“Oh, Karistina, this is exquisite!”

“The girls will be so pleased to be able to make their garments now!”

These were only a few of the exclamations directed at Karistina when she finally appeared through the gateway with wagons in tow. The first had come from Aime, who was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the linens for her new dresses. The second came from Tiana, who was most likely grossly overestimating the enthusiasm of the girls who could now be clothed in novice white. Not all of the novices had white garments that readily identified them as novices, and now that more cloth was available for the purpose of clothing them, those girls who had been able to blend into the crowd would certainly now be called upon to run more errands and take care of more menial tasks for the Sisters.

“Thank you again,” Aime said, turning to carry her purchases to her tent. After running from the Tower to Salidar, and then traveling with a rebel camp, most Sisters’ dresses were in poor condition. The Domani in Aime was more than a little excited at the prospect of having proper clothing again.

“You’re welcome,” Karistina replied with a smile, though her reply was received by Aime retreating back. The smile faded quickly when Aime’s absence revealed a scowling Luka.

That had been the day she returned. It wasn’t until now that Luka finally approached Karistina to discuss what had him displeased this time.

“A word in private, Aes Sedai,” Luka asked flatly. He knew that her trip was partly a ruse to meet with Tomas, and it was no secret that he disapproved. Aime may have puzzled out that Karistina had contrived some way to see Tomas, but she did not share her Warder’s disapproval. She did a remarkable job of ignoring her Warder’s bad mood through their bond.

“As you wish, Warder,” Karistina replied, though much more pointedly. She made no move to accommodate Luka or his conversation as she made her way to see the Green Sitters with an armload of important paperwork.

Luka closed more of the distance between them, assuming the stance Tomas had told her was called Cat Crosses the Courtyard, or some such thing. “I know you saw him.”

“Him?” she said in a flighty voice. “Oh yes. Him. Why in the Light should that concern you?”

“Do you care nothing for the safety and well-being of your Sisters?”

“Excuse me?” She actually turned to look at him now. Of all the nerve…

“Any contact with - a man like him - endangers you and everyone here. ‘Rumor has it’ that the Dragon isn’t at all pleased with Aes Sedai right now. How long before someone finds out who he is going to visit? And where? It wouldn’t take much more to put together where we are. I don’t think I need to tell you what could happen if the Dragon decided to exact his revenge -”

“No such thing is going to happen.” A long silence followed as she fussed with the papers she was carrying. “The Dragon knows full well that not all Aes Sedai are serving the same interests. Besides, you don’t think he could find us right now, if he wanted? He was childhood friends with the Amyrlin. Don’t think he wouldn’t be able to locate us. I’m sure he has more pressing concerns right now, like fighting off madness and preparing for the Last Battle.”

“Like someone else we know?” Luka said, snidely.

Karistina glared at him. “He is not yet showing any signs of madness. And he can prepare for the Last Battle the same way the rest of us are. By biding time and remaining wary. Now, if you’ll excuse me…”

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