Aran Alandar M'Hael Black Tower OL
Posts: 32
(3/27/06 4:01 pm) Reply
A RETURN
Aran was angry, not just angry but weary to the bone. His fight with "Lord Rapahel" had nearly been the end of him and that being the case he was not pleased. The months after Eldrie's death had been the hardest he had ever been through in his life. It had been hard at that point to pull the Tower together after that and it had taken all of his and Raekal's strength to do it. It had also been very hard for them to stop an all out war from starting between the two towers.
As if that had not been bad enough they then had to deal with all the trouble starting in Andor. There had been no choice really for Aran but to get involved, it had to be done. He had masked the bond from Nia and wove a gateway and vanished.
He could only imagine the trouble that his disappearance would cause but it was something best handled quietly. It would not do to let the nations think that the Black Tower was meddling in the business of Andor. Raekal would have wanted to bring a score of men and that would not have been the best way.
He had lured Balthamal out of the palace and they had fought their way across the world with Balthmal weaving gateway after gateway and Aran following, always following. They had fought in the plains of Maredo, the Caralain grass and even in the bleak wasteland of the blight. It was then that they fought for true, they were both too weary to continue the chase. Aran had wounded him, perhaps mortally. Somehow with his lifes blood running out the Forsaken had made one last gateway and escaped. Aran bleeding from a dozen wounds fell to his knees unable to follow. The forsaken has wounded grievously, his face burned by Aran's weaves. Aran drew his sword and began walking. He could not stay in one place in the blight, knowing that shadowspawn would be drawn to him yet he was still too weak to travel.
He walked on while his strength returned and after a time was able to weave a gateway large enough for him to step through.
He staggered out into the courtyard at the foot of the Black Tower, the gateway winking out behind him. He saw men in black coats staring at him. He removed the mask on the bond, knowing he was in for an earfull for this one. He had done what he must to protect her but likely she wouldn't see it that way. He smiled knowing her temper and smiled at the making up that would come later. Outr of the corner of his eye he saw Raekal striding towards him. His work it seemed was never done.....
Maladar had be training with a few of the other Asha'man. His skill with fire seemed to outmatch the others, but some of theirs outdid his. He won, he lost, and he matched with others. It seemed a lot of fighting and sparing had been commonplace after the death of Eldrie. Perhaps it was because of his death, or perhaps it was because they had let some of the reds go. He himself had slain a red, he was not particularly proud of it, but it was something that had to be done.
As he let his mind wander, a fellow Asha'man weaved into the soil, and tripped him. As he regained his footing, the other Asha'man was upon him. Remembering the breif training with Rodgin in swordplay, he wove a firey sword, and the other Asha'man stopped dead in his tracks, and looked over his shoulder. Maladar looked, and could not believe his eyes. Aran had just stepped through a gateway, and was staggering about the grounds, obviously wounded.
Maladar began to walk towards him, when he saw Raekal striding over to Aran. Best let Raekal talk to him first. He told the others that practice was over, and they walked back into the Tower, probably to go find something to eat in the kitchens. Maladar just stood on the ground, and watched the two talk...or more likely yell...
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 150
(3/27/06 10:04 pm) Reply
Re: A RETURN
Raekal was sitting on the steps of the Tower, enjoying a short break that he had granted himself while chewing on a tasty morsel of food, trying to ignore the lingering feelings that had risen from the recent fights with Brenna. Things were at a more tense moment now than thet had ever been before. Watching the Asha'man practice their dueling under the eye of Maladar, he was only half paying attention when he saw the gateway slice open. Raising his head with the intention of giving the weaver an earful about channeling so dangerously in the middle of the Grounds, he froze as his eyes fell on the man that staggered through, and within twenty seconds, all action on the Grounds had drug to a complete halt. Raekl rose, walking forwards quickly.
"Aran? M'Hael?" he asked, in surprise, wonder, and a bit of longing. He missed Aran; Aran had been one of the only ones that really knew the troubles of the Tower, and the only one that Raekal could confide everything in besides Brenna. And with things like they were with her . . . "Aran! You're hurt!" he exclaimed, coming closer. "Come inside, milord M'Hael, and we'll get those wounds looked at." He offered an arm for support, waiting to see how Aran would react.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Aran Alandar M'Hael Black Tower OL
Posts: 37
(3/28/06 10:35 am) Reply
re: a return
Aran smiled weakly at Raekal's concern. It was good to be back amonst friends.
