Adahn sat, waiting. The tavern itself was a pleasant enough place, that much he could not dispute, a dark, dim chamber not unlike those where he had sometimes wiled away his evenings after practice back in those far off days at the training schools of Amadicia. Like a man waiting to have a tooth pulled by a barber-surgeon he tapped impatiently at the table before him, a knot of rancour at the task that lay before him coiled tightly in his gut. Ends could sometimes justify a means, he reminded himself- he, of all people, should know that mantra well enough by now but his sense of creeping unease was hard to escape. In an effort to clear his head Adahn ran both hands through the mane of fair hair that hung almost to his shoulders, coppery-gold in the dim tavern-light. Something told him he wouldn’t have that much longer to wait…

Shook from his musings by the Inn Mistress’s approach Adahn accepted another tankard of ale from here with a practice smile and insincere thanks. Then, like a viper rising up to strike with her spear-like back and cold, cruel stare the Aes Sedai witch walked in. Unable to suppress a deep, involuntary scowl the Whitecloak instead brought the ale mug up to cover his face, drinking deeper than was his habit. Without tasting a thing, he brought his sword arm down again, and the tankard with it, to its rightful place on the table- a mere six inches from the pommel of the long blade that hung at his hip. He’d heard tales of such witches, vile sorceresses who in their arrogance walked hand in hand with the Shadow, perpetuating its foul arts. Stories of dark deeds done behind the high white walls of their tower, things no decent man of the Light was even meant to thing of, abounded in his native Amador. From the reaction among the other folk at the inn he judged that these cold northern lands must have similar tales of their own to tell. Stomaching his displeasure, Adahn alone met the witch’s harsh gaze with an icy stare of his own, but the moment of crisis was averted as she turned to chat with the innkeeper instead.

The door opened twice more, in quick succession, as first a woman in peasant’s garb and then a pair of Aiel, tall and outlandish in their long dark robes, were drawn into the room to be seated at his table. If the latter pair were indeed who they seemed to be then they had presumably been brought from almost as far away as Adahn himself- obviously powerful groups beside his own had an interest vested in the proceedings. As for the former, well, her immediate appearance gave little enough away in itself, Adahn would watch her closely until he could gauge whether or not she was a threat.

Did the Aes Sedai herself truly mean to accompany them, gliding towards them already with polished poise and an outward demeanour as inscrutable as his own? That viper’s clutch in the White Tower, with a taloned finger deep in every stake in these parts would doubtless want an agent wormed into the heart of a group such as this, but could they truly be so blatant? His expression nonchalant as the sorceress approached their table Adahn permitted himself a small smile at the icy look she shot him- clearly the Children’s repute extended even to these distant northern parts. Without a word he followed her outside and, without a moment’s hesitation despite his many misgivings, drank the witch’s brew she handed to him. As the world span about him he had time for an instant’s panic, but then he was falling toward the ground and darkness claimed him.

***

A cool autumn breeze was blowing through his yellow hair as the light died among the trees.

He was riding, the Old Man’s horse between his legs and a squadron of soldiers behind him, the heavy rings of their armour rattling as they followed through the still, hushed woods.

Ahead, the village was waiting. Hushed mutters from the waiting throng. The crowd parted to either side at his approach, the air pregnant with anticipation- this was his moment, his hour of redemption.

There, ahead, bound to the stake She waited. The fairest, most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on. A witch. A dark friend poisoner. Clad in a simple dress of blue She waited, eyes downcast, hair honey-blonde like his own.

He was dismounted, a flaming torching brandished high. The horse, the waiting crowd, the woods melted to nothing.

He moved forward, the acrid smell of fire, the thick stench of pungent death ripe in his nostrils. Clouds of smoke twisted upward from the brand, filling the air everywhere around him.

He looked down.

His hands were burning. Thick, vibrant tongues of flame licked around each finger, each digit. The skin blackened and cracked, his nails warped and bent with the heat as the flesh was torn away.

He opened his mouth to scream. No voice came. A weight, a mountain was crushing his chest.

His eyes forced upwards in a voiceless appeal to the heavens.

She met his eyes.

She curled her lips to smile and her face was his own.

