Fanfic:Leavetakings, Pt. I
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Ravak Darrow moved quietly towards the pigeon coop, mostly concealed from any watchful eyes by his cloak. There were a novice and a soldier currently on duty, collecting the messages that came in, preparing the messages to send out. Either of them had seen the Warder approach, and neither of them would see him leave. All the better, as the excuses he had for meeting Sinead were thinning out.
As he rounded the building, Sinead was leaning against the wall, her arms folded. "It's been rather a long time."
"Since?" Rav stepped closer, until he was within reach of Sinead. Briefly, he thought she was reaching to embrace him, but her fist struck hard against his shoulder instead.
"Since I saw you," she answered, but her heart wasn't entirely in it. In spite of the pain that flared, he moved in closer towards the Accepted with a grin. A grin that faded when he saw her eyes held a forlorn light. "I saw the Waste last night in my dreams. I am not looking forward to returning."
"Why do you have to return?" This was the first time Ravak recalled having heard Sinead mentioned going back to the Waste.
Instead of answering immediately, the Aielwoman's expression softened as she took the Shienaran in. "I noticed your weaponry hall has a new doorway." Her lips twitched in amusement.
Rav sighed. "Yes, well. Male channellers." He shrugged.
"Mmm. I had never encountered one before coming here. Ours go... north. Even now." Those last two words were softly spoken. That sounded significant, but it didn't seem an appropriate time to ask. Fortunately Sinead continued on. "As for why I must return. The Wise Ones grow insistent. Now that I have passed that bloody test." The Arches. Both Elia and Sinead had bad experiences in the Arches. "They see no obstacle to me going to study with them, and are rapidly running out of patience."
Rav directed a finger towards the Grey Tower. "That seems like a suitably grand obstacle." When his words didn't inspire the smile he had hoped for, he turned solemn. "Why should you listen to them, my love? I understand they are your people. However..."
She shuddered. "Because it takes half a second of thought and a snap of their fingers-" she snapped hers in demonstration "-to transport me into a hell you can't imagine." The look of dread returned. "Every night. All night. Until I do as they demand. And there are none currently at the Tower with the skill to stop them."
If Ravak had been graven before, he was stone-faced now. "We should go tonight, then." There was no hesitation, no need to think about the actions or consequences. A form was already hatching. "I can make Mirin Sedai allow me to accompany you to the Three-fold Land."
"We?" Sinead looked at him warily, her head tilted in that way women did. A smile slowly formed on her sun-kissed face. "That..."
Steel slid along gravel. "I wouldn't have you go into that hellscape alone."
"Suddenly the barren wasteland I used to call home does not seem so bad. What of your Aes Sedai? And your duties? This will not be a short trip, Ravak Darrow."
Rav placed his hand tenderly on Sinead's cheek. "I would not have you go alone, my love. I have a duty to you, and that comes first and foremost. Kaia Sedai shall understand. As shall the Warder Council."
She nodded. "It is true the Wise Ones are unlikely to allow an Aes Sedai chaperone. They are... nosy. The Aes Sedai, that is."
"The only interest I have is you." Still with his hand on her face, Sinead began to blush. I've never seen you blush before. For a wonder, ji'e'toh didn't reassert itself. He half-expected her to turn and run, half-expected her to hit him. But Rav smiled, at least until she did anything to make him stop.
"I would be pleased to tell them we will depart." The Accepted did sound pleased. "Perhaps I will tell tonight, and we can depart in a day or two."
"Whenever you want to go, we shall."
She touched his cheek in response. "Tomorrow then, love. I'll speak to Mirin Sedai." She started to move away, but Rav forestalled her.
"Are you sure you wish to speak with her? Maybe it would be better coming from me?"
Sinead tilted her head. "I had assumed I would need to, but if you feel it is best..."
"I may have an edge in those negotiations." The sort of edge that comes with being an equal, and having a Keeper for a bondmate.
"Very well. I will get my things together. What few I have." An amused smile crossed her face, although the Shienaran did not know the meaning of it. "Perhaps I will retrieve my cadin'sor and truly shock the... what do you call them. Savages." She winked.
Rav threw up his hands defensively. "Not my words."
Sinead waved a hand dismissively. "Wetlanders in general. Though the Tower seems to have somewhat forgotten that I am anything other than a freakishly tall red head. Comforting, in a way. Frustrating in others. I need to practice." That last was in a musing tone.
"I'll find you after I have things arranged?"
"Yes. I am teaching a class this afternoon, and after- well, you know where my chambers are." Her lips twitched in amusement. "I will see you tonight, then." With a smile and wink, she turned and walked away. From the shelter of the building, Ravak watched her depart with a pleased smile on his face. He couldn't wait to get away from this place, where he did have to hide his feelings for Sinead.
