[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

This is really lame and all, but whatev. I enjoyed writting it, so yeah.


Prologue: His Blood Shall Be Spilt

Rand al’Thor stood upon the slopes of Shayol Ghul, hand on his sword hilt, looking out at the soldiers fighting below him. A foul wind rose, making his blood stained golden cloak billow out behind him. The sun briefly appeared from behind the sickly clouds, casting a red halo around his head. He turned and raised his hands, one corded with muscle, the red and gold heads of the dragons glinting in the clouded light, the other a mere stump and summoned the One Power.

Aviendha laid a hand on his shoulder and they linked. A great circle, thirteen men and one hundred and sixty-nine women, joined them, pouring their power into him. Aviendha handed him Callandor and he drew even deeper. He felt all powerful, like he could tear apart the world with a flick of his finger. He reached out and focused in the discs of cuendillar each of the men held, weaving vast amounts of Spirit into them. Then he channeled again, a complex weave of Earth, Fire, Water, Wind and Spirit. That finished, he handed the control over to Lews Therin.

Finally, the voice in Rand’s head wept, I will be able to join my Ilyena. The mad man drew so much saidan that the warning headache sprang up.

Not until we reseal the Bore, Rand snapped. Lews Therin sighed and the headache left. The man began expanding Rand’s weave, Earth, Spirit, Wind, Water, Spirit, Fire, Spirit and Earth, over and over, drawing more and more of the One Power. Suddenly, he stopped.

Throw it, he said tiredly.

Rand made a throwing motion and the weave settled over the Bore. Suddenly, a great force stopped it, holding it away. He drew deep and used all his might to force the weave closer. Again he was repelled and again he tried. Still, the Dark One resisted. Rand drew deeper until his head ached. The old wound burst open and blood stained his shirt, ran down his legs and dripped onto the stone beneath him. Still, he pushed and fought with the Dark One.

Closer and closer the weave went as he became weaker and weaker. Suddenly, with an explosion heard around the world, the weave snapped onto the Bore, sealing the Dark One’s prison.

Rand collapsed onto the rock, weakened from the loss of blood and the battle he had just won. Lews Therin gasped in his head.

It…it is finished. I…I can go…to be with…my Ilyena…Farewell…Rand al'Thor…Dragon…

A moment later, a part of Rand disappeared as Lews Therin Telamon Kinslayer, the Dragon, Lord of the Morning and Beginner of the Breaking, died. Rand smiled then closed his eyes, oblivious to the surrounding world.

Aviendha opened herself to the Source and wove Spirit, placing it on Rand’s side. For the first time since he had received it in Falme, the flesh flowed together, leaving flawless skin behind. She delved him and found some minor internal bleeding which she Healed.

“Oh, Rand…” she whispered. He stirred then opened his eyes. She smiled when the golden veins in her head sprang to life when his vision settled on her.

“Aviendha…I am free,” he said softly. He smiled and she felt his relief. “He isn’t there anymore. He has gone to be with his Ilyena,” he sighed and coughed. “No more prophecies, no more fear. I am free.”

“Yes. And your wound is healed.” His eyes widened and shock drifted to her. His hand went to his side.

“You healed it…” he tried to sit up, but collapsed again.

Mat and Tuon appeared then, Mat having discarded his helmet and breastplate. Tuon wore that curious flangered armor, but it red and gold. A damane trailed after her, the silvery leash attached to the Seanchan Empress’s wrist. Aviendha wrinkled her nose in disgust but allowed them to approach, Mat because he was like Rand’s first-brother and Tuon because she was married to Mat.

Mat squatted next to Rand. “What happened? We were fighting then there was the explosion and all the Darkfriends were fighting each other instead of us.”

“I sealed him back inside,” Rand said and promptly fainted.

Aviendha quickly gathered a few Aes Sedai together.

“You! Go to Caemlyn and tell Elayne and Min to go to Tar Valon. You and you, go find Egwene al’Vere and tell her what has happened. You, gather all the sisters and get them back to Tar Valon. The rest of you, make Gateways and get these troops out of here!” She opened herself to saidar and prepared to weave a Gateway, but halted when a hand was laid on her shoulder. She glanced at it and froze when she saw the silvery a’dam bracelet. Tuon motioned to her damane.

“Allow me to transport the Lord Dragon,” she said in her slow drawl. Before Aviendha could protest, saidar enveloped the damane and a Gateway appeared, showing the gardens of the White Tower.

“Thank you,” Aviendha nodded to Tuon then turned to Mat. “Would you help me transport him inside?”

Together, Mat and Aviendha managed to get Rand inside before any of the others arrived. Mat led them to a room in the infirmary with white walls and scrubbed floor.

“Never thought I would be back here so soon,” he mumbled. Tuon looked at him, dark eyes glittering. The damane stood meekly in a corner, eyes on the floor, awaiting her mistress’s command. Aviendha knew that if Tuon wished it, the damane would try to destroy the White Tower with the One Power and be happy to follow the command.

“Why were you here, Matrim?” Tuon questioned. She frowned at Aviendha, who was settling the unconscious Rand on the bed.

“I was…sick. I had a disease, which came from a dagger I picked up in a place called Shadar Logath.” He ducked as Tuon’s hand whisked through the air he had just occupied.

“I thought I had cured you of your lies, Toy. It appears I haven’t.” Tuon sniffed then turned her back on Mat.

Aviendha ignored the pair as she tended to Rand. Before long, the door burst open and Min and Elayne entered, each carrying a cloth wrapped bundle. Birgitte Tralion followed them, a scowl on her face. She must have not wanted Elayne to come. Aviendha moved aside so Elayne and Min could examine Rand. The light of saidar enveloped Elayne and she delved Rand, checking to make sure he was okay.

“What happened?” Elayne asked worriedly. The bundle in her arms moved and she glanced down at it before returning to her inspection of Rand. That was when Aviendha first really looked at her first-sister. She had changed since she had seen her the month before. She was…thin.

