Lentrax
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when the Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, an Age yet to come, an Age long past, a wind rose over the cliffs called the World’s End. The wind was not the beginning, for there are neither beginnings nor endings to the turning of the Wheel, but it was  a  beginning.

Eastward the wind blew, over the plains outside of Maradon, where lancers trained under clear skies, their horses hooves thundering carried away on the breath of the wind. Southward it blew on, over the tops of trees of dressing long forgotten by even those who know what they sought out. There, the sound of hooves faded into the rustling of branches through the still peaceful trees, trees whose branches remembered the songs once sung to them, that made them grow tall, and caused leaves to sprout.

Still south the wind blew, carrying on across plains untrod by human feet for hundreds of years, past ruins almost buried by the winds that came before, and would still be covered over by the winds to come. The wind lost much of itself winding through the columns of a forgotten city, but still south it carried on, over the border into the nation known as Andor. And by the time it arrived at the inn called the Empty Gentlewoman, it had the strength to only manage letting a bit of cold in the door when it opens, admitting the occasional patron.

The outside of the inn looks like any other, with shutters over the windows painted a bright blue, and the common room is fuller than the inns name would suggest.
rogue_alchemist
Tominaga is one of the patrons who let in a bit of the cold air as he opened the door. He glanced around quickly, clocking each of the patrons for who they likely represented. The game of Daes Dae'mar runs deep and it can be fatal to those who forget it is always being played. Tominaga then makes his way over to an empty table and orders a drink from a passing barmaid. He doesn't want to seem too eager to approach Lady Regine.
Gyrfalcon
The door opens again a few minutes after the borderlander receives his drink, the cold wind ushering in a tall, broad-shouldered young man. His brown hair is streaked by golden highlights from the sun, and his face is reddened by long hours in the cold winter wind. In his early 20s, he is already beginning to gain the weathered edges of someone who travels long and often, and he wears the weapons and armor of a caravan guard, a little out of place away from the cheap taverns on the outskirts of Caemlyn.

The man glances around the room, brown eyes searching, and they pause on the borderlander sitting at the table, recognizing a fighting man when he sees one - and one far from home at that.

Patrick finds a spot at the bar and orders an ale, and when it is served, quietly asks if a Lady Regine happened to be in the inn.
TheThrongler
When the door opens a few minutes later, a man in travelling clothes with the distinctive veil of a Taraboner enters sporting a conical hat of dark blue. He carries a sword at his hip, but the way he glances down and adjusts the angle as he slips between tables makes it clear he has not worn it long enough to grow accustomed to it. Above the veil his eyes betray unease, but he approaches the counter with steady feet. When he has the innkeeper's attention,   "Good day. I was invited here by a Lady Regine, I believe she must be a guest of yours?"   

A hundred possibilities had popped up to answer the question as to how anyone in Caemlyn would care to even know who he was and been dismissed in the day since the letter had been handed to him, and none held up to scrutiny. When he thought about it, he had really only had two options once he read that letter; he could answer, or he could run, and he was dreadfully low on coin to try to reach another city. And besides, if he could be found in this city so quickly, why would anywhere else be easier to hide? No, better to face this, and see where it led.
DrK
 Janelle 

The door opened one last time as a young woman, maybe in her late teen or early twenties slipped through the door quietly, a dark green travelling cloak wrapped around her shoulders with the hood thrown up. As the warmth of the fire greets her she pushed the hood back revealing a pale face with large green eyes and a mass of thick dark brown hair gathered in a series of braids running down her back.

Holding her gloved hands to the fire briefly she looks about the inn room carefully before approaching the bar, a small smile  “Lights blessing to you. Would you care to know of the Lady Regine, I have a missive from her?” 
Lentrax
 
 Originally Posted by rogue_alchemist 
 Tominaga is one of the patrons who let in a bit of the cold air as he opened the door. He glanced around quickly, clocking each of the patrons for who they likely represented. The game of Daes Dae'mar runs deep and it can be fatal to those who forget it is always being played. Tominaga then makes his way over to an empty table and orders a drink from a passing barmaid. He doesn't want to seem too eager to approach Lady Regine. 
 