" Lord Raphael," he said filling the words with scorn," Will trouble us no longer. The light knows how long we fought, the Caralain grass no doubt still burns from it. The world will burn before we are done."
He cut off then lest the bleakness overcome him. He saw the look of concern in Raekal's eyes and shrugged.
" I suppose these wound sshould be tended," he said," though it weariness more than anything that troubles me."
He walked with Raekal towards the stairs leading into the Tower. He suddenly turned and looked at his First.
" You must tell me what has occurred why I have been away. I hope we have not caused too much mischief."
The last was said with the hint of a question, he knew some of Raekal's plans concerning the Aes Sedai after all........
Re: A RETURN
Rodgin made his way back from yet another inspection of the Legion. It was growing too fast at this point. Rodgin was going to have to suggest to Raekal that they weed them down some. Take those who were the best. Perhaps tonight. Raekal seemed to be having troubles with Brenna. Rodgin wasn't close enough to a woman to understand that, though he wanted to be.
His thoughts of Mariea were interupted by the subtleness of a weave. It was in the mix of others in the grounds, but it didn't start from there. Rodgin tried to pick it out, but it evaded him. He kept walking towards it, though the weave was long gone.
Finally it hit him. Only one man could weave like that, and only one man could weave into the middle of the Tower like that.
"M'hael," he whispered, and took off towards the grounds.
Rodgin Kemph - Ex-Master Blacksmith of Saldea
Niamh Zephan Board Admin WT OL Black Tower Civi
Posts: 85
(3/30/06 4:33 am) Reply
Re: A RETURN
The grave had long grown grass on it, flowers had been planted at the head stone. Saidin had called to him and so had the taint, sadly with all of that Mother Earth called to him as well. It was a peaceful death, a cup of tea to take him away. It was why she was here, how she came to be in the Black Tower. He was all she had at the time, her big brother her protector... until the call came to him. She knelt here now her hands covered in dirt, coppery skin mottled with patches of mud. Every now and again she came here, to talk to him, to cry, to plant flowers. Where death lies, life can still flourish.
Not to far from the Domani sat her boy, he was watching a butterfly, grabbing at the beautiful insect, trying to catch it before it slipped off into the air, and fluttered to another flower. Chuckling at the child Nia shook her head; he looked so much like his father. The thought of the M'hael sent a twinge of sadness through her. It'd been long since she'd seen him and he'd done something to the bond to keep her from feeling where he was and how he was. Rest assured she knew he wasn't dead, she'd know that, even if the bond had been muted.
As usual, like any other day the sound in the air filled the grave yard, which seemed to get bigger and bigger each passing week. It was audible, stones exploding, wood on wood, metal on metal. The sounds of the Asha'man training, she'd long grown used to all of this. The only thing she ever worried about was her child... Once more she looked back at the boy and watched him examining a lady bug as it flew from one blade of grass to another. It never had been proven, but if boys got the ability to channel from their father... "No..." Niamh said to herself softly, "I'll not think about that, not yet."
Perhaps by the time that he came of age a cure would have been found for the dark one's curse on the gift of Saidin. She could only pray. Driving the metal spade into the soft earth she turned it, tilling the soil to make room for another flower.... It was then that the sensations hit her, pain, anger and just plain fatigue… and it was close. Gasping she sat straight up her back ridged. Sapphire eyes started to scan, and honed on to the place where she could feel him. He was back in the Tower. Rising quickly leaving her stuff where it lay she scooped up the child and started to run. Already by the time she got to the whispers of the M’hael’s return fell on her.
She knew they had taken him to the infirmary and so that is where she went, the child looking up at her curiously, wondering what his mommy was doing. Shouldering her way where she had to, well most men moved out of her way, she may be only a woman but she was Domani, and men walked softly when a woman from Arad Doman was near. Making her way to the front of the crowd she stopped and looked, finally she let out a breath, relief in her voice as she whispered, “Aran…”
Aran Alandar M'Hael Black Tower OL
Posts: 40
(3/31/06 11:11 am) Reply
home
Aran felt Niamh coming near to him, surprsied that there was little anger over the way he had left. She was worried and anxious to see him, but little anger. When at last she whispered his name he turned from talking to Raekal and looked at her, her and their son.
He looked into her eyes and smiled wearily, he was home for true at last.
" I am quite allright my love," he said gently," the wounds were many but only minor, nothing to worry over. I am tired, I suppose fighting a Forsaken across the bloody world may do that to you."
