Alindrelle Square: Tar Valon, Tar Valon

This small robust square holds a fanciful fountain right in its center. Srays of water shoot out from the mouth of a four-headed fish in greeting to those who pass by. Buildings made of white stone are etched in the shapes of fanciful shells or waves that are meant to dazzle the eye. Everything within the square and on the streets beyound seems to have been made for sheer beauty, as if to show off some great skill.

The air seems crisp and fresh and the flowers in full bloom. Light fragrances of the spring flowers drift through the square, adding a light touch with the smell of potpourri. Small lamps light the street. At all four corners of the square you will see that each opening to a new road is well lit and tended. Very few, if any, people walk the streets at this time of night. Tar Valon Guards can be seen passing through on their rounds of the city.

Several different directions spout off from the square. The main exit leads toward the White Tower itself, making the square a center of traffic and other events. Three more exits lead down private roads, towards the southern most villages outside of the city. One single road leads toward the north, heading into NorthHarbor.

Faleen

Calandra, Keats, Meeko

Meeko walks out of the Merchant's Guild, she has a solemn look on her face as she chats with Keats. "I really do not like what I am hearing Keats. The merchants are in fear and still refuse to talk. I think it is time for me to get an appointment with Gerrick and see what he is offering." she sniffs the air. "Oh come, lets get a treat at the bakery, I am starved."

Keats walks along with Meeko, being all guard like and such. The staff he always carries is used as a walking stick at the moment. "I see. It's not good what is happening with the Merchants." Looking towards the mentioned bakery he cautions, "Wouldn't it be better to get real food if you're so hungry?"

Calandra rambles down the road, muttering to herself under her breath.

Faleen comes out of the bakery, a sweet roll in hand, she pauses and takes a bite. As she does she sees Meeko and that new guy. She will have to speak to Adri and discover who that woman has in her clutches now. Rembering she is representing the city as secretary she simply smiles and nods to the pair, even though deep inside she is most definately glaring. Faleen then starts to slowly walk in the opposite direction gazing into the shop windows and enjoying her snack.

Elias enters the Alindrelle Square through the Alindrelle Gates of the White Tower.

Meeko chuckles "I know Keast but a snack sounds good right now, we can eat at the Inn later." Meeko does like something sweet when she is troubled as she is with the affairs of the merchants. Continuing to walk she sees Faleen and simply nods hoping the woman will leave and not stop to chat.

Elias wanders in from the Tower, his hands clasped on his back and a small smile gracing his lips. Taking time to survey the plaza, he takes an indirect route toward the gathering.

Sionil pushes her way through the throng of people and enters Alindrelle Square from the southeast.

Keats shrugs and nods aquisence. "As you say, Meeko." He glances to Faleen and nods politely to the unknown lady before he turns his gaze to the others around, taking them in with a glance and judging any threats.

Meeko leans into Keats and motions to Faleen "that is the Social Secretary." she chuckles as she tries to get the words out. "She is the assistant to the High Ambassador Adri." Shaking her head

Keats ohs softly and nods.

"I have no idea why he hired her, I don't think she can even read."

Sionil wanders into the square passing by several of the road side merchants there.

Faleen munches a bit ungraciously at her sweet as she looks into the store window. She continues slowly down the path and nearly bumps into Sionil "Oh sorry." she tries to fade into the shadow as she knows Adri would not approve of that move.

Elias passes through the Alindrelle Gates under the watchful eyes of the Tower Guards.

This afternoon, the crowd seems to be bustling with people, as they move to and fro to the various shops housed within Alindrelle Square. Regulars visit their normal stalls, catching up on daily gossip and happenings within the city. Some things broach on the happenings recurring with the merchants, right in their very own Tar Valon, while others discuss the dropping trade coming from the south, due to the Savior's newest conquest, and still yet others talk about the rains of the north - though nothing is so important than the gossip of friends and family within the city itself; fires, illnesses, family reunions, newborn babes, etc.

Calandra stops and then mutters looking around.

Sionil converses with a merchant at the side, still. She's looking over a piece of jewelry.

Faleen continues her slow walk down the street, she stops and purchases a drink from one of the local vendors. Sweets and a drink go well together.

Meeko stops in front of the bakery window and eyes the contents "Well they all look so good Keats, which one would you choose?" she looks over an array of sweet rolls, biscuits and other sweet treats.

Keats rolls his eyes slightly and simply points to something in the window. "That one looks good." It seems Meeko's guard could care less about sweets.

Dust kicks up in the background, and people begin to part. The reason becomes rather obvious and clear; three horses come careening down the main road of Alindrelle, moving as fast as they can in almost a wreckless manner. The person at the forefront of this group, a young, blond-headed man shouts, "Clear the way! Clear the way! Delegation coming through, clear the way!" Several members of the crowd continue to clear the way, while others simply stay where they are - having no intention of moving at all.

