Fanfic:Intertwined

Intertwined

Author(s)	Bella Kenneth Edberg
Character(s)	Caden Ives Miahala Ives

This is a piece of fanfiction. Only the original author(s) or Librarian(s) should make content changes to this page.

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Stables

They had agreed to meet in the stables, once Caden was done speaking with Amora.

Miahala had headed down there almost immediately to prepare her horse, as she very rarely had a stablehand take care of it. She was Saldaean through and through, thus she preferred to tend to it on her own when it was possible. Today it was. She tried not to think about the conversations before this and any uncertainty she felt on the matter of positions. She would support him, no matter what.

It was what a friend would do; what a bondmate would do; what a lover would do...

What a wife would do.

"N'dore," she whispered as her steed stood in the cross-ties, waiting patiently. His tack was placed and her bags settled. He lowered his head while she stroked his fur, running her fingertips over the white hairs that were showing around his eyes. "You're going grey, my friend," she said, her tone was warm. "Before I know it, I'll be letting you retire to a life of green grass and mares." Her laugh was soft.

"For now, though, you'll remain with me." She briefly leaned her head against his and he was still, whickering softly but not moving otherwise. They knew each other well. "It's been a strange life," she said, speaking to herself this time, really. She was heading to Arafel... to wed Caden. This was something that she never would have anticipated, but she found that she was glad for it.

A noise behind her alerted her to the presence of another, while the swelling of the bond told her who it was. She straightened and glanced back over her shoulder to see his approach.

Placing a hand over the small of Miahala's back, Caden Ives leaned over her shoulder and kissed her. With a small smile, he whispered for her ears alone once their lips finally parted.

"Are you ready for this?"

He had, in the end, accepted the position of Master of Arms in the Warder Yards. It had not been a choice, really, but somehow he would come to terms with it. He did not doubt his ability to carry out the duty, but he knew the position would take time from his duty as Miahala's Warder while they resided in the Tower. And she knew it, too.

Although, while they led their lives inside the Tower battlements, Miahala had duties of her own, and therefore Caden often volunteered to teach the new recruits the way of the Sword to pass the days. This position, he hoped, would thus not become the burden it first had seemed - it would merely change the way he spent it. If all went well, the burden of their duties would turn out equal; allowing them to have a life together at the end of each day.

Yet now, they ran away from everything - to pursue a cause only their own. Before he took up his seat in the Executive Council, they would leave while they still could.

"I believe so," she said and her voice held amusement in it, amusement speaking to the fact that she full well knew that she was wholly ready and that he knew it, too. "Are you?" There was a slightly more serious edge to the return question, for she had been on this threshold not once but twice before and knew how to understand herself in its terms... but Caden's experiences in life had differed from hers.

"I'd like to think I'm not a very rash man," he replied, running his arm around her side, "Not when it comes to love, at least. And even if I were, I was the one who proposed to you, remember? And I have had a considerable amount of time to change my mind since then."

Kissing her lightly to punctuate his reply, Caden stepped away to the stall that held Winterbourne. With skilled efficiency, he prepared his mount for yet another journey. Winterbourne was just as grizzled as he was - now completely white instead of the charcoal-black coloring with white dapples he had worn when Caden received him as a gift from Kanamai Sedai.

"You care naught but for your duty to your master, don't you?" he rasped to the eerily intelligent animal. "I envy you, old friend. Right now, I wish I had such a simple path in life."

The warhorse responded only with a silent stare before turning back to look in the direction of the exit - if anything at all, seemingly eager to get out of the stables once more.

N'dore gave a soft whicker again, announcing his own eagerness to be off. Mia laughed softly. "I think we should be on our way," she said with a small smile.

Then they were off, leaving the Tower through the main gates and picking a path down the mountainside. As soon as they could, they turned their mounts north and began a journey back to the nation where they had found each other again. Arafel, thought Caden as he gazed upon the horizon, the homeland I never thought existed, yet a home I held no greater love for in the end. My place was not there. It was here, all along. Yet I could not know until I had reclaimed my place in life. Now, however, I have duties there as well, although they are few.

The days turned into weeks and they shared the road north as they used to do while traveling together. Companionably, lovingly - relishing the true freedom in life that the journeying presented. Time and anon, they arranged for rooms at the inns of towns and villages they passed through, but they more often slept in the wild. Miahala spoke with informants when opportunity presented itself.

Over all, though, the trip passed quietly - which was more than could be said of most their journeys - and before long, it seemed, they had arrived at their intended destination.

The Arrival

When they finally reached Southgate, it had not changed at all since they had last seen it. The farming village consisted of thirty low wood houses, including an inn, a bakery, a smithy and a few shops. The fountain in the small square that had originally belonged to the two acre mansion gardens seemed a sharp contrast to the more newly built wooden houses.

Since no water ran from the platform where an ancient relative of Caden's stood in the stirrups of his courser, it now served as a regular statue. The villagers had used to keep the fountain clean even though it was not functioning, and now, Caden saw that they had just recently filled in with earth and planted rosebushes in it.

When they rode through Southgate this time around, Caden had chosen not to hide his face with the hood of his melted fancloak. The reaction spread slowly, like lazy flames across a tapestry, and the villagers came forward to greet him; shouting for more to come see the arrival of their Lord.

"Lord Ives has returned! Hail Lord Ives! Hail Lord Ives the Just! Lord Ives the Returned!"

Because his smile more often gave fright than anything else, Caden instead raised a gauntleted hand to the gathering crowd in greeting. He suffered the attention steadily and sometimes reached down shake hands with the commoners from his horseback. He knew not why they loved him so, for even though he had replaced a Lord that mistreated the common folk and drained from with taxes and regulations, he had done little in the way of putting on a public face.

Maybe....

"Miahala," he rasped and turned his eye to her, where she sat in the saddle. "I feel that I should tell them. Not only would it gall my family that I did not tell them first, but I feel that I owe these people for the time I have been away."

A faint amused smile had been curving Mia's mouth since things began. She was grateful that the attention was on him and not her, but it was always ...interesting to her to see this side of him. Now that he had asked the question, her head tilted slightly and one brow rose. "If you wish, my love," she said simply.

Caden nodded with a smile sent through the bond. At the edge of the square, underneath the old stone archway, he turned Winterbourne around and faced the crowd.

"People of Southgate," he roared with his damaged throat. "I greet you all with joy, and not only because I find such a warm welcome, but because I have returned to marry this lady by my side!" There were loud cheers, louder than the rather small crowd should be able to muster. "Her name is Miahala Sha'hal and she is an Aes Sedai of the Grey Tower," he continued.

"You all know that I was a Warder in times past. I am now a Warder again. Where we had first found a common cause to free mankind from the oppression of the Shadow, we have also found love for each other. We come to wed! And all are invited to witness the ceremony in the Outer Courtyard! Spread the word to the other two villages and await word of when it will be!"

The crowd was riveted by the announcement, and when Caden and Miahala waved and turned to leave, they had gathered an entourage of cheering villagers all the way to the Outer Guardhouse.

"A strange life," Mia said to herself with a soft laugh.

Over all, Mia had sought to not replicate things from her past. She purposely chose to remove the option of their wedding at the Tower, by the Amyrlin and the M'Hael, despite her friendship with the former. She wished her life in the Tower now to remain set apart from the personal one she kept in her heart. It was why the two were not outwardly showing of their relationship while in the Tower walls.

It was not that she wished to hide it, but simply to remain discrete. She imagined a few would be hearing of it now, for many had Eyes and Ears all over the place and this would purpose cause some stir... but that much, she did not mind. Those of the Tower would know discretion, as well. There were two, though, that were particularly informed.

When they passed through the abandoned Outer Guardhouse, the people who had been following them settled with waving and cheering after them.

While they made their way through the botanical gardens of the Outer Courtyard that encompassed the mansion, Caden gazed across them with something akin to affection. It had been here that he spent hours upon hours training while he had been away from the Yards. Even though his ambitions and his war had been expressed and fought with words and alliances, he had refused to become as soft as his noble relatives.

True enough, some of them were passingly good with the double curved swords that the Arafellins preferred, but they had not shared Caden's past; they had not shared his vigilance. He had trained the guards of the mansion personally, set them against himself in pitched battles where he fought alone. He did all he could to keep challenging himself.

