Robert arrived at the Amrylin's door promptly at six. The guards came to attention as he approached, but relaxed at his signal. He had gone home, bathed, and changed out of uniform into an outfit that a nobleman would wear for a night on the town. It was his house colors of blue and gold, of course. He still had his sword at his side, along with the knives in his boottops. He had left off the light chain shirt he normally wore underneath.

The door opened promptly at his first knock, and Sapphira was standing there, looking lovelier than he had ever seen her. She had dressed simply but elegantly, and had left off her shawl and other signs of office, except for her ring, and hopefully the two of them would be taken for just another nobleman and his lady out for a night on the town.

When Robert had delivered the news that Sapphira would be over for dinner, albeit an informal one, the entire household had gone into a frenzy of preparation. Everyone was determined that things would be just right. Erin and Gwen had disappeared into some woman's fastness, soon to be followed by a veritable host of dressmakers, seamstresses and the like. Gwen more than likely had brought no suitable clothing with her for an affair such as this, so her aunt was making sure that her niece would be properly dressed.

Robert offered the Amrylin his arm, and the two of them made the long descent down to the great doors of the White Tower. They got looks of surprise from the sisters as they descended. Most of them were for Robert. He rarely came into this area of the Tower, and for him to be with a lady was very unusual. Several of them made as if they recognized Sapphira, but as she was without her regalia of office said nothing as they passed. He was sure there would be a great deal of gossip in the morning, though.

They passed through the doors into the Great Square before the Tower. It was a couple of hours before nightfall, so it was still filled with vendors of all types with their goods. Robert could see the City Watch circulating, keeping order when necessary with the quarterstaves they wielded as a badge of office.

It was only a short distance to the town mansion, and the two of them chatted amiably as they walked. It was no doubt a relief to Sapphira to lay aside the burdens of office, if only for a few hours. The two of them had been spending more and more time together, as they struggled to keep the crisis in the South from exploding into all out war. They had gotten to know each other's moods and quirks, and learned much about the way each other thought.

The gates of the mansion, a golden eagle emblazed on the front, swung open as they approached. Most of the servants were gathered outside, bowing or curtsying as the Amrylin approached. They weren't really servants, though. Almost all of them were veterans of the Gold Eagles who had chosen to take service with him. The calluses on their hands weren't from mops and brooms; they came from long practice with the blade. They could be armed and armored and ready to fight in five minutes if need be.

Erin and Gwen were waiting by the doors. Robert could see that the dressmakers had done their work well. Gwen was dressed in a gown as elegant as one could wish. The two women curtsied deeply as he and Sapphira walked up. "Be welcome to this house," Erin said, ushering the two of them in.

Through the doors they walked through a short hallway, which opened out into a great hall, where Robert held formal dinners and receptions. Robert kept most of his war trophies here. Hanging from the ceiling were banners he had taken in battle, including several from the Children of the Light. On the wall behind the high table was a large golden eagle, surrounded on both sides by the banners of the allies who would come at his call.

Passing through the Great Hall, they came to a large library, crammed full of books and tomes and small models of various mechanical devices. After this, they came to a small dining room, normally used by just the family and honored guests. On one wall were portraits of Robert and his late wife, Sharra, set so that they were gazing into each other's eyes. Elaine was waiting, she having just gotten back from a meeting. Erin showed Sapphira to her seat. "Sit and relax. Dinner will be ready momentarily," she said as she hurried towards the kitchens.

((Okay, I haven't forgotten, I've been so busy! This is a priority for me, and I promise it'll be done by Thursday night. I'd say tomorrow, but Wednesay is my busy day and I can't be 100% sure I'll have time to be on at all :look))

((OOC: I know, I know, I said Thursday, and here it is Sunday, but here it is.))

Sapphira was very glad to have an evening out, even if it was only one evening. She was ready, wearing a simple, dark green gown with a bit of silver embroidery around the neck and wrists, nothing too fancy certainly, but it was one of her favorites. She left off her stole for the evening, she saw no reason to batter Robert or his family with her office, they all knew she was the Amyrlin, and they had a good relationship in spite of this. She did, however, keep her Great Serpent Ring on, she had been wearing it for over a hundred years now, and there was no reason for her not to tonight. Her long, dark hair was done simply, most of it hanging down her back, but as she surveyed herself in the mirror, Sapphira nodded in satisfaction.