***

Shaking off the dream as he struggled to rise Adahn awakened. His mouth was dry and the room span and yet, it seemed as though the witch’s brew had carried no poison at all.

Gathering his strength he forced himself to stand, borne down by the weight of his armour, hair tangled across his face from where he had fallen. Leaning against the wall for support, as he struggled to breathe, he forced himself to take one step, then another until the life returned to his legs and he could stand without difficulty.

In the pale light of morning he is revealed as a man in his early twenties of above average height and build. A cloak bearing the white cloak insignia hangs proudly from his broad shoulders, above a well polished steel breastplate and glittering chain, the lower parts of his regalia being made up of knee-high riding boots and red breeches under burnished greaves. An unadorned long sword, clearly of military made, hangs loosely from a scabbard at his belt and a discarded shield, its face bearing the same marking as his cloak, lies forgotten for the moment on the floor close by. His face, despite a long scar along one cheek, is pleasant enough, with a strong jaw and vividly blue eyes. Combing his hair back with both hands from where it had fallen across his face, Adahn looks toward the others and then the door, when they have collected themselves he will be ready to press ahead.

OOC Note: Sorry if this is a bit long, I haven't done this in a couple of years and had problems cutting it down without losing any of the flavour or content.

Raiel Stepped into the inn at almost very close to the time they had been told to arrive. This wasy they would not interact much with the locals. She shook her head uin disgust nder the enveloping garment that Asurii and she they had been directed to wear. It hampered her movement. None of this made sense. From the moment they had been brought before the Wise Ones and given this mission to accomplish.

Being in Wetlander territory was something they had no experience in and they had to rely on the instructions they were given. However she would never, if confronted just scream and cower. Anyone who accosted her would taste the steel of her spears. Of a certainty it would be more than what they might expect.

The second thing that irritated her was that she could not use Maiden Hand talk with Asurii. Not openly, anyway. Nont-the-less she continue with the disguise they had been given because she had been told to, by the Wise Ones. If one where smart, one did not cross the Wise Ones or ignore their instructions. Raiel could not conceive that this thing they were tp find was more important than “Toh” but she would not argue the fact with them—never argue with Wise Ones you are bound to loose.

Asurii and she used their eyes and if necessary went apart to converse in Maiden Talk if needed. They did not speak before strangers.

Raiel was curious about the whole affair. Who they had to meet they did not know THe wosew Ones had been vague and no specifics were given except they were to meet with others. Scanning the room they looked for other that might be looking for others not part of the locals. One table seemed to stand out perhaps it was because those there were not talking to each other or doing mare that having a drink. Raiel watches them watching others, which is why she headed towards that table. A male Wetlander, a Whitecloak sat at that table but that did not put Raiel off her track. When they sat done, Raiel turn her back so that she could watch for any comings and goings. Asurii turn the other way to cover the remainer of the space. HIs eyes steadlily weeping the room and if waiting. This could be the wrong table but whoever they were to meet could find twins more easily than the twins could find them

Raiel notices his eyes shifting about as he looked over who was there. When he lays eyes on the Aes Sedai there was marked—well at least remarked by Raiel, stiffening in his body. His eye focused on the her. He was one of those they had been told to avoid. Raiel shifted in her seat and reached around inside her robes to touch her spears strapped to her pack She waited though not wanting to start anything but ready to finish it.

Finally the Aes Sedai, followed by her Warder. The twins had steered clear of all such pairings as they had made their way her. However this one came directly to their table. When The Aes Sedai signaled them to follow, Raiel stood with as much grace as possible in those lught-forsaken robes, she had even learned a few tricks to keep the most troublesome gathers out of her way. She did not know what the Yurikind were, more than that she did not care except to be as free of these robes as soon as possible.

Raiel follow slightly to the rear of the group keep a watch on them all and on her surroundings. Everything was too close together and the air stunk of too many people in one place. When she started to waver she called out but consciousness faded before she could pull her spears to defend herself.

