Sirene Alisette
| Sirene Alisette | |
|---|---|
| sih-REEN ah-lih-SET | |
| Created by | Toby Selwyn |
| Information | |
| Gender | Female |
| Occupation | Novice |
| Affiliation | The Grey Tower |
| Nationality | Taraboner |
Sirene Alisette is a Taraboner Novice of the Grey Tower.
Contents
Description
With her chestnut brown hair worn in a multitude of thin braids, Sirene's nationality is instantly recognisable to all who are acquainted with Taraboner fashions. Her facial features are pretty in a girlish way; she has dark brown eyes, more than a few freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose, and a small but full mouth. Years of snacking on pastries in her father's teahouse have given her a nicely rounded, plump figure. She is a little shorter than average, at about 5'3".
Sirene is quite timid, and doesn't usually enjoy being the centre of attention. She is, however, sharp and intuitive, and has a good eye for detail and organisation. She is normally pleasant to talk to, and when irritated she gets flustered and blushes easily – which, annoyingly, shows up her freckles. She hates arguing because she always thinks of good things to say when it's all over.
Biography
The set of silver bells hanging over the doorway jingled prettily, and Sirene echoed the sound with a low sigh. In other parts of Tanchico the night was only just beginning, but The Silver Bells was a respectable teahouse which closed not long after nightfall, something for which Sirene was very grateful. She was sliding home the top bolt of the teahouse’s main entrance even before the scuffing of the last customer’s footsteps faded out of hearing. Turning away from the door, she slipped her spotless apron off over her head, then absentmindedly tidied her numerous chestnut braids with a sweep of one hand.
Smiling goodnight to the three serving maids who would not be going home until all the tearooms and private dining rooms were swept, wiped down, and polished, Sirene pushed through the swinging doors that led into the kitchen. While The Silver Bell’s income came primarily from its vast range of tisanes and other expensive delicacies, the establishment did serve meals, and its kitchens were as extensive and well-equipped as those of any inn or eating house that catered to the higher classes. Sirene’s mother was in charge of the small army of cooks, assistants, and servers, and now stood in the centre of the room, sternly monitoring the underlings who were hurrying to clear away the day’s messes as quickly as they could.
Spotting her daughter the instant Sirene entered her domain, Arilaine gestured brusquely to a small table in the corner of the room, where a plate of cold meats and salads waited. Sirene’s parents did not treat her like one of the servants, but business was business and Sirene had learnt at an early age that while she was in the working environment she would not receive any special treatment. With a respectful nod, she dropped her apron until a laundry basket near the doorway (it would be washed even though Sirene had avoided spilling anything on it), and sat down to eat alone.
She was used to this routine; it had been the same ever since she had started working for her parents, at the age of twelve. During the day she would serve the customers, then eat a hasty meal by herself before going to bed. Sometimes her parents would eat with her, but they were severely dedicated to their work. Sometimes days would pass without Sirene seeing her father, who would be holed up in his study poring over accounts, or discussing business with a variety of people. She didn’t mind, in fact she rather enjoyed it. Her days were filled with hustle and bustle, and quiet privacy in the evenings was usually very welcome.
She finished her dinner quickly, and took her plate to one of the sinks where she received an irritated look from the boy doing the washing up. Pretending not to notice, she walked away quickly, and as she headed out of the kitchen she sneakily plucked a honey cake from the plate where a batch had been cooling. That was a skill she was accomplished at; nobody appeared to notice. Slipping the pastry into one of the voluminous pockets of her dress, she crossed the main dining hall and headed up the stairs, sliding one hand up the prettily carved banister as she went.
Reaching her room, she was pleased to see that one of the maids had stoked the fire. The nights were getting colder, and she had not been looking forward to spending several minutes shivering under her blankets before her body heat warmed the bed. As it was, the room was quite toasty, and she would not have to. After shucking her dress off over her head (the honey cake had been stashed away in a drawer), she splashed her face with cold water before climbing into bed. Ordinarily she would have undone her countless braids and brushed her hair out, but tonight she was simply too tired to bother. Warm and comfortable, sleep claimed her almost immediately.
And abruptly she was standing in the kitchen, as if she had not left it only minutes before. Except that now she was the only person in the room; everyone must have left early. But how could that be? There had been a good hour’s work ahead of those servants when she left…no, this must be a dream. She had gone to bed, she was dreaming. But how peculiar; she had never before had a dream in which she was aware that it was a dream. Feeling distinctly odd, she walked out of the kitchen into the teahouse’s main dining hall. This room was empty, too. At least, she thought it was; suddenly catching movement in the corner of her eye, Sirene spun around to face it. But there was nothing there. And then, abruptly, there was; a chair appeared where previously there had been nothing.
Shaking her head in bemusement, Sirene looked around herself. She suddenly realised she didn’t know what to do. What do you do in dreams? Normally that wasn’t something you had to think about, things just happened by themselves, dragging you along with them. Well, perhaps she could explore. She didn’t often have the freedom to wander around outside; on the few free days she had, her parents were too protective to let her go far by herself, as if at seventeen she was as naïve as she had been at eleven. Well, in her dreams there was no one to stop her.
But where could she go? Suddenly she knew; she had always wanted to see the palace. Maybe she would be able to go inside; this was a dream, after all. She ignored the nagging thought that, if she had never seen inside the palace, how would she be able to go into it in her dream? This was very, very strange. She supposed her subconscious mind would create an image for her, which she would then see, but she wasn’t really seeing it, she was only dreaming it…oh, Light, but that was complicated! Pushing the thought from her mind, she decided the best thing to do would be just to see what happened. Her indecision resolved, she pushed open the door that led outside and stepped into the streets of Tanchico.
Deranih stumbled on her dress and fell on the rough street. The dress turned into black breeches at the blink of an eye and slowly the Aes Sedai rose to her feet, muttering oaths at the same time as she smoothed her grey shirt. It had been stupid to chase that person with a dress, she should have thought of it before and now he was gone again. A sigh left her as she raised her chin an inch and let her gaze travel over the city. Her emerald eyes sparkled with interest as she came to the conclusion that this was a place where she had not been before. With silent steps she moved along the streets, her emerald eyes glittering with curiosity as her gaze swept past a few buildings.
Noise.
