Ripple Five: The Ball of Raisings
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In the weeks that followed, many raising tests were carried out in the Yards since the Officers had seen the true quality of several young men and women. They had shown what they were capable of in a lethal situation and they had all passed the tests. When so many raisings took place in the same time, a decision was made to honour them all and encourage those still struggling. During one day, the raising ceremonies would succeed each other and a ball was arranged in the Foayer of the Warder Hall.

Among those who were raised to Ji'alantin were Janis Tearsin, Antar al'Kadar and Bassal Toram. The three that earned the fan-cloak in the Citadel a few days earlier were Shyne, Kira al'Haram and Kile Durann. Sigmund Gaidin was elected Master of Arms and Caden Ives was promoted to Master of Training. Worth to celebrate was also that the former Soldier Tan'qui had decided to join the Warder Yards after have burned himself out during the fight against the Shadow.

Channelers were welcome to attend the festivities as well, and when the ceremonies were over, the singing and dancing lasted long into the night.

Kanamai swept into the ballroom, fitted out in a red silk dress and bedecked with pearls. She exuded more confidence than she felt, her face bearing only a subtle smile as she nodded at friends already gathered in little groups about the hall. Celebrations of this nature were what she had been born to, though this fact had been kept secret from all at the Tower. Not even Janis suspected her heritage. Casting her eye subtly over the early arrivals, she noted attitudes of serious conversation amidst the prevailing frivolity. Even at an affair such as this, weighty decisions were likely to be made.

Janis had, as yet, failed to make an entrance. His tall muscular frame, topped with light, flowing hair, would normally only set him apart second to his jocularity. The man attracted a crowd at such events. It was an anomaly to Kanamai that one so well versed in the art of arriving unseen to any destination he pleased, should then proceed to attract attention from everyone. Where was the man? Did he mean to leave her making her own conversation for the evening?

With her usual presence of mind, she glided with the grace of a swan towards the refreshment table, acquired a drink and sipped it delicately, while seeming unconcerned at her lack of an escort.

Jan sighed and looked at himself in the mirror for the three-hundredth time. Light above, he really didn't like this kind of thing; geting all dressed up and going to an extravagent party in honor of those who had fough and died in the battles was all well and good, but did he really have to put on his finest? Still, he thought with a little smile, he supposed that just this once he could stand getting all fancied up for just one night.

His Drin uniform was gone, in it's place was a beautifully tailored uniform of the Andoran Lancers. The clothing had been a parting gift from one of Jan's commanders, and fit the bi man quite well. The jacket was a dark blue, with golden vines wrapping around each sleeve and meeting at his collar. The pants were of the same material, except they were colored a dull black with a golden stripe runing up the outer edge of each leg. Added to that as an ornate sod-belt and scabbard which held his personal sword. The clothes were the only bit of finery he owned, but they were impressive enough on their own.

Jan sighed and glanced out the window, not really wanting to appear in public looking like this, but not really having a choice, either.

The Aielman frowned and glanced at the hourglass by his bed. Then he swore; Light above, he was late for the ball! He had promised Kana he would meet her there as her escort, but the ball had started almost twetny minutes ago. The Aielman swore again and flung open his door, dashing out of his from and down the corridor towards the main hall.

Janis got to the main hall exactly tweny-three seconds later, his hair a bit ruffled but otherwise showing no outward effects of his mad dash. He glanced around, looking for his promised. Maybe she had been late as well, because he certainly didn't see her. His eyes wandered over to the refreshment table, passed over a beautiful lady in a scarlet gown and pearls, then stopped, then went back to the lady...

Jan gave a low whistle. Yes, that was Kana alright, but Light she looked more lovely than he had ever seen. Looks almost like she was royalty, doesn't she Janny boy? a voice in his head asked with a chuckle. Well, don't just stand there, you're her escort for tonight. So go escort.

"Pardon me, milady," Jan said with a smile as he approached his promised. "I'm looking for Kanamai Hukini, I was wondeirng if you've... Why Kana! It's you! I barely recognized you in all that finery, I gues I'm just so used to seeing you as a boy, instead." He grinned impishly, "have you been here long?"

"Not long," Kanamai smiled. "In fact, I have not so far had the chance to dance with anybody else." She ran an approving eye over the length of his frame, inspecting his outfit and nodding approval. "You certainly scrub up well, Master Tearsin," she teased. "I can see that when we are Aes Sedai and Warder, we will be visiting the Noble Houses together. I wonder what he will think if I ever get around to telling him I actually do have a title? Kanamai swept the thought to the back of her mind. A Lady of a lost land. That's all she was. It was like being one of the marble heads on plinths dotting the edges of the ballroom - a decoration which served no useful purpose.