The maid who brings a mug to Tominaga has a twinkle in her eye, and delivers the drink with a smile.

“Anything else, good master? We have a good stew today, and we’ll be serving a pork roast for supper tonight.”


 
 Originally Posted by Gyrfalcon 
 The door opens again a few minutes after the borderlander receives his drink, the cold wind ushering in a tall, broad-shouldered young man. His brown hair is streaked by golden highlights from the sun, and his face is reddened by long hours in the cold winter wind. In his early 20s, he is already beginning to gain the weathered edges of someone who travels long and often, and he wears the weapons and armor of a caravan guard, a little out of place away from the cheap taverns on the outskirts of Caemlyn.

The man glances around the room, brown eyes searching, and they pause on the borderlander sitting at the table, recognizing a fighting man when he sees one - and one far from home at that.

Patrick finds a spot at the bar and orders an ale, and when it is served, quietly asks if a Lady Regine happened to be in the inn. 
 

The innkeeper, tall, reedy man with a receding hairline, nods as he sets the ale before Patrick.

“Aye, she’s here. Said she’d invited a few folk. Told me to direct them to the Rose Hall. I wouldn’t keep her waiting. The Lady Regine… Well, she has a way about her.”


 
 Originally Posted by TheThrongler 
 When the door opens a few minutes later, a man in travelling clothes with the distinctive veil of a Taraboner enters sporting a conical hat of dark blue. He carries a sword at his hip, but the way he glances down and adjusts the angle as he slips between tables makes it clear he has not worn it long enough to grow accustomed to it. Above the veil his eyes betray unease, but he approaches the counter with steady feet. When he has the innkeeper's attention,   "Good day. I was invited here by a Lady Regine, I believe she must be a guest of yours?"   

A hundred possibilities had popped up to answer the question as to how anyone in Caemlyn would care to even know who he was and been dismissed in the day since the letter had been handed to him, and none held up to scrutiny. When he thought about it, he had really only had two options once he read that letter; he could answer, or he could run, and he was dreadfully low on coin to try to reach another city. And besides, if he could be found in this city so quickly, why would anywhere else be easier to hide? No, better to face this, and see where it led. 
 


The innkeeper grunted and pointed over to a brown haired man at the bar. “You’ll want to speak with him then,” he said. “He is here to see the Lady as well.”


 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
  Janelle 

The door opened one last time as a young woman, maybe in her late teen or early twenties slipped through the door quietly, a dark green travelling cloak wrapped around her shoulders with the hood thrown up. As the warmth of the fire greets her she pushed the hood back revealing a pale face with large green eyes and a mass of thick dark brown hair gathered in a series of braids running down her back.

Holding her gloved hands to the fire briefly she looks about the inn room carefully before approaching the bar, a small smile  “Lights blessing to you. Would you care to know of the Lady Regine, I have a missive from her?”  
 

The innkeeper gives you a look up and down, as though weighing you against some standard only he knows. And when his calculations are over, he gives a small harrumph. He points to the side of the bar with his thumb as he speaks.

“Aye. I know the lady. She asked me to direct those enquiring for her to the Rose Hall. Up the stairs. Second door to the left.”
DrK
 Janelle 

Janelle offers the slightest hint of curtsy then lifts her dress slightly with her gloved hand to keep the rainbow embroidered hem from brushing from the filthy floor. Looking around the Inn she grimaces slightly, the Inn being far less clean than the grans ones in Shol Arbela, and the dark shadowed corners would never be allowed. She turns and glides elegantly through the crowd, her wide eyes catching sight of the top knotted Shienarian by the bar. Ascending the stairs she pulls the letter out from her belt pouch and knocks on the door before entering, a polite,  "The Lady Regine?"  she asks to anyone in the room.
Lentrax
There is only one person in the room. A woman in a finely made dress of deep blue wool seated at a table with a silver pitcher and a wineglass. She seemed to be in the middle of writing a letter when Janelle came into the room. She holds up a finger for silence as she finishes writing her sentence. When she looks up, Janelle recognizes the ageless look of an Aes Sedai.

