I say, and heed me well.. your greater duty is to the greater good of all. This might you serve, and your own land included, by coming to the Tower and training. In this way you will reach your full potential.. and may someday offer more aid than ever you guessed you might."

Kyra's breath hisses into her lungs at that. Biting down on her lip, she places her fingertips to her forehead briefly, a momentary attempt to keep her thoughts ordered it seems. She remains silent, her manner and posture signifying her denial still. Unwilling to uproot her life at this stage, she manages a protest "I've worked too hard to be where I am now. I can't just up and leave like this, perhaps after a little while...."

Tamarind doesn't so much as shift in her chair, not a single silken strand of her fiery cascade of her dares to move as she remains an exquisite statue of pale marble with emerald eyes that flicker o'er your face. "The decision is always yours, Child. However, one can never be certainly the branching of the patterns of our lives. You may stand here once and not ever have the opportunity to know what you can truly do.. to know how well you may aid those you love in your homeland with your ability. Would you fight.. Shadowspawn.." her soft voice blurs slightly as she speaks the word you named first earlier this night.. "With sword one at a time while men fall about you. Or would you learn shielding and the calling of fire and trebel your comrades' chances of winning through and living? I know you are not selfish by the journey you made here.. do not show me that you are now."

Kyra swallows and nods, sensing a bit of a reprieve from the inevitability of the events of her life. Taking comfort in the fact that the choice remains hers, she lets out the breath she didn't realize she was holding "Of course. I have sworn to honour and defend from rising sun to rising sun so long as the Wheel of Time turns....I will not dishonour myself in that."

Tamarind leans forward again, reaching for her cooling mug.. which she holds but a moment before tendrils of weaving steam begin to lift from the tea within. As she sinks back into the comfort of her chair she considers you again, with a faintly curved brow. "Honour is one thing you will come to know here in the Tower." Her words indicate quite clearly that considers this a foregone conclusion. "Duty and responsibility are others. Perhaps we can speak of what you will expect here as a Novice on our journey to your homeland. It will ready you for the time when we return."

Unsure of how to take that statement - on the one hand having the journey to ponder inevitabilities, on the other hand, choice being nonexistent...Kyra contents herself with merely nodding. She shakes her head as if to clear it, involuntarily waving a hand as if to beg for some time to consider such life changing events.

Tamarind smiles faintly, knowing the shifting and contrasting emotion that flits its way within your heart, but she finally lets it rest, half lifting the cup of tea in one hand. "Now.. I have never been to Fal Moran, though I am certain Isgrimathur has. I have heard the journey is one of two fortnights.. is that true? Can you tell me of the countryside we will move through and what we might expect on the way?"

Kyra lets out her breath slowly, unclenching her fists a bit. She hadn't realized she was doing that either. "Two fortnights is about right. I was able to make the journey in a bit less than that. Mishrak is a sturdy mount. The countryside itself is much as you see here, though it gradually gives way to sparser land, far less vegetation." She allows her mind to lose itself in the envisioning of the trip, far more comfortable in that than in the previous topic.

Tamarind nods, draining her tea as you speak, less intensity in her gaze as she mentally marks down several things to be considered. "What would you consider the optimum number of travelers for our party?" It is fairly certain she will be giving this to her Gaidin to arrange.. but she asks you anyway.

Kyra hms, considering this thoughtfully. "Well, I'ld like to keep it as low as possible to prevent that much more supplies that needs to be carried. The more pack horses we need to take, the longer time it is and the men at the Keep can ill afford that. Definitely less than a score. Closer to half that if we can."

Tamarind nods.. watching your capability and decisiveness in such matters, squirreling that further bit of information away for use some other time. "I do not think that will be a problem. I hope to have everything arranged in order that we might leave perhaps the dawning after the morrow's sun."

Kyra nods, satisfied at the scheduling "The people you mentioned to the Amyrlin earlier. They are aware of the decision to travel, I assume?"

