Event: Ashlynn and Yurinar return from a long stint within the Blight. Yurinar is unexpectedly called away, leaving Ashlynn to deal with the various residents in the common room of the Flaming Arrow Inn.

Date: June 10, 1999
Logger: Ashlynn

Location: Stable Yard: Flaming Arrow Inn, Tar Valon
The gated stableyard of the Flaming Arrow Inn has been executed in the fanciful style of Tar Valon. The perimeter of the property is surrounded by a high gated fence which has lanterns hanging from sculpted bronze arrow brackets. The crushed rock entry drive runs down one side of the stone and frame building towards the stable from where a wooden walkway leads to the front porch of the Inn. The front part of the yard is graced by an enduring oak tree which has been surrounded by a built-in wooden bench. Short and long tables radiate out from it like the spokes of a wheel and from the benches there, you can see a stone fire pit used for outdoor cooking on occasion.

Now that spring has come to Tar Valon, the tables beneath the giant oak tree are used more frequently. The gardens around the Inn are laden with blooming hyacinths, daffodils and tulips, their nodding blossoms adding to the scent of lilacs in the air. The windows of the Inn have been opened here and there to catch their fragrance. Glowing lanterns flicker along the fence line competing with glowing windows to the common room. It is quieter now that evening has past, some of the Inn's guests retiring to their rooms with the arrival of the stars above.

Ashlynn walks in side by side with Yurinar, her hand delicately looped though one of his arms. She smiles gently as she makes her way through, though her eyes appear to catch on any male figure that appears in her path. She gives them such a gaze, that some seem to blush and move on their way.

Tall and thin, Delanthear has a haunted look, emphasized by his very pale blue eyes, and gaunt cheeks At a rough guess, he's about 18-22 and quite underweight, the result of possibly a large amount of travelling you'd guess from the state of his boots. Apart from this he appears clean and wellmannered, apart from his clothes which have a wrinkled, slept in look. His hair is a golden blonde, which gently waves down to the top of his shoulders and appears quite well kept.

When not in direct conversation. Delanthear appears quiet, often in deep thought and sometimes looking really very troubled. It makes you wonder what is troubling the lad this much.

When in conversation, he becomes quite a different person, becoming far more animated, waving his arms around excitedly, eyes sparkling, broad grins splitting his face. Occasionally though, you can sense that something is wrong, as he looses track of conversations and jumps at every movement. Something about him makes you feel concerned for his sanity, perhaps his quiet moments of depression, or the over enthusiastic conversations.

A disturbing shape follows closely beside the slender, commanding figure of the young woman. With a form almost lost to shadow, Yurinar's elder face watches the room alertly despite the small fatherly smile that curls the corners of his lips.

Delanthear is stood outside the inn, held in place by two brightly clothed people, quite possibly tinkers. His arms are looped through the arms of the men, almost using them as support. In front of him, leading the way it seems is a young girl. She seems to witter away constantly to Delanthear, although the look on his face seems to be blissful ignorance

Ashlynn pauses briefly, a brief look of concern touching her eyes as she notices the figure being supported by others. A hand lifts and gently touches Yurinar's arm, almost uncertainly. However, when she catches the look on Delanthear's features, her concern fades and an impish smile touches her lips, "It seems we are not the only ones out here this evening, my love, enjoying the night." Her voice is soft, and mischievous. She grins impishly at the Gaidin, "How about one of our old time drinking feats?" test

A coarse, amused grunt escapes the throat of the large warrior as he glances askance at the woman, "Blast woman. Ah'll just end up haulin ye back t'the Tower 'fter a few small drinks. Ye never could hold yer liquor 'gainst me fer long."

The girl leading Delanthear continues to witter away.. then glances back behind her, audibly catching her breath as she sees the huge man approaching behind her. At the ceasing of her gabbering, Delanthears face creases with seeming confusion.. he turns and sees the Aes Sedai approach, and her huge gaiden (ooc - assuption ;o) ) following. At the friendly talk between the two, the confused looking concern drops from his face and the 2 holding his arms pull him along into the inn..

Common Room: Flaming Arrow Inn, Tar Valon

Delanthear enters the common room, escorted by 2 brightly coloured men, quite possibly tinkers. Delanthear has his arms looped through theirs, using them a little for support.. but not too much. Leading ahead of him is a young girl, not much into womanhood. She talking, incessantly, constantly to Delanthear. Delanthear doesn't seem to be replying at all.. instead a misted look on his face covers any emotion

Little would impress the man that makes his way down the stairs and into the common room. Maizran's eyes take note of evreything, though there is no reaction beyond a cool smile that hints at more. He does look back to the women that turn his way, that smile oddly disappearing moments later as he looks for someone. Business. Those eyes would remind one of a hawk, as they search and seek. But clearly whoever he searches is not within the room, as his shoulders seem to relax. Maybe now is a time for some moments of 'fun'.

The two tinkers lead Delanthear forward to the bar, where drinks are ordered, Delanthear shaking his head at an offer from the man on his left. He shrugs, seemingly uncaring. The girl turns to Delanthear, still talking "Oh go on.. have a drink.. its been a long trip."

Ashlynn chuckles fondly at the words Yurinar speaks, her eyes warm and soft as she gazes upon the the rather large man beside her, "Surely you jest, love. I do recall having to take you back to the Tower myself, after a drinking spree or two." She winks at her Gaidin, then adds, "Or, are you referring to those times that I /let/ you win?" There is good humor in her voice as she taunts her Gaidin, her eyes scanning over the rest of the room. Of course, as is true to Ashlynn's nature, her eyes do roam over long upon the bodies of those figures of the oppoisite sex. Again, she causes some cheeks to flush and grow red with her scandalous gaze. Tis a wonder how the Tower deals with this one.

Sasha eyes quickly darting at all the new people coming to this Inn, but they return watching the nobleman

Kessa's eyes capture those of the Noble who entered moments before and she smiles coquettishly as she ends one song and shifts into another, her sultry alto deepening into the song about passion and romance between two strangers as her fingers skillfully play the tiny harp. She tosses her head, hair flowing about her as she moves around the room, hips swaying lightly. (Repose for those who just came in and missed it)

"Tomorrow morn. We leave at two glasses. Is no milksop, I think. Daughter of this healer.. Al'Sain, I think her name is. Works at the Palace serving, as far as I know." says Marcelis, sitting at a table with Brochfael and a few other men. As he continues, his attention is drawn to the singing woman, his eyes following Kessa, giving an approving waggle of brows at her. "You got a horse?" he asks absently to Brochfael. At his side, Taren is wolfwhistling openly for the 'lass', as he calls them, slapping the table with his hand.

Maizran's eyes focus on the woman that would be that forward with him. Well, he does have an air of challenge about him, a challenge to insight a reaction. Yet he doesn't, nodding his head only a touch to Sasha. "I will take that as a compliment," he notes with a hint of amusement in tone. "I am Lord Maizran. And you may be?" he asks the woman, his attentions spread across her and the woman that dances. And the others within the common room, eyes busy and seeking.

Sasha smiles at Maizran, a bit of fire in her eyes, is it mischief or something else, "I am Sasha, Sasha is my name, came in on the wind just today." Motions with her hand, "Come join Sasha she likes new friends." she says proudly.

