Disclaimers: Hey, get those lawyer letters out of my face! *slaps the hands holding the letters away and returns to the keyboard* There's no point, do you hear me, no point at all! *snaps at the owners of the hands* I don't make any money out of this story, and I don't owe the WoT series (Robert Jordan does), just the plot, so get away from me! :)

Author's Note: I'm really, REALLY, sorry I haven't updated until now! I had planned to get it out on Thursday, but of course my computer decided it was the perfect day to break down! *argh*

Anyway, thanx to all of my faithful reviewers for the response to the last chappie! I thought it was a real bad one, and was therefore SO happy when you guys appreciated it! :) Mashiara Chicka - thanx for raising my spirits with your most welcoming reviews! I promise lots'n'lots of Nynaeve and Lan from me!

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Chapter 7 - The Calm Before The Storm

The moon was already up at the black, cloudless sky, giving away a grey-shimmering light. It was totally quiet in the camps, no chatting around the fires, no sounds from within the hundreds of tents in various patterns and colours. It was like there was no life at all, that time stood still. No movements, not even the fires or tents in the cold wind. And even the wind seemed to go slower than usual.

Neither of these things seemed to occur to Nynaeve on the way back to hers and Lan's tent. Her husband walked right beside her, his arm holding hers firmly, worry written all over his face, since she looked like she was at the brink of falling face-down any minute. The tense moments back in Rand's tent had worn her out, and she had become quiet and distanced. It frightened him a bit to see his wife like this; it wasn't normal. But then again, he felt like wanting to do that himself. Just the events since this morning, and the terrible decision he had to make because of the wedding vows told him to, seemed to be a good enough reason to collapse too.

It had been a strange moment when he had lain in Nynaeve's arms and cried earlier in the night, but it had also felt like a relief to let those feelings slip out of his shell this once. He would not do it again, and certainly not now. Nynaeve needed him to be strong, to comfort her. It would do her no good if he went too emotional again. It would probably make the situation worse. He looked forward to a sleepless night; at least he expected it to be.

They continued to walk in the silence that had been there even before they left the others to their own thoughts and talks. Lan felt Nynaeve tense, but it was gone before he even got to turn around. He stole a glance at her, beginning to worry about what could possibly have caused her to tense.

She was as radiant as always, now with moonlight littering up her beautiful features, with her long, dark hair unbraided and almost reaching the back of her knees. Her face was expressionless, yet the eyes staring out in thin air revealed her feelings -sadness, fear, and....curiosity? Lan could not believe what he saw, but he knew his eyes did not deceive him. Why was she curious?

He took her hand gently in his, and after a few moments of more silence, Nynaeve responded to the action. Their eyes locked, dark meeting ice blue.

"What is bothering you?" he asked simply, but his voice was as soft as the thumb caressing the back of her hand. The fear and sadness in her eyes seemed to diminish and the curiosity grows strong. But why?

Nynaeve mumbled something he couldn't hear, and when he gave her a questioning look, she repeated a little higher, "the vision."

The vision? What - oh... He restrained the sudden urge to growl as his mind brought the realisation that the Dark One had talked to his wife. The Dark One! And that just remembered him of Him being free of his prison, the Battle the next day, the position his wife had next to the Dragon Reborn, the condition she was in....

Light! My children and wife can be killed tomorrow! He realised he had turned away from Nynaeve, and, blinking back the tears forming in his eyes, he turned around to meet her worried glance. Needing the feel of holding her again, he threw his arms around her, and drew her into a tight embrace, kissing her passionately.

"Light, Nynaeve! I cannot loose you!" She didn't move away from him, knowing he needed this. How he loved her! His wife sneaked her arms around his waist, resting her head at his chest, and they stood in complete silence.

*****

Rand leaned heavily back in his chair, sighing. It had not gone like he wanted it to. Nynaeve was supposed to stay behind, safe both for her and her children, and –Stop it. It was not your decision. It was Lan's and Nynaeve's. And they have decided. She will fight tomorrow at my side.

*Seryan! Where have my faithful friend gone to?* Lews Therin yelled inside Rand's head. After cleansing saidin, the old Dragon had become slightly more normal, not mourning over a woman called Ilyena at all times, or cackling madly.

Seryan? Rand asked with interest. He had grown accustomed to the fact that he could have a proper conversation with the person he had reincarnated from. Who is that?

*My friend through water and fire,* Lews Therin answered. A woman I could trust apart from my wife, who helped me when the madness came and no one wanted to help me, save her. She was one of the Hundred that closed the Dark One's prison under my lead. A brilliant and remarkable young lady. She was to be married with he beloved, when I... when I killed her... Oh Seryan! Forgive me!* Then the madness crept in, and Lews Therin's moans of how he wanted his wife's forgiveness –now together with Seryan's– slowly subsided into nothingness. The Dragon's words left Rand speechless and silent, until the buzzing inside the tent got the better of him, and he rose quickly.

"QUIET!" he roared, frustration filling his insides. You could hear a pin drop, as his eyes drifted over the persons in the tent, every face shocked at his outburst. Damn the whole bloody Last Battle! Light, everyone I love can die tomorrow, or in the days after if we lose. Elayne, Aviendha, Min, my children... He sighed. So much depended on the outcome tomorrow, it was horrible.