Tamarind shakes her head, not much, but enough to be seen. "Not yet, but they will be ready to travel when it is time to leave. I will speak with the Sisters on the morrow.. and Isgrimathur will go about the rest of the details. I will see if he requires your assistance for anything."

Kyra nods. "I am at your service in this matter. I will be ready to leave at any given time, Aes Sedai." she slips back into her formal mode.

Tamarind doesn't nod, knowing that this is as it should be, and expecting nothing except this from you. "Of course, Child." She pauses, and is apparently in a fairly good mood as she continues. "If you have any questions to ask, you may do so now."

After only a brief moment of hesitation, Kyra shakes her head. "I have much to think on Tamarind Sedai. Such questions do not come easily to my lips, as they are still a jumble of voices clamoring for attention."

Tamarind sits taller in her chair.. and smiles faintly again, allowing her features to assume that dispassionate Aes Sedai all knowingness. "Of course Child. I have appreciated our time together, and look forward to further discussion on the journey. Perhaps you should go and rest now, our path will be long not so far ahead."

Kyra nods, rising at the signal of the discussion's end. "I am grateful for your time and consideration with me. I am aware that you must have many duties to be attending." She bows formally "Heart and soul to serve, Aes Sedai."

Tamarind smiles again in return, though it is back to a beautiful expression that yet reaches not those cool and distant eyes. "Light illumine your path, Child.. rest well."

Kyra strides for the door and lets herself out quietly.

[After the conversation, Kyra heads to the Practice Yard: White Tower, Tar Valon]

Kyra wanders into the practice yard, apparently lost in some serious thoughts, her steps involuntarily carrying her to the place she feels most comfortable.

Theron stands up and says "Originally?" He grins a little as he says "My mother I suppose." He smiles crookedly, as he appraisingly eyes her breasts and says "But at this moment..I certainly wish I were a small purple stone instead of a man.."

Renimar has his back propped up against an oak tree just off to the side from the courtyard entrance, with a small frown as he flips through some book in his lap. In a free hand, he seems to be eating from a few things laid out on a towel next to him.

Nate nods at the new entrant to the practice yard

Marisel looses a low ripple of throaty laughter, which shakes the violet stone that perhaps Theron wishes to exchange places with.. and the mounds of cleavage it rests between. She is shorter than he, and knows it.. so moves even closer, allowing him a much better view, and never once releasing him from the heated caressing of her eyes. "Maybe.. but I would much rather have you a man that a very small purple stone."

Kyra has her eyes to the ground and apparently notices hardly anything as she strides across the yard, her staff held slackly in her grip.

Theron smiles a rather wicked smile as he flushes slightly. One hand slips out to rest on a hip, and the other reaches out, two fingers extended, to trace the line of her jaw. He says wryly "A forward minx..aren't you? And being a novice..I suppose some Sister could come along and..punish..me for paying you attention?" His eyes cloud over as he mutters "Like that red sister..Irinya Sedai."

Renimar takes a thoughtful bite out of an apple, and flips a page, trying to puzzle out the contents therein. He glances up when a flicker of movement comes across his peripheral vision and his eyes focus on Kyra, giving her posture a curious look over.

Marisel tilts her chin just so to the right, bringing the softness of her cheek against Theron's fingers, and almost closing her eyes to enjoy that simple caress. Her own hand lifts, and she presses it round his, preventing its easy departure from contact with her skin. "There are no Aes Sedai, and no Red Sisters here," she moves even closer, almost nudging the sensual curving of her hip against his.. her throbbing murmur of a voice dropping lower, becoming intimate, so that only he can hear. "Nor in other places that I know." No challenge.. just a smoulder in those purply darkened eyes.

Kyra barely notices anything, so lost in thought does she wander across the yard. She seems to be headed for the shade of the hedge. Upon reaching it, she flings herself down into a seated position, placing her staff carefully across her lap and propping her elbows on her knees to steeple her fingers in a posture of almost prayer.

Theron leans forward and brushes his lips against hers. The hand he had placed on her hips slips around, coming to rest in the small of her back. Pulling her a little closer still, he says gently "And come the morning? Will I have to shake you from the hem of my cloak if I find you..not the woman I seek?"