“You had your children?” Aviendha questioned. Elayne flushed then smiled. She pulled back a fold of the cloth. Aviendha curiously peeked inside.

The baby looked up at her, its eyes a bright blue. A faint, pinky fuzz covered its head.

“A boy or a girl?” Aviendha asked quietly. Elayne’s smiled grew.

“A girl. And Min has her brother. Oh, Aviendha, just think! A Daughter Heir and her First Prince of the Sword!”

Aviendha laughed at her first-sister’s enthusiasm. “Always thinking ahead, aren’t you Elayne Trakand?” She peeked at the baby Min held. His hair was also pinkish, but darker. “He will have dark red hair.” She glanced at Rand. “I wonder if he will grow to be like his father.”

Elayne shrugged. By this time, Tuon and Mat had discovered the children and Tuon asked to see them. She smiled at them and muttered a few words in the Old Tongue. Mat’s glance at her alerted Aviendha.

“What did you say?”

“I merely wished them a long and good life,” Tuon said casually. She looked at Elayne. “You should be proud to have a daughter to take your throne after you are gone.”

“Thank you.” Elayne turned back to Rand. Aviendha took the baby girl and allowed her to take her place by his side. Min handed her bundle to Birgitte, who looked uncomfortable with the baby.

After a while, Egwene and Nynaeve arrived with several other sisters. Mat and Tuon disappeared, probably because Tuon disliked being around so many marath’damane.

“Is he alright?” Egwene questioned as soon as she entered the room. Nynaeve simply hurried to his side and wove yet another delving.

“He is fine. Nynaeve, we have already delved him. No need to do it again,” Elayne said, taking her daughter from Aviendha.

“Fool men. What happened?” Nynaeve snapped.

“He resealed the Bore then collapsed,” Aviendha explained. “He said something about being free.”

“Has he been asleep all this time?”

“Yes.”

“Blood and bloody ashes!”

Egwene turned to Elayne and Min, who were sitting quietly in the corner. “Elayne Trakand, why didn’t you tell me you were pregnant?” the Amyrlin Seat demanded. Elayne jumped and her face flushed. Nynaeve’s head snapped up and she turned to inspect the Andorian queen.

“I…I didn’t want people to…I thought you knew! Everyone in Andor seems to.” Elayne said quietly. She held her daughter close.

“Who is the father?” Egwene asked gently. When Elayne didn’t answer, Egwene sighed heavily. “It’s Rand, isn’t it?” Elayne nodded slowly.

“When were they born?” Egwene asked, peering at the tiny faces.

“Last week,” Elayne answer quietly.

“What am I supposed to do with you, Elayne? You are an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah and the Queen of Andor.”

“I know! You don’t think I haven’t thought about this? I didn’t let it be known that Rand was my children’s father, because there are people who would have tried to kill them!”

“Min, have you seen anything about them?” Egwene asked suddenly. The short woman in breeches and heeled boots jumped then nodded reluctantly.

“I usually don’t see anything about babies. But the girl…She had a Great Serpent ring over her head, three swords with a crown of ravens one of the swords. A golden dragon figure also stands above that sword. The boy…I see a silver sword pin, and a bloody sword.” The last words were spoken so softly, Aviendha had to strain to hear them. Egwene frowned.

“Do you know what they mean?”

“For the girl, I think she will be an Aes Sedai. The three swords mean three Warders, so I think she will chose Green. But the crown of ravens and dragon are puzzles to me. And the boy…the meanings of what I see escape me.”

The five women were silent then Egwene stood.

“I have many things to do. And Nynaeve, we will need you to help Heal any wounded. Elayne and Aviendha are more then capable to handle anything here.” With those words, she swept out of the room. Nynaeve stayed for a few more minutes then followed.

A servant brought them food that evening. They took turns watching Rand. Elayne was up several times during the night, feeding her babes. It was during one such rising that she made a split second decision and carefully placed her daughter on Rand’s chest. The baby wriggled around for a moment then closed her eyes and fell asleep. Elayne sat by the bed for the rest of the night, only getting up to feed her son then returned to her post. As dawn’s light peeked through the window, Rand’s eyes fluttered and he groaned. Elayne’s breath caught in her throat as he opened his eyes and found himself staring into his daughter’s eyes. She smiled inwardly at the confusion that roiled over their bond.

Rand was still for several moments, examining the baby. Then he slowly turned his head and saw Elayne and the veins of gold sprang up.

“Where am I?” he asked quietly. Elayne smiled and picked up her daughter.

“The infirmary in Tar Valon. You passed out,” she answered. The baby wiggled and made soft mewing noises. Elayne rocked her gently, not ready to move away so she could feed her.

Rand’s eyes flitted from Elayne to the child in her arms. He slowly sat up and rubbed his face.

“Yes, I remember that. I sealed the Bore, didn’t I?”

“Yes.”

“Who…is that your baby?” he asked. She winced at the confusion and pain that reached her. Behind her, Aviendha and Min stirred. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Aviendha, who nodded slightly and pulled Min to her feet. The three of them had agreed the night before that Elayne should have a chance to tell Rand about the children alone. The two women slipped from the room, leaving Elayne, Rand and the babies.

Elayne swallowed before she answered. “Yes. And yours.”

A wave of even greater confusion hit her as well as suppressed fear.

“What?” Rand’s voice was shaky and he leaned heavily against the headboard.

“Rand…that one night. That was all it took. I got pregnant.” She paused, unsure how to go on. “I…I didn’t tell you because I was afraid.”

“Of what?” Rand’s voice was harsh and he met her eyes, his storm gray eyes flashing. “Of what I would do?”

“No! I was afraid of what would happen if someone found out that it was your children I carried. When you were in Caemlyn last month…I wasn’t visiting the country. I was hiding, I couldn’t meet you then. If I did, I would have had to meet you in public and I couldn’t have stood it to have to lie to you, telling you the rumor that was circulation the palace, that I was pregnant by one of my captains. I couldn’t bear it.” She looked down at the child in her arms. “I did what I thought was best, just as you have done so many times.” She trailed off, feeling miserable in the swamp of emotions she got from Rand. He turned his head from her and she felt his emotions start to be brought under control.