Behind the raven featured young woman, the doorway is eclipsed by a massive shifting shadow. Presiding above it, the lined face of the older warrior snaps his gaze across those patroning the room before chancing another sidelong glance at Ashlynn..and delivering another quip in his thick Taraboner accent, "If ah did no know better, ah'd think ye'd 'lready started drinkin lass."

Kessa smiles and shrugs as the Noble passes her over and finishes her tune, curtseying lightly. Hips seductively swaying, she returns to the back booth where her cloak and harpcase and friend wait. She pauzes a moment in her movements across the room to bob a quick curtsey to the Aes Sedai and then moves on.

"Of course. You remember that mare of mine. No I haven't lost her to a bad turn of luck in gambling." Brochfael snorts yet again in response to Marcelis' question. "Lari will probably outlast *me*, light willing." He laughs, not even sounding bitter here. In the interim, he downs the rest of his mug and slams it down upon the tabletop in a similar fashion to the other man. Curiously, he seems more amused by the obvious flirtations of most of the women actively engaged in the practice than actually receptive.Notably, though, his gaze slides quickly away from the Aes Sedai, eyes running from her position faster than a hen fleeing a fox.

Sasha seems to not notice the others in the room her attention is fully on Maizran, or so it appears

The server brings the ordered drinks over to the tinkers, a light ale by the looks of it, and plonks them down on the table. Smiling gratefully they dishout a handful of coppers. Sat slightly apart, the yound girl continues to gabber away to a silent Delanthear, who watches her intently as she speaks. "Aye.. its good to be here finally.. All that travelling.. sure makes your rump hurt.... we've not got long before we go back to the caravan.. are you sure you don't want a drink? I'm sure the ale is lovely....

A musical peal of laughter escapes from Ashlynn's lips. "Indeed, me? Bah..." She gently squeezes the arm of the burlesque figure next to her in a fond fashion, "Come, let us find a seat. I want to sate my thirst with wine before we return to the Tower. And get some of this dust out of my mouth." With that spoken, she makes a wry expression with her face - comical really.

"New friends?" The nobleman asks as though the concept would be foreign to him. Maizran notes the dancing woman departing, a touch of regret hinting at his eyes that the woman's hips did stop swaying. You'd think for all the notice he'd be blind, looking upon the Aes Sedai no longer then the others. Little impresses him, though this Sasha seems to amuse him in her forwardness. "Perhaps," he notes quietly in thought. "Though what would we speak about, Sasha?"

Katar breaks out of whatever reverie she was in when Kessa returns to the booth. Glancing about, she flinches at the sight of the extra strangers about. Crossing her arms, she averts her eyes from the rest of the room, keeping them fixed on her empty cup. Food does not seem to interest her anymore. She does however, cast quick, longing glances to the door leading out to the stableyard. She shakes a curt no in response to something Kessa asks.

Yurinar allows himself to be pulled towards a nearby table while eyes sharply blue wander across the confused common room scene.

Sasha smile, "Towns, and travels and .." she hesitates a bit, "dancing. Sasha would like to dance for you..." then in a whisper to no one special, "but not here."

Kessa sips her own tea. "He was a wonderful person..and never stopped looking for you, Katar. He..loved you and mourned your loss every day I knew him...for the ten years I was lucky enough to know him.

Maizran chuckles a touch as his eyes trail to the few Nobles within the room. Those seem to take his interest more then the others. Light eyes shift to Sasha once again. "I do not often have time for such pleasantries," he notes, that amusement now thick about him. "But if you dance, then you must meet Mistress Kessa." That is when his eyes turn to the woman that had only until recently been entertaining the men with the swaying of her hips. "She does have a reputation for entertainment, though I do not know if she offers private dances." A pause, perhaps a moment of thought as his eyes turn to Sasha again. "Perhaps you would like to meet her?"

The girl continues to chatter, one of the older men leaning over "Aurian... you'll wear his ears out with that mouth of yours.." Sticking her tounge out and rolling her eyes, 'aurian' turns back to Delanthear and smiles. Delanthear opens his mouth, whispering very quietly "no.. don't stop.. p.. please..."

Katar swallows with great difficulty past the lump forming in her throat, "He is gone." More a statement than question. Buried memories flooding her consciousness call to mind the image of whomever she is talking about.

Sasha looks to the woman he speaks of then back to Maizran, holding up her empty cider, "You buy Sasha drink, you come talk to Sasha, Sasha dance for you.." stopping a moment. "I will meet this Keesa if it make Maizran happy." she adds

Kessa nods to Katar. "Sadly, he is. But.." she lifts her chin. "I hope to keep his name alive..and his gift with the stories and songs he taught me.

Aurian smiles, and then begins to talk again, waving a server over first and ordering too drinks. "So.... glad to be here? In shining Tar Valon? Isn't it wonderful.. all the buildings.. the way they are put together soo beautiful. Its enought to make you believe the tales...."

Looks up, speaking ever so quietly "Wh... which tales?"

Smile, punching Del lighly in the arm "Ogier silly... they said that ogier build this city.. still.. its all old wives tales.. we all know they don't exsist..

Maizran nods to Sasha. "It would, mistress. It would please me greatly if you were to meet Mistress Kessa," he notes in a cool tone, as he steps forward into the common room. Perhaps each takes their turn in his notice, the Aes Sedai does take moments of his notice. That look to her ring hints of something, as he shrugs perhaps in meer coincidence as he turns to Sasha. "Come, Sasha. Perhaps you will work on a private dance for me, but first you will meet one that is within the profession of entertaining as you are." And with that, the Noble makes his way toward the table that Kessa and Katar sit at.

A flush of abject shame returns a small measure of colour to Katar's cheeks. Rising suddenly, she sways a moment before straightening, "Honoured to meet you. Peace favour.." She mumbles to Kessa before stumbling her way past the other tables and out to the stableyard.

Sasha rises from her table and not so gracefully, moves to where Maizran stands, her interest in him seems odd to others but her years of living on the streets tells her this man can help her if she is nice.

Kessa sighs and shakes her head, finishing her tea and bundling her harp into its case. Leaving a few coins on the table she rises and moves to scoop up her cloak and harp.

Marcelis grabs the cask of ale, pouring a new fill for Brochfael bare moments after his hand leaves the empty mug. "Aye, I remember her." says Marcelis, letting out another of his ranceous laughs. "More lives than a cat, that one. So you be there, then? We'll go from the inn here tomorrow. You can meet me in the stableyard, an' i'll talk to the capten about your pay and suches." Reaching out his hand, he quirks a grin. "Congratulations. You now be a slave for the Guardian Swords."

Ashlynn wanders along where Yurinar takes her, her voice faintly chiding, "Of course, when we get back we'll have probably angered Gregory, Vestir and Naelan." She chuckles softly, "But then again, they should be used to the things I've done." She moves along easily with Yurinar, a grace to her body as her hips gently sway back and forth.

Delanthear looks up, nodding to Aurian incessent chat, glancing about the room with glazed eyes...

