Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 98
(2/16/06 5:16 pm) Reply
Tristan's Flight
The Tower loomed high overhead, the sky a dark and angry black above it. A storm was coming. Or rather, a storm was already here, and nature was just beginning to realize it and back up the circumstances that plagued the ground. It was still dead calm on the ground, though the clouds were boiling. Any moment now the storm would break . . . Tristan didn't want to still be out in it when that happened.
He moved forwards, forcing his legs to cooperate. They objected, of course, sending hot murmurs of agony up his spine to his brain. He hadn't stopped . . . not . . . not since . .. Light, how long had he been running? His eyes were red, his skin blistered from overexposure to the sun, his lips dried and cracked from lack of water. He had run out of supplies long ago. His time was running short . . . but he had made it. He would be able to live, hopefully. If the Tower saw fit to grant him aid, of course.
He moved one bloodied leg ahead of the other. The first few days of running had been endless, stumbling through the night. His knees and palms were criss-crossed with cuts and scrapes from numerous falls, his cheek swollen from a sharp rock that he had landed on. His feet had long since passed the stage of blisters and open sores, his boots little more than flaps loosely held together by a few strings. His clothes, tugged and pulled at by wind and water, were ragged and dirty, though still whole, for the most part.
The gates loomed closer and closer, and a thin smile crosed his sun-tanned features. On a good day, Tristan would have looked much better than this. On a good day, Tristan would have stood tall at just about 5 feet and 4 inches, rather average for a Cairheinin, dressed in the deep earthen, natural colors of his house, dark brown and a deep emerald green. An ornamental sword would have hung upon his hip, his dark black hair pulled back into a well-groomed ponytail. His face would have been clean-shaven, clear, his blue/green eyes light and full of joy. He wished that today was one such day, and did not see him like this.
He wished that Sophia was with him.
Sophia was probably dead, however. She had been with . . . with HIM when he had left, running for his life. How he had escaped the pursuit was still a blur in his mind, a terrified bundle of adrenaline-driven actions and memories. He shivered at the mere memory, and realized that the wind had started, driving through the streets. Those left outdoors were running for shelter now. Thunder pounded in the skies, lightning flickering in the distance, slowly coming closer. Lightning this late in the year was odd enough as it was, but . . . here as well? He shivered again, and it was nothing to do with the cold wind that did it.
He staggered forwards, wincing as a lop-sided cobblestone caught his boot and down he went again, his knees smacking the stones with a crack. He stayed down for a moment, resisting with his entire will the desire to merely curl up right then and there and surrender to the pain. He needed to get to the Tower. He needed to find the Warders, the legendary swordsmen, guardians of the White Tower. He needed to find them, learn from them, absorb from them . . . he needed revenge. Revenge against the man that had stolen his family, his life, his love, everything that Tristan had held dear to his heart.
He pushed himself back up, buoyed by the power of his thoughts, and managed a few more steps. Men appeared before him. Some watching sentinel had called out his appearance. They were talking, but the wind whipped their words away, gaining power steadily. The first few drops of rain began to fall, plinking down around him. He turned to the rain, forgetting who he was, what he was doing, his past, his future, everything. He stared up into the sky, the wet rain hitting him in the face. His lips parted to absorb the soft rain, the water trickling across the cracks, down into his parched throat. It seemed to energize and support him.
Spreading his arms to the sky, his eyes flashed blue in the vibrant intensity of a near lightning strike. The thunder shook him to his bones, the men coming to his aid stopping nearby. One was calling out to him, yelling at him, asking him if he needed help.
"I COME!" Tristan yelled at the sky, the clouds, the storm. The black reminded him forcibly, suddenly, of the black smoke that had risen from his barn, where they had locked the servants, the people . . . his parents . . . his sister . . . everyone that they had found there that day, locked them away, stuffed them inside, burnt the wood, wood burning, pouring smoke, smoke lifting up from their bodies, their mouths screaming, screams that echoed out across the land, flames licking, licking flames . . .
He was on his back, two men kneeling over him. His eyes flickered back and forth between them for a moment. One had a stange insignia on his shoulder, a white flame looking thing, crossed by a pair of swords. He wondered what house the man was from, why he had come to pay the House of Ikiron a visit. "Welcome," he tried to croak, but nothing came out, his mouth working soundlessly. Reality sank in suddenly, and he grabbed the insignia, staring at it for a moment. "The Tower?" he whispered. The man answered, words that Tristan couldn't understand. The rain was coming down hard now, he realized. He was soaked, lying in a puddle, the wind whipping and pulling at him. "I need . . . Warders . . . help . . ." and he sank into oblivion.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Vadin Shan) -- Bonded to Laura Sedai
Richard was staring at the maps that lay strewn across his desk. He was never meant to be the commander of an army, just the teacher of men. But the wheel weaved as the wheel willed and now he found himself having to plan the defence, offence, and entire military strategy of the White Tower. Thankfully there were several green sisters to help him, but it was still more then he had wanted when he started all those years ago.
