Vogue al'Deem

Vogue walked casually along down the Caemlyn rode. Head hanging and feet dragging, Vogue continued on down the road. The travelers and merchants were far and few between. The only two companions Vogue had were Alysheba, her three-year-old stallion, and Joki, her dog. Joki and Alysheba always lifted Vogue's spirits. They kept her going. Even if it killed them all. Vogue walked silently along nodded at those who passed her. She still could not believe her town had kicked her out. She couldn't believe they thought her a darkfriend. Just because she did or saw things even she could not explain. They kicked her out. She stopped and quickly mounted Alysheba. Vogue heeled Alysheba at a trot and Joki trotted along beside them. Vogue smiled and sighed. What am I going to do now? thought Vogue. Joki was only a year old, but was loyal to Vogue. Joki wasn't yet full grown, but when she was, she would be tall. A tall and large-chested dog. Joki was a mutt, but sometimes they were better. Joki still trotted along with them, tongue hanging out. Vogue smiled, and suddenly Alysheba halted, throwing Vogue out of the saddle. Vogue flew over Alysheba's head and into some bushes. She sat up and looked at her horse. She sighed and fell back.

After a few minutes Vogue got up.

"You silly horse, what happened?" Vogue asked knowing the horse would not talk back. Suddenly she saw why. Right where they were headed was a bunch of White cloaks. Vogue knew what would happen. They would question her and wonder everything about her. She silently mounted Alysheba and walked casually down the road. Vogue was a little uneasy about the Whitecloaks, but kept her cool. She was not twenty paces away from them and someone called out.

"Halt!"

Vogue pulled Alysheba to a stop. The man walked up to her. She could tell he was an officer of some sort by his gold cord, but could not tell his rank. She sat there and waited.

"What is your name and business here." the officer asked.

"My name is Lin Linashedar" Vogue said calmly.

"Your business?" the man inquired.

"I am headed to Caemlyn to find my brother. He ran away from home and sent a letter saying he was in Caemlyn. Mother wants him home safe so she sent me. Father was killed two years ago by some vagabonds attacking our inn." Vogue lied her way though the whole thing hoping the officer would buy it.

"Which inn and where?" the officer asked.

"Leaping Stallions in Baerlon." She lied again.

"Yes, I have heard about that place. I am sorry about the vagabonds," the officer said. "Please if you wouldn't mind a lady should not travel alone. I am sure that General Rendar would not mind company." He reached up and took hold of her waist. "Let me help you down." Vogue slid down from Alysheba's back. The officer smiled and took the horses reins. Alysheba freaked and reared. Vogue quickly grabbed the reins and calmed him down.

"I am sorry sir, but he is still a young horse. He doesn't know better. I am sorry." Vogue said.

"Don't be Lady Lin. I can understand it. Young horses are always edgier then others."

This time Vogue took the reins and the officer nodded to give the reins to one of his men. Vogue handed him the reins and Alysheba's eyes rolled back into his head, but he went. Vogue sighed and looked around. The officer was taking her to a large tent. She shivered knowing what was in there. The man opened the tent flaps and walked in. Vogue followed.

"Good morning General Rendar. I would like you to meet Lady Linasheda. She was traveling alone and requested to travel along with us. If the light pleases you, I saw no harm in it."

"No, of course not Leuitentant Heed. A lady is always welcome. Especially one of beauty." Vogue blushed, but kept cool. The officer continued, "If you walk in the Light Lady Linasheda and you request to walk with others in the light I see no harm." The general stood and walked toward her. He was tall and roguishly handsome. Vogue was short and slender, but beauty certainly graced her.

Suddenly the General fell over with a knife in his back. Vogue gasped, but looked around. The others were smiling, especially Heed. Vogue blinked and turned back to the General. He had her hand in his and lifted it to his mouth. He kissed it and Vogue almost blushed. The others stood around straight-faced. Suddenly it kicked in. The general would die with a knife in his back and the Leuitentant did it. Vogue shuddered and smiled at the man.

"Please show her to a tent. Make sure she is very comfortable. Dinner will be ready soon and hopefully you would join us, Lady Linasheda." Vogue nodded and soon was shown out by Heed.

