Hiding in Plain Sight

[Zixin Kao]

Valtin

Valtin wasn’t sure what sort of state he would find the lonely tower’s occupant. He specifically avoided disturbing her when the gloomy trances took her faculties. He gave her space mostly because he didn’t know what else to do, nor did he enjoy pushing her deeper into the trenches of her mind. When she sought him, he was receptive, usually. There were times when the snap of an annoyed remark bit, but not often. It’s not like he came to actually care about protecting her out of some sense of honor. She saved his life. It was level-headedness; they were safer together. Or so he told himself.

A grumble bit his lip at the sudden flight. She practically soared across the room like an arrow loosened from the string. Only she wouldn’t land innocently stuck in the grass.

He half-turned to Arikan.
“Just.. hang on,” and he plunged into the darkness after her.

And dark it was. There were no lights but for the moon’s distant orb. He channeled a wall of air to plug up the window just in case she thought to actually fly. “Mira, just wait a second,” irritation cut the command and his steps were swift and direct. Yet when he came near enough to present himself again, he slowed to a trickle like water finally chased to flatlands with no where else to go.

“You knew this day was coming. Be not surprised it actually came,” he told her. While Valtin’s silver voice coaxed her back, the moon caught the excitement in the depths of his eyes, and he held out his hand.

Arikan

Arikan sniffed the musty air, and entered tentatively. His gaze roamed the space, and was all but surprised to find there weren’t holes in the bloody roof. Papers littered trunks and crates. Broken quills and pen nubs were scattered underfoot. Charcoal dust came back on the pad of his finger when he wiped the nearest surface, an annoyance of dirt which he rubbed mindlessly away.

He took the opportunity to channel as well. Valtin’s wall of air was given a short study as Arikan mused to himself over whether or not the Aes Sedai might actually have lept from it to escape his presence. It was a satisfying reaction to seeing him, and he would relish the fear that rippled the surface of her face. Nythadri and Talin ought to learn from their sister.

Regardless, with the One Power, he coiled into existence a flame by which to see. It floated overhead, pooling down its yellow dance upon all their faces. Such was when he observed the chaos strewn on the walls. Curiosity pulled him to the nearest pile of papers, which he examined unabashed.