Calandra steps aside, muttering and putting a shield of air about her to protect her dress from the flying dust. She does /not/ feel like getting dirty today.

Keats looks up at the yelling and pulls Meeko aside, even if she wasn't truly in the way of the oncomming horses.

Sionil eyes the road frowning slightly, refraining from embracing just for the moment, not being necessary to hold.

Faleen starts to step into the street as the voice rings out, the horses brushing so close to her she drops the drink she holds. The woman glares at the group then steps to safety, a bit upset as she brushes her dress clean of the dust.

Hearing the voice and the dust that blows by her, Meeko turns abruptly to see what the comotion is. Her mind racing with thoughts at the reckless manor these people are coming into town. It suddenly sinks the words being spoken she turns to Keats "Delegation? I have heard of no delegation coming in." she sighs "I suppose we need to find out what this is about."

For a moment there, the riders look as though they're going to cause an accident, but when it becomes apparent that not all of hte people are moving, and things are becoming harder to maneuver, they pull their horses short. A young woman, riding behind the blond-headed, young man sighs audibly, "Was it really necessary to put up so much fuss, Cristov. I know we're in need of help, but to make an entrance like this suggests we're desparate."

The young man in question, sitting astride what seems to be a gray work horse turns around to look at the young girl speaking, "Claire, we were set to this task by the /mayor/ and the /wisdom/. I'm not about to blow it because you want to take your bloody damn time."

Nodding the staff man at Meeko's side agrees. "I suppose that would be your job, wouldn't it. Never been a guard to an Ambassador before." he comments and looks after this 'delegation'. He doesn't seem to approve of their reclessness though, official delegation or not.

Sionil puts down the necklace she was looking at and moves on towards Meeko

"The town will stay where it is, even if it gets covered over by water." The third party member speaks, though a bit more quiestly than the other two. This one is a little older than both, though not by much. His blue eyes look at them, then the crowd. "But I do agree with Claire, we could have taken our time, after rushing all this way from Lorndale." He seems uncomfortable at all the people now staring at them.

Meeko nods, her arm beginning to throb again where she was stabbed "I suppose." Vision of treats and food fly by her. She then begins to walk slowly toward where the people stopped. She spots Sionil and changes her direction to go to her "What do you suppose is going on?" she is definately puzzled as her eyes goe back to the newly entered people.

Faleen steps back againts the building and simply stares.

"Bartok, if you weren't a human, I'd almost think you've got Ogier blood within you with how damned bloody slow you like to be." Crisov snorts, then turns back around in his seat. He calls out to those in his way, "Make way! Important, official business coming through. Make way!"

Sionil hmms as she reaches Meeko "Well, we won't find out if we stand here wondering, let's go over and talk to them."

Meeko nods and follows Sionil, allowing her to take the lead in questioning.

Sionil walking towards the pair on horseback, pulls her necklace out from under the top of her dress, revealing her serpent ring.

Clearing her throat a bit, Claire stares darkly at Cristov's back, "Don't you think it might be better for us to get directions to the Council first? None of us have ever been to the gates of Tar Valon before, muchless in side, and we know how many times we had to back track because of your insistance you knew where you were going."

Keats looks to Sionil as she approaches and seeing that she is an Aes Sedai and of his wards aquaintance he seems to be alright with it and follows along the two, looking around all the while like a good guard should do.

Faleen watches and pulls out her notepad to take down any information she feels important for Adri to know. She creeps a little closer so she can hear what is going on.

Calandra has pretty much just ignored everything going on about her, her mind elsewhere...

Shifting in his seat, Bartok clears his throat loudly enough so that his two companions can hear him. "It seems we have company." Those words are spoken only loud enough for Claire and Cristov to hear. Both turn, almost in unison, and blanche when they see the Great Serpent ring. Neither of the small group seem to know what to do; having never seen an Aes Sedai before. Finally, it is Claire who dares to speak up. "Er... light be with you... Aes Sedai." She makes certain not to make eye contact.

Sionil reaching the pair "Welcome to the city of Tar Valon. I couldn't help but overhearing that you needed directions."

Meeko nods and also speaks a welcome to the newcomers "Is there something we can help you with?" the Ambassador speaks strongly and in a controled voice, trying to overlook the throbbing of her arm.

Keats plants his staff before him and stands to the side of Sionil and Meeko, staring intently at Claire, Bartok and Cristov. Hopefully he looks imposing enough even without being a gaidin.

Faleen watches.

