Thread: The Wheel Weaves What The Wheel Wills (Ryees & darkangel76)

There was a pause, a brief moment of silence that was all but deafening if not for the sound of the nearby stream as the water sloshed over the rocks. Caitrin felt her breath hitch as Aermun spoke, his tone resonating in such a way that made her tummy flutter, goose bumps forming along her pale skin. She shivered when he cut himself off, though it wasn't due to the chill in the air and it certainly wasn't because she feared her Warder. If anything, she found herself drawn to him all the more, her worry about his future growing as she feared he might wish to relinquish their bond and move on...without her. The very idea cut deeply, more so than she expected. Then again, she'd always cared for him, always... Cheeks burning, Caitrin pondered the relationship she and Aermun held. It was strong, she didn't doubt that, never would. The two of them had known each other for only a few short years, their bonding for even less. But that hardly mattered. They'd finally been granted leave from Tar Valon on a special quest for the Tower and... Caitrin felt her insides churning. They'd failed the Tower on their missiontheir first mission, their only mission. She failed her Green sisters, the Amyrlin. But she still had her Warder and she wouldn't fail him so long as he'd have her. And she hoped to the Creator he would. She wouldn't force him to remain bonded, though she knew she could if she so desired. Her sisters had told her it was possible. But the notion sickened her to her very core. She couldn't do that to the one man tied to her, weaved to her soul through threads of Power. Pretending not to notice Aermun's sudden silence, Caitrin turned and took a step closer. He gently touched her face, pushing the hair that had fallen in front of her eyes out of the way. She couldn't help but notice his warmth as he touched her, washing over her, swallowing her whole. Breathing in, she could smell the fire and smoke, the same scent that hung heavy on his cloak. Caitrin's blue eyes fluttered shut. When she opened them, Aermun was staring at the water. She could tell he was troubled and more than anything, she longed to ease his worry. Something. It's a long journey to the Black Tower, Caitrin said softly, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. But it's early. She looked up into the sky, the sun barely peeking above the horizon, the trees of the forest a natural canopy as it allowed a few stray rays of the sunrise to filter through. The air was chilled with the bite of autumn, but she hardly cared. The water beckoned. Without further hesitation, she reached behind her neck and undid the ties that allowed her dress to slip from her body into a puddle of blues and browns at her feet. Smiling brightly and wearing nothing but her slip, she ran quickly toward the rushing water, bare feet splashing as she entered. Come on! she shouted. Just for a few moments! A shiver ran down her spine as her body adjusted to the cold air and water caressing her skin. I promise that the water isn't as cold as it seems! Unable to hold back, she laughed and reached out to her Warder. Meanwhile, in another part of the forest, Damarys waited for Leithia to wake. They had time before they needed to reach the White Tower of Tar Valon. No doubt she'd please the Amyrlin by bringing the wilding back with her and that would be enough to preoccupy them all while she set her own plans in motion. Caitrin would be despised, seen as a failure and deserter before long. She'd become the most disgraced Aes Sedai. It was all so perfect and would no doubt please her master. The thought made her skin tingle, her heart race. Yes, things were going as planned, the patterns weaving, the wheel turning and set.