"Mistress Kessa," Maizran greets with a slight bow, his eyes moving along her curves just after they watch the Aes Sedai take her seat. Such interesting features within Maizran, those thoughts of business he had earlier soon begin to losen further from his mind. "I do recall we have a few drinks to catch up on the last ball we had attended?" the Lord asks with an air of curiousity. An arm slips around Sasha's waist, pulling her up from behind him to the front where she is closer to Kessa. "Meet Mistress Sasha. An entertainer, I think?" there is a hint of question in his voice. "I hope you are not leaving just yet? I was hoping to enjoy dinner with two women of beauty?" Oddly, those eyes go from warmth to a chill just as quick as they gaze upon a man in the distance that looks at him unfavorably.

"Put up with my sorry rear longer than any girl I could think of, that horse..." Brochfael muses himself with a wry twisting of his lips into a grin. "Tomorrow, eh? It won't take me that long to pack things together." He picks up the now-empty tankard and swirls a few beads of moisture around in it in an idle gesture that suggests thoughtfulness. "Oh well. It gives me an excuse to avoid dealing with -Lady Maloirnha-." He says this name with a sneer. "Guess the stodgy bastard thinks he's finally moving up in the world, and stopped chasing serving girls to amuse himself." After this bit of venom, he softens a bit and lowers his voice, realizing that mmaybe he said something wrong. Not that it bothers him terribly much, this grumbling was addressed at himself rather than anyone else. "Eh, well, I guess this job won't be a bad idea after all. If Luck is a kind lass."

Sasha moves forward with Maizran

Kessa looks up at Lord Maizran, eyes narrowing slightly as she sees Sasha, then widening to smile at the Noble. Extending her hand to him, she murmurs softly. "Aye, perhaps that is so, m'lord." She turns to Sasha. "I don't believe I've had the..pleasure..o f seeing Mistress Sasha perform.

Yurinar follows the playful woman to the fireside table and settles into a chair which groans with the new weight of this massive burden.

Gently, Ashlynn reaches up and undoes the clasp of her rather travel worn cloak, dust and dirt encasing parts of it. Very carefully, she folds it and sets it aside on the floor, dismissing the garmet for now, "And what shall you have to drink, my husband...?" She asks, her voice softly teasing at the man now sitting with her, a fond expression in her eyes.

Sasha moves forward with Maizran's encouragement, she smiles at him then to the woman, "I am happy to meet you Kessa, I think. I am no entertainer but dance for those that attract me." eyes showing mischief as she looks at Maizran. "Sasha will like you if Maizran wants me to."

Sasha silently hopes Kessa is leaving.

The massive warder leans back into the chair, and only when his motion ceases does the strange color shifting cloak settle into an uneasy silence. With a lined face feigning sterness, Yurinar answers, "Well, ah'll have a bottle of Illianer rice wine.

"She better!" says Marcelis, nudging Broch's empty tankard. "'Ere, lemme refill that for you?" he says, holding up the casket. The rest of the table has fallen to listening to the.. rather strange conversation between Sasha and the other female, and seem confounded by this person, to say the least. A nudge from Taren brings Marcelis attention to the same, and he listens with a cocked head to the last comments of Sasha.

Delanthear slowly pulls brushes a lock of unruley hair from his face, and jumps as the serving girl.. finally here with their drinks, taps him on the shoulder, tired of waiting for his attention to take the drinks. Reaching out, he takes the cups from the tray and places then gently on the table, his long and slim fingers showing strange callus's from some sort of hard work, delicately placing them on the table. Smiling, the first real expression to cross his face since he arrive, it dawning across his face making Aurian almost sigh in relief that he was actually 'all there today', he clears his throat, speaking quietly "So Ogier don't exist then? Aren't they.. they the really big... er.... men?"

Almost a chuckle escapes those lips that Maizran seems to hold in deer control. "Yes, Maizran would like you too," he notes as he looks between the women. "Since I know Mistress Kessa is a Lady of good taste, you well dance for us both, Sasha?" Maizran suggests quietly in thought. "Privately, of course, so she may offer me opinion on whether you should dance before me again?" Well, the suggestion is odd enough as he takes a step back looking between both mistresses. "So am I to assume you will sit with us Mistress Kessa? I'd not want to miss another opportunity to hear about your tales?"

Sasha although she appears rivited to Maizran and a bit on the crazy side, she is taking in everyting at the Inn, especially those looking at her from the table.

Kessa blushes softly at Sasha's comments, looking away as she tugs her hand from Maizran's. She looks a bit..insulted..as she looks away from Maizran to anywhere in the room, eyes falling on Marcelis and his friends. "I don't think I'm a good judge of dance abilities, m'lord." Cloak draped over her arm and harpcase in her hand, she moves to go past the Noble who has just embarrassed her.

Sasha glares, "Sasha dance for men not women, Sasha dance for you not her," her eyes soften, "Sasha dance for Maizran, alone. Sasha good, Sasha like you not her."

Ashlynn nods her head politely to Yurinar, then waves her had to a serving woman. One comes, though slowly, as she makes her rounds about the Inn. While waiting for the woman, Ashlynn's eyes take stock of the male half of the room once more. Briefly, her eyes linger on Maizran. She leans toward Yurinar, murmuring quietly, She mutters to Yurinar, "... we... and... nobility in... Valon now.... only hope that... family... not... showing... our House..."

Yurinar senses "Ashlynn nods her head politely to Yurinar, then waves her had to a serving woman. One comes, though slowly, as she makes her rounds about the Inn. While waiting for the woman, Ashlynn's eyes take stock of the male half of the room once more. Briefly, her eyes linger on Maizran. She leans toward Yurinar, murmuring quietly, "It seems we are getting more and more nobility in Tar Valon now. I only hope that your family will not be showing up again any time soon to reclaim our House.""

Sasha waves to Kessa as she leaves, not caring if she is seen. Cunning eyes glance quickly around to the others as if in triumph then she moves nearer Maizran whispering, "Good riddence, Sasha dance for you tonite...alone." voice raising, "Now you buy sasha cider and food."

"Then you will not dance for me, Sasha," Maizran responds a little too cooly. His eyes continue to play on Kessa, even as she is about to depart. "Mistress Kessa is a professional, if her eye does not show interest in you, then how can we be expected to setup an arrangement?" Maizran asks Sasha quietly in thought. If Kessa is to leave, Maizran does nod again with a "If you must go, good day Mistress." Those intense eyes look to Sasha, considering the matter further.

The freckled Ania, apparently deciding to cheerfully continue her banter with Brochfael, saunters over towards the Arafellin with an impish grin and squarely refills his tankard with the pitcher in her hands, bending to give him a rather large opening to make some sort of inappropriate physical advance or gesture if he so chooses. "Be careful, you might spill out of that dress, Ania." He just says in the middle of a snigger. "And thanks for the second helping." Smoothly, her response comes a few moments after. ""Don't tell me you're going to be -proper- now.." She exclaims, giving him a mock-scandalized look. "I'm disappointed." Brochfael simply mutters, "Not worth the effort. Light, girl, Lars'd rip my bloody throat out. Besides, I think you'd be the death of me anyway." Ania just winks as she slowly stands again. "Thank you for the compliment. Don't go and turn him into a nice man on me, lads." She exclaims to Marcelis, Taren, and the rest of the boisterous crew. Brochfael, to his credit, bows his head in an absolutely gallant nod and takes a large drink of his ale, looking over towards the exchange with Sasha in turn with his tablemates and begins muttering, "No matter how crazy women get, there's always ale. And Brandy." The widest grin he's shown yet starts to bloom upon his features as he relaxes in his seat.