"Excuse me, but I am afraid I do not know your name, and one so handsome should not go unnamed." The Leuitentant smiled.

"Of course Lin. My name is Leuitentant Deneb Heed. You may call me Deneb." The man smiled again. Vogue smiled back. He lifted the flap of a tent and walked in. Holding the flap up he gestured Vogue in. She followed with a smile.

"I took the liberty of having your saddlebags delivered to my tent. I hope that you don't mind."

"No not at all" Light, I must get out of here. Vogue thought.

After dinner was over everyone retired for the night. Vogue went into the tent with Deneb. He went to bed. Vogue sat up till the early hours of the morning. She quietly grabbed her things and headed to find Alysheba. She found her gray stallion and saddled him quietly. She whistled quietly to Joki. The dog came running, tongue hanging out. Vogue mounted swiftly and rode down the rode at a fast gallop. Joki would be able to find her later. She ran all night long and into the morning. Finally she slowed down to a brisk trot. Not wanting to slow down too much, afraid that the Whitecloaks may find her.

By midday she could see Caemlyn. She was almost there. She slowed down and started walking. She walked slowly, but once in the inner city she headed to find an inn. She knew the Whitecloaks would be looking for her, but she needed rest, as did Alysheba. She found one that looked promising, The Queen's Blessing. She looked at the front of the door and a big burly man was sitting, watching. Vogue knew that it had to be a bouncer. Another man approached her and asked, "May I take thy horse if you are staying at the Queen's blessing." Vogue nodded and the man took Alysheba around back to the stables. She walked into the room and looked around. A man came bustling up to her; he looked to be the innkeeper.

"Good day kind sir, I was wondering if you had a room available. I will stay, but one night." Vogue asked.

"Ah yes, a room. I am Master Gill, the innkeeper. Of course we have a room. Would you like a drink while I have one of the girls prepare it." Vogue nodded and sat down at a nearby table. She ordered some wine and sat sipping it. She looked around watching everyone. When Master Gill returned he had one of his girls take her saddlebags and show her to her room. She entered the room, which wasn't too bad. She threw the saddlebags on the bed. She quickly undid them and pulled out another dress. One without road dirt caked on it. It was a pale blue dress, nothing fancy. Slim at the waist to fit Vogue with a long and full skirt. Sometimes she cursed at it for being to long, but she headed back down to the common room. Master Gill was in the kitchen with the cook. Vogue sat down and ordered some soup. Life on the road had made her hungry.

One of the girls soon brought it out and she ate it down. Master Gill came around and smiled.

"Excuse me, would you happen to have a quiet place for me to be alone." Vogue asked.

"Yes, the library." Master Gill gave her directions and Vogue soon found herself scanning over the books. Looking for anything that might explain what she sees.

The next morning Vogue awoke to the sun shining in her eyes. It must be mid-morning by now. How could I have slept in so long, Vogue thought raising her head. She got up quickly, realizing that she slept in her clothes.

"I must have been tired." Vogue said and changed into a pale green riding dress. She sighed. Knowing she still had miles to go. She packed up her saddlebags and went down to the common room. She looked around seeing the common room empty except for the bouncers and Master Gill. He smiled as Vogue entered and ordered some food. While waiting for it to cook she stared out the window watching the citizens and travelers on the street. Suddenly glancing to the right she noticed three Whitecloaks. She gasped and Master Gill stared at her. She quickly got up, saddlebags in hand, and paid Master Gill what she owed him.

"I was never here." Vogue said and looked around, "Is there a back way out of here."

"Yes though the kitchen." Before Master Gill could finish she was out the door and in the stables. She quickly saddled Alysheba and awoke Joki. They three silently slipped down the alleyway. Vogue soon turned onto the road and quickly left Caemlyn heading for Tar Valon. The Aes Sedai must know what is with me. I need help. Vogue thought. For the first few miles out of Caemlyn Vogue galloped Alysheba. Soon they slowed down giving Joki time to catch up. It was a beautiful day and Vogue watched song birds fly and sing. It was almost hypnotizing. Vogue soon heard horses approaching behind her. She turned in her saddle and saw three Whitecloaks coming after her. Vogue thought quick and heeled Alysheba into a full gallop. Vogue was very careful not to push too hard due to the fact that he was a young horse still. He had a lot of heart and would do anything for Vogue. She looked behind her and saw that the Whitecloaks weren't giving up. Vogue turned back around in her saddle and pushed Alysheba faster. Light, I need help and fast. Vogue turned back around and noticed the Whitecloaks were gaining on her. She gasped.