He reached out tentatively and placed a hand on the baby’s head. He stroked her soft hair.

“What’s her name?” he asked quietly. Calm enveloped her and she smiled, knowing he had forgiven her for hiding from him.

“I didn’t name them. I wanted you to have a say in the naming.”

“Them?” Rand’s head shot up and again confusion hit her.

“Yes. Her brother.” Elayne handed their daughter to Rand and retrieved her son from the makeshift cradle Aviendha had made. Rand stared at the boy with wide eyes and elation hit Elayne like a tidal wave. He rocked his daughter softly, drinking in her face.

“I…Oh, Elayne,” was all he could say. After a while, he looked up. “I…I don’t know if it is appropriate for a daughter heir, but…I would like to name her Kari. After the woman who raised me.”

Elayne’s eyes misted and she nodded. Min had said something about Rand having an adoptive mother and she wasn’t surprised that he had chosen her name.

“Kari. Kari Trakand. A good name.” She smiled at him. “And your son?”

Rand looked at the boy curiously. She took Kari from her father and handed him the boy. Rand gazed down at his son, examining his face.

“I think he will grow to be a strong man, hard working and loyal to his sister. There is only one man I can think of that I would want to name him after.” He looked up at Elayne. “If you don’t mind the names coming from only my family, I think he should be named Tam.”

“Tam.” Elayne rolled the name around a few times then smiled. “I like it. Mother once said if I ever named one of my children after her, she would refuse to call the child by that name. And I never wanted to name my son after my father. Tam it shall be.”

“Tam Trakand.” Rand said softly. He kissed his son’s forehead gently.

“If it is alright with you, I would like another name to be added to their names,” Elayne said after a few moments. Rand looked up quizzically.

“What name is that?”

“Al'Thor. Kari al'Thor Trakand and Tam al'Thor Trakand.”

“But you said…”

“That was before you sealed the Bore. There is no danger now. And I think that the people of the world would be more then willing to accept the children of the Dragon Reborn.”

Rand was silent for several moments, staring out the window. Finally he nodded. “Very well. Al'Thor they shall be known by. And may the Creator keep them safe from anyone who wishes them ill.”

[Darth Futuza]

COOL! Though I am fairly certain Lews Therin wouldn't be able to leave Rand, they would both have to die.


And I am defininety expecting a sad ending, where everyone dies...not this happy thing...Oh well good job!


And wouldn't the Dark One try and taint Saidin again?

Or for that matter Saidar too?

This post has been edited by Darth Futuza: 19 July 2007 - 04:09 PM

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

No. That is just the start of the story. Mwuhahahaha!!! I'll post the first chapter in a bit.

