Tonight was the night. Edeleas could feel the strangeness of the evening setting in on him as he calmly put on his dark velvet coat, bottle green in color with silver fastenings at the hems. He observed himself at the mirror, and there was nothing he could do about what he was just planning. He ran his hands through his golden hair, while slowly, from the inside, he slipped into the special Ko'Di he always used whenever he was about to kill. And tonight, he was going to kill. And perhaps bring him one step closer to damnation and seal his fate forever into the shadow. The thing with Marian did not go so well, and it was only a matter of time before one of the Chosen could sniff out what he'd done. And then, like many, he would die. Buried in some unmarked grave, to be forgotten forever. He had already started to resign to his fate. Light, Edeleas did not know what he wanted.

He stepped back from the mirror and silently left his room. Asha'man were already crowding the hallways, all of them wearing ludicrous masks, ranging from the blandly pale to the most ornate, feathered ones, ones that even had gold-tipped feathers. The men greeted him, asking him if he'd join the ball. Edeleas did not spare them all a glance or anything. He had to concentrate on the task at hand, and he could not afford any distractions. Distractions meant failure, and failure was followed by death. Edeleas did not want to die. Yet.

He stepped out into the night, taking in the raging flood that was saidin into him. At once the world sharpened to a degree that could make him weep, and already the sound of merriment pounded into his ears, ringing into his head as he walked resolutely from the Black Tower toward the venue of the murder tonight. A crowning glory fit for nothing else except the Feast of the Dragon, the assassination of the Mahdi al'Tain of the Black Tower. And Edeleas would be the Great Lord's instrument in doing this. He must not fail. He must not falter. Though he did want to return to what and who he was, he must do this. There was no other way. The other way was the cold darkness and silence of his grave.

The lights and choruses of music from the ball was far from tantalizing. Edeleas swiftly went to the smaller and more unnoticeable alleys, weaving Spirit and Air, gathering Shadows thick around him, so that he was virtually impossible to detect in the night. Another useful Talent only known to Dreadlords, Shadow Cloaking was a wonder. Virtually undetectable in the night, of course, whatever movement he made. And the comprising weaves were so tiny most channelers would miss it unless the Cloaking was done right beneath their noses.

His past few weeks of taking strolls around Tar Valon had finally come to this. He was going to summon four platoons of forty Trollocs around strategic spots around the city, each to be led by a Fade. And, while the chaos was at its peak, he'd do his job, swiftly and silently. Last time he attempted to, Valarian had been there to save Rialt. Now there was no helping the Mahdi. He was going to die.

Edeleas found his first strategic spot, a battered-looking inn which looked so derelict it could have been closed a hundred years ago. Climbing up on the barrels propped against the peeling walls, Edeleas slowly made his way toward the roof, where he had a clear view of the masquerade. He was a safe distance away that when the Asha'man started to feel something, he was already gone and away once they realized the channeling came from this place. Saidin pounded in Edeleas, drowning everything else.

He touched the dark thing that bound his soul, gave it an urgent tug. And the Great Lord heard him. He gasped as the pain came crashing into his body, and forced saidin into the familiar weaves of a gateway. He watched as a gateway opened some meters away from the ball. It was not like the usual silvery gateway, but it was shadowy. The people had had a glimpse of Thakan'dar's fiery forges before the platoon rushed out of it, herded by a Fade with a black blade held high.

That was when the screaming started.

Marian tied her mask behind her head and surveyed herself in the mirror. The mask had certainly cost a lot, though she supposed it had been her stupidity of buying it from an over priced peddler. Nevertheless, it was a pretty thing, red with ribbons draping from the corners. Her dress was of the same color and a silk fabric that Marian enjoyed wearing. She had had it specially tailored for this event, and Marian hoped that it would be suitable for the occasion. Nevertheless, she had much more important things on her mind - dark things.

In the days since that night that she had discovered Edeleas's secret, she had grown used to the dark weave that had made it's home in her mind. She knew quite well that there was no way she was going to tell anyone about Edeleas, not without killing herself. What good would she be then? She hoped that he really did understand what she had done. If any Aes Sedai found out about their secrets, the two of them would be killed on the spot, probably without any chance to explain. Marian couldn't even manage to understand herself, why she had done such a thing. She'd put all of her life on the line, and being Aes Sedai had been the most precious thing to her since she had been raised to Accepted.

She sighed. Brooding about it wasn't going to help her. She needed to do some research and talk to some people. While she couldn't tell anyone of Edeleas's plight, she could certainly find ways to get him out of it. She doubted that it had ever been done before, but Marian was determined to cut him out of the Dark One's shadow. She would die before he went completely to Shadow. She had seen some good left in him, and Marian was determined to keep that alive at all costs, no matter what he did. She knew that he had duties. She knew that he would have to keep killing. It wasn't as though one could openly oppose the Dark One while already having sworn himself to him.

She went out of her rooms in the Gray Ajah halls, giving fake smiles to the Gray sisters. They smiled back at her and bowed their heads respectfully. It seemed that they had finally learned their places, and they had accepted the fact, at least outwardly, that she was the Head Clerk of the Gray Ajah. She had had to ship several sisters away from Tar Valon to do it, but her grasp was tightening on the Gray Ajah. She was going to keep them in line, and she was going to do it her way, not theirs. The women could accept it or live with the consequences. Marian wasn't physically strong, but character and power-wise... She could whip them all into shape, even old Tenshua Sedai who had been Aes Sedai before Marian's birth.

Marian wondered if she'd be able to meet up with Kathera at some point that night, and she supposed that she should probably make some general conversation with her mentees. While Kathera was of the Brown Ajah, it was common knowledge that the two of them had been best friends during their younger years. Light, they still were, though things had certainly changed since then. Marian was Head Clerk, and now she was carrying Edeleas's secret. Kathera had been friends with Edeleas too. Light, what she didn't know...

She stepped outside to get some fresh air. She was excited for the masquerade, but she was sure that it wouldn't begin for some time, and she knew that it was likely to be crowded. All of the Towers attended, and such events gave Marian headaches with the rest of the stress she had as Aes Sedai. Sitting outside, she could see the lights and hear the music coming from Tar Valon where the citizens celebrated too. She smiled to herself, hoping they were enjoying the decorations. She closed her eyes and tried to think of what it would be like if everything were as it was when she was Accepted. Things had been so much simpler then. She had gotten herself into a very dangerous, tangled web now. And no one can help you, she thought to herself icily. And you can't help Edeleas. She pushed those thoughts away, trying to enjoy herself, just for one night...

Until she heard that the music had stopped in the city. She looked up with a frown, realizing that smoke was coming from Tar Valon. She could hear some screaming, even at this distance. "Oh, Light," she breathed, jumping to her feet. Into the grounds, a few scattered Shadowspawn rushed, having already left the city. "Light illumine us all." She embraced Saidar, looking around for any other Aes Sedai or Asha'man. She shrieked at some Accepted who were sitting in the trees. "Get the bloody hell down!" she demanded when they only looked at her, using words that she hardly ever used. While the celebration was supposed to be a time for Aes Sedai to be more lax, those rules hardly applied when a bunch of Shadowspawn was attacking. The Accepted's eyes widened, and she all but yanked them out of the tree with Air. "Go inside and find the M'Hael and Amyrlin Seat. Link with your sisters," she instructed sharply. "Tell them... Tell them that Shadow has struck." They nodded fearfully, hearing the roar of people yelling and Shadowspawn.

Marian thought about taking off her mask, but decided against it. Perhaps secrecy would be good in this battle. She didn't know whether Edeleas's brothers knew her identity or if they knew of her at all. "Edeleas, you idiot," she muttered to herself, knowing quite well who was the cause of all this. She knew it wasn't completely his fault, but she didn't have much time to dwell on it before shooting a weave of fire at a trolloc. Light, I knew I should have been a Green...

By all reason there should have been a circle where Myara had spent time pacing about while making her very best attempt to prepare herself for the events of the evening. She had realized just how accustomed she had become to wearing the same uniforms day in and day out as she smoothed the silky material of her formal outfit down. She glanced to the mask which rested upon her bed, still amazed that she had found something so beautiful and had not needed to spend too many coins to make it her own. Looking back to the mirror she fussed with her hair once again, then went about looking herself over, noticing just how the months of training had built her up from the scrawny little girl she had once been. The outfit she wore was based on the Saldaean riding dress, made in layers of black and dark gray silk laid over with rich plum colored ripples of silk to give the look of feathers. The look of the dress would match her mask, a mix of plum and dusky rose dyed feathers set on a smooth white surface edged and accented in silver flecks, a mask that would hide all but her lips and jaw. At least they won't realize who is hiding behind this mask, so that if I look like a complete fool I just might not have to deal with the continuing jokes.

As she finally convinced herself that the dress wasn't too snug on her form or that she wasn't making a complete fool of herself, she reached for the black leather sword belt she had picked out and buckled it about her waist. The belt had been selected for being slender enough to hide amongst the silk folds, and dressy enough not to stick out should it be seen. At either hip rested a long dagger, small enough to hide amongst the rippling silk yet effective enough to defend herself should they be needed. She gave a soft sigh as she looked to the saber where it rested, wishing she could have blended it in with her costume, yet tonight was to be the masquerade, definitely a safe place, or so she figured.

Feeling as if she was finally prepared to make her way out of her quarters and make some attempt to be sociable before the event began, she lifted the mask from her bed, looking it over once more, then carrying it with her for a bit as she made her way through the Tower. She knew Nevira would be spending the majority of the evening with Resolute, so now was a great time to mix and mingle some and perhaps find herself some company, which would more than likely be amongst the other Recruits and Younglings who would be attending the masquerade solo. As she saw the first party guests doing the same up ahead, she slid her mask onto her face, adjusting it so it set right upon her face and enjoying the sudden sense of anonymity. She fluffed the mass of curls about her face so that they met the edges of the mask and in the end very little of her face was revealed. As she passed a gathering of people, not one turned to question who she was and this made her feel much more relaxed.

As she stepped out into the open air, a smile crossed her lips beneath the mask, a thrilling feeling filling her as she realized that she was about to be part of a great event, the masquerade. Her strides grew longer and more determined as she made her way towards the proper areas of Tar Valon, areas that she had only recently explored some with Nevira as they had gone in search of the right outfits for the various events of the festival. Music filled the air and all around her there were masked figures, like a sea of painted on faces as the people behind them went about their way. Vendors who had decided to make some profit from the party patrons were shouting all around her, yet some of the shouting seemed to not be of the festive type.

The music faded and the scent of smoke filled the air, causing Myara to move her hands towards her hips, pulling the slender long daggers free as she rushed forward, now seeing others rushing away. The air was filled with panic, so heavy she could almost feel it wrapping around her, though she forced herself to focus and draw in the calm, feeding her fear and rush of feelings to the flame. The silk of her dress rustled all about her small form as she hurried, looking for the source of the chaos.

Mirazhe looked at herself in front of the tiny mirror. All she could see was her face, covered by the mask she wore. It was silvery, with feathers and sequins glued all over. Mirazhe had loved it the moment she had seen it. The storekeeper had charged an outrageous price for it, but she had managed to haggle with him until it was something that she was able to afford. Barely. No more shopping trips for a long time. But it was worth it. It went very well with her borrowed dress. Dark blue, it was a fine-spun wool dress that Farina had lent her. It had been a bit long, since Farina was a few inches taller than Mirazhe, but after they had altered the hem, it had fit very nicely. There was even some lace at the hem and at the waist. Mirazhe had been amazed when Farina had told her that she had had nicer dresses. This was nicer than any of the dresses Mirazhe had ever owned! She smoothed out non-existent wrinkles, and looked at herself longingly. She looked pretty for once. She had managed to get several ribbons as well, and had tied up her hair so it cascaded down her back. With the mask on, she barely even recognized herself. She was some wealthy lady attending a ball, not Mirazhe Tomai, a peasant from Arafel. No doubt Morgaine was wearing some frothy confection of lace and silk. She could afford it, and she probably wouldn’t want to wear anything less, since she was a great lady. Morgaine had sniffed at Mirazhe’s dress when she had seen it. She probably thought it wasn’t good enough for her. She finished fixing her hair and her dress. Putting the mirror away, she walked out the door.