For almost an hour of full running Alysheba began slacking. Light horse move!! Vogue shouted in her head. Suddenly Alysheba spooked at a snake in the road, throwing Vogue off of him and onto the ground. She fell into the ditch and hit her head on a sharp rock. The blow knocked her out.

The Whitecloaks slowed to a stop by the fallen lady and the ladies horse. They looked at her and nodded to each other. They quickly picked up Vogue and threw her up onto her horse. They grabbed the horses' reins and headed back to Caemlyn. The General would be proud of them. The three took off in a trot with Vogue and horse following.

Upon reaching the camp they pulled Vogue off the horse. One took the horse and tied him with the rest. They carried the woman into a small tent and tied her hands and feet. A burly Whitecloak stood outside the tent for guard, while the other two went to tell the general.

"General Heed, We have located the Darkfriend and brought her here. She is in the prisoner tent." One of them said.

"Good Private. Now leave. I will be by to see her." The newly raised general smiled. He had told all the others that "Lady Lin" stabbed and killed General Rendar. He smiled at his wit. He slowly rose and walked to the prisoner's tent. The guards nodded and he entered. There inside on the floor bound hand and foot lay the Darkfriend.

"Captain Jerbyl!" The general shouted.

The Captain entered. The General nodded to the Darkfriend. The Captain began kicking the prisoner awake.

Vogue began to feel stabbing pains in her hands and feet. Not to mention a continuous pain in her back. She slowly opened her eyes and looked around the dimly lit tent. There stood two shadowy figures beside her. She heard voices but couldn't understand them. Suddenly she saw on of them raise a foot and kick her in the back. The pain doubled and she rolled over. She got another kick in the side and a stern yelling to boot. She looked up at the Whitecloaks and sneered.

"We meet again Lady Lin." the man smiled. It was Leuitantant Heed.

"What do you want Deneb? Why am I bound?" Vogue asked spitting some dirt out of her mouth.

She received another kick in the side. "Don't speak to the General in such tones," the other man said. "Darkfreinds are not allowed unless they come to the light."

That title seems to follow me and haunt me. Well, I got news. I ain't a bloody light forsaken Darkfriend! Vogue cursed in her head.

"I am not a darkfriend" Vogue spit out, which received another kick.

"We shall see, but if you're not, you are still accused of killing General Rendar." Vogue gasped. She didn't think that he would have done it so fast, but he did. The two figures disappeared outside the tent. Vogue could feel her head aching and hands burning from the rope.

"Blood and ashes," Vogue said aloud. One of the guards looked in and sneered at her. Vogue spit at the vile man and tried to sit upright. Pain stabbed her everywhere. Suddenly she heard something just behind her. She knew that sound. JOKI!! she thought with delight. The dog whined softly and pushed his nose under the tent. Vogue looked at the dog and smiled despite the pain.

"Come later tonight Joki, Find help." The dog whined again, but was soon gone.

The guard stuck his head in again. "Talking to yourself does no good Darkfriend." he said and laughed.

That night Vogue stayed up waiting for Joki. The dog came and gnawed at the ropes. Vogue was soon free and rubbing her hands. She crawled out of the tent and quietly went to the horse. She found Alysheba right in the middle of them. She made her way to the horse, making soft comforting noises to quiet the other horses. The saddle was still on him. Probably couldn't get close enough to get it off. thought Vogue. She untied the horse and mounted slowly and quietly. She reined the horse away from the camp and made out across the countryside. Galloping Alysheba she made her way around small villages. Dodging any form of humankind.

They found themselves walking on the side of the road, rain pouring down making it most unbearable. Cold and freezing to the bone the trio continued on their journey. Alysheba was warn out from running, Vogue sour from riding and Joki's feet were getting sores. When Vogue began the journey she didn't know it would take this long. Her back was sore from sitting. Her hands still ached from the ropes. Vogue was barely able to stay awake. She slumped in the saddle, the rain still pouring down her back. She was chilled to the bone. Life couldn't get any worse.