So, it was in this state of study and personal lament that he was brought back to reality with a heavy pounding on his door. Opening it he saw two of the Tower Guards carrying a poor broken lad. He looked as if he had travelled through hell for a month. Richard gave a sideways grin at the boys toughness. To have gone through what he had, the boy would do well anywhere.
"Go get me a yellow sister," Richard barked, his voice holding littel kindness. "If we hurry this lad can still be saved."
The guards rushed back out into the rain, another feture Richard only just noticed. He scolded himself for being too deep in his work.
"Hang in there lad, help is on the way," he said with a smile. "The last embrace of the Mother is not to take you tonight."
Re: Tristan's Flight
"Alexia Sedai! A moment please!”
Turning around slowly, a grim smile on her face, Alexia searched the crowd for the person who called out for her. The group of woman behind her was large but slowly they started to part through the middle as a Yellow sister pushed and shoved her way by. Amazing how they seem to just let her do that without some much as a word of malice. A genuine smile appeared as she watched Enid make her way to her.
Enid Sedai had been Alexia’s trusted friend since they were Accepted together. It had started off rocky but soon enough they were inseparable. She watched stout but nice woman climb toward her. It was hard to believe she had just sat through a lecture by her. Enid was now one of the leading researchers of healing and it’s many anomalies. From wanting to hunt male channelers to healing was a jump Enid took as they were in the middle of Acceptedhood. It surprised Alexia since she was sure the both of them would have become Reds. They talked about hunting channelers as well as anything that the Dark One could raise from the Pit of Shayol Ghul.
Now she needed Enid for a different reason.
“Alexia!” The husky woman took a few breaths before she spoke again. “I am very glad you could come to the lecture. Most of the time I only see my fellow ajah sisters and of course novices and Accepted.” “It was very informative Enid. I was unaware of all the new things you have discovered with your research.” Enid blushed and Alexia grinned. Enid had grabbed her hand as they made small talk and pulled her along through the crowds that were in the hallway. Enid and her fellow researchers was a popular bunch from what Alexia could tell. It was rare to have such a large audience for lectures in the Tower that were not made up of students. But from what Alexia could see many full sisters of varying ajahs had come to hear the research findings.
“So what can I help you with Lex? It’s been too long since we have talked.” Enid had pulled her into a deserted hallway and was watching her intently. Alexia gave her a look and pulled her along the hall. “I have questions about birthing and other such things.” Enid giggled until she saw her friend’s face then she frowned. “Alexia I do hope you are not telling me you are pregnant.” Enid embraced Saidar and Alexia quickly let go of her hand. “No you twit! I am not but there is some I know who is.” Glaring at the woman Alexia continued down the hall. Shuffling behind her told her Enid hurried to catch up. “Then who is this person? I am very curious.” Alexia turned to her and stopped again. “I will tell you once we are in the privacy of my rooms. But for now we have other problems.” She turned a corner going down another hall. “How much do you know about gentling?” “Gentling? Well not as much as I would like am afraid. Why?” Alexia was about to explain when two guards come up to them.
“We are sorry Aes Sedai but we were asked to seek out the first Yellow Ajah sister we found.”
“What has happened?” Alexia asked as she nodded to their bows.
“A man was brought to Master Richard an hour or so ago. He is severely injured.”
Enid frowned, “I will go with you at once.”
Alexia nodded and made to follow as the guards lead them to the Master at Arms.
When they reached the rooms sometime later Alexia studied him. The stranger looked as if he had been traveling for months and not in the best of conditions. She looked over to Richard as Enid delved him for more serious injuries, “Has he told you anything of why he was found this way?” Before Richard could say anything the amn started to groan and shy away from Enid.
"Hold still sir." Enid whispered nicely but the man started and opened his eyes quickly. He watched them as they stared at him.
"Well now that you are awake sir what happened to you?"
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 102
(2/16/06 9:13 pm) Reply
Re: Tristan's Flight
//FLASH//
fire burning, burning, licking at skin, drooping skin, sagging with heat and pain, faces screaming, agony roaring, roaring, death coming, coming
//FLASH//
mine, mine, mine, mine, mine . . . you cannot hold, you cannot see, you cannot touch, you cannot have
//FLASH//
her face, framed by golden locks, waving as she screamed, screamed, hands clawing, hands gripping, reaching out for safety
//FLASH//
"Hold still sir." Oddly spoken words that bounced off of the inside of his skull, rebounding around inside, dancing lights off of his eyelids. He was hungry, violently so, lacking the strength to utter such. He was cold as well, like he had been doused in a cold rain shower.