Just then, the orchestra struck up a merry tune, recognisable immediately to all who were proficient in the Andoran Promenade. It was one of those choreographed affairs involving twelve couples and preordained steps to send them around the line until they returned to their original positions.

Depositing her empty glass next to an unknown face on the nearest plinth, Kana caught her Promised by the arm and hauled him onto the dance floor. Within seconds, the rows had filled and the orchestra played a long note - the signal for the men on their side to bow, while the women curtsied. "I hope you know this one," Kana chuckled. "It's a bit complicated to make up if you don't." The women were already moving their feet in a light fast jig, while the men provided rhythm with timed slaps of knees with their hands and stamps from their feet in boistrous unison.

As the rows of beautiful women intertwined with smartly dressed men, Kana felt as though she were floating, her feet barely touching the floor. It really was one of her favourites. Finally, the twelfth couple finished their routine and the orchestra played it's finishing note to further bows and curtsies. Couples walked arm in arm from the line as a new tune began and others took their place.

Retrieving her glass from it's decorative shelf, Kana followed Jan to the table for another - punch for her this time. "What do you think were the most important events for you, in this whole affair?" she asked, meaning the end of that which they had come to celebrate.

Firredal smiled as he moved through the Warder Hall, nodding to friends and acquaintances and students as he passed. He made it a point to seek out those who had been newly Raised, and offer his congratulations. There had been some changes in the Yards, most of them subtle; Caden's advancement from Gaidin Captain to Master of Training was the most obvious. Firredal's own reaction - and he had seen the same in varying degrees from many others - was a mix of consternation and relief. Half of it was Thank the Light that's over and we survived, and the other half was How could something like this have happened?

He was surprised - pleasantly so - by the number of channelers who had come to attend this ball. They still tended to cluster together in groups, though some - the M'hael, and many of the learning ranks - mingled freely with the Warders and their Trainees.

One of the minor revelations sparked by recent events was that Firredal actually wanted to become a Warder. He had first come to the Tower intent on improving his swordsmanship, but without any great desire to be Gaidin. He valued his freedom, and enjoyed learning and training more than guarding or scouting. Yet... I came here to do something important. And when we were fighting those darkfriends, the most I could do was work to keep Durent safe. There were other considerations, too: a Warder's vitality would have been immensely helpful, and if he had been Bonded then he might have been able to tell the difference between Shadowspawn and illusion in the upper reaches of the Tower. So I will need a Bondmate I trust... and one with whom I am not already trying to share a wife.

He stopped a little ways back from one particular group, making certain that he would not be interrupting. When it was clear, he moved forward and said, carefully, "Saphire Sedai? Might I beg a moment of your time?"

"Aye, Sitter, the Hall of Justice I believe do no press the issue." Karolyne Sedai replied with a neutral tone. Her Illianer grey eyes were as cool as her Ajah, yet her wide hat and scarves were flamboyant for a Grey sister. "The Amyrlin Seat herself did defend your use of balefire. You do be one lucky sister to be standing here."

In the corner of her eye, Saphire Sedai noticed the approach of another figure. She finished her inquiry abruptly. "My thanks, sister Karolyne. This issue has weighted my heart for some time. You and Mother both have helped to relieve it."

Karolyne Sedai's mouth twitched as if she had something to say. Perhaps that even if she had defended Saphire in the Hall of Justice herself, the use of balefire would not have gone so politically unnoticed. Yet the cool Grey said nothing and nodded. Perhaps she recognized the superior skill of the Amyrlin Seat, raised from the Grey Ajah, and her skills at mediation. The incomer now waited patiently.

"Saphire Sedai? Might I beg a moment of your time?"

Saphire's emerald eyes flickered to the stout Cairhienin Gaidin she had seen raised recently. "Of course." Then to Karolyne Sedai, "If you will excuse me sister . . "

"Fortune preserve you, Sitter." Karolyne Sedai replied politely before making her exit, likely to share Saphire's inquiry with her Ajah Head. Sigmund remained at a polite distance with one eye on the crowd, one on the Gaidar conversing with him, and somehow, another eye on his Aes Sedai.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Firredal?" It had been weeks since she had personally checked on the health and well being of all she was personally concerned with, including the unbonded Warders. Ever since he had cared for her in that embarassing fall, Saphire had had her eye on him. And she knew in those brief days following the dispatchment of the Shadow from their walls that Firredal had aided in the defense of the M'Hael himself. Now her interest, and concern, was peaked.

