Welcome to Gaia! ::

Unimaginatively named for the fertile stretch of land that supports the community, Green valley refers to both the large fields nestled in the rolling hills surrounding Stedding Shain and the small collection of houses that form the main part of the town. Outlying farms provide much business for the single miller and the local carpenter is adept at wagon repair. Other members of the community that live in Green Valley proper provide similar necessities to the farmers in return for their food supply. They remain as untouched by the chaos of the land’s politics and, although a few encounters with trollocs have been reported, the largest problem has been the wolves preying on the livestock. There is no blacksmith and no inn or tavern to speak of, but a few rooms may be rented out by their owners and the local miller brews a mean ale. It is at the miller’s house that most gatherings take place, including those of the town’s council. Though the initial reaction to strangers is reluctant acceptance, the town is rarely noted for turning away travelers.

"If you wish, Liana Sedai," Denath said tentatively, not wanting to seem as if he had been ease dropping, "I can ride ahead an announce your approach." Denath couldn't help but smile. It felt good to be doing something other than just sitting around while others busied themselves in mostly unimportant things. Not that the ride had been anything exciting, or even that their foray into the village would yield more than a few raised eyebrows and looks of curiosity and envy in equal measure. Still it was something.

Riding past the fields, Denath did his best to remain nonchalant, nodding and even giving a few brief waves to the occasional farmer taking a brief respite from their hard labour to scrutinize the stranger. The entire scene took his mind back to the Two Rivers, back to his home and family. How long had he been away?

A wave of guilt passed through Denath as he realized how little he'd thought about his family, about his friends, about all that he'd left behind. So much had happened since he'd set off from the farm, his father's stern yet understanding eyes, his mother's cheeks wet with the passage of a few heart-wrenching tears. If he truly did become a Warder under Jazral's tutelage, when would he see home again?

Turning his thoughts back to the present, he continued along the road in his role as the herald of the Lady Liana his mood dampened by the phantoms of those he had left behind.

Spotting the two old men on the porch, Denath urged Mist forwards with a gentle touch from his heel. "The blessing of the light be upon you," Denath said regally, adding as much friendly intonation as he dared while still remaining sincere, "My name is Guir, Herald of the Lady Liana. May I inquire as to where I may find the leader of your humble village?"

"Thank you," Denath said as he gave the men a slight bow slightly, trying not to take their comments to heart. Was that how the people of the Two Rivers seemed to outsiders? Hopping back onto Moss, he wondered if the council would be any more receptive to outsiders. Maybe not to him, but Liana certainly. Those two old men would probably have their jaws fall off when the saw her.

Clicking his tongue, Deanth gave the mare's sides a light squeeze, riding back towards the road where Liana and the others were waiting.

Calisar followed the man who had asked after the leaders of the village. Lady Liana? wondered Calis as he discreetly tailed the man. The fellow seemed... well... rough to be the herald of a noble Lady. And what would a Lady be doing in this Lightforsaken place anyway? Even if she really was just passing through, she might have some news of what was happening in her part of the world. Calisar was recording every bit of news he could reach, from every corner of the Westlands, so that people of the future could understand the chaos and uncertainty of the times.

He followed the man a little ways out of town, silent as a ghost. Even the grass underfoot seemed hesitant to crunch.

Ah, so there is Lady Liana, he thought as she came into view. I wonder where she's from. She - Oh Light! His train of thought abrubtly derailed as he spotted "Lady" Liana's face. It was unlined, seemingly young, but her eyes were too knowing for those of a young woman, too wise, too... ageless. His heart began to thump against his ribs. Oh Light! An Aes Sedai! Without bothering to be quiet, he halted, turned around and pelted back toward the village.

"Eep!" yelped Calis as he was sent sprawling by something he could not see. Channeling? The Aes Sedai was not in sight - she had probably not done it. The sound of a horse's hooves drew nearer, and the grim-faced man came into view.

Calis quickly crossed his legs beneath him and folded his hands in his lap. He screened his face in a mask of disdainful imperiousness. Despite various small tears in his travel-stained clothes, scratches on his face and bits of leaf and twig sticking out of his hair, he was suddenly the picture of a haughty noble. "What is it you want, good sir?" he asked coldly. I wonder if he can channel?, thought Calis with a thrill of excitement. Aes Sedai frightened him out of his wits, male channelers fascinated him. Especially these Asha'man everyone's tongue was wagging about.