Thunder boomed, lightning casting shadows through a window.
//FLASH//
no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no no
//FLASH//
"Well now that you are awake sir what happened to you?"
He blinked slowly, realizing with a small start that he had been awake for a while now, that he was staring up at unfamiliar faces that held no trace of threat or malcontent, that they were concerned, worried, curious. He tried to speak, but nothing came out by a dry, hoarse croak. Someone lifted him up into a sitting position. Some of his aches and pains had gone, but he heard one of the two women whisper to the other: "He is too weak to fully heal. He needs food before I can do anything."
He tried to utter the word "food" to show them that he was indeed hungry, but his hand wouldn't even work right when he tried to raise it. He had a bad habit of speaking with his hands. Without them, he simply could not articulate. "Here's some water," someone said. He wasn't sure which. His perception was so badly fogged that it was hard to even see straight, but cool water was suddenly running across his lips, down his dry, dry throat, and he was swallowing greedily, sucking at the life-giving moisture. He sat back, feeling it soak into him like he was a dry sponge, then gestured for more. Another cup went down, and he dabbed at his lips with his hands. They came away spotted red; the mere presence of water had eased some of the splits open again with the effort of swallowing.
"I . . . my name," he said hoarsely. Another glass of water replaced the second, and he drank it down. His stomach refused yet another. He feared he might get sick was he to drink any more at the moment, and instead shook his head slightly to clear it. "My name is Tristan Ikiron. I . . . I am from Cairhein. My House, my family . . . they were killed. All of them. A man . . ." he felt conciousness fading already, and let homself sag backwards into the grip of whoever it was that was holding him upright, supporting him. "He . . . slaughtered us. Burnt them alive. Sophia . . . he took Sophia . . ."
And he was gone again.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Vadin Shan) -- Bonded to Laura Sedai
Re: Tristan's Flight
Richard watched with a wry grin at the young man's plight. He would live. The boy must have ran for days judging by his shoes, and then walked when his legs wouldn't run anymore. Some food, some water, some healing, and they could send him on his way.
"What do you suggest I do, Aes Sedai," he asked softly, looking at Alexia. She had been in charge of things for a while, and was the ranking one here. He wished they would have found Anberlin, but she was busy with other things. "I have a room available to keep him till he gets better. In fact, I even have a boy or two to look after him."
Richard smiled a cruel, calculating grin. The young lark from Andor would definitly benefit from serving his fellow man. He loved being in charge of things.
Re: Tristan's Flight
Alexia took in the news the boy said before he passed out again. Enid sighed and cooed over him while she continued to assess his injuries. House Ikiron was a good house although not much was known to her about it. She would endeavor to change that fact soon enough and find out who this Sophia is the young lord was so worried about.
"Well if you think you have a room for him here in the barracks then I suggest you put him there." She saw the calculating look in Richard's eye and smiled. The new Master at Arms was a shrewd man. Not really having anytime to ask him what he had planned for Tristan she gave Enid a look telling her to hurry. Her gaze went back to the now resting traveller. He seemed to be alright and she had hoped to talk to him more about what happened to him. The fact that his entire family had been killed called for a bit of action her part. If it were not for Yasha she would not get involved but the woman was bound to Cairhien so Alexia felt it was a her duty, even if it was misguided to her thinking, to help her how she could. And indirectly help the young man also.
-Yasha Murikovine Queen of Saldaea- -Brenna Selanos BT Civilian- -Aiden D'orgen BotRH- -AND Bio Checker-
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 105
(2/19/06 1:29 pm) Reply
Re: Tristan's Flight
Tristan woke slowly. He still hurt, but he felt amazingly better than he had before. He slowly sat up, looking around him at the unfamiliar settings. Slowly, memory trickled back into him, and he remembered slightly this room from before. He had been here a while back . . . or was it a lifetime ago? An hour? Perhaps three. He couldn't know. It was quiet, but he sensed other people nearby. As one could usually tell when one was alone and when one was not, he could tell he was not.
He found a man staring at him from across a plain wooden desk, and attempted a small smile. All it did was make him grimace as his lips, starting to heal, cracked again. He rubbed them with one hand, looking down at himself, still in his dirt-stained clothes, unwashed. He supposed he was slightly grateful towards the fact that his dignity was still intact, but dismayed at the messiness of his appearance. He needed new clothes.