Aurian looks at Kessa as she heads out, turning her unstoppable tounge to her as she passes "Is that a harp case? I've never seen a harp.. just heard of them.. could i.... i take a look?"

At your table, Yurinar grunts sourly, "Ah've no family in Tarabon. Those vermin are no m'family as far as ahm concerned."

Sasha looks down, "Maizran, no like Sasha. Sasha sorry I will go apologize to Kessa if that is what you want. But Sasha dance real good for men."

Kessa shakes her head, then turns, her temper getting the better of her. "Somehow, m'lord, the way you say "professional" makes me think I should be wandering the docks. My father and mother raised me to be a lady, and Master Talin trained me to be a Master Bard..not a .." she stops, blushing and whirls about. She nearly bumps into the chair the Tinker girl sits in and stops, blinking a moment.

Sasha chuckles softly at Kessa, trying to hid it this time and thinks Kessa is as much of a lady as she is.

For some reason, Ashlynn looks a bit hurt at something Yurinar speaks., "Do remember who is Head of that House now..." She sighs lightly, then turns her attention to the server who finally makes her way to the table, "A bottle of Illianer rice wine please, and two glasses."

At one moment Maizran looks amused, the next a touch too cold. "You misunderstood, mistress," he notes in a tone that demands little of her attention. Little care, really, though he does turn back to Sasha. "I do not wish a dance, Sasha, but perhaps I wish you to dance for another? That would please me, and maybe if you do well, you will dance for me another time?" The Lord clearly playing with the girl now, but there is purpose in his words. Though the last of his sentance holds hint of doubt in his tone.

At your table, Yurinar lifts a brow, "Ye know what ah meant lass.

Sasha eyes alert at his words, she smiles, and in a seductively sweet voice, "Sasha dance for you friend, then Sasha dance for you." a bit of giddyness come to her she chuckles "Now you buy Sasha cider?" Her actions make you wonder just what this woman is about.

Kessa mutters softly to the Tinker girl. "Perhaps another time.." as she moves around the chair, cheeks flaming as she clutches her harp to her and moves across the room.

Aurian frowns, wittering on "Oh... I'm sorry. i.... i didn't mean to be rude.

Delanthear leans over, nudging her a bit "I....er.. don't worry.. "

Sasha waves to Kessa, eyes showing a bit of triumph, "Glad to have met you please come back sometime and we can chat."

Kessa's back stiffens as Sasha calls out, and her chin lifts a bit. Eyes flash dangerously but she takes a deep breath and continues to cross the room, moving close to the table the group is sitting at.

"I know, Yurinar, but sometimes I can't help but wonder." Ashlynn smirks slightly, "Particularly the last time they came. They seemed bent on getting the title from me."

A sharp whicker of horses draws the attention of the massive Warder. Eyes narrow at a disturbance invisible before his large frame rises from the chair. He speaks quickly to Ashlynn before the monster moves through the sea of patrons visiting the Inn.

"Oy, lass!" calls Marcelis, getting to his feet and walking over towards the woman, a smile on his lips. In departing, he seems to stumble over his own chair, barely managing to keep to his feet by half leaning on Brochfael before walking on, quite steadily and with a swagger towards Kessa, placing a hand on her shoulder and turning her slightly towards him. "Pardon m'lord." he intones with a small bow towards Maizran for taking away his.. conversation partner. "Me and the lads, we much like your play. Think you can do 'nother? At our table, mayhap?" he says, smiling steadily at the girl.

Maizran pulls a chair out for Sasha just where he stands, nodding for her to sit and calling over a wench. "Cider for Sasha." His tone holds little favor with the serving staff. "And food. However she defines it," he notes the last with dry amusement. Perhaps Maizran comes here often enough, or rooms with the Inn, as the server drops her eyes downward and heads away for the order without another word. "So Sasha sits. Then Sasha will dance for friend." Again, his eyes role a touch when she can not see them. The Noble searches the crowd to see who he'll callout as a /friend/.

Kessa smiles at Marcelis. "Certainly Master. What would you wish to hear?" She places the harp carefully on a chair and takes out a small wood and silvered flute. Draping her cloak over the harp, she smiles a bit and turns to them, waiting.

Ashlynn sits up a bit, eyes following the Gaidin. She almost looks as if she'll follow, but she does not. The server comes back to the table with the order, two glasses and a bottle of wine, but now only one person to enjoy it. She sighs softly, offering the woman a delicate smile, "Thank you." She pays for the bottle, and fiddles with one of the glasses absently in her hand. Her gaze goes back to the door briefly, a look of consternation on her features.

Sasha sits, watching Kessa then Maizran, "Sasha will dance, and you will help find Sasha a place to stay?" more of a statement than a question, "Come sit with Sasha, Sasha likeyou." She eyes this mans every move.

Sasha leans over to Maizran and whispers in his ear, "Kessa got other men, you no need Kessa, Sasha can please you better."

"To the rescue." Brochfael chimes in, watching the interaction between Marcelis and Kessa with some small shade of humor, partaking of some more ale as he taps his booted foot lightly against the floor to an unheard rhythm. " Propping a pale hand upon the table next to his tankard, he glances towards one of the other conversations with a look that betrays faint disgust. "Somedays I'm actually glad of my lot in life. Here's to us, poor fools who fell off the spokes and are ground under the Wheel." Not waiting for a toast, he drinks himself. It was probably just a lame excuse to take another drink at any rate.

Kessa's slim fingers tap impatiently on the flute. "Well, Master..if you cannot make a decision, I will just play something for you?

A sly, throaty chuckle comes from Ashlynn's direction as she catches wind of Sasha's words to Maizran. Her eyes look over the man once more, showing some pleasure in looking over the man however briefly. She places the glass down on the table and sits back in her chair, looking amused at the situation. Carefully, she crosses her arms before her, as if settling in for a 'show'. Or, is the show really just Maizran?

Marcelis chuckles and nods quickly to Kessa as he retakes his seat. "Aye, play us something of your own mind. We take it any way it is, from a lass like ye." Catching the last of Brochfaels' words, he raises his tankard in equal toast, downing a fair amount in one long gulp, then slamming the tankard down again. Splosh. "Aye! The spokes!"

Sasha takes in the looks of the woman quickly as a thief in the night, smiles then brings her attentions back to Maizran, "Sasha thinks your cute."

Maizran hmmms a moment, pushing the seat forward to Sasha as she sits. Well, matters will be more difficult, it seems. Taking another ponder second before attempting to regain his composure. There were some moments he had lost it, that amusement all too thick on his expression as he tries to dodge this note and get on with business. "You will sit here a moment while I deal with business." His words struggle a moment there. What business would have have within the common room? Maizran's eyes turn to the Aes Sedai. Better to risk bonding to a Green then to continue to be the form of entertainment within this common room.

Kessa chuckles softly at Marcelis' comment and lifts the flute to her lips. A light reel dances across the room, causing feet to tap and fingers to drum. "Harvest Home" being a rather well-known tune. Her eyes sparkle as the music fills her, wiping the embarrassment from her memory for the moment.

Sasha nods, "Sasha wait, then you will come back?" again more a statement than a question. This man is smart and more than he appears, but so is Sasha.