"Rand," a voice said behind him. He turned and met Mat's worried eyes. "What in the Light happened earlier? Was it not according to the plan that Nynaeve was fighting with you?" He sighed again. They should know the truth. And I'll shall give it to them.

*****

After a long time in each other's embrace and total silence, Nynaeve pulled back, looking calmly into Lan's eyes. She knew how he felt and she wanted to do something to comfort him, sooth him, but what? Then it suddenly came to her. Why haven't I thought of that before? She shaked her head. You are beginning to loose it, Nynaeve. She looked up at him, her lips twitching slightly in a smile.

"Is Myrelle with the army?" She watched his reaction with surprise. Was that worry she saw in his eyes?

"Why do you want to know?" he replied uneasy.

She gave him a long look; her eyes filled with love and determination.

"I think it is about time I get that bond of hers." And to that, he only smiled widely before embracing her and kissing her passionately.

*****

The woman moving like a spider in the night, brushed absentmindedly her blonde braids. She hated to have done it this way, but she had to keep her cover, and if she were revealed, her master's plan would be ruined. However much she hated her master, she could not escape his grasp without dying. He held her soul; she was bound to him.

A sound to her left made her spin around silently, as a sweet feeling of extra life flowed through her. There was no one there, and she cursed herself for being so skittish.

Blood and ashes, do what you came to do, then leave. There's not a good idea to stay here too long on a night like this.

The woman reached a cliff, and went down on all four and crawled further to the edge. She looked down, nothing of what she saw was a big surprise. It's a big camp, but nothing compared to what the Great Lord holds. They will be slaughtered like sheep. And I will get my revenge. Curse that woman! She will burn forever in the Pit of Doom if I can arrange it!

Her eyes drifted over the dark tents and suddenly she caught the sight of a couple in embrace. She immediately recognised who they were, and her lips curved in an evil grin. A plan began forming in her mind.

Oh yes, that would be more crushing than burning forever, it might even kill her! she thought sarcastically.

Laughing silently, the woman crawled backwards. el'Nynaeve Mandrogoran, await your worst nightmare!

*****

One thing Lan had learned from his one-year of marriage and three years of knowing her, was that Nynaeve could be, no, was very stubborn once she was determined on doing something. And she certainly was now.

Taking long strides despite her short legs, Nynaeve made her way directly past the many tents and fires to her destination, leaving Lan to follow "closely"; he was almost three feet behind. His eyes darting from left to right, up and down, lingering for a few moments on something suspicious-looking every now and then, Lan was like a wolf –alerted and on guard. Not drawing his attention away from their surroundings, he studied the bundle of emotions at the back of his head that was Myrelle.

At first he didn't sense anything, due to him learning how to mask the bond from Rand himself, but when he willingly uncovered the Green sister's emotions, he stumbled at the effect it had on him. He stopped dead in his tracks, shock evident on his face. Light! Is she doing what I think she's doing?

*Isn't that obvious from the feelings you are experiencing now?* his little voice teased him.

Blood and ashes! We cannot go in there now! Quickly he looked forward to see Nynaeve, only to discover she was not there. In fact, she was nowhere to be seen.

Desperation and worry filling his insides, Lan began running, completely forgetting to mask the bond again to prevent any unwanted feelings and reactions from himself. Then he suddenly came to a halt, as embarrassment and anger rolled through the bond in such a strong force he almost tripped out of dizziness. Guess my wife stumbled in on them at a bad time, then. He was shocked, to say the least, and stood rooted to the spot. Then he gave a small smile that turned into a grin that reached his ears before he burst out laughing whole-heartedly.

To say he didn't like Myrelle would be an understatement. He practically loathed her. Ever since she had laid eyes on him for the first time, she wouldn't let go of him. It had taken a strong will to escape her net, and he was truly happy the time Egwene had sent him off to Ebou Dar to "protect Nynaeve". And it was a good thing also, since we ended up married and now we're having our first children, the first heirs of Malkier. He smiled at the thought, having forgotten what the next day would bring and the situation he was in now.

Still smiling and chuckling silently, he made his way towards the tent of Myrelle Sedai, his bondmate. A few paces away from his destination, Lan was surprised to feel something new through the bond. Satisfaction. What could Myrelle be so satisfied about? Had she done anything to Nynaeve? He felt a slight rising of anger inside him, and walked the last distance in a few, long strides. Reaching the tent, he threw open the flap, his eyes immediately searching for his wife, but what met him, was absolutely not what he expected.

The tent was just big enough for two people to live in, and that would mean that they shared bed, well, a bed three and a half feet broad that is. A large chest stood along the opposite wall, and that left a very little space to stand on in the little tent. Therefore the scene before him was very amusing.

On the bed sat one of Myrelle's Warders casually under the covers, shirtless and his skin very red, though his face was expressionless. Myrelle was on her way up from the bed, and actually gave a little whimper when his eyes drifted over the bed sheets she held around herself, his lips curving in a smile. The bond told of embarrass mingled with the after-effects of her earlier act with her Warder. He began to chuckle.