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

Chapter One: A New Age



The Wheel of Time turns and Ages came and pass, leaving memories that become legend, then fade into myth, and are long forgot when the Age comes again. In one Age, called the Fourth Age by some, an Age yet to come and an Age long past, a wind rose in the dank swamps of the lands surrounding Mayene. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor ends to the turning of the Wheel of Time. But it was a beginning.
South it blew, across the swamps, to the plain before Mayene’s single city. In the fields around the city, two riders could be seen approaching the city gates, their cloaks billowing in the wind. One, a tall woman with red-gold hair and ocean blue-grey eyes, spoke to her companion, a man with black hair and bright brown eyes, who threw back his head and laughed. The woman rolled her eyes and booted her horse forward.
Jain Paendrag urged his horse after her. “Aww, come on, Kari!” he yelled at her.
Kari al’Thor Trakand, Daughter Heir to the Lion Throne of Andor, an Aes Sedai of the Green Ajah, daughter of the Dragon Reborn, looked at her Warder coolly. Twenty-five years had passed since the Great Bore had been sealed and the Dark One had been locked away once more. Kari had been an Aes Sedai for five years and was easily the most powerful Aes Sedai in the White Tower, surpassing even Nynaeve in strength in the One Power. She possessed a fiery temperament that not even the sisters of the White Tower had been able to tame.
Jain was her only Warder, the son of one of her father’s oldest friends, Matrim Cauthon, who was married to the Empress of Seanchan. His black hair hung in his face, giving him a roguish look and his brown eyes danced with mischief. Like his father, Jain was a rogue and hated more then anything hard labor. Unlike his father, Jain found a devilish delight in a good fight. He had also seemed to inherit Matrim’s legendary luck. He had been her Warder for four and a half years.
“You know I only think it is funny because he is basically like my brother.” Jain said when he caught up to her. “Imagine the scandal it would cause if he became your Warder. Nynaeve will have a fit!!” He waved his hands expressively. “The son of the uncrowned Malkieri king, Warder to the Daughter of the Dragon Reborn!! Who’s other Warder is the son of the Empress of Seanchan!!”
“Lan wouldn’t mind. In fact, I am sure he would approve,” Kari said heatedly.
“Well, Nynaeve won’t allow it. You know that.”
“I don’t care about her. Almeron is a wonderful swordsman and he wants to become my Warder. I have thought about it and I think I will bond him. And there is nothing you can do to change it, Jain Paendrag!!”
They were at the gates now. Jain threw up his hands in defeat.
“Fine! But don’t tell me I didn’t tell you so!” he told her. She smiled and walked her horse through the hawk carved gates.
Mayene, though the country consisted of one city and a small piece of land, was still a rich land, because of the fish oil her fishermen brought in and the trading with Shara.
The First of Mayene, Berelain sur ni Paendrag t’Gehulm, was waiting for them on the palace steps. She wore a low cut red slashed white dress embroidered with red hawks up the sleeves that clung to her body in a very suggestive manner. Kari shook her head slightly adjusted the belt of her own dress. Her green silk was modest, but only in a Green’s standards. The First had been widowed for less then a year and she returned to dressing like an unmarried woman of twenty. She dismounted Lionheart and handed the golden stallion’s reins to a waiting groom.
“Welcome to Mayene, Kari Sedai,” Berelain said warmly. Kari had been told that, in her youth the First had been a great beauty, but the years had erased some of that beauty.
“Thank you, Berelain.” Kari answered.
“Did you bring anything else, Aes Sedai? Not meaning to offend, but whenever Aes Sedai visit, they seem to bring enough things to outfit the palace.”
“Jain and I left two sisters behind in our camp site. They will be here soon with the rest of our things.” She didn’t deem it necessary to tell her that the sisters were of the White and Blue Ajahs.
“We are always happy to have Aes Sedai visit Mayene.” Berelain said politely.
“Berelain, we came to talk to you about taking another Aes Sedai advisor.” Kari said carefully. “In fact, the White Ajah sent a sister to take the post if you so wished.”
“Yes, I think it is time an Aes Sedai advised me. I have been lost without Annoura.” Berelain said brightly as she led them inside.
Kari blinked, and then smiled, face all Aes Sedai calm. “Good. Aleta is ready to begin her duties immediately.”
The palace was decorated in a lavish fashion. Exquisite carvings and rare tapestries covered the walls and tables. The floors were blue marble, set together with barely a seam. Kari and Jain were led to a suite of rooms decorated in red and gold. Kari stopped dead when she saw the tiny golden and silver figures scattered around the room.
“Are those…” she swallowed, though her face did not display anything but icy calm. Berelain smiled brightly.
“These rooms were used by the Dragon Reborn after the Resealing. As his daughter, they are yours by right.” She curtsied then withdrew.
Jain walked around the room, pausing to look out the windows at the garden below. He picked up a silver statue shaped like a sword.
“Do you think she would mind if we took one home with us?” he asked curiously.
“I doubt it, but ask first this time.” She tugged a red gold curl. “I hate them.”
“Hate what?”
Kari let her Aes Sedai calm slip away, her face sad and angry at the same time. “Those swords. They remind me of him.” She scowled.
“Rand?” Jain asked, confused.
“No. Tam.”