He did not know what else to say to her, what could he say to express that he did not want to have to leave like this all the time? She knew he did not just as he knew that it as his duty to do so.
" I am glad to be home. I have missed you both. I hope that this time it may be awhile before I must leave."
He looed out of the corner of his eyes and saw Raekal lookign at him, knowing there was much the First wished to tell him. It would wait for now, he wishe dfor the moment to talk with Nia.
Aran
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 151
(4/3/06 1:00 pm) Reply
Re: home
OOC: sorry about my delay . . . long hours at work.
IC: Raekal helped Aran towards the infirmary, where there would be a few men and a couple women trained in the art of herb use--and saidin healing. He talked softly as they walked, of the talk around the Tower, the panic that had followed his departure, the slight pressure for Raekal to step up and fill his place, Raekal's denial to do so. He talked of the Aes Sedai that he had recently brought to the Tower, in the hopes and efforts that perhaps some level of understanding would rise between the two Towers. He smiled slightly, feeling a bit of heat flush his cheeks as he talked about this. "I know, not something that sounds like me, right? Well. I suppose I began to understand what it means to you," he said in way of explanation, and was saved from further Aes Sedai-related embarrasment as Nia came running in. He stepped back, letting the two have their moment. Of course, there was Tower business needing attending, and Aran would get to it. But clearly, the man had been through much, and deserved his moment of peace . . . with his family. Raekal's heart ached as he watched Aran's son. He wanted one of his own. But not so badly that he would bring a son, or a daughter, into the world that they had now. War, impending death around every corner . . . it was no place for a child. One day. But not now. Maybe.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
A Runnine Stormleader
Rodgin never ran, but he was moving as fast as he could now. It wasn't that he couldn't, it was more that it wasn't dignified. Right now he didn't care. Aran had made it back in one piece and he wanted his friend to know he cared.
Rodgin plodded to a stop as he came up on Aran with his family. Seeing Raekal off to one side, he stepped over and watched Aran from Raekal's left.
"When time permits, I have a few things to talk to you about First," Rodgin said softly, smiling, watching Aran, tired and beaten, pick up his son. To have a family was every Asha'man's dream, and fear. "It has to do with the legion. When you have time, of course."
Rodgin stood by like he had made soldiers do many times, waiting to answer the call of the only man who made him run.
Rodgin Kemph - Ex-Master Blacksmith of Saldea
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 154
(4/3/06 1:46 pm) Reply
Re: A Runnine (????) Stormleader
Raekal turned away, smiling at his long-time friend. "Anytime now seems good. I fear the M'Hael will be busy for some time to come . . . perhaps it is best they spent some quality time together. The Tower can survive another day without him."
He looked back at Aran again, watching him for a moment before nodding and switching his attention back to Rodgin. "So, you have some ideas you say? I'm all ears."
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Discussing problems
"It's just we've got too many men," Rodgin said, starting to walk back away from Aran, giving him space and time. "We've had so many men come in lately, I haven't had time to really pick through them. There are too many men, and too untrained."
Rodgin shrugged, finding it wierd that he was almost an equal with his teacher. He would never forget those first days here. He thought he would never live this long.
"I just don't know what to do with them. We have to start turning some of them away. Or at least not just putting them in the legion."
Rodgin Kemph - Ex-Master Blacksmith of Saldea
Niamh Zephan Board Admin WT OL Black Tower Civi
Posts: 87
(4/7/06 5:31 pm) Reply
Re: Discussing problems
The child was a little at a loss as to what was happening. When his mother handed him over to his father, he looked back to her for reassurance, seeing the smile on his mommy's face he looks up and says, "dada?" This causes his mother to chuckle, "Yes baby that's your daddy." Stepping forward the Domani wrapped her arms around the M'Hael and held him tightly, their child along with him.
The words the two men were speaking filtered toward the young woman's ears and she turned to frown at them, "If my thoughts mean anything here, then I would not suggest that." She frowns and looks to Aran and then back to Raekel and Rodgin, "Sending people away when the Last Battle looms on the horizen would be a bad idea." Folding her hands in front of her she sighs and says, "Eldrie wasn't the Dragon Reborn, but... somewhere out there is a man who is, which means the Shadow will be lurking.. striking when we least expect it." She looks back at the child now cooing and playing with his father's long hair, "Perhaps we should send someone to look for him?"