Outside, it was cool and Mirazhe breathed in deeply. Lights had been put up and it transformed the Tower into a place straight from a fairy tale. She could hear music and people laughing in the background and smiled. So people were having fun. That was good. She made her way through the garden, stopping every so often to sniff a flower. They all smelled so wonderful and she just couldn’t resist. There weren’t that many flowers where she had lived. They were rare, and only the sturdiest could survive the cold temperatures. Here, there were more flowers than she could count and she only knew the names of a few of them. Maybe she wouldn’t go to the party after all. Maybe she would just stay here, in this peaceful sanctuary and look at the flowers. Then she sighed. No, that wouldn’t work. The garden would fill up soon with partygoers and besides, she’d already borrowed the dress from Farina and bought a mask. She might as well join the festivities, if only for a few moments.

As she got closer, she thought she could hear screams and smell smoke. She paused and frowned. Smoke? Why would there be smoke? And why were people screaming? Mirazhe tried to think of a logical reason. Maybe they were doing some kind of trick and people were screaming because they were surprised. Yes, that was probably it. Nothing to worry about. She continued on. But the nervous feeling didn’t go away. In fact, the closer she got, the worse it grew. Something wasn’t right. Even if they were doing a trick, people shouldn’t be screaming that loud. And what was that growling sound? She pushed some bushes out of her way and stared at the sight in front of her.

Trollocs, everywhere. People were screaming and running for their lives. A couple of Aes Sedai were fighting back, and several Accepted were running back to the Tower, presumably to tell the Amyrlin, if she didn’t know already. Mirazhe was rooted to the spot, unable to move. She’d never seen a Trolloc before. She hadn’t really thought they existed. But apparently they did. And she was scared out of her wits. What was she supposed to do? She couldn’t fight back; she couldn’t even touch saidar, much less use it. And it would be useless if she tried to run. A Trolloc would probably catch her in no time, and then she wouldn’t be dead. She whimpered. What do I do? What do I do?!?!

Robert stepped into the great hall and looked at the Ball. The crowning event of the festivities, it so far had gone off without a hitch. At the formal dinner beforehand he had sat at the high table, only a few places down from the Amyrlin and the M'hael, and had let himself relax sufficiently to enjoy the food and the company. He was dressed in a good, solid chain shirt over his best uniform, covered by a tabard with the Flame of Tar Valon on it. He wore his normal sword by his side; he didn't like the idea of parade armor and weapons, such were normally close to useless if it came to a fight, and he particularly did not want to have a sword that would snap off at the hilts if he tried to use it. The Amyrlin's honor guard was posted along the walls of the Grand Hall; they too were well armed and armored. It would be insane for anyone to try to kill Sapphira here, of all places, but Robert had been around long enough that he knew that insane things happened once in a while. He had gotten in several dances, including one with the Amyrlin Seat, but Robert was now standing off to one side watching. Erin was out there on the dance floor, tremendously enjoying herself and flirting shameless with all the male admirers she attracted wherever she went. Elaine was there too, and Robert didn't doubt for a moment that she had a plethora of death-dealing implements concealed under that voluminous dress of hers.

He noticed a Guard officer come into the hall. He seemed to be in a state of agitation, and started making his way toward Robert. Robert put down his glass of wine and started toward him, wondering what could be wrong...

Avialle couldn't help but be excited. A masquerade ball - she'd never even dreamed of being at one. She'd manage to procure a dress in a shade of silver that she absolutely loved, and even a mask of blue. She had never been one to worry over her clothes and hair, but tonight felt special. The dress looked wonderful and Avialle's unruly curls had been somewhat tamed with pins. Securing the mask, she surveyed herself in the mirror. I'll do, she thought with a smile.

Making her way outside, it took Avialle some time to realize that something was wrong. She had assumed the sounds that she heard were reveling from the festival, but as she kept walking, she smelled smoke. Some of the noise sounded like screams. Why would anyone be screaming? she thought, but that thought died away as she came upon chaos. People were running and yelling, there was smoke and fire... Avialle could make no sense out of the commotion. She spotted Mirazhe some distance away from her and clung to the familiar, lifting her skirts and sprinting over to her friend and roommate.

When she reached the other girl, Mirazhe looked as shocked and afraid as Avialle felt. "Mirazhe, what in the Light is going on?"

(( Edeleas, it didn't turn out how I wanted, and it's a bit short, but..it's better then nothing. You guys can RP my Air shoving you out of the way or denying a link, if you'd like. ))

Naishee sat up on her bed grumpily, glaring daggers at the giddy novice who was prancing around in their room prepairing for the Feast. She, for one, was not going because she was a Darkfriend and believed that this matter should not be celebrated, and two because she didn't like crowded and noisy places. So instead the novice snapped at everyone who dared ask her what she would be wearing, or who she would be dancing with. It was all pathetic, girly nonsense and she would not stand for it. "Okay, I'm going. I hope to see you there," Naishee's roommate chittered happily, completely unaware of the death glare she was recieiving. "Yeah right.. have a wonderful time," She replied sarcasticly as the giggling novice left their shared room and skipped gleefully to the Grounds. Naishee could hear the all the music and whatnot already, just a slight hum that was increasingly annoying. The novice got up, a scowl painted on her face, and stomped out of her room towards the library. Normally she wouldn't give a care in the world about studying, but for now she needed something to take her mind off the Feast. As she entered she nearly empty room, Naishee grabbed a random book about common weaves and sat down near the window. Unfortunately for her, there was a perfect view of the Masquerade and a few battered buildings from that window, though the thick glass blocked out most of the sound. The novice could've sworn she saw light catch on a patch of darkness atop one of the buildings, and for just a few seconds a person was illiminated but.. No, it was probably just her imagination.

Naishee believed that untill she heard screams coming from the grounds, and when she looked back out the window there were swarms of trollocs, Myddraal, and frightened people everywhere. In the midst of the confusion, she could sense the glow around single women, and women linked together fighting the beasts, but there seemed to be an endless expance to the chaos. She could also pick out Asha'man and Black Tower initiates who appeared to be channeling aswell.. Naishee smiled despite herself, though she quickly put on a mask of false fear and gripped the True Source. She was a novice, true, but she could hold just as much as any Aes Sedai and weave like one too, because she practiced often. She raced out of the library, down halls and stairs as fast as she could, and finally reached the grounds. From down here things looked much worse then from her view in the library, and it was much more panicked, loud, and confusing. Naishee wove a small shield of Air around herself and pushed through the crowd, people getting shoved aside by her weave. Once or twice Aes Sedai tried to link with her, but she wouldn't allow it. The novice knew exactly where she was going, but it seemed like she would never get there. A few trollocs bounced off her shield as Naishee neared a rickety inn, where she saw the figure cloaked in shadows.. or so she thought. She quickly released her shield and rushed to the side of the building where there were a few barrels piled up and scrambled up them, onto the roof. Closer she could barely make out an outline of a figure that was otherwise just part of the shadows in the night, but it was a human.. an Asha'man.. "You are a Dreadlord," she said slowly with an emotionless voice and guarded expression, "I am a Darkfriend. Tell me how I can be of service."

Edeleas dropped to his knees. Already the first summoning had weakened him so, and he still had three more platoons to summon out. He took deep, calming breaths, and tried to stand, but his knees shook so badly he teetered dangerously and very nearly fell of the inn's roof. He turned his head, toward the masquerade. Aes Sedai and Asha'man struggling to stop the Trollocs he summoned. He saw one burst into flames as an Asha'man hurled the One Power toward it. Edeleas stood up and concentrated upon his bond, and gave it yet another tug.

At once he felt his second Dark Gateway open directly inside the Tower Grounds. Edeleas smiled grimly. He bet the people did not expect that, and of course, nearly everyone was outside here in the masquerade. Edeleas bit his lower lip as he felt his knees tremble again. But then he swatted away the weakness from him and tried to try the third summoning. But even before he could ask for the Great Lord's aid, he stopped dead as he heard a voice. A voice devoid of all emotion he very nearly thought an Aes Sedai spotted him.

"You are a Dreadlord, i am a Darkfriend. Tell me how I can be of service."

Edeleas turned to see...a Novice...standing on the roof with him. He did not relinquish his Shadow Cloak. He merely looked at the girl. By the looks of her she had had enough training to do some little things with saidar. And little things had great potentials to be dangerous...and deadly. He spoke to her. He doubted she could recognize his voice. She did tickle his memories. He must have known her when he was Dedicated or a Soldier.

"You seem strong enough." He said. "Mix Air and Spirit, and gather shadow with you. That way you can cloak youself like this. I give you leave to spill a few Aes Sedai blood."

He turned away from the Novice and gave his master another urgent call. The answer came quicker, and this time the third platoon materialized near the northern end of Tar Valon. There were very few Aes Sedai and Asha'man there. He smiled grimly and returned to the chaos in the masquerade. He felt a flare of anger as he saw that the Aes Sedai and Asha'man were winning. He raised his hands to the sky and rained lightning down their heads. He took another deep breath and draw saidin from the fang earring angreal he wore.

At once the earth heaved and pitched, answering to his call.

I am Edeleas al'Kuar, Dreadlord to the Great Lord of the Dark...

Ooc – no this is not my last post, even if the context seems to imply it. BTW, if any woman wants to be the DF using the air in my post here, please feel free.

He took his time, his steps echoing hollowly off of the stone pavement of the White and Black Towers gardens. Kiren was already there, and had promised to personally flay him if he did not at least show up for appearances. Of course it was to be expected that he be there, everyone in the Tower was there almost. He wanted none of the madness though, he never did. It was almost as bad as the Feast of Fools, which he always remained securely in his rooms for. The Soldiers and Dedicated would have loved to boss him around for once. He chuckled inwardly, what a sight that would be indeed. The black of night pressed in on him as he walked, and he almost felt the need to extinguish the lamps and lights that trailed on either side of the path he walked. They intruded on the natural order of the night…and they were so bloody bright. He glared at them and they seemed to glow ever brighter, just to spite him; he was sure. As he approached the doors leading towards the festivities, the Asha’man and Green Aes Sedai on duty outside the door nodded to him, and he gave a half-hearted wave at them.

Entering inside the expansive room he was greeted with a large amalgamation of sounds and sights. Several people were dancing, though he wasn’t able to see who because of the masks mostly everyone wore. He did not wear one, it was a foolish thing to do. He lazily walked over to where he sensed Kiren and sat next to her, putting one leg over the other. She had a mask. It’s not as if you don’t want to celebrate the Dragon..Someone has to be on duty. But nothing would happen, nothing ever happened. Someone would have to be daft and out of their right minds to ever try and attack the Towers in their stronghold. He picked up a glass and emptied the Red wine that it had been filled to the brim with. At least they have alcohol.. He thought to himself triumphantly. The night seemed to wear on like that for some time, he waving this way and that at anyone who noticed him and met his eyes. Even at the time of the festivities they showed their respect. Kiren had long since abandoned her post next to him and wandered off in search of a more interesting time, he had no doubt. He met her eyes through a momentary space in the crowds and she buggered her eyes at him. Scowling, he stood up and walked in the opposite direction that he had seen her in.