“Ah. The young Janelle. And how are you this evening?”
DrK
 Janelle 

Janelle pauses and then seeing the ageless face of a Sister offers a low curtsy.  “I came as requested Aes Sedai”  she says primly. Her eyes searching around the woman to see if she recognised her from the Tower. Knowing her or her Ajah would be important to avoid being caught up in an elaborate scheme.

Rising she stands neatly and asks politely  “How can I help you Aes Sedai?” 
Lentrax
“First, child, do not address me as Aes Sedai. This is not the Tower, and I would rather some do not know I am who I am.”

She sets her pen aside and gestures to a seat at the table.

“Help yourself to a glass of wine. Have you eaten? The kitchens here make some of the better food outside of the palace.”

She pauses for a moment before going on.

“And take off your ring, if you haven’t already. Now is not a time for announcing us for who we are.”
Gyrfalcon
Patrick pays for his ale and takes a sip, nodding in appreciation at the flavor - and the warning. He drains the ale and sets the mug back on the counter with a sigh, noticing the young woman speaking to the innkeeper before departing in the direction he had indicated to the mercenary.

 "Well, let's see what this is all about."  he mutters to himself, making his way to the Rose Hall and knocking on the door. When a voice answers, he lets himself in, eyeing the two women inside curiously.  "Lady Regine?"  he asks politely, on the off chance he has the wrong noblewoman.
DrK
 Janelle 

At the command of the Sister Janelle with a slight sigh slips the ring off her finger, the memories of the three arches of her Accepted test were still relatively fresh in her mind and she had become to like the presence of the accepted ring no her finger, still it was the Sister's command and she dutifully slipped the ring off and into her belt pouch. Offering a low curtsy she sat,  "That you Lady Regine?"  she asks tentatively before starting to help herself to some chicken and bread, realising only now how hungry she was from her recent days on the road.

As the door opens she starts, a hand clasping the knife in her hand as she eats (like most young lady of Arafel she had learned how to wield a knife). As he asks after the Lady she she looks back to her meal, trying not to draw attention to herself.
Lentrax
“Yes. Please come in,” comes the answer to the question of her identity.

She offers the same invitation to food and drink, but offers no explanations as to why she has summoned you, saying she wishes to wait until all of you have arrived.
TheThrongler
Hesitating a moment too long to speak to Patrick before he goes to meet the Lady, Rodrin instead follows behind him. As Patrick goes to close the door behind him, he sees the nervous-looking Taraboner and Rodrin gives him a forced smile underneath a thick moustache.   "I believe we were both invited to the same meeting,"   he says, by way of explanation for following. He briefly considers introducing himself, but given how close they are to meeting the Lady who invited them, it seems more reasonable to do so all at once.
rogue_alchemist
Tominaga watches all the patrons coming and going, trying to pick out who might be here with "Lady Regine". He assumed this was a fake name to keep too much attention off of the meeting. He watches a small girl talk to the innkeeper then head up the stairs before first one man follows then another. The three don't appear to know each other and are from all over the continent, so Tominaga feels a bit better this isn't some ambush set for him. He finishes his ale quickly and makes to follow the direction the Taraboner went. He nods in thanks to the serving lady as he passes her.
Now it is the Taraboner's turn to be surprised, as a hand catches the door right as it is about to close. The tall Shienaran pushes the door open and stands in the frame, filling it for a moment, as he surveys the room. He grunts in something between dismissal and acknowledgement before entering and closing the door. He finds a seat at the table opposite the one person he didn't mark coming up. He notes her ageless features and makes his conclusions, but waits to see what is revealed before saying anything to the others.
Gyrfalcon
Patrick takes in the two women, quickly noticing the Arafellen girl’s grasp of her knife. With a chuckle, he says  “Unless you plan to stab your meal to death girl, you’re holding your knife wrong.” 

Movement behind him draws his attention and he half-turns in the door to protect his back, seeing a Taraboner with the distinctive moustache and veil. Patrick nods his head politely as he steps through the door and holds it open for the other man to follow him inside, only for the Borderlander from the common room to bull his way through the door and take a seat without a word.  ”So it seems. We have quite an odd group here. Are we now complete, Lady Regine?” 