Of all the land in his holdings, this was the place he liked the most. It had gladdened him that Miahala had found them suitable for the ceremony as well, when they had spoken of their arrangements on the journey north.

The high ringwall came into view after they made their way across the pavestone alley with marble statues. The greenery was left behind before they reached the wall, in order for the garrison to effectively defend the wall without having the enemy hide in the trees. The Main Guardhouse was directly ahead, and the stationed guards saw their approach.

"Halt!" came to shout from the Captain, and Caden's mind snapped back to the brief visit that he and Miahala had made shortly after she had found him in the woods. It was the same Captain, and it was the same shout he had given them. And his embarrassment upon seeing that it was his Lord that had returned equaled the last time too.

"My Lord! I could not have guessed! You have not sent word ahead of your return!"

"It seems I seldom do," rasped Caden in reply, "Don't mind us, stay on your post."

When he and Miahala rode past them, the Captain wrung his hands. "Should I not send word ahead and arrange a reception?"

"No, I said 'stay on your post'," said Caden without turning around in the saddle, "I can see the mansion from here, would you have me and my lady waiting here just so that someone can show us the way in? I can find the stables and the entrance myself, thank you. As you were, Captain."

"You keep scaring the poor fellow out of his wits with your unscheduled arrivals," Mia commented with a warm jest and sidelong smile before they arrived at the actual mansion and held a few moments of privacy before... all the rest would begin.

Of course, there was more surprise to be met as they left N'dore and Winterbourne to the hands of the guards inside, but Caden chose to pretend that it was raining. He turned deaf ears and casual comments to people who asked him about the nature of his return and who the lady beside him was. On that particular last question though, he spoke the truth to them, but not who she was.

"She is my bride," he said to some, and to others, "She is my wife to be." But he did not explain himself any. The time would come.

When they entered the Marble Foyer, the news of his return had already spread. Servants were running hither and dither, guards ran to and fro with messages (which were probably meant for his family's different factions), and Niga Santamar strode down one of the two staircases - already aware.

"My Lord!" he quavered and smiled with age-trembling lips, "You chose to honor us with your presence at last. We were beginning to fear we had lost you." In reaching the mosaic floor at last after much toil, he walked over to them. "There is so... much trouble keeping this poultry farm in order... when the rooster if fraternizing with foreign hens."

With a heavy sigh, Caden rolled his green eye at Niga.

It was just barely that Miahala managed to stifle a laugh, as Niga always had that affect on her. She covered it by raising one delicate gloved hand to her lips, brushing them inconspicuously and remaining silent while Caden and Niga jousted words.

"This rooster is getting too old to keep the squabbling hens of farm in firm order - and the fact of my aging appearance help little," he added and peered at Caden, suddenly a stern look crossing the set of his bushy eyebrows. "Did you bring back my books?"

Ignoring Niga's question, Caden spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, "I need to make arrangements for an announcement. The dining hall will suffice, during the evening meal."

"Will I be allowed to eat while you talk?" Niga asked without a moments pause.

"You will eat anyway, and you probably already know what I am going to say," rasped Caden and hinted a faint smile to his spy-master.

"Aye," replied Niga and a genuine affectionate smile bent his thin lips - his eyes suddenly crystal clear, "My congratulations to you both. And to you Lady Miahala Sha'hal Machera Jolstraer Sedai, welcome back. In the name of Steward of the House of Ives, I am honored that you've found this brute's estates fitting for the ceremony."

"Anywhere would be suitable so long as the event takes place and we have your gracious company," Mia said warmly and sincerely, for an Aes Sedai could not speak a lie. "It is good to see you again, truly." With the area mostly clear of all others now, she smiled and tilted her head slightly as she added, "I promise I've been doing my best to keep him out of trouble... at least any trouble I'm not directly involved in."

"I'm sure he has found trouble aplenty on his own," said Niga and grinned, "I can't expect you to save him all the time. He is like a squirrel that always reaches for the most far-fetched nut. No wonder he keeps falling out of the tree."

Caden was quickly loosing his patience with the blabbering fool of a spy. "My Lady, maybe we should withdraw to my chambers and get ready for the evening meal. I'm sure my liegeman has plenty to do so we shouldn't keep him." There was a barely concealed edge in his tone of voice. He began to walk away towards the stairs, gently ushering Miahala along with an outstretched hand.

"Bah! You could at least have brought back my books if you were going to visit! Aye... there is no manner to be found in today's youth... Run off you grizzled rodent!"

Mia laughed. It wasn't something that she did outside of Caden's sole company often, but she did now and it was a rich sound. She cast Niga a look which seemed to say 'we'll talk later'. She had to have some fun in life, aye?

"Oh, and one more thing," she began before Caden had dragged her off too far. "There'll be three guests coming soon. Two men and a woman, an Aes Sedai. They will be Ryne Machera Gaidin, Sadira Jolstraer Sedai and Scerai Gaidin. The first two are my children and with your keen observation, I am sure you will be able to tell. They are here for the ceremony and will be bringing a package for me. Please have it brought to me immediately?"

She was of no noble birth and even as an Aes Sedai retained manners when the other was not needed. She asked instead of commanded when it was possible.

"Since it is my Lady that is so humbly asking this old geezer," replied Niga and bowed, "I would be more than happy to oblige."

Mia smiled and inclined her head towards him. "Thank you, Niga," she said and then let Caden lead her upstairs.

The chambers of the High Seat was located in the centre cupola, at the top floor of the mansion. After crisscrossing through corridors which avidly depicted the House's history through tall tapestries and varying sizes of drawings, and after climbing a few expertly carved winding staircases, they arrived to Caden's rooms.

In regard to that they were the rooms of a High Seat of the Arafellin Houses, they were modest. In comparison to his Gaidin quarters in the Green Ajah halls, they were luxuriant.

The furniture and the decorations spoke of long history and triumph, but Caden had chosen to clear out some of the more superfluous items - to clear space to for him to practice with his weaponry indoors. The antechamber had a small door which led to a squire's room, but it was unoccupied. Caden had chosen to not take on a squire after Edon. He would never be able to forget if there was someone who took his place. The poor young man would have always been a constant reminder, and probably treated with mistrust - even if it would not have been something personal.

It was luxuriant by comparison to Mia's long held chambers as well, although since she was not like many other Aes Sedai that was not saying much, perhaps. "Very nice," she commented idly with a small smile.

"Here I lived while I was away from the Tower," he rasped to Miahala and led her inside. In the spacious reception room - with a desk and a few armchairs positioned before it - two servants in Ives livery waited.

"A bath has been prepared and a modest meal set to quench your hunger before it is time for the evening meal, my Lord," said one of them, both bowed low.

"Good," he rasped and removed his melted fancloak. "Thank you. The Lady and I wish not to be disturbed. Knock when its time."

"Yes, my Lord," said both in chorus and departed.

Pulling off her gloves and then removing her cloak, Mia gave a quirky smile. "I think I am glad that we will not be taking full residence here. I do not think I could get used to being called 'Lady'," she said with amusement. "Too many years hearing my title at the end of my name instead of the front I suppose." It was all said with warm and casual jest.

With a short bark of a laugh, Caden looked in her direction. "Don't worry. My years at this noble-infested mansion where everyone breathes and eats through the Game of Houses was at an end the day I swore myself to you again. You only have to put up with it until after the ceremony, where we leave them so assume their squabbling once more."

Foyer

Meanwhile, not too long after Mia and Caden had departed the foyer, a trio of riders made their way to the manor of Lord Ives. Niga, despite all protestations regarding his age, had been quick enough on the mark to warn the guardsman of this arrival and the three were allowed to pass without issue.

Dismounting before the house, their horses were taken though the men removed the necessary bags first. Sadie, for her part, only bore one paper-wrapped package, but it was of the greatest importance.

"Don't you think it odd?" Sadie said as the three stood in front of the house, not yet entering. "Here we stand at the ages we are and we are preparing to attend our mother's wedding?"

She looked at her brother on this question. Despite the question's wording, however, it was only a moment of jest for her smile was as warm as her mother's and father's combined. She was happy for them both. This was a dark world and darker times. Let light shine where ever it may.