“Asha’man Rialt!” He heard a voice say to him out of the crowd, and he turned to face the speaker. Jidigal… He made his face instantly as blank as he could manage, and stopped walking, the shorter man charging up to see him. Light… He searched for a way out, Kiren perhaps, but she was too far away for him to use her as a proper excuse. Jidigal was the quintessential thorn in the foot, he was the most annoying man that Rialt had ever held presence with, and served as the Tower Grounds Keeper, and had done so for close to twenty-five years, even before Rialt had become the Seeker. Always the man wanted to rant and rave about what initiates did this or what Dedicated did that. What did he care what the Soldiers and Dedicated did to the grounds? He bloody flaming could care less, and the old geezer in front of him never realized the sour mood Rialt was always in when he spoke to him. “Master Jidigal..” Rialt inclined his head respectfully. “My Lord..” Jidigal began.

“I am no Lord Master Jidigal, please do not presume that I am.” Rialt said annoyed, and searched the crowds for a way out.

“Yes yes, well, forgive an old fool my lord. I simply must speak with you about something peculiar that I discovered in the Garden’s today. My, I feel so uncomfortable speaking of it, that I have told not a soul…not a soul I tell you, until I knew that I could tell you!” The man was rambling…Rialt’s temper was building, but he kept it under control.

“That is all well and good Jidigal, will you be out with it so I may be on my way?”

“Of course sir, its just that…that..” He looked about the room in a frantic search, as if he was afraid an assassin would jump from the sky. “I know you say I ain’t never been any good with saidar and all.” Rialt rolled his eyes at the man’s slip-up. “But I could have sworn I sensed something when I was near the west entrance point. A shadowy looking feller, sniffing around and such, almost like he was planning on something…kind of short, about yea high..” He motioned with his hand and Rialt motioned silence.

“I do appreciate you looking out for us Jidigal, but we have our own saidin trained men to deal with shadowy looking characters.” The Grounds Keeper look confused, “I bid you good night Jidigal. Rialt turned on his heel, shaking his head in dis-belief at the old man’s ridiculous story, when he heard a high pitched shriek a way off in the distance. He increased his speed instantly and ran for the source of the sound, the music cut off suddenly, and all eyes were fixated on the spot the yell had come from. "What the bloody...?" He let out and frowned, moving in fast to locate the yell.

It was then that the entire room erupted into chaos. People began screaming and running, and Rialt’s eyes scanned the crowd for signs of what was causing the madness. It made no sense what-so-ever, one moment it was all laughs and dancing and then next the room had been shoved into a lightning storm. His head twisted towards the feel of Saidin and Saidar raging in the hands of Asha’man and Aes Sedai, and he moved to take hold of the Source when he felt the first pain in his right shoulder. His brown tunic was warm, and he reached around to touch the burning spot on his shoulder and frowned deeply when he looked at his hand. It was covered in blood. He swiveled, Saidin now firmly in his grasp and he searched for the perpetrator. But forms were everywhere, there was no way to be able to tell who had done it.

Then he saw what people had been screaming about. Out of nowhere and certainly out of place, a horde of trollocs streamed into the ballroom. Rialt’s temper erupted and he hurled a well aimed stream of fire at one of them, it fell to the floor covered in the saidin-enhanced flames. He reacted instantaneously, and ran towards the onslaught, urging those novices and soldiers he recognized to leave the place as quickly as they could. Then, again he felt it, the sharp stab, but this time in his side. With a strangled half-cry he tripped over onto the floor and tried to make out, again, who had struck him. He held his side in his hands, and before he could even think to create a shield he caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of his eye. The grayman.. “What in the bloody Shayol-Gul is a grayma-!” And he cut off as he was momentarily blinded. He scrambled to his feet, and began to form the weaves, spirit to aid in seeing the Dark Creature that attacked him, and again he felt the hot searing pain explode in his left leg. “Kiren!!” He bellowed, and he felt her concern, mixed in with the aggression of the fight she had to be in. She was moving closer and fast, he would have someone to fight the- but this time it was not a sharp pain that touched him, but a wall of air, holding his limbs close to his sides. Saidar, he was sure, it had to be, he would have seen the threads had it been anything else. Black Ajah…Rialt you fool, you should have listened.. But his thoughts were muddled by the swift flow of spirit that cut neatly through the binds that held him. It could not have been Black Ajah, the weave of air was too weak..a novice perhaps... Lightning slashed violently down outside, lighting the room in a brilliant show of even brighter lights. He swore loudly. That was not lightning from a storm..

His mind was a race, how long had the Shadow been calculating attacking the Black and White Towers, how long would they remain ignorant to those signs.. And before he could think anymore, what could only be a fade appeared near by, and he had to force himself not to feel the terror rising in his stomach. Even he was not immune to it, even he felt its presence. He turned to face it, saidin at the ready, and gasped, the same air coming upon him, tripping his legs from underneath him, disappearing a moment later as if they had never been there. Without a moment to loose, he saw them just barely and lashed out with Spirit, and it dropped to the floor, instantly dead of the weave. Three others disappeared again, and his heart sank. Three graymen, but they were not merely killing others, in fact…they didn’t even notice the bodies and shapes around them, it was as if they were trying to kill him alone… And it suddenly dawned on him. The air, the attacks, the fade…and four graymen… This wasn’t an attack on the Towers. He felt Kiren running even faster, no doubt, sensing the overwhelming feeling of dread that had taken over her bondmate.

“Mirazhe, what in the Light is going on?" A familiar voice startled her from her shocked stupor. She managed to turn around and saw that Avialle was standing right next to her. She looked startled and a bit scared as well. At least she had some control over her emotions. Mirazhe was downright frightened and she was pretty sure that Avialle could tell. She tried to talk, but nothing except a squeak came out. Oh, this was great. She couldn’t even talk now. Avialle probably thought her a complete dolt. Clearing her throat, she tried again. “I’m……I’m not sure. Something happened, but I don’t know what. All I know is that this isn’t supposed to be what’s happening. I came down here, and I heard screams, and then I saw this. And I don’t know what to do.”

She was quickly losing what little resolve she had managed to gather. In another few minutes, Mirazhe knew she would probably end up screaming her head off. Then she would be one of the people down there, screaming and running and getting caught and eaten by…… Mirazhe’s brain refused to go down that path, and so she thought of something else. I have to get out of this alive. If I don’t, I’ll never see my mother again. Well, that was a sobering thought, and one that lessened her fear a bit. If she didn’t get out of this, her mother would never see her again. She’d probably never end up knowing what had happened to Mirazhe and spend the rest of her short life mourning the loss of her only daughter. Well, Mirazhe couldn’t let that happen. She wouldn’t. She’d promised her mother that she would come back when she became an Aes Sedai and she wouldn’t break her promise. Her lips firmed and she looked down at the chaos.

People were running everywhere, and battles were being fought in little clumps. Little zaps of the One Power appeared everywhere, and some of the recruits and Gaidin had their swords out and were slicing away. If only I could use the One Power! Then I could actually be useful! She cursed herself for not being able to, though she knew that nothing could have changed that fact. Then she spotted something gleaming in the dark a few feet away. She quickly walked towards it. A dagger! Of course. She knew how to use a dagger, could use one quite well. Except that it wouldn’t do much from a far distance. She could always throw it, but then she’d have to go and get it, and there was no guarantee that she would hit whatever she was aiming at. Her skills were a bit rusty from weeks without practice. She cursed herself again. Still, it might come in handy if something happened to them. It wouldn’t be much help, but it would be better than nothing. Picking it up, she studied it. The edge of the blade was still sharp and the hilt fit well in her palm. She tighten her hold on in and looked at Avialle. “We have to do something. But what?”

As Robert turned to talk to the officer, chaos erupted as Trollocs charged into the ballroom and began cutting down people, left and right. He was paralyzed by surprise for a moment, just like everyone else. He heard an officer behind him bark an order, and suddenly Sapphira was surrounded by a circle of living steel through which no one living could pass. Surprise faded and instinct took over, as he swept out his sword and shouted "Up and at 'em, boys and girls!" as he led the Guardsmen and gaidin into the fray. Wieiding his longsword two-handed, he swept it across the abdomen of a ram-headed trolloc, leaving it trying unsuccessfully trying to hold its intestines with both hands. On the backstroke he decapitated another, sending its head flying through as great amounts of blood spouted into the air from the stump of its neck. All around him there was fighting, as those guests who were armed were fighting back, and Asha'man and Aes Sedai were bringing their powers to bear.

His immediate foes gone, Robert paused for a second to take stock. Through the open windows he could hear the sounds of fighting and explosions in the courtyard below. And over all the cacaphony he could hear the sound of the Long Roll, as drummers summoned their companies for battle. He lifted sword again, but a trolloc who had been about to attack him dropped dead of a dagger in the eye. A look showed Elaine readying another dagger for a throw. She had whipped off her skirt and wrapped it around her left arm as a makeshift shield, showing that she was wearing some quite revealing lingerie underneath. Despite the carnage, Robert chuckled to himself. She will never live this night down! Erin had picked up a sword from somewhere, and she and a couple of other women had herded a gaggle of non-combatants in a corner, where they were being ignored by the trollocs.

As Robert moved forward, he started to see clothyard shafts and crossbow bolts appearing in the bodies of trollocs. Thank the Light, someone went to get reinforcements! *Somebody* listened to all my lectures on individual initiative! He had paid for out of his own pocket for entertainment for any Guardsmen or gaidin who wished to stay in the Tower for this last night of festival, in the hopes that it would lessen the inevitable hangovers the day after. It had paid off, apparently. To his left he saw Rialt on the floor, sore beset by unseen foes as he blasted a fade out of existence. Grey Men! Kiren was fighting like a demon to get to him, but it was uncertain as if she could reach him in time. Robert swung his sword at where he fought an enemy was, and was rewarded by a gush of blood and a thump as a body hit the floor and faded back into existence at the Grey Man died. He placed himself in guard position in front of Rialt, trying to give him time to get up. "Come through me, you motherless bastards!" he growled.

:AAAHHH!!:

Avialle frowned as Mirazhe admitted that she had no idea what was going on either. Whatever it was, it wasn't good, and Avialle had no idea what was expected of them in a situation like this. As she tried to keep her wits together and think, Mirazhe had found a dagger. Avialle nodded, that was good thinking; even if neither of them were experts, it was certainly better than nothing.

The One Power would be no help, Avialle still hadn't learned how to embrace the Source on purpose, so she couldn't even channel at all.

“We have to do something. But what?” Mirazhe asked.

"Light, I have no idea..." Avialle tried to gather her thoughts. "The other Novices, they're probably as scared and helpless as we are. We should try to find them and get them back inside the Tower. That has to be the safest place to ride this out. We can't fight, we can't channel, but what we can do is get out of the way so that the Aes Sedai don't have to worry about us." Even as she was speaking, Avialle realized that what she proposed was easier said than done. Since it was the festival, none of the novices were wearing their white dresses! "I'm not sure how we'll recognize the novices, but we can look for familiar faces..." She trailed off as she remembered that they were all wearing masks. "Blood and ashes!" She swore. "Maybe we should just look for other people who look completely lost and drag them all back to the Tower?"

Freyja enjoyed the masquerade very much. Her bright red skirts waved wildly as she danced a fast tune with a Gaidin. She didn’t remember having such a good time in a long while. She didn’t have to worry about paperwork, about duty or responsibility, for once she could just enjoy herself. The Infirmary was being led by a Yellow sister who didn’t care for masquerades, and besides the Infirmary was almost empty because almost all of the patients had been given permission to join the ball. Freyja didn’t have to worry about even that. There might be a few fights tonight, a few cuts that need Healing, but nothing more. Freyja didn’t have to worry about a thing.

The dance ended, and Freyja nodded to her partner before leaving the dance floor. She could have continued dancing all night, but she needed some refreshments. She smoothed her red silken dress, embroidered with dragons and revealing quite a lot of cleavage, and adjusted her bright red mask. She wasn’t surprised to notice that her hair was still as she had left it, piled up in an ornament hairdo. She had tied it with Air after all. She wondered if she could catch her reflection from a spoon, but that was a very non-Aes Sedai-ish thing to do, so she decided to believe that she looked as beautiful as when she had left her rooms.