Tam al’Thor Trakand had discovered the year before he could channel. He had gone to the Black Tower and quickly became a Dedicated, but during an exercise, he had drawn too much of the Power and been killed. Kari had locked herself in her rooms, letting no one come in except for Jain for a month. After that period, she had emerged as steely calm as ever and thrown herself into her work with a will. This visit to Mayene was the fourth diplomatic visit since Winter’s Night.
“Sunday will be upon us soon.” Jain said casually to change the subject. “What are we going to do this year? Last year we spent it in Caemlyn with your mother. And that Warder of hers.” He wrinkled his nose. There was little love lost between Birgitte and Jain. Most of the time, they avoided each other as much as possible.
Kari laughed at her Warder then stretched sinuously across a couch. Her eyes glittered mischievously. “I suppose we could go to Emond’s Field to visit Dad. Or we could go to Seanchan to visit your family.”
“And see if you can try again on Mother?” Jain asked quizzically. He leaned over the couch, grinning.
“Maybe.” She reached up and pulled his head down to hers. “Perhaps I want to be somewhere were I won’t become a source of gossip for flirting with my Warder.”
Jain laughed and motioned for her to move over. She sat up then put her head on his lap when he sat down. Jain gently tugged one of her curls.
“I never did understand why some of the sisters think it is funny that Warders and their Aes Sedai might fall in love,” he said quietly. Kari shrugged.
“I don’t know.”
“Surely, even a Green wouldn’t go so far as to lose control over herself for a man.” A sultry voice said from the door way. Kari sat up quickly, eyes stormy, but her face reflected none of her anger.
“Surely, even a White would know that a Green does what she wants with her Warder,” she retorted. Aleta Hermunon, a plump Domani, blinked then curtsied. Kari grimaced inwardly. She had had more then a few disagreements with the White on their trip. She smiled at the slim woman following standing behind Aleta.
Zenah a’Doroh, who was one of the Atha’Mera sisters, smiled back and rolled her eyes. “May I put up the ward?” she asked. Kari nodded, and then turned to Aleta.
“You may pour our tea.” Jain stiffened beside her when Zenah embraced saidar. Kari put a hand on his knee.
Unknown to the Tower, Jain had the potential to become an Asha’man. Kari had not known it until two years before, when he had suddenly summoned lightening down on a band of thieves that had attacked them. Rand had taught Jain in secret and he had learned enough to become a real Asha’man, but instead Jain had chosen to stay Kari’s Warder, hiding who he was so the Red Ajah didn’t try to take him from Kari.
“Are you alright, Jain Paendrag?” Zenah asked when she let go of the shielding weave. Jain nodded curtly.
“I am fine, Zenah Sedai.”
“Kari, are you sure he hasn’t been overworking himself? He looks like he needs a Yellow to look at him.”
“No!” Jain burst out, standing. The three sisters looked at him in astonishment. Kari laid a hand on his arm.
“Jain, I won’t let those herbalists near you,” she said calmly. As a Green, she didn’t hold the Yellow Ajah in very high regard. Oh, she knew that their discoveries were wonderful, but they didn’t have to be so secretive about them. Not that Kari could perform some of the more complex weaves. She was reasonable Talented in all the five Powers, but she tended to use Fire and Earth more then anything.
“Berelain has agreed to take a new Aes Sedai advisor,” Kari said to distract the others from Jain. Zenah smiled brightly.
“Oh good! We will be able to go home soon, then?”
“Well, we can’t leave to soon. It would be rude to leave just after we got here,” Kari said calmly. Jain stalked over to stand against the wall, hand on his sword hilt, eyes flitting from one woman to the next. It was obvious he trusted Aleta as far as he could throw her.
Zenah sipped her tea and nodded. “I suppose it is only proper. Two weeks is the shortest period we can stay without seeming rude.”
Kari nodded and motioned for the others to leave. “No doubt Berelain will want us to eat with her. Were my things brought here?”
Zenah nodded. “The servants were instructed to put them in your rooms.” She stood and looked around. Her eyes fell on one of the silver figurines. Her Aes Sedai calm slipped away and she turned to her friend. “Oh, Kari. How can you stand to be in here?”
“The dragon is my father’s symbol and mine. And Tam never attained the dragon pin. He was only a Dedicated,” Kari said quietly. “Now, we should get out of these traveling clothes. It won’t present a good picture on the Tower if we go out with dust on our clothes.”
The other Aes Sedai nodded and quietly withdrew. Jain looked at his Aes Sedai then silently picked up several of the figurines and shoved them into an open chest then slammed the top down. Kari smiled.
“Always looking out for my feelings, eh Jain?”
He shrugged. “Habit from when Tam, Rhuarc, Jerioum and Adum used to tease you. Remember?”
Kari smiled reminiscently. In her mind’s eye, she was in the gardens in Caemlyn, playing with her brother and half-brothers. She was Rand’s only daughter and Jain only had two sisters, so she had learned early in life to play rough with the boys. But Jain had always tried to protect her from the others.
“That was one of the reasons I chose you as my Warder. You were always there to help, so it was just natural.” She smiled then stood. She fished in her belt pouch and pulled out a silver sword pin. She turned it over and set it on a table. Jain looked at her, then at the pin.
“I think it is time I stop carrying this to remind me of all that Tam wasn’t able to complete. Instead, I will carry it to remind me of the good times I had with my brother.” She smiled then left the room, leaving the pin on the table.

