The Wheel Weaves A Chance Meeting (Closed for Now)

[Cadence]

Kira Valyrios

Ignis had told her the night before about his dishonor.  To be honest, she didn't get it.  Yes, what he had done had been wrong, but it certainly wasn't something to beat yourself up over, but Kira knew that many soldiers held their honor dear and took it very seriously - and Arafellins were particularly notorious for that.  It explained a lot and why he no longer wore bells in his hair.  Kira felt like he had already regained what he had lost, but that was not up to her.  It was up to him.  Her travels with Ignis and the revelation of his past had been enough for Kira.  She had found a Warder - if he would accept.  She would ask him at the White Tower. 

They had arrived in Tar Valon and Kira turned her head to speak with him. "Ignis, please allow me to buy you lunch before you leave.  It would be my honor to do so."

She had said honor to be slightly manipulative, knowing out of hand he would likely refuse her offer for food, but he agreed and she took them to an inn.  She grabbed her harp, wrapped in the gleewoman's cloak she wore.  The patches inside, it looked only like a non-descript piece of clothe.  Ignis eyed the bundle, but asked nothing.  They entered the inn and found a seat. "Please excuse me for a moment, I will order our food and drink."

She went to the innkeeper and ordered food and water for one (she knew Ignis no longer drank alcohol) with a second plate and wine to be sent after she performed.  She showed him the cloak and harp, keeping it hidden from the view of the crowd.  He smiled and nodded, the bargain accepted.  Kira looked back at Ignis before she moved farther, he was gazing at her curiously.  She gave him a smile and with a flourish wrapped the cloak around herself and pulled out the harp.  It was meant to be showy and to draw attention to her, but she looked only at Ignis as his eyes widened in surprise.  Today would be a day full of surprises for him.

The crowd began to applaud at this.  Kira stepped up and plucked her harp, beginning a song.  The crowd knew it and sang along, encouraged by her playing and singing.  She had the attention of everyone, but the food and wine flowed as she sang.  She had more than earned their food with her perfomance.  She took suggestions for a second song, everyone calling out there favorites.  Ignis just watched, a smile on his face.  She performed the second song with more fervor and more requests came for a third.

"Tell the story of Lenn and how he rode to the moon in an eagle made of fire," the voice of Ignis travled through the Inn.  

Kira smirked and began - bringing out her juggling balls, she told the story, adding dance to her juggling.  The crowd ate it up.  She finished and they applauded, feeling sad when she announced that would be it for the day.  Kira went to join Ignis and eat her meal.

---

Full, they left the inn and Ignis mounted his horse to escort her home.  Soon he would realize that they were heading directly toward the tower.  Kira could sense him getting a little bit uneasy as they got closer and he didn't speak until they passed the gate into the tower grounds proper.

"You live here? At the White Tower?" he said, his voice suprised. "You're Aes Sedai?"

"I am.  I am Kira Valyrios, Aes Sedai of the Yellow Ajah," she said with a smile.

Ignis had already sat up straighter in his saddle. "With all due respect Kira Sedai, you lied to me."

She looked at him, not surprised he was a little upset. "I spoke no word that was untrue.  An Aes Sedai cannot lie."

"But you did decieve me..."

Kira nodded.  There had been a reason for this. She remained silent until they arrived at the stable.  She handed the stable boy Melody's reins."I have reasons for that - reasons I will explain.  Will you walk just a little further with me?"

Ignis sat on Storm in thought before he nodded, dismounted and handed the reins to the stable boy.  When they were out of earshot, she continued. "Since you have found out I was Aes Sedai, you have already begun to stand straighter.  You already use the honorific Sedai.  You're treating me differently because you know what I am.  I didn't tell you I was Aes Sedai on purpose.  Not for any malicious intent.  I wanted to get to know you and I wanted you to get to know me - not as an Aes Sedai, but as a person." She turned to face him, her eyes serious. "I found that you are a good and honorable man.  One who cares deeply about those around him.  A man who seeks to regain his honor.  When I left Tar Valon, I went on a personal quest.  I didn't intend for our meeting, but as you said: 'The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.' I think we were meant to meet, and I think it was for this purpose.  You seek to regain your honor, what I offer you is a way to do so.  There is nothing wrong with helping random people on the street.  I've done it myself, and will continue to do so.  But by serving as my Warder, you will serve the White Tower, and through the White Tower, the world."

Ignis looked at her and she could tell he understood the importance of this. "You offer me a great honor.  One I'm not sure I deserve."

Kira returned his look. "But you do deserve it.  I wouldn't ask it otherwise.  If you refuse, that is your choice, but I believe that we were brought together for his purpose.  When we traveled you saw Kira Valyrios.  I'll tell you this - and by the three oaths I cannot speak a word that is untrue - Kira Sedai is the same woman. I will not treat you as a slave or pack mule.  You will be my partner, bodyguard, confidant, and friend. The same was we were when we traveled."

She saw him thinking, but knew she had reached him.  Kira watched as he pulled out one of his blades and knelt before her, holding the sword in front of her as if offering it to her. "By the Light and my hope of salvation and rebirth, I will draw as you say draw and I will sheathe as you say sheathe.  Your quest is now my quest and your goals are now my goals.  I will stand by your side as your protector from now until you release me or until death take me."

Ignis looked up at her expectantly. "I accept your oaths.  It is almost done," Kira wove the Warder bond and lay it over Ignis.  She could now feel him in he back of her mind, a sense of pride filling him.  She could even feel the dishonor he felt - like a stain - and somehow she knew that it had grown smaller. "Rise Ignis Caleum, Gaidin of the White Tower."