"A small matter," he began - and then shook his head. "Perhaps not so small. You know that I am unbonded. Until recently, I have had my reasons for that... but recent events have brought home to me, not only the advantages of being bonded, but also its importance. I was... wondering if you might be willing to accept the protection of another Gaidin."

He glanced around, noted that Sigmund was watching them from just out of earshot. Ellisande was gone, and Leisha was not immediately evident. "I don't ask lightly," he continued, "and Light knows I never thought I'd be asking a Green - much as I love the sword, I have no taste for battle. What I do have a taste for is training others; I enjoy working in the Yards. But since it is clear that battles cannot always be avoided... well, I think I have proven that I can rise to them when they come, even if I lack the desire to seek them out."

He paused a moment longer, drawing breath. Light, why am I so nervous? It's not like I'm proposing marriage. A small, cynical voice in the back of his mind answered: No, not at all. This is more binding, and more permanent. Why be nervous? "You need not answer immediately... but I would be honored if you would at least consider it."

At this, Saphire Sedai broke out into a teasing smile. While she could no longer be considered a "bright shawl" as the newly rasied Sisters were called for their way of flashing their shawls at every opportunity, she did appear youthful in her manner. The anxiety that had clutched her heart with the thought of stilling was lifted at the most pleasent of news. "After all of this time, you have finally decided to committ, Firredal? If it is not for love of battle, is it for the company of an Aes Sedai in your old age? And I thougth you would end your days a tooth-less, bondless, Gaidin-instructor." Her easy manner signaled that she was less disapointed than in their last encounter; rather, as if she were expecting, and relieved, at his renewed proposal. "We just might turn you into a warrior yet!"

Her wide emerald eyes flickered to those closest to them, and her behavior grew more serious. "I am truly honoured that you would approach me concerning bonding. As you recall, I have the upmost confidence in your abilities to rise to the occasion. And your proposal could not have come at a more proper time . . however, I think it would be best to discuss the details further soon. A ball is no place for a bonding." She was certain Ellisande and Sigmund would find such a feat 'inappropriate' to say the least, especially considering the way she and Leisha had bonded on the eve of the Battle at the Claw Stone. No doubt, Saphire was saving both Firredal and herself the tedious lecture she and Leisha had had to endure.

"In the meantime, I am curious. How have you discovered the importance of being bonded, and if you have no taste for battle, why do you wish for me to be your Aes Sedai? I must say, after your reluctance the last time, I must ask why you changed your mind." Her lips curved easily, but more seriously now, as if Saphire sought to relieve Firredal's obvious tension while treating his proposal with the seriousness it deserved.

Firredal met her smile with a little grin - tired still, but containing a touch of his old mischief. "I deserved that, I suppose," he admitted. "...And I wish I had a simple answer for you. The short version is that being a Warder has its advantages, all of which would have been useful during the recent... troubles. Had I been able to sense shadowspawn, for example, I might have known the difference between true myrdraal and saidin-wrought illusions." He hesitated, drawing breath. "I'm afraid that isn't a terribly good explanation, as it does little to explain my initial reluctance, or why I came here to study with the Warders when I had no wish to be one of them."

He paused, and Saphire prodded him: "And now? Why me?"

"I know you," he answered simply. "I've worked with you. There are other Aes Sedai, even Asha'man, that I might have asked... but all are taken already, aside from Durent - and being bonded to him might complicate things. Also, you are accustomed to your Warders having duties in the Yards."

With the recent incident finally finished, the recently promoted Master of Arms took a deep breath and tried to unwind a little. He sipped on a goblet of wine and watched Saphire mingle. Firredal approaches, this should be interesting. They have not had much time to talk since Saphire asked to Bond him in Shienar. A smile played across his face. This should be interesting. He chuckled slightly as Firredal asked Saphire his question, but his face grew serious at Saphire's answer. Well, now ...

Sigmund finished his wine quickly. His fancloak trailed behind him as he abruptly left the party. There are important plans to make, I only hope I can prepare before it is too late. Saphire is a hasty person. As he marched through the halls, all recognized the look of preoccupation on Sigmund's face and gave him a wide birth. Most of the learning ranks knew better than to anger the Master of Arms.

"...it's really a matter of trust," Firredal concluded. "To become a Warder is to give your life into someone else's hands, which is hard enough. But it also means giving over something of your will, and that is something I have never been sure of. It still scares me, in truth. Yet... I trust you."