Ryne laughed softly. His voice was rough at the edges, not quite made of gravel but almost. This was not how it always was, but losing Quitara had made many things different. Only his mother had saved him, so his feelings about this were the same. He had felt this way, though, when she wed Darien, for the Blue had been as much a father as his blood one was - except in Dreams.

"I think it's amazing," Ryne said. "I never really found such a thing as this in my life. It was too greatly dedicated to Quitara and we were too companionable for such things," he said, his words pensive. Grey streaked through his hair, revealing something of his age although the length of his bond - until its painful termination - had slowed it a great deal.

"It is a blessing," Sadie said with a sidelong smile at Scerai. Then she turned back to her brother. "You never know, though. You may find it yet, for you are still young. Things differ in our world." She paused, looking at the house. "Perhaps a nice noblewoman to smooth out your dreadfully rough edges." She smiled again.

He eyed her sidelong. "Little sister, don't think just because you're some all powerful blue that I cannot still take you," he teased. Scerai chuckled quietly and Sadie laughed musically.

After this little interchange, the three moved themselves more in to their usual roles and less like siblings and friends. They were still warm, for there was no need for the usual chill of business, but they behaved more their age and position as they moved forward and in to the house to be greeted after a moment's time...

"Ah!" came the exclamation from Niga once they stepped into the Marble Foyer. He bowed as deep as his smarting back allowed. "Our expected guests! My name is Niga Santamar, Steward for Lord Ives at these humble estates! Welcome to you, Sadira Sedai, Ryne Gaidin and Scerai Gaidin. I hope your journey was without strife. Might I offer the three of you some kaf in the salon? Let me see, you want it with some milk in it as always, Aes Sedai? And your seers, I reckon you both still want it black and bitter, right?"

Sadira's lips quirked in a smile and one brow arched just before she exchanged glances with the men. "You are quite well informed, sir," she said lightly.

"I make it my business to know things," explained Niga, and spread his hands, "but I am innocent this time. Miahala Sedai already gave me your names."

"We were thinking it more impressive that you have knowledge of our preferences for kaf," Ryne supplied.

"Oh, that," Niga waved it off, but his eyes glimmered mysteriously as he turned to lead the way inside. "What kind of servant would I be if I wouldn't provide for my guests' desires?" Inwardly, he chuckled. He had been a spy in the serving ranks of the Grey Tower for many years, working for Caden while he was Gaidin Captain and even before that. He had not had any use for this tidbit of knowledge until this point, nor had he bothered to report these trivial facts to his liege, but it amused him greatly to be able to finally pull it out of his hat. "Say, did you bring any books with you? I have found myself shorthanded since my grumpy liege took most of it away to the Tower, hmm?"

Sadie's smile was not apologetic. "I fear not," she said. "We have been traveling a great deal and too many books are a burden for a long journey."

"Bah!" Niga slapped his thigh. "Ah well, I guess I have to make due with the books I have already. I have only read them a couple of times now, but what to do, what to do? Ah, forgive me, how presumptuous to ask, don't mind this senile old fool."

"I doubt that you are senile," Scerai commented with amused impassivity. "In fact, I will wager you are as sharp as we are." And we're all probably close in age, so let's not determine what 'old' is... he added internally.

"Hmm?" Niga turned around to peer at the Gaidin who probably was older than he looked. "Now that might be true. Doubt is healthy. Things are not always what they seem, are they?" His eyes suddenly cleared, and the countenance of the Master of Spies suddenly filled the hallway with its presence. His clear eyes seemed to see everything. "People," he said in a voice that did not quaver anymore, "are not always who they seem to be. Let it be a lesson, if you have not already learned.

The three laughed softly at that, as that was one lesson he certainly didn't need to instruct them in.

"Now," he added, and slipped back into his usual demeanor. "I just need to find a servant here on the way to the salon so that you can get your kaf. Don't worry, your saddlebags will be taken care of as soon as I spot someone with a stronger back than mine..."

"I think this will be an interesting few days," Ryne commented to his sister as they followed Niga Santamar.

The Evening Meal

They were seated in the Dining Hall, which was located not far into the mansion from the Marble Foyer. Around the massive redwood longtable, which stood before an intricately chiseled hearth with the family weapon above the mantelpiece, everyone was seated.

At the head of the table sat Caden and Miahala, dressed as befitted the occasion in attire that would not make the hungry wolves in Caden's family feel offended. Caden had not made such a great effort about it though, and has settled with a deep blue coat with the family weapon embroidered upon the chest. He also wore the Ivy Cross badge to fasten a cream-white mantle. He had chosen to leave his silken mask behind, if not only to intimidate the nobles that would hear the announcement.

Seated at the places of honor at the longtable, Miahala's son and daughter were to their right and left. Scerai had been placed at Sadira's side since he would probably be more comfortable in a position where he could defend her. At Ryne's side, Caden had made sure to place one of the more pleasant ladies of his family. Lady Rihen Ives was a distant cousin, and she took her noble life with a shrug. She loved poetry and drawing, but loathed political intrigue.

She stayed out of the Game as much as she could, and she was well-spoken and traveled, and she was yet another clone of the strong Ives bloodline. Because like almost all the others of pure Arafellin blood and who had not had ancestors outside of the country, she was wheaten-haired and green-eyed. She could very well have been Caden's Sister, like many of the other Ladies by the table. Niga Santamar sat beyond her, appearing dreadfully bored.

The men, too, shared Caden's coloring. It was almost an eerie sight. Yet they were mostly haughty men with disdain worn like amour like Caden wore his Gaidin countenance.

It did not escape the notice of Ryne that he'd been placed beside a very lovely young woman - though he did not know her age, he was much like his mother in a long life in the Tower and far older than he looked, but he often felt it. Still, he was human and could appreciate Caden's gesture in placing her beside him, both in her appearance and cordiality as well as lacking the ...irritating noblewoman edge.

Sadie noticed these things, too, and while she would have loved to have given her older brother a far harder time, she settled herself to catch his gaze. Only those who knew her would see the glitter in the blue eyes and the languorous blink that teased him about Rihen without words. His look was equally unnoticeable and wry in its translation.

Mia noticed the interplay, and it warmed her heart to see her children here with her - even if only two and a half, for Scerai had been with Sadie for so long he seemed a third son to her at times - and not while in the middle of life and death situations.

"My dear family," Caden said and rose to his feet. "I would like to take the opportunity to welcome our honored guests. Welcome to my table, Sadira Sedai and Scerai Gaidin. I'm pleased to meet you both again," he rasped, one hand behind his back and the other's fingers resting on the table. Even though he did not smile, his tone of voice was light in comparison to his usual hard grating. "In the face of Death, one easily makes acquaintance with one's traveling companions. Though our encounter was brief, it feels like we have known each other for far longer."

To the nobles at the table, the words might have been heard as hollow and purely decorum - besides the "face of Death" part - but Caden meant every word. Niga Santamar leaned his elbows on the table and rested his head in his hands, yawning widely.

Sadira inclined her head deeply in gracious acknowledgement to the warm reception, for she knew it as sincerely given. A smile curved the corners of her mouth, though did not break much more for she was too in the habit of keeping her Aes Sedai reserve when around such large groups of people. Scerai also granted a nod in response to his battle brother.

A faint smile touched Caden's unburned lips in reply before he turned to Miahala's son. "Ryne Gaidin," he rasped to him. "A cold winter night, long ago now, I remember you coming to mine and your Mother's aid. If it were not for you, we would both have been dead. I regret that I have not had the chance to speak with you in person beyond the feverish rabble I surely emitted on the way back to the Tower that night. Welcome to my table, and let's hope we can speak more this time."

Like his sister, Ryne smiled and inclined his head. "It is my wish as well," he said simply. His reserve was as much from his life as a Warder and Gaidin, but also naturally born. Sadie could be quite gregarious when left to her own natural tendencies, as Darien had been, but Ryne had not been so much and his son had inherited that calm, set-back outlook though he was warm when you got to know him.

Inclining his head to Ryne, Caden continued to call for the first course of their evening.