Aran Alandar M'Hael Black Tower OL
Posts: 41
(4/10/06 12:02 pm) Reply
Re: Discussing problems
Aran smiled at Niamh and turned to face Raekal and Rodgin.
" I do not feel that we are in the position to send any away who would help. I agree that they may not be able to serve under arms but we can find other uses for them. Whether it be as craftsmen, farmers or even wagon drivers they can serve in some way. There is no need to fear for lack of food or housing. We can travel to get whatever food we need and the Asha'man can make housing quickly enough. We will turn the Black Tower into a city to rival Tar Valon and for that we need people not just Asha'man and warriors but everyday people."
It was hard to talk and he knew he looked foolish trying to hold his squirming son but he went on.
" As to finding the Dragon Reborn...we must indeed find him but as to how..." he shook his head.
" If anyone has any ideas on how we would search for him let me know."
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 157
(4/11/06 1:41 pm) Reply
Re: Discussing problems
Raekal stared at Niamh and Aran. He hadn't expected them to hear his and Rodgin's small conversation, but their input strengthened his own argument . . . but yet, Aran did need rest, and here they were talking about Black Tower business . . .
"I'm sorry to continue disturbing you M'Hael, we'll let you get some rest before we make you worry about anything." He smiled fondly at Niamh and the child. He had been worried about what she might do when Aran had vanished, but she had been solid. A person to respect and admire . . . "We'll leave you with your family."
Motioning to Rodgin to follow him out, he smiled and shook his head slightly while in the hallway. "I agree with them. We can't turn men away if they want to join. But we do have a problem with most of the men being untrained and green . . . the Band has several veteran trainers. Perhaps we can ask if Lord Mandell would loan us some to train our own men? I know the pressure upon you is too great to do it all yourself." Raekal shrugged slightly. "But you know how I am when it comes to military. As long as they line up straight, they're good to go."
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Discussing problems
Rodgin chuckled to himself at Raekal's statement. He was right about his military history. Rodgin knew that his old mercenary unit would be able to butcher most of these men.
"The M'hael and Niamh are right about needing people," Rodgin said slowly, "but we've got more men then most nations full muster. You're right, I can't train them, but we aren't the Band. We are the Black Tower. We need to find something that works for us. I don't want us to be dependant on the Band. Too much of the Black Tower is at stake with them as it is."
Rodgin sighed and kept on walking, his large frame pulled to full height.
"Though Lord Mandell is a good leader. I wonder if he's as good of a fighter as they say. Perhaps we should invite him sometime. I may have a gift for him."
Rodgin glanced sideways at Raekal, and then looked to see where they were. They had wandered into the training yard. It was all he could do to keep himself from besting Raekal right there with a quick shielding. He kept more honor then that.
"First Storm Leader Dunshain," Rodgin said with a smile, turning himself squarly towards Raekal, "Will you accept my challange? Perhaps the Student has finally learned more then the teacher."
Rodgin stood like a statue, waiting for Raekal's responce.
Rodgin Kemph - Ex-Master Blacksmith of Saldea
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 159
(4/12/06 4:37 pm) Reply
Re: Discussing problems
Turning Rodgin's thoughts over and over in his mind, it was a moment before Raekal registered just what it was that his friend had said, and he realized where they were. Remembering fondly past . . . . events that had taken place here, he smiled broadly, brushing back a strand of blond hair that had fallen loose into his eyes. "Why, Rodgin, I didn't know that you ever considered yourself a student," he said, and leapt backwards, saidin flooding into him, whirling out in a wall of air to push Rodgin backwards and gain him some manuevering room. "But of course, I accept!"
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Kerin Lizaile) -- Bonded to Kamariana (Tristan Du'saa) -- Gaidin in Training
Re: Discussing problems
At the first leak of Saiden, Rodgin pulled in an ample amount and clipped the wall clean before it got to him. His blade came out and and a wave of earth was thrown forward towards his old teacher and he followed behind it to close the distance and add his sword advantage.
"Slave, student, call it what you will," Rodgin said with a laugh, pushing towards Raekal with Arc of the Moon. "I still learned from you and now look at where I am."
Hoping the blade work was keeping Raekal busy, he tried to loop him and trip him up with air and readied a shield to jam in as soon as he found an opening. This would be the hardest work he would do in a while.
Fighting off a wave of nausia, Rodgin prepared a defensive thread, waiting for Raekal's counter attack. The man never did get good enough with the sword to compete. Rodgin only hoped that it was still enough of an advantage.
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