He takes a seat at the table at a small remove from the fierce Arafellen and considers their host. Her age wasn’t apparent to his eye, except that she was somewhere between early youth and before old age. But something about her raised the hackles of his instincts, for though she was too tall to be a proper Cairhienen lady, he had the same feeling that his words should best be measured around her.

As he ladles stew into his bowl, he addresses the others.  ”Lady Regine seems to know my name, but for the rest of you, I am Patrick Dainsworth.” 
DrK
 Janelle 

Janelle scowls at the last man to enter as he gently mocks her holding the knife before seeking calm, she focuses on a few breaths and then goes back to eating the plate of food. As they introduce themselves she nods.  "Lights blessing to you all. I am Janelle"  but offers nothing more than that, making no mention of her house or her affiliation with the tower, Hard to determine with no ring and no ageless face yet...

She then looks to "Lady Regine" expectantly
Lentrax
"I am glad you all came," Regine begins.

"I was not sure if you would or not, after all, you are answering a summons to someone you do not know, and owe nothing. Nevertheless, I am glad you came."

She turns to the teapot and lifts it, as though to begin pouring out a cup. But she hesitates as she is on the verge of beginning the actual pouring.

"I have a sister, Leana. She had travelled to Kandor, along with her husband, Alric. He is from Malkier and was wanting to visit family still in the Borderlands."

She pours the tea.

"She has been sending me regular letters, about one per month. But four months ago, they stopped, with no indication that it would be happening. I have sent letters to some I know, but return correspondence... They do not know."

She sighs.

"And that is where I ask you all to help. Winter is finally breaking, and the trip north will be able to be made without much difficulty. Will you go to find my sister?"
TheThrongler
  "What cold heart could refuse such a request for aid?"   the Taraboner responds warmly, suggesting agreement without exactly promising it. Half turning to the others and including them all with a bow made slightly awkward by fidgeting hands,   "My name is Rodrin, for those who do not know me. Which should, I would have guessed, have been all of you... even you, my lady. Might I ask how I came to your attention?"  
DrK
For her part Janelle looks up at the mention of her “sister” but nods. “ Of course my lady.”  she adds, the ‘my lady’ echoing as ‘Sedai’ in her head.  Patting her belt pouch it is quite empty so she asks gently,  ”What of passage north?”  
Lentrax
 
 Originally Posted by TheThrongler 
   "What cold heart could refuse such a request for aid?"   the Taraboner responds warmly, suggesting agreement without exactly promising it. Half turning to the others and including them all with a bow made slightly awkward by fidgeting hands,   "My name is Rodrin, for those who do not know me. Which should, I would have guessed, have been all of you... even you, my lady. Might I ask how I came to your attention?"   
 

She smiles. “Part of that is my secret, but suffice to say I have had some people looking for those likely to aid me.”


 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
 For her part Janelle looks up at the mention of her “sister” but nods. “ Of course my lady.”  she adds, the ‘my lady’ echoing as ‘Sedai’ in her head.  Patting her belt pouch it is quite empty so she asks gently,  ”What of passage north?”   
 

“I will supply you with good horses and enough coin to make the trip comfortable if not in the style you get folk seem to desire.”

There is a knock on the door, and a man sticks his head in. “Regine,” he says. “A pigeon just arrived.”

“Thank you Rodric. I will be there soon.”

He nods and closes the door behind him.
DrK
 Janelle 

The young lady nods to Lady Regin.  "Thank you my Lady. I can leave whenever you require" . She glances around the men, clearly a bit wary about having to suddenly travel with three strange men
Gyrfalcon
 Patrick 

With the Borderlander silent and the other two already in agreement, Patrick considers the offer from the Lady carefully. Mounts and travel funds are to be expected, but the assignment was quite open ended.

 ”If I may ask, m’Lady, where was your sister last seen in Kandar? And had she spoken of plans to travel? With four months and the tome to travel, she could be halfway to the Wastes by now.

But all that aside, we have not spoken of payment. This could be the work of months, finding your sister. I respect your care for your family, I do, but I must also feed my own, Lady Regine.” 
Lentrax
“Have you ever spent winter in the Borderlands, Patrick?” Regine asks, politely enough for pleasant conversation. “I know you feel winters can get fairly bad here in Andor. But in the Borderlands? Travel is limited to only a few miles a day. Five, if the weather is good. Far less if on foot.”