When the knock came at her study door, Sapphira quickly crossed the room and opened the door. Robert said nothing, but simply offered her his arm, which she took. "Good evening, Robert," she said with a smile for one of the few people who knew her not only as Mother, but also Sapphira. As they walked through the Towers, Sapphira did not fail to notice the second glances as people realized Robert was walking through the Tower with the Amyrlin on his arm. Robert rarely came into the White Tower, except for meetings with Sapphira, and Sapphira rarely left her office with anyone, especially a man. Yes, there would be talk, but surely sisters of all people would be intelligent enough to realize that there could be any number of reasons she would be leaving with Robert. Anyway, it did not matter how much talk there was, Sapphira would never hear any of it directly, Aes Sedai were never questioned about their business, much less the Amyrlin herself.

They left the Tower and passed through the grand entrance gates into the city itself. It was still a few hours before nightfall, and the streets were still full of people. Of course, the streets of Tar Valon were never completely empty. Tar Valon was safe, crime all but nonexistent, and so good, proper people could be out at night without worry. Of course, most vendors went in with the sun, but there was always something to do in Tar Valon. Sapphira had never been to Robert's home before, so she let him lead her, simply taking in the sights and enjoying their conversation as they walked. Sapphira had lived in Tar Valon for over a century and a half, and yet the sight of it still took her breath away. It was a vision from afar, when you could take in every part of it at once, but up close, where you could see the details of the buildings, and what they were supposed to represent, it was equally stunning.

It was a quick walk to Robert's mansion, and the gates swung open as they got close. It seemed that everyone in the place who was not doing something else was here to see her in, bowing and curtsying as she passed. When they reached the door of the house, there waiting for them were Erin and Gwen, both looking quite lovely. Each curtsied, and Erin bid her welcome to the house, and they went inside. A short hallway, a grand entertaining hall, which made a wonderful show of Robert's victories, then a library, and finally a smaller, private dining room. The significance of this was not lost on Sapphira, this was a room for honored guests, intimate friends, and family dinners. Of course, she had expected exactly this, but it was still a gesture that any Cairhienin or Aes Sedai would tuck away, and Sapphira being both she made sure to remember it.

Waiting in the dining room was the final person Sapphira had known would be there, Elaine. She wondered why the woman had not been with Gwen and Erin to meet she and Robert, and why had she already been waiting here? No matter, there was certainly an explanation, and it did not make any difference. Had she not been present at all, that would have made for an interesting little puzzle. Robert escorted Sapphira to her seat, and bid her sit and relax, dinner would arrive soon. She did as he instructed, and looked around the room. She waited silently for someone else to start a conversation. She may outrank everyone in the room, but she was their guest, and she would be respectful.

Erin came back from the kitchen momentarily, followed by servants with tossed garden salads to start. They also brought out glasses of a rich, fruity ale, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. As they ate, Gwen spoke hesitantly. "Well, I must say that didn't expect to end my first day in Tar Valon having dinner with the Amyrlin Seat!" Robert chuckled, and Sapphira smiled encouragement at the younger woman. "Go on ahead and tell her of yourself," Erin urged.

Oh my! Gwen thought to herself. She gulped nervously, and took a quick sip of her drink to steady her nerves. "I was born in Caemlyn, and lived there almost all my life. I'm almost twenty-one. My mother's name is Arwenna." Gwen realized that she was babbling, and took a deep breath to calm herself down. "Father can tell you more when he wishes," nodding at Robert, "but he didn't know about me until just this morning. Mother felt that it was better to keep my parentage a secret. At first this was because she didn't want him to feel any sense of obligation, and because that she felt that she would make a very poor soldier's wife. And later, as he grew more prominent, Mother felt that I could be used as a lever against him until I was old enough to defend myself." Her face suddenly lit up. "I saw you once, when I was a girl," she said, turning towards her father. "It was during the Altaran war, when your company passed through Caemlyn."

Robert nodded. "That was when the Whitecloaks tried to put their own puppet on the throne there, just like they've done in Amadicia. I was still working covertly for the Queen of Andor then." "It is common knowledge in Andor that the Queen does not exactly speak of you with love," Gwen said. Robert gave a bark of laughter, and Erin sniffed. "It's because they're too much alike to get along!" she added. "Yes," Robert added, "but we can still work togther, when necessary, which is all that is required."