Just ahead coming down the road behind Vogue came a merchant's cart. Life gets better as you wait. thought Vogue. The merchant slowed up and looked at Vogue. "You look wet my dear. Please come in my wagon and dry off. It is the least I can do with the rain and all." The merchant smiled and Vogue smiled back as best she could. She slowly climbed down off of Alysheba. Then climbed into the cart.

"What is a pretty young lady doing out on the road by herself." the man asked.

"I am going to Tar Valon. My family is there already."

"Why did you not travel with them?" the merchant asked already seeing though the lie. Vogue smiled wryly and answered.

"They aren't there. I lied. I seem to be living a whole lie. My name is Vogue al'Deem. I am from Baerlon. My family and friends kicked me out."

"Oh?. . I am known as Gerid Lopar. I am a traveling merchant." He smiled again. "My life was sort of like yours. I wanted to see the world, but I ended up in this job. Luckily it keeps a roof and food in my stomach. . . ." the man continued, but Vogue was so tired she didn't notice. She closed her eyes and fell fast asleep.

Vogue awoke to find herself lying in a bed. Naked of all things. She looked around and her saddlebags were sitting in a nearby chair. She got up and rifled though them. She soon found a dress. Dark gray with light blue stitching. She found that the others had been cleaned. Now who did that?

Suddenly the door burst open. Vogue grabbed the dress and placed it between her and the door. The person that entered was Garid Lopur. She tensed up know a man was in the room. The man glanced at her and grabbed something off the table.

"I took the liberty of getting us a room. Don't worry I slept on the floor. Besides I have a wife and three daughters." the man stepped out of the room and closed the door. Vogue lowered the dress and sighed. Just then the door swung open and Garid peeked his head back in.

"By the way, breakfast is downstairs." he looked her up and down and then closed the door smiling. Vogue wanted to scream, but breakfast sounded good. She quickly put on the dress and headed downstairs. She saw Garid sitting at a table in the corner.

He smiled at her and she joined him. There were two plates sitting there. Steam rose off of them. Vogue sat down and ate her food. Garid smiling the whole time. I should wipe that smile off his face though Vogue.

After eating, Garid said, "I think we should get on the road. Day is awasting." Vogue smiled and gladly thanked him. She went upstairs and got her saddlebags. She practically ran down stairs. Running out into the stables she found Garid harnessing his animals. Vogue saddled Alysheba and mounted. Joki jumped in the wagon as soon as it was ready. Vogue smiled and they set off down the road. Alysheba trotted nicely beside the wagon. Vogue and Garid chatted the whole way. Smiling now and then, Vogue kept and eye out. Garid was a very interesting man, but Vogue mustn't let her guard down.

About mid afternoon they pulled into a small village. Vogue didn't know the name. Garid looked at Vogue.

"I guess this is where we part. I must sell some things here. Tar Valon is about two days travel." Vogue smiled at the man.

"I guess. You have been great company. Come on Joki" Vogue gave another smiled to Garid and trotted on down the road. Joki was soon behind them.

Two days later, in the early morning, Vogue could see the shinning walls of Tar Valon. The rivers around it made it beautiful. Vogue smelled the air and walked silently to the foregate of the tower. Crossing the bridge she entered into Tar Valon itself. Today I will look at the city. Must find an inn first. thought Vogue.

After traveling 5 minutes she found an inn. The name she could not pronounce, but it looked good. She entered and looked around. Ale hit her nose, but she was too busy looking for the innkeeper. She soon found him. A short stocky old man, with a crippled walk and a nice smile. Vogue approached him and got room and board for a few nights stay. He told her of other things. Things she paid no mind to. Something about darkfriends and trollocs. She headed out to the stables and checked on Alysheba. He would be all right, but Vogue was out to see the city.

Vogue walked silently around the city. The citizens hardly paid her mind. She looked at all the buildings, taverns and inns. Some she stayed clear away due to the heavy content of ale coming out of it. Vogue shook her head. She walked around the whole city making her feet tired. She stopped in front of the White Tower. Tower guards sucked in their chests to look manly for Vogue. She didn't pay mind to them, what she saw was the Tower. The walls shone with brightness and looked to be empty. Which in fact they were not.

