First Place - Most Plausible
First Place - Most "RJ-esque"
(NOTE: This entry was unusually long, and has been broken up into several sections, because my HTML editor wouldn't allow me to present it as one piece)
The Wheel of Time turns, and Ages come and pass, leaving memories that become legend. Legend fades to myth, and even myth is long forgotten when that Age that gave it birth comes again. In one Age, called the Third Age by some, and Age yet to come, and Age long past, a wind rose along a draught-narrowed stream in Murandy. The wind was not the beginning. There are neither beginnings nor endings to the turnings of the Wheel of Time. But it was _a_ beginning.
Inside her tent, Egwene sat stiffly in her chair, one of the few real chairs in the camp, with a touch of carving like a goodwife's best armchair; it was roomy and comfortable enough so that she only felt a little guilty about the wagon space it took up. She was facing the six women before her. The air in the tent was stifling, but she did not let the heat touch her. Her headaches had not begun to trouble her of yet. Calm and composed, she smoothed the long hand-wide striped stole that hung over her fine dress of dark green silk as a very blatant reminder. She said nothing, only staring each of the women directly in the face in turn. More than one ageless face winced at her gaze, and small rivulets of persipration actually dotted Sheriam's brow.
Sultry, olive-skinned Myrelle cleared her throat as if to speak, but Egwene turned a knowing glance at her, and the Altaran woman looked down, and meekly folded her hands in her gleaming green skirts.
Egwene rose from behind the small table, and turned her back to the assembled women. Almost absently, she checked the wards that she herself had woven to guard against eavesdroppers. When she was done, she clasped her hands behind her. Taking a deep breath, she stared at the tent wall for a good long while. Behind her, should could hear the women fidgeting as their stools creaked. Part of her loathed manipulating these women in this way. That was what Aes Sedai did, not Egwene al'Vere. Yet, she would do what she must, even when she needed to hold her nose against the stink. Words and voices raced through her mind. Use the weapons you have. That came from the Wise Ones. Take what you want, and pay for it. That was from Moiraine. Heart of an Aiel. Praise from Sorilea.
Turning back toward the women, she placed her hands on the edge of the table and leaned forward, to give the impression of looming. Moiraine had not been a tall woman, but she knew how to use her posture to great effect. Long ago, Egwene had decided to learn from Moiraine's example. She just hoped she had learned enough.
"You will need my help," she began cautiously. "The Hall will be most displeased that you decided act without them. They will have much to say, and do. Sheriam," the red-haired woman flinched slightly at her name, " the Sitters will likely have you removed. Aniaya, you know you want Sheriam to remain in place as much as she does. Beonin, your own Ajah will be most offended that you didn't discuss your plans with them." Beonin was Grey after all, and Egwene knew they liked to talk over plans at great length.Very great length."All of you daughters, all of you, face great penalties and deep shame. You may all wish you'd been beaten with reeds and soaked in brine before the Hall finishes with you." That had been one of the many stock phrases she had acquired from Siuan.
She paced behind her writing table, as six pairs of Aes Sedai eyes followed her. "Your own Ajahs will have a few choice words with you, certainly. You will be scorned and distrusted as women who cannot keep their vows to the Hall, and by extension, our cause. It will be a goodly long time before your words are heeded and before you can hold your heads up again, years before you won't have sisters looking over your shoulders. Which is not even to speak of the penances the Hall will demand." Myrelle seemed to be nodding.
"Mother, if I may speak in-" Morvrin began, but Egwene silenced her with a raised hand.
She continued. "And yet, I can protect you from all that. I can guard your secret and hold it close so that we may be able to continue working together toward our goal." She almost had them. She could see it in their eyes. She took another deep breath. "You all know that the Hall takes me very lightly. They dress me like a pretty little doll, " she stroked her splendid dress for emphasis, "and take me out of the cabinet when they wish to play," she finished with a small smile and playful curtsy. Anaiya and Sheriam murmured sympathetically. Carlinya rolled her eyes, as Morvrin sighed. Myrelle looked away.
Egwene swiped the long stole from her shoulders and slapped it against the table. "*They forget what they have done!*" Egwene said forcefully. "This," she lifted the stole, "is no little doll's dressing! It is the stole of the Amyrlin Seat! Tower law makes no accomodation for true Amyrlins and play ones! I am the Amyrlin Seat! They have named me Amyrlin, you have sponsored me as Amyrlin, I will BE Amyrlin." Egwene sighed, and turned once again. She reached up and tucked wisp of her hair back beneath the delicate silver net she wore. She hoped her words would cause them to question themselves. She wanted them off balance.
"I am not without some powers. I can shield you all from what the Hall's wrath, yes, I can do that. But why should I protect you from chastisement? I am risking my honor for you." She caught herself, and winced internally. She had almost brought in _ji'e'toh_. That would not be effective with these women. The concept of _ji'e'toh_ was well beyond them. She collected herself and began again.
"My reputation. I am risking my personal honor and reputation. The Hall doesn't need any new excuses to ignore me. They have more than enough already. More importantly, if I am to protect your secret, that you went 'round the Hall and violated their authority, I am placing myself in a difficult position. Protecting you puts me under an obligation; you might do the same again, or worse." Egwene paused. She had done this before, yet it was still not easy. "Should I decide to take on that responsibility, then you must have an obligation too. I must be able to trust you utterly and without question. I need some reassurance." All but Myrelle were eying her as if she had grown horns, or a tail. Plump Anaiya flashed her eyes at Egwene. The sister's normally placid face was pure scandal.