Marisel laughs again, those deep crimson lips parting and displaying just the slightest edge of her straight white teeth.. as the soft tickling warmth of her breath plies its way over Theron's skin. "What the morning brings doesn't matter to me, it is only what this night will bring. And.." her lips find his.. so soft, yet firm in the undeniable invitation that they bring as they meld in a fiery hold to his for a prolonged moment. "How many times it will bring it." Her arms have somehow slid round his sides, and now caress the line of spine in a lazily, purposeful manner.

Renimar's gaze follows the Shienaran woman as she makes her way to the shrubs, taking bites of his apple the whole time. He sees her drop heavily into a seated position by a hedge. Pursing his lips thoughtfully, he wonders what it is that is bothering her. His book lies forgotten in his lap as he reads her body.

Theron smiles gently and says softly "I am to be found at the Flaming Arrow most nights..regaling the people with a story or a song." He grins gently, and slips out of her arms deftly. He turns a full turn, and with a rather theatrical flourish produces a single red rose, seemingly from thin air. He offers it to Marisel and say "And sometimes, a surprise or two." He again reaches out and traces the line of her neck with his fingers...

Finally, some awareness of where she is, dawns on Kyra as she raises her eyes to fall the two locked in an embrace. She quirks an eyebrow slightly at their garb, clearly identifying them. She quickly averts her eyes, looking sideways to take in Renimar's study of her. She smiles briefly upon recognition, but the smile is wan and barely maintained.

Marisel merely smiles again, wide, knowing.. and accepts the rose from Theron.. its velvety petals matching the soft skin that flushes itself across her cheeks.. and she runs it over her lips, hooding those amethyst eyes again and sighing deeply at the caressing touch. "One never knows when one might need to go to the inn on some errand or another."

Theron smiles. Brazenly, his hand falls lower, and turns slightly, cupping Marisel's breast. He says merrily "I look forward to having so beautiful a woman, to sing to. I look forward to showing you my skill..." He trails off, and grins as he strides away.

Renimar nods as Kyra acknowledges his study of her and flick his eyes to Marisel and some gleeman, it seems. He idly considers reporting this, if one of the other trainers or Warders hasn't already made note. He shuts his book and picks up the towel with what is left of his lunch and gracefully rises to head over to where Kyra is sitting.

Marisel doesn't seem to take the intimate caressing of her body as anything other than invitation, and she turns to follow Theron out with eyes that sparkle.. admiring the way his garments hug tightly his flesh, and the way that he moves.

Theron passes through the entrance of a large wall, leading to the Courtyard.

Marisel eyes those left, noticing the pairing.. and moves out herself for better hunting grounds.

Marisel passes through the entrance of a large wall, leading to the Courtyard.

Kyra's eyes have, by now, fallen to studying the staff in her lap, her hand running along the length of it contemplatively. She takes a deep breath and sighs heavily, her thoughts apparently still commanding her attention.

Renimar just as gracefully, lowers himself into a seated position, automatically adjusting the blade at his hip as he does so. The towel with his food goes to one side and he leans forward, slightly, elbows on knees. "You look like you were just told the day you were going to die." he comments a bit neutrally, though his eyes are showing that he is curious.

Kyra starts slightly, then releases her sharp intake of breath slowly. "That's about right, actually. At least close enough." Her normal guards on her words don't seem to be in place at the moment, whether it's merely because the recent events have worn her down or she feels a sort of kinship with him because of Shienar, it's not apparent. Needless to say, she speaks "Were you here when I sparred with Gaidin Isgrimathur? Tamarind Sedai's Warder?"

Renimar nods, still watching intently. "I mentioned it to you one evening, in the Dining Hall, if you'll recall. There were.... quite a number of us watching that sparring match that day."