[Dragon]

This is good. I just noticed one thing. Eleyne DID tell Egwene that she was having a baby. Or at least Aviendha did, through the dream thing.

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

*thinks*....She did? Oh, yeah!!! I remembers now!!! Ok, I'll fix it soon!!!

[Dragon]

So is this like a couple years later?

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

no, it is twenty-five years later.

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

Chapter 2: Embers that Remain



That night, Berelain had a feast prepared for the three Aes Sedai. Kari decided to try to match the First and donned a rather daring Domani gown. The dress was a dark green that made her grey eyes take on a green luster. It was low cut, something that would please Jain to no end. Golden dragons with roses in their claws, her sigil, twined up the arms. For jewelry, she wore her Great Serpent ring and a necklace made of dragons her father had given her for her sixteenth birthday. She looked at herself in the mirror, eyeing the way the dress clung to her then pulled a cloak over her dress. She giggled.
“If only Mother could see me…”
“Kari! You will never guess who just arrived!!” Jain burst into her dressing room. He was half dressed, his white silk shirt was stuffed half way into his dark brown breeches. She laughed at the comical sight he made.
“Who is here?”
“Your father!” Kari inhaled and smiled.
“Well, I guess that means we will go to Seanchan for Sunday.” She adjusted her golden belt and turned to leave the room. Jain trailed after her. She smiled and sat next to the fire place, picking up a book. She eyed him. “I would suggest that you finish getting ready.”
“Kari…” Jain sighed and shook his head. He went to his room and finished getting ready.
A moment later, a tapping sounded at the door. Kari glanced at it, put the book down and went to open it. A giant gold and red head was shoved in her face. She stepped back, then wove Air and flung the thing away. Her half brother Jerioum grinned at her. He was three years younger then she, as were three of the four boys behind him, Kari’s other half brothers. His eyes widened when he saw her dress.
“Mother will have a fit when she sees you,” he said mock severely. “Where is Jain? I am going to pummel him for letting you wear that.”
Kari laughed at her brother. “Aviendha is here?” She led the way into the sitting room. The boys immediately threw themselves into chairs. She looked at them, happy to be with her family. Jerioum, with Aviendha’s red hair and green eyes, Adum, who was as tall as Rand and had brown hair and grey eyes, Rhuarc, blond haired and blue eyed; a favorite with the women in Caemlyn, Lional, like Jerioum, he had red hair, but blue eyes that sparkled when someone brought up books, and Gaidal. He was the youngest of the Children of the Dragon, as the nobles in Caemlyn affectionately called Kari and her brothers. He was sixteen, still a boy in many ways, and the baby of the family. He was Kari’s favorite brother. His hair was red gold like Kari’s and his eyes were storm gray. Gaidal was Min’s son, her only child. He was a gentle boy, not given to violence and rough housing like his half brothers, but when stirred up, he more then held his own in a fight.
Kari motioned for Gaidal to sit next to her. He smiled and did so, pushing the sword at his side out of the way. The other boys looked at the thing with a thinly veiled contempt. After all, they had been raised with that much Aiel influence. Gaidal grinned at them.
“Min finally let you have the blasted thing, huh?” Kari said with a smirk. Min had been reluctant to let her only son wear any weapon, but with the combined efforts of Kari and Gaidal, with Rand putting in a word or two, she had finally given in.
“Yup!! And just look at it, Kari!!” He stood and carefully drew it, earning scandalized looks from his older brothers.
Even though Kari was no swords expert, she could tell it was a magnificent example. The hilt and blade met perfectly and the blood channel gleamed with a wicked light. The hilt was wrapped in black leather with a word carved into the leather.
“Look!! It even has my name on it!!” Gaidal showed her the word. She smiled.
“It is beautiful, brother. I am proud of you.” She stood and hugged him. He wriggled away.
“Kari!!” He protested above the laughter of their brothers.
“Well, that is a good sword, Gaidal, but can you use it?” Jain said from the door way. He eyed the sword then turned to Kari. His eyes lit up and in two strides he was next to her, Warder cloak flapping behind him. “You look beautiful,” he murmured, taking her in his arms and kissing her. Jerioum, Adum and Rhuarc whistled. Kari flushed then grinned and kissed him back.
“You don’t look so bad yourself. Oh, Jerioum, what was that you said you were going to do to my Warder?”
The red haired boy shrugged. “Aww, I’ll let it go this once. Besides, I think you would kill me if I did anyway. And then Tuon…” he drew his belt knife, made a slashing gesture and fell over, pretending to be dead. Adum fell out of his chair laughing at Jerioum. Jain roared with laughter at Jerioum’s interpretation of what his mother would do to Jerioum.
“We should get going. Dinner will start soon.” Kari said after she caught her breath. She wrapped her cloak around her and walked past her brothers to the door.