By this time the four of them had finished with the salads, and these were cleared away and replaced by a fish course, along with a selection of white wines. Robert and Erin knew that Sapphira was partial to fresh fish from the river. "You've heard me brag about my cook," he said, "and now you'll find out why." He nodded at Gwen to continue.

"Mother and my stepfather and my grandparents made sure I had a good, all-around education. We had a huge library at home, and plus they brought in tutors for me in just about every subject you could imagine. I was set to become a soldier from the very beginning, I think," she said. "I was trained by two retired gaidin, and I went north to gain experience along the Border before I came here." She pointed to the scar on her cheek. "I got this when I let a trolloc get a little too close." She paused. "Until today, the only people who knew about my parentage were the immediate family and the Queen of Andor, and after I went north, the King of Malkier."

"And now it will become common knowledge," Erin finished for her. "You'll become a week's sensation here in Tar Valon. Reporters from all the broadsheets here will want to talk to you. It would be a good idea if you would set aside an afternoon to talk with them and answer their questions. Plus I think it's necessary to have a formal ball to introduce you to society here. You are after all now the most eligible woman in Tar Valon, save for Sapphira here."

Gwen groaned inwardly at the thought. Although she liked dressup affairs, the thought of meeting a horde of society matrons and their eligible young sons was daunting. Plus she knew that every move she made and every word she said was going to be picked apart in those same broadsheets Erin had mentioned previously, and she would be able to do nothing but smile graciously.

She hastily changed the subject. "Did you that they still call you The Fox?" she said to her father. "At least the veterans up north did, those who used to serve alongside your company. They had lots of stories to tell!" Robert laughed. "That, among many other names, I'll wager," he said. "The majority of which I would not repeat in polite company." He turned to Elaine. "Did you know?" he asked.

Elaine met his gaze steadily. "I didn't know until about six months ago. As Gwen here had said that she intended to come here to become a gaidar, and I didn't want to endanger either of you, I thought it better to keep it secret. It would be out soon enough."

Robert sat for a moment, considering, and then nodded his head. "Probably for the best, then." He turned to his daughter. "By the way, this is Elaine Trehern," he said by way of introduction. "She's my personal Eyes and Ears, and chief of intelligence for the entire army. You can trust her implicitly."

By this time they had all finished their fish, and servants brought in a meat course. They all fell to with a will.

((Ooh, shoot, I'm so sorry! Soon, I swear!))

((Okay, sooo sorry about the wait, but here it is...finally))

It was not long before the first course was brought out, a tossed salad and a lovely ale. They were all a few bites into the meal before Gwen began the conversation, saying that she had not expected her day to end at a table with the Amyrlin herself. Sapphira gave the girl a smile, she was apparently nervous, which was not surprising, but Sapphira wanted her to be comfortable and relaxed. Surely that would not be easy for the girl, between getting to know her new family and eating dinner with the Amyrlin, Sapphira could see how she might be a little anxious. Erin prompted Gwen to tell Sapphira about herself, at which Sapphira nodded and said, "Yes, I'd be very glad to learn about Robert's lovely daughter." Gwen took a quick drink and began to explain a few things about her past, how her mother had not told Robert he had a daughter, which Sapphira had assumed, since Robert had never given any inclination of such. She went on to tell Robert that she had actually seen him once before, years ago, and Sapphira could not help but note a touch of admiration in her voice. Of course she admired this man, he was her father, and apparently her mother held no ill will against the man who unknowingly gave her this girl- if the mother had resented Robert, Gwen would not be here or at the very least she would not be happy.

Robert replied, explaining the circumstances under which he had passed through Caemlyn, and the conversation suddenly no longer hung so much on Gwen. Erin jumped in and made a small joke at Robert's expense, which he accepted gracefully. "Well," Sapphira added, "I for one am glad that things worked out as they did between Robert and the lovely Queen, if not, I would not have such a competent man to work alongside." She gave the others a smile and a nod, it was true, she could never ask for a harder or more able worker than Robert to head up the martial side of things, Sapphira could certainly never do that. Rialt probably could, but even he was not so able that he could handle both the Black Tower as well as the Gaidin and Tar Valon Guards.