Deranih pressed herself against the wall of a house, huddling down and changing her clothes into snug black silk, her fire-coloured braid becoming black as well. With a veiled face she stared at the source of the noise and was surprised to spot a young girl. Was it the man she had chased? No, he would not be that careless, he was probably miles away already, fleeing Deranih who was no longer following.
Instead, she leaned forward, her sharp eyes squinting as she followed the careful steps of the girl. By the looks of it, she had never been in Tel’aran’rhiod before.
Every person touched the Unseen World sometime during their night sleep, and the Aes Sedai was beginning to suspect that the girl was one of those unlucky people. And that was why she was so unpleasantly surprised to see that the girl remained in Tel’aran’rhiod for several minutes. Most people disappeared after a few seconds.
It could be him.
The Aiel woman took a deep breath and snuck closer, her every move as silent and gracious as that of a stalking feline, her eyes on the girl as though she were her prey. A moment of silent contemplating halted her, and for several minutes Deranih remained still, one finger on her chin and her eyes following the walking girl. She was getting further away.
With a frustrated hiss Deranih brought a spear into her hand and took a few steps closer to the girl. Sighing heavily she glanced over her shoulder one last time before embracing saidar. Sweet wonderful saidar poured into her body and pulsated in her veins. Blissful joy hit her all so suddenly, but the Green Aes Sedai was used to the exhilaration of channeling, and it was with a cold voice that she called out in the twisted Tel’aran’rhiod night.
”Who are you?”
Paradoxically, the dream was getting more and more bizarre because of its sense of normality. The houses in the district in which she lived were all identical to those of the real world, all tiled and smartly painted, and the roads were well paved. As she drew nearer to the palace, the homes evolved from those of the merely well-off to the small mansions and townhouses of the very wealthy. This dream mirrored reality perfectly; but that wasn’t normal in dreams, was it? Shouldn’t things be twisted, making sense despite being totally alien to the realms of possibility and reality, peculiarities that you only become aware of when you wake up? The streets that Sirene recognised here were identical to their real life counterparts.
Except that there were no people, nor were there any animals. Sirene was completely alone in the half-light of this imaginary Tanchico, yet she had a peculiar sensation of being watched. And apparently she was.
“Who are you?”
The voice came from behind, and Sirene spun on her heels with a startled gasp. A woman was standing a short way down the street, swathed entirely in black. At least, she thought it was a woman – the figure wore a veil, hiding her features, but the body shape was feminine and long dark hair flowed down the stranger’s back. Most alarmingly, a spear was clutched in the woman’s hand – and judging by her stance, she looked ready to use it.
“I…I…” Sirene hesitated. What should she say? She wasn’t used to making decisions in dreams; things just happened. Should she play along with the game? This wasn’t real, the woman couldn’t hurt her – that spear wasn’t real.
After a moment’s thought, Sirene crossed her arms beneath her breasts, and pictured in her mind the ageless features of the Aes Sedai that she had served in The Silver Bells the previous summer. She imagined herself as that woman, with her stony eyes and severe black hair, and spoke as she thought an Aes Sedai might; imperiously, expecting to be obeyed.
“I am Dimira Andallin, Aes Sedai of the…of the Blue Ajah,” Sirene thought that was right. Was Ajah the right word? “And I am all powerful. You will bow down to me.”
There was a moment of hesitation where Deranih's mind was stunned by the sudden turn as the seemingly innocent girl turned into a woman with the features that unmistakably spoke of power. But, slowly the action taken by the so-called Dimira entered the head of the Green Aes Sedai, and a spark of rage was awoken in the tempestuous woman. The White Tower had no dreamwalkers with such control in the ability as this woman had, and Deranih knew the names of every single dreamwalker or wolfkin in the Grey Tower. The options of what the woman before her might be sent shivers down her spine, but fanned the small spark into a raging fire.
"Aes Sedai?" Deranih said in an adamant voice, her emerald eyes shining with fury. In the blink of an eye the Aiel woman stood before the liar, her long fire-coloured hair spilling down over her shoulders and the black clothes exchanged for a beautiful green dress with golden embroidery. The spear remained in her hand, but carvings similar to fire were slowly snaking their way down the wooden handle. And on her right hand blazed the golden great serpent ring, shining like the sun. With a placid voice Deranih spoke and took one step closer to the girl.
"I think you just lied to me." She firmed the grip on the spear, intentionally displaying the serpent ring as she did so. Let us see if this girl is an Aes Sedai. Deranih knew she was taking a great risk as she embraced saidar and filled herself with the wonderful One Power until she reached that brink where the joy became pain. The ecstatic rapture that pulsated inside of the Aiel woman was not visible on her cold face, but inside she was laughing with bliss as she prepared herself to shield the woman.
Abruptly the black-clad woman changed, her clothes shifting to a beautiful dress, her hair spilling in waves of red where before it had been as black as night. The woman's eyes were visible now, too, and she looked very, very angry. The spear had changed as well, flaming sigils snaking down its shaft. Having taken a step backwards in surprise, she hesitated, not sure what to do. And then she noticed the serpent ring on the woman's finger, identical to the one Dimira Sedai had been wearing when Sirene served her.
Was this woman Aes Sedai, too? No, of course she wasn't. She wasn't anything, she didn't exist. She was just something else that Sirene's mind had conjured up for her dream. She had been pretending to be Aes Sedai...so had her subconscious taken that, twisted it, and made this adversary what she herself had been masquerading as? Light, but this was strange.
And the woman had accused her of lying. That was certainly throwing up a challenge. What should she do? Well, it was a dream, so she could do whatever she wanted...
Her confidence regained, Sirene stepped forward again, once more assuming the mental attitude of what she thought of as being Aes Sedai-like. Aes Sedai channeled the One Power, didn't they? But Sirene couldn't channel. But maybe, in her dreams, she could? Or perhaps she could make something happen as if she were channeling? So what would she do to this woman her mind was giving her to fight? She had heard all sorts of stories about Aes Sedai throwing fireballs and calling down lightning, but she didn't think she wanted to do that. Not even in a dream. Then she remembered what she had seen Dimira Sedai doing. When the woman had left the teahouse, she had gestured at the door and it had opened by itself - that must have been using the One Power. Yes, maybe she could do something like that.
With a dramatical gesture, thrusting both hands forward, Sirene focused on the strange woman and imagined a gust of air pushing her backwards. "Back, fiend!" She cried out. She was getting into this dream - it was fun!