Dinner was wonderful, as usual when all the Children of the Dragon gathered. Aleta looked a bit uncomfortable with the young men, but Lional distracted her by talking logic with her. Zenah seemed to enjoy Jerioum’s company, often laughing at something he said. Kari had a feeling that soon, one of her brothers would be a Warder. She was the only one of the three Aes Sedai to have a Warder. Rand and Aviendha chatted with Berelain while Kari, Jain and the rest of the young men shared all that had happened since they had last met.
Rand had eyed his daughter’s attire then laughed and said she had to stop growing up so fast. Aviendha had looked disapproving, but she had not said anything about the low cut dress. Kari smiled to herself and laid a hand on Jain’s leg. He looked up and smiled.
“Think we can slip away anytime soon?” he whispered. Kari chuckled.
“Doubt it.”
Suddenly, Adum was on the table, a wine glass in one hand. Kari groaned and nudged Gaidal.
“Didn’t anyone watch how much he was drinking?” she hissed. Before he could answer, Adum spoke.
“Friends, it has been brought to my attention that tonight is a special night.” He paused for effect. “Over twenty-five years ago, in Tear on this very night, Lord Rand al'Thor, with many Aiel, took the Stone of Tear. I propose a toast, to a great man and a great father.” He raised his wine glass to Rand. Kari sighed and raised her glass along with the rest of the company. Rand cleared his throat and nodded to the company.
“If you don’t get down from that table, Adum, I will show you what discipline really means.” Everyone laughed as Adum scrambled to return to his seat.
Kari stood and raised her glass. “To the Lord Dragon, may he long lead the Aiel,” she made to sit down then stood again. “And may his sons someday learn respect.” The older dinner guests roared with laughter at the young men’s flushed faces.
Soon someone called for music and Rand and Kari wove tendrils of Air to move the long table out of the way for dancing. Jain brought out a flute and played a simple reel to start off. Rand pulled Aviendha out onto the floor, laughing at her protests. Adum bowed and offered Berelain his arm. Lional and Aleta, Jerioum and Zenah whirled around the room, laughing. Soon, professional musicians took the stage and Jain swept Kari onto the dancing floor. Other nobles were watching, unsure how to dance the country reel. Some of the more adventurous young lords watched for a few minutes then grabbed a partner. Soon the floor was covered in whirling bright colored skirts and high kicking legs.
When the dance ended, Kari curtsied to her partner.
“I thank you for a wonderful dance, sir,” she said coyly.
“Nay, it is I who should thank you.” he offered his hand for the next dance, but Gaidal butted in.
“If you will excuse me, Jain, I would like to dance with my sister.”
Jain bowed and gave the boy Kari’s hand. “Of course Gaidal.” He winked at Kari then disappeared into the crowd.
The dance was slower then the first, perfect for conversation, but Gaidal remained quiet. Suddenly he spoke up.
“Kari, how did you let Jain know that you liked him?”
The question caught her off guard and she was silent as she spun out and in.
“We got drunk and the next morning decided that he should be my Warder, since I wasn’t about to marry him,” she said with a straight face. That had been the story they had told their parents, just to see their reactions. Mat had laughed so hard he had fallen out of his chair and Tuon had looked ready to set the Deathwatch Guards on Kari. Rand had laughed with Mat, but Elayne had been scandalized. Gaidal’s face now reminded her of her mother’s reaction.
“I am just kidding, Gaidal. Actually, I don’t remember. All I know is, one day we were good friends, the next, lovers. And Aes Sedai and Warder, of course.”
“But…how would I know if a girl was…flirting with me? I didn’t want to ask the guys, they would all gang up on trying to find out who it was and try to put me through some initiation of becoming a man.” He wrinkled his nose.
“I see. Well…” she thought as they spun around, using the moment of separation to come up with something. “Does she try to catch your eye when you see her? Does she say how strong you are, how you are exceptionably good with the sword?”
“No. But she is always around when I am. And…I don’t know. Maybe it is just me. But she is just so…”
“So what?”
“So wonderful. It is hard for me to think when she is around.” Gaidal’s face flushed and he missed a step, almost stepping on Kari’s foot. He grimaced and concentrated on the dance. Kari sensed that that was as far as he was going to take the conversation, so she didn’t bring it back up. The dance ended and he bowed to her.
“Thanks for listening,” he said as he led her to the wall. She smiled.
“No problem.”
Before she could even think about looking for Jain, Rand appeared by her side.
“Care to stomp around the room with your old dad?” he asked teasingly. She laughed and put a hand on his arm.
“I guess it won’t be too much trouble.” He smiled and swept her onto the floor.
“You know your mother would throw a fit if she saw you in that,” he said as they danced. Kari grinned.
“Ah, but I don’t have to worry about what she thinks about my clothes. I can dress how I wish and have been doing so since I became an Aes Sedai.”
“Kari, you have been doing what you want since you were born. The day I first met you, you wouldn’t go to sleep unless I was holding you. Light, but you could scream.” Rand smiled at the indignant look she gave him. “And then there was the time Elayne wouldn’t let you come with the boys on that ride around Andor. Do you remember?”
“I have been trying to forget that ever since we got back.” Kari said ruefully. They laughed as they whirled around the floor. Kari enjoyed the time she had with her father. So often, her duties as Daughter Heir and later Aes Sedai had not allowed her very much time with Rand. The handful of times they had spent any real time together were treasured like a rare gift.
“Jain is a good Warder for you. Much more responsible then his father,” Rand said suddenly. Kari looked up, surprised.
“He is wonderful. I would have no other for my Warder.”
“He tells me you are thinking of bonding a new Warder.” Kari sighed and shook her head. She spotted Jain watching them. He ducked his head and disappeared.
“Yes. I have been.”
“Who, if you don’t mind my asking.”
“No, I don’t mind. I was thinking about Almeron. I have talked with him and he is agreeable to become my Warder.”
“Nynaeve’s son? Good luck with that.”
“Oh, I have already talked with Lan. He said he would talk to Nynaeve, try to reconcile her to the idea before I take her precious son away.” Kari rolled her eyes. “Yellows are so…so…proper.”
“And Greens have no shred of modesty.” Rand sounded like he was repeating someone. She had an idea of who it was. “Nynaeve told me that after she saw you with Jain a few years ago.”
“Nynaeve is an old fuss budget. I don’t care what she thinks.” Rand was silent for a few minutes.
“You know, you sound just like your mother when you talk about her. Are you sure you two don’t compare notes?”
Kari laughed. “No, we haven’t. In fact, I haven’t been to Caemlyn since Tam died.” She swallowed hard. Caemlyn had had too many memories to go back.
“Elayne asked me to ask you to come for a visit. She said you would likely spend Sunday in Seanchan, so she asks that you come after.” He twirled her around, noting the stiff way she moved. “Kari, you know she just wants to see you.”
Kari’s face was all Aes Sedai calm when she responded. “Dad, I don’t want to go Caemlyn. There are too many things to do.”
“Very well.” The dance ended and Rand bowed to his daughter. “But think about visiting her soon. She really misses you.”
“I will.”

