Title: Shadow

Author: Millia

Summary: A series of moments in and out of the books from Selucia's perspective, daydreams of killing Toy included.

A/N: This is more of a draft in mental exercise than anything else. I just wanted to write something, and lacking any original thought of my own decided to once again steal plots and dialogue as well as characters from Wheel of Time.

These little scenes are not in any particular order, I don't know how many I will do, and, truthfully… I have no idea what I am talking about. I just think Selucia has the potential to be more interesting that she is in the novels.

Part 1 takes place at some point in Ebou Dar shortly after Toy's first appearance.

Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. all belong to Robert Jordan.

Part 1: Dirt

"You can't possibly think that that mud-caked toy of Tylin's has anything to do with you."

"You forget yourself, Selucia."

Embarrassed, Selucia bowed her head as the comment stung somewhere inside of her, as it had been intended to. Selucia understood that such comments should be expected, but the problem was that they were so rare she could not help the bitter taste in her mouth. Like a favorite dog cowed at the dinner table, she thought, disgusted with herself. She knew better, and quickly made sure that her face was smooth so Tuon would not see the upsetting effect her sharp words had.

Yet for her part, Tuon, as always, seemed to regret the remark, if only because the few times she snapped at Selucia it was usually when she was being petulant—when Selucia remarked on something Tuon didn't want her to. Selucia knew that it was a dangerous back-and-forth they played between so'jhin and Blood, but they were both extremely well versed in its peculiar rules.

The silence stretched, but it was not uncomfortable; Tuon stared out of the window at the Ebou Dar streets. She seemed fascinated by a particular fountain occupying the center of one square; it had not been damaged in the battle like much of the city.

Still the silence continued. Tuon had something to say, Selucia knew; so she would wait. They did not have to be worried about being disturbed for hours yet; the da'covale along the wall of the chambers were as quiet as the dead. Selucia watched her charge from the corner of her eye as she studied the square below. Even in her privacy, Tuon had not removed her veil. Regardless, her small frown was perfectly visible. The silence grated at her like dirt under her fingernails, for it was always Tuon's private silences that worried her even after years of training to be as still and silent as a statue. It was these silences that completely closed off any access Selucia might have to her charge.

Finally, Tuon took a deep breath, exhaling slowly and ruffling the transparent veil.

"His ring, Selucia," she said, and Selucia looked up, startled. Tuon's voice was… shaking. "Did you see his ring?"

Selucia had not, but Tuon didn't wait for her reply.

"There was a fox, startling two ravens into flight… and there were nine moons."

"You are sure there were nine?" Selucia asked carefully, unsure why Tuon was telling her this.

"I seem to remember learning how to count," Tuon replied, but this time the comment had no bite to it. The other woman was distracted, too busy frowning, and it took only a few moments for everything to click together in Selucia's head.

"You cannot… you cannot be thinking of Mylen?" Tuon took far too much interest in the damanes' well-being, however good it was for their morale.

Tuon did not reply, but her brows drew in together further. "Still… did you notice anything peculiar about him, Selucia?"

"I did not see the ring."

"Not only that…"

"Aside from having no grasp on basic manners? Even the others here seem to understand the basic concepts of bowing before Blood. But surely you cannot take that ring as an omen; the man was ridiculous."

Tuon's full lips twisted in a wry smile at Selucia's indignation. She always chastised the older woman for being as proud as the Blood, though Selucia knew she said it with warmth. "A fool then, you say? Perhaps. You are always a good judge of character. And for all of his status as free, he certainly seemed to belong to Tylin. I wonder what she sees in him?"

Selucia, desperate to change the direction of the conversation, leapt at the small chance provided. "What do you make of the woman?" A direct question that Selucia would never dare make to anyone else.

Tuon shrugged one shoulder elegantly. "She seems eager enough to do what is in the best interest for her people, and she is wise enough to see that we can provide that. Whether or not she will hold to that… well, I would prefer not to execute her, for the morale of the city." She was staring distantly out of the window again. "Have a servant send for Tylin, Selucia."

Selucia nodded and slipped briefly out of the room. When she returned, Tuon was securing a heavy gold crown over her veil, any of her previous thoughts completely gone from a face that was now a severe mask. It was the mask that always told Selucia to fade into the background, and so she did.

Originally posted: 08 June 2007