Conscious returned but she did not stir, the smell was different the ground was not where she had been. There was stillness to the air as they were within walls. She waited unmoving until she felt in control of herself.. First she listened. Initially there were no sounds from within the area. Anything she heard sounded muffled and far off. Cautiously, she looked out to see what she could without moving. Asurii was laying not far away. She heard someone stirring and walking about but could not see them without moving. Gradually she worked the robes away from her hands and arms freeing them to take up her spears.; Once she had them in hand she rose quickly spears at the ready, her robes tossed back more like a cape. She is ready to defend herself and Asurii, from whoever else was moving about--the Whitecloak.

Asurii, irritated by the enveloping robe she had to wear for disguise reasons, shifted to where she was better able to get to her spears. To say that the garment hampered movement was a understatement, like saying the Aiel are barbarians, which is what most Wetlanders thought but was totally untrue.

They had been sent off into that Wetlander territory with no experience in it and they all tha had to rely on was the instructions they were given by the Wise Ones. On of those instructions was to scream and cower. She knew how Raiel felt about that instruction, and she was just as ready to dance spears with an attacker as yell and cower. Asurii knew the disguise was important, but so was pride, and to scream and cower was not the action Maiden, or Aiel would do.

But the Wise Ones had been adamant that they should hide behind disguises and work with the team that was gathering to find the Oracle. So important a quest that the Wise Ones had said that they were to have dispensation from Toh. Asurii could not conceive that this thing they were to find was more important than “Toh” but she would not argue the fact with them Aiel learned quickly to obey the Wise Ones and never argue with them for you were bound to loose. Anyway she and Raiel had already had a taste of Wise Ones’ punishment after a youthful indiscretion of collapsing the sweat tent, unfortunately they did not know a number visiting Wise Ones were enjoying the Aiel sweat bath with the sept’s Wise Ones. Digging holes all day and then having to fill them in.

Both she and Raiel had been hampered in that they could not openly use Maiden Hand talk with Asurii. They had found some ways to shield themselves with the robes so that they could converse secretly. Asurii and Raiel used their eyes and if necessary went apart to converse in Maiden Talk if needed. They did not speak before strangers.

Last to enter, Asurii looked about the Inn searching for a grouping that would indicate those that they were sent to join. Having no idea of number, gender and possible profession, such a task seemed daunting. In fact the circumstances of this mission were “STRANGE” in that they were to go disguised, act in the matter of their personifications, and not to ask any team member as to their

There was only one table where the occupants seemed to be awaiting others, they way they looked about and observed newcomers, was the only indication that they were the one Asurii and Raiel were sent to join.

Asurii put her hand on Raiel’s arm and finger talked using the simplest of words, so that Raiel could feel what Asurii was signing to her.

<>

They walked up and sat down, as if they were expected, the fact the neither of the others reacted or remarked was evidence enough that these were the ones they were seeking.

Finally the red Aes Sedai, followed by her Warder directly approached the table were the 4 sat. When The Aes Sedai signaled them to follow, none of the others seemed to question her right to summons them, so Asurii followed Raiel. A secret smile, hidden by the hood of the robe, came to Asurii’s lips as the Red Aes Sedai seemed put out that she was not shown proper respect.
Asurii, with Raiel, followed slightly to the rear of the group keep a watch on them all and on her surroundings. Unlike the others, neither Raiel or Asurii had to speed up to tay with the Red Sister.

Reaching a place behind the Inn they stopped. Waiting there were 6 others, and then the Red Sister thrust a bottle at them.

"Azyruies Revenge, may not have much for taste but it works wonders on the mind. When you all wake up, follow the red stones."

Before taking a drink from the bottle, Asurii positioned her spears to be easily reached. When it was her turn to drink, she almost coughed it back up, so vile and retched was its taste. Quickly she slipped from consciousness.

Waking, Asurii knew almost immediately that they were somewhere else. The feeling of the air, and the smalls were new and strange. There was stillness to the air as they were within walls. Asurii slowly let her body feeling itself fully before trying to move. Little movements at first to test how fully functional she was. As she tested her body she listened for any indication of the others. She heard someone stirring and walking about but could not see them without moving. Having prepared her spears Asurii took hold of them and in one sinuous motion stood and readied herself.

Almost at the same instance Raiel rose.