She calmly pours a cup of tea before passing the pot to Janelle for the girl to have some herself. Then she goes on. Her tone becoming less pleasant and more stern as she goes on.

“Except for those on the Blight watch. I hear it said that the weather warms in the Blight. Not to the heat of summer, but enough to make travel close to the Blight a muddy, humid affair, where the cold is still enough to kill the unprepared at night. So while she may not have gone far, because of the winter, she may simply be inconvenienced somewhere. Or she may have been killed in a trolloc raid.”

Her tone becomes cold enough to rival the temperature outside. “I do not know. And because I do not know, I am sending you.”

She sets a purse on the table.

“You ask for payment? Five gold crowns for the task. Each. And as I said, a horse and more coin for the journey.”
rogue_alchemist
 Tominaga 

Having hesitated to try to let silence (or other's questions) draw out more from their hostess, Tominaga finally speaks up at this woman educating the others on his homeland.   "She is right, travel is difficult and treacherous in the Borderlands even without the complications of winter. We will have to start at her last known location and travel the roads ourselves to retrace her steps and listen for word of what happened. This endeavor will not be easy..."   He locks eyes with Lady Regine before continuing   "or cheap. 5 crowns is a nice start, but am I correct in assuming there will be more forthcoming upon completion of this hunt?"   He tries to let the question carry weight by giving space for silence while maintaining eye contact. There is no malice in his face, nor avarice, only someone who knows his own worth and is holding to it.
DrK
 Janelle 

Janelle merely nods, a near whispered  “Of course lady Renice”  her only constribution as she considers what warm clothes she may need for the journey along with a consideration of what horse she may like. Certainly this far south a border bred beast would be hard to find
TheThrongler
Rodrin's suspicion is not allayed in the least by the lady's cryptic answer, but the constant ache in his feet that life on the road has given him reasserts itself at the mention of a horse.   "You shall have my aid, Lady Regine. What can you tell us of the last few communications that you  did  receive from your sister? There may be an important clue in what she says, or what she does not. I understand they may be personal, but a fresh pair of eyes may see what familiarity clouds over."  
Lentrax
 
 Originally Posted by rogue_alchemist 
  Tominaga 

Having hesitated to try to let silence (or other's questions) draw out more from their hostess, Tominaga finally speaks up at this woman educating the others on his homeland.   "She is right, travel is difficult and treacherous in the Borderlands even without the complications of winter. We will have to start at her last known location and travel the roads ourselves to retrace her steps and listen for word of what happened. This endeavor will not be easy..."   He locks eyes with Lady Regine before continuing   "or cheap. 5 crowns is a nice start, but am I correct in assuming there will be more forthcoming upon completion of this hunt?"   He tries to let the question carry weight by giving space for silence while maintaining eye contact. There is no malice in his face, nor avarice, only someone who knows his own worth and is holding to it. 
 

“I am providing you with a good horse, and as well, I was planning on giving you each 10 crowns each for food and lodgings along your way. I trust that will be sufficient?”


 
 Originally Posted by DrK 
  Janelle 

Janelle merely nods, a near whispered  “Of course lady Renice”  her only constribution as she considers what warm clothes she may need for the journey along with a consideration of what horse she may like. Certainly this far south a border bred beast would be hard to find 
 

“Thank you, my dear. I am sure your Mother would be proud to hear you now,” Regine says. There is no doubt to Janelle’s mind who exactly Regine means by “Mother.”


 
 Originally Posted by TheThrongler 
 Rodrin's suspicion is not allayed in the least by the lady's cryptic answer, but the constant ache in his feet that life on the road has given him reasserts itself at the mention of a horse.   "You shall have my aid, Lady Regine. What can you tell us of the last few communications that you  did  receive from your sister? There may be an important clue in what she says, or what she does not. I understand they may be personal, but a fresh pair of eyes may see what familiarity clouds over."   
 

“Only that she was planning on visiting Alaric’s family. They were preparing for the journey and hoped to make it before the snows. It’s possible I am worrying over nothing. But… Alaric is from Malkier. His family was among those who chose to live near the Blight, carrying on their watch, as they cal it.”
rogue_alchemist
 
 Originally Posted by Lentrax 
 “I am providing you with a good horse, and as well, I was planning on giving you each 10 crowns each for food and lodgings along your way. I trust that will be sufficient?” 
 