The next course was brought shortly, Sapphira was informed that it was fresh fish from the Erinnen, which brought a small smile to her face. Robert also promised that she would now see why Robert bragged on his cooks. And indeed she did with the first bite. She gave a nod in Robert's direction, but did not interrupt Gwen as she had begun speaking about herself again. She said that she had had a good education, and had it had always been assumed that she would be a soldier, and that she had not only been trained by retired Gaidin, but she had also spent some time along the Border, where she earned the scar on her cheek. Apparently while her parentage had not been a secret to her, very few others had known about it until this very day.

Erin quickly suggested that it would not be so much longer. She would have to deal with press and probably dozens of suitors within the week. She even suggested that they hold a ball in her honor, which Sapphira thought was a fitting idea. Of course, a ball would take time to plan, and she would not be able to wait until then to begin acclimating herself to Tar Valon society.

Sapphira did not have long to think about that though, Gwen changed the subject immediately. She mentioned a bit of her time in the north, and Elaine revealed that she had also known about Gwen, but had not said anything because she knew Robert's daughter would be coming to Tar Valon eventually. This news did not seem to bother Robert, and he told Gwen that she could trust Elaine completely. And then the next course was there, and Sapphira gladly started the next part of this delicious meal.

She took a sip of her wine and looked around at the other four at the table with her. What a day for Robert, to wake up this morning with no idea that this day would be different from any other, and only a few hours later to be welcoming an adult daughter into his family. Sapphira picked up her wine glass on an impulse and announced, "I'd like to make a toast. To House Laurel, and especially to Gwen, welcome to Tar Valon my dear, you could not have found a more admirable father." She gave the girl a warm smile, and sincerely hoped that the girl would be happy here with her new family. Surely she would be, Sapphira could not think of any reason not to be, if she had not gotten too homesick when she was on the Border she probably would not have to deal with it now either.

Robert drank to Sapphira's toast, a smile on his face. "And may I offer a toast of my own. To Sapphira, a most capable, formidable, and lovely Amyrlin Seat. May our partnership continue to blossom and grow." He smiled very warmly at Sapphira as he drank. How lovely she looks, he thought to himself as they sat. Then he caught himself. Careful. That's the most powerful woman in the world. Do you really want to start down that road? Sapphira noticed his regard, blushed, and looked down, not meeting his eyes. Erin looked back and forth at the two of them, trying to fathom what was happening. Elaine just sat there, sipping at her wine. Gwen, seemingly oblivious to the undercurrents in the room, was gazing at the twin portraits of Robert and his late wife, Sharra, that hung over the fireplace. "They are lovely," she commented.

Robert nodded. "She would have liked you, I think," he said, "once she got over the shock." He looked up at the portrait wistfully. Just then the servants began bringing the next course in, and Erin steered the conversation back to safer topics. Gwen was looking fascinated at one of the small scale models of machinery that was sitting on a shelf at one end of the room. Robert got up and brought it over so she and a fascinated Sapphira could examine it more closely. "This is a scale model of one of the pumps we use in the mines in the Kinslayer's Dagger. We use it to pump bad air and water out and to pump good air in. It's big, and grossly inefficient, but it's better than anything we had before. It uses steam power and burns coal. It's noisy and smelly, and we don't let any of those near the City. Maybe in a decade or two, when we've refined the design and made them less dirty."

They finished their meal with a huge chocolate cake. Robert leaned back, sighing in repletion. Erin laughed, looking at Sapphira as she sat back, obviously stuffed to the gills. "Yes, you may borrow my cook occasionally. No, you may not keep him." The two women laughed. Just then there was a commotion just outside the door. Joachim, the chief of Robert's bodyguards, stepped in, followed by a Guard officer wearing the collar tabs and silver braid of a military attache. Robert frowned for a moment, recalling the man's name. The man saluted and handed over two sheafs of papers, one for him, and one for Elaine. "Major Tamlin, from our embassy in Illian," Robert said as he accepted the bundle. "I trust that you have a good explanation being this far from your assigned duty station."

Tamlin nodded. "Sir, I was sent by the ambassador, and gated back to Tar Valon by Valona Sedai." Robert's eyebrows raised. Gating was normally used only in emergencies; apparently this qualified as one.