"I'm sorry I came the way I did last night," he said softly to the man. He wished he knew his name. Then his apology would be more appropriate. "I suppose I was quite the sight." He looked around, realizing that his stomach was rumbling uncomfortably. "I . . . I don't suppose you have any food about? I don't really have any gold to share . . ." that hurt worse than the apology. He was a noble! Rich blood! Reduced to scrapping and begging for a scrap of a meal. Such ridiculousness . . . he wouldn't be surprised if the man, whoever he was, put him straight out right away.
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Vadin Shan) -- Bonded to Laura Sedai
Re: Tristan's Flight
Richard smiled at the poor boy. He could see his dignity was hurt by the fact he even had to ask for food. Richard stood to his full 6'5" and moved towards the door.
"You are a guest Master Ikiron," Richard said softly, "and as such should not regret the request for food. I would like to know more about your plight and what has brought you to the White Tower. There are other who would be interested as well. After you eat and I hear your story, you will be moved to another room and given any accomodations you wish. As I said, a guest. More tehn many Nobles can say of teh White Tower."
He opened the door and gave a few short words to a trainee passing by. The lad took off quickly and Richard turned back to his desk to watch this new boy who had found his way here with the rain.
Richard loved the rain. So soft, yet so fearsome. Pushed by the wind it wore down even the ground. It was enough to inspire anyman. His eyes stared into Tristan's, a small bit of warmth on a hard face.
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 106
(2/19/06 2:13 pm) Reply
Re: Tristan's Flight
Tristan nodded, remaining silent until the food had been brought to him. He was deep in thought. He figured that the best way to get this man's aid in learning the sword to be totally and completely honest with him. And that was one thing that he wasn't sure he was ready to face himself. The horrors of that day, the things he had seen and heard, the sights and sounds that had echoed from that . . . he choked off his thoughts, straining not to let more tears flow. The last image he had seen dancing hauntingly in his mind . . .
The door opened, and he figured someone had knocked or something, because the man behind the desk was nodding and pointing at Tristan. A huge, full plate of food was laid before him and he ate hungrily, sucking down beef and chicken alike, not really tasting much but knowing that his stomach was completely empty and was thoroughly enjoying the food. He wiped his mouth on his sleeve, not caring about the rotten clothes he still wore. He had been told he would be given quarters . . . perhaps they would have some clothes he could wear as well.
After eating three times as much as he had ever eaten inside a day, much less than at one sitting, he pushed the remainder on the tray to the side, sucked down some water, and sighing contendly, he looked back to the man behind the desk.
"First, I don't believe we were properly introduced. I am Tristan Du'saa. I am no lord, not anymore. I was betrothed to Lady Sophia Ikiron. I was going to be the Lord of their House, stayed with them for quite some time now. Me and Sophia were . . . were very much in love." He looked away, blinking back tears. She had been with . . . HIM. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. "Ranine Voda was another of her suitors. From a much smaller house, like I am. Only, she did not choose him, she chose me, and he became insanely jealous.
"It started then, I suppose. But what else Ranine has become is something beyond my comprehension. He attacked the House in the middle of the night. Lightning fell from a clear sky, fire leapt from the hands of men." He thought he saw something dark in the eyes of the other, but wasn't sure. He closed his eyes, trying not to cry, not to show weakness here in the Tower. He had to relate the story. "I was not in the House. Sophia's brother and I had went hunting the day before and stayed out the night, but we heard the thunder, saw the fires, and rode hard to get back. By the time we got there . . ."
He trailed off, seeing the images dancing behind his eyelids. "Ranine had rounded up all of the servants. The men and women . . . everyone that had survived the short and fierce battle. My parents. My sister. Sophia's family, all of our friends. Everyone. He had locked them all in a barn . . . we rode up too late, seeing the doors locked and this man stepped forwards, raised his hands, and down came the lightning and the fire in pillars, and the barn was in flames. I can . . . I can still hear their screams as they were burnt alive in that barn . . ."
He was silent for a long moment, leaning over with his head between his knees. The tears had come regardless, burning hot tracks down his cheeks. "Ranine is an evil man," he ground out, straightening back up. "He saw us, and took her brother. I ran, and ran, and ran, never looking back, never once. I ran because I knew that someone there had to survive. I knew that someone had to live on to fight back. That's why I'm here! Ranine intends of raising his army and attackign Cairhein. He intends on taking the Sun Throne for himself. He has Sophia . . . he spared her from the flames, and she seems smitten with him." His voice was growing hotter and hotter, anger burning within him. "That is why . . . you must train me! You must teach me how to use the sword, so that I can return, and defeat him!"