Vogue finally pulled herself away from the Ogier built tower. Smiling at the guards, she moved on. Walking slowly back to the inn she watched everyone in the street. She could feel someone watching her, someone she missed. This made her tense. Everyone around her was in a happy-go-lucky mood, but Vogue was as tense as ever. Knowing that something was watching her. Who or what she did not know.

Back at the inn Vogue entered the common room. Smiling at the innkeeper she sat down at a table. She ordered some food and relaxed in her chair. Watching the gleeman that hadn't been there this afternoon. Smiling and laughing she was intent on hearing all his words. He even told The Great Hunt for the Horn. These stories caught Vogue's attention. After the gleeman was done, Vogue slipped though the crowd to talk with the gleeman.

"Excuse me, I was wondering if you wouldn't mind talking with me over dinner. I greatly enjoyed your stories and I would like to learn a little more about them. Even though they may be fictional." The gleeman raised an eyebrow and smiled.

He bowed flourishing his cloak of patches and said, "I would love to dine with so lovely a lady." Vogue smiled and led him back to her table. He ordered something and Vogue watched him intently.

"I have never seen someone take such great interest in my stories. It pleases me."

"It isn't that, but they seemed to pull at me. Something about them pulled."

The gleeman tilted his head, "In what way?" he asked.

"The whole Dragon Reborn, Whitecloaks, Horn of Valere, and the prophecies. I know something about them, but the stories hit home to me. They seemed to pull and jerk me. Like I was a string. Of course we are all strings in the pattern."

"You know more than I thought a village girl would know." the gleeman stated.

"I used to spend long hours reading. Things I didn't understand, but I began to understand them. I learned and I came here to Tar Valon to find a library to learn more." Vogue smiled.

"Ahh, no wonder the stories pull at you. Tomorrow morning we will speak, but now a crowd awaits me." With that the gleeman made another bow and soon was on stage. Vogue placed money on the table to pay for the food and went to bed.

Vogue awoke, head aching and muscles burning. Vogue was burning up. Her eyes didn't focus right and everything seemed to spin. She looked up and she was naked again. Light, I didn't do that last night. Vogue slowly rose and found a dress. A green dress with flowers on it. She quickly got dressed and went downstairs. The innkeeper smiled at her as she sat down. He walked calmly over to her.

"Here the gleeman left this for you."

Vogue opened the letter.

I waited in the morning for you. You didn't come down so I went up and found you. Lovely little girl I must say. I had to leave this morning. Would have loved to chat with you.

Vogue stared at the note. The gleeman was in my room. Light...

Vogue walked down the boardwalk of Tar Valon heading for the tower. It seemed to tug at her. The innkeeper had begged her not to go. She had a fever and was burning up. She just told the man that it was the only way. She soon stood in front of the tower again, guards sucking in their chests. Vogue's green eyes weighed them down. That was another thing. She was the only one in her family with green eyes. They all had dark brown with dark brown hair. Vogue's light brown hair flowed almost to mid-waist. Smiling, she approached the guards. One burly man stepped forward.

"What can I do you for milady?"

"I would like to enter into the Tower grounds. I look to have an audience with an Aes Sedai."

"Sorry ma'am we can't do that."

"What?!? What do you mean? This is a life and death situation." The guard stared at her. She frowned and walked away. The guards staring at her back. Once far enough away from them she looked to the wall. There, nearby it, stood a tall tree. Enough to reach the top if climbed. Vogue looked around and silently headed to the tree. Her dress was not made for climbing trees, but she had to do it. She started slowly up the tree making sure no one was watching her.

Vogue reached the top and looked down. She was pretty far, but she wasn't going to turn back. She grabbed the top of the wall. And climbed over. The ground seemed to bulge, but Vogue had to do it. She quickly dropped from the top of the wall and stayed in a crouch. Peering around, her heart raced, knowing she was inside the tower grounds. Now where do I go? Thought Vogue. The only way to leave is out those gates. Vogue frowned and headed towards the Tower. Making sure no one was following or looking at her. Suddenly Vogue heard a shout behind her. She turned and saw a guard looking at her.