Deranih's eyes sharpened as the girl's features flickered. Who was this silly girl and why was she still keeping up this masquerade even though she was already exposed as a liar? With pursed lips the Aes Sedai raised her chin an inch, her face seemingly carved from stone. Rage and annoyance flared in her gaze as she took one step closer to the liar, the spear point gleaming in the abnormal lights of the Unseen World.
"Back, fiend!" Deranih emitted a grunt as the girl suddenly channeled and pushed her away with air. Surprise and shock exploded inside of the Green Sister, and for a few seconds she could do little more than stare at the girl, her gaze shining with incredulity at what had just happened. The girl had channeled? She channeled, she channeled against me! Without further hesitation Deranih slammed a shield of spirit between the girl and saidar. Not only was she a liar, but she was a channeling liar, and she dared to pose as a fully raised Aes Sedai. "You silly little child," Deranih said and menacingly took two intimidating steps closer to her.
"Don't you think I would recognize an Aes Sedai? You are no more than a small lying girl without any brains at all." Her voice fumed with wrath, and it was wrath that made her decision. The real features of the girl stood out sharply in Deranih's memory, and at once the hint of a smile appeared on the Aes Sedai's red lips as her mind concentrated on turning the girl back. Chestnut hair in multitude of braids spilled down her shoulders, her stony eyes turned into soft brown and freckles appeared across the bridge of her nose.
"Now tell me, what is your name?"
Letting loose a squeal of excitement when the mysterious woman stumbled backwards, Sirene momentarily forgot that she was meant to be playing at Aes Sedai grace and clapped her hands. She had done it! But then the woman snarled something at her, and all of a sudden Sirene felt a peculiar sensation of being trapped; as if something constrictive had been squeezed over her insides. It wasn't a particularly unpleasant sensation, but somehow it didn't feel right.
And then the woman was standing right in front of her, wrath all but sparking from those green eyes as she insulted Sirene. The girl swallowed, suddenly frightened again, and took a step backwards. After a moment the Aes Sedai-creature's features changed, and it almost appeared as if she was smiling. What was the woman up to?
"Now tell me, what is your name?"
Sirene blinked. What a funny thing to ask. Why would her own mind be asking herself that? Well, she supposed anything could happen in a dream. How should she reply? Should she keep playing the Aes Sedai game? What would happen if she gave her real name? Perhaps it was worth finding out - maybe the game would take a different direction.
"Ah hah, for I have deceived you!" Sirene cried weakly, doing her best to summon up that dramatical flair once again. "I am not really Dimira Andallin. I am Sirene Alisette, and I, a mere servant in a teahouse, have fooled you, the great Aes Sedai!"
There was a moment of hesitation when Deranih could not understand what was happening. Slowly, her mind became aware that the girl still did not believe that she was facing an Aes Sedai. She was playing with the belief that this was her dream and that she could do anything, but that was not how it was. Irritation seethed inside of the Aiel woman as she glared at the girl, Sirene.
"A servant in a teahouse, here in Tanchico," Deranih showed her teeth for a moment in a way that could be considered a smile or a threat, "Sirene Alisette..." she said, as though tasting the name. "I expect we will be seeing more of each other in the future. And next time, Sirene, I will not be as forgiving." With an apprehensive sniff the Aes Sedai took a few steps backwards, shook her head at the girl and gave a mental shrug.
In the blink of an eye Deranih was gone from Tel'aran'rhiod and the streets of Tanchico, leaving Sirene Alisette alone once more. No mark of any sort hinted that the girl had had company this night, only the irritated atmosphere of an impatient Aes Sedai.
The dream woman's emotions appeared to be fluctuating ceaselessly, fluttering from one extreme to another. She had seemed angry, curious, furious, irritated - and now Sirene perceived that she was predominantly thoughtful. It sounded as if the Aes Sedai was memorising Sirene's name and appearance, eyeing her as if she were a prime cut hanging in the butcher's window. And then, with the most bizarre comment, the fire-haired woman vanished.
Standing alone in the twilit street, Sirene frowned at the air where the Aes Sedai had stood moments before. What under the Light was that supposed to mean? Would that woman turn up later in the dream? It was very strange. Well, Sirene reflected, that was how dreams always were, and she was only aware of the oddness of it all now because...because...why was she aware of all this? She could not remember ever having such an experience in a dream; you never had choices in dreams, not normally. Things just happened.
With a shrug, Sirene decided that there was nothing to do but enjoy it. Tomorrow would come soon enough, another day of rushing around serving customers. It was not that Sirene did not enjoy her work - she was well aware that she had a good life compared to many people in other areas of the city - but the real world didn't give her the chance to visit the palace often. Ever. What were dreams for, if not to play out your fantasies? With that in mind, Sirene set off up in the street, trying to put the curious incident with the red-headed Aes Sedai out of her mind.
Deranih opened her eyes and stared up at the ceiling. Her back felt slightly sore against the mattress due to the night’s happenings. Anger still pulsated within her, like a chained lion just inches away from a wounded fawn. Growling, the Aes Sedai got up on her feet and crossed the floor to reach her wardrobe, a decision already made in her head. That girl, Sirene Alisette needed to be brought to the Tower. Not only because Deranih wanted to get a chance to yell at her but because the silly little girl could channel. And she could do serious harm to herself and others if no one taught her how to wield saidar.
In a matter of minutes Deranih was fully dressed and was braiding her long fire-coloured hair. The rage had calmed ever so slightly, but it was still there, an echoing reminiscence of a lion now growling with all its power, trying desperately not to be forgotten.
The Aes Sedai ran her hands down the green riding dress, eyeing herself in the mirror. It was a little bit too fancy, nothing like the things she usually wore. Damn that girl. When Deranih was newly raised it had been difficult to make the Sisters and Brothers take her seriously, and despite that the words of disbelief had this time been uttered by Sirene Alisette, a mere servant of a teahouse in Tanchico, the hurt was there and Deranih had to do everything to prove to that child what she really was. An Aes Sedai.
With a satisfied sniff she flung her braid over one shoulder and calmly strode out of her room and out of her study. It was still early morning, the sun's rays had barely touched the sky, giving it a pink colour that became orange by the horizon. A few stars still twinkled where the sky had remained dark, but those would soon disappear as the yellow sun rose, announcing the arrival of morning. A few novices and soldiers were already up, taking the chance to clean the halls now that there were not people bustling around.