After that, it was time to progress on to the meal. Miahala found herself thinking that she was glad that this meal actually progressed, as opposed to the last somewhat formal engagement gathering that she and Caden had attended - that there was no one breaking in to steal her. Now that was a somewhat funny thought, given that she was not so easily taken as Alassia had been.

The fare was simple, in noble terms, which meant more than a Saldaean farmer's table, but it was well prepared and out of noble courtesy, no one left their seats and this allowed more time that Caden and Mia could avoid the plethora of questions and commentary that was undoubtedly awaiting them, but she was prepared for it.

Pleasant dinner conversation was shared all around, mostly in the seated pairs: such as Mia and Caden, Sadie and Scerai, Ryne and Rihen and so on. From time to time, Mia caught Sadira glancing towards her brother and she wondered about the extra care that the younger woman was showing her brother - not that they hadn't grown close over the years, but it seemed more pronounced.

She supposed, though, that it was understandable. Mia had been quite concerned for her son over these past years, afraid that a moment would slip him back in to grief. So far, all seemed well though and his conversation with Rihen almost seemed to make him... animated, as they found they had quite a lot in common in terms of interests. Ryne was quite well read.

Somewhere during the second course, Mia realized that she wasn't very hungry. In fact, she wasn't feeling too well at all and she wasn't sure of the source. Perhaps it had been the long journey, or even... could it be anxiety about the impending event? She would have thought herself too old for butterflies, but perhaps...

"What's the matter, my love?" asked Caden in a whisper as he leaned to her. "Would you want something else to eat?"

"Oh, it's not that. The food is perfectly fine," Mia said, giving him a faint but warm smile with a shake of her head. "I just find I've not much of an appetite tonight. I might venture to guess I'm feeling a little... anxious and giddy for the reason we're here." The curve at one side of her mouth showed her amusement at the idea.

Letting a hand come to rest assuringly upon her back, Caden tried to share his calmness with her as when she pulled strength from him through the bond. "Don't be anxious. There is no reason to fear what we both know is right."

By the time the end of the meal approached, Mia knew that they would soon run out of time to hide from questions and statements, but she was as ready as she could be. She noticed that as the last plates were cleared away, Niga fell asleep with his head on his hand and elbow on the table top. A young nobleman beside him gently jabbed him in the ribs to awaken. This led to a rather nasty comment about the frailty of old men's bones.

She didn't quite catch the nobleman's response, but she figured that she would have been amused by it.

In a timely fashion, Caden rose to his feet and rubbed his hands on his linen napkin.

"My..." he searched for an honest word, "dear family," he turned his green eye to Niga and the others seated in his closest proximity, "and friends. You are gathered here not only to suffer my rare company and marvel at how a poor host I indeed am, but to also hear that I intend to marry."

This was not a surprise to anyone seated by the table. Some had already been indulged, others had heard it from the rumors that had spread like wildfire earlier that day.

"I present to you, those that do not know this lovely woman by my side, Miahala Sha'hal Sedai. There will be a wedding held in the gardens of the Outer Courtyard the day after tomorrow."

Nobles did not debase themselves by shouting out-loud. Yet the reaction was equivalent. A low rumble of comments and whispers crossed the redwood table. Among them were; "Is she even of Arafellin birth?", "the High Seat's wedding must never be this rushed an affair, surely you must wait another year so that it can be done properly!", "will she carry us an heir, even?" and foremostly "My lord, are you out of your mind?"

Caden silenced them all by raising his hand. Then, he used the same hand to gesture for Miahala to give her speech.

Miahala disliked being put on the spot, but she supposed that it was not particularly avoidable. She did not like it, though, because the danger was very high that she would simply say what she thought and that... could be dangerous.

In respect, she rose to her feet. "I am not much for unnecessary words," she began. Her face was impassive except for the faint polite smile on her lips. "I will say that I am not Arafellin, but I am of the Borderlands. I am not of noble birth, but I am an Aes Sedai of long standing and have earned both respect and honor. This should be enough for any of you. If it's not, there's little I can or will do to change that." Her voice was gentle, but firm.

"I will not, cannot, lie. I shall not justify myself to you. I wish to marry him and he wishes to marry me. That is what is of importance to me and to him. The wedding shall be when and where he has said." She paused, sharing a very brief glance with her children before glancing at Caden and giving him a small smile, hoping she did not cause trouble for him with his family.

After that, she re-took her seat and waited for whatever else would follow.

When Miahala seated herself, Caden could not afford to consider the pride and affection he felt, but raised his voice again.

"I also say that this will be a wedding held for the people," he said, and this time, the nobles were shouting. All except Niga and Rihen, the former not exactly a noble by blood, the latter not by nature.

"Are you serious? That is just completely absurd!" said a distant cousin named Lebane and got to his feet. "Matters like these have never been of any concern for the mob!"

"They should be," rasped Caden, now with a dangerous undercurrent in his voice. "We are in the positions we have for their sake, for their protection against harm - from the Shadow that lurks beyond the mountains and our neighboring warring nations. It's not the other way around, like some of you seem to think. Tell me, cousin, are we sharing the same chamber pot?"

"What? No, wh-"

"Then I suggest you address me as 'Lord' when you speak to me."

At that, Niga coughed on his wine and laughed - all the while spilling even more wine on the table.

Caden just ignored his Steward and leaned forward on his knuckles. "If there is anyone else who wish to speak up against me and my Lady's decision, now is the bloody time."

All that could be heard was Niga, chuckling and sucking wine from his fingers.

Leaning back again, the tension eased like fingers loosening around one's throat. "In that case," he said, "it's time for dessert."

None of the nobles seated for this dinner looked happy, but they fell silent in the face of Caden's command and potential ire. For a moment, Miahala found herself amused equally by how willing they were to say whatever they wished and consequences be damned, yet be so untrue in the actual face of those consequences.

When the dangerous tide turned in Caden's speech, muted yet unmistakable, they were faced with the possible punishment for their disrespect and they - of course - were then silent.

Servants moved out of their places where they seemed almost invisible when not required to step out or called on. Even though Mia had often glanced casually around to see if she could find where they disappeared to - both at this dinner and other noble functions she'd attended in her many years - she could never seem to locate them until they had a task. They responded when called, so they could not have gone far.

This was a mystery that she did not long give thought to, although she might do so later on if he mind felt like focusing on something less consequential than everything else going on around her. Dessert was set before everyone, but she felt she still had little stomach for eating anything at all. Instead, she leaned in towards Caden to speak to him.

"Day after tomorrow," she began with another smile curving her mouth. "We have only to survive one full day and two nights with circumstances," she went on, using her smile and eyes to indicate that 'circumstances' meant his noble relatives. "Then we shall be wed." She paused. "Even after so long a life and having been here before, to each unique occasion, it still remains a mystifying experience, of a sort," she mused.

Shutting out the Game of Houses that was being played across the table even when people were eating, Caden turned to give Miahala his full attention - leaving the nobles to their own wily ways. His green eye glinted in the light of the overhanging chandeliers. "I am without that experience, having never been wed before," he rasped softly to her, "yet I find the experience much as mystifying as you claim."

He looked away, but not far, in short thought. "I reckon you are right, but I must place emphasis on the fact that I find it more …stirring than anything else. My cold heart seldom allow my emotions to run as freely as they are doing now... while sharing this time before we are joined in wedlock. I feel at peace, in a way I rarely do - do you feel it as well?"

Mia was about to reply when a voice that was not her own interrupted instead.

"I take it upon myself to act in the stead of the maid of honor, so to speak," Sadira chimed in. It wasn't an interruption or intrusion, as it was not on their conversation, yet it was at the same time. Aes Sedai are good for that. "You realize, my mother," she went on, meeting her mother's gaze with all outward impassivity although her eyes danced merrily (like her father's did), "That you two must be separated for the evening and night before the wedding. I think it should be time for some... mother-daughter time."

Mia's laugh was soft. "It would seem an odd custom in some lights," she commented. "Unfortunately, I know how stubborn you are, my daughter."

Glancing in Sadira Sedai's way, Caden wondered if he had any chance to persuade the daughter in Miahala's stead. Measuring her resolve with a weighty look, Caden stifled the urge to grumble. There was no chance that he could avoid this custom with a Blue Ajah Aes Sedai positioning herself opposite him at the negotiating table. He gave a slight chuckle, both to the situation and to his own feelings. "So be it, then. Traditions are in existence to be maintained."