Moving among the people that crowded halls and rooms to celebrate the double victory of those who had performed to satisfaction during the troubles, offering his respect and well-wishes whenever he came across one, Negrath found it difficult to work up the easy-going personality he'd taken for granted mere...was it really just a few days ago? the concept taken lightly, yes, it was. He had to stop for the revelation not to topple him. So quickly...He could not adequately identify the reason, either. A mix of still being a mere student of his art, and the lack of any guarranteed future protectee, he guessed, though the two were not really separate. Thinking it over as he accepted a glass of something from someone, he shook his head lightly; No. It was something other than that. "Or at least," he amended to himself, looking over at a nearby graduate as he took a sip, "more than that."
He wondered where the two ladies he and another had met in that tavern so very long ago had gotten to. he'd seemed to hit it off pretty well with one of them...but then he'd lost all contact. "Mutual responsibilities..." he chuckled wryly to himself, aware that he was becoming quite the dark-minded, depressing presence, but then there wasn't many that seemed intent on speaking with him anyway. He found a stool by the fireplace in one of the more party-filled rooms, and settled in to wait and see if something worthwhile would happen...

The evening wore on and resulted in dancing and laughter, people shouting and signing like there was no tomorrow. Yet the celebrations for victory and raisings were cut short like a sword cleaving silk when a shout was heard.

"Silence!" the grating roar was heard from the top of the stairs in the hall and the eyes of those attending the Ball of Raisings lifted to see the newly appointed Master of Training stand there with a goblet in his hand. His remaining green eye had a slightly hazed expression caused by the brandy he had been drinking during the whole evening. He was dressed in a dark rich wool west and trousers, a white shirt with hiked up sleeves revealed brawny forearms. The silver embroidery in his garments were lit by the chandeliers and his white eye shone like a moon in the dark vault of the stairs. His coat were nowhere to be seen.

"Celebrate if you will," he rasped hoarsely in a low voice that still carried to the back of the crowd, "but do only so because of those who have been Raised, and not because we won the Battle of the Claw Stone. Why, you ask? For we have, in the very end of this, prevailed. Yet there is only one reason why we stand victorious, and it is not because of our courage, or because we stand in the Light. It is neither because of our training, nor our faith in our individual ambitions." Silence lingered as Caden slowly raised his glass of brandy in a single legitimate toast to the masses, "It was because of Drin'far'ji Luantar cen Thaal. Remember his name, for it is in him you shall place your gratitude! He made his final sacrifice to us when he committed suicide that day. Bereft of choice and filled by guilt, he made a statement that raised our eyes. Because of him, we were finally provided with the truth. He made us see! And made us able to act without making the Shadow aware that we knew as much as we did. Ranno al'Din stole his body in a desperate attempt to hide the truth, but it did not matter, for we have already taken witness. The Shadow tried to follow its course but it was too late, for Luantar had already stopped them when he cast himself out from the roof of this building and cut his thread short in the Pattern. We, on the other hand, are inadequate! We failed since we made it happen! We owe Luantar his death just as much as the Shadow, so I will not bear to see anyone raise their glasses in celebration since we won... for we lost as much as we gained. Would you toast to the memory of those who were killed when you are guilty of it? Have you already forgotten all those who have died?"

After draining his brandy in one sweep, Caden crumpled the silver goblet in one hand and threw it down the stairs. He swayed only slightly. "Damnation! What about those who had to die by our own hands! The Drin'far'ji who had been frightened into following the orders of the three Sa'ji'alantin Ranno, Jhedan and Clavil? What about those innocent that have died because of our incompetence? By all means, let us then toast for the dead, because we are alive! Let us toast to Thepon, Captain of the Tower Guard! Let us toast to Accepted Rellina! Let us toast to Drin'far'ji Thenan Yenge, Wensa Fuon, Lo'arn and Seanco Dinah! Let us toast to Lieutenant Wilhielm and his men, who made a final stand in the caverns of the Old Tower so that the Amyrlin Seat could escape death by the hands of shadowspawn! I am disgusted by your notion of victory! Toast for their sacrifices, but be ashamed of what we have casued them to make it. The Shadow is not gone! It is still here, amongst us all, listening even now. Those who have sworn yourself in secrecy to the Dark One, I will only say to you, that I'm waiting. I'm waiting for you to make a mistake, and then I will come to you with justice. It might be a long time coming, but it will finally come to you."

The dreadful silence punctuated his words with a meanacing cime.

"This battle we have fought," he said finally to them all, "will never be over." And then he turned to walk up the stairs, leaving the Ball behind.

Epilogue: Beneath the Surface
~Ripple One: The Grand Hall
~Ripple Two: The Infirmiry
~Ripple Three: The Final Truth
~Ripple Four: A New Council Forms
~Ripple Five: The Ball of Raisings

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