"Halt!!" The man yelled. Light, I need help. Vogue ran straight at the tower. Guards on her heels. She entered a big door and closed it behind her. Knowing she wasn't safe just yet she hurried down one of the halls. It seemed empty, but she heard voices somewhere. She hurried to the end of the hall. Footsteps could be heard. She opened a door and entered. She gave a yelp because someone was in there. She exited and heard no more footsteps. Breathing hard, she walked silently down the hall. No one was around. Her breathing slowed. She sighed, but she knew she was still in trouble. She headed down another hallway and again heard footsteps. Remembering what happened before she headed the other way, but footsteps stopped her again.

Light!! She pressed her back against the wall, prepared for the worst.

Vogue stood there stock still, not even breathing. She looked to the right and saw figures moving towards her. She peeked out around the other corner and saw figures moving towards her. Light... I am in trouble. thought Vogue. She looked again at the figures advancing towards her. She took a deep breath and ran for it. She heard voices behind her and then running footsteps.

"Stop!!" came a woman's voice.

"Halt!!" came a huskier voice almost when the women spoke. Vogue ran with all her heart. There is no way out of here, thought Vogue. She came to a fork in the road. Two halls leading different ways. Vogue looked both ways and headed left.

Vogue ran and ran. Not watching where she was going she bowled over a woman.

"Sorry," Vogue said quickly and ran on.

"Who are you?" the women shouted after her. Vogue waved behind and kept running. Suddenly she heard shouts in front of her.

"She has to be here. The Amyrlin won't be happy about this." came a voice.

Light I am in a maze. Vogue turned left and ran down another long hallway. Running until she came to a dead end. Her heart beat faster and her breathing raced. She looked to both sides and saw doors. She went right and opened it. She looked around the room and a woman screamed.

"Wrong room sorry." Vogue bowed and closed the door. She went to the other door and opened it. Vogue breathed a sigh of relief. Another long hallway. There has to be a way out. Vogue thought. She headed down the hallway leaving the door open. She ran down the hallway. Windows letting in the sunshine. THE WINDOWS!! Vogue exclaimed in her head. She opened one and crawled out.

Half way out she felt someone grab her foot. LIGHT!! Vogue squirmed her way free. She jumped out the window leaving her shoes and a baffled person. Vogue didn't look over her shoulder and a man was shaking a shoe at her. She smiled and kept running. Suddenly the gardens that hid her broke forth. She gaped at the sight in front of her. There were men practicing swords. When she burst though the bushes they stared at her. Vogue's mouth gaped open and she spilt. The men exchanged glances and headed after her.

Finally she saw a way out. A door in the wall with only one man guarding it. She ran toward it and the man held up a hand.

"Halt you can't exit here!" the man said.

"And why not?" Vogue said and punched the man. He fell and Vogue opened the door. She quickly shut it and ran for the inn. Dodging people in the street and getting confused and glaring looks. She bustled into the inn breathless. The innkeeper stared at her along with every one else.

"If I didn't know better I'd think that Aes Sedai were chasing you." The innkeeper remarked.

"They are." Just then the common room burst out laughing. Light, they think it a joke Vogue laughed in her head and smiled at them all. She ran upstairs to her room and fell on the bed. She lifted her head and looked at her feet.

"Those were my good shoes." Vogue said aloud. She threw her head back on the bed and relaxed. The day had been full of adventure and if wasn't even half over. Wonder what the rest of the day will be like. thought Vogue. She soon took a much needed nap.

Waking around suppertime she could smell the food from the kitchen. Her stomach rumbled as she headed downstairs with some shoes on. The smells of the kitchen were like the smells during a festival. She ordered some food and waited patiently, her stomach rumbling on. Soon a serving lady brought out the food and Vogue licked her chops. It smelled delicious.

The plate was set in front of her and she gulped her food down. The serving women stared wide eyed at her. Vogue sneered and finished her food. She leaned back in her chair and relaxed. Looking out the window she noticed a single man looking around. She sat straight up and stared. What is he doing here? That is all I need is Jemhy to be here. Why didn't he stay home? I told him I would send for him when I was ready. Vogue thought, watching the man cross the street towards the inn. Vogue stood and walked outside. The man stopped and gasped. Vogue lifted on her toes and ran towards him.