"Indeed," Mia said with a light smile.

"Besides," Sadie continued, "I have to exercise my rarely used skills as seamstress to be sure the dress fits properly. I will not leave the task to anyone but myself... I promise to try to not injure you, though, mother on the eve of your wedding night."

Miahala chuckled. "I appreciate that, Sadira. I think that blood is a bad color for such an occasion," she commented dryly.

"We have seen too much of its shade along our path to this celebration to appreciate it," added Caden in stride, speaking rather lightly about the subject to not weigh down the conversation with implications of Death - because it was a guest not welcome to dine with them that night.

Glancing towards Sadira again, he added with a lop-sided smile, "and I will match your needle against my own if you are not careful with your mother's skin. Mine came with a heron upon it too, so I reckon that would make me a skilled yet barbaric tailor. That is, if I am even allowed inside to see the dress beforehand."

"Of course not," Sadie said with an almost... mischievous smile, though it danced more in her eyes than on her lips.

"I suspected that," said Caden and sighed though his damaged throat. "'Good things come to those who wait' you would say to me next - but I say patience is the virtue of an ass, who threads beneath his burden and complains naught. I am not saying that I'm not an ass, but I will tender my complaints anyway."

Mia laughed softly. "That much is allowed, so long as you do not try to bend the rule. I fear that my daughter inherited more of her mother's temper and less of her self control." She gave her daughter an amused sidelong glance. It was returned with a wry one.

"As I reckoned," he rasped and folded his hands on the table. "Yet by custom, if I'm not mistaken, I still have tonight. Am I wrong, Maid of Honor?"

Sadie smiled slightly. "You are correct, sir," she replied warmly.

"That settles it then," he grated without showing triumph... and stood up. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will be withdrawing for the evening now. Feel free to remain seated as long as you wish, but try not to start a domestic war while I and my lady rest before tomorrow's preparations. Niga, if you will?"

In reply, Niga coughed 'bullocks' and rose feebly to his feet, a hand on his supposedly hurting back. "While his Lord and her Lady rests," he had the indecency to pause there and linger on the last word! "I will entertain you with a story of my yore days. I remember it like it was yesterday, or mayhap the day before that – I can't remember – but anyway. As I was saying, the day before yesterday, I came upon a young lad with a sweet tooth. No, this was back before the Aiel War, and I was a strapping youth myself... Or, was it in Hawkwing's time? No, I'm not that old, whatever gave you that idea you bloody buffoon! I didn't say that! I'm not that senile, yet. Anyway..."

Leaving the old man to his theatrics, Caden gave Miahala a side-long look with his good eye while they left the hall. "I'm sorry, but I saw that you were not hungry, and I was fed up with the politicking - even though the company of your family was a relief. And... as Sadira Sedai reminded us, this is our last night together while still only Aes Sedai and Warder. So I suppose we should do what all Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and their Warders do at evenings like these."

"Oh? Dare I ask what that might be?" she asked with light-hearted amusement and an almost coy edge.

Raising his remaining eyebrow at her in a mock expression, he answered in a slightly indignant tone of voice, "Riding into the Blight, of course. Whatever else were you thinking?"

Although it would have been humorous, she did not even bother to offer an affected smile of innocence, leaving a plain one in its place and giving a light laugh. "Nothing at all, my love," she said, sliding her arm around his and leaning her head slightly against her arm. She found herself somewhat tired and she was not sure why, but she did not leave much thought to it. "No thoughts at all but to spend this eve with you."

The Preparations

The way after started out with a steady stream of servants – on the verge of breaking apart of the amount of work that needed to be done in just one mere say. One could plainly see the panic in their eyes. They practically yanked Caden's and Miahala's preferences for the arrangements out of their mouths and started running around like a pack of wild horses.

Caden frowned, and found himself wondering. This could be the workings of my dear family, who are applying pressure upon our servants to arrange the official ceremony. With a resigned sigh, Caden understood what they wanted. For them, it was the honor of their House that was at stake. They would not be shamed by a commoner's wedding for their Lord. They were not doing it for him, but for themselves. And also, by putting the fire under the feet of the servants, there was a chance that they could be trying to sabotage the whole affair by making a mess out of the process.

"Niga," rasped Caden where he stood in the middle of the Marble Foyer. Miahala was away with her daughter for the time being – taking care of things that he was not allowed to see. Around the two of them, the servants were stumbling over each other with messages, Sea Folk porcelain and flowers.

"Yes, my Lord?" answered Niga and cursed only as a man with years of assembled vocabulary could do when he was run into by a small boy holding a large tray of bottles of wine. Several shattered upon the marble and spewed old vintages across the floor.

"This won't do," he said as he gazed out the doors of the Foyer into the Inner Courtyard. His eyes followed the relay of furniture that was being held through the main gates and out into the gardens – and it was like seeing madness given expression. They were shoulders to shoulders with deliveries from the town outside – a steady stream of wagons and riders who nearly crashed into each other at the Guardhouse.

"What would you have me do, boy?" Niga rubbed a wine-stain on his robes with gnarled hands. "Your family has seized control of the servants. If we were to step in now, we would have to make the poor things start all over again. All their efforts would be for naught."

"I know, but unlikely as it is that they will actually pull through with this, my family will stall the arrangements by changing them in the last minute – buying time stop the ceremony altogether somehow."

"Aye, that is so," said the old man and gave up on his attempt to save the garment from ruin. "So, like I said, what do we do?"

"If we cannot stop it from happening," rasped Caden, "we will have to make sure the current ambition is fulfilled. If the fever cannot be stopped, let it run its course."

Turning a raised eyebrow towards his liege, Niga barked a laugh. "The ceremony that these poor people are trying to arrange normally takes more than a year. How do you suppose they will manage?"

The ghost of a smile hinted at Caden's unburned lips. "Why they will need some help, that's all."

Staring at his Lord, Niga frowned. His eyes darted back and fourth in thought. There was silence between them, a counterbalance to the shouting and sounds or running feet. Somewhere, there was the sound of statue being knocked over. Neither of them turned to look. Neither of them were materialistic men. Then, Niga understood. The realization dawned in his eyes and he raised a finger, and spread his thin lips in a grin. "Ha! Your family will be furious."

"I suppose," answered Caden and walked out into the sunlight. "But quite frankly, I just don't give a damn. Let them complain, it was their idea to begin with." Making sure he did not get in the way, he began the walk to the town of Southgate.

Two hours later, a great mob of townspeople returned together with Caden Ives: commoners eager to help out with the arrangements for the ceremony. They numbered well above a two hundred and the great procession, lead by their Lord, walked through the gardens and through the Inner Guardhouse. There, the stationed Captain merely gaped – the final drop of his composure leaving him. The guard force had the impossible task of maintaining their watch while the arrangements were being made, and now, when half of the outlying town walked through the Gates, he threw up his hands and folded his arms – plainly giving up.

Caden turned his green eye to him while he walked past. "You are all relieved of your watch until nightfall. Until then, you will apply all your strong-backed men to help the servants carry what is needed into the Gardens. You may proceed right away."

Not stopping, he turned his eyes to the family members that could be found drinking tea not far away inside the courtyard. Some got to their feet, others merely gaped, while a number began to shout words like 'unacceptable!', 'how dare you!' and 'they are not going to set one foot inside the mansion!'.

But Caden merely raised his calloused hand and waved to them as he led the people inside. There, Niga stood, slapping his thighs and laughing until he couldn't get any air.

Guest Room, Late Evening

The guest room that Miahala had been given for the night before the wedding had a bedroom and an antechamber. It was the latter which was now sporting a rather full contingent as Miahala, her two children and the third, who was almost another child of hers, all sat in it. Sadie was there to assist in fitting the dress, which they had picked up from Saldaea and brought with them. The men were just there because they wished to not be left out.

"Don't you guys have something to do?" Sadie asked, sounding more like a sister and wife (although she wasn't one of those, just close to it) than an Aes Sedai.