Sarhia had arrived at the Inn as she had been instructed to do, she was unsure of her role in this but as always she would not let on to anyone her feelings. She studied the Inn for a moment before entering. But before she could enter she saw an Aes Sedia, she quickly ducked back so as not to be seen. She did not fear the woman but she also had no love for the Red Ajah, they hated men and were known to be more aggressive then most of the other colors.

As she did not wish to be seen entering at the same time as the Aes Sedia she paused a moment before entering the Inn. She smoothed her features, tucked her copper red hair behind her ears, smoothed out her already un rumpled honey colored skirt, and made herself calm. She was dressed as a peasant and had been told to keep information about herself to a minimum for the time being. She pushed open the door and without seeming to look around she took in all the patrons of the common room. She spotted the Whitecloak and knew it must be Adahn he looked as though he were hiding behind his ale and she recognized the look of hate in his eyes, eyes as deep blue as her own, which were piercing the back of the red sister. She did not even look towards the mistress and the Aes Sedia as she walked past them. She calmly asked if he was Avern, he nodded and looked her over briefly, apparently thinking her as no threat next to the hated Aes Sedia. He didn't give her a second glance. She folded her hands in her skirt and settled in to wait for the "appropriate time to leave" as well as the two more to come. She did not know what the time would be, and was frustrated over the not knowing, but she would wait. The door opened and two tall women came in. They were Yurikind. They joined herself and the whitecloak, their eyes seemed to burn with a fury. She would have to be carefull with these three as companions.

The Red Aes Sedia turned from her conversation with the mistress and walked strait to their table. Sarhia felt as though she were prey for a starving dog under that gaze, but she did not let it show. They all four stood and followed the Red out of the room, but not before Sarhia had noticed the frown directed towards the man in the party. They had to walk quickly or get left behind by the Aes Sedia which would surely cause problems. They rounded the corner of the Inn and stopped suddenly at the sight of six more Aes Sedia waiting for them. A nervous tension could be felt among the small group. The Red they followed held out a bottle of reddish liquid and though no one wanted to drink it, there were no thoughts of not drinking it. The last thing she remembered as she forced down the vile fluid was being told "Azyruies Revenge" whatever that meant and "follow the red stones". Then blackness overwhelmed her.

She woke and knew she was somewhere else. She was laying facing her companions with a wall to the stone room they appeared to be in at her back. Her head hurt and spun but she ignored the pain and warily watched the others to see what they would do. Adahn was first to rise, he seemed a bit shaky on his legs as if they were still asleep, but it passed quickly. The two women jumped up one immediately after the other, they appeared ready to do battle, but seemed to realize that no one was an immediate threat. With everyone up and the red stones slowly becoming apparent to them all, she rose with one last thought to her aching head. It was time to start, time to get going, time to do what must be done.

Raiel mentions the obvious since no one seemed to following the Red Aes Sedai's instructions, "The red stones," she said then added, "We were to follow them." Then she procedes to do just that but not on the stones themselves but off to one side she moves towards the door. The all enveloping robe she has tossed over her shoulder to hang on her pack. She glances around to see what the other do. Her head still achea and she promised herself she would not again drink unknown potions nor trust the Red Aes Sedai.

Raiel carried the deadly Aiel short spears, with almost two hand spans of sharped steel, in both hands. Her best one in her right hand and the other two in her left. It is the way it waas done. Her grip is firm but not clenched as that would take her to long to change if she needed to throw rather than thrust and parry.

She carefully approaches the door. Not trusting someone else words but her own senses which have kept her alive in difficult times and places.

They all stared at the stones and one of the Yurikind said "The red stones, we were to follow them" She moved off towards the door not on the stones but off to one side, but before she arrives the doors begin to move as though someone from the other side is lifting the bar to open them.

The Yurikind appears to gather herself for a fight and even states calmly that she is willing to die. But before she can move further Sarhia suddenly senses evil from the other side of the room you are all in. "Stop! There is evil on the other side of the room we are in, two or more." In only seconds she tell's this to the group in hushed but convincing words, and explains that it isn't weak so she assumes that it is a couple villians, perhaps Fades or Tollocs.

Her sense of evil is strong, she hopes that they don't take the time now to question how she would know such a thing. She wonders what she will say to explain it when the time comes, if the time comes. No, she argues with herself, they will make it, they have to. She can feel the dagger, her only weapon she carries, hanging from her belt. What could it do against a Halfman? This takes only an instant to pass through her mind though. The door is opening.