Brochfael seems to be in slightly better spirits than previous. At least, the alcohol has loosened him up to a point where he can lean back in his seat a bit and remain quiet for once, actually passive as he takes in the music pensively. And again, his eyes wander the room, taking a wide berth to avoid running anywhere near the Aes Sedai. Pale fingers are lifted upwards as he gives his ghost of a beard a thoughtful scratching.

Kessa shifts into another reel, just as quick-paced.."Wind that shakes the willows" winding around the beams and moving out the open windows, to be faintly heard outside. Tossing her head as she plays the lively tunes, Kessa's feet take light dancing steps now and again, eyes sparkling as she leans close, then moves away..playing the flute..and the audience..just as skillfully.

Maizran sighs with a greater sense of relief then intended, whatever his thoughts were somehow lost. Not often one meets one so mad. Too bad he had not picked up on the signs, though she seems eager enough to do as the Lord wishes. And that is well enough. "Good," he notes before taking the wench that serves Sasha's table and insuring there is hefty alcohol within the cider. That look of amusement is wiped moments later, as he neers the table of the Aes Sedai. Well, at least he think her Aes Sedai by that ring. As he nears their distance, a smile forms in slight recognition. "Why, Ashlynn Sedai," he notes quietly. "It has been at least a year if not more since we've last crossed path? The first was with that Gaidin, I believe? The one that looked lost in his ways?"

Kessa shifts tunes yet again..this time into yet another well-known tune, often sung in the Inn of an eve.

Ashlynn tilts her head a bit, watching Maizran come toward her table. Recognition seems to blossom on her features. Before, she was just merely amused by the man's interaction with the woman, now, a small bit of surprise shows upon her features. She sits up in her chair a bit, though does not uncross her arms, "You'll have to forgive me, as I have seemd to have forgotten your name. I do remember your face, however... yours is not one forgotten so easily." A soft, alluring smile touches her lips. She seems to consider the words, "Indeed... I believe it has almost been that long. Master Bornis, I do think his name was, but I never saw him after that one meeting."

Sasha sips at the cider, body moving with the music, her eyes distant, but her mind is taking in all around.

You'd almost think Maizran to be human as he gives Ashlynn that all too familiar "help me" look. "Lord Maizran, please to meet you again, Ashlynn Sedai." The Lord does quickly take the note of snobbery just after that, his eyes trail over the Aes Sedai challenging her seemingly curious observations of him. Though maybe not even as obvious, as Maizran hints at distaste in his words, before they turn into warmth. "The Tower will do well with him, I am certain. He surely was large enough, and heron marked." The careful would note a tone of surprise that she doesn't share a Bond with him, or his bed. Difficult to tell with those words of his. "That fellow that just left is your husband, a Gaidin of yours?" The words are spoken as though the man a property of hers.

And...the shift of music seems to snap Brochfael's attention back to the flute enough to tap his foot in tim with the music. It's fairly obvious that he knows this tune. Looking amongst the people at the table, he clears his throat and starts to toss out a verse. Amazingl, he can actually carry a tune. "One cold spring morning, I crossed the Maller's Moor, with me faithful hound in tow, on a distasteful chore. Me mother sent me out with soup for Ani Fenn, whose husband fell on flat on his face, and couldn't get up again.." The chorus continues, relating a tale of woe and misery as the speaker is thereby cornered by the ugliest woman of his life. "She comes from Tear, has facial hair..And smells like fishermen!" Oh, the horror. The absolute horror. The moral of the story is simple-Drunken weddings are doomed to failure. You could end up with a veritable trolloc of a woman like this one.

Kessa foot tapping a rhythym as she plays, eyes flickering around the room...then focusing on Brochfael as he sings. She sidles a bit closer to him, hips swaying seductively as she dances slowly to the music. Her eyes laugh as he sings the tune.

Sasha watches Kessa dance, thinking Sasha can do better than that, and sways with the music, her attention never leaving Maizran and the Aes Sedai, but no one can tell.

And curiouser does Ashlynn's look grow as she listens to Maizran, "If it pleases you, you may join me." She smiles in a gentle, yet warm manner. Her brow knits a bit, "And do, please call me Ashlynn. I have been long gone from the Tower, and have grown used to not having the title thrown in my face day in and day out." It seems the Tower life does not suit her well, as can be told by her dust covered cloak. "I am not certain of Master Bornis's whereabouts. Last I had heard, he had travelled to Cairhien. I left the Tower shortly, myself, with my Gaidin." There is a sense of 'plural' to that word, Gaidin. Her brow unknits and raises slightly at Maizran's last word, "Indeed, Yurinar is my husband." And then a fond look touches her features, warm and light, "We've been happily married for sometime now, though I still think that my other Gaidin are quite jealous that they were not the first to ask me." There is a slight touch of humor in her voice.

Sasha sipping at the cider, her free hand absently plays with the top of her dress as she begins to get caught up in the music.

Maizran pulls himself out a chair and sits, thoughts playing across those eyes as he wonders about certain matters. Good thing this Aes Sedai seems forward enough, his eyebrow raising as he leans forward on the table. "So only your husband fully enjoys your beauty, Ashlynn?" the Lord asks boldly. He had, after all insulted one already. And tried to avoid a second. There is a sense that he does not often enjoy these matters of social engagements for the simple purpose of being social.

Kessa ends the tune with a flourish, laughing and kissing Brochfael's cheek when done. "Wonderful job, Master." She bows a bit to them. "Kessa Danaanir at your service, Masters.

A man makes his way by Sasha and stops, his eyes growing to her with intrigue. Well, more boy, he likely will only soon reach the age where one becomes a man. "I... I... am Stanner," he speaks quietly to her, eyes growing curious on where Sasha's hands play.

Sasha sets down her cider and claps her hands, "Nice Kessa, nice music." more for the benefit of Maizran than anyone else.

An airy chuckle escapes Ashlynn's lips, "I believe that would depend on /your/ definition of beauty, Lord Maizran." The Aes Sedai's return is spoken in a voice that continues to hint at her amusement. "If you mean my bed, aye. My husband is the only one that shares mine. My Gaidin can seek their pleasure other places. I do not dictate how they live their lives. After all, who am I to deny them a chance at a family or a life elsewhere. If they wish to leave my services, all they have todo is ask."

Sasha smiles, a bit suspicious, but suspician is a part of her nature, "I am Sasha, Sasha is my name, I ride the wind." she glances at Maizran then back to Stanner.

Curiousity fading to a hint if disappointment, Maizran nods as his shoulders lean back against the frame of the chair. "That news is a touch disappointing to me, that you remain faithful to your husband. Though I hear it would be difficult otherwise, with the way of the Bond?" That edge of curiousity returns, though he does not exactly return her friendly manner. Irritated eyes look to Sasha, and actually wait long enough for her to turn his way. Maizran struggles in the attempts of a smile, and nodding to her as though pleased that she speaks with the boy. And just as quick the Noble's attention return to the Ashlynn. He seems to have not an ounce of trouble as looking to her as though she did not posses the powers she clearly does. "I've always had a curiousity on this Bond, though few of the Tower speak much about it."

