Jacquelynn stood up briskly all of a sudden, glancing at the light and the sun's position. By her rather rusty judgment, it appeared that most of the period Mentiri had allocated for rest had been and gone. She frowned pensively at this. The ex-Warder did not seem the type to miss his own appointments.

"Perhaps one of us should investigate?" she murmured in low tones to Lavenda.

She supposed it would be better for the Aiel Maiden to go, for the Aes Sedai did not know where the stream was. I imagine I could find it if I followed the sound, but doubtless Lavenda would be far quicker and quieter than myself, and Mentiri certainly made the impression that we have little time to waste. It wouldn't do any good for her to wonder off into the forest and get lost!

xxxx

The Aes Sedai stood abruptly, gazing upwards. Lavenda watched uninterested, watching for Mentiri. It was past time he was back- perhaps he had gotten lost? Not possible, she assured herself briskly.

"Perhaps one of us should investigate?" The Aes Sedai murmured in low tones to Lavenda. She stood then as well, brushing of stray leaves. She was obviously meant to go- Jacquelynn would just get lost. It was time to look for him, anyway. Perhaps he just didn't know how long he had been gone? It was impossible for him to watch the sun...

"I'll go," she informed the Sitter, more out of politeness than necessity. She moved silently into the brush, padding through the twigs of the forest floor. Nodding to the Violet, she strode quickly to where she had last seen Mentiri, listening for the smooth sounds of a stream. Hearing a slight splash, she headed toward the sound, silent as the grave. Reaching the edge of the vegetation, she reached a screen of bushes, gently pushing them aside.

xxxx

Right there...whomever or whatever it is has gone silent, creeping along the forest bed like a canine hunter. I can't sense any familiarity to the crouching being. I hope I am quick enough...

Mentiri reached out with his hands and pulled the being from the bushes, laying it upon the ground, his body anchored over it. He raised 'Song' high ready to strike it down. He pushed the being down into the earth, pondering who it could be.

xxxx

Lavenda was yanked from her place within the plants, thrust upon the ground, a sword hovering above her. She stared at it for a moment, uncomprehending. Wait a minute...

She looked into Mentiri's face, her eyes wide and breathing shallow. She stilled her movement, lying flat on her back in the dirt. How can he not tell it's me?... she though, concerned. I thought he could tell... She raised her hands above her head, surrendering in case he hadn't noticed it was her yet. As had happened in the courtyard, all else dimmed, the only things within her sight his face... and his steel.

"Mentiri?" she whispered softly, aware of the deadly blade a foot above her head. "Mentiri, it's Lavenda..." She stayed still, terrified. He could kill her right now, if he wanted. Perhaps he would have if she hadn't spoken...

"Mentiri?" she called again, her face concerned, trying to figure out what thoughts were dancing behind that black band.

"Mentiri, it's Lavenda..."

xxxx

Oh light! Oh my...what am I doing? Mentiri's face contorted into shock. Lavenda? Why couldn't I sense her? Why couldn't I tell it was...oh...Delendriha, I see what you meant now when you said she would be scentless. It is the glow about her that at times sheilds her from my 'sight.' I must apologize to her! Mentiri stood up quickly and helped her up. He set down 'Song' and put a hand to Lavenda's shoulder.

"I am sorry, Lavenda. I...my mind has been wandering as of late and...forgive me please. It was not my intention to threaten you so." Mentiri bowed his head, praying for her forgiveness.

xxxx

Lavenda relaxed as Mentiri stood, a shocked look on his face. He lay down his sword, reaching out to place a hand on her shoulder.

"I am sorry, Lavenda. I...my mind has been wandering as of late and...forgive me please. It was not my intention to threaten you so." He bent his neck then, truly sorry. Lavenda considered him for a moment, then noticed something with a little shock. Hiding a smile behind a hand- Actually, I suppose I don't need to hide it, she thought with a dry chuckle- she quickly strode over to a small pile by the riverbank. Picking it up, she walked back to be in front of Mentiri.

"It is all right, Mentiri," she told him gravely, trying to keep the laughter out of her voice. "We all make mistakes." She threw the bundle at his bare chest them, hitting him squarely on the collarbone. With an effort, she kept her face straight. "But you might want to get dressed." With that, she fell over backwards, rolling on the ground and howling with laughter.