Collecting on a Wager

[Natalie Grey]

Fate Zarine Dark
Aes Sedai of the Brown Ajah

Fate's laughter was a soft, musical note. If one listened closely there was a hum to it- a distant vibration reminiscent of a plucked harp string. A product of her Voicing that was indistinguishable unless she or the listener were holding the One Power, or the laughter was genuine. An annoying tell for those who knew her well, but the Talent was so rare few knew to pick up on it.

"Hard as you wept on that pepper, I'm impressed you can taste anything," the words were laced with amusement but held no sting. If he wanted to play wits in front of the Accepted, she was not an easy target. The trick to shaming someone was they had to feel some vestige of shame, and Fate was not a woman to harbor self-deprecation. With the persona she chose to ply, it was not even an option. That is not to suggest she thought herself beyond improvement. There was always more to learn.

Fate lay her palm on his presented forearm. The touch was misleadingly familiar, but not entirely accepting of his escort. Her hands were as soft and unblemished as all her skin, a true measure of her knowledge as a Domani and her resourcefulness as an Aes Sedai. Given her work with the horses it was perhaps the only facet of her aesthetics she had to regularly maintain, but given her work with people it was necessary.

"Actually, I'm afraid I've unexpected business that needs attending to. But don't worry, you'll get your ride."

Without waiting to see Jai's expression, the Brown sitter looked back to Nythadri. Her molten gaze went tepid- hardly Valadhiel's icy stare, but unusually cool for Fate. "Accepted, you still have yet to choose an aspirancy, but have nothing better to do than tend the front hall?" She shook her head as though she did not know the girl had orders to be there, and had expected more from her. "Escort the Asha'man to the Traveling courtyard. I've arranged for a gateway to be opened at half past the hour and if you are late I will hold you accountable." Jai could speak out on her behalf, but it would not change her orders and it was never a good idea to trifle with Tower hierarchy. The trek was short, and Fate not so late that they would need more than an easy walk to make it. He was an Asha'man after all, it would be rude to expect him to rush to his prize.

Her torso twisted slightly as she regarded the Asha'man once more. The small motion provided a good look at the shape of her breasts beneath that blessedly sheer fabric and turned her just enough that the Accepted would not see the wink she gave him. There was a sparkle to it, as if she held the knowledge of some great conspiracy he was not privy to.

And with that, she was gone.