She picked a glass of red wine from a tray and sipped it, watching the dancers. This tune was a little bit slower. Freyja was pleased to see that there were several novices and Accepted dancing too. Tonight they weren’t novices and Accepted, tonight they were guests in a fine ball. She could only see a few girls dressed in novice white, the unfortunate ones who didn’t have any other dresses to wear. Opposed to that she could see young girls in richly embroidered silk dresses. But the dresses of the Aes Sedai were most elaborate.

Freyja clapped politely when the dance ended, and put the now half-empty glass to a passing tray. She would see if she could find a fine man to dance with. The orchestra was picking up speed again, and Freyja couldn’t resist the fastest dances. She found a young man leaning unenthusiastically against a table, and nearly forced him to the dance floor with her. The man looked at her with terror in his eyes. Freyja saw that he was probably a recruit, but once he got over his nervousness, he was a rather good dancer. At least he could stay in Freyja’s pace, and you couldn’t say that from every man.

Suddenly the music stopped, and it took a moment before Freyja realised what had happened. Trollocks! What under the Light are Trollocks doing here? But there was no mistaking them, huge figures with snouts and hooves couldn’t be but Trollocks. She embraced saidar instantly and hurled balls of fire towards the nearest hairy figures. It was hard because they were so many people in the room, but she managed to hurl another ball without hurting anyone else. The smile she had worn had now faded, her face covered with serenity. She had seen war before, and there was no room for emotions.

She saw a couple of girls clustered together, looking frightened and confused. The novices! They had no way to defend themselves. She walked to the group and wove a shield of Air and Spirit around them and tied it. That would stop Shadowspawn from reaching the girls. “The Trollocks cannot reach you if you don’t move. I wove a shield around you. Make other novices join you.” She didn’t give the girls another thought but readied bolts of lightning, ready to hurl them as soon as she got a Trollock on her target.

Farina hurried quickly from the Kitchens to her room. She had been doing chores, and now she wanted to go to the masquerade as swiftly as possible. She would never miss the ball! She cursed the Mistress of Kitchens who had made her scrub all those pots because she had ruined a pot of soup by accidentally adding salt instead of sugar. Anyone could have made the same mistake! She would never forgive the woman if she missed the masquerade.

Once she reached her room, she was surprised to see it empty. Have they gone already? She didn’t think so. Well, maybe they haven’t arrived to begin with. She didn’t wonder too much though, but quickly undressed. She took the dress she had bought from the city and put it on as quickly as she could. She had had enough money to buy a silken dress of dark green she just loved. It had tiny little vines embroidered on the hem and the bosom. Nothing too flashy, she had had even better dresses back home for very special occasions, but the colour was just the right shade green to make it perfect for her. She smoothed it quickly and brushed her hair before putting on the mask. The mask wasn’t as fine as the dress, it was a simple dark green mask with no elaborate details. But it would do.

As soon as she finished adjusting her mask she nearly ran out of the room. She walked as swiftly as she could without running. Once she was outside the Tower, she followed the music and was glad to see that the ball had just started. I’m on time! She let out a hearty laugh and winked an eye at a young man who stood nearby and led him to the dance floor.

Time seemed to have quickened its pace, because before Farina truly noticed it, she was nearly breathless of dancing so much. The man she was dancing with went out to get them drinks. He was a nice man, a Soldier he had told her, and Farina hoped that he would not be too confined because of the rules. He had nice buttocks.

Farina’s thoughts about his buttocks and what she could do to them came to an abrupt halt when the music stopped. She looked around, trying to find the source of the interruption. She didn’t have to wait long until she could hear screams and see big figures moving around the people. Blood and even bloodier ashes! she cursed in her mind as she saw one of the figures up close. Trollocks!

The room was in chaos and Farina could see the One Power being used all around. Farina knew she couldn’t use saidar, she hadn’t had enough training. A flash of panic went through her mind. What do I do? People all around were fighting Trollocks, some with the One Power and some with real weapons of steel. Screams filled the room, and Farina stood still, petrified.

She heard someone call her name, and that wakened her. Get a grip, woman! I will not let anyone see me helpless like this! She could use a quarterstaff, and a bow, but where could she get either of those right now? Nowhere. Farina didn’t stay to ponder, she ran to the side of the room, holding her skirts up. It was a bit quieter there. She leaned on the wall, panting, feverishly trying to come up with a weapon, when she saw a broom. Farina didn’t hesitate, she picked it up and stepped on the end of it. It broke immediately, leaving her with only the stick. It was far too short to work properly as a quarterstaff, but it would do. The broken end was in tatters, so maybe she could use it as a spear. It was better than nothing.

Soon the chaos had reached every part of the room, including the place where Farina was. Snout-faced Trollocks burst into flames in front of eyes, but a few came steadily closer. One had it greedy eyes on her, and he came closer, holding a nasty-looking sword. Farina braced herself and tightened her grip on the broomstick. I will not die here! I will become Aes Sedai so I can see my daughter again! With the image of her daughter in her mind, she swung the stick towards the Trollock. She swung it again, and again in a frenzy, using every bit of skill she had. Before she knew it, the Trollock was on the ground, motionless. She blinked a few times at it. I killed a Trollock! A confused bundle of pride, sorrow, shame and happiness washed over her. She didn’t know what to feel. What she did know was that the battle wasn’t over, so she braced herself for another fight.

Sapphira spun on the dance floor, thouroughly enjoying the night. The entire week had been just as planned, nothing more than the usual minor problems had occured, but that had been expected. It was the final night, and Sapphira was congratulating herself on having the entire week go so well. She knew, of course, that it was not her doing, she had helped plan, but the Light knew she had been tied up with plenty of other things as well. Even so, she could not help but feel personal pride at the way things had gone. As the dance ended, she nodded to the young man she had been dancing with. As she turned away, she allowed herself a chuckle, the boy had tried to get out of dancing with her by saying that he was only a soldier, not worthy to dance with the Amyrlin, which she obviously was, by her stole. She had not let him out of it, though, and he had stumbled through a familiar dance, clearly very nervous. Sapphira had made the best of it, and told him he was doing fine, doubtless if he were not so frightened he would not be a bad dancer. She took a glass of wine, and sipped it as she sat, waiting for another dance she might like to come up. It had been a wonderful evening, that was certain. The masquerade was a success, nearly everyone was dressed in finery that would best any other day of the year, wearing elaborate masks. Sapphira could not help but pity the few initiates who had not had enough coin for a new outfit, or a mask, and could not help but chuckle at those few people who decided not to wear masks to the ball. Like Rialt. He had expressed his feelings about that at dinner, never one to keep his opinions to himself, Sapphira had expected no less from the infuriating man.

Overall, though, dinner had gone well, Sapphira and Rialt had managed not to argue openly, and in the lax environment, he had not irked her as much as he always managed to do. All of her other dinner companions had been wonderful, of course, Lyla was always a source of friendship, and Zekieal, as always, welcome company. Kiren had been pleasant as well, Sapphira knew she could never be thankful enough that the woman did not always side with Rialt entirely. While she reflected on the evening, and the week, Sapphira finished her wine, and stood for another dance. Just as she got onto the floor, though, she heard screams from outside, and soon from inside. Before she knew what was going on, though, she was surrounded by a circle of men and women, Gaidin, her Honor Guard. Immediately, she felt frustration at them, each of them was far taller than her short Cairhienin stature would allow her to see over, and so she had no idea what was going on. From somewhere, she heard someone shout "Trollocs!" though, and her frustration at her guard turned to thankfulness. The guard standing around her gave her time to think of what she would do next. Before she had been thinking long, several Accepted ran to where she was encircled, the Gaidin would not let them through, but they told Sapphira they had been sent to find her and tell her of the attack. Sapphira bit back a sarcastic remark, why had they not been faster? Light, but she should send them all for punishment for being slow! Instead, though, she nodded and gave them a few instructions. "You will go to the Ajah halls and summon every Aes Sedai you can find to help us defeat the Trollocs. Tell any novices or soldiers you see to report to their dorms and stay there until they are told otherwise. Once that is done, you will report back down here to help us with the Trollocs. Now go!"

She watched them run off, forgetting the customary curtsies, but at least that meant they knew that such things could be overlooked in cases of danger. When they were a few feet away, she turned to speak to her guards. "Let me out, I will not stand here protected while my Tower and my daughters are dying!" They did not budge, as she had feared. She had never understood why the most powerful woman in the world could not make her own Honor Guard listen to her, but that was how it was. She tried commanding them to move again, but they did not even glance at her. Finally, she embraced saidar and wove Air to gently push them out of the way. She did not need to look at them to know that they would be surprised, but rather she quickly involved herself in the fighting. Weaving Fire, she followed what appeared to be the favorite type of attack: fireballs. As she watched one Trolloc go up in flames, she looked around. She saw a group of novices standing in the corner, looking frightened, but not moving. For a moment she wondered why the Accepted had not told them to go to their rooms, but then she noticed a shield woven around them. Whoever had thought of that was quick on her feet, Sapphira hoped that there were more men and women around here like her, whoever she was. She turned back to where the majority of the Trollocs were, and began to weave again. "Blood and ashes!" Who would decide to attack the Towers themselves? And how had they not realized that such an attack was being planned, surely there had to be planning going on within the Towers for such an attack to take place.

Sapphira's Red nature rose to the top, as a Red, she prefered to fight Darkfriends over Shadowspawn, but this was close enough. As she threw another fireball at a Trolloc, she realized that she was not much help in here. The concentration of Aes Sedai and Asha'man in here was high, doubtless they could take care of these Trollocs. However, she knew, if there were Shadowspawn in here, there would also be some outside. She looked toward the only door into the hall and cursed, why had they only built one? It was clogged with entering Trollocs and those fighting them. Doubtless it was only a matter of time before dead bodies also began to be a problem there. Swearing again, she wove a shield of Air around herself. She had not yet lost her determination to help whoever was outside. As she made her way forward, she realized just how lucky those Accepted had been to get into this room alive, and wondered whether they had been lucky enough to get out. Sapphira knew better than to look for their bodies, though, if she found them, there was nothing she could do, and if she did not, she would never be sure whether she looked well enough. She pulled her heavy, thick skirts up well above her knees and began to run. Why under the Light had she chosen such a dress, with so many layers? Finally, she decided that this would not work. She used a sharp slice of Air to cut away all but the bottom layer, leaving the skirts where they were. The dress had been expensive, but the Towers' safety was more important, by far. The dress would never be worn again anyway, after all.

Even with her shield in place, it was a difficult squeeze through the entrance, but she made it. She thanked the Light that the ball was a building of its own, that it exited directly into the grounds. There was little more room to breathe out here, though. She released her shield, knowing that the effort it took to hold it would probably not be worth it, it could be used for something else. She looked quickly around, seeing fighting taking place in clumps here too. Asha'man, Aes Sedai and Gaidin fought the Trollocs. Sapphira could not know for certain the rank of everyone here, though, out of initiate uniforms, she could not tell someone she thought was a novice to report back to her room, and that made her angry. The vast majority of the novices could not channel well enough to be down here, and those who could, Sapphira would still prefer them to be in their rooms. She shook that thought out of her mind, and drew more deeply on the Power. She reached her full potential, quite an impressive strength, and began to weave quickly. As she wove, she made her way to the nearest clump of battle, knowing that she was putting herself at risk. Doubtless her Honor Guard was already imagining her dead, after all, Aes Sedai were not trained as weapons as Asha'man and Gaidin were. Most did not remember that Sapphira hd been Red, and was able to take care of herself for the most part. This was a different situation, though, the Greens were more suited to full out battle, and that made Sapphira nervous, though she tried not to acknowledge it. As she reached the fight she had been aiming for, she also released the fireball she had woven.