"Sir, I have to report that Illian has broken off diplomatic relations with Tar Valon, Murandy, Tear and Cairhien and confiscated the property of anyone from the four nations. Our embassy has been given 72 hours to leave Illian. The same thing has been done in Altara, Amadicia, Ghealdan and Tarabon." Robert frowned in concentration. Well, we expected this, but we didn't expect it quite this soon. "Anything else," he asked.

The major nodded. "Thirty thousand Seanchan fighters landed at Illian yesterday. They're exiles. They're the ones who lost the succession struggle over there. The Illianers have given them sanctuary and hired them as mercenaries. Along with a number of pair of sul'dam and damane."

Robert bit off an obscenity. "So that's what Captain General Darien was trying to tell us. This upcoming war just got a whole lot more complicated. A lot of our edge is gone." He considered for a moment. "It's early fall. They won't be able to move on us until late spring at the earliest. We have five or six months to prepare. Any idea who the leader is? It can't be all Illian."

"Someone named Dazar Ayende. He doesn't get out much, I don't even have a description of him." He stopped, surprised at their reaction.

Robert and the others, except for Gwen, who didn't know, were staring at each other in shock and dismay. Dazar Ayende was the name of the Chosen who had come through from that other timeline with Trienne and the others. Oh damn. Damn, damn, damn, damn. Robert looked at the major. "Dismissed. Get yourself some food and some sleep and be ready to brief a General Staff meeting in the morning."

Elaine spoke up after the man left. She had been studying the papers, her sharp mind looking for information she could use. "I need to go south," she said. Robert frowned. "You almost didn't come back last time," he objected. "I'm the only one who can contact our agents down there," she replied. "I need to leave tonight. I can be gated down to our embassy in Murandy and go in by overland from there." She left to make her preparations.

Robert got up out of his chair, and assisted Sapphira to her feet. "I'll walk you back. We still need to talk, and I'll be staying in the Barracks tonight."

((Two or three more posts should just about end this, I think...))

Everyone drank to Sapphira's toast, and Robert smiled at her compliment, which he promptly returned with a toast of his own. He smiled widely at her as he drank, and Sapphira blushed and looked down. She and Robert were both far too busy for many relationships outside of their duties, and Sapphira did not want to jeopardize their good working partnership. Besides, Elaine was head over heals in love with the man, and Sapphira had no desire to hurt her. Before Sapphira had much time to think about that, though, Gwen remarked that a portrait of Robert and his late wife was lovely, and Robert said that Sharra would have liked Gwen. The next course arrived, and Gwen became engrossed with a small model not far from the table. Robert brought it over so that Sapphira and Gwen could look at it as he explained that it brought good air into mines. An ingenious idea, Sapphira thought, a wonderful way for nonchannelers to get along without Aes Sedai or Asha'man help.

Dessert arrived, a huge, delicious chocolate cake which Sapphira could not help but eat a bit too much of. She was stuffed by the time the meal was over, yes her meals at the Tower were good, but they were never very big, and this had been a big meal. Erin remarked that Sapphira could borrow her cook sometime, but could not have him, and the two shared a laugh. It might actually be something to consider if a time ever came when Sapphira needed an extra hand in the kitchens for some occasion or meeting. Again, she was stopped before she had much time to follow her thoughts, this time by a noise outside the room.

A man in Robert's House colors walked in with another man in military dress. Robert addressed the second man as someone from his embassy in Illian, and the man gave papers to Elaine and Robert as he began to explain his presence. He told Robert that things in Illian had just taken a huge turn for the worse, and Sapphira's ears perked up, this would be important for her to know as well. Lucky that she was here, this way Robert would not have to explain all these things to her later. Illian had broken all its mediations, which had been the only hope for peace in this impending war. On top of that, there were now thirty thousand Seanchan allied with Illian. Oh Light, Sapphira thought as the man explained that they also had damane and sul'dam.

Without missing a beat, Elaine announced that she had to leave, an idea which Robert did not take to well, saying that she almost did not come back the last time. She did not gaurantee her safety, but she did not back down, and immediately left to make plans. Robert did not even try to stop her, presumably becuase she would go whether he wanted her to or not, and because she really did need to go. Hopefully she would not be gone more than three days, after that, things in Illian would get very dangerous for anyone from Tar Valon, especially someone closely allied with the Towers. Robert, instead, came over and helped Sapphira up and told her he would walk her back to the White Tower.