Kyra sighs, nodding "Yes, that's right, you did mention it. I wasn't exactly aware at the time at who exactly had seen it or not...." she pauses a moment before confessing "Well, the reason I was able to land a blow on the blademaster was not out of skill or luck. Apparently, I made my own luck that day..." she halts her words, seeing if that is enough to convey her meaning. She is clearly unwilling to voice the actual words themselves. Still unreconciled with the facts.

Renimar links his fingers and rests his chin lightly on them, nodding at what she says. He's already heard the gossip about this particular fight, but for now, listens quietly to what she says, getting the knowledge first hand.

Kyra furrows her brow and asks "Do you understand what I'm capable of?" Her expression shows that she is having difficulty believing it herself.

Lifting his chin slightly to nod, he also adds, "I've.... heard the rumours, or did, anyway, on that day." He doesn't elaborate, though.

Kyra doesn't ask about the rumours, she can barely deal with facts she has been told, much less hearsay. "I'm told that few women survive with this .. ability .. outside of the Tower." she pauses again, as if waiting for confirmation, then continues, the tone in her voice denoting that this is merely a repetition of previous protestations she's uttered "But I've survived already outside of the Tower, I can't leave my duties to the Scouts...."

Renimar nods to himself, the rumours more or less confirmed by her words, though she hasn't said it straight out.

"Tell me," he asks quietly. "Have the asked you to stay?"

Kyra frowns, shaking her head "At the very least, I'll be returning to carry out the mission I was sent here for. Perhaps I can dissuade Tamarind Sedai from the inevitability that she considers my return to the Tower to be."

Kyra nods, slowly. "They haven't, not in so many words. She said I still had a choice, but the words of Aes Sedai, while they have to be truthful, have many layers of meanings. Where the truth lies...one can never tell."

Renimar ahs in comprehension. "Of course, that is the substance of Daes Dae'mar," he says, with a hint of a wry smile on his lips. "They bring to the Tower every woman who can channel, even if it is only enough to light a candle. Eventually." He adds, though he does give her a bit of sympathetic look. He can somewhat understand her independent nature.

Furrowing her brow somewhat at the mention of Daes Dae'mar, Kyra nods again. She shrugs past that, being almost completely naive of how the Game works, much less how it is implemented. "My captain at least may be able to sway the Aes Sedai. If not, then even the Lord of the Keep might. They are aware that I should not break my vows of service. I cannot do them such dishonour." she rattles off possibilities to stave her acceptance almost involuntarily, though the tone in her voice implies that she is far from convinced that it will work.

Renimar rubs his chin lightly, just listening. No doubt were she to do such a thing, the Aes Sedai would have a little 'talk' with the Captain, or even the Lord of the Keep, and she will find herself back in the Tower before the year is out. He doesn't tell her this, though, merely nodding in sympathy. What the Aes Sedai want, the Aes Sedai get, after all. "Have they decided to send a reply back for the message that you brought?" he asks, changing the topic, somewhat.

Kyra nods decisively. This topic, at least, she can talk more freely about. Her emotions and thoughts on it are not nearly so jumbled and chaotic. "Yes, the Amyrlin has chosen to send a few of the Aes Sedai. The Keeper herself is in charge of organizing the company. She says preparations will be made and we can leave after dawn of the morrow."

Renimar raises a brow. "The Keeper is going as well? I would have imagined the Yellows to be going, and perhaps a Yellow Sitter to lead... How curious..." he trails off, looking inwards, pensive. He shakes his head a moment later. "It must be more serious than you said. I wonder if they would allow me to go.... I haven't been there in a few years."

Kyra smiles. "Tamarind Sedai would best be able to answer that question I would think. Surely your knowledge of Shienar would be an asset to the party. At the very least, it can't hinder."

There is a very slightly twist to Renimar's lips at the mention of the Keeper. "Of course, the Keeper. Well, perhaps I could offer my services as a guide and a guard, both. Being in the Tower, just waiting for something to happen, or to be Bonded is beginning to get boring."

Kyra catches the twist to his mouth and quirks an eyebrow. "Boring? I thought your studies kept you busy? At the very least the training would. That alone would satisfy me for some time."