It did not take long, though, for fire to be returned. Sapphira felt something slice her arm, and looked down to see blood seeping through her sleeve. She swallowed and swore. Light, but she had been stupid to come out here. And still wearing her stole! What Trolloc would not take the opportunity to kill the Amyrlin if it was handed to him on a platter? She offered up a quick prayer to the Light that the blade not be poisoned, as she knew so many were, and dropped back. She could Heal, but she could not Heal herself. She looked around, but could not recognize anyone, it seemed that no one had taken the time to remove their masks before tackling the problem of the attack. She swore yet again, and wove another shield around herself. Sapphira made her way quickly around a bend in a path, to where it was a bit quieter. Once there, she started to examine her arm. It did not look good. The wound did not appear poisoned, but it was a deep cut, and would certainly require Healing. But not now, now there were more important things to worry about. Until just now, Sapphira had not really given herself an opportunity to think about what was happening. How did these Trollocs get here? Who had brought them? Someone in the Towers, she was certain, very likely a channeler. Who was causing this threat to the Towers, and who would the Red Shen be searching out next? Sapphira felt herself wishing she could help in that search, but she knew that after tonight, there would be far too many things to deal with that came before her old job as a Red. It was one of those times when she cursed the decision of the Hall to make her Amyrlin, and take her out of her former job, but there was nothing she could do about it, she knew. And so, she stopped thinking about it, instead turning her thoughts to what she could do now, injured and finally realizing what a target the lone Amyrlin Seat made for any passing Darkfriend or Shadowspawn.

Trolloc raid, light! If I didn't know better, I'd think I'm back in Saldaea and this is a nightmare. Yet as the blade of the beast before her swung her direction once again, she knew it wasn't a nightmare, this was the night of the masquerade, and there was a Trolloc before her. She quickly ducked under the blade, rising up with a slice of one dagger to the backside of the beast's arm, following through with a boot to its knee to send it crashing to the ground. And from now on fasion is out and the saber goes with me everywhere, she murmered softly as she finished off the vile creature.

As she hurried towards the center of the screams and smoke, she cursed herself for not having stuck with a much more practical outfit, though this wasn't exactly how she planned the night would have gone. Plum and dusky rose silk swirled around her in a tangled mess as she hurried her pace, watching as the Aes Sedai worked with the One Power to combat the horde that had set down upon those who would be attending the ball. As she reached the Courtyard, she heard the roll of the drums, feeling a rush of adrenaline, knowing others would converge upon this point and there would be a great battle. Out of the corner of her eye she saw a Trolloc pressing a group of unarmed party guests back, causing her to leap forward, remembering the vows she took to protect those who could not protect themselves.

As she rushed forward, she let a cry of sorts out, and with a final pounce she found one dagger deep within the shoulder of the Trolloc, until he made a startled twist and tossed Myara back. After an unplanned tumble, she got to her feet once more and engaged the brute, watching as those it had been threatening were running for safe cover. Without her saber to work with, she found herself dodging and moving more than attacking, wishing she had more skill with the two daggers in her hands. Then suddenly the beast staggered and fell aside some, giving her an opening to advance and attack, yet the creature was already falling with a crash. Myara's face was one of shock behind the mask, as she looked for the source of the attack that had taken the creature down, thankful for it as much as she was surprised.

"Light, I have no idea..." Avialle was clearly trying to think of something. "The other Novices, they're probably as scared and helpless as we are. We should try to find them and get them back inside the Tower. That has to be the safest place to ride this out. We can't fight, we can't channel, but what we can do is get out of the way so that the Aes Sedai don't have to worry about us." Mirazhe nodded her head to show that she understood and agreed with Avialle’s plan. They pretty much were helpless, and the best thing they could do was get to a place of safety. Besides, if the other novices were as scared as Mirazhe was, it would be the only thing they could do. "I'm not sure how we'll recognize the novices, but we can look for familiar faces..." That seemed like a good start, until Mirazhe remembered the fact that it was the festival and that everyone would probably be wearing their masks. It would be hard to tell who was who under a ribboned or sequined mask. Light, her mask covered nearly her whole face. It was a wonder that Avialle had managed to recognize her! Avialle seemed to be having similar thoughts, since Mirazhe heard her swear. "Maybe we should just look for other people who look completely lost and drag them all back to the Tower?"

That sounded like a brilliant plan. “Let’s do it.” Mirazhe said. She unrooted herself from her spot and started walking, hoping that Avialle was following behind her. She still had a firm grip on her little dagger, much good that it would do. Avialle should have a weapon too…… Mirazhe paused and looked around. Maybe there was something that was lying on the ground… But she didn’t see anything remotely useful. Fighting the urge to swear like Avialle had, she walked up to the nearest tree, inspecting it. Then she used the little strength that she had and snapped off a sturdy looking branch. She passed it to Avialle. “Here. I know it’s not much, but it has to be better than nothing. Hopefully it won’t break……” It seemed sturdy, and Avialle could always use it to whack something – or someone on the head. “Come on, let’s go find people.”

Avialle took the proffered tree branch gratefully. Like Mirazhe said, it wasn't much, but she still felt better clutching it. The two novices moved forward, scanning the chaos for anyone else who looked lost and confused. Avialle spotted a figure crouching nearby and pointed. "That looks like a likely candidate, wouldn't you say?"

The two of them sprinted over, reaching the figure in only moments. "Are you a novice or accepted?" Avialle asked, leaning forward. The frightened girl nodded, removing her mask to reveal the tear stained face of a girl no older than Avialle herself.

"I'm a novice. Mayanna." The girl gulped, obviously trying hard to keep it together.

"We are too. I'm Avialle and this is Mirazhe. We're trying to gather up all of the novices we can find and get back inside the Tower, where it's safe." Avialle considered for a moment. Mayanna looked incapable of coming with them to find more novices, but Avialle didn't want to leave her there alone. Turning to Mirazhe, she motioned for the other girl to come closer. Under her breath, she spoke very softly. "I'm not sure if we should bring her with us, or maybe find a safe place to rendezvous once we have more girls." If there was such a thing as a "safe place." "What do you think?"

Elaine readied another throwing dagger as she ran toward the door to the ballroom. She had used another such to kill the Trolloc trying to sneak up on Robert from behind. Along the way she picked up a rapier, her weapon of choice, from a dead nobleman. Robert can take care of himself, she decided. There are other things more important, like keeping that idiot of an Amyrlin from getting killed. What in the Light's name is she doing charging out there into the middle of a melee, anyway? She looked back and yelled, "Come on!" Some of the Honor Guard were dead, some were caught up in the fighting, but others heard her call and started toward her. She wasn't in their chain of command, but they well knew who she was and how close she was to their commander.

She looked back at Robert, standing over Rialt as he tried to stand up. One of these days I'm going to have to work out how I feel about him. Falling in love with one's employer was considered bad form in her line of work. She had been raised in a lower-middle class family in Andor, and married off to an innkeeper at the age of fifteen. He had been brutal and abusive, and she had not been sorry when he was killed in a drunken brawl a year later. Creditors had seized the inn and all of the property, so she was left penniless to fend for herself. She had taken up thievery to survive; it was better than the obvious alternative of selling her body. One day she had been caught, but instead of being turned over to the constables, she found herself with a mentor.

Arturo Salavere had been the Eyes and Ears for the Gold Eagles, a mercenary outfit out of Cairhien, and he was always on the lookout for young talent. He had taught her the finer points of spying. He had also taught her how to be an assassin; how to get around without being seen and without notice, and how to be deadly with a wide range of weaponry. She became Arturo's assistant, and when he retired, took over his job. She had been absent on the day of the massacre, gathering information in Andor. She had joined Erin in Tar Valon, and when Robert became part of the Guard had gone back into her line of work, only this time for the Towers rather than for a mercenary company.

Elaine climbed over the bodies blocking the door, and found Myara, Robert's squire, holding off a trolloc with just a dagger. Elaine's hands moved swifter than sight, and suddently the trolloc was falling over dead, a dagger sticking out of its right eye. "Here!" she called, and tossed the younger woman a saber lying by the hand of some poor cavalry trooper lying dead at her feet. Nearby stood the Amyrlin, what was left of her guard having caught up with her. "What do you want us to do now, Mother?" One of them asked.

Go where you can be out of danger, you silly twit, Elaine thought very loudly to herself but did not say out loud. She glared at the other woman. To be truthful, there did not seem to be many places that could be called safe at the moment. She felt chilled, and looked down, and suddently turned a very deep shade of red. In the first moments of the attack, without thinking, she had whipped off her skirt and wrapped it around her arm as a makeshift shield. I'll find some trousers. Later, she thought to herself as she turned to the Amyrlin Seat. "What do you wish to do now, Mother?"

((OOC: You can think of Elaine as a ninja/assassin/thief/spymaster. You can use her, just don't kill her off.))

The day in the city when Myara and herself had been buying stuff for the ball hadn't gone as smoothly as planned. For the first time Nevira had actually defended someone, only though cause Nevira had been the only one carrying a weapon. Myara was raised youngling only shortly after something Nevira was very happy about. In a way Nevira wished that she could also get raised, but she was also very aware of that she needed to learn something first. She was no were near the skills Myara had how ever much she wished it.
That day didn't matter right now though, nor the days in between. Nevira had just gotten her dress on and was fixing her hair while thinking about wether or not to go unarmed. She was already feeling rather naked in this thing. She hadn't worn a dress since before she had joined the Menagerie after all so that along with her shoulders being perfectly visible as the shoulder straps was the only thing that had seemed to keep the dress up. Clearly though it wasn't quite true. Technically the shoulder straps weren't needed as the bodice of the dress was so tight and snug around her ever curve her bosom held up the dress perfectly well. What I do for this guy... she thought to herself as she put the flower pin in her hair to make it stay up. Looking herself in the mirror she didn't recognize herself. She hadn't ever worn make up and so she didn't now, she hadn't dared, but the fact that she had taken care of her body so well, was showing it off in such a way... Looking over her shoulder to the bed there was the mask. It was plain, not expensive at all which had been the idea. Her dress being so simple in a light blue color she had wanted it to match if she was to wear one at all. This one was white, plain white, like two wings over her eyes and cheekbones. It covered her eyebrows, but other then that it didn't cover much at all. But even so, along with the dress Nevira knew the only one who would recognize her on site would be Myara. Turning around she walked over to her normal clothes. Under them laid Neviras daggers.

Having such a dress on gave space and no space for some of them. Still she didn't want to go unarmed not again and specifically not after that time in the city. Strapping two to her legs, unable to fit one in her shoe she did what she normally didn't. She put one dagger inside her sleeve on both arms. That brought the number up to four. It wasn't enough in Neviras mind, but besides wearing one openly and putting a belt on top of her dress carrying them in she wasn't going to fit more on her body. Sighing she took the mask and left the room. It was a ball, nothing should be able to go so wrong there. And if it did she would have to use her skills in running and dodging instead. Besides recruits there wasn't anyone that normally would get into a fight with her anyway. I'll be fine, better worry about my dancing skills rather then fighting skills this time...

Hurrying along the hallway Nevira realized that there wasn't much time left until she was supposed to be at the spot in the garden where Resolute and she was supposed to meet. She speeded up the pace even more and finally reached the spot. They had been here before, by the pond in the garden. It had gotten late that time and Resolute had even suggested going for a swim. Nevira had declined that time around. As he was no were to be seen Nevira found herself looking over the water. What had happened if I hadn't? She thought to herself. That night had been nice, most of the time things were nice between them. Sure there were ups and downs, the biggest down being how often they actually could and couldn't see each other. How I have missed him....

A twig cracked and Nevira turned to look what had caused it, hoping deeply to see her love coming towards her. She waited. No sounds. No one. It must have been some animal. Nevira thought and let her gaze slide out over the water again.