As they made their way out through the mansion and back into the streets, Sapphira said little, her mind working quickly to digest what she had heard. She did not have a lot of time to think, there would be three days of relative safety, and a few months to plan before any attack could be mounted, but after that all time for though was over. "This is all happeneing much sooner than we expected," Sapphira commented, partly to Robert and partly just to hear the facts out loud. "They have the Power, and an extra thirty thousand men." War was not her strong suit, she could do individual fights, and could take care of herself at a pinch, but matters of war were best left to Robert and Rialt. Of course, she knew she would be involved in the coucils, and she was not a complete idiot- she would not have lasted nearly this long as Amyrlin if that were the case. Her father had been a soldier, and chunks of the first sixteen years of her life had been spent travelling with her mother and the others who went where the Cairhienin army went. She had never been a soldier or commander of any sort though, and her knowledge tended to be limited. Which was why she was so thankful for Robert, without him she did not know what she would do, especially after what she had just heard.

Robert walked Sapphira back, completely oblivious to the gazes of passersby as he and the Amrylin returned to the White Tower. He listened as she thought out loud.

The two of them climbed the steps up to Sapphira's suite, Robert nodding to the guards as he entered, and then pouring the two of them each a glass of brandy as they sat down at a small table in their study. "We've got until the spring rains end and the ground dries," he said. "That's about five, six months. We've got a better army. Better training, better organization, better people overall. But we're badly outnumbered. I have the glimmerings of a plan to win this, but I need a lot more information before I know for sure." He sighed. "And besides, I don't think you'll like it much...," he said, his voice trailing off. "But I think it's the best chance we have to win."

He sipped at his wine. "Elaine will get the information we need. She'll be working under deep cover, with multiple identities. She's the only one who knows how to contact her agents. I don't know who they are and I don't want to know. It's safer that way. I won't be able to contact her at all. She should be back by the end of spring." He shook his head. "Light, some of the stories she's told me..."

"The army's ready. As a matter of fact, I'm going to lighten the pace of training to give them a lot more time with their families, especially over the winter and spring holidays. I don't want them to overtrain."

"Another thing that we both need to be careful about is that we don't burn ourselves out trying to do too much. You, especially," he said. He chuckled at her amused smile. "Yes, I know. Pot. Kettle. Black. But I have a staff. You don't. You need to assemble one. I know Lyla does fine work in making sure that trival things don't waste your time, but she needs help on that too. She basically serves as your Prime Minister, but you need more than that. You need to have your best financial mind to serve as your Chancellor of the Exchequer, for the Treasury, for one. We'll need to spend a lot of money on this war, and we need the best financial minds to make sure that the money isn't wasted. You need a High Justicar, in order to supervise the courts, as there are going to be a lot of legal issues. I can think of a number of places where creating a ministry would help. Tar Valon hasn't fought a war in ages, so you don't quite realize the unique problems it can bring. We can get to that tomorrow. I'm calling a meeting of the General Staff about mid-morning, then I'll be up to discuss our conclusions around noon."

He rose from his chair. "We can win this. It's just that many things will change, and some things will never be the same again. We're basically going to establish our hegemony over this part of the world." He noted Sapphira's expression of distaste. "Yes, I know. You have no wish to become an Empress in all but name. I don't really want to have the job of Emperor, if it comes to that. But these wars have got to come to a stop."

((I have one more post after your reply, but I'll send that to you by PM to review first.))

They arrived at her suite, and stepped into her study, where Robert poured them each a glass of brandy. She accepted hers gratefully and took a sip as Robert began explaning what he thought needed to happen. First, he explained that despite being badly outnumbered, there was a chance for the Towers, one that he believed they could take advantage of. He explained some of his plans for the next few months, specifically for the soldiers to have more time with their families and not overtraining. Then moved on to individuals burning themselves out, Sapphira being one who would certainly be at risk, along with Robert, and presumably Rialt as well. Sshe needed a staff, Robert said, and explained a few of the positions that would be most helpful. Sapphira nodded, she was sure all these people would be adventageous, but more than that, she trusted that Robert knew what he was talking about.