Asurii moves to the opposite side of the door. If anyone comes through they would be flanked.

<>

She swings back her robe and awaits the target. Trollocs and Fades were nothing new to them, they had frought them before. Teamwowrk was the key to killing both.

What about this warning:

But before she can move further Sarhia suddenly senses evil from the other side of the room you are all in. "Stop! There is evil on the other side of the room we are in, two or more."

Asurii stands ready poised for action in the alert that something Evil was outside the door. She was poised on the balls of her softbooted feet and her had hold of a spear ready to throw or use in melee.

Retrieving his shield from where it had fallen and unsheathing the blade that hangs at his side with a brief flourish Adahn begins pacing toward the source of the threat. Like the two Aiel, coiled and tensed beneath their robes and already ready to strike, he can sense that battle is imminent.

Brief doubts linger in his mind- if there is evil in this place then why would it wait so long to strike, surely it would have been better to dispatch them all while they lay incapacitated on the floor? If there truly were an evil in this place then is the Aes Sedai witch complicit in it, having sent two of her own to trail the group or simply thrown them into the jaws of a trap?

Adahn mouths a brief prayer to the Light, that it might watch over him in this place. He is ready for battle, come what may. With his left hand he fumbles for the door latch, wrenching the portal open. Then, sword and shield held ready he scans the far side before stepping through.

As the fetid odour of the Trolloc band reaches his nostrils and the closest of their number turns to sound the alarm Adahn is already backing through the door. Darkspawned monsters, creatures of childhood nightmare, confront him and though it is his wish to go toward the Light fighting four against a dozen in an open room is not the end he would meet.

Barking instructions to the two Aiel to take up position on either side of the door Adahn braces his shield and stands ready to meet the first Trolloc's charge head on. From what scattered tales and rumours he has heard of such creatures they are not wont to long resist the lure of their bestial appetites and it is his hope that they might be lured into a position of tactical inferiority.

OOC: Backing through the door, leaving just enough space to either side to allow someone else to take up position. Delaying my action to attack the first Trolloc to step through the doorway.

Aurii flashes the fingers of her left hand alerting Raiel to take turns at the door with her, both of them attacking the Trolloc blocking it. It would be much like Dancing the Spears, attack, fallback. By rotating the attack they might get the Trolloc off balance, or even keep him busy enough to allow Adahn to get a good hit. They had spent anf year in the Blight fighting Trollocs in such a manner that it was a well honed tactic.

Asurii crouches and balances on the balls of her feet, ready to spring forward in her attack. When the she sees an opening she lunges forward driving her spear into the Trolloc.

*1 To Hit 20 + 8 Damage 6 (not use if there are any strength bonuses to that.) (OOC: talk about a power play, my first to hit is max and so was my damage which I just rolled.)

Raiel makes a lightning like thrust with her Aiel spear at the Trolloc in the doorway.

The Wetlander was smart to make them come through the doorway at them. They got partioal cover and if they dropped enough in the door way it would slow the others down and limit their ability to attack the four of them- at least for a time. The biggest problem was that there was no other way out of the room they were in except that currently block by a trolloc and back up my many others.

"It is a good day to die. Let us Dance the Spears."

*Rd. 1
*Raiel Hits (15+ = 23
*Raile does Dam. (5) + (Str bonus of 3 if applicable)

As the lead Trolloc’s scythe jarred against his shield Adahn aimed a quick cut at the thing’s head. The blow was a clumsy one, however, and easily blocked with the haft of the lumbering brute’s weapon.

Holding his ground before the beast's attack Adahn kept his shield raised, pre-empting its next strike so that he could close and get inside its guard.

***

Adahn missed the Trolloc, 7+6 =13

Raiel returned the hit thrustining again with her spear. she kept the other up to help parry incoming blows. She shifts her body to get a better angle and to use the door as partial cover. THis situation did not bode well. THey had no real fighting room in here and a complete lack of knowledge of what is around them. of ther the the ten Trollocs in the bigger room.

Round 2
* No hit Raiel rolled 8+8=16