Renimar chuckles wryly. "Well, I've spent more time in the library than training, lately, really. I spar with Warders, and can hold my own most of the time. I think that I will have to ask Isgrimathur Gaidin to begin over seeing some of my training... he is a blademaster, after all."

Kyra nods, it's her turn to add a wry twist to her mouth at the mention of that particular Gaidin. She comments, trying to draw the topic away, "I've never been much of a swordswoman, myself. I know enough not to kill myself with it, but this" she pats the staff in her lap "serves me well enough."

Renimar draws his gaze towards the staff to her lap, giving that a quick look over, sizing it up, before lifting his eyes again. "Well enough," he agrees with a small smile, recalling the duel.

Kyra nods, missing the smile as she is still regarding her precious staff "It's not my first you know. The one I started with was broken in a particularly difficult sparring match I took part in against one of the guards in Caemlyn a while back. I was still learning then of course." She points to the metal caps at the end, "I can fit this one with spear points. Trolloc hide is tough indeed."

Renimar blinks slightly at the Caemlyn reference, his eyes widening slightly. "You fought Caemlyn guards?" he asks bit incredulously.

Kyra shrugs. "As I said, I was still young. I was still with my mother then and she traveled around quite a bit. I tried to learn and spar with anyone who would teach me. It was often much easier when I didn't look quite so female."

Renimar nods in understanding, also recalling her manner of dress (what she is wearing now, really, save her cap) that so outraged Isgrimathur. "I see... and you affix spear points on the ends when you are serving in the Blight? On both ends?"

Kyra nods, relaxing further in the conversation. This, she is able to talk about even more freely, even enjoying herself as she talks about her favourite hobby "Yes, actually it depends. Affixing a point on just one end causes a bit of an imbalance that I like implementing. Even though I've grown accustomed to the balance, the asymmetry involves a bit of a different handling, but it too has its merit."

Kyra says "For example, simple spinning requires less effort due to the added weight at one end. I can spin it faster with less effort and hence release that energy once I deliver the blow."

Renimar listens with a bit of professional curiosity. He is a warrior after all. "Adding a point to the end..... what you have there is basically a spear, and I'd imagine that you would wield it as such, no?"

Kyra nods. "That's it. Adding a point to both ends, again changes the handling requirements, because, while it is again balanced, it becomes longer than I normally use it. However, that extra reach is certainly useful."

Renimar considers that, glancing over the staff across her lap. "Well, it's quite unlike anything that I've ever trained with, really. It's always been this," he touches the hilt of his elegantly carved hilt, "a bow for hunting, and I've also learned to fight with cudgel and without weapons at all."

Kyra nods. "A bow is useful as well. If you don't have to fight them, then it's all the better, I say. I tried the bow once myself. There must have been something I was doing wrong...."

Renimar smiles a bit more. "Perhaps. Not done correctly, it can be an awkward weapon, but no more than any other, really."

Kyra nods slowly. "I did start with sword," she adds in, thoroughly enjoying this discussion. She has brightened up considerably, "I discovered the staff and decided on that as my weapon of choice. When I started relearning the sword in Fal Moran, I remembered the forms, but didn't necessarily remember the execution. I'm still working on it though."

Renimar rubs his chin thoughtfully. "But you did find a trainer for the staff in Fal Moran? I do not see it as a very common weapon in Shienar, after all, even the spear. Warriors bear a sword, and those in the cavalry carry lances as well, from what I recall."

Kyra chuckles. "No, I didn't find a trainer in Fal Moran, by then I had picked up enough to train myself in it. I merely sparred with the others. My staff against their sword. I held my own well enough. I will admit though, that some did not receive that well."

Kyra shakes her head, smiling ruefully, "As a matter of fact, there are the few who have long memories. Shienaran custom just does not take me and my abilities into account." A brief flicker of a frown crosses her face at the mention of unusual 'abilities'

Renimar gives the woman a bit of an admiring look. She would have to be rather talented to be self-taught solely by sparring with others. "I can see how... Shienaran customs... have certain places for women." He leaves it unsaid, but well understood, that women just Do Not fight.