Robert told her he would be holding a meeting tomorrow for the army, and would then be up to talk with Sapphira about what was going on. She would have to send word to Rialt when Robert left, he would need to be there as well. With that, he stood, and with a few more words, said that the Towers needed to greatly expand their influence, and Sapphira could not repress an expression of distaste. She did not want that sort of influence. She wanted the Towers to be comfortable allies with all the nations, Aes Sedai and Asha'man being welcome everywhere, and being helpful wherever they went. She did not want to rule all these other places- that was not what the Towers were for, nor had they ever been meant to be so. Robert said it was necessary, but Sapphira promised herself that she would do everything she could to find a better solution. Or to make this solution temporary. But now was not the time for that discussion, so she simply nodded, as she certainly agreed that the wars did need to be ended.

Robert closed the door to the Amyrlin’s suite. He sighed to himself and shook his head. I think I may have come on a little too strong there. He didn’t want to rule. He had turned down an offer of the crown of Cairhien a number of years ago. But then only an idiot would want to rule that land! He shrugged his shoulders and went down the ornate stairs. It was going to be a long, restless night, he was afraid.

He didn’t notice the woman who was standing in the shadows. But then, she was very good at not being noticed. Elaine had changed into nondescript clothing, what a traveling merchant might wear. She had a horse and a couple of mules loaded down with merchandise. An aes sedai was waiting to gate her to the embassy in Murandy. If needed, she would trade those in for a peddlar’s wagon if it would get her closer to her objective. She had multiple identities ready. She could pose as a singer, a kitchen drudge, a maid, a barkeep, and, if she absolutely had to, a courtesan or prostitute. She grimaced with distaste at the thought of having to use her body to get what she needed, but she would if she had to. It wasn’t as if she was a blushing virgin after all.

She stood there in the gloom, gathering up her courage. It wasn’t like her to hesitate like this. Erin had tried to warn her a number of times about being reckless. Her usual method was to charge ahead.

But not this time.

She finally climbed the stairway and mounted the landing before the door to Sapphira’s rooms. The guards, recognizing her, snapped to attention. She acknowledged them, and then approached the door, knocking softly but firmly. She heard movement, and then the door opened. Sapphira herself was there, having apparently sent her women to their beds. Her eyes opened in surprise, and she opened the door wider and motioned Elaine in.

The words of greeting died on Sapphira’s lips as she noticed the somber expression on Elaine’s face. Instead, she led her wordlessly through the Keeper’s office into her own, and then through that into her own living quarters. Elaine saw a half-filled glass of brandy sitting on a table in the study, with an empty one across from. Apparently Sapphira had been sitting and thinking before going to bed. She motioned Elaine to a seat as she sat down herself.

Elaine, instead of sitting, took out a letter and laid it on the table. It was addressed to Robert. In it she had poured out her heart and soul, telling him how much she loved and cared for him. In it were all the words that she had not dared to say to his face.

“Mother,” she began, then stopped, hesitating. “Sapphira, I may not come back this time. If I don’t come back...”, then she suddenly found herself breaking into huge, racking sobs, unable to get words out past the tightness in her throat...

Sapphira sat sipping the brandy Robert had poured for her. She did not want to be an empress, not in the slightest. No matter how much influence the Towers had, she did not want it to go from influence to rule. She wanted the world put back together. She had seen the world in a good state, for many years there had been relative peace, but that seemed so long ago. Now they were on the brink of war, it was inevitable, and there was nothing Sapphira could do. This was not something she could solve from the shadows as she could when she was a Red, nor was it something she could smooth out by playing Daes Dae'mar. Oh how she wished she could, she was good at the Game of Houses, she had grown up in Cairhien, and had been Aes Sedai for well over a hundred years. Yes, Daes Dae'mar she could do, but war? And after that, the kind of control Robert was talking about? No, that had to be avoided.