The trio of villagers all shift upon the backs of their horses, each still uncertain as to how to address this newfound situation. At the statement from Sionil, Cristov's face turns a little crimson. He shoots Claire a dirty look, but then looks upon the Aes Sedai and her companion a little more respectively, "We're in search of the city council, or those who run the city, my La... er... Aes Sedai." His eyes shoot down to Meeko and Keats, regarding them both curiously.

Hearing the words of the man, Faleen grumbles something to herself about Adri not being around when you need him.

Sionil smiles "Well, you are in some luck. I am a member of the council, and my friend here, Mistress Meeko, is one of the leaders of it. Please, come down from your horses so I don't get a crink in my neck and we can talk easier."

Meeko nods in agreement "Yes come down and let us hear what you have to say." Meekos voice is now cordial as she saw the looks on the faces as they looked to the Sedai.

Claire chimes in right behind Cristov, "It is of great importance that we see them. We've been sent, as the most skilled riders, to Tar Valon. We need aid, our village is in danger." There is real worry and fear in her eyes. "We've already lo-" Her cheeks turn a deep crimson at Sionil's words. She exchanges an uncertain glance between her companions. She doesn't want to anger the Aes Sedai, but she's not exactly comfortable around her either. Finally, after a nod from Bartok, all three dismount their horses, taking them by the reigns and standing side by side to one another.

Sionil smiles "Excelent. Are you hungry or thirsty, we can get you some refreshments and listen to your story."

"Begging your pardon, Aes Sedai." The slower of the three, Bartok, speaks up. "But our instructions were to meet with the heads of the council on this matter." There is some doubt within his eyes that Sionil is among them; though he doesn't know any better. "Are you such a person? While it is a grave matter, it is to them we must address it to, as they are the only ones with such authority to grant us aid."

Sionil shakes her head to the man "No, I do not lead the council, but as I said earlier, Mistress Meeko here is one of the three who do."

Meeko listens "I am one of the Ambassadors of the city sir." she comments in agreement with Sionil "What message have you brought?" she softly as to not add to the peoples stress.

Cristov looks as though he might, almost, kick Bartok for jumping in like that, while Clair simply swallows and maybe goes a shade paler. She turns her attention to Meeko instead, since she is another who spoke. She manages a faintly, crooked smile for the young woman without ageless features.

Cristov, however, is up to his usual no good. He spies Keats and his rather ominous expression, snears at him, and sticks out his tongue. Obviously, the village should have chosen one of their prepresentatives better.

Faleen rolls her eyes at Meeko and continues to take notes.

It is Claire who speaks up to address Meeko's question; elbowing Cristov in the side before he can get a word in edgewise. "Surely, you have heard of the floods to the north?" It is a statement made as a question, though she seems uncertain as to whether Tar Valon would really care about such matters.

Keats lifts an eyebrow and stares back at Cristov while he flexes his fingers upon his staff. Was that the wood creaking? "Something I could help you with, boy?" he asks in a grim voice.

Meeko nods, concern growing on her face. Yes she has heard but she was not sure if it were just rumor "Yes I have M'lady are you or your town in danger?"

Cristov just turns his head away, after snorting, turning his attention back to Meeko and the others. However, his actions don't go by unnoticed. He jumps a little when he feels the back of his shoulder gripped by Bartok. "That's enough out of you Cristov. Remember, we're here on a matter of importance." He goes on to mumble to himself, "... know why.... sent him.... trouble maker..... all is."

Claire glances at her two companions a moment, annoyance flashing over her features. "We are from the village of Lorndale, just three days ride to the north," she begins to explain. "Already the floods are affecting things there. Our village is located right along the river, with a small trading port. Sometimes ships stop off and trade for some of our food, allowing us a chance at some of the finer goods they mean to sell up north, or trade along the southern nations." She pauses a moment to clear her throat. "Just five days ago, the river started to rise beyond its normal bounds. With a heavy raining season, we thought nothing of it, however now the waters are starting to encroach upon the town. Some homes are already beginning to show signs of flooding."

Meeko listens to every word the woman speaks, she wishes the center were open. "I see. Sionil will the Tower be able to help these people?" she continues "I am sure that some of the merchants will help also but first we must know how many we are speaking of. If we do not have room to help house and feed everyone we may be able to get help from the other outlying buildings."

Faleen jots something on her pad and quickly folds it. She heads off down the street going to search for Adri.

Faleen turns north, toward NorthHarbor Road.

Sionil considers "Well, I cannot answer for the other Sitters," nor even the Amyrlin, "But if they are in dire straights, I cannot think of a reason not to send people to assist them."