The time went and Nevira started to wonder if she had misunderstood the time, or if he had gotten held up by someone. She wouldn't be surprised at the latter, but the first? Her stomach cringed. This insecurity part was something she so had to work on. Sure it had gotten a nudge in the right direction when she was out with Myara, but still.... I can't walk around, unsure of what I can do and what I'm supposed to do if I'm ever to become Youngling, not to mention a Gaidar. She so wanted to become Resolutes Gaidar. Really besides Resolute nothing in her mind could stop that. Resolute could though, if she didn't live up to what she was supposed to become. Taking a deep breath Nevira started practicing Ko'Di exercises, and listened to the surrounding as her mind was empty of thoughts and emotions. Voices could be heard in a distance. What kind of voices she didn't know nor what they were saying, she just could hear that it was voices. Behind her over the path she heard footsteps and so she turned, relieved to finally see Res. Without a word she released the Ko'Di, gave him a big smile and then curtsied like a lady, her cheeks blushing slightly. "Good evening gentleman." She said to him. He had figured out it was her though it was obvious in the way he looked at her so before he had time to respond she took the steps forward to hug him. "I have missed you so much my love..." She told him receiving an answer much the same.

They got to the ballroom not that late afterwards. It was already in full motion with music and dancing. Nevira felt that insecurity again, but remembered what Myara had said. Let him lead... Doing so they eventually did dance their first dance. At first Nevira had troubles taking that advice, but she knew that that was what dancing was all about. I need to trust him. She realized and so she did let go and let him lead the dance. Instead of like a moment ago, when it was easy to miss a step or a spin cause she wasn't listening to what Resolute was doing and ended up feeling embarrassed over the whole thing, she now felt more secure and when something didn't work she just laughed at her mistakes.

Once that first dance ended Nevira realized the feelings she had about being out in public the two of them, enjoying each others company and having fun. They had just gotten something to drink when across the hall Nevira noticed a guard entering through the door. The guard even seemed a bit distressed on this distance and as soon as he had spotted the Gaidin he made his way over towards Robert Gaidin. "What are you looking at?" Resolute asked and Nevira jerked. "Hmm? Oh... old habits die hard... I just noticed that..." She motioned for the Gaidin and Guard talking. "I wonder what might have happened." That was when the voice of a girl called to her attention. "Res... Dedicated Resolute?" Nevira turned her head immediately to the girl. She was about Neviras height, perhaps and inch or so taller, but clearly younger then them both. Her dress and long black hair in a way that Nevira would never be able to look. The girl payed no attention to Nevira as her blue eyes were fixed on Resolute. The way the girl was acting anger started to well up inside her. What was this all about? "Would you mind dancing with me?" She asked Resolute and Nevira felt her insides becoming cold as ice. Realizing Resolute must actually know this girl she just motioned for him to go on. Like she'd be fine. I have to trust him.... She repeated in her head over and over. But light it was hard. The strange look he gave her didn't make things better. Then he and Achlys left and went out on the dance floor.

Feeling strange she walked over towards a table to set the glass down when suddenly the doors bursted open and something was welling in. At first Nevira couldn't tell exactly what the monstrous things was but the familiar screams that came with it made her freeze in her place. T...t...trollocks... Memories flashing before her eyes she took a moment before she was able to control herself and push it away. She embraced the Ko'Di, emptying her mind completely of her emotions, then kicked up her skirt and pulled one of the knifes. I knew that this was going to be enough, I knew it..... letting the flame eat that thought she started to search for Resolute in the mass of people scurrying about trying o find a way out. Nevira had seen this panic before that time only three had survived and that was thanks to the creator having had the trollocks tracked for days by a shienarian troop.

Unable to see the only one she was ready to give her life for in the mass of people Nevira guessed he had managed to leave by the backdoor and so she hurried towards the mass on the way over there. The trollocks were strange to Nevira, they were less brutal then that last time. Perhaps they have a fade this time..... With that thought the Ko'Di failed and she felt panic welling up again. Swallowing she forced herself to feed it to the flame, if she panicked now she wouldn't survive. She managed to get out with the others in a way she had no idea. She knew she had to find Resolute but she also knew she would be no match against trollocks with knifes. The most difficult decision of her life she had to face now. I don't know where he is... was the thought that won the battle though and she set of running towards the barracks. She had to get her weapon and that now.

Running though the gardens had been a bad idea. The trollocks had passed though here it was obvious and they could be anywhere. Though that didn't keep Nevira from keeping on running. There was no telling how many they where and how long the combat would last, but with a weapon she would at least be able to defend herself some.
She slammed the door open to the barrack and ran over to the bed. She had no time to change but at least she could strap on her sword and put an other knife in that belt. She did so and turned to run out again. No time to waste, she thought.

Running back towards the Tower she noticed a battle going on, several guards and Gaidin fighting the trollocks. Knowing there was no way she'd find Resolute, she decided to do what she could here as she spotted Myara amongst them. She hurried towards them pulling the sword first and with a knife in her other hand. I never thought I'd fight trollocks in Tar Valon and never ever on the bloody courtyard!! Now though Nevira knew perfectly well. Screw holidays and occasions, she would stay practical and armed!
Aes Sedai were in this battle. A trollock running towards her making Nevira stop dead in her tracks, was hit by a fire ball. The Aes Sedai gave her a shout to stay out of the way before continuing in to the mass, her Gaidin defending her as they went forward. Nevira wasn't about to get in their way, but she wasn't gonna run and hide either. Noticing Myara again Nevira hurried forward, Myara was armed with daggers alone and standing so close she could do little damage to the trollock. in one swift trow Nevira hit the trollock in the eye, it burrowed itself in far enough as the trollock fell over and hit the ground. She hurried forward knowing it was pretty much a lucky shot she actually didn't hit the helmet that time. I had to take it though. Coming up to Myara she asked a fast. "Are you alright?" before taking a look at the knife. Blood and bloody ashes!! Nevira knew shadowspawn were different but that knife was useless now... The situation was stomach turning.

Sapphira stayed where she was, cursing herself for a stupid, soft old woman, how could she have been so stupid? She was not a Red anymore, much as she wished it right now. She no longer kept up the strict training they required, and spent much of every day reading dull reports, how could she have expected to be able to do anything productive? She sat there mentally berating herself for several minutes, before finally taking hold of herself. She knew it would do no good to tell herself she was worthless, and she had to do something about this arm. So she took ahold of Air again and cut of yet another strip of her dress, baring her plain white shift beneath, and tied it around carefully, tightly around her arm. It was not much, but as long as the blade was not poisoned- and Sapphira was fairly sure she would know by now if it was -then this would serve until she could find someone to Heal her. That is, if whoever she found thought her worthy of Healing, after her amazing display of stupidity. As she stood there, she heard someone running toward her. Looking up, she saw her Honor Guard, or most of it. Sapphira did notice a few faces missing, and wondered why. She sent up a quick prayer for their lives, and one for their souls in case it was too late, and turned her attention to those she knew were living. Two of them asked what she wanted to do now, which rather surprised Sapphira. She had not expected those she ran away from to ask her what they should do, but she wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. Her arm hurt, and she felt like snapping, but she calmed herself before replying.

"People are surely dying here tonight, don't worry about me, I'm safe where I'm at, go help them!" She highly doubted they would do so, unable to see the shield she had woven around herself, and was not surprised when they only looked at her. Sapphira took a breath and tried again, "I've woven a shield, as long as I stay here, I'm safe, just go help them." Without taking time to think, one of the women, Elaine, who was lacking as much of her skirt as Sapphira was, spoke up, "Mother, we're not here to protect them, really we're not even here to obey you, we're here to keep you safe." "And that's exactly what we're going to do," another female voice said, but Sapphira could not see the speaker. She allowed herself an annoyed sigh, and looked at the men and women standing over her. Why ask what she wanted to do if they were not going to do it? Well, at least they had not picked her up bodily and carried her back to her study. Much as she wanted to send them to help the fighting, she was glad of their presence, she knew that they, at least, would not make the stupid mistakes that Sapphira had, she knew they were among the best at what they did, and surely they wanted to be among the fighting as much as Sapphira did. We all have our duties, much as we might not like them, she thought sullenly. Well, they were not getting anything done just standing here, but Sapphira knew she had to suggest something that would not put her in any more danger. And so she tried to think of something that would keep her from standing here, completely pointless and totally exposing her entire Honor Guard, but that would not shut her up in her study. Sapphira could not imagine being up there, totally safe, while everyone else in the Towers was down here fighting for their lives, and hers.

Finally, she came up with something, and she addressed Elaine again. "We'll go up to a second floor, anywhere, at a window. Will you let me fight from there? There's no danger to me, and it's not too far up to be able to tell Trollocs from humans." She watched as Elaine weighed the option, if any of them had a bow, then they could be of some help to, but she highly doubted that they would carry a bow to the ball. Finally, the woman nodded curtly, and began to move. Quickly, the Honor Guard completed the circle around her, and they made their way to the first door inside that they could find. Once inside the White Tower proper, the noise seemed a million miles away, and the hallways seemed deserted. No one was here, everyone who had thought to stay in from the ball was doubtless outside fighting now, as Sapphira had told the Accepted to get them all. She stopped at the first window from the hall out into the grounds, and embraced saidar. The process was made more difficult since she had to fight the pain in her arm, but she did it, she had managed worse before. She wove Fire in the same way that she knew nearly every channeler who could was doing at the same moment. She threw the first fireball, and swore as it missed. Her target moved at the last moment, and only grass was burnt. Sapphira realized, then, that she needed another plan of attack. From only a few feet away, the Trollocs could not dodge the fireballs, but if they could see them coming from two storeys above, they certainly had time to move.

With a sigh, she stepped back from the window, and glanced at Elaine. She wondered whether the woman had thought that whatever Sapphira tried would turn out pointless. Sapphira would not doubt it, getting her up here was getting her to safety, that was, very likely, what Elaine had been after. And now Sapphira was stuck up here, able to do nothing, while everyone below fought for the place she concidered home, while her "sons" and "daughters" fought for the place she ruled. And Sapphira had tricked herself into being taken out of the fighting. She did not knw whether she would be able to stand the thought much longer. Rather than try, she stepped back to the window, and began weaving again. Fire, she thought, deserved one last try. She aimed carefully, she certainly did not want to hit one of those defending her home, and let fly a fireball. She made it smaller this time, but certainly enough to ignite a Trolloc, which, she prayed, would not turn out badly. She threw it, and allowed herself a triumphant smile when she hit one in the back. Now that one had been hit, though, Sapphira doubted whether the others would be so careless as to not watch the sky. She did not watch what happened with the burning Trolloc, but wove again, and threw. This time, she was right, again she missed. "Blood and ashes!" she muttered through clenched teeth, Trollocs were supposed to be stupid! Light, but a Brown would be better suited to fighting Shadowspawn than her, at least they knew more than the basics taught to novices and soldiers. Sapphira had never bothered to learn much more, as a Red, she had not had any need for it, and as Amyrlin, even less.

After sending some annoying novice and recruit to their superiors for punishment, Valarian had reassured himself there were enough men and women in the infirmary to take care of the fools who were too stupid to control themselves during the festival. Valarian returned to his quarters, away from the music and the madness. He couldn't express how much he hated these sort of happenings and hoped the chaos would end soon. Festivals, as annoying and irresponsible as they were, luckily came to an end at some point, and peace and quiet would fall over Tar Valon again, as it had countless times before. He didn't know if he did it to torment himself, or to remind him the celebration was still ongoing, but he left the window open, and from several places on the tower grounds and in the city he could hear music and laughter.

He had lots of things to do, unfinished reports on his desk, people to teach, and discussions to prepare. No time to party. He couldn't imagine any of the other important members of the Black and White tower did have spare time, but had stopped wondering about it and let everybody have their entertainment. Not all of them could be as serious and dedicated as himself, he realised. And with that thought he was able to ignore the music and sit down at his desk to work.