Ryne laughed. His voice was low and rough, like his father's. He shook her head, exchanging a look with Scerai. "No, not really," he said. "We're here for our mother, Sadie, and it seems rude to not pay attention to her."

Sadie made a face. "Fine," she said, getting to her feet and tugging on her mother's sleeve the way she did until she was placed in Novice white, pulling her rather amused mother in to the bedroom. "We'll just have to see to this part in here. Boys are so annoying." Now she was trying to sound like a fourteen year old, but it made Mia laugh.

"Being around your brother seems to bring out the child in you, daughter," Mia said with a smile as Sadie shut the door.

The Blue was smiling. "It's nice to be able to let go every once in a while," she commented, picking up the package with the dress and carrying it to the bed. She pulled it out and laid it flat. "It's beautiful," she said. "And it's in current fashion with Saldaean trends. I must say that I've no surprises that it's lovely, but you being on target with current fashions?"

Mia laughed. "You are a bit of a wench, Sadie," she said fondly. "Your irreverence takes too much after your father."

"I know," Sadie replied.

A few minutes later, Miahala had put on the dress and Sadie was checking it over for any alteration needed. Remarkably, by a fortunate twist of fate, it didn't need almost any, although it was a little tighter across the midsection than Mia had anticipated, but it was a source of humor between them than a source of embarrassment, for the difference was not much.

"You must remind me to thank your sister for finding such a skilled seamstress on such short notice," Mia commented, standing before the mirror.

Sadie stepped behind her, pulling Mia's hair back in the manner she thought it should be styled. "To go with the dress," she explained. Mia nodded in agreement.

In short order, the small alterations that were called for were seen to and the dress replaced in the closet. Miahala and Sadira emerged to find Ryne and Scerai in quiet conversation with one another. Ryne glanced back at his mother and smiled. "You look very happy, mother," he said. "I've seen you in enough times of great unhappiness to know what happiness looks like. It makes me glad, truly."

Mia smiled quietly, brushing a strand of graying brown hair away from his face in a timeless motherly gesture. It was timeless for them, for it had been a long while since he was a child, but he would always be *her* child.

"Although he isn't usually, the boy is right this time," Sadie said with a sisterly smirk, sitting beside Scerai. "It's fairly obvious to those who know you that you are happy and this makes you happy. I know that you are not prone to do so, but if ever doubt should enter your mind as to what others think, cast it away just as quickly. This life, even our life, is too short to now allow ourselves what happiness we can find."

"Yes, I've learned that fairly well over the years, although it's nice to hear someone else say it," Mia said, taking a seat. "Although I am sad that Tarvin and Tianna could make it, I am glad that you three could."

"As are we," Scerai said.

Caden's Chambers

There was a knock on the door while Caden sat alone in his chambers.

He sat in his shirtsleeves, going over lists from the preparation of the ceremony – making sure everything was set for the last arrangements for the morrow. Sighing he got to his feet and walked across the room. It felt so strange, to be there alone again – more so since Miahala was not far away, in a room of her own. He respected tradition, it was not that, but it had been a long time since they had been apart. Let it rest, it is only for this night – then, it will be official in the eyes of the world. He opened the door, expecting Niga.

Instead, his cousin Lebane stood there – the one who had challenged him at dinner the night before.

"Lord Ives," he offered in greeting, dressed in a waistcoat matching his breeches and a black shirt. His green eyes matched Caden's quite eerily, but his hair was cut short together with his beard.

"Cousin," offered Caden in reply.

"May I come in?" The question was respectful, and thus quite uncharacteristic.

Pausing only a second in thought, Caden opened the door wider and let him in, closing the door after he entered. "To what do I own this dubious pleasure?" he rasped and gestured for Lebane to seat himself wherever he wished.

"You know why I'm here, my Lord," the older man answered, folding his hands behind his back – remaining on his feet. In the Game of Houses, that act spoke multitudes. He would not accept hospitality, but it could both be because he resented the one he visited or he would not accept the hospitality out of respect – because what he had come to say did not merit the acceptance of hospitality. Furthermore, it meant that he would not be staying for long.

Walking over to a cupboard, Caden began to pour himself some brandy. "You want me to cancel the wedding ceremony. And I'm most interested to hear your reasons for wanting that," he rasped, turning his good eye towards Lebane, he would refuse to recognize the man's reserved demeanor. "Can I offer you something?"

Lebane did not hesitate; he didn't even acknowledge his question. "The House in common does not believe this is the correct choice of bride for you. In fact, we do not believe you should even be wed at all, considering that your line in the family will end after you."

It as so bluntly spoken that Caden paused before he raised his cup to his lips. He took a long drink, and leaned against the cupboard. So he has found his backbone finally. Or has it something to do with that I humiliated him last night?

"The 'House in common' you say. By your own words, that cannot be the case," he rasped and twirled the brandy in his cup – mimicking his thoughts. "You say that I will be the last of my branch, and yet you – you and your likeminded – try to stop this ceremony between Miahala and I. Why bother then? We all know that I am the Sword of the Ivy Cross until my death, and that you are probably the next in line to wear the mantle once I am dead. With my choice of profession, that could be any year, any day. This fact has you all on edge, because the opportunity for succession looms over you.

"Few of you can be at peace, you fret and twist your hands, eager to get into these chambers before my body is even lowered into the ground. Outwardly, you claim that you want stability in the House by me raising an Heir. But that is exactly what a few of you do not want, because then your ambitions are thwarted. Most of you do not like this match because she is not or Arafellin noble birth. But you, you just want me dead."

"Is that so bloody strange!?" shouted Lebane, his eyes wide around his irises with pent up emotion – heralding a storm. The Game of Houses was thrown out the window, and something akin to fear was nestled behind those eyes.

What now? Caden thought, his hand completely still around his cup.

"We do not talk about it... We refuse to acknowledge the past and look ahead... But we know quite well what your father did before he left the House in devastation! Deacon Ives did not only cut your mother apart! You are not alone to suffer for what he did when he realized his place among the Shadow's ranks! Deacon Ives killed my father while he tried to defend the women and children – having escaped to the kitchens. These halls ran red with blood! The screams could be heard out into the Outer Courtyard. The west wing was on fire and the guards tried desperately to save as many as they could. If your father didn't kill them, the fires took them," he raised an accusing finger at him, "You were not meant for this position to begin with, spawn of Shadow!"

Caden blinked, realized that his hand was shaking. And that... was why it took me a whole fifteen years to reach this position after I got here. He cleared his throat and swallowed. "Your father... I avenged him on the roof of the Fortress. I killed my father with my own hands. I have brought stability to this region; rebuilt everything that was lost. Before me, the House of Ives was still in shambles. You had neglected the commoners completely and made war amongst yourselves. Is it not enough that I recreated what once was?"

Lebane seemed to have collected himself somewhat. He brushed back a few loose stands of hair behind his ear. "It is not that simple. These halls still remember. The blood will never go away. In our eyes, your branch of the family will always be cursed. When you die, we will not attend your funeral. We have accepted your current position, barely, but do not think we will extend our hospitality further than that. This legacy ends with you, my Lord. I and my likeminded will make sure of it."

He should be furious, but he found he wasn't. He understood Lebane now. He understood his opposition better than he had before. Instead of anger, he found himself empathic. "You probably do not have anything to fear. Miahala Sedai is beyond the years of fertility. You will not likely be seeing an heir from me. So, it will end with me, and the House will return to its old disputes, like you want it to," he rasped slowly, but when his eyes lifted to Lebane's there was bitter iron glinting there from the light of the oil-lamps. "I just pray to the Light that the Last Battle has begun before then. I will see this House stand at the frontlines - united - against the Dark One. By the Creator I will see it done, especially now when I know what will follow in my death. The ceremony will be held on the morrow. And the lot of you will treat Miahala Sha'hal with the respect she deserves, because she will soon rule this House by my side."

Lebane stood stiffly, defiant. His hands were folded behind his back again. "Do I have your leave, my Lord?"

Grinding his teeth, Caden finished his brandy and slammed the cup down on the cupboard. "Get out," he scraped, "we will not have this conversation again. If I hear another word of this, you will be exiled and your holdings taken from you. So thread lightly, cousin. For if I get the idea that the House is acting to have me or Miahala assassinated, you will be the first one I visit."