There was a slumbering air in the halls, like a state of dream. In the distance someone called, his voice echoing along the walls. Deranih gave her head a small shake before turning to the right and entering the Blue Quarters. Not far away by a couple of chairs sat a small group of Accepted that seemed to be studying fervently. Deranih approached them and asked quite politely where Zavian Asha'man's study was. One of the girl's managed to remember where it was after a few minutes of silent thinking, and with a small nod Deranih began walking in the direction that she had indicated.
Hopefully the man was up by now, Deranih wanted to get a move on as quickly as possible. She knocked three times on his door and leant casually against the wall, waiting for him to open. Maybe he had awoken when he felt her rage explode in the early morning? Or maybe he was still asleep. Deranih knocked three times again, impatiently calling for him.
”Zavian, it's Deranih!”
After a day of meetings with senior members of his Ajah, some arranged and others allegedly chanced, Zavian had thought he would sleep like a log. His new bed was pure comfort in comparison to the much narrower pallet he had slept on in his Dedicated's room, and he had climbed into it already half-asleep. It had not taken him long to drift away.
But after only a short while he had woken from a disjointed dream of cities and unknown things, agitated for reasons he could not fathom. After that he had hardly slept at all; he would doze off, only to jerk awake minutes later. He was exhausted, but simply could not sleep. For some reason he felt angry, but he did not know why.
Not until dawn approached, anyway. He had finally given up on sleep, and as he lay there in the darkness he slowly realised that it was not his anger that he was feeling, but Deranih's. For some reason the Aes Sedai was having an unrestful night, and Zavian was feeling the consequences. What was the woman up to?
Abruptly he realised that Deranih was moving. He could feel through the bond that his Aes Sedai was drawing closer, and he somehow knew she was heading for his room. With a half-frustrated growl he threw back the covers, and hurriedly began to dress.
He was dragging his trousers up his legs when he heard the first knocks at the door, and buckling his belt around them when the rapping was repeated, and Deranih's call reached his ears. "I'm on my way!" He shouted back, rummaging in his wardrobe for a clean shirt. Dragging it on, he walked into his sitting room, and as he flung the door open on a flow of saidin he was still doing up the buttons.
"What's the matter?" He asked, squinting at Deranih; his rooms were still dark, while the corridor outside was lit with flaming torches held in sconces on the wall. With Fire and Air he wove a ball of light, fixing it to the ceiling above his head, casting a blueish glow on the room. "You don't seem to have slept all night."
Flaming hell...Deranih touched her sore back with her finger tips and emitted a vexed sound as the door opened, displaying Zavian in the distance of the dark room. It took a moment to get used to the dark, and when her eyes were adapted to it Zavian channeled a ball of light. With pursed lips Deranih forced herself to see it from the bright side, the light allowed her to get a better look of the man. He looked tired and she could only assume that it was her fault. Regret however, was something that she would not allow herself to feel at the moment. Regret could and would come later.
"Zavian, get your things, we are going to Tanchico. Meet me in the stables in ten minutes, bring whatever you find necessary." Deranih always had saddlebags ready for a travel down by Autumnthorn, it was useful in case she needed to quickly leave the tower. With a nod directed at Zavian she turned her heel and strode quickly away, not giving him the opportunity to ask questions just yet. He would find out the reason for the journey soon enough, but not now.
The fresh breeze blew gently past the Aes Sedai as she got out on the Tower Grounds, her eyes fixed upon the not so distant stables. A few early stable hands and one novice were the only ones inside the stable, apart from the horses of course. One of the boy's showed the hint of a leer on his lips as he recognized Deranih, but immediately continued on with his work, his face turned towards the floor. Deranih pursed her lips angrily but ignored the boy. She would deal with him later.
Autumnthorn whinnied welcomingly as the spotted Deranih. The large red mare moved restlessly around as the Aes Sedai picked up the saddle and reins and set to preparing the horse for the journey to Tanchico. Of course they wouldn't ride all the way to Tarabon -that was too far- but they couldn't Skim all the way into the city, so some riding was inevitable. Deranih picked up her saddlebags from the floor and surveyed her horse in silence before slumping down against the wall.
She was so tired that if she had wanted to she could have fallen asleep in an instant. Hurry Zavian, we must go. With a mental shake Deranih got up on her feet and stood impatiently waiting for her warder to arrive, her fist tightly closed around her thick braid.
Tanchico? Zavian did not have time to question Deranih; the Aes Sedai was gone as soon as she had come, a whirl of irritation sweeping away down the corridors paralleling the frustration hovering incessantly in Zavian's mind. Hurriedly he finished buttoning his shirt, running back into his bedchamber and throwing open the wardrobe drawers. He began tossing shirts, trousers and smallclothes into a leather travel sack that he took from the bottom of the wardrobe...
...and realised what he was doing.
He was acting mindlessly. The instant Deranih had given her order he had been compelled into action, obeying her very words. Get your things. Even as he thought he was still moving, now shucking a dark jacket over his silk shirt, and tying a thick woollen cloak over that. He was horrified. He could not stop moving.
Meet me in the stables in ten minutes. And, by the Light, he would. His bag packed, he all but flew out of his room, pausing only long enough to disperse the ball of light and tie a Ward of saidin across the doorway. He hurried down the corridor, not quite running but moving at a fast march. He was indeed in the stableyard ten minutes after Deranih had spoken to him...and finally he had full control.
"We need to talk," he said, half snapping at the Green sister. He snapped his fingers at a stableboy, and moments later a bay gelding was brought from one of the stables; evidently it had been saddled while he himself was getting ready. Like horse, like Warder?
He paused, staring at Deranih, before boosting himself up into the saddle. He ran his hands through his straw-coloured hair; he was still dishevelled from bed, he had not been able to stop long enough even to wash. "There are aspects of our bond that we need to discuss, and soon. On the way to Tanchico." He frowned. "Why are we going to Tanchico?"
Deranih let go of her braid as soon as Zavian entered the stables. She was impressed with his speed, and thankful for it. Now, try to calm down. With a deep sigh she lead Autumnthorn out of her stable place and glanced at Zavian, her emerald eyes glinting with concern. Maybe she should have tried to calm down before getting the man, she could feel his frustration in the back of her head, and Deranih could only guess what had caused it.