Valarian put down the report he was working on. It was impossible to tell how much time had passed when he suddenly became aware of the change in the noises outside. From far away he could hear screams and cries for help. Valarian's heart almost stood still, and while he, almost mechanically stood up and walked to the window, he hoped it was a dream, A nightmare. He had a wide view over the city of Tar Valon form his window, and what he saw immediately grasped him by the throat. Plumes of smoke, people running away terrified. The trolloc drums, and the sound of the alarm bells, all of it reminded him of the darkest moment in his life. As if it had happened only yesterday he remembered the night, when he and Punar had stood alone against armies of trollocs and fades. The fall of Maradon. The night he died. It was happening all over again. Here. Tonight. In Tar Valon.

Valarian snapped out of his frozen state. He had to act immediately. Channeling a gateway to the middle of the city, he tried to calm down his emotions and think about the task ahead. Save what can be saved. As an incomprehensible paradox he suddenly felt relief. He could fight to the death tonight. Maybe this was the night when the world would forgive him and allow him to die, heroically, protecting Tar Valon. The exitement, irrational as it was even seemed to give him more strength. Death was breathing in his neck, lurking. The old scarr in his chest, once put there by a myrdraal's blade, was burning.

The small alley where he traveled to was empty, as he had hoped it would be. He ran into the street. What he saw was a small group of masked people in grotesque costumes, running toward him, chased by a band of trollocs, looking just as grotesque as the people. He saw the panic in the eyes of those who had taken off their masks. This was really happening. Valarian quickly took a hold of saidin and started weavina a gateway, large enough to fit in two people at the same time. He chose the tower grounds as destination. They would be safe behind the walls of the towers, at least for now. "Over here!" He shouted. The pain and the emotion he heared in his own voice were confusing. Some people had heared him, and the clever ones recognised the portal. "Quickly" Valarian said while he pushed the first people through. A drunken man in rags with a red nose, a young couple, the man carrying an infant, two young tavernmades wearing too few clothes and featherd masks, a young boy hand in hand with his crying little sister, followed by an other girl who was probably their older sister, and an old lady, walking as fast as her old legs could carry her. Valarian closed the gateway just in time before he stood eye to eye with a trolloc. In the blink of an eye he drew his sword and blocked the attack, followed by a weave of air to push the creature back. Without giving it another thought he made flames rise before him in a mere thought. Weaving a sea of fire he torched the approaching trollocs with it. He knew what he did was dangerous, but the more trollocs he could take down, the less damage would be done to the city. He tried to be careful not to touch the houses with his all consuming flames. When it was done he looked at the ashes in front of him.

The part of the street where he stood was quiet now, but he could hear screams and drums from all around. The city was in a state of pure chaos. As fast as his feet allowed him he ran to the next street to fight more shadowspawn. Instead he found a small group of novices. They looked quite desperate, and unsure about what to do, but not giving in to panic just yet. Valarian ran toward them. At this point it didn't matter they could see all the emotions on his face. He looked at them, checking if any of them were wounded. "Are you allright?" he asked, not trying to cover up the worry in his voice. He started weaving a portal, one that lead to the tower grounds, where they would be safe.

This was the night Achlys had been waiting for as she surveyed herself before the mirror, wearing a modest dress of silk with a flaring skirt, her face hidden behind an ornate mask studden with peacock plumes. She reached up with her hand and touched her chest, where her heart was, feeling that part of her beat up more than ever before. Of course she was going to see him there. He should be there, as everyone in the Towers were required to come. A dance would be enough, for her...just a single chance to spend some time in this dreamy night in his arms. She could ask for nothing more... Achlys licked her lips anxiously. She liked... Light, she loved him. Loved him as she never loved anyone before, not her family, not her caravan... if she was going to have a move, she had to take further steps tonight. Nothing could wait.

She left the Novice halls, her face already concealed behind her mask. A handful of giggling girls dressed in the finest they could lay their hands on were already walking toward the dance, mostly in huddles that giggled excitedly or else shrieked with laughter as they passed the corridors. Many had actually greeted her and made a wave, and Achlys suddenly found her face seemed frozen if ever she tried to smile back. She kept her pace, not hurrying but simply wanting to get there, using all the exercises for calm Cayana Sedai taught her. Nothing must - must! - go wrong tonight. She could not maker a flaming fool out of herself in front of him, or it will destroy whatever chances she had forever. She didn't care if he had someone with him...she would do what she could to make him notice her. Light, she was ready to fight for him to the death! This was one lesson Mahare had taught her well. Take what you want and fight for it, or die trying.

The night breeze was cool against her, and Achlys shivered for a bit, as her dress was made of finely-woven silk. But she walked on, toward that source of light and merriment. He had to be there. For a second time she licker her lips anxiously. And then she entered the thick crowd, careful not to tread on somebody's toes as she made her way, all the while keeping a hawk's eye out for him... the mere thought made her blush. The mere thought of even just a single dance....

And she saw him at once, dancing with a redhaired woman that seemed closer to his age than she was. She did not let that hamper her from her purpose, though she did remove her mask, allowing her long black hair to fall around her in such sleek waves that once made Mahare faint over her. She swallowed and waited until the dance stopped...and he and his partner parted for a bit. Light! She took quick steps that took her near them. She did not spare his companion a single glance, for her eyes were his alone. She opened her mouth, and the Shadow take her if she did not get this right.

"Res... Dedicated Resolute?" she hesitated. For a bit. "Would you mind dancing with me?"

He gave his companion a stricken look, and then faced her. Her eyes told him things that were meant for them both only. Don't refuse me...you've never refused me... He understood that, of course. He never turned her down in...she swatted the thoughts away as he offered his hand, and she took it, and it seemed the world fell back into place, not in the chaotic run it had always seemed to be in. They danced, and Achlys was just starting to think of the things she made to say to him when...

She quickly felt saidar tackled simultaneously, and she and Resolute whipped around. Oh horror of horrors! Trollocks! Achlys took the One Power into her clumsily, pushing Resolute away, sure he had taken saidin to him now. She weaved fire and hurled it at the nearest monster, and the goat-head burst into flame. Achlys screamed as the monster lunged for her, and she felt Resolute pull her into safety. She barely had time to give him a hug and whisper into his ears, "Oh...I love you...thank you..." before she dashed away from him, trying to find whoever might need help. Her cheeks colored. This was NOT the time for thinking of such things!

Edeleas moaned softly as his knees finally gave way, and he slipped quietly onto the ground, his Shadow Cloak dissolving around him. He took air hungrily into his system, his eyes firmly shut behind his glasses. He had been too weakened by the four Summonings. Too weak in fact, that he could not feel his hands and legs properly. He staggered to stand, and he teetered dangerously forward that he had to touch the stone walls beside him to keep himself from falling to his face. As he recollected the events that had happened, his plans going smoothly, a spine-chilling laugh escaped the Dreadlord's lips. He pushed himself to straighten, ruthlessly squashing away weakness from his system. He did not need weakness. He no longer had any place for that.

Earlier, a couple of Asha'man had sensed where the lightning and earthquake were coming from, and he had had to flee from his vantage point from the inn's roof. Not that these Asha'man would have seen him, but it was better careful than be sorry later. So here he was, ten streets away, albeit closer back to the Towers than he could have wanted. Already he could imagine the panicked shouts in the grounds. He gave another silent laughter, his shoulders trembling.

After waiting for a few moments, Edeleas felt his knees finally stable enough to support his weight, he gave his glasses a push and walked out of the alley, carefully keeping an eye out for any Asha'man who might round a corner or two and ask him peculiar questions. He'd rather avoid conflict, but he was ready to kill anyone who stood in his way once he sensed things getting out of hand. Now. To go back to the ballroom and finish what he'd started...

By the looks of things, and if everything had fallen into place, the Gray Men should be around the target by now. And he, Edeleas, would watch from afar as his men and beasts finished the job.

"Here!" Myara heard the voice, a familiar one, and looked up quickly to see Elaine and the saber she had tossed down, which was barely caught as she dropped one of the nearly useless daggers. She was ready to move, to find somewhere she could be of assistance when she realized it was Nevira who was standing on the other side of the Trolloc. "Are you alright?" She pulled the mask from her face, wincing as she let it fall to the ground and heard the crack as it broke. A mask for a night that never took place. Well, the night took place, but it was definitely not the night Myara had planned, as she found herself standing with Nevira, a Trolloc dead at their feet and many more ravaging the city. "Nevira! Light, this is madness," she glanced about, seeing so many people in their party outfits, some wielding weapons, others the One Power and still others running in fear.

She gave a quick glance to the saber, then out into the distance, and for a moment time paused as she took a closer look towards the man she saw on a roof just off in the distance some. Edeleas al'Kuar, she spoke silently, as a closer image of his face came to her mind, a memory that seemed long past, a spar. He looked weakened, and suddenly the pieces began to come together in Myara's mind, though she did not wish to believe what was coming to realization. She forced herself to return to the situation at hand, drawing a calmness around her and taking a quick look over things as they were, then turning to Nevira, "There are more coming, towards the Ballroom. Stay here with me, we'll fight side by side. Elaine is inside, which means Robert and Erin are probably there too, as well as the Amyrlin's guard, so..." her words were cut short as another hideous creature rushed forward, part of a small cluster that had its sights set upon the building behind them.

Myara quickly drew her saber to guard, moving close enough to Nevira so that nothing could get between them and prepared for what attack would come. Her mind was calm, despite the raging battle around them, though every muscle was alive with energy and ready to react to whatever came at them. "Like the night of the storms, we spoke of defending those who could not defend themselves," she said calmly, in rememberance of that conversation. Behind them people were running, still attempting to flee what was about to come, most of them unskilled with weapons and unable to channel, though others were Novices and Soldiers or Recruits who had just begun their training and were not suited for this chaos.

Myara wasn't facing her as she came up to her friend. She had just been thrown a saber from the ball room and turned just to say "Nevira! Light, this is madness." She had just pulled the mask off of her face, something Nevira hadn't done but it hadn't been in the way so she hadn't thought about it in the least. She nodded at her friends statement and frowned at the Trollock at their feet. She felt like kicking it, acting out her rage of old. Looking at it made her sick, made her remember the horror she had been through that day in shienar. But there were plenty to do that with that were still alive, only kicking would do little good.

Called to reality by Myaras voice Nevira looked up again. "There are more coming, towards the Ballroom. Stay here with me, we'll fight side by side. Elaine is inside, which means Robert and Erin are probably there too, as well as the Amyrlin's guard, so..." Nevira was about to nod and answer as an other trollock rushed forward, it's beak opened in an unnatural roar. Myara and Nevira closed their distance ready to fight and so they did, they had slain the trollock together though mostly by the Gaidars hand naturally. "Like the night of the storms, we spoke of defending those who could not defend themselves," Myara said Nevira nodded as she followed Myaras moves along the battle. "I so like thunder better...." Half a thought half spoken Nevira ducked as a trollock swung his weapon at her. Myara got an opening and took it as any good Gaidar would. Light if I had only not let Res go away with that girl.... Letting the Ko'Di eat the thought and emotion that had welled up Nevira fought on, following Myaras direction and what ever the Gaidar said to help their battle.

Fighting in a dress was no game. Nevira hadn't done so before and stumbled when she really shouldn't. Luckily she didn't get hit badly by any weapon, but even so she had already gotten a few cuts here and there. "Myara, remind me next time to wear pants and a weapon. Dresses are bloody ridiculous." In the Ko'Di it sounded like calm reasoning, in the Ko'Di it was. After the battle it would probably be something she would be angry with herself over. That as well as having deserted Resolute as she couldn't find him. But now just as she would later she would know that only by doing her part would she be able to help anyone. Only by killing as many as possible were the Towers a safer place. It wouldn't help much naturally, killing trollocks or no, if Res was trapped she wouldn't be there to help him out of it. But that was thoughts that wouldn't appear until she lost the Ko'Di, right now the rage of battle and fighting beside someone she knew and cared about held that away. Learning from mistakes, from watching and not stopping no matter what.