With a bow, Lebane turned and left – back straight.

Afterwards, Caden Ives rubbed his forehead. Bloody hyenas. I know perfectly well who my father was. I killed him for it. And I was made human by Durent and Aviane Sedai in the process. How can I forget such a day?

Sitting down in his armchair again, he tried to forget the past – to look ahead to the next day. Hard as it was, the shadows of yore days slowly, slowly subsided.

Guest Room, Night

That night, Miahala Dreamt... or perhaps it was Dreamwalking. In these instances, she could never really tell. Emotions washed over things too much to know the difference with certainty, although it held far more clarity than her Dreams usually did, but was not as controlled as her experiences with Dreamwalking. Perhaps it was somewhere in between, then.

She had grown stronger as she aged, allowing these to come to her no matter where she was. It was not like it had been in the past, although her current proximity to the Blight and the land of the torn veil helped.

After her children had returned to their own rooms, Miahala had gone to bed, although she found it hard to sleep. Her stomach was unsettled and she couldn't imagine why. Was it anxiety over the day to come? If it was, it was the butterflies sort, but she found it hard to believe it. Then again, she had become more like her younger self the older she got.

She did, eventually, drift off and when she did, she found she was not alone.

"My beautiful..."

"Stubborn..."

"Saldaean Queen..."

The voices were familiar and made her heart ache before she even opened her eyes. Tears welled up, but she forced them back and opened her eyes to find a dark room, but not the one she'd been in before. She sat up on the bed and found Ryne (the elder) and Darien. They visited her from time to time, when important things threads wove around her in the pattern.

"I should have known," she whispered with a wry, but warm, smile.

Darien Anandreus Jolstraer, the Golden Eagle of Tarwin's Gap. He smiled at her. "Yes, you should have," he agreed in the dry manner he always had about him. "You are getting married after all."

Mia laughed softly and brushed her hair behind her ears. She was always a younger version of herself here: before the agelessness had set in and when she was emotional in aspect without having to try to be. Her hair was always long, loose, flowing in waves over her shoulders. "I am indeed," she agreed. "I hope the two of you have not come to voice disapproval."

"It's not like you would listen to us anyways," Ryne pointed out. "But no, that's not why we've come."

"We are dead, long gone now, although you're never alone. You're never without us," Darien said, brushing his fingertips over her temple to remind her of their presence within her heart, always. "We are glad for you to move on and be happy, because we live lives that are far too harsh and cruel to deny happiness when it's found."

She smiled. "That's how I see it," she commented.

"We know," Ryne said. "For we know your heart, being the one place we can remain alive. We are here simply to give you our blessing."

"While we know that nothing would stop you once you've made up your mind, we know that you occasionally wonder what we think, where ever we are. In this time of high emotions, among other things, we are able to visit you and tell you that we believe this the path to happiness for you now and that we think you should follow it, where ever it leads," Darien supplied.

Ryne touched her cheek. "Were circumstances not as they are and we had all known each other in life, without the conflict of emotions, I imagine we would have gotten along well," he said thoughtfully.

Mia swallowed hard against the flow of tears that still impended. "I imagine you would have," she whispered.

"Where ever it leads, and it will lead down unexpected roads, follow it... believe in yourself, as you always have and in your faith in yourself and him that you'll always choose the right path and be able to survive anything that comes to you. You always were, and are, a survivor, both emotionally and physically. So always keep that faith close," Darien said, forever the philosopher.

"I will," she said, although she was curious what things they might know, in that place they were.

Both smiled and kissed her softly in turn. "Be happy and stay strong," Darien whispered in her ear. "We love you, and so does he. Be happy together, for you both deserve it."

"Miahala Machera..." Ryne whispered.

"Miahala Jolstraer..." Darien whispered and then he smirked, laughing faintly, and exchanging a look with Ryne. "Miahala Ives..."

With that, they were gone.

A shiver ran through Miahala as she awakened and yet again wondered if they really visited her, or if perhaps this was her own mind forming images and thoughts as she wished them... an elaborate internal fantasy. She would never be able to tell, so she simply had to follow what her heart said was true.

Tears quietly slipped down her face, but she was smiling.

The Ceremony

Standing in his full wedding attire, Caden Ives looked out through the Outer Courtyard.

He had been awakened by his servants, since he had trouble sleeping during the night. It was not because of what Lebane had said, but because of the reasons any man would have trouble sleeping on the night before his wedding. Warders did not need much sleep in the first place so it had been inevitable. He had been sitting awake, reading, trying to get his mind off things, but when he finally felt tired enough, it was long into the night's small hours. Then again, because Warders did not need much sleep, he was still clearheaded and expectant as he had pulled on the closest shirt and breeches to oversee the preparations.

He had had four hours to make sure everything was on schedule, before it was time for him to prepare himself for the ceremony. And with the help of the villagers, everything seemed work out the way it was intended. It had not been a small feat, since the ceremony that was to be held was one that would go to the family annals.

With the help of three servants and one tailor, he had spent two hours in his chambers – standing before a large gold-framed mirror upon a low chair. He had lost count on how many adjustments the tailor in the end made on his wedding coat in order for it to fit perfectly over his shoulders and chest and in the same time compliment his flat belly and slim waist without making it looking like he wore a corset below his massive upper body. His thighs needed space too since he almost split the seams on the first pair of breeches he tried out.

When everything was done, and all the needles had been removed, he was wearing a traditional Arafellin wedding coat and breeches yet cut with the finest fabrics that any merchant could come across and sell for obscene amounts of money to the royalty and noble houses of the nations this side of the Spine. The front of the coat was studded with golden buttons – inlayed in frames of extensive gold embroidery that continued from the buttons all the way along the hems of the coat and the collar.

Below the coat he wore a white shirt with a large collar, framing a white cravat that the tailor had fussed with for more than twenty minutes before Caden almost had started gritting his teeth. He wore near to ridiculously polished boots with the same kind of golden scrollwork that the coat owned, ending right below the knee.

A barber had been summoned for his very long wheaten hair. The Arafellins had several choices of double braids that were meant for such an occasion. The one that the House's barber chose took some time because all of Caden's hair had to be braided into intricate thin braids which met halfway down his back into two thick ones. Two golden bells – studded with several gems in various color and sizes – were attached with thin gold-spun thread on each end of the braid.

When all was done, Caden lifted his new mask from its pillow. It was of the same cut as the ones he usually wore, but this one had been discreetly embroidered with gold upon the brow and chin. The avendesora patterns caught the sunlight, and Caden stared into the eye of the mask for just a moment before putting it on. For once, he would not be wearing weaponry because of tradition, but should anything unforeseen happen during the ceremony – unlikely as it was – his white-gloved hands were weapons enough. He could not blame himself for thinking such things at a time like this, but he was a Gaidin after all – the thinking ran in his bone marrow.

Turning from the vista of the gardens of the Outer Courtyard, he walked towards the dais and the great bulk of the gathered guests. Human as we was, regardless of what some thought of him, he felt his stomach flutter. This is really happening, he thought, hardly able to believe it even though it moment was nigh. And I who thought my life was over after I was burned – that love had forever abandoned me in the fires. Here I am, where I never thought I would be.

Niga Santamar stepped in to walk beside him. "Nervous, my Lord?" He asked in good humor – dressed in his most elegant flowing robes. There was no way to put a boat upon Niga and still keep him at his best behavior. The question had been an amused one, certain of the answer. Niga knew him well.

"Aye," he said, too many thoughts in his head to develop further.

"No need, my Lord," came the answer from his side. "You will be in good hands."

"Aye," he rasped, not really listening. The dais upon which he would be standing in wait for his bride drew closer – as well as the eyes of all the people. "Aye..."

Niga chuckled before he walked ahead to take his place of honor.

Meanwhile, Miahala's thoughts were similar yet different. She could not believe, quite suddenly, that she was standing and about to do what it was that she was about to do. She closed her eyes for a moment. May I be doing the right thing and not bringing some curse upon this man, that marrying me should be the ending of days and I be abandoned again... She whispered irrationally in to her mind.