Tall, frosty Carlinya met her gaze and inquired tartly, "What is it that you ask of us?" Despite her insufferable coolness, she seemed genuinely alarmed that her position might be toppled. Egwene merely presented a raised eyebrow to the White sister and she turned away and plucked at the long fringe of her shawl.
"I ask nothing that has never been asked of another sister." She forced the words out, hoping that she sounded earnest and sincere. A flash of pure panic gripped her. They might have her back scrubbing pots if this turned out badly. Or worse. She wished Nynaeve or Elayne were outside, just for comfort. A twinge of pain fluttered behind her eye, gently like a butterfly's wings. Not at all bothersome. It was going to get worse. And soon. She had to finish this before she weakened.
"You must swear fealty" she said simply.
All but Myrelle and Carlinya were on their feet in outrage but Carlinya's dark eyes smoldered with barely controlled anger. Anaiya was on her feet also, more with sheer suprise than fury. They spoke one top of one another. Myrelle was conspicuously silent.
"Impossible!" Beonin exclaimed, Aes Sedai serenity vanished. "What you ask has never been required by Tower Law!"
Sheriam eyed her with green fury. "Ridiculous! Egwene al'Vere you are not long from novice white! If you think -"
"Why the very notion is simply proposterous -" griped Anaiya.
Carlinya's face was carved ice. "Mother, you have faulty reasoning if expect-"
"Never in history has a sister ever - !" blurted Morvrin.
Only Myrelle did not speak. She quietly rose from her stool, accompanied by sharp gasps from her sisters, and slipped past them all. With deliberate action, she placed herself before Egwene. Myrelle then lowered herself to her knees. They were all watching her like a woman who had sprouted a second head. Myrelle blushed and chided them all. "You are all such fools." Then her face hardened. "Don't you see? We have no choice. We have made her Amyrlin, now we must walk the road we have paved! She is far more than you think."
With that, she turned back to Egwene, and kissed her ring. Her words were faint, yet clear. "Under the Light and by my hope of salvation and rebirth, I, Myrelle Olavar, reaffirm my oath of fealty to you, Egwene al'Vere, and promise to faithfully serve and obey on pain of my life and honor." Then she slowly raised he face up at Egwene. The Altaran woman looked as if she had ridden a hundred miles, and then carried the horse on her back for twenty more. Egwene nodded at her solemnly.
"Rise daughter. May you serve me as well in the future as you have in the past." Private words, with private meaings.
Myrelle rose more steadily than she had descended, and strode to the back of the tent, head held high. The other sisters turned their heads in disbelief. As she regained her seat and her composure, an oppressive silence set in, and tension filled the tent. The atmosphere in the tent reminded Egwene of a soap bubble ready to be pricked.
It was Carlinya who fully understood the meaning of her words. Then she spoke, in soft tones barely above a whisper, but chilling as sleet. "You? But why? Well Myrelle, if you seek to save yourself by feeding us to the wolves, you will soon find - " her words trailed off as Sheriam went to her knees next, her blue skirts pooling around her.
"By my hope of salvation and rebirth, I, Sheriam Bayanar...." Carlinya's mouth dropped in shock as Anaiya followed.
When it was done, and the six women before had knelt and spoken their oaths, Egwene smiled. The pain behind her eyes had gotten worse. The gentle butterfly had become a woodpecker. Keeping her face impassive, she settled herself back in her chair which creaked loudly in protest. She closed her eyes and smoothed her skirt. The cool silk was distracting from the pains.
Her eyes sprung open when she heard a throat-clearing. Anaiya eyed her warily, her blunt face scarlet with emotion. "Well, Mother, what is that you expect? I would think you will not have us bowing and scraping or polishing your slippers."
Egwene walked to her and took her hand. She tried not to think how much she needed that hand to keep from keeling over. "No daughter, nothing of that, you can be sure. I have told you what I expect. I am the Amyrlin and I expect you to regard me as such. That is all." Anaiya softened visibly, yet Sheriam, Beonin and Carlinya were still rigid with apprehension. Egwene continued. "And as the Amyrlin, I have plans. Plans involving Elaida, the Hall, _and_ Rand al'Thor."
Morvrin was wide-eyed as a doe as she spoke. "Mother, will you do us the honor of telling us how we figure in those plans?"
Egwene's smile was perfectly radiant."Certainly. Myrelle, will you ask Siuan and Leane to attend us. I have words for them as well. And have Selame bring us all some punch."
After the short Tairen and tall Domani had arrived, and Egwene's servant had brought a battered tray bearing a large pitcher of cool plum punch, and nine mismatched cups, Egwene told them of her plans. As she spoke, the pains exploded within her head. Egwene's hands tightened on the table edge as she spoke and she hoped the sisters present took it for a sign of her vehemence. When she was done, and all had gone but Siuan, it was all she could do not to collapse to the ground. She felt like a wrung dishcloth.
As Siuan made her way out, Egwene asked her weakly "Siuan, would you send Halima to me? Tell her to hurry." As soon as the woman passed through the tent flap, Egwene lay her head down on the table and wept. *Light take away these pains! Please!*
(Continued in Part Two)