She took another sip of her drink, and her thoughts were interrupted by a faint knock. Truly, if her door had been closed, she would not have heard it, it was all the way from the door to the antechamber. Sapphira could not very well shout for the person to enter, that would be rediculous, so she stood and walked through her study, and the antechamber, and opened the door. She saw Elaine standing there, and started to say hello, but caught herself when she saw the other woman's expression. She was not happy. Well, who was? But Elaine seemed very unhappy, there was something more to this than the impending war. Instead of saying anything, Sapphira opened the door wider for Elaine to step in, then led the woman back through the antechamber and her study, and into her living quarters. She motioned for Elaine to sit, and took a seat herself, but the woman did not oblige.

Instead, she took out an envelope, set it on the table and looked at Sapphira. As she looked at the letter, she saw that the envelope was addressed to Robert. I see, she thought calmly. The woman had admitted to Sapphira years ago that she was completely in love with Robert, but knew that nothing would be able to come of it. Sapphira could guess what was in the letter, if Elaine did not come back, then she wanted Robert to know how she felt. She began, addressing Sapphira formally, then by her name, saying that she did not know if she was going to come back from her spying this time. Before she could tell Sapphira what she wanted, she was cut off by her sobbing. Loud and painful sobbing, she was truly broken, that was obvious. Sapphira, however, did not know exactly what to do. She had grown up Cairhienin, where emotions were never made so obvious, and had then spent the rest of her life as Aes Sedai, who knew very well how to reign in their emotions. Sapphira remembered girls crying themselves to sleep as novices, but this was different. Elaine was not homesick or overworked, she was worried. She was sad.

Sapphira stood slowly and walked over to put a hesitant arm around the sobbing woman's shoulders. She had been called "Mother" for many years, but never had she had such an opportunity to act as a parent soothing a child, that was the Mistress of Novices job. "Elaine, you are the best in the business, we both know that. It's a risky job, but you've taken risks before. In any case, if you do not return within a reasonable amount of time, I will make sure Robert receives your letter. Tell me how long to wait, and I will guard that parchment with my life." It was not the most inspiring or helpful speech, but it was the only thing Sapphira could say. It was pointless saying that she knew Elaine would return, both women knew of the risk, and that there was a chance she would not return. What a blow that would be, Elaine really was the best in the business, and Robert would most certainly take her death hard. Sapphira did not know the woman as well as she might like, but she knew that without, the world would certainly be missing something. She stood with her arm around the woman's shoulder, wondering what else she should do. Light, but this was not what she had expected when she took the staff and stole!

Elaine just let herself sob on the other woman's shoulder for a few moments, then looked at Sapphira with a chagrined expression. "Oh my. Oh dear. Now I've gone and made myself look like a complete fool." She paused. "On the other hand, I've never been in love before, either." She smiled shyly. "Thank you."

She squared her shoulders. "Give me a year. If I'm not back by then, then I won't be back at all. This war won't be anywhere close to being over by then. I'll try to send messages back, if I can."

She leaned over and gave the other woman a quick hug. "I have to go now. I want to be on my way south from Murandy at first light." She hesitated for a moment, and then went on. "Please don't let Robert do anything stupid. He tends to lead from the front at times, and it would be a disaster if anything happened to him."

Elaine gave Sapphira a quick peck on the cheek. "If I don't come back, please try and love him the way I would."

With that Elaine turned quickly, not looking back at the stunned Amyrlin, and left. She quickly made her way down the stairs to the courtyard. It was full night now, with light weaves everywhere. There was a horse and two pack mules waiting for her, along with the aes sedai who would open the gate for her to pass through. Also waiting for her was Erin. The older woman embraced her fiercely. "Don't do anything stupid. Don't throw your life away. Come back to us."

Elaine shook her head, not trusting herself to speak. She nodded to the Sister, and suddenly a gate opened between Tar Valon and a small, sheltered courtyard on the embassy grounds in Murandy. Elaine motioned her animals forward and passed through, the gate closing behind.

Erin was still standing there deep in thought when she heard the sound of running footsteps. Sapphira had dashed down trying to catch Elaine before she left, but had been too late. "She's gone," Elaine said. She looked the shorter woman in the eye. Although the Amyrlin was chronologically over a century older than she was, Elaine had the distinct feeling that Sapphira was emotionally and in terms of experience much younger. She put her arm around the other woman's waist. "I suggest that we go up to your suite, hang out a Do Not Disturb sign, get out some wine, and then get thoroughly drunk. I feel the need."

((We can end it here, or you can end it with your own reply.))