"Mother, you look lovely," Sadira said, lifting her hands to rearrange the waves of hair that spilled loose over her shoulder. Even her hair was in current Saldaean fashion.

The dress was a pale, pale green in color and of Saldaean style, with its high neck and split sleeves. The details were the dressiness and were of Saldaean wealth's touches. The lace was of a delicate, minute and intricate pattern, so much that it simply seemed like netting. There were close fitting sleeves under the split ones, an angled half skirt over the full a-line with delicate embroidery around the waist and insets of the lace over her bust and down her back.

No shame, no hiding...

The top half of her hair had been pulled up elaborately, with a solid column of auburn waves falling down over her shoulder.

Scerai stepped in. "Everything is prepared," he said, giving both women a small smile. Sadira gave him a nod. Smiling at her mother, the two departed and went to their places. After a few moments, so did Miahala. There was to be no aisle, but she walked quietly to her place beside him on the dais...

The dais was so elaborately decorated that it was hard to take it all in from his position, and that was without taking the rest of the scene into account. But for all the efforts and toil that had been suffered in order to make the arrangements, Caden had his green eye for Miahala alone. He did not respect the ceremony when he gazed at her in wait for the Officiant to begin.

"My love..." He could not find any words save such that could not encompass his emotions. "...you look stunning..."

Mia smiled softly. "Thank you," she said quietly. "You don't look so bad yourself," she added, her voice still low and a hint of fond amusement flitting through her eyes.

Then, the harps began to play, and they had to look straight ahead. The harps were joined by the rest of the orchestra, and then the Borderlander drums of ceremony began to beat in rhythm to the tune. It seemed to go on forever, and even though his back was turned towards the crowd, he knew that servants walked up towards the dais, throwing rose petals into the winds.

At the crescendo of the wedding tune, five hundred doves were released into the air, making the crowd stir in awe. And when the tune ended, the fanfares began – heralding the commencement of the ceremony.

So, Bride and groom stood together upon the dais. Together, they turned to face the assembled guests. The silence descended upon the Outer Courtyard, expectation thick in the chill Borderland air. The Officiant, a graying old man that had lived all his life in the region and always preformed the ceremonies, noble and common alike, stood at left side of dais, yet now took the centre position and turned to face the guests

He spoke in a clear and warm voice. "Family and friends of Miahala Sha'hal Machera Jolstraer Sedai and Lord Caden Ives Gaidin; we are here because these two have decided to join their lives. We are here to witness the public expression of the commitments they have already made to each other in private.

"Today, they join hands and joyfully and willingly take another step forward on the road that they will journey together for the rest of their lives. As one, they will share their burdens on that road. They will help each other when they slip or fall. They will toil together when their road becomes hard. They will share their wisdom as they seek out their way and they will lighten their cares with laughter and the joy that they find in each others' company."

As per ceremony, Caden and Miahala spoke together;

"Here we set foot upon the road that we shall walk for the rest of our lives together."

Turning towards each other again, Caden took Miahala's hands in his own. Yet Miahala spoke first.

"Once, we were alone and broken in our ways. Together, we were strong until we were broken apart. In the reforming of our union, and the strengthening of it today, we are not only strong in one another once more, but with the spirit and foresight to look ahead to the mission we share and to not turn our backs on living for the sake of it.

"More importantly, this bringing together of us both represents the greatest gift that we give to each other, outside of our love..." She took a deep breath, finally looking up in to his eyes. Only decades of Aes Sedai calm kept her from losing it right there and crying. (One tear may have escaped.) "We give one another hope, for ourselves, for each other, and for the future."

It was Caden's turn and he could not help from pausing before he found his voice to answer.

"In this joining, from two we become – not one – but more than one. As the two sides of an arch, we will bear each other up where one might fall. We are neither each other's opponent, nor a needless duplicate. Rather we are as mirrors, reflecting back the best we see in each other. No lifeless image, but a living reflection.

"And as we behold each other, and ourselves in one another, changing and growing together through the years. We will form a new image, not of one or the other as we have been, but become the best of both of us and more."

The Officiant spoke up, addressing the crowd of nobles, commoners, family and friends alike. "To you who are gathered here before us, family and friends, the community which nourished us and in which we live, they declare before you their intent to join each other in love and fellowship until their life's end, and they desire you to assent and witness their union. Family and friends who are assembled here, do you agree that Miahala and Caden be so united?

The gathered crowd spoke as one, on the top of their lungs. Even though some of the nobles did not give their assent, it could not be discerned in the common shout. "We do!"

None of the Ives family dared object in public, with the mob probably willing to kill them if they tried something like it. The Officiant spoke up again. "Now Miahala and Caden will pronounce their vows.

Bride and groom spoke together, looking into each others eyes. "From the love I bear you, and the fellowship I hold with you..."

Then Miahala and Caden alternated in speaking their vows, Caden speaking the first line, then Miahala spoke the first too and added the second, then Caden spoke the added line and the next, and so on until they have pronounced their vows in full.

"I undertake to account you in all matters as my equal."
"I undertake to honor you as my free companion in life's journey."
"I undertake to be honest with you in all matters, great and small."
"I undertake to give of myself when you need me."
"I undertake to fight by your side and serve the Light against Shadow."
"I undertake to bear any difficulties that may arise between us with a kind and patient heart."
"I undertake, even in anger, to avoid both bitterness and apathy."
"I undertake to have patience, even in times of great confusion."
"I undertake to cherish you and strive to bring you happiness."

After respectful silence, the Officiant raised his voice again. "Do you bring with you a token of your vows?"

Steward Niga Santamar offered the red satin pillow with the ring to Caden, and Sadira mirrored his movement towards Miahala. The bride and groom held up their rings before the guests before turning to each other.

Caden spoke first, his rasping voice carrying. "These rings are composed of two strands of gold twined together to form one circle."

Then Miahala spoke next where he finished. "As these two strands joined in one strengthen, beautify, and support each other, so may we give each other strength in our union."

The bride and groom exchanged rings reverently upon each others fingers, saying in turn:

"In token of all that I have, my goods, my life, my love, I give you this ring."

Then Caden remained with Miahala's hands still in his own. "I, Caden Ives, son of Lord Deacon Ives and Lady Disewyn Ives, take Miahala, daughter of Doran Sha'hal and Miashala Mirali Sha'hal as my wife.

"I, Miahala Sha'hal, daughter of Doran Sha'hal and Miashala Mirali Sha'hal take you, Caden, son of Lord Deacon Ives and Lady Disewyn Ives, as my husband."

The Officiant spoke up – raising his hands to the sky. "And now! By virtue of the authority vested by law in the nation of Arafel, under the eyes of the Creator and in the brilliance of the Light, and also with the assent of their family and friends assembled here, I witness that Caden and Miahala are united as husband and wife!"

With the roar of all the people gathered, piercing the air at last, and with a steady rain of flowers thrown upon the dais, Caden Ives lowered his lips to Miahala's and hers raised to meet his – in the kiss of joining.

Mia felt as though she were being lifted off the ground, her head swimming in a faint but not really an unpleasant way. It was the warm and familiar washing of strong emotion and she rested her hands upon his chest to steady herself as the emotion continued to rage silently while the crowd raged anything but silently and it all crashed upon her in that instant, but she could withstand anything, better now than ever before.

Conclusion

Once the ceremony had ended, things moved in a bit of a whirlwind. Miahala barely noticed and simply allowed herself the time to enjoy it while it lasted. Soon, their shared mission and ever-lasting battle would reclaim them, but for now... they were who and as they were, and she wanted to take advantage of that as much as she could for all the time she was able. It seemed to her that Caden felt the same.

It seemed to her that things danced on the horizon for them, but they always did. It was the nature of life for anyone and even more so for an Aes Sedai and her warder. Only time would tell and truly be the judge.

Festivities ran late... Celebrations ran even later... come morning, everyone scattered back to their own paths. Her children offered further congratulations before leaving for their own missions that following morning. Caden and Mia remained on at the mansion for another night before setting back to the Tower. It was like needing to return to the real world, but that was all right.

Life had just spun entirely new patterns for them to move through. They were similar yet different to those that came before, but made things feel different in a better way, so setting off on to their chosen paths and battlefields once more was all the easier for their doing so together.