"Vogue!! My love!!" The two embraced each other. Hugging and kissing.

"What brings you here Jemhy?"

"Why you, of course." Jemhy spun her around in a circle. Placing her delicately on her feet he kissed her again. Jemhy looked into her eyes and glanced up at the building tops. Vogue looked confused, but tried to get Jemhy's attention. Suddenly he threw Vogue on the ground. Vogue looked up wide-eyed staring at him. Gasping as an arrow flew through the man's chest. That could have been me? Vogue though shakily as she drew Jemhy close to her. He coughed and gagged. Spilling blood on her dress.

"Jemhy!!" Vogue cried.

"You must be strong sweetheart. I will be with you always." He said and tapped her chest. "Don't cry for me, for I will never leave you." The man breathed his last breath and died in her arms. Vogue cried and cried till one of the villagers pulled her away and they carried Jemhy's body away. Vogue ran into the inn and into her room. She fell on her bed and cried.

An hour later Vogue stopped crying remembering his words. Be strong. Vogue swallowed hard and wiped away the tears.

Vogue awoke the next morning, eyes burning from the night before. Feet aching from running. Fever worse then it had been before, and a blood stained dress still on. All color was drained from her face. She could barely lift her head to look at her feet. She slowly rolled out of bed. Must find Aes Sedai, must get help thought Vogue. She fell to the floor and pushed herself up. Standing shakily on the ground she walked to her saddlebags. Pulling most of her clothes out she found the right one, her strength slowly coming back to her. She pulled out a dark blue dress with silver embroidery. The dress itself was not Vogue's. It was her sister's. She was carrying her sister's clothes after she died fending to save Vogue. She even had the Great Serpent ring her sister wore. She had everything.

"Light I hope this works." Vogue mumbled to herself. She quickly tore off the bloodstained dress and put the blue one on. It fit perfectly in height, bodice, and length. The only thing that was too big was the waist. Vogue had always been thinner than her sister. That was the only difference in the two. They had been twins. One born with the spark and the other born with different talents. Vogue was the one with other talents. Sometimes they proved helpful, other times they didn't. Vogue frowned, remembering the day Cainie left. She locked herself in her room. For the first 12 years of their life the twins were inseparable, but then Cainie left. Leaving Vogue heartbroken. Her older brother had left long before her and Cainie were born. Cainie had chosen to follow her dreams. Vogue tried to forget her sister, but word reached back that her brother had died fighting against the shadow. Vogue was heart broken. Cainie came back about six years after the news reached home. The town rioted with her there. They kicked Vogue and her out, their father giving Vogue Dastom's sword. Cainie then gave Vogue all that belonged to her. Her shawl and ring...everything. She stayed there and fended off the rioters. They pulled her down and killed her. Vogue knew Cainie was dead. The special bond the twins had was severed, and left Vogue crushed. Knowing that the only place to find help was the White Tower. This had begun her journey. Her journey to Tar Valon and to find out what exactly happened with her brother. She still had two more siblings left at home, both brothers. One was older and the other younger, they would take over the farm.

Arranging the dress, she placed the serpent ring on her finger. She looked at the bracelet around her wrist. Cainie had given it to her. She left it on, but placed her sister's blue fringed shawl around her shoulders. The flame of Tar Valon across the back. I would have been in for it had the Whitecloaks seen this. Vogue thought shivering. She looked at her reflection in the small mirror by the door. She arranged the bodice of her dress showing more cleavage than she thought comfortable. She shrugged her shoulders and went back to her saddlebags. She rummaged though them hoping to find what she wanted. She did. She removed the blue shawl and placed the purple velvet cloak on instead. Another gift from her sister. She knew that these things would come in handy one day. She looked again in the mirror and quickly packed her saddlebags. She needed to look as believable as possible. She glided swiftly to the stables. Saddling Alysheba was easy. The hard part was convincing the guards she was Aes Sedai. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. She pulled the cloak's hood over her head, hiding the upper part of her face. She walked out of the stables when she heard a whimper. She turned and knelt.

"Joki I want you to stay here. Hopefully I can return to get you." Vogue said, and kissed the dog's forehead. The dog sat back and watched Vogue walk away.