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Vadin Shan) -- Bonded to Laura Sedai
Re: Tristan's Flight
Richard nodded slightly, seeming to understand it all without a question. He had to tell Alexia this. And perhaps Mother. He wasn't sure if he trusted her yet, but that didn't matter.
"Well, if you wish to train, you will be allowed to do that. There is a room on the first floor, third door on the left. It's open and yours if you want it. It is all set up for a new warder trainee. You are to rest there for three days. Not two, not four, three. There will be a recruit at your door all the time. If you wish for antything, just ask him and he will fetch it. He will empty your chamberpot, he will do whatever is needed."
Richard stood up and lead the young man to the door. He was getting more men then he knew what to do with. Thankfully he needed them. He had lost too many as of late.
"Now, please enjoy your stay as our guest. Once you become a trainee, life will be quite different. Rest up. Healing will take it out of a person. Trust me, I know."
Watching the bopy get to the door he needed, he then sent for Ivron. The boy was about to learn one of the hardest lessons a noble could. And Richard loved teaching it.
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 107
(2/19/06 5:04 pm) Reply
Re: Tristan's Flight
Sitting inside his new room, Tristan stared at the walls around him, the blank wood numbing his mind into a state of almost traumatic shock. He winced as he stood, making his legs work again. The Yellow Sister had already come and healed him again. He was ravenously hungry again, though the very fact seemed entirely impossible. Though, when the servant came directly from the kitchens at the Yellow Sister's request with the massive tray of food, he was staring at it no longer than thirty minutes later, wondering where most of it had went as he soaked up the last few crumbs with his moist fingertips.
Wandering in circles, he finally fell asleep again, and when he woke, he decided to try to go for a walk, rising slowly and heading towards the door. Perhaps this trainee that the . . . man . . . he regretted now the fact that he had never got his name . . . had said would be here would actually be outside now, and he would see what he could tell him about training around here. He would need a sword too. Perhaps he could learn fast, return before Ranine could move against Cairhein.
OOC: just kinda my filler . . . *shrugs* I suppose Ivron won't be too happy about having to babysit for a while, so maybe they can have a talk while wandering the grounds?
(Raekal Dunshain) -- First Stormleader Asha'man Bonded to Brenna Selanos (Saker Mandell) -- King of Manetheren (Rahien Shan) -- King of Arafel (Vadin Shan) -- Bonded to Laura Sedai
The shock of sound shattered the seemingly unending stillness that had cloaked the deserted corridor. A smile slowly crept over Ivron's lips. His teacher's words echoed through his head again for what had to be the hundredth time.
"Look after him boy. His welfare is in your hands for the next three days. Fail me and you'll be mucking stalls for more than just a week this time."
The odd smile that crossed his usually stone hard features betrayed the stern facade he usually attempted to impose on the new recruits. Perhaps this was one of Master Richard's ever common attempts to teach him humility. Pushing aside the moments recourse he once againg focused on the task at hand. His charge, and it was now evident that he was awake. Placing one hand on the tarnished brass door knob he tapped lightly on the ironbound wooden door and entered the small chamber. Surprised to see the tattered man awake Ivron's well practiced speech caught in his throat.
"Welcome to the white tower Tristan, and of more import welcome to your soul mate."
With a slight turn Ivron produced a short ragged looking practice blade.
"Compliments of the master at arms." "It is never to leave your side."
Ivron smiled and moved aside the cloak to reveal the similar blade that adorned his hip.
"Dont worry we all get them here."
Raekal RP Admin Band OL King of Manetheren
Posts: 153
(4/3/06 1:41 pm) Reply
Re: Tristan's Flight
Tristan looked at the man that came in a bit oddly. There was an air around him, an aura of . . . arrogance. This man was used to being in charge. Tristan wasn't much different, but he had learned at a young age that giving orders was only a small part of being a good Lord of the land; being able to help, lend a hand where a hand was needed . . . that was the stuff that made a man, a man. That was what his father had always told him, anyway. Sadly, he wondered how his family was currently fairing; they weren't that far from where Ranine now ruled. "I thank you," Tristan said after only a moment's pause, and took the sword from the man's hand. The grip was well-worn, the leather peeling back around the edges, worn smooth by the hands of another. He hefted it slowly. It was heavier than the light rapiers he had always worn and used while fencing, stronger, more powerful. He at once liked the feel of it. Looking back up at the stranger that knew his name, he smiled slightly. "I suppose you're my guide around the Tower? I was told I would be getting some new clothes and the like soon. Are you to take me there? And I'm afraid I didn't get your name . . ."
(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
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