Light, and I thought I'd never see the day when I would make Myrelle embarrassed!

As his eyes drifted over to his wife's back in front of him, he became silent. That was, until she turned and he could see her wide grin. A mischievous glint in her eyes told him she had planned this. For every day that pass, I still seem to find out more about Nynaeve. What else is there that I don't know? Then she turned back to Myrelle, her lips still smiling and satisfaction showing on her face, and he restrained his chuckles when he saw the Green straining to become calm and composed.

"I'm so sorry I came unannounced, Myrelle Sedai," Nynaeve began, calm flowing through her. She really can look like an Aes Sedai when she wants to, mused Lan. "But I believe we have some business to attend to." Myrelle frowned, unsure of what Nynaeve meant with 'business'. "Have you forgotten already? Really, Myrelle, I thought you had a great memory when it came to things concerning you and your Warders." You could tell from the look Myrelle sent Nynaeve that the truth had suddenly dawned to her. "You have something that belongs to me," his wife finished her speech in a bitter tone, and her brows furrowed for a moment as anger flared up in her eyes, but it was gone in an instant.

"Yes, of course," the Green answered, waving a hand as she composed herself completely, taking on the mask of an Aes Sedai. Nynaeve tensed, Lan noticed, and he moved to her side, taking her hand and squeezing it gently. They locked eyes, love flashing in them. Someone coughed, and they turned abruptly, Nynaeve glaring daggers at the Green sister.

"You better get on moving with passing the bond with him, Myrelle, or I'll swear I'm going to box your ears," the earlier Wisdom said through gritted teeth. Lan could do nothing else but to smile at his wife sharp words. Must be the emotional swings following her pregnancy.

Myrelle openly stared in shock, then quickly began moving, like if she was a servant. Collecting a cloak from somewhere on the ground, she draped it around her so she had her hands free. Then she motioned Lan to kneel, which he did, studying the feelings flowing through the bond. The Green was obviously scared, at least a little, and she seemed like she didn't get rid of their bond quickly enough, as she grabbed his head and began to flows of Passing The Bond. He could not see the weaves, but he could feel the presence of them; a tickling at the back of his head growing until it suddenly snapped, disappearing into nothingness. He felt empty, but as he turned his head to look at Nynaeve, a little bundle of emotions suddenly appeared where the last one had been.

Surprised, but happy, he rose and locked eyes with his wife. Through her whole body, he could see her blood veins shining in gold. Finally... They met in an embrace filled with their passion, their wanting, their love. He lowered his head and brushed his lips lightly on hers.

After a while, Nynaeve pulled back, tears forming in her eyes, and she sent a look at Myrelle, and he was surprised yet again to feel her hatred towards the Green mixed with gratefulness. She said nothing, just snuggled her arm into his and he took the hint and they walked out. But at the entrance, Lan turned.

"Thank you, Myrelle Sedai." He gave a smile, and the Aes Sedai returned it whole-heartedly.

After so many years of waiting... Lan thought to himself as they made their way back to their tent, happy over finally being bonded. I can't describe the feeling. It's like my emotions wants to climb over the defensive walls again. He looked down at her as they entered the tent. Has she suddenly become more radiant, or ... She looked back at him. The golden veins... I never thought I would see them...

Time seemed to go slower. Her arms flung themselves around his neck, love flowing through the bond along with... desire? He had no time to think, as he embraced her with strong arms, pressing her small body tight to him while placing passionate kisses down her jaw towards her lips. She claimed his lips in a hungry kiss, which grew deeper until he had to pull back to breath. His eyes drifted over Nynaeve.

Her face was flushed and her lips swollen from kissing, and she was breathing as heavily as he did. She stared intently at him, wanting him to continue. He lowered his head willingly, then suddenly remembered what condition she was in, and pulled back abruptly, causing first anger and disappointment to roll through the bond, then -to his big surprise- comfort.

"Don't worry, Lan my love," Nynaeve said calmly and stroked his cheek. "It will not cause any threat to the children. It is absolutely safe." Her words comforted him, and encouraged him. Once again, he claimed her lips -this time more filled with desire- and he didn't let them go.

*****

Nynaeve woke up to Lan's calm breathing and she felt satisfied. Memories from last night haunted her mind, but then she thought of her and her husband's love-making night, and she forgot all about it.

It had been wonderful, exciting and absolutely thrilling. Light, I never knew of that fire blazing inside him; it made everything so -different, more heated up! She blushed. I can't believe I just thought that. Blood and ashes, Nynaeve, get a grip on yourself! You're not some tavern girl, talking about things that should not be spoken of out loud! If you had still been back in Emond's F -

The sound of several horns blowing far away interrupted her thoughts.

The warning...

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Author's Note: I plan to get out 2-3 more chapters, and then there'll most likely be a sequel, but than depends very much on you guys who actually REVIEW this story! So plz REVIEW and then I'll promise more from me! The next chapter will come in two weeks I think; it'll be a long chapter, thus harder and longer to write. *lol* See you then!

P.S. Somewhere in this chapter I became a little lazy, but I simply don't bother to do anything about it. ^_^