Brochfael, a slightly tipsy Brochfael, seems surprisingly taken aback by Kessa's, er, friendly manner. Maybe he's suddenly realized that he isn't quite as old as he tries to behave, and here's an older woman directing her attention in his own direction. He looks among the table, to Marcelis and the others, and back to her with another slight shrug of his shoulders. "Nice. And....Brochfael Eanai." A pause in his speech emerges. "House Eraic." He adds this on as almost an afterthought. And, for that matter, he says it while barely stifling a laugh. Maybe the drink loosened this tongue a bit. Is he even being serious? It's truly hard to say.

Sasha aware of Maizran's reaction, she turns her attentions to the lad but with a bit more caution

Ashlynn quirks a brow at Maizran, shaking her head a bit. She mutters to Maizran, "... can... between... the... that... would feel... to..." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, "That mostly comes in handy when I cut myself, and do not wish for them to come running to my aid when nothing has occured."

Maizran senses "Ashlynn quirks a brow at Maizran, shaking her head a bit. "I can mask anything that goes on between myself and the others. There is no fear that they would feel things that I wish them not to feel." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, "That mostly comes in handy when I cut myself, and do not wish for them to come running to my aid when nothing has occured.""

Kessa smiles and turns to Marcelis, smiling at him too. She slips her flute into her pouch and turns to the server, accepting an ale with gratitude. Sipping it she turns to Broch. "House Eraic? are you a Lord?

Maizran 's eyes touch on skeptisism, and then grow a touch larger as considers that. He mutters to Ashlynn, "... we-ways for..." There is not much enthusiasm in the statement, he likely has heard it before. But perhaps not in as specific. "Does this require effort on your part? Or is it simply something you do, and then are done with until you want to undo it?" Leaning back, he chuckles lightly at the thought. "Forgive me, I had once that it would be possible to take an Aes Sedai into my bed, though I was doubtful if her Gaidin would not want my head for it." Clearly he feels comfortable enough for those words.

You sense Maizran 's eyes touch on skeptisism, and then grow a touch larger as considers that. "There are we-ways for this?" There is not much enthusiasm in the statement, he likely has heard it before. But perhaps not in as specific. "Does this require effort on your part? Or is it simply something you do, and then are done with until you want to undo it?" Leaning back, he chuckles lightly at the thought. "Forgive me, I had once that it would be possible to take an Aes Sedai into my bed, though I was doubtful if her Gaidin would not want my head for it." Clearly he feels comfortable enough for those words.

The boy near Sasha's table looks to Maizran for a moment. Clearly he understands little of it, but he does slowly sit down at the table with her. "I.. am Stannder." Yes, he repeats himself. "You like to dance/"

Sasha smiles, fire in her eyes, "Sasha dance, Sasha like dance..but only for men," as she glances at Kessa then to Maizran.

Stanner's chest raises, and for a moment it would seem like he would beat his chest to prove his manhood. "I am a man. My mommy-mother.. My mother says so. I have eighteen summers to my name." Stanner might be telling the truth.

"Err..Did I?" Brochfael stops after a moment. "Depends who you ask, really. " A couple of the men at the table peer at him with a bit of an odd sort of wary scrutiny. "No..Nothing like that. I'm a retainer." . His lips part again as another stream of breath emerges in a tight laugh. "Really. Any sort of true nobility would have been disowned for doing what I'm doing, after all." Well, he certainly finds himself funny(even if no-one else does). "No, fortunately, that's one problem I -don't- have." After a few moments, he cranes his head in a bird-like manner over towards Sasha, and then returns it to the read-haired woman near him, lowering his voice. "Light willing, she'd go dance for the men in some other tavern, that one."

Kessa chuckles softly, hiding her grin in her ale cup. She gestures with one slim hand to an empty chair. "Mind ye if I sit a moment? It's been a long day.

Sasha glares at the man at the other table, a look that she is not to be triffled with, then back to Stanner, chuckles, "Sasha can make you a man. Sasha can dance," thinks a bit, "Kessa can to!" she adds lightly.

Ashlynn seems to study Maizran for a few brief moments, taking in his features nad everything about him. Her eyes give the sense that maybe she's committing him to memory, for some other purposes. She mutters to Maizran, "... special... the... of... us.... sense... should I... want... person... a... so I... blocked..." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, then adds, "But I am a Green Sister, with four bonds, it is something I exercise often. To other sisters, those with just one bond, sometimes it is a chore they have to work at. Or, that is how it was once explained to me. Sometimes..." her smile grows a touch saddened, "it helpsto have the emotions you feel to be your own, instead of anothers."

Maizran senses "Ashlynn seems to study Maizran for a few brief moments, taking in his features nad everything about him. Her eyes give the sense that maybe she's committing him to memory, for some other purposes. "It requires no special effort. I just will it to happen and a barrier blocks the flow of emotion between us. He could sense me no more than I him, should I so want it and each person has a separate feeling so I can tell who is blocked and who is not." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, then adds, "But I am a Green Sister, with four bonds, it is something I exercise often. To other sisters, those with just one bond, sometimes it is a chore they have to work at. Or, that is how it was once explained to me. Sometimes..." her smile grows a touch saddened, "it helps to have the emotions you feel to be your own, instead of anothers.""

Sasha rises quickly from the table, and runs up the stairs not at all unlike her

Ashlynn sits at the fireside table, speaking quietly with Maizran. There is a hint of amusement in her azure eyes, as well as curiosity toward the Lord before her.

"I don't have a problem if the general consensus amongst the rest of the ruffians here agrees with me." Brochfael mentions this to the rest of the men at the table, and unsurprisingly, none of them voice any real arguement. "I'm not much for conversation though, I don't think." He adds thoughtfully, with another chuckle, downing the remnants of -this- tankard as well. He just grits his teeth, however, at bits and pieces of the conversation that fly about in thie room elsewhere.

"I could understand that," Maizran chuckles at the thought. "Some of this has been explained to me, yet not all." Again that curiousity departs from his eyes as they trail faintly to see what the Aes Sedai has to offer for her husband. "These weaves or sort, sometimes I think you speak of nitting." Sighing while waiving his hands as though showing no concern for such matters, not ones that he would have within his grasp, there is a moment of ignorance in his eyes. "Regardless, I still fear the Gaidin will be slitting at my throat." The last words are bitten off in meaning. Had he not said he only considered to bed the Aes Sedai? Maizran does not seem to notice the slip.

Kessa takes the offered seat and smiles at the men, sipping her ale. "My thanks, Brochfael.

"Don't thank me yet." Brochfael adds in this admonishing response with a faint trace of a snicker trailing the end of the sentence. He scoots forwards to lean a bit on the table's edge.

"Aye, I believe Yurinar would, though for him it would be hack off your head with his axe, I would think." There is a light touch of amusement in Ashlynn's tone, as she sits back in her chair, "Would you like a bit of wine? My husband had to step out for a bit to take care of a matter at the Tower. He will not be returning." She does not see that Sionil has entered the room just yet, deeply enthralled in her conversation. Her eyes go briefly to Sasha, "Or, are you otherwise occupied?"

Sionil glances around, though her face has slowed, it's not ageless, but for the young woman that Sionil is and still generally looks to be, she does have a somewhat tired look to her eyes. She moves to a side table and practically collapses into the seat before any of the waitstaff come by

Kessa nods to Brochfael, eyes darting about the room, a slim hand coming up to tuck a stray strand into a braid. She sips her ale, and laughs softly at a comment one of the other men at the table makes.