[Dragon]

This is good. I had been hoping to find something like a Wheel of Time fanfic.

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

Thank you!! hey, if you have any ideas, let me know. I like to have readers input.

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

Chapter 3: Ultimatum



One morning two weeks later, Kari opened her eyes to the sun hitting her eyelids. She stretched and smiled when Jain pulled the blanket closer around him.
“It is not morning,” he mumbled.
“Come on, breakfast will be soon.” His eyes popped open and he threw the blankets back.
“I’m up! So long as you’re not cooking.”
“I’ll have you know, I am a good cook. I just burnt that meal on accident. I used too much Fire.”
“Whatever you say.” He rummaged around for his breeches and pulled them on. Kari laughed and opened her trunk, looking through everything packed inside.
She shifted through silk dresses and shifts. Finally, she found what she was looking for. A white slashed pale green even more daring then the one she had worn the night they had arrived. Not only did the low neck line leave very little to stay up, but the cloth was just short of oblique. The sleeves were embroidered with the Great Serpent and dragons in gold thread. Knowing where she was going that morning, she attached several small ter’angreal her mother had made and given her to her hair, much like the legendary Green sister, Cadsuane. One of the ter’angreal protected her against the effects of other ter’angreal. Jain grinned as she dressed.
“Are you still trying to prove you can dress how ever you wish?”
“No. Besides, Tuon loves this dress.” She grinned mischievously. Jain groaned.
“Ok, I can say good bye to any hope I had of being well received by Mother.”
“Worrywart.”
“I am not. But you know what Mother thinks about your clothes.”
“Empress Tuon is too uppity. She doesn’t think in the new Age.”
“I know.” Jain looked around, eyeing the cases of clothing. “Are you going to make a Gateway from here?”
“No. I am going to do it from the stable. I want to have Lionheart with me in Seanchan. Never know when those Light-blasted sul’dam might try to collar me again.” She snorted. Her opinion of sul’dam was very low, considering them stubborn ninnies who were afraid of their shadows. True, since Jain had become a Warder, Tuon had agreed to let Kari test any of the young women in the Court of Nine Moons to see if they could channel. So far, four women had turned up, those who could learn to channel. Kari was very pleased with finding them, since all four would become very powerful, almost enough to match Elayne or Egwene, though none had even come close to reaching Kari’s level.
“I wonder if there is a way I can get in unnoticed,” Jain mused. Kari laughed then summoned a servant to carry her trunk down to the stables. She had said her goodbyes to Berelain and her family the night before.
Gaidal was waiting for them, a dark cloak flung over his shoulder, holding the reins of a prancing black stallion. He grinned at Kari.
“Dad said someone should go with you. Jerioum and Lional are too caught up with Aleta and Zenah to care and Rhuarc and Adum need to return to the White Tower. So that left me.”
“We will be glad to have you with us. You have everything you need?”
“Yup.”
“Good. Just wait a moment while I get Lionheart and we will be going.”
Soon, the three companions were ready and Kari made the gateway. A silvery flash that expanded and a hole stood in the air, showing a bright landscape of colorful flowers and other plants. A da’covale stood nearby, eyes on the ground.
“Lena is here to obey the High Lord and Aes Sedai,” she said, smoothly prostrating herself on the ground.
“Take this trunk to my rooms,” Kari said and swept past her, ignoring the murmurs that came from the girl. People like the da’covale, who by strict training and punishment, were so broken they would obey any command from their master and be happy to please, even if it was to kill themselves, disgusted Kari. To her, it was almost as bad as Compulsion.
“I’ll take the horses to the stables,” Gaidal offered. Kari handed him Lionheart’s reins and hurried into the palace.
A palace it was indeed. Black marble columns carved with ravens supported a yellow marble dome. The corridor walls were hung with exquisite tapestries, some brought from Artur Hawkwing’s kingdom a thousand years before, now preserved by the damane’s weaves, others made here in the Empire. Delicate carvings graced the finely carved tables.
The Crystal Throne, which Kari had long since discovered was a minor ter’angreal, was seemingly made out of crystal, but when she had been granted permission to examine it closely, Kari had found it was, like most ter’angreal, a harder substance that just resembled something else.
Empress Tuon sat on the throne, resplendent in gold and black. One her shaved head was a golden crown carved with ravens and nine moons. Mat stood at her right her, looking, not comfortable, but resigned to his stiff and formal Seanchan clothing. He had refused to shave his head and grow his fingernails, but instead, he had allowed Tuon to tattoo nine crescent moons on his left shoulder, one of the reasons his shirt only had one sleeve. Kari smiled when tension came from Jain at the sight of his parents.
Tuon stood when Kari entered the room. She flicked her fingers at the woman standing behind her, who clapped her hands.
“The Empress, may she live forever, wishes that everyone leave her presence except for High Lord Jain and Aes Sedai Kari al'Thor.” Immediately, all the nobles in the room bowed or prostrated themselves then hurriedly left, some casting inconspicuous glowers at Kari. There were many who believed that Jain should be put to death for becoming a Warder.
Tuon descended the steps from the Crystal Throne, her eyes on her son. Jain stiffened and clutched his sword hilt.
“Welcome home, Jain. Welcome again, Kari al'Thor. I trust your family is doing well?” The Empress said in her soft drawl. Kari smiled and inclined her head, the ornaments in her hair tinkling softly.
“They are, Empress. And your family?”
“Very well.” Mat came up behind Tuon and hid a smile when he noticed Tuon’s narrowed eyes. The empress pointedly avoided looking anywhere but Kari’s face when she talked to the taller woman.
“You have come for Sunday?” Mat asked as they moved to a small room off the throne room.
“Yes. Last year we spent it in Caemlyn and we just saw Dad for two weeks, so I thought it would be nice if we came here.” Kari said, gracefully sitting on a couch. A da’covale hurried to hand her a glass of wine. Jain sat next to her, eyes darting around the room. Tuon sighed.
“Really Jain, you have been spending too much time with those other Warders. There is nothing here that could harm Kari, and if there was, I would know.”
“Yes mother.” Jain nodded to her, but continued his study of the room. Mat put his feet up on a small table, ignoring Tuon’s icy stare.
“How is Rand? And has anyone heard from Faile? She retreated back to Saldaea after Perrin died. I never got a chance to tell her how sorry I was.”
“Dad is doing well. He is thinking about going back to the Waste for a while, just to see how things are going there. The last time I saw Faile was about three years ago. She seemed alright, I only got a few moments with her. These past five years have been hard for her, I am sure.”
Mat nodded. “Yes. And Egwene? How is she doing?”
“The Amyrlin is doing very well. She and Gawyn are on a trip around Amadicia right now, visiting the towns and getting the people more used to Aes Sedai. And Nynaeve and Lan are good as well. The last I heard, Juliana was going to the White Tower.”
“She was a pretty little girl.” Tuon said quietly. “How are the women you took back to the Tower?”
“They are advancing very nicely in their studies. Serri had a few problems fitting in, coming from Seanchan and all, but other then that, they are very well. Someday, they might match the Amyrlin in strength.”
“And they will return here after they are finished?” Tuon questioned.
“Yes, as was our agreement. In fact, it won’t be too long before the first comes. Galidia was raised to Accepted last year and shows much promise. She might be raised to the shawl within at least two years.”
“Wonderful.” Tuon’s lips twitched in a smile. “But, on to other matters. I have been looking through the records you gave me and it came to me that your lineage is the equal to my own, Kari. How far back do you family lines go?”
She spoke of the records of House Trakand Kari had given her when she had bonded Jain. Tuon had insisted on looking over Kari’s heritage before she would reconcile herself to her only son becoming a Warder.
“To the beginning of Andor and beyond, empress. House Trakand has always stood to protect Andor, even before my grandmother took the Lion Throne.”
“Yes. It seems to me that you are a good match for Jain. I have wondered if it has ever crossed you mind to speak the vows.”
“Vows?” Kari asked, puzzled. She knew of several Seanchan ceremonies, but this was new to her. She glanced at Jain and Mat and saw Jain’s face pale. Mat, on the other hand, was doubled over laughing. She frowned.
“Yes, the vows,” Tuon said as if she was daft. “The marriage vows.”
“Oh.” Kari put on her best Aes Sedai face. “Those vows. We discussed it at one time, but…we see no reason to marry. As a sister of the Green Ajah, I will most likely bond more Warders and it would be impractical to marry one and not the others.”
“And you must bond more then one Warder?”
“I don’t have to, but the work the Green Ajah does can be dangerous and it is best if a sister has more then one Warder.”
“Hmmm….” Tuon sat back, hands folded and her eyes half closed.
“Jain is old enough to fulfill his duty to the Empire. This was why he was born and what he was raised to do. Being a Warder might be a great and honorable thing to do, but in Seanchan, it lowers his eyes every time he comes here with a woman who is obviously his lover and he is not married.” Kari wanted to blush, but kept her face calm. Jain’s emotions were enough for the both of them.
“Mother, really. I don’t have to marry. Many people have lovers who are not married.”
“But they are not a son of the Nine Moons.” Tuon cut him off. “And I will not have your eyes lowered by such a disgraceful act.” Jain stiffened and icy resolve floated to Kari.
“What would you do if we refused to speak the vows?”
Tuon’s voice was icy calm, but as firm as steel. “I will revoke my protection over Kari and you. Those girls in the Tower will be collared if they ever return.” Mat stared at his wife with wide eyes. Jain’s bond was flooded with a wave of shock that echoed Kari’s.
“Give us three days,” Kari said calmly. “I must think on this.”
“You have until sunset three days from now,” Tuon replied. “After that, if you are seen in Seanchan, you will be collared.” With those words, Empress Tuon stood and left the room. Mat gave Jain and Kari a long look.
“I’ll talk to her,” he said quietly and hurried after his wife.

[Darth Futuza]

Ohhhh Tuon is EVIL....


But wouldn't she have to change her name now that she is Empress...well I guess it dosen't really matter.


...Where are all the Forsaken/Chosen?

Hmm...and it should be more Age of Legendy now...more technology and stuff.


Good job though, these chapters are very long, a very good sign!

[Dragon]

Perrin died? He was the coolest character except for Mat. Thats sad, *cries*. Anyway keep writing this is really good.

This post has been edited by Dark_Rider: 22 July 2007 - 10:58 PM

[Aiedail Shadeslayer]

Yes, Perrin died!!! I hate Perrin!! He is so goody-two shoes!!!!
And sorry, i should have specified, the Forsaken died when the Bore was shut.