The two girls debated as to whether they should find a safe place in which to deposit the other women they found, or whether they should just bring them with. They finally decided to bring the girls with them, and wandered off, looking for more novices. After the first girl, Mayanna, they found a few more novices, though their number was nowhere near the number of novices that actually resided in the Tower. Mirazhe didn’t dare call out; she was too afraid that the sound of her voice would bring unwanted attention down on them. So she and Avialle wandered the gardens, trying their best to find people who seemed lost or helpless. Their number grew, but so slow that Mirazhe feared the other girls had all come to a terrible end. They still might, although Mirazhe tried not to think about that. She focused all her attention on finding lost novices. So far, she hadn’t had to use her little dagger yet. Avialle hadn’t used her stick yet either, but Mirazhe was sure that they would have to use their weapons soon. It was definitely more likely than not.

Suddenly, she heard a voice calling to them. She whipped her head around and saw a man beckoning at them. A shimmering hole seemed to be next to him and he was telling them to come towards him. Mirazhe frowned and reluctantly went forward. What if he was a Darkfriend? What if he wanted to make himself seem helpful and kind, all the while laying a trap for them? Too many what if’s. Mirazhe studied the man intently, little good that it would do. He seemed familiar, though she couldn’t remember where under the Light she had seen him. But looking familiar was a good sign, since she hadn’t strayed from the Tower until her short shopping trip in the City. Therefore, anyone who looked familiar was probably from the Tower, and she guessed – well, actually hoped – that all the residents of the Tower were loyal to the Light. After a quick internal battle, she motioned for the other girls to follow her. Resolutely making her way towards the familiar looking man, she tried to make herself look more confident, even though she was shaking with fear inside. When the small, scraggly group of novices finally reached the man, Mirazhe found that she remembered who he was. He was an Asha’man from the Black Tower, who had had dinner with her recently. Right before she had gotten into that fight in the garden… What was his name again? Oh yes, Rei Valerian. He wasn’t wearing the uniform that he normally wore, but since it was the night of the festival, Mirazhe doubted that anyone was wearing what they normally did. “Rei Valerian! Thank the Light it’s you! Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

As she and Mirazhe found more and more novices, Avialle began to find hope. There was strength and safety in numbers, yes? Still, aside from Mirazhe, the other girls seemed useless. Most of them were crying and some of them were so panic-stricken that Avialle had to refrain from slapping them silly.

After going a bit further down one street, Avialle paused when she realized that Mirazhe wasn't with her. Turning, she followed the other girl's gaze and saw her looking at a man who was standing next to shimmery hole in the air and calling to the girls. Avialle immediately understood why Mirazhe had yet to move forward. Who was this person? Could they trust him? Could they really trust anyone other than each other? She moved closer to Mirazhe in the hopes of asking her these questions, or if she knew the man, but she was too slow. Mirazhe had already moved forward and was greeting the man. [I]All right,she knows him, he must be someone from the Tower. As she got closer, she was surprised to see that she recognized him as well. Putting aside her resentment at being sent to the Mistress of Novices, she herded the other girls along after Mirazhe.

“Rei Valerian! Thank the Light it’s you! Do you have any idea what’s going on?” Mirazhe was saying as Avialle caught up to her. Pushing through the gaggle of terrified girls, she was soon next to her friend and roommate.

"Whatever's going on, we need to get these girls back to the Tower before they die of fright." She said, eyeing the shimmering air next to Valarian with some trepidation.

Elaine sighed with relief as she watched the Amyrlin Seat take out her frustrations by tossing fireballs at the trollocs below. Thank the Light she listened to common sense! "We cannot afford to lose you, Mother. It would be a catastrophe for the Towers if anything were to happen to you." She moved a fraction closer so only the other woman could hear her. "I know what it is like to see those you love go into danger and not be able to help. And I can't even say anything to him. It's considered bad form to fall in love with one's employer, you know." He paused for a moment, gathering her breath. "He and Sharra Prydain were a love match. He had no need to marry for money, he already had more than he could spend in a lifetime. She was from a farm family, and ran away at sixteen to avoid a marriage with a man who would have expected her to bear fifteen or so children and wear herself out with work by the age of thirty. She wound up joining the Gold Eagles as a cook and maid; soldiers still need someone to do such work, and they are not whores, far from it. Somehow she learned to fight, and moved into the fighting ranks, and gained the respect of other men and women around her.

"Robert joined the company as an officer cadet. Paolo Bashere was the commander and owner of the company, and probably one of the finest mercenary captains who ever walked. Robert was the son of an old friend of his, and Paolo took him under his wing, and wound up teaching him everything he knew. In those days they called Paolo 'The Old Fox' and Robert 'The Young Fox'. They won wars, they won them quickly, and they won them with a minumum of blood being shed on both sides. There were also contracts they wouldn't take, and people they wouldn't associate with, and they were scrupulously honest and always kept their word. And those were the qualities especially that made them enemies.

"I don't know when or how they met, but it was love at first sight between Robert and Sharra. They married soon after, to the great approval of Paolo. The Old Fox had no children of his own, and he planned on when he retired to pass the reins on to Robert." Elaine sighed. "Robert thought the sun, moon and stars revolved around her, and couldn't deny her anything. She never took advantage of that, which was one of the reasons she was so widely loved. After years of marriage, she finally became pregnant with their first child, and came along even though she was heavily pregnant, because she wanted him to be there when the child was born.

"Then came the massacre.

"I wasn't there. I was in Andor at the time. We've never found out who instigated it. Oh, we know why. Robert wouldn't betray an employer, and this hurt some very powerful someones badly, and they arranged what happened. They didn't do a very good job of it, though. They were interrupted and had to flee. They found Robert and some of the others still alive on the battlefield, and brought him home to Erin in Cairhien to heal. He crawled into a bottle and we were afraid he would never come out again. But he did. And now he's here. And he still, after all these years, blames himself for Sharra's death, even though he knows deep down in his heart that there was nothing he could have done.

"And now there are parts of his family that want him to marry again. They say it's been long enough, and that he needs an heir. Ah, well. I was a failure as a wife the only time I tried it..." Her voice trailed off, almost ready to break down weeping in heartbreak.

He recognised some of the faces. He was sure they would recognise him, and he was a bit surprised the girls looked reluctant at first, as if his formal uniform were some kind of costume. But he realised at this time they were right not to trust anyone. One never know how the minions of the dark one would appear. He himself would probably react the same if he were in their situation. But he saw one of the girls finally recognised him, and the group of novices came his way. He looked to his sides to verify if they were still safe at this moment, because shadowspawn could find them there any second, and it would be harder to retaliate while he had to keep the portal open.

“Rei Valerian! Thank the Light it’s you! Do you have any idea what’s going on?” He was relieved the novice remembered his name. He looked into her eyes, trying to remember hers, but couldn't think of it. He wasnt even sure if she had told him her name. But it didn't mater. It was hard to think of an answer to give her since anything he could think of would scare the other novices even further, so before he could answer, another novice spoke. "Whatever's going on, we need to get these girls back to the Tower before they die of fright." The cocky one he had sent to the Mistress of novices. He noticed she still talked with a lack of respect, but this was hardly the time to put her into her place. As an answer to her question he pointed at the portal he had just weaved. "This is a gateway. It leads to the tower grounds, at the entrance of the White Tower." He had made it large enough to fit in two people at a time, and took one crying novice by the hand. She looked up to him with terror in her eyes. But his concerned look and uncharacteristic gentle face seemed to persuade the girl into trusting him. He let go of her hand just as she stepped though. Other girls started to follow her.

He still heared trolloc drums and from everywhere around there was smoke coming from the houses. He looked at Mirazhe. "I don't know how this could happen, but the city is swarming with shadowspawn. I haven't seen anything like this since-" since the fall of Maradon, he had wanted to say. It had been the only other time where an entire city had fallen to the shadow. He could only hope Tar Valon hadn't been cursed with the same fate. But before he was able to finish his sentence, a trolloc appeared from behind a corner, and another, and another. "Hurry!" Was all he could bring out when he saw them come their way. He grasped saidin and started to weave a wall of air between the creatures and themselves. Then fire burst at the first trolloc, torching it while it screamed in agony. He had to fight them one by one, in order to keep concentrating on the gateway. He couldn't afford to loose control over the fire and torch the houses.

"This is a gateway. It leads to the tower grounds, at the entrance of the White Tower." Rei Valerian pointed at the shimmery hole. Then he started grabbing girls and gently pushing them through the gateway. Mirazhe helped him along, taking novices and gently steering them towards the gateway, all the while staring at Rei Valerian. He seemed almost…nice. Completely at odds with the cold, indifferent man she’d had dinner with. Well, traumatic circumstances made people act differently, she supposed. One couldn’t exactly be cold and indifferent when they were being attacked.

Soon, almost all the novices had gone through the gateway. Mirazhe was about to go in, when she heard something roar behind her. She spun around and saw that a Trolloc had come around the corner, followed by many more. They’re going to attack us! she thought frantically. Rei Valerian shouted, “Hurry!” and did something, though Mirazhe didn’t know what. Then fire appeared from nowhere, striking the monsters and making them go down. But more came, and Rei Valerian could only fight one at a time. She supposed it was because he had to hold the gateway open for them. She didn’t want to leave him, even though there was nothing she could do. All she had was a little dagger, and well, what could you do with a dagger. He wanted her to go through the gateway. She looked at Avialle, who was waiting for her by the gateway. Light! If only she could channel! Then she could actually be useful and help Rei Valerian. She cursed herself for the umpteenth time. This was why she had come to the Tower, to learn how to channel. What was the point now? She might as well have stayed in Arafel with her mother. Well, she wasn’t going down with a fight. She motioned for Avialle to go through the gateway. “I’ll come in a few minutes.” Then she turned her back on the gateway and stared at the sight in front of her. There were so many of the Trollocs and so few of them. She focused on one, a little ways off from the group. Now, would it work better if she attacked it, or threw the dagger? Best to throw it. If she missed, she could always scramble through the gateway and be safe. If she attacked, more might come and surround her. Her hoped her aim was still good. Her mind set, she prepared herself to throw.

Avialle hung back while the other novices were hustled through the Gateway. Not for fear of the Gateway, but simply to make certain that they all got through. She and Mirazhe had gone through all of the trouble of finding them and getting them to some sort of safety and she wanted to keep an eye on them. When the last girl staggered through, Avialle turned to wait for Mirazhe to catch up. Shadowspawn were everywhere and her heart was hammering so hard that she thought it might burst right out of her chest. She couldn't wait to go through the Gateway and get home to the Tower. Even in the midst of the fear and smoke and death she realized that this was the first time she'd considered the Tower "home." When did that happen?

She didn't have time to dwell on that thought, because at that moment Mirazhe turned toward her and motioned for her to go through the Gateway. "I'll come in a few minutes!" The other novice said. Avialle was stunned. What was Mirazhe thinking? What use could she be to the man fighting the shadowspawn with only a dagger and no ability to channel? Avialle was torn with indecision. On one hand, she was unwilling to leave her friend behind in this terrifying situation. On the other hand, she felt that the two of them were ill-equipped to be here and would only be a burden to the one person who had tried to help them. In the end, it really was no decision - how could she leave one of her only friends behind? Making sure that the last of the novices was through the Gateway, she turned her back on it and ran to Mirazhe's side.

There was no shortage of dead bodies here on the street; in fact, she tripped over one on her way to Mirazhe. It was a man, and in his hand was a sword. Bigger and heavier than the practice blade she had handled with Karena, she grabbed it anyway. "What the hell, it has a pointy end anyway..." she muttered. When she reached Mirazhe, she was panting and brandishing the heavy weapon clumsily. "I hope you know what you're doing." She said to the other girl, smiling grimly. If it was her time to fall, at least she would know she hadn't abandoned one of the few people she cared about.