Kyra nods again, chuckling now. "Yes, I know full well, just what place I /should/ be holding. I had to fight my way through that as well as to prove that I was capable of serving in the Scouts. I think that's half the reason that I am so reluctant to give it up so easily...."

Kyra sighs "The Wheel weaves a strange pattern for me, it seems..."

Renimar shares a soft chuckle. "That I can well understand. To give up something you worked hard for... well, that would be like me being forced out from being a Trainee now." The beginnings of a grimace start to form, before he catches it and shakes his head. He's already been close to that point at least once.

Kyra frowns "Who would force you out of your position? And why? You seem capable enough."

Renimar shrugs slightly and replies casually. "Oh, Tamarind Sedai nearly threw me out a couple of months ago. She didn't seem to like my attitude, or that I had befriended a couple of Accepted." He does twist his lips wryly at that.

Kyra quirks an eyebrow at that, then nods slowly. An earlier expression explained. "Attitude?" she tilts her head slightly in curiosity "What sort of attitude does the Keeper object to?"

Renimar affects a smirk. "If you ask me, the Sisters are far too fond of their status. The younger they are, the more they wield, not unlike new soldiers around their old friends who chose not to be warrior. You know of what I speak... At any rate, Tamarind Sedai didn't feel I was giving them the respect they were due. Particularly when I 'dared' to question a Red Sitter. Right here, as a matter of fact," he points to a spot barely 10 paces from where they were sitting.

Kyra arches an eyebrow. "Were you being disrespectful?" the tone in her voice implying that she wouldn't be very approving if he were indeed at fault, but she asked the question to be certain of the situation before she starts approving or no.

Renimar shrugs. "_I_ don't think so. To be perfectly honest, some think that if you aren't as meek as a scullery maid caught stealing the innkeeper's finest porcelain dishes, you aren't respectful enough. I suppose that they took offense that I questioned them."

Kyra nods solemnly, her respect for Aes Sedai defaults to siding in their favour; her exposure is little enough to be unjaded by personal experience. She doesn't voice that outright, however, merely nodding "They do place great importance in proper respect. It's no different really from the Lords of Shienar. Surely you would understand that."

Renimar smiles a little, his own personal views on Aes Sedai dictating his response. To them, they are no more than another political entity, if a unique one. "I am quite familiar with Shienaran etiquette. However," he replies, his face falling to a fairly serious form, "a Warder is more than a bodyguard and a body shield. He gives advice, offers his experience with the world that she lacks and if the Sister cannot accept this... then she are foolish in the extreme. It stands to reason that from time to time, he will question her decisions, because it is his sworn duty to ensure that she will live. And by extension, all the other Sisters as well." He shifts position in his seat, idly smoothing out a pant leg.

Kyra tilts her head curiously. This is certainly a learning experience, albeit a very different one than she is used to. "But you are not a Warder yet." she points out rather simply.

Renimar shakes his head. "No, I am not." He admits. "But one simply does not 'become' a Warder when Bonded." He replies philosophically. He answer shows that he is well-read, and has thought this through. "When, or if, I am Bonded, that Sister will get... me. If I am Bonded tomorrow, or in ten years, that's what will be like. It is a pity that the Sisters care not to take that into account." Perhaps that is why he can empathize with Kyra. His own skills are going overlooked, simply because the man does not fit in with the mode of thinking.

Kyra hms thoughtfully, taking a few moments to let that register in her mind, "So the Aes Sedai, even though they have their own Warders, should listen to you as well?"

Kyra asks merely to understand the situation, and apparently with no malicious intent. She is, after all, innocent of the Great Game and its nuances.

Renimar nods without much of a wait, with a bit of a grin. "I only ask that they listen, if I do question. After all, is not a Warder a Warder? His duties are the same towards the Tower, and his ward a member thereof."

Kyra nods. "I see," she comments, though her furrowed brow shows the processing of such ideas still ensuing.