Without a word she heaved herself up in her saddle. Not as smoothly as Zavian had, but a good lot better than when she had first bought the mare. With her head she motioned for them to get moving and with a gentle kick Autumnthorn stepped in motion, her red mane flowing in the morning breeze. Why are we going to Tanchico? Deranih touched her chin with her fingertips thoughtfully before turning her face to look at Zavian.
"This night I was walking the dream and I met a young girl. At first I thought she had accidentally dreamed herself into the Unseen World but moments passed by and she remained fixed before me. When I spoke to her it became apparent that she had certain control inside the dream because she attempted to deceive me by assuming an Aes Sedai appearance, and I also realized that she had the ability to channel, though she did not seem to know that herself. The girl is in Tanchico, her name is Sirene Alisette and I'm -we're going to get her and bring her to the Tower."
Deranih finished with a small nod and quickly scanned the area in search for the Traveling grounds. It was always easier to Travel from a place that was more frequently in use for the same kind of weaves.
"I'm sorry I gave you no forewarning of this, my temper got ahead of me I assume." Deranih added the latter with certain dislike evident in her tone. She was well aware of the fact that she might have gotten lost in rage because Sirene had managed to give her a scratch in Tel'aran'rhiod, but certainly it was not enough to enrage Zavian to such extent that he would do something rash?
Zavian cast a sidelong glance at Deranih as the pair made their way to the Traveling grounds. The Green was grudgingly admitting that she had, perhaps, been wrong to treat Zavian as she had. Zavian was tempted to continue the discussion, to make his point, but he held back; it was so early in their relationship as Aes Sedai and Warder and he did not want to cause friction. There were bound to be difficulties to start with, he supposed as his irritation cooled somewhat. They could talk about the matter later, when both were feeling more level-headed.
"Let's not think about it now," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "We will have plenty of time to talk. Let's concentrate on finding this Sirene first."
A girl who had appeared in the World of Dreams, pretending to be Aes Sedai? Had the girl known what she was doing? Surely not; only a fool would make such a claim when with a genuine Aes Sedai. But it had been known. This would be an interesting encounter.
"I have never been to Tanchico, so I would rather not be the one to weave the Gateway." Zavian announced as they entered the Traveling arena, which consisted of a number of areas cordoned off with rope boundaries. To their left a low-pitched chime resounded, and several seconds later a Gateway opened in one of the small areas, and a tired-looking Aes Sedai wearing a blue-fringed shawl stepped through. "Will you do it? Otherwise, we shall have to Skim."
Deranih was glad that Zavian did not push her to continue the discussion, though frankly she had to admit that she hadn't given her orders much thought until he angrily pointed out what she had done, it had just felt normal. Yet regardless how normal it might have felt she knew it was wrong and that she shouldn't do it again, even though she really didn't feel much remorse.
After what she had been through the past night it seemed to only fair that she be allowed to snap at someone, though maybe she should think twice before doing that with her warder, a person set to protect her life.
"Yes, I'll make a Gateway for us," she had been chasing that darkfriend outside the city for a while before actually entering. She thought she remembered pretty well what the landscape looked like outside Tanchico, well enough to Travel at least. With a slight smile on her lips -meant for Zavian in an attempt to make him smile too- she embraced saidar, glanced at the Blue Aes Sedai passing them by and then set to weaving the Gateway.
Made solely of spirit the weave rose before them (though Zavian couldn't see it) and with a mental push a vertical flash of light appeared in mid-air before opening into a Gateway and suddenly displaying the landscape of Tarabon. Tanchico was visible not far away from their Traveling spot.
"Zavian," Deranih said in a musical tone and motioned the man to ride through. The Gateway was quite big, not at all the biggest that she could possibly make, but large enough for them to ride through while sitting atop their horses.
With a last glance over her shoulder at the Grey Tower and it's mighty shadow that darkened the grounds, the Green Aes Sedai rode after her warder, not sure what to expect when arriving at the city.
Sirene Alisette.
Stepping through the Gateway ahead of Deranih, Zavian scanned the landscape he walked into. He turned his horse in a full circle as the Gateway vanished, surveying everything around them. Reports of the Seanchan occupation of Tanchico were coming to the Tower daily, and before Deranih had opened the Gateway he had seized saidin, ready to face danger. But they were alone in the countryside. Still, it would not be wise to tarry.
"We should get to the city quickly," he said quietly. "Your channeling might have been sensed by the Seanchan; it would have been wiser for me to Travel, after all. Still, what's done is done." Zavian glanced at the Green sister. "You must hide your ability to channel." Perhaps the tone was more authoritative than normal, but Zavian was acting the Warder as fully as he knew how to. He heeled his mount into a trot, heading in a straight line to the not-too-distant capital.
To his relief, they entered the city without incident. The streets were packed, throngs of people milling around or rushing as if their lives depended on it. Perhaps for some they did. All the better, Zavian thought; it would be easier for them to avoid notice. "The sooner we are done here, the better," he murmured, leaning close to Deranih as they rode under an arched bridge that spanned the narrow street. "For our sake and this girl's.
"Do you know where her teahouse is?" He frowned thoughtfully. "Teahouses are generally for the wealthy, so I expect she lives in one of the more prestigious areas of the city. I suggest we follow the wealth, and hopefully you will recognise something. Then we will hopefully not be long in finding the precise teahouse that we need."
Deranih closed the Gateway behind her, hesitating for only a few seconds as she always did. Resonances could be read unless one would dare to...no! I tried it once, and only once I promised myself I would do that foulness! She turned her head towards the city, the wind gently blowing through her fire-coloured hair.
Well inside the city Deranih could not help feeling the slightest of fear, because she knew as did Zavian of the Seanchans that owned the city. She had known, of course, of what things troubled Tarabon and she had known that the enemy armies had most likely added Tanchico to their winnings, and yet here she was an Aes Sedai in search for a wilder. Yes, Zavian was right -on most aspects- the girl was in danger, as were they.
"I do not know the exact position of the teahouse, Zavian," she said after minutes of silence. "But I remember to the last detail the area I found her in; if she's here we'll find her." She said confidently.
Deranih glanced once at Zavian, a faint smile touching her lips before leaning back in the saddle, her eyes scanning the crowd. Tanchico was a big city and though Deranih fled large crowds unless her life depended on them she actually felt calmer with so many people around her. The chance that someone might look twice at her was small, and that diminished the danger of being recognized as an Aes Sedai.
