we_bring_hell: (Paint: Beguiling Corpse)
Harrowhark the Ninth ([personal profile] we_bring_hell) wrote2020-10-19 10:12 am

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You would need an advanced degree in Nonagesamics to realize that Harrowhark is ecstatically happy this morning, but even the layman can tell that her usual spikes are retracted somewhat. Not the spikes on her boots--Gideon liked these boots, and she has no intention of wearing anything else for a while. But the metaphorical spikes.

Aside from her boots she is back in her standard habit--black trousers, black long-sleeve shirt with the high collar. No gloves. Her hair is freshly cropped back to her scalp. Her face is painted with exceptional care, in what Harrow considers the sexiest pattern, because Harrowhark has opinions about things like that. This one is called The Chain and has considerable, immodest flourishes. She has edged the perimeter of the painted skull with midnight purples and deep blood reds, an even greater departure from propriety.

She is writing in her journal, and since she writes in code there is no way anyone can tell she has doodled One Flesh One End approximately one hundred times. She has been eating oatmeal, and by God she even ate the raisins.

Things are good. For now, for once, things are good.
we_do_bones: Katy O'Brian (this isn't how it happens)

[personal profile] we_do_bones 2020-10-22 07:55 pm (UTC)(link)
"Who," says Gideon, grinning a little, even though it hurts, because Harrow is being nice to her and that's still too much of a novelty to pass up. "Who would even try, Crux would cry himself silly. I'm your cavalier, you dweeb; it's my privilege to break myself for you."

She shifts, winces, lies with the bald-faced confidence of the very tired and criminally earnest. "This! Nothing. I barely felt it. You can't get rid of me that easy, Reverend Daughter."
Edited 2020-10-22 19:56 (UTC)
we_do_bones: Katy O'Brian (this isn't how it happens)

[personal profile] we_do_bones 2020-10-22 08:10 pm (UTC)(link)
Her defenses are too low for bluster; Harrow runs a warm finger along her jaw and she shivers at the touch. Even that hurts – everything hurts – but it hurts in a way she's all too familiar with, like the ache of an old injury flaring up in the rain.

"Part of the gig," she wants to say, but it comes out as more of a murmur half into the pillow. Harrow's hand on her hair, Harrow's touch along her face; it's about as far from when Dulcinea Septimus did the same thing as its possible to be even though Gideon knows, academically, it should feel the same.

"Worth it." If it gives them an escape. If it gives Harrow an idea. If it helps Harrow; it was worth it, it's all worth it. Like an idiot, Gideon reaches for the hand at her jaw and presses her mouth to the tips of those fingers. Chivalric, she thinks, dazed. ...Or otherwise.

"If you keep being nice to me," she says, tired, "I'm gonna start getting used to it. Go nerd out, Nonagesimus. I'm fine."
blue_ajah: (Default)

[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 08:55 pm (UTC)(link)
When Harrow makes it downstairs into the bar, she will find Moiraine ensconced at her usual table with tea, a carafe of spring water, and a plate of fruit, cheese, and an assortment of crackers and breads.

The Aes Sedai does not appear to be concerned about waiting, and is perusing a book. Closer examination reveals that it is a journal of some sort.

blue_ajah: (Default)

[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 09:12 pm (UTC)(link)

"You are welcome."

She pushes the food toward Harrow, and indicates both the water and tea with a single graceful gesture.

"How is Gideon?"

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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 09:23 pm (UTC)(link)

“Or trusts your judgement,” the Aes Sedai murmurs.

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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 09:36 pm (UTC)(link)

The Aes Sedai nods.

“What has changed, do you think?”

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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 09:49 pm (UTC)(link)

“Do not be concerned,” Moiraine assures her. “I have witnessed far worse. I was not offended.”

“She is incredibly strong.”

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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 10:01 pm (UTC)(link)

“Another woman might have died,” Moiraine says, bluntly. “I was prepared to break the link between you if necessary.”

Or to try, at least.

“But she has an inner well of strength that is unusual.”

To say the least.

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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-22 10:33 pm (UTC)(link)

“Unless not all who attempt the trials are expected to survive them.”

She pours herself a cup of tea, and is silent for a moment, thinking.

“It would seem imprudent, to say the least, to create a trial that cannot be passed, however.”

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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-23 08:20 am (UTC)(link)
"You are not trespassing," Moiraine tells her. "I find this well worth my time, you may be sure."

"I do believe that I have gained additional insight, yes. At some point it may prove useful for me to attempt the process as well."

She is treading very, very close to dangerous territory, she knows. It is a fine line to walk, but she has walked finer.
blue_ajah: (Default)

[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-23 10:27 am (UTC)(link)
"It would seem likely," she agrees. "And I suspect there will be a difference between holding such things and actively manipulating them."

"Still. I am pleased to see that you are able to translate known weaves into thanergetic workings."
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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-23 02:47 pm (UTC)(link)
"There are," she confirms. There is a moment's pause, as she takes a sip of tea.

"One of them is the weave that creates the bond between Warder and Aes Sedai."
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[personal profile] blue_ajah 2020-10-23 03:31 pm (UTC)(link)
"Understand that I do not know for certain if this weave would work for you, without the ability to power it in the way that an Aes Sedai would," she cautions.

"Among other things, it grants the Warder the ability to go without food, water, and rest, when needed, as well as to endure wounds that would kill others. Although Gideon already has that gift," she observes, dryly.

"It also allows both the Warder and Aes Sedai to find each other when separated, and to sense the other's emotion and general physical state."

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