The Lord that sits with Ashlynn does not miss much, now a smile does tug at his lips and finally escape from his expression. "I would hope my plans for the night are still left clear," he states, that edge of amusement and annoyance playing at his voice as he looks to Sasha. "The axe you say?" Well, at this his amusement grows. "A crude weapon, though clearly affective when used correctly." Maizran's attitude favors the axe on the point of crude. There is an edge to Maizran's tone next as he leans forward on the table and regards Ashlynn with his strict eyes. "Does it not bother you that you will likely outlive your husband?"

Brochfael's eyes just become progressively wider and more furtive as he catches the entrance of yet another Aes Sedai into this accursed place. And once again, he avoids looking at her and seems to focus on his tankard. Oh dear, it's empty. Well, Kessa, she seems the least of all the evils right now, and he turns back to her and gives something of a wordless shrug in lieu of a statement. "Maybe Cairhien is nice this time of year." He admits, half to himself.

The Green Sister chuckles slightly at Maizran's words at first, then it seems he hit on a nerve with Ashlynn. Her amusement seems to leave her features, and go to a cool sort of Aes Sedai mask. "He and I have talked on it several times. We will live our lives how we can, and as long as we can, together." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders, "There is nothing more to be done." But, clearly it does bother her.

Kessa sniffs and turns to sip her ale again. "Perhaps it is. Why would you want to go there?

Sionil leaning back in her chair, rubs her eyes tiredly, but stops when a server approaches, saying to the person, "What? Oh, um just some tea, please."

Maizran's words might have been an unwanted slip, though some might think the moment of cruelity was on purpose. It takes years of training to get the motions just right, his eyes casting downward to the table where he folds his hand together. "My apologies," he states quietly, taking a long breath of air. "I will enjoy the wine, if you still wish me to take your company at the table?" Maizran over-compensates for the words spoken earlier, and yet shows exactly how obvious it was that his question bothered her.

"Well, because I'm getting hauled there with these louts for a bit of a job over the next few days," Brochfael decides, after a bit of careful musing. "And it's...well.." He seems to be fumbling, grasping for words that are just right for what he is trying to convey. Either that, or words that won't end up bringing offense to the wrong person. Narrowing his eyelids, he peers towards the Aes Sedai again subtly and then looks away, stifling a cough. "Well, you know.."

Kessa shakes her head, "No, Broch..I don't know. But.." her eyes dart to the Sedai and back to her companion. "I can guess."

The Aes Sedai, Ashlynn, takes a few moments to compose herself into a more agreeable manner, "You may still remain, if that is your desire." She gives a small shrug of her shoudlers, eyes scanning about the room briefly as she tries to push unpleasant thoughts aside. Her gaze catches on the Mistress of Novices, a brow raising faintly as she notices her fellow 'sister' for the first time. Her gaze rests there a moment, concern briefly touching on her features. Rather than going over though, she remains at her table - ever polite for the time being. She reaches out and takes the corkscrew left on the table and opens the bottle with an experienced finesse, "I am hoping that he will return to his homelands, when he retires from my service, but knowing Yurinar he will be quite stubborn and insist that he remain here." She shrugs her shoulders once more, "As for the other things mentioned, my husband is a large man, as you might have seen. The axe suits him more." Then a touch of pride enters her eyes, "He has mastered the weapon, just within the last year or so."

Kessa rises, finishes her ale and collects her cloak and harp.

Kessa says "Peace favour you, gentlemen." she murmurs softly as she leaves."

Sionil rests there quietly, till the tea arrives, then takes a sip of it.

Maizran sees the pride in Ashlynn's tone, and builds on that for the time. "If what I hear is correct, Yurinar has married a woman that will be just as youthful in twenty years as she will be in forty?" There is that hint of question in his voice, an idea that interests him to no end perhaps. "I do doubt any man with reason would retire from such an arrangement. Clearly he will fight for your safety with as much effort as he ages as he will now." Well, that said, Maizran leans back on the chair and looks to the Aes Sedai as she prepares the wine. "If you need to speak with your fellow Aes Sedai," his gesture suggests he is being polite on the matter as well. A wonder how he caught Soinell as she's just at the corner of his eyes.

Roan's languid, almost lazy strides down the stairs seems to only add to his arrogant visage as he enters the room.. He slows down though when seeing what appears to be a gathering of.. more important people in the room. Does he have to be polite now? Figures.. For some reason, he seems to make a little circle, as if avoiding the Aes Sedai, before he walks over to the bar, leaning against it, looking around the room, as if waiting for someone.. Or something.

The noble Aes Sedai lifts a brow delicately at the lord. Ashlynn reaches a hand and gently pushes a few loose tendrils of her raven locks from her features, "I will look as I always look, up until the Creator takes my last breath, I should think." A wry smirk touches her feautres, "Ageless. Granted, it has its uses, sometimes it's more of a hinderance than anything." She lowers her hand, and fiddles with the cork. FInally, it comes off with a light 'poping' sound. "Seeing as how I just returned to the tower from a trip to the Blight, I am not quite looking forward to taking to any of its denizens just now."

Sionil turns her head a little at the popping sound, just glancing over, but not staring, a semi interested look to her eyes.

Wild curls of hair shifts over broad shoulders, as Roan reaches towards the bar to receive the drink.. He glances idly towards the door once more, then shrugs, instead taking in the people occupying the room. His eyebrows raise at the popping sound.. Even though he might appear arrogant, even insolent, his features carry a definite.. wariness towards the Aes Sedai.. Arrogance is one thing, idiocy is another.

Perhaps the Noble has socialized with Aes Sedai before, those traits typically associated with one that speaks to one of the Tower none-existant. Or perhaps it is Ashlynn, in her un-Aes Sedai manner that makes him more comfortable. "I rather like the look of Agelessness," he notes with a tone that could be nothing else but playful, if one ignores those intense eyes that search for something with Ashlynn. "The Blight is not well, I hear?" There is little caring for the subject in his voice, but he does push on as he lifts a glass for Ashlynn to pore the wine. "Odd how you seem to fancy it over the Tower?"

"Indeed...?" A note of curiosity hits Ashlynn's voice as she pourts the drink for Maizran - the topic she's currently questioning being his fondness of her ageless appearance. "I would think it gets rather droll and borish after awhile..." She smirks slightly, "Well, it does for me, having to look at it in the mirror day in and day out." She shrugs her shoulders, then chuckles, "Aye... I'd prefer fighting along the frontlines, against the Dark, rather than hidden away in the Tower." She sniffs a bit, her disdain for the Towerbound showing somewhat. Oh, yes, she was a troublesome one in the Tower when she was there. It seems some of her old personality has come back since her time away.

Sionil sips on the tea, hearing the noises of the bar, but for once, not interfereing

"I prefer the comfort of my chambers and the patter of servants feet," Maizran notes with that amusement that he seems to have little control over now. Though he is being at least a touch modest. Taking his own glass back to his side of the table, the Lord lifts Ashlynn's glass. "You rage battle on the Blight in your /vacation/ trips there?" More amusement, almost a touch of disbelief in his voice that she'd not be the first to be found within a tavern and a dozen men about her. Or perhaps it is amusement at lengths she will go to escape the Tower. "I had heard the Tower be a least friendly place to stay, but I'd still think I'd rather be Bonded and trapped within the cells then near the Blight." No emotion shows at his statement, a twitch favoring his eye. "Well, perhaps I'd rather the Blight then to be Bonded." That edge of amusement returns.