Autumnthorn made a displeased sound as her rider suddenly jerked her reins, bringing the mare to a complete halt. Deranih stared intently at the alleyway to her right, her eyes squinting with effort. It looked familiar...“I am Dimira Andallin, Aes Sedai of the… of the Blue Ajah,” The Aes Sedai grit her teeth and turned Autumnthorn, motioning Zavian to follow her. This was where she had found Sirene, this was the exact spot. She remembered hiding in the shadows of that house, she remembered where Sirene had been standing when Deranih first saw her, she remembered...
Zavian was relieved when Deranih led them almost unerringly to a well-maintained building on a prosperous street in a respectable district of Tanchico. The sign hanging above the door, depicting three silver bells hanging over a cluster of herbs, displayed that it was a teahouse. Praying that they had found the right place, he dismounted and tossed the reins of his horse to a young man who hurried from the teahouse’s adjoining stable. The Asha’man quickly mounted the three stone steps that led to the teahouse’s entrance, and pushed the door open. Deranih followed him inside.
Humming quietly to herself, Sirene collected the tray that lay waiting at the end of the kitchen table, careful to hold it level so that the collection of cups, saucers and bowls would not slide off. She backed her way through the door that led into the main hall, and turned around. Her eyes alighted immediately on the couple that stood just inside the teahouse’s exit to the street.
The blond man she did not know, but the woman, with that fiery braid and the intense green stare, was unmistakeably the apparition from Sirene’s dream of the night before. The tray slipped from her grasp, expensive crockery shattering on the hardwood floors, but Sirene barely noticed. Her eyes wide, her face pale, she stared at the monstrous woman. How in the Light…?
Sirene was vaguely aware that her mother had appeared from the kitchens and, ignoring the newcomers, was standing at Sirene’s side, berating her daughter for the damage. The girl took a step backwards, narrow brown braids swaying as she shook her head in denial. This could not be happening.
The teahouse was full of interesting scents and sounds, and Deranih would have gladly spent a long time there for the sake of mere enjoyment instead of having to rush in and find the silly girl. Sirene Alisette. There were some other people inside the shop, but not so many that the place felt too crowded. Deranih raised her chin and gazed over the crowd, scanning for any sign of the girl. A wave of gratefulness was thrown over her as she in the corner of her eye spotted Zavian who was standing beside her.
Already he had put up with much more than he deserved, and he had swallowed most of it without a disdainful bark. Almost at least. I'll make it up to him, I promise. Just then movement caught the Aes Sedai's attention and her emerald eyes settled sharply upon a gasping girl. Sirene Alisette. A malicious grin spread over her lips as she watched the broken crockery that had been dropped to the floor.
Very sinisterly Deranih raised her head and stared grimly at Sirene for several seconds before flinging her fire-coloured braid over one shoulder and raising her chin in a coldly patrician manner. Silently she moved over the floor, her boots muting the sound of her feet. Somewhere in the near distance Deranih could hear a woman shouting at the girl, but right now she didn't care.
With a placid expression on her coldly smiling face Deranih stood in front of the girl, using every inch in her advantage in height to loom over Sirene.
"Sirene Alisette, did I not say that we would see more of each other in the future?" Her voice chimed musically with her every syllable and even as silence settled over them there remained a faint reminder of her words, like a very slowly dying echo.
Sirene was vaguely aware of her mother's voice, but the telling off was just a faint whining in the young girl's ear. Her attention was fixed entirely on the woman in front of her, the red-haired spectre made reality. She took a step backwards, but was halted by the wall behind her.
Catching movement in the corner of her eye, Sirene saw that the blond man had stepped up to stand by the woman's side. Her gaze slid back to the impossible. She was still there, smiling at Sirene like...like...like a ghost?
The girl shook her head. This could not be real.
"No. You cannot exist. You were in my dream. I must still be asleep."
At her daughter's side, Sirene's mother was still standing with her hands pressed against her hips. Her head was swivelling from side to side, frowning at the pair in turn. Stepping forward, she rounded on the woman with the bright, fiery hair. "You know my daughter? How? What are you talking about?"
Deranih kept her gaze fixed upon the girl for what seemed as an eternity. The expression on her face remained unaltered as maliciously leered at Sirene until the foreboding silence became even too thick for Deranih to master. With a sniff she turned her head and faced Sirene's mother, their eyes clashing sharply against each other.
At once the smug expression was wiped off the Aes Sedai's face and a politer look appeared there though the air of superiority remained about her, glittering deviously in her emerald eyes as she studied the older woman before her.
“My name is Deranih,” she replied calmly and extended her suntanned hand to shake that of the woman. “I would suggest that we take this conversation elsewhere,” Deranih glanced over her shoulder. Most if not every person inside the store was staring at them. Deranih emitted a low chuckle and continued on speaking.
“Unless you would rather stand here,” she made a motion with her hand that meant it was all up to Sirene’s mother to choose where they would be having their discussion. Self-satisfaction churned within the Aes Sedai as her gaze briefly brushed past Sirene. Not so full of words is she now? Deranih could have laughed but the price she would have to pay for dropping her calm charade was not worth the satisfaction of laughing straight into the girl’s face.
Her back was still sore from being banged into the wall because of the unexpected thread of air that the girl had channeled against her that night in Tel’aran’rhiod. She’s coming with me even it means I’ve got to drag her all the way to the Mountains of Bloody Mist. A wilder and a dreamwalker, it was too good to be true.
Narrowing her eyes, Sirene's mother glanced around the eating room. Most of the many patrons were watching, as were a few of the maids. This simply would not do. Turning back to this Deranih with a grimace, she nodded briskly. "Very well. Follow me." Pushing between the stranger and her daughter, Arilaine swept across the room and pushed through a door that led to a wide, brightly lighted corridor. Pausing at a door several paces down the corridor, she listened for a moment to check that the room beyond was unoccupied before entering.
Following behind her mother, Sirene's face was white. She still did not understand any of this. She had a name to put to the face, now, but that did not help at all. What could this woman be? Who could enter your dreams? Was she a Darkfriend? One of the Forsaken? Sirene shivered.
When everyone was in the private dining room, Arilaine spun to face the woman Deranih and the blond man who trailed at her side. Sirene scampered to stand by her mother's side, the girl's hands clenched in white-knuckled fists at her sides, staring wide-eyed at Deranih. Sirene obviously recognised this woman, but how?
"Now, I am a busy woman, and I do not have all day. What do you want with my daughter?"