Claire clears her throat, looking between Meeko and Sionil. "Begging your pardon, Mistress, but we are not coming to the White Tower to aid, but to the city of Tar Valon." Those words are spoken meekly. "We have our explicit instructions to only go to the city government, and not bother the Tower. If we must go to them, we will seek out other villages to aid us."

Bartok speaks up, "And we are not asking to be housed in Tar Valon or the Tower. We are looking for people to come back with us to give us aid within our own village. We will /not/ leave it." There is a grim determination in his voice,s howing also in his dark, obsidian eyes.

Sionil looks to meeko, leaving her to answer.

Meeko smiles and again speaks in her most soothing and comforting voice "The Tower aids us in times of need. I can get you three a room at the Inn and then I will represent you, if you wish, to the Amryln and the others of the council to gather aid and assistance." she continues seeing she is getting no help from the others "What type of aid can we offer you within a town that is already flooding? Would it not be safer to evacuate your elderly and children to a safe place?" she hopes this will work.

Claire shakes her head at that. "We are not seeking Tower aid." That worry and concern deepens within her eyes; perhaps more frightened of what the Aes Sedai will want in return. "We are sorry to have bothered you..." She glances to the other two, looking rather downtrodden on the matter. "We should be on our way, we've still got some good light left."

Meeko reaches out to the woman in comfort "I understand, I am sure we can gain what is needed within the city." she smiles, here dark eyes remain on the woman "It will take a day or so to gather the men needed to go with you." Oh how Meeko hopes she is convincing and where are the rest of the council when you need them.

Cristov speaks up just then, "We've already done that, but we are /not/ going to abandon our homes, where we've lived all of our lives. I suppose, living in a big, fancy city, you don't understand what it means to belong to a community that grows around one another." He snorts once more, looking to Claire, "I told them it was a waste of time. We can build the walls ourselves, and make platforms and things. We don't need outside help."

Sionil shakes her head "Where will you get help, child. The city and the Tower are one in the same. Your mayor and town council, will be dissapointed because you were too stubborn to accept the help that we are offering you right now. Decide now, do you accept our help or let your village die?"

Bartok turns his dark gaze on Sionil, "Aes Sedai, we are but simple people, and are far more comfortable with those of our own 'kind' giving aid, than those who are 'different'." That's the best way he can describe their unease at the power Sedai wield. "Normal people can help just as well as any others. We're not asking for food, just men or women wishing to aid us against the waters taking over our lands and our homes. Extra hands. There are other villages, who in the past, have helped with this before. If we must go further inland, we will. But we will not accept aid from a place which has more important matters to tend with than our lowly home."

Meeko looks to Cristov stearnly "Sir, as Sionil says the city and Tower work together. Some of the strongest men reside there. If you wish help quickly then I will act as liason for you if not, come with me to the Inn and wait till I can gather merchants." she is very controlled in her voice. "The choice is yours but we are willing to help and we do not forget what it is like living in a small town." Meeko feels a sudden surge of homesickness for the small town she came from. Turns to the man who just spoke "The Gaidin are as you are, they have no other powers than having been trained to fight and labor for many hours. Is that not what your are here for, manpower?"

Keats mutters, "Perhaps they are afraid of what price they may pay for such assistance."

Meeko speaks up "Nothing will be expected in return except a thank you and a promise that if another town is in danger that you will come to it's aid also." If only they knew Meeko was much like Sionil, she must keep this hidden for now till she can gain their trust.

Claire sighs lightly, "The Mayor does not feel that the Tower should be involved in our trivial matters. We are only following his directives, as we must. If it is the Tower, instead, who runs the city government, again we are sorry to waste your time." Already, she starts to mount her horse, hope slowing dying out.

"Claire..." Bartok speaks out, catching her by the arm. "We have come a long way... it wouldn't hurt to hear them, and maybe try to get an audience at a full meeting at the council." With that he turns to Meeko, "We'd like to represent ourselves in matters concerning our village. Only we know what is going on, afterall."

Meeko nods "that will be fine. Come let us take you to the Inn where you may freshen up and partake of a meal. Then I shall go and begin pulling together the council." she smiles to Claire, least one has some sense. "We will help you as much as we can, many of us came from very small villages before relocating here for varius reasons."

Keats nods, idly thinking of his own tiny village he came from as he stands there being a statue, or a good imitation thereof.

Claire hesitates as Bartok stops her. Something in his expression makes her conceed and nod to his words. "Alright.... but just a few days. We can't stay here any longer than that. We're needed." Her worry and concern rests with her home; her family. Cristov speaks nothing, rather he glowers a bit, but makes no objections.

Meeko smiles in relief "I believe I can accomplish the task at had within a day." she turns to Keats "Please help them with the horses so we may walk over to the Inn."

Sionil nods and her frown turns upside down at the change of idea.