Roan takes a deep breath, a sigh escaping his lips. Where is the cursed woman? He didn't come here to listen to talks about the Aes Sedai's ageless looks and the Blight.. Grey blue eyes look at the door again.. Avoiding to look at the Aes Sedai? Or simply not interested? Probably hard to tell. Finally he stands straight again, and starts heading for the door.

Sionil sighs a little, placing the teacup on the table. Rubbing her temples

A hearty laugh seems to escape Ashlynn's lips, echoing about the room. She takes in Maizran's visage more fully, her eyes taking in every nuance of the with her eyes, "You had better watch your words, Lord Maizran. I am always looking for new men to help aid the cause of the Blight, though granted I would not bond any if they would not wish it." Ashlynn, not seeing Roan's reactions, continues to speak to the Lord sitting at her table, "Indeed, I would much rather be where the fighting is. I've devoted my life to destroying the Dark. I find that sitting around the Tower, waiting for the Dark to come to us a bit... well... absurd." She gives a shrug of her shoulders, a glint coming to her eyes a moment. "I am more free to do as I please out there, than I am within the confines of that... building. No squabblings amonst Sisters, no poltical battles, no getting yelled at because I looked at some Sister twice more notable than I the wrong way. It is an agreeable enough place if you enjoy the Great Game."

"Few that are married consider themselves free," Maizran notes with that amused note as his eyes play with hers. Though clearly he'd not choose marriage or Bonding, the Lord not wanting restraint when life offers more pleasantries each day. Taking a spin of the wine glass so that the liquid reaches for the edge but does not spill out, Maizran takes an appraising taste of the wine. Once again he settles into Ashlynn's laughter, not exactly joining in it but enjoying it. "Even a Noble from Andor, I'd rather not squable within the Tower. Too difficult when an Aes Sedai is just as likely to lift you into the air as she is to welcome you in greeting."

Sionil makes a glance towards the outside wall, in seemingly no particular direction, although those of the Tower would recognize it as the direction towards the tower, specifically that of the practice yard.

"Any self respecting Aes Sedai would not do that." Ashlynn shrugs her shoulders a bit, her eyes catching Sionil's movements. A brow lifts gently as she regards the Gray Sister briefly. She follows the woman's gaze and seems to frown slightly. Dismissing it, she turns her attention back to Maizran, her small smile returning, "Though we have our own code of ethics." She smirks once more, though not in a harsh manner. "I am as free as I choose to be, however. Yurinar and I have an understanding with one another, for the most part."

Sasha moves swiftly back to her table, her business done, sits and sip at her cider looking again at Maizran but returning her attention to the young lad there. Something seems different about her.

Sionil continues to gaze out in the same direction, almost trying to impose her will at the wall, or at least through it to something. But in the end just quietly laughs to herself and shakes her head.

Sasha she begins to chat with the young man, but her attention is still on Maizran and the others at the Inn.

"It is the perception," Maizran notes with a nod as he drinks further on his wine. Taking a pause in his thoughts, he takes to the Aes Sedai with those eyes that to notice each stitch of her dress. "You are a pleasure to speak with," Maizran says then as he pushes his chair outwards. "Some Aes Sedai do flow against the thoughts men have on the Tower. Or is it a trait amoung the Green?" Another shrug of his shoulder. "But I do have business to attend to now, if you will excuse me, Ashlynn. I do hope we have the pleasure of meeting again."

Sasha watches Maizran carefully, her mind racing, knowing he is more than what he seems and wonders how long she will have to wait to find out.

For a moment, the Green Sister has lost herself in thoughts of her own. She snaps out of them as she catches the last few bits of Maizran's words, "Oh... of course." She smiles gently, giving the noble Lord a small nod of the head, fitting his station, "A pleasure meeting with you again, Lord Maizran. Though, perhaps our next meeting will not be so far apart as the last." She smiles in an impish manner, though sits back in her chair.

Maizran stands from his seat and nods politely to Ashlynn, just about forgetting she is Aes Sedai, though clearly that would be easy around her. "Well, I'd wish many things upon our next visit, and if only a quarter were to happen," he offers his first real smile then, it almost touching his eyes as he steps away from the table. "Good day, Ashlynn." And with that he turns and makes his way out of the common room. On the way he passes by Sasha's seat. Standing directly behind her, he whispers a few words into her ear before lifting quickly and leaving just as quick.

Sionil urfs a little to herself, rubbing her arm, murmring softly "Jo... you're better then that... must be with advanced one..."

Sasha nods at his words, mutters a quick farewell to the lad with her preparing to follow Maizran.

"I wish you a good evening, Lord Maizran." Ashlynn answers in a soft voice. She notices the smile, and returns it, nodding her head once more to the man that was sitting with her. Her eyes follow his path, then fall on Sasha as he speaks with her. She rises from her own chair, allowing her skirts to fall into place around her, leans down and gets her cloak. Some dust seems to come unsettled from it, causing a few nearby to sneeze. Unconcerned about the dust, she then goes over to Sionil's table. "Good evening, Sister." Her tone takes on a more... formal... manner.

Sasha thinking better of the idea settles back and motions the server to bring her another cider.

Sionil looks up and gives a weak/tired smile "And good evening to you, Sister." still rubbing her left arm.

The server leaves a cider at Sasha's table and mutters something about Maizran having paid for it. Sasha, taking the drink thanks her and settles back.

"I was just about to return to the Tower..." There is something of an infliction in her voice as Ashlynn mentions the Tower, "would you join me for the walk there?" She inquires.

Sionil rises and nods "Of course. I need to see my warder." she drops a few coins on the table

Ashlynn nods her head a bit, giving her fellow 'sister' a wan smile, "And I am certain my Gaidin are waiting to see me." Again a sense of the plural when it comes from Ashlynn. "They are perhaps anxious to make certain I am, indeed, not a ghost since my trip to the Blight."

Sionil smirks a little "One is enough for myself. I'm not sure I could handle more emotions in my head then that." Sionil holds open her hand to let the Green sister lead on out. "It's been a while since you've been back here in Tar Valon, almost a year or so if I recall properly."

"You could always just block them out, when you are not up to the task of dealing with them." Ashlynn gives a small shrug of the shoulders, giving a small shrug of her shoulders. Her own lips take on the candor of a smirk, "Something like that, yes. I've been in the Blight." ANd from the looks of her, that is where she wishes to have remained.

Thomasin comes down the wooden stairs from the second floor.

Thomasin takes a seat at the Long Oak Bar.

Thomasin flags a passing server and orders quietly.

The server quickly returns and walks over to the Long Oak Bar and sets the wine before Thomasin.

Sionil gives a small nod to the first comment. "Well, I'm finished in here for tonight. To the Tower?"

Thomasin looks at the server and says, "And some ribs too."

Ashlynn nods gently, "To the Tower." She shifts her cloak about in her arms then starts to the doors.