Deranih smiled courteously at the woman and followed after her, her head buzzing with thoughts as they left the room and walked down a corridor. Quick actions needed to be taken, rash deeds to be done for sure. It would have been easier had Sirene's mother been kept outside the whole thing, but now the situation was as it was, and whining about impossibilities was unnecessary.
"Now, I am a busy woman, and I do not have all day. What do you want with my daughter?" Deranih wiped the faint smile off of her lips and stared vacantly at the two Alisette women. Impatience. She cocked her head to one side and opened her mouth to speak, her arms folded behind her straight back.
"I have no doubt that you have things to take care of, and I will try to take as little of your time as possible," she said softly. Now it had to come, Sirene was in danger, a lot of danger. Light, if the woman panics... "I have come a long way for the sake of your daughter. She is in danger," Deranih leaned forward towards the older woman, ignoring the girl completely, her emerald eyes only on her mother. "We," Deranih made a small motion towards Zavian, "must leave Tanchico as soon as possible, but we will not leave without the reason for our journey."
"Sirene must come back with us, for her own safety." Deranih reached inside her pouch and slowly retrieved the Great Golden Serpent Ring that lay nestled there. With a careful movement she put it on her finger and brought up her head to meet Sirene's mother's gaze, her chin raised high and her face ageless and placid. Her fist was tightly closed around her thick braid and the golden ring gleamed proudly and menacingly on her slim finger.
Arilaine's eyes widened when the woman brandished the ring gleaming golden on her finger. Her stare flickered back to the stranger's face, and she grimaced inwardly. More than a few Aes Sedai had patronised The Silver Bells in Arilaine's lifetime, and if she had not been in such a hurry earlier she would have recognised this woman's status by the ageless features alone. She was annoyed with herself for having missed it.
But she was in no mood to pay respects. Crossing her arms beneath her breasts, Arilaine met Deranih's stare. The Taraboner's delicately lined face, framed by masses of brown braids just like her daughter's, held as much authority as that of any Aes Sedai. This establishment was Arilaine's palace, her White Tower, and she knew it.
"You must be mistaken, Aes Sedai. My daughter has not even left this building for a week. How could you possibly know her? How could you know of this...this danger?" Arilaine knew exactly what Deranih meant by that, but she did not believe it. But Aes Sedai could not lie. No, this Deranih was twisting her words, making Arilaine interpret what she was saying in ways that skirted the truth.
At Arilaine's side, Sirene had gone even paler, if that were possible. When Arilaine looked at her daughter, she had an uneasy feeling that Sirene did know something. But how? What was happening?
Deranih could feel time running away, slipping away from her because there was no way that she could cling to it, no way she could compell it to stand still whilst she mused over her words and studied Sirene's mother. The woman was clever and Deranih could already see that it was vital that she not underestimate her, this was obviously not first time she had had a run in with an Aes Sedai thus she had to know how to “handle” someone who carried the Golden Serpent Ring.
She understood that her daughter could channel, and Deranih was grateful for her not panicking. She also had to see the danger that Sirene was in because of the Seanchans, the same danger that Deranih could feel drawing nearer. But the woman deserved an explanation why a stranger had come and was taking her precious daughter away from her. Deranih sure would have wanted it had she had a daughter of her own.
Her eyes went to Sirene, standing beside her mother. The two had a striking similarity in their appearances; Deranih had often envied people who had the luck to share something like a face with someone else.
She returned her gaze to the older Alisette and held it while she spoke.
“I am not mistaken,” she said with a touch of ice, “and it is not necessary for your daughter to leave this house, or even her room just for her to have the chance of meeting someone like I. There lies more to this world than what the eye can see, lady Alisette.” Explaining the ways of Tel’aran’rhiod was a tedious work, and time craving, and so Deranih completely avoided the mention of dreams as she wished not to spark further curiosity within Sirene’s mother.
“Lady Alisette, time grows short. The life of your daughter is precious to us, as well as it is to you. It is a pity that your daughter be gifted with this ability in a place as Tarabon is now, and you must understand what a precarious position we are in right now. Would you like to be alone with Sirene before we leave?”
For a moment Arilaine held the Aes Sedai's stare, her dark brown eyes meeting the taller woman's emerald ones, before shifting her gaze to her daughter. Something in Sirene's wide brown eyes, a perfect match to Arilaine's own, told her that she knew something. What that could be, Arilaine could not even begin to imagine. But if anyone had secrets, it was an Aes Sedai. But why did her own daughter have to be involved in them?
The life of your daughter is precious to us.
Deranih was not lying, that much was certain. But how did the woman mean that? Precious in what way? Sirene looked terrified, and from the way she was shrinking against the wall, she did not want any of this to be happening.
Before she could make a decision, Arilaine heard raised voices coming from elsewhere in the teahouse. She recognised one of them as her husband's - the other was unknown, and had a strange lilt to it. Seanchan. Arilaine's face whitened. Even if Sirene could not channel, as this woman insinuated, having an Aes Sedai under her roof and not reporting it would be enough to land Arilaine and her family in serious trouble. She hurried to the door, and opened it, the argument she could hear becoming clearer.
"My Lita will push you away like a broken insect if you do not move, man." The voice was a woman's, the Seanchan's. Arilaine had seen enough to work out who must be speaking - one of those who held the leashes. They treated the women dressed in grey like pets, often referring to them as "my so-and-so". This was trouble of the worst sort.
"We do not have time," she said, turning back to the trio in the room. "Someone must have recognised you for what you are, and seen you coming in here." Her features tightened in frightened anger. "You may have brought ruin upon my family, but we no longer have the luxury of talk." She glanced from Deranih to the man at her side - a Warder, surely - her eyes sharp. "I will trust you, but understand me - Aes Sedai or no, if you harm my daughter..."
Arilaine glanced at Sirene. The girl was pale as a sheet. "Come on. Hurry. You can use the back exit."
Ushering the three out of the dining room, Arilaine swept along the corridor to a door at the far end. Just as she opened it, the door leading to the main hall slammed open, and two women stepped through. One wore a dress of blue and red panels, the other a shapeless grey affair. The lips of the woman with the bracelet end of the leash curved into a pleased smile as her pale blue eyes settled on Deranih's ageless features.
The blond man, who Arilaine had not heard speaking, shoved past Deranih and Sirene, planting himself firmly in the middle of the corridor. "Take the girl and go, Deranih," he barked coldly. "I will catch you up."
Seizing saidin, Zavian hurled a shield of Spirit at the woman in grey. But something stopped it before it could settle - his weaves snapped, rebounding against him, and he cancelled them just in time to avoid a backlash. A tingle on his arms told him someone was channeling - whether the damane or Deranih, he could not tell. Weaving Fire, he sent a ball of flame shooting down the corridor, but it vanished less than a pace away from its target. Behind him he heard a scream, either Arilaine or Sirene's.
Deranih whirled around, closing her mouth with a snap. The dialect of Seanchans hit her too suddenly as dark memories begun niggling at the back of her head, asking to be allowed to remind her of what secrets she held. Secrets that she shared with no one, apart from one person of course, Zavian. With two long strides she and the Alisettes were out of the room and quickly moving towards the end of the house. Deranih glanced over her shoulder, looked past the soothing face of Zavian and straight into the cold eyes of a sul'dam.
Blood and bloody ashes!
"I'm sorry lady Alisette," Deranih said coldly and seized Sirene's hand roughly with her long fingers. "Come Sirene we must hurry," Deranih took a step outside the doorframe and glanced back at Zavian where he was, channeling like a true warder. She pursed her lips but restrained from giving him aid and set off a quick pace away from the house, sneaking silently pressed against the wall, holding Sirene close.
"Be very silent now Sirene." She whispered and edged around the corner of the house, checking that there were no Seanchans nearby. Her eyes fell on three sul'dam with their damane that were loping down the streets, surrounded by the glow of saidar. Without hesitation the six of them ran straight into the teahouse, neither of them noticing Deranih or the girl. Anxiety and concern for her warder made her grind her teeth, but the will to get Sirene back to the Tower was overwhelming.
There was a surprising small amount of people watching the whole scene, Deranih could only assume that they wanted to keep as far away as possible. But it was with great caution that she moved forward to Autumnthorn and heaved Sirene up on the mare.
"Now we must ride hard and fast, hold on to me little girl." Deranih got up on the large red horse with little grace as usual and with a last glance at the Silver Bells she buried her heels into the sides of her mare and galloped away down the street.
Natia, Tadris and Manethe forced their way through the entrance of the teahouse. Suja, Eiros and Ku'chen followed them of course, a powerful golden light surrounding the three damane. Natia squinted towards the far end of the hall and called out an order to Suja. There was a man standing there, defending himself with admirable power. But not enough to fight four damane of course. Natia smiled smugly as her damane progressed to fighting the weaves that the male channeler sent towards them.
It was exhilarating to stand so near to a male channeler and in a way Natia found it was a pity that he would be killed. It would be interesting to study a real one up close. Tadris and Manethe ordered their damane to follow Suja's lead and at once Eiros and Ku'chen were throwing weaves all around themselves, their vacant eyes gleaming with concentration as they fought the channeling man.
Sirene clutched onto the racing horse with a frightened determination. She had little experience of horseriding, and was terrified of falling off. But she was far more scared for her mother and father, left behind in the teahouse with only that man to protect them from the Seanchan. Everything had happened in such a blur - only ten minutes ago she had been serving tea to a kindly old man, a regular customer, and now she was apparently fleeing for her life, bundled onto a horse by an Aes Sedai whose temper was as fiery as her hair.
Was she still dreaming?
For half a moment Zavian felt something squeezing across his grasp on the Source, and through the instantaneous terror forced the shield away. That was one advantage he had, at least - from being trained in the Grey Tower he had some experience of working with - or against - channelers of the opposite sex.
But that small advantage suddenly became futile when three more pairs of sul'dam and damane spilled into the corridor. Zavian drew in as much of the Power as he could manage, and hurled it at the eight women in a hurricane of Air. The option of fighting was no longer available - he could not risk himself against four channelers, especially when he had no way of gauging their strengths. The fierce winds he created swept the women's clothing behind them, and all of them instinctively raised their arms to their faces.
"Hurry!" He cried, grabbing Arilaine by the arm and dragging her out of the building. He slammed the door behind him and, with yet more Air, tumbled a stack of barrels that were piled against the rear wall. They fell across the door, blocking the bottom half of it entirely.
"Come on!" Zavian shouted at Arilaine, who was staring back at the teahouse, dragging on Zavian's arm. After a moment, he realised why - her husband, Sirene's father, was still inside, and there was no chance that the Seanchan would not punish him for sheltering an Aes Sedai. With a growl, he changed direction, and hauled Arilaine around the side of the building. It was his fault, his and Deranih's that they were in this mess - it was up to him to do what he could to solve it.
Rounding the front of the teahouse, he slowed to a walk. He would have left Arilaine where she was, but he needed her to identify her husband. The pair hurried to the front entrance. After a moment's hesitation, Zavian channeled again, weaving an Illusion around himself and Arilaine - the sul'dam and damane would not know. He pushed open the door.
There were no Seanchan in the room; they must have been clearing his barricade. Arilaine called to a short, balding man who was peering around the door that led to the corridor where Zavian had just been fighting the Seanchan. The man jumped at his wife's shout and whirled around, his eyes wide and his face pale with fear. "Come on!" Zavian commanded. "Your daughter is safe." As safe as she can be. The man hesitated for only an instant before hurrying across the room, and Zavian pushed him out of the door ahead of Arilaine.
The three crossed the street quickly, and Zavian held his Illusion; Arilaine he had changed little, altering only the colouring of her hair to a honey blonde and her dress to a deep red. He had given himself dark hair and a thick mustache, his eyes seemingly covered by a Taraboner veil, and his black uniform was covered by an Illusion of dusky blue silk. The Seanchan would not recognise them - and neither would anyone seeking to curry their favour.
As they turned into a side street, Zavian heard a commotion behind them, female voices shouting angrily. He turned again, steering the pair into an alley - and again and again, until they left the shouts behind them and were lost in the streets of Tanchico. Eventually finding himself in a vacant street that ended in a dead end, Zavian turned to the couple. He realised he did not know either of their names.
"Your daughter is safely away from the Seanchan," he said quietly. "Deranih is looking after her." He could feel through the bond that Deranih was some way away, and did not appear any more distressed than she had been when he last saw her - that suggested that the pair had evaded capture.
Arilaine, no longer looking composed[1]
Career History
- Novice
Notes
- ↑ This biography cuts off abruptly at this point. See the Library 2.0 version of this page as proof.
