WOT Adv 65 - Meeting Nadira Sedai

--- The Wheel Turns ---
"We are saddened at the loss of these fine men, but we are grateful we were victorious. We could not have done it without your aid." The mayor says sincerely, clapping you on the shoulder.

"They fought bravely." You consent. "Like true clansmen. It was an honor to fight with them."

"What about this one? A Child of the Light, you say?" The mayor gestures to the captured prisoner who sits morosely under a tree out of earshot. He is tied, disarmed and guarded by two villagers with spears who keep a watchful eye on him.

"Yes. But he is an underling, nothing more," you sigh. "The officers were killed in battle and he was only following orders. You can do with him what you will."

"What do you suggest?"

"Since he and his band of raiders were responsible for so much death and destruction, you could put him to work rebuilding the homes and burying the dead. And then I propose that you form a delegation to send word to the authorities so they know what these White Cloaks are up to."

"A wise plan," the mayor nods, stroking his stubbled chin. "I'll put Hobbs to work on it."

"We have a contact in Ostin Falls. A nobleman by the name of Lorwyn Kilvar. He would know who to contact. With the prisoner, the witnesses, and their clothing, you should be able to provide some good evidence."

"Very well." He claps you on the shoulder as you begin walking toward the inn. "As soon as we get things taken care of here, we will send Hobbs and some stout villagers to escort the man to Ostin Falls."

You both stop outside the porch of the inn. "What will you and your friends do now?"

"For now we will rest. We have had a long night. And then we hope to meet with the lady Nadira."

He nods in agreement and bids you farewell. It's only mid-morning but you are bone tired and after finding an empty bed in inn, you fall into a deep sleep.

When you awake, you hear shouting and you can see the late afternoon sun streaming through your upstairs window. You peer out the window wondering what the commotion is.

You see a slender, small-boned woman dressed in a dark blue dress conversing with Hobbs on the street outside the inn. She is accompanied by a large, broad-shouldered man who wears a cloak that oddly enough seems to blend in with his surroundings. You can see a large sword is strapped to his back.

The woman has a cool, ageless face and holds a commanding but graceful presence. She says something to her companion and he nods in deep respect and almost reverence. She surveys the scene and talks some more with Hobbs. You see him nod and then point to the inn. Then you see them start to walk towards the inn.

It has to be Nadira you think to yourself. Her ageless face makes you think of Maeslyn. It must be her. You quickly dress and then pound on Maeslyn's door.

"Come in," a groggy voice calls. You open the door and see Maeslyn sitting up in bed, bleary eyed. "Nadira is here."

"Here? Now?" She instantly comes awake. "I'll be right out."

You nod and shut the door. A few moments later you both descend the stairs and you can see the woman already in conversation with Keb and Thenlir.

"---said they were Children of the Light?"

"Yes," Keb says. "They were masquerading as Taraboner soldiers to sow discord in the region."

"I wonder what they're up to." The woman says softly then she notices you and Maeslyn descend the stairs. You can see that she is beautiful in a queen like sort of way. The large man next to her, eyes you carefully, his hands are always free, ready to grab his weapon at an instant should he need it.

"Maeslyn? So you made it afterall." She says happily, but there is a slight tone of disapproval in her voice.

"Nadira." Maeslyn curties but answers smoothly and easily. "I am sorry I couldn't meet you at Caemlyn." She gives you a glance. "We were delayed in our travels."

Nadira looks her over and they lock eyes for a minute, and then she nods. Then she looks at you. When your eyes meet you can instantly sense the force of her will and personality.

"This is...?" Nadira queries.

"This is Maer, a faithful friend and companion and stout warrior. He has saved my life on many ocassions."

"An Algi'd'siswai following you around, Maeslyn?" an eyebrow arches and her lips purse in thought. "Wonders never cease. Is he to be a Youngling?"

You have no idea what that means.

"His path is his own, Nadira." Maeslyn counters. "It is enough that he's willing to risk his life of his own free will."

That seems to satisfy Nadira. "Greetings Desert Walker," she says politely. "I hope you have found shade and ample water in these the West Lands."

You nod. "Yes, Wise One. Much shade and water you have in these lands."

"Good. Good. I am glad." Nadira nods. Then her tone shifts to one of urgency. "Please, I must talk with all of you in private. Please meet me in my room upstairs"

A few moments later you all sit in a large, comfortable and well furninshed sitting room. A tray holds a flagon of ale, some cheeses and some apple pie. "Let me know if you require anything else, milady," Hobbs says as he exists the room.

"Very well. Thank you." She nods a dismissal and Hobbs leaves. The large man starts to leave. "Gable, you may stay." He nods and then simply stands in a corner of the room, still as dangerous looking as ever.

"Thank you, Maeslyn for answering my call," she says and then she looks at each of you in turn. "I also thank you, her companions for being willing to help her and for your patience in my abscense. Keb has told me of the incursions by the Children of Light. I am grateful for the aid you have lent these villagers. Much bloodshed was averted because you were here to help. As you are no doubt aware, there is much afoot in this reagion--trouble enough to concern each of us."

"I fear these villagers may not be the only ones subject to attack. Another Aes Sedai has been lost in these parts. Her name is Megda Sedai, and she is of the Green Ajah. Megda was last known to be in Tobin's Hollow, a small village a few days travel to the west of here. She had been in--" and she pauses. "--contact with the White Tower, but several weaks ago, that contact came to an end. I have come to discover what happened to her--and to continue her mission in her absence. Unfortunately, I cannot do both, and that is why I need Maeslyn's help. Can I count on you to aid her in this matter--and on your discretion?"

At this point, Nadira rests a slender hand on a jeweled lock box and smiles. "The White Tower can be quite generous in its gratitude."

Keb, predictably, is the first to chime in, looking at the lock box. "Uh... Sure Lady Nadira. You can count on me. As long as you have in there what I think you have in there."

"I do." she says simply.

"Keb," Maeslyn says somewhat sharply. "I have already paid for your services, remember?"

"But--"

"Remember?" Measlyn says forcefully, her eyes locking.

"Yes," Keb mumbles and shuffles her feet, looking longingly at the lock box.

"If Maeslyn goes, I go." Thenlir says gruffly, his eyes on Maeslyn. Nadira raises her eyebrow but only nods. Then her gaze turns to you.

"What do you say, Maer, of the Three Fold Land? Will you aid Maeslyn and will you keep the information you hear confidential?"