Master Rahl guide us. Master Rahl teach us. Master Rahl protect us.

In your light we thrive. In your mercy we are sheltered.

In your wisdom we are humbled. We live only to serve. Our lives are yours.

♥

§ First Story – Eleven Years Ago §

The keep rose from the mountains almost as if they had given birth to it. The stone glimmering in the early morning's light, the dark grey of summer storm clouds stark against the jagged peaks surrounding it. The entire structure, both keep and walls were bare of ornamentation, straight lines and angles. A harsh place, that was reflective of the unforgiving land surrounding it.

Evelyn lowered the hood of her cloak as she passed the gates, nodding to the guardsmen in their black steel armor. Joren following suit at her side, letting the hood of his Warder's cloak fall to his shoulders, as they rode across the grounds towards the keep itself. It was against the law in Shinera for anyone to wear the hood of their cloak up. A strange rule to those who thought of Fades and Trollocs as little more than a storyteller's fable meant to frighten the young. Here they were a reality, as close as the blight-border which was less than a few days ride from this very place. It was not a large concern in her mind. Evelyn was Aes Sedai, and Green Ajah besides. She did not relish the thought of coming across Trollocs or the throwbacks to their human line that were called Fades in this land, nor did she fear them. They just were, and if they came across her path both her and her Warder would either win against them or make the price of victory a steep one. Soon enough they reached the courtyard of the keep, together the pair dismounted, accepting the greetings and murmured courtesies of the stable boys who came to lead their horses away to the stables. Their host was waiting for them standing alone, as was his custom.

The dark haired man was well built, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist with muscles well toned from a lifetime of riding and working with the weapons of war. She stopped a pace from him and nods in respect. "Greetings Jareth, we are well met." He smiled at her, lightening the stern features of his face. "Greetings Evelyn Sedai, and welcome to Shinera." Closing the distance he took her hand and kissed it lightly before looking up to nod at her companion. "Welcome home Joren, you have both been missed. Would you like to go to your rooms before lunch to refresh yourselves?" As always the King's voice was deep and resonant, as powerful as the man it came from appeared.

"Going to our rooms would be a very fine idea, if only to shake the dust off Lord" Joren's rich tenor makes a good contrast to his cousin's she thinks to herself with a smile. "Thank you Jareth, a short rest will be most welcome."

The traveled through the well lit corridors to the rooms that were waiting for them. After a few pleasantries he left them with a promise to meet them at lunch in a few hours. Joren stepped through the connecting door into his own room leaving Evelyn to her thoughts. Humming softly she set out to prepare for the afternoon.

♥

The morning passed quickly, and noon found Evelyn and Joren walking to the King's chambers where they were to eat lunch. They were met two unexpected guests. Jareth and his daughter had yet to arrive.

"Moraine, Lan, I had thought to find the two of you in Tear or Andor… researching legends wasn't it?" Evelyn's voice is cool and even as she greets her sister and her Warder. "Whatever brought you to this end of the world?"

"Indeed, my studies lead us back here to the Shinearian Libraries. I am hoping my research into the times just before and after the Breaking will help us in the years ahead. But then again, you know my purpose, while yours remains a mystery. Whatever has brought you this far north sister? It is most unlike you to travel far from Tar Valon."

"Kathryn asked me to come; it seems Kimera has the ability. I have been asked to bring her to Tar Valon." Evelyn takes her place at the table with a smile as she says quietly for Moraine's ear alone. "A full three years before expected, and from Kathryn's report she is more than a match for the girl Elaida has marked out in Andor."

Moraine shared an uneasy look with Lan, it was a well known fact that finding girls with the ability had become increasingly difficult over the years. Being of the Blue Ajah, which was aligned with the Green, she understood how important this event was for them. Still it troubled her to see this child being taken so early. Lowering her voice to match Evelyn's, she spoke. "Is there no way to begin her lessons here?"

"You know the answer to that as well as I Moraine. It's better to take them as soon as they show the ability, or even before where feasible. She's only been allowed to stay here this long because Shinera understands the Tower and our purpose. She's touched the source, and now she has to go to where she can learn to use her abilities properly." Evelyn looks across the table at Lan, whose face is expressionless except for an almost imperceptible thinning of is lips. "Perhaps you and Lan will come back more often now, spend time with your sisters in Tar Valon. You know you are always sorely missed."

"Perhaps I will." As always the shorter woman remained unruffled, aloof. "Then again I have my duties just as you have yours. Time will tell, will it not?"

"Indeed it will." Evelyn smiled as the king and his child entered, ending the discussion. "Good afternoon Jareth… Kimera, it is good to see you both."

Jareth smiled at the women, as the young girl made a low curtsey, holding her skirts out to either side as she bowed her head, before being allowed to take her place at the table. Throughout the meal she remained quiet, listening to the adults talk until Evelyn addressed her directly. "Has your father told you why I am here Kimera?"

"Yes, he said that you have come to take me away."

"And did he tell you why?"

"Father says that I am different from the others, and that you can teach me how to use those differences so that I don't hurt myself or my friends. Can some of them come with me? Father said I would have to ask you."

"I'm afraid not child, I can only take you with me. You see you are a very special girl Kimera; I am taking you somewhere where there are other girls who are special in the same way. I am sure you will make new friends very quickly, but the ones you have here must stay here."

"When will I be allowed to come back?"

"After you have learned enough, but by then you may not want to return."

Evelyn was trying to be encouraging, but she did not notice the true effect her words were having on the child, or the others. Jareth's jaw displayed a slight tic, Moraine had paled and even Lan was affected, almost grinding his teeth as the girl bowed her head, focusing on her plate for the rest of the meal. When it was over she made her respects, promising to pack her things. They would leave in a few days and then Kimera's new life would begin. With a smile Evelyn swept from the room leaving the others in the uncomfortable silence she had created.

Moraine reached out, laying a hand on the girls shoulder. "It won't be forever child, if you work hard and apply yourself; you will be home before you know it." Lan nodded agreement, giving the girl an encouraging smile. Kimera looked up at them gratefully and nodded before excusing herself politely and leaving the room.

"I'm sorry Jareth, but Evelyn is not the best at dealing with people. She does mean well but…" Her voice trails off. "Kimera will be fine. The sisters will take good care of her, and once she has earned the ring and the shawl, she will return here, as agreed"

"I know Moraine, I just wish there was another way."

"We all know there isn't. If there were, we would not let her go."

The three adults sat there in silence after that, because after all, there really wasn't much more to be said.

It was three days later that Evelyn began her return journey. The girl rode with her on a bay gelding, carrying only the bare necessities. It would make the transition easier, the less she had when she got there, the less would be taken from her Evelyn reasoned. But no matter, in any event they would soon be in Tar Valon. Passing back through the gate with her new charge in tow, Evelyn began preparing for her triumphant return home.

♥

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