 Tominaga 
  "Well then, you may consider Tominaga of Shienar at your service."   He looks around the group, then asks   "I don't require much preparations, but perhaps you all do. I am happy to lend my knowledge of the Borderlands to anyone who needs it. Otherwise, shall we meet at the Northern Gate at first light on the day after tomorrow? That should give you time to buy what provisions you need and gather your stuff, while also allowing us to make a good start of it."  
Gyrfalcon
 Patrick 

With the other three now in agreement, and the Borderlander’s knowledge of the lands they would be traveling to, Patrick likewise voices his agreement to the contract.
Lentrax
"Very good," Regine says once you have all agreed. "I thank you in advance for what you may or may not find. I know it will not be easy or quickly, but you are already allaying my fears."

There is another knock at the door. And when Regine asks for them to enter, you see a young woman coming in with a new pitcher of wine. "Forgive me, my Lady, but Master Damon asks if you will be needing anything else."

"No, not for a time, child. Please give my thanks to Master Damon for his courtesy and hospitality."

The serving woman makes a curtsy and leaves. "Well. Thank you all again," she says, beginning to dismiss you. "I will have your coin in the morning. But I have arranged for you to have rooms here for the night, if you do not have other accommodation."

As you make your own good-byes and prepare to leave, Regine takes up her documents again, and then quickly adds. "Ah, and Janelle. Another moment, please. If you feel your hand is up to aiding me tonight?"
DrK
 Janelle 

As they all agree and the men negotiate the costs (which inwardly Janelle thinks is quite wise for them to do!) Janelle looks up as Regin speaks. She nods her head, almost a seated curtsy.  "Of Course Lady Regine. I am at your disposal until we depart in the morning. I do not have many belongings so it will not take long to make myself ready. 
Lentrax
Once the men are gone, Regine turns to Janelle with a serious look on her face.

“You will be traveling close to the Blight. It will be dangerous for you to be there. Have you learned any wardings, child?”
TheThrongler
Rodrin takes the dismissal without objection, but resolves to make the most of Lady Regine's hospitality (within reason, of course). Once he has been shown to his room by a lad of about 15 summers, he inquires with the young man about the possibility of a bath, a plate, and a mug.
DrK
Janelle looks at Regine Sedai and shakes her head,  ”I have not yet been shown warnings Lady Regine. I have some skill in healing and in using air and spirit.”  She waits though, curious and excited to see if this Aes Sedai was about to show her some of the power that others had kept to themselves
Lentrax
"Air and Spirit will benefit you in this. Attend."

And Regine embraces the source, the light of  Saidar  surrounding the woman. Janelle watches as Regine begins to weave. Air and Spirit dominate as she weaves the flows around her, but you can see the threads of fire within the weaving.

 Weavesight, DC 20 to learn the weave. You may take 20 on this check. 

"This weave will keep Shadowspawn from coming near. You cannot make them leave if they are already close enough to be inside. The stronger your weaving, the larger an area you can cover. It will also drive out the eyes of the Dark One and keep them from you. Be warned. It will not last long enough for you to rest, for it must be constantly attended. But should you need to keep watch, you can be warned about nearby Shadowspawn if they try to attack."
DrK
 Janelle 

Janelle listens intently to the Aes Sedai before opening herself to the source. As the One Power flowed into her she felt the usual rush of adrenaline as everything seemed to snap into sharp focus. As the other woman chanelled Janelle watched keenly eager to learn, and frustrated inwardly that this sort of power wasn't used routinely along the blight border, a few Sisters with weaves like this could make all the difference in the battles and raids that poured south from the blight to harass her homeland.

As she watched the complex weave unfold in front of her she attempted to replicate it, but it was challenging with her skills not being in warding or fire. As she learns it she offers a low curtsy to Rene Sedai,  "My thanks Aes Sedai. You are most kind." 
 
 Spoiler: OOC 


Will try once and then take 10 if needed  (